PREPARE FOR NEXT YEAR!

"Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpa and Shen, and he called the name of it EBENEZER [stone of help], saying, heretofore the Lord has helped us. 1 Samuel 7:12. My friend, do you know the history of the Ebenezer? The stone of Ebenezer is a monument of those revelations of the might and grace of a living God, occasioned by sin and penitence, wandering and return, which are impelling power in the history of the old covenant. It is of great consequence to cherish lasting and grateful memorials of God's goodness to us, and of our solemn engagements to Him. What God has done is too great to be forgotten , and too gracious to be overlooked in our life, isn't it? Let us be grateful for the many blessings of last year. We are not worthy of more, if we are ungrateful for what we have. Tada! This time what we do you may ask? 1) Look upward, and see God in your history. We should always trace our mercies direct to the hand of God. 2) Look backward, and remember the past help. Every Christian knows that our dependence on Him was constant. 3) Look forward, You shall see greater things in your life than these past years. Before embarking into the New Year, just prepare yourself for the journey. Consider the demands of journey and pack accordingly. Like, cold weather? take a jacket. Business meeting? Carry a laptop. Time with grandchildren? Better take some sneakers and pain medication. Ha Ha Ha. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN? Prepare for your life journey next year! Y'all hear me? Good.

SOMEDAY SYNDROME!

"Go to now, ye that say TODAY or TOMORROW we will go into such a city. James 4:13. My friend I was going to post this tomorrow, but then I thought it better to do it today! Ha Ha Ha . Thomas Jefferson once said "Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today". Do you have "SOMEDAY SYNDROME? One of the most tragic things about life is man's missing so much of it by being too much related to either the past or the future instead of the present. It robs us of the NOW LIVING. Are you trying to put off living? While you dream of a magical rose garden- free from all thorns- across the other side-, do you know you are neglecting to enjoy the fragrant roses that bloom today so close, just outside the window? SOMEDAY I can take her on the cruise. SOMEDAY I will call and chat. SOMEDAY my children will understand why I was busy. As children you ask your parents to do something they say "SOMEDAY". The trip to Disney world- "SOMEDAY". Dad, can I have a Bike- "SOMEDAY". I will tithe- SOMEDAY, I will volunteer to serve- SOMEDAY, I will have regular devotion and prayer time- SOMEDAY, I will lose weight- SOMEDAY. I will spend quality time with my spouse and children- SOMEDAY. Well, you fill the rest. Bro: Your some days will never come. Price of practicality is sometimes higher than extravagance. Before the New Year Day come, Today is your day to act. When tomorrow comes it will be today. Bury all excuses. Tomorrow is the fools paradise. Go to the effort. Invest time. Write the letter. Make the apology. Take a trip. Purchase a gift. Spend time with loved ones. WELL, "THE NEGLECTED BRINGS REGRET" YOU KNOW! Y'ALL HEAR ME? JUST DO IT!!

What can I do for chrstmas?

"...glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN". Luke 2:13,14. Oh my..my, the smell of Christmas: Cedar, pine cones, trees, new cloths, peppermint, Raisins, yams, cake, bread, ham and smell of wood smoke from neighbor's fireplace, excitement of opening gifts under the tree. GOOD. very good. But...but don't forget what the host of angels sang "Peace, good will towards men". What else I can do you may ask? 1) Be a friend to strangers by doing something for the poor, underprivileged and down and out. 2) Think of someone else other than me, I and mine. Be kind, gentle and gladden the life of others. Appreciate your friends and family and don't ration expression of gratitude. 3) If trouble has come between you and another, mend it. Overcome malice. Replace suspicion with trust, Dismiss grudge and flee envy. Give soft answers. Apologize if you are wrong. Thank the Lord for his mercy, compassion and love and for coming in to the world as a child. EMMANUEL, JESUS. Thank Him for dying on the cross for you and worship him. Very simple but it's influence is immeasurable. I know it is old but relevant. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! HE IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!!

TOMORROW GOD WILL DO WONDERS!!

“Sanctify yourself [separate yourselves for a special holy purpose], for TOMORROW THE LORD WILL DO WONDERS AMONG YOU”. Joshua 3:5. My friend, as I told you the other day, the real Christmas in your life is that CHRIST JESUS IS BORN IN YOUR HEART AND HE BECAME YOUR SAVIOR AND YOUR LORD THIS YEAR! Your yesterdays have made you what you are today, but your tomorrows can make you what God always intended you to become. Joshua was talking to a nation whose yesterdays were a long list of repeated failures and rebellion against God. They had been convicted, judged, punished and reinstated frequently by the God they’d flagrantly sinned against. At this context, they were about to enter and possess the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey. And just like you, God had more in store for them then they could even imagine. My friend, God has a new level for your life to go to. He’s got a bigger authority for you to realize, he is going to enlarge your vision, enlarge your purpose. But first, before this wonders will come, God say’s “SANCTIFY YOURSELF”. It is a process of becoming pure and holy, just as God is pure and holy. I know the devil is reminding you of your past and telling you are worth nothing. Don’t give up your tomorrows by building monuments to your past failures. Acknowledge, confess and release your yesterdays to the crucified Christ. BRO: DON’T DISCARD YOUR TOMORROWS! Y’ALL HEAR ME.

PRINCIPLE OF SOWING AND REAPING!

"Be not be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth , that shall he also reap". Galatians 6:7. Oh my friend, complaints about your spouse and your church! Well, you can change what is happening to you. Can I tell you? There is a kingdom principle. If you want to change what you are reaping- you have to change what you are sowing! Tada. If you have trouble having friends- I can guaranty you that you have trouble being friendly. If you are sowing rejection, you will reap rejection. You are telling me that you are walking away from hard, cold, bitter people- chances are you are hard, cold, and bitter. You are not taking time with them, do you know that? You say I am raised different, well they are too! My friend, you cannot sow corn and expect to reap wheat. If you want change what is coming back at you, you have to change what you sow. Larger part of what is happening in your life is based upon this principle of SOWING AND REAPING. If your Family members are avoiding you, LOOK BACK AND SEE WHAT DID YOU DO TO CAUSE THAT. In every aspects of our life, this is the principle. Recently during a prison ministry radio program, I heard a prisoner's testimony. He said, "The reason I am in prison is because I thought I could take shortcuts, that somehow I could ignore the rules & regulations, and get away with it completely. But it didn't and will never do". Hey hey, You reap what you have sown and then some, You reap where you are sown and some, You reap more than you sown and some! My friend, "ARE YOU CHOKING IN THE SMOKE FROM THE FIRE YOU CREATED?. CHANGE YOUR WAYS MY FRIEND!! CHANGE..CHANGE.

DO YOU HAVE A VISION?

"..give Your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart". 1 Kings 3:9 (AMP). King Solomon prayed this prayer and was asking God to give him a clear vision and a strategy to bring it into reality. My friend you should have a clear "vision" not a "wish" or "dream". A "vision" is a description of what you will achieve in the future and it serves as a guide for your current and future courses of action. Vision brings your future into focus. Unless you try something beyond you've already mastered you will never grow. Too many potentials are in the graveyard only accomplished very minimum in their life time. Isn't that a shame! Hey hey, I heard a country song like this: "You've got to continue to grow, or you are just like last night's cornbread- stale and dry". During my Bible School dormitory life I ate a lot of Cornbread and believe me, there is nothing drier than a day-old Cornbread. A vision-less life is like an old cornbread when we settle for an ordinary, status-quo mediocre life. Bro: what is influencing or limiting you? Is it small thinking, small planning, or small vision? Let me be real here. Vision comes with two things - opportunities and challenges. Having a vision gives you focus, direction, creativity and resilience. People without vision are aimless and vulnerable to quit. Having a vision for the future, a solid plan of action, and "I won't quit spirit", trumps talent and ability every time. So, don't be a stale-day-old cornbread. Have a God given vision, capture your destiny, and leave a legacy! JUST DO IT FRIEND..Y'ALL HEAR ME? YEAH YEAH..

OVERCOMING LIFE'S CHALLENGES!

"I know the plans I have for you; plans for your welfare and not for evil". Jeremiah 29:11. Talking to a friend of mine the other day, He said " I am facing a life's challenge which is overwhelming me, I don't know what to do". I said " Whatever you are facing or need to face, whether that's facing financial problems, obstacles, issues, weaknesses, decisions, a wilderness experience, or a loss, know that through the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in you and with prayer- you can overcome it. You see, prayer is unnatural activity for many. From birth we have been learning the rules of self reliance as we strain and struggle to achieve self sufficiency. For human nature it is an assault of our autonomy, and indictment of independent living. Even more difficult for them that moves in the fast lane, determined to make it on their own, prayer is an embarrassing interruption. Bro: But both in periods of suffering and trouble, and in times of joy, prayer and praise alike acknowledge that He is sufficient. Prayer is acknowledging God of His sovereignty and He can handle whatever we are facing. We must trust that He is in control- especially when life seems to be out of control. Joseph faced temptation from a source he never expected. The dreamer went to prison not palace. But Bible says "THE LORD WAS WITH HIM". When you are facing challenges, expect three things: 1) The enemy will try to put fear in you. 2) Expect people to change on you. In another words "When you are laughing thousands will be there; but when you are crying only your shadow will be there. 3) Expect God to work for you. He will..He will. He cannot lie buddy. "I thank you Lord for my brother in Christ, I know you are not an unrighteous God to forget his love for you and what he has done for your kingdom. Give him the strength, grace, joy, and peace needed to get through storm. IN THE NAME ABOVE ALL NAME, JESUS I PRAY, AMEN"!!

GIMME GIMME GIMME?

"Do nothing out of SELFISH AMBITION Or VAIN CONCEIT, but in humility consider others better than yourselves". Philippians 2:3. My friend, do you have GIMME SYNDROME? Ouch! During my Bible College days our professor said the word Apostle used for "Selfishness" shares the root form with the words "strife and contentious" meaning self-occupation that hurts others. My further study revealed that the first century writers used the word to describe a politician who procured office by illegal manipulation or a brother covetously and maliciously obtaining inheritance of a sibling or a harlot seducing her client which is destructive for both. Bro: Do you have the "GIMME" mentality? Israelites told Samuel- Give us a king, that is Worldliness isn't it? Ahab told Naboth "give me your vineyard"- What is that? "Keeping up with Johns"- well you tell me! We live in a world consumed by selfishness- abortion, euthanasia, fornication, adultery, murder, theft, robbery etc. are proof to that. Commercials on TV promotes "GIMME" mentality- prettier skin, sexier body, attention of the world- lists goes on. But you and I know that seeking self makes us miserable and seeking others makes us happy- am I right? Seeking God makes us faithful. Tada! Hey hey We can have one GIMME. The woman at the well said "Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw". WHAT IS YOUR GIMME, PARTNER? I CAN'T HEAR YOU, SAY IT AGAIN!!!

REST!!

"Come ye yourselves apart and rest a while". Mark:6:31. My friend, are you a hamster on a wheel? When was the last time you enjoyed some relaxed, uninterrupted down time. Take a "time out" and relax and spend some time with your family- worship the Lord. Oh by the way, "don't rest too much during the sermon" either. When you are constantly multitasking important things can fall between cracks. Do you know rest periods are important even in the Bible. I like to say "COME APART OR YOU WILL COME APART! I feel I am the only person who is not spending the whole time text messaging. Statistics say "We get more information in 72 hours than our parents (previous generation) received in a month". The fact is that you and I need time away from the unrelenting onslaught of information to regroup, reflect, reflect, and renew. Don't feel guilty about it. Jesus had a schedule to keep, people to minister to, disciples depending on Him, and a short time to do it all. But ..but, Bible says"He withdrew..into wilderness, and prayed"-Luke 5:16. In Genesis God rested on the seventh day after six days of creating the world. I don't believe God was tired, but in doing so He set a pattern for us. In the 4th commandment Israelites were told that the Sabbath day is holy and no work has to be done. God even required the Israelites to give their farmland every 7th year off to rest (Exodus 23:10). While we were going for a vacation with my family driving, it was helpful to rest periodically in rest area. Bro: what an encouragement to know that our future in Heaven provides permanent rest from the heartaches, hurts, and sins of this life (Revelation 21:4). Take rest man REST. Did you hear? Good!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

"Happy thanks giving day everybody. "Every good gift and very perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning". James 1:17. Forefathers of this nation desired to have a special day of thanksgiving to God who is their "Jehovah-Jireh". His providence is visible in His supplying of needs of His creatures. Year after year, the inhabitants of earth are fed, watered, clothed, warmed, sheltered. Generations come and go, nations rise and fall, yet God continues to send sunshine and rain, sends seed-time and harvest time, and day and night. Le us recognize the God from whom all blessing flow- directly or indirectly. Let's praise Him and thank Him in this "Thanksgiving day". "Even a dog will wag his tail at the person who gives him a bone, right. I thank the Lord for my salvation through JESUS MY SAVIOR. I thank the Lord for my beautiful wife (my cupcake) and my children and grand children. My extended families. My church, pastors, brothers and sisters in the Lord. I am thankful to this great country of America and opportunities America provided. Forty two years ago I came to this country legally as a student. Hard work, focus, and purposeful law abiding life enable me to fulfill my dreams. I was loved and encouraged by good men and women all colors, race, and background to achieve what I am today. I thank the Lord for all my friends and well-wishers. I thank the Lord for my heritage as an East Indian and all the education, discipline, family love, encouragements from government, and teaching me how to be a law abiding person wherever I am. I believe a winner sees his or her blessings and counts them with appreciation. It centers his days on the positive of life. I THANK THE LORD FOR HIS ANOINTING, WITHOUT IT I AM A BIG ZERO. THANK THE LORD FOR THE CALLING AND MINISTRY HE GAVE ME....Well folks, my heart is overflowing with thanksgiving...

What language God is speaking to you?

"Accept teaching from His mouth, and keep His words in your heart". Job 22:22. What language God speaks? I think He speaks Malayalam, my native language. Ha Ha Just kidding! My friend, how does God get our attention? In these NFL days, people in the crowd painting their faces, no shirts in freezing temperature, wearing crazy hats, funny signs etc- WHY? To get the attention of the camera crew and there by the TV audiences. God got Moses attention in the burning bush-He slowed down Moses and got his attention. King Ahasuerus could not sleep, he had them to bring Kingdom's history and read, which saved Mordecai. God got his attention. Hey, what is the language is He speaking to you? Language of abundance- tummy full, bills are paid and up to date- could it be you have much so that you can give much away? How about language of suffering and affliction? God clearly speaks to us in Hospitals, sick beds, accidents, family problem etc. right? How does God get our attention? Unusual blessing and we are enjoying it- a spiritual blessing, financial blessing? God cannot use this method to everyone because selfish people become more self-centered and it destroys them. How about unanswered prayers? Your urgent need unmet? God got Joshua's attention when Israelite fell in the battle of Ai. God cares enough to use methods to cause us to stop and listen to Him. God speaks all languages- including yours..What language is God speaking to you? BRO: ARE YOU LISTENING? YEAH?

POSTPONING YOUR PROCRASTINATION!

"Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee". Acts:24:25. My friend this is what you call "PROCRASTINATION". Felix and Drusilla sent for Paul and was listening to him discoursing on righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. Felix said, "That's enough for now, you may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you". Procrastination! He failed to seize the opportunity to say YES to Jesus. Putting off an easy thing today makes it hard for tomorrow- or even impossible. Procrastination is the world's biggest and cruelest thief. It steals what people cannot afford to lose: opportunity, accomplishment and success. My father used to tell me, son, Do things to do now, NOW. And he went on: "There were first a little grass and weeds in the crop. A few tomorrows later they took over and the crop was lost". Don't substitute minor stuff for major stuff. We get so busy doing good things we like that often we neglect doing best and important things. And before you know it you've spent 25 years doing your good things and doing little that has eternal value which is God's thing. Hey, Are you doing what you supposed to do? Being a leader, are you doing just enough to satisfy your superiors or your warped conscience. Are you just survive, but never really thrive? Are you procrastinating volunteering in your church? BRO:I hope you will make the most of the day. Don't allow procrastination rob you of your success, your loved ones salvation, mend fences with your family and friends! WHAT DO YOU WAITING FOR? POSTPONING YOUR PROCRASTINATION? HUMM!

WITH GOD, EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE". Matthew 19:26. During my college years we had to study poetry. One poet wrote " Beware of those stand aloof, and greet each venture with reproof". Few years back one Pastor told me that his wife is a "Classic Nay Sayer". My friend, the world will stop if things were run, by those who say "It can't be done". Refuse to let the word "impossible" stop you. Jesus said, "With God everything is possible". A God-given vision which is conceived by faith, sustained by prayer and fueled by God's Word will bring to pass what He has told you. It's not about what you can do, but what God can do with your life when it's is fully surrendered to Him. Hey, hey "about THIS God": how he made the world, how he covered it with a flood, how he parted the sea, how he became a man and did miracles, how he died and rose from the dead, how he has taken your sins away and will someday raise you from the dead- THIS GOD- who can do anything, has taken all your sins away and has opened the door of heaven for you- THIS GOD- when you fall into sin and temptations, this God who can do anything, will forgive you, when you are in trouble and need help, this God who can do anything will deliver you -THIS GOD- when you are scared, and don't know what's going to happen in the future will comfort you and calm you. Now tell me "Is there anything impossible with this GOD"? God who raised Lazarus from the dead will raise up your vision and dreams and fulfill what He promised to you. Now, anything impossible? Any thing? ANY THING? IMPOSSIBLE WITH THIS GOD??

MONEY MONEY MONEY!

"People who want to get rich fall into temptation..For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil....have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs". 1 Timothy 6:9-10. My friend, A man is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has! King Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes mentions several times how stressful life can be for those whose life's goal is the pursuit of wealth or riches. Is it wrong to have nice things? Certainly NOT. But those who are consumed with wanting more live a stress-filled life. People spend their lives working countless hours to get money. Our pride is fed by the status it brings, the pleasure promises, and the power it gives. But it can easily become an idol and passion if we are not careful. It can take the place of "God" and be seen as our "provider". Countless divorces and family problems are related to money problem. Do you know that money is a double-edged sword. It enables us to meet our family's needs and advance God's kingdom, but it can deeply wound us if we set our hearts on it and chase it.Solomon talks about how the poor man has peaceful sleep after spending his day laboring in the field, while the rich man tosses and turns worrying about how to hold onto all his wealth. I have a suggestion for you buddy. If you can learn the value of holding loosely to what you have, the pressure will begin to roll off your shoulders. Holding loosely does not mean you live flippantly and without taking care off what you have. It means that you recognize that it is all God's to begin with anyway. Don't live above your means and constantly worried or stressed about your money situation! Why? You are not like federal government spends and doesn't care about deficit. Don't you realize that you are choosing to live that way. Stop it now. There is another way friend. Whoops, I am preaching!!

ENDURING HARDSHIPS!

"God had planned something better for us....". Hebrews 11:40. My friend, don't be discouraged, something better is waiting for us. A 20 hour drive with our kids going to Disney World- they didn't mind the trip going because of the fun that awaits, but ..Oh my, they complained, fuss, and carried on about the trip home because they have nothing to look forward to. It's difficult to endure hardship at the best of times, but when you don't know WHY, it can be frustrating. God doesn't give us lengthy explanations of how He works; He's used creating worlds with a single sentence. So when you don't find an immediate answer in His Word or through prayer or counsel of others, you're left wondering. And you and I won't be the first. Whatever is going on in our life God can use it for our good- to help us, to teach us, and make us a more productive Christian. The secret is not to allow the events of our life to rob us of our focus and vision. All the persons listed in Hebrews chapter 11 are people who looked beyond the awfulness of their circumstances to embrace the possibilities for victory within their grasp. Hey hey Bro: the situation you are in is a "POT HOLE" on the road to your destiny. I know, people are zooming by you in their car and you are wondering "why me". So, focus upon the goal God has given you - and accomplish great exploits in His name. Remember, NO CROWN WITHOUT CROSS BUDDY. NO GOLD MEDAL WITHOUT STRENUOUS TRAINING! TADA!

WHO? ME LORD?

"But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh"...Exodus 3:11. Being a Chemist, I asked almost the same question to the Lord when He called me for a full-time ministry. Then, He spoke to me through this passage. By the standards of the world, Moses was an unlikely choice. Moses was not a good speaker and he did have a short fuse. He lost his temper and killed a man and he had to go hiding, that's why he was somewhere near a burning bush. But his unique experience in pharaoh's court while growing up taught him how to speak to a pharaoh the way no other Israelite could. His 40 years of grazing sheep in Sinai desert qualified him to lead Israelite through the drought condition. Moses had the leadership abilities that he didn't realize he possessed. My friend, the life's varied experiences you had until now is preparing you for your destined purpose, do you know that? At best, the question you should ask "Why can't I be like Moses"? You get it? God used once-upon-a-time prince turned outlaw. Hey hey, would you choose a wanted murderer to lead a nation out of bondage? A fugitive to carry Ten Commandments? A shepherd shoveling sheep dung to deliver a nation? Moses was scared right out of his shoes! There, with knees knocking and "WHO ME?" written all over his face? Bro: God used and still uses people like you and me to change the world. Crooks, creeps, lovers, and liars- He uses them all buddy. What you and I lack in perfection, our God makes up for in love. Now, get up, Tell Him, HERE I AM, I AM AVAILABLE, USE ME LORD!!!!

Warfare!

"..I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against soul". 1 Peter 2:11. Humm! My friend, realize there is a war we must fight as a Christian! The conflict between flesh and Spirit, and not only with reference to sexual temptation, is intense and unrelenting. One of the greatest dangers in the Christian life is complacency, the temptation to imagine oneself invulnerable, and hence impervious, to the allurement of the flesh. Here Peter's words were addressed to the entire believing community. My friend, NO Christians are sooo spiritually strong or mature that they need not heed this warning, but neither are any sooo weak or vacillating that they cannot be free from the tyranny of the the power of the Spirit. Although the Christian life is warfare, it is in which victory is always possible. How you may ask? Well, 1) You must have a resolve to triumph. Don't be a yoyo Christian. There is power in resolution. 2) Guard and fortify with prayer. "Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation". 3) Strengthen yourself with the Word. "Thy Word have I hid in my heart. that I might not sin against thee". 4) Fight off evil by staying busy doing good. Idleness makes one vulnerable to attack. Bro: You can do it, no excuse, I don't want to hear any excuse, you hear? JUST DO IT!!

FEAR!!

i will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth". Psalms: 34:1. My friend, how do you face your fears? Here David is a fugitive. Fearful for his life because of King Saul's jealousy. He had been abandoned by his friends as well as enemies, was frustrated, discouraged, and scared to death. Sounds familiar? All of us fears of some kind. May be you are afraid of losing job, losing your finances, losing a loved one, fears of not acceptance, fears of failure, fears about rejection, fear of your children, fears about relationship and losing a marriage, and fears of tomorrow? And you are uttering these words "I am afraid"! Like David, I don't know what cave you are hiding? During my devotion this morning, the Lord showed me that "When I find myself in the cave of fear or when that free-floating anxiety descend upon my life, the first thing I need to do is acknowledge the reliability of my God. I have to say "Lord I know You are worthy of my complete trust". We may think that these verses were uttered as a "praise and worship song". Oh no. Bro: when we as believers in God and when we face our fears, WE MUST start the realization that our GOD IS SOVEREIGN- HE IS IN CHARGE. HE IS IN TOTAL CONTROL OF OUR SITUATION AND HE IS WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE. NOTHING THAT HAPPENS TO US CATCHES HIM BY SURPRISE. So my friend, ADMIT the REALITY of your fears, ACKNOWLEDGE the RELIABILITY in God, and ACCEPT the REINFORCEMENT of HIS power in your life. Yes, this is the prescription to get rid of your fear. Y'ALL HEAR!!

BLESSED BY BROKENNESS!

"And Jacob was alone..And He said "What is your name? And he said Jacob..and He said thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel, AND HE BLESSED him there".Genesis: 32:24-29. A world that celebrates success doesn't see value in broken things..but my friend, OUR GOD BRINGS BEAUTY OUT OF BROKENNESS- Do you know that? At this story, Jacob was a fugitive and had been running. He believed in God, but he was out of fellowship with Him. Sounds familiar? Now, God finally had Jacob where He wanted him, ALONE. When people are running from God, they don't want to be alone, they don't want to face themselves, and they don't want to face God either. Verse 24 says " Jacob was alone" and he had a confrontation with God. Have you noticed it- this wrestling was started by God, and could have been over very quickly, but the Lord wanted Jacob to prevail. Oh yes, God wanted him to know "THE BLESSING OF BROKENNESS". Bro: Brokenness is the work of God by which He strips us of self-sufficiency so that the character of Christ may shine through us. Now don't misunderstand; being broken doesn't necessarily mean experiencing some tragedy. Many people suffer tragedy without drawing closer to God or even acknowledging God. Indeed, same sunshine melts the butter hardens the clay- right? The issue in brokenness is not so much our circumstances but our RESPONSE. Tada! Our God strips us from all self-sufficiency, will make us realize we've no strength to fix ourselves, He blocks all exits, and finally we make a life changing discovery "when God is all you have- God is all you need". I am talking to you my friend. Men throw broken things away, but our God never uses anything until he first breaks it. Y'ALL HEAR ME!!

REPROOF!!

"Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head..(Psalms 141:5). Hello Mr. Perfect, How are you? In the beginning of this year I happened to meet a couple who are Mr. Perfect and Ms. perfect. "I don't have a problem, something is wrong with you. I'm just fine. I know I'm not perfect, but you are the one who needs to change". These are the remarks usually I hear. Here is another one "Even if God comes down and tells me, I will not agree with that". When I was growing up my father used to tell me about this kind of people's stubbornness. They will always say "The Rabbit I caught had two horns for sure". My my Lord! Bible says a righteous man can correct you. Allow a person whose life is habitually consistent with his Christian profession, one who is influenced by proper motives, loves you, who averts sins in their life and concern about your happiness to reprove you and correct you. Receive it with humility, it should bring you to repentance, esteem it as kindness from their part. The Lord is sending someone to correct you because He loves you. Well, we love you too! Change man change!! Take it or leave it buddy!

SETTING RIGHT GOALS!

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize ....in Christ Jesus". Philippians 3:14. My friend, have you set right goals in your life? I am not talking about goals like cleaning off our desks at work, or washing our car, or weeding our yards. Those may be worthy goals, but are not significant goals we set for our lives. If we don't learn to organize our life, we are going to agonize over life-TADA! We have to examine how much time we are spending on things- people, habits, idiosyncrasies- that aren't producing in our life what we needs to be produced. Hey, we may even discover it is necessary to eliminate a few "good" things to get where we need to be. During last spring, I pruned my pear tree in the backyard. The branches that were pruned were alive, had leaves on them, and had produced fruits at one time. But in order for the tree to be more productive those branched had to be trimmed. Guess what? We had so much pears, we had to give away to our friends and neighbors. To be a winner or champion, we have to set goals and then have a will to reach the goals that we set. Bro: Success is not accidental. In Philippians, Paul is encouraging them to have a victorious Christian life by setting right goals. If we want to be champions in our Christian lives, we need to practice some spiritual forgetfulness. Do not be weighed down by all of our failures in the past. Don't allow failures of others in your past shackle you down. My friend, today you feel as if there is no hope for you, that your past is just too troubled, that you have fallen too many times in the race of Christian life, that you can't make it. But Buddy, there in ONE who RIGHT NOW wants to come alongside with you and help you make it to your goal! HE EVEN WENT TO CALVARY TO MAKE IT HIS GOAL FOR YOU AND I, DIDN'T HE?

OPTIMISM!!

""The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want". Psalms 23:1. OPTIMISM in the Lord! When I was growing up we had a dog that was the most optimistic creature I ever saw. He never had a discouraging bark even after he chased scores of squirrels and rabbits and never caught one in his life. Was he ever discouraged, no, nada, never. He was always ready to try again in the hope that he would win one of these days. But there is a strange contradiction going on in this world today. Unbelievers who have the most horrible future in store are filled with a vain optimism, but Christians who have every reason to be most optimistic people on the earth are often depressed and pessimistic. Humm, what's up with that? Proverbs 10:28 says, "The prospect of righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing" (NIV). Is that true you may ask? In Isaiah 3:10-11 " Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doing. Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him, for the reward of his hands shall be given to him". Bro: we have to have Biblical optimism. I have Biblical optimism, because: 1) I remember God's faithfulness in the past. 2) I expect God's help in the present. 3) I have faith to see the unseen. 4) I will not be troubled by external circumstances because I have internal peace and hope in the Lord. When I see the kettle in my house keep on singing even it's up to the neck with hot water, I will sing also "What a friend we have in JESUS....". Now you sing my friend.. sing..He is with you wherever you are!

Redeem what you lost!!

"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost". Like 19:10. My friend, Do you want to REDEEM WHAT YOU HAVE LOST? During our life and en route to the level of success that we believe will satisfy us, we will encounter number of losses. Often we don't notice the relationships we sacrifice to pursue our goal.Hey, faith may not get us the job as quickly as we would like even if we pray or the modern idea of "name-it- and claim it". You know that "Easy-Bake or Micro Wave" recipe. Some times we lose lot of things on the road to success. Even personal lives are messed up. Satan will do everything he can to ruin our vertical relationship with God and horizontal relationship with man. He'll use temptations, feeling of guilt, depression, and outright oppression. In today's world, with the proliferation of pornography and broken homes, sexual abuse, dis-functional homes, millions are trying to handle it their own. But there is a better way to be free from the guilt, shame, depression, and despair- that is "by redeeming our time". Pastor, How I do that?-you may ask. Well 1) Minimize the damage where you can. 2) Reassess what transpired and go as far as you can from there. 3) Do damage control and strategize on how you can avoid similar mistakes. 4) Blame no one and forgive yourself and others. Redeem your time and remember, WE HAVE A REDEEMER, AND HE REDEEMED US, AND HE KNOWS THIS PROCESS. HE WILL DO IT AGAIN IN YOUR LIFE!!

OUR SOVEREIGN GOD!

"God is our refuge and strength..an ever present help in trouble" Psalms 46:1-2. My friend, do you ever feel inspired to WORSHIP, thinking of the sovereignty of God? Are there any issues you are struggling with right now concerning God's way versus your way? Do you feel inspired to worship, thinking of the sovereignty of God? The doctor tells you, you have cancer. Your business is on skids and you're about to lose it all. Your child, in whom you invested so much love and care runs away from home, or runs afoul of the law, or gets into drugs. The love of your life, your spouse tells you right on your face that she or he doesn't love you anymore and wants a divorce. You watch as things you worked hard for begin to collapse around you. And you are confused!! In 1 Chronicles 29, David prayed "Blessed are You Lord God of Israel, our father , forever and ever...your hand is powerful and might, in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all". In another words, David was saying " I worship you because You are in charge in spite of the problem I am facing. Bro: If God is ultimately in charge, if He is your Creator, If He is ultimate authority in the world and in life, doesn't it make sense to say, "Lord God, you know all the answers. You know the questions even before I asked. Take control of my life. I submit myself to you into your hands and YOU KNOW EVERYTHING I AM GOING THROUGH. When things go wrong, don't go wrong with them. Now remember " If a care is too small to be turned into a prayer, it is too small to be made into a burden". I say...let Him..I say ..Let Him..Handle it for you!!! Worship Him this morning!! Y'ALL HEAR ME!!

DON'T LIVE IN THE PAST!!

"Tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you". Joshua 3:5. My friend, here Joshua is talking to a nation whose yesterdays were a long list of repeated failures and rebellion against God. They had been convicted, judged, punished, and reinstated frequently by the God they'd flagrantly sinned against. But Joshua said to the people "Consecrate yourself, realign yourself with God's plan and watch Him begin to work in your life. In the New Testament, Martha is concerned with the HERE and Now, and doesn't look very far into the future even though she knows Jesus is her Messiah. But Mary trusted in the Lord for her future, and she doesn't care about the value of her possessions; so she anointed His feet with the most valuable things she had. Judas, Humm..lived only for the present. He didn't care about the Lord, or any person. He was totally self-centered. Well, I have a news for you- whatever you past was, just when the enemy has convinced you that with your past God couldn't possibly have a future for you, God calls you to prepare yourself so He can bless you! God is fully aware of your yesterdays, but He's much more focused about your tomorrows. My friend, DON'T GIVE UP YOUR TOMORROWS BY BUILDING MONUMENTS TO YOUR PAST FAILURES. Yes my friend, I am talking to you and you know it, right??? Yeah...GOOD!

YOU WILL GET WHAT YOU SAY!!

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit" Proverbs: 18:21. My friend, there are too many people in the body of Christ who speak negative things over their own lives and the lives of their loved ones and WONDER WHY THEY CAN'T SEEMS TO HAVE VICTORY. When it is a rainy, cold, and wet day you say, "what a yucky day this is going to be", In summer, you say "It's very hot and I can't take it any longer", when your bills are piling up you say "I am never going to get out of debt", you tell your kids out of your frustrations and tiredness "you are good for nothing and you will never make it in your life", when you had a hard day at work having no help from anybody you say "today is my last day at this work". Now, YOU HAVE WHAT YOU SAID! Tada. Hey I have a word for you this morning. "DON'T LET YOUR "FED UP" convince you not to "GET UP" and say it's time to "GIVE UP". Bro: God's word has the power to cancel your past, to conquer your problems, to change your personality, and complete your purpose. Have you noticed that Jesus didn't walk around and said, I'm poor, I'm weak, I'm nervous, I'm afraid. My friend, develop a doers attitude. Doers believe in their God-given potential, have a clear focused vision, act by faith in God's grace, and are persistent enough to accomplish it. It's time to say with your mouth and confess "health instead of sickness, victory instead of defeat, joy instead of sorrow, power instead of weakness, wealth instead of poverty, IN JESUS NAME! YOUR GOD WILL TURN YOUR SITUATION AROUND. YOUR GOD IS BIG AND HE IS ON YOUR SIDE- LET YOUR FAITH GO...GO...GO.. Y'ALL HEAR ME???

Your stuff is not yours!

"Naked a man comes from his mother's womb, and as he comes, so he departs". Ecclesiastes 5:15. You mean "your stuff isn't yours". Ask any coroner.. He will tell you "No one takes anything with him or her". I read that one of the richest man's accountant was asked by his neighbor "How much did he leave". "ALL OF IT" was the reply. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot. (Luke 12:15). Fear will always whisper "unless you get more, you won't be secure". My friend, happy people don't follow money- they follow their passion- for that's what gives their life meaning. It's a mistake to think that wealth buys a life of freedom, status, or worldly power. Bro: The rich usually become wealthy by sacrificing their freedom and leisure time. They sacrifice quality time with their spouse and children. At the end of the day, aren't they your asset? Status? well, that's a slippery slope too. Because no matter how far you climb there's always somebody ahead of you. Power? Hmm.. when power increases , you generally lose control of your life because of all the people you have to please and obligations you have to fulfill. There are some interesting Insurance companies slogans regularly appear as TV commercials. One commercial says "You are in good hands with Allstate". Well are you in good hands ?". I had an opportunity to consider these commercials in the context of the last words of Jesus from the cross of Calvary during my devotion time this morning. Just seconds before he died, Jesus cried out, "Into your hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46). Notice that He did not commit His spirit to Peter, James, John, Pilate, Caiaphas or even the Roman soldiers. Jesus wanted to be sure He was in good hands, so He committed His spirit into the hands of God. Hey, hey, What are you running after buddy? Heaven does not know you as the person with lot of money, luxury cars, boat, mansion, nice suit or your fame, HEAVEN KNOWS YOUR HEART AND WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST! Tada! Am I preaching to you? Take it or leave it man!!!

HEY, IT'S TIME TO DEFEAT YOUR GIANT!

""This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I will strike you down and cut off your head....and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel".1 Samuel 17:46. This morning, the Lord brought me to the story of David and Goliath. My friend, do you know how to defeat your "giants" in your life? When things are too big for us to handle, when life seems to be overwhelming, we need to trust and look to God for our strength and deliverance. Our temptations are no different from what others experience. "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear...He will provide a way out..." 1 Corinthians 10:13. Regardless of whether the giant you face is addiction, resentment, fear, lust, envy, anger, covetousness, alcoholism, sexual perversions etc., it did not become a problem (giant) overnight. Right? You see, Goliath wasn't always a giant; he was fed and nurtured until he became a giant. Tada! Our giants are usually little sins we overlook and indulge until they assume a life of their own and come back and haunt us. Bro: It is time to confront your giant head-on. Don't run away, don't negotiate, don't compromise and yes- don't excuse. Force your giant out in to the light, establish boundaries and make yourself accountable. Stay out of wrong company. Above all, don't look at your God in the light of your giant, look at your giant in the LIGHT OF YOUR GOD! Remember, we have been called to live a life worthy of ONE WHOSE NAME WE CARRY..that's LORD JESUS!!! DEFEAT YOUR GIANT.....YES YOU CAN!!

DISCIPLES!!!

"Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven....therefore Go and MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations,..I am with you always, to the very end of the age". Matthew 28:18-20. My friend this "Great Commission" of Jesus involves both "Home Mission and Foreign Mission". In my study, I learned that by saying "MAKE DISCIPLES", Jesus expected from us the following: 1) Commitment: We can learn in groups, serve in teams, worship as a family, but we can only be DISCIPLES individually. Without Commitment , discipleship cannot happen. 2) Competence: We will develop competence if only we remain in Him. John 15:7-8 says: "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you. 3) Character: Love one another. John 13:34-35. "A new command I give you: Love one another...By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another". 4) Conviction. John 8:32. "Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free". We pride ourselves in having "right" doctrine but without "conviction" which leads to commitment. Often times our life styles differ little from the cultural norm and do not even hint at Christ within us. The idea that if you follow Jesus He will make all of life's problem easier or the view of Jesus as a heavenly Santa Clause or a genie who grants all wishes immediately is wrong. In that case,if new convert did not receive answers for all their prayers immediately, they will feel betrayed, disillusioned, and abandoned. In my understanding, there are no members in the church only disciples!!! Jesus said, "And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple". John 14:27. Just a thought!!!

WORSHIP HIM!

"I have come down from heaven". John 6:38. Do you know the Lord whom we are worshiping this Sunday morning? Are your tears seem stale, your faith seems to be trembling, and your vision of Jesus has blurred! You are going to church because it is a routine practice and thinking what would others say if I don't? Well, let me tell you about our Jesus who said "I have come down from heaven"....for you and me! He called himself divine and allowed an ordinary Roman soldier to drive a nail into his hand, He demanded purity yet stood for the rights of a repentant prostitute, He sent his disciples into all world, yet equipped them with only bended knees and memories of a crucified carpenter yet a resurrected savior. Hey hey our LORD said, "ALL POWER IS GIVEN UNTO ME IN HEAVEN AND IN EARTH". GO YE THEREFORE, AND TEACH ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST; TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU: AND LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE WORLD". Matthew: 28:18-20. Worship Him, HE IS WORTHY, WORTHY...WORTHY of our PRAISE AND WORSHIP.

ANXIOUS!!!

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you". 1Peter 5:7. "Unload all your worries on Him" (Another translation). Few years back I took out a piece of paper and began to write down the things that troubling me. It ended up with a list of 21 items. On careful examination I found out that none of the items were world-shaking or life and death situations. Trivial though they are, had a cumulative effect that weighed heavily on my soul and body. Then the Lord led me to this verse in the Bible (1Peter 5:7). Either He carries the worry or we do, right? If we do, we will be divided, distracted, disturbed, confused, frustrated, and burdened. If He carries the load, we may still have the trouble and difficulties, but no overwhelming anxiety, no dominating fear, and no hopeless despair. Tada. We fear that if we submit our lives to Jesus, he will mess things up. We secretly fear He can't be trusted to care of us. So we decide to handle the problems ourselves. Bro: what kind of God are we serving and believing? Until this question is settled in our life, we will be worrying. My friends, make up your mind today. Your problem or your God is bigger? My father used to tell me "It is good to remember that the tea kettle, although up to its neck in hot water, it continues to sing". STOP WORRYING! ANXIOUS, GO AHEAD, BUT REMEMBER YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT EITHER!!!

YOUR FIERY TRIALS (PEIRAMOS [GREEK])

"But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold". Job 23:10. My friend, when troubles come, it may be sent by God to test us and Satan may use it as an occasion for temptation. It all depends on how we respond. The Greek word in New Testament "peiramos" can mean "test" or "trial" or even "temptation". When trouble comes.. the choice is ours: 1) We may turn to God in prayer, or may become bitter. 2) We may become quiet and thoughtful, or we may begin to complain. 3) We may take courage, or we may give in to fear. 4) We draw close to God, or we may turn away from God. ALL DEPENDS ON HOW WE RESPOND! Bro: In any case "YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU ALWAYS"! You remember, the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace? The wicked king thought the fire would burn them. He didn't know that they belong to a ever-present God. The fire only burnt the ties that bound them. Some say "God took the heat out of the fire". I don't think so. Consider the soldiers who thew them into the fire were burned to death at the door. There was plenty of heat in the furnace, but God controls the boundaries. The wicked king was astonished when he saw the Hebrew boys overcame what had killed other men. My friend, I cannot guarantee that you will not face terrifying situations because you are a Christian. I can declare to you based upon the "word of God", the effects of the circumstance will be drastically altered, or nullified by your God. Remember, HE HOLDS THE THERMOSTAT WHEN YOU GO THROUGH YOUR FIERY FURNACE! Praying for you my friend, really, YOU SHALL COME FORTH AS PURE GOD!! We love YAHH!!

WHETHERING THE STORM!!

""But no long after there arose against it TEMPESTUOUS wind, called Euroclydon"..v23- For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve"...Acts:27-1-23. My friend, this is what you call "WEATHERING THE STORM THAT COME AGAINST YOUR HOME". Our master has taken every struggle and test, every mishap and neglect, to cultivate in us the soil needed to make us reproductive. Contrary winds were sent to blow us away from people and cliques that would create a climate conducive for what God wants to do in our life. Bro: He is about to unveil a new realm of glory in our life. We must understand the certainty of CONTRARY WINDS in our life: 1) They come to us all. 2) They come suddenly and unexpectedly. 3) They come from different and often unsuspecting directions. Realize and accept the winds as a part of the Lord's plan. What will you do when you are in this circumstances, you may ask? Buddy, get alone with the lord in prayer (21). Where do you think Paul was so long? I don't think he was hiding in fear. But I do know this, when he re-appeared he had the answer (22) And he said God had given it to him (25). So what do you do friend? STOP PANICKING! TADA. HE IS IN CONTROL. He is taking you to practical lessons which you learned in the class room buddy. Did you hear? Now, don't go to the phone..go to the throne! Y'ALL HEAR ME!!! GOOD!!!

"IT IS I; BE NOT AFRAID"!

"For THOU art with me". Psalms 23:4b. Yes, YOU ARE WITH ME! My friend, HE IS WITH YOU!! The creator is with me. YAHWEH is with me. You Lord, are in heaven and you rule the universe. You sit upon the stars and make your home in the deep. BUT You are with me, always!! When we are going through a storm and when we feel most separated from God, that's when He is teaching us a lesson. Bro: I have learned "wilderness is part of the landscape of faith, every bit essential as the mountain top experience". On the mountain top, we are overwhelmed by His presence, in the wilderness we are overwhelmed by his absence. But in both places it should bring us to our knees! In Mark 6:50, Jesus said "It is I; be not be afraid". See, God doesn't show up early. Usually He comes in the worst part of the storm when you think you can't take it anymore- BUT HE IS ALWAYS BE ON TIME! My friend, CAN'T YOU HEAR HIS STILL VOICE TODAY? "IT IS I"! This should calm your fear buddy!!

SINGS OR THUDS!

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of his evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil, for the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh". Luke 6:45. My friend, do you know when a potter bakes a pot he checks its solidity by pulling it out of the furnace and thumping it? If it "sings" it's ready. If it "thuds" it's put back in. Hey, your character is also checked by thumping. Late night phone calls, grouchy teachers, burnt meals, flat tires, traffic jams, long lines, empty mail boxes, dirty cloths on the floor, inheritance (greedy),..the list goes on.. How do you respond? Bro: Do you sing or thud? There is nothing like a good thump to reveal the true nature of a heart...the world will recognize it, above all your Lord is watching it. If your tendency is to "thud" more than "sing", TAKE HEART, you are undone. Hey Bud, Here is the outline of life: Tender Teens, Teachable Twenties, Tireless Thirties, Fiery Forties, Forceful Fifties, Serious Sixties, Sacred Seventies, Aching Eighties, Nappy Nineties.. Shortening breath,..DEATH. That's all. Our life is an opportunities to improve and may our efforts center on the things that count the most and last the longest!!! Did you get it? Change man Change!! Change!!!!

"DOUBT STORMS"!

"..Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I WILL NOT BELIEVE". John 20:25. "DOUBT STORMS", isn't it? New believers aren't the only ones who struggle with doubt, sometimes believers like you and I do too, right?Turbulent days when the enemy is too big, the task is too great, the future looks too bleak.. and the answers are too few, we will also have "Thomas' "DOUBT STORM"! Thomas asks the question we all ask when we're struggling. "If God is so good, why do I feel so bad? If His message is so clear why am I confused? If He is in control why I have this gut-wrenching problems? Why I have to pray with one eye open and wonder? Power of prayer? Christians in cancer hospitals? Well, God says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways". Isaiah 55:8. See, God doesn't think like us. He sees the big picture and works towards the specific end. Bro: I've been there, and done it!! This is what I did my friend. 1) I called someone I love for support. Sometimes we are too close to our own illusions and dramas and lack of ability to regain perspective. By reaching out we will receive gift of love and clarity and peace. We will understand someone is with us through this. 2) Do something that is self nurturing. Be loving and compassionate with yourself when you're feeling vulnerable. Be open to see options and possibilities rather than seeing only problems. 3) Do an act of kindness for someone. I find that when I do something heartfelt and generous with the intention of being of service and contribution, feeling peace and joy push forward into my heart and mind. Hope this is helping you my friend. I love you and praying for you!!!

Seven dangers of Human Virtue!

Seven dangers of Human Virtue. (Gandhi). 1) Wealth without work. 2) Pleasure without conscience. 3) Knowledge without character. 4) Business without ethics. 5) Science without humanity. 6) Religion without sacrifice. 7) Politics without principle. That's all for a while folks!

SELFLESS LEADER!

"And should you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not; ...but your life I will give to you as a [snatched] prize of war wherever you go". Jeremiah 45:5. (AMPV). My friend, the principle of true leadership is not "self-serving but selfless service". A desire to be great is not wrong in itself; however, it's a warning against greatness for "yourself" is a selfish ambition. As a team, every member of the team has to realize that they have vested interest in the ministry's success; when the ministry succeeds, the payoff is advancement of the kingdom of God and your opportunities. A rising tide lifts all boats, isn't it? A selfless leader never operate in isolation. They carefully consider the impact of their decisions on the people around them. A selfless leader is known for their integrity. He or she will make every effort to clarify their intention and motivation. They always will be transparent, honest, and truthful about their daily activities and especially about finances. Genuine selfless leaders will earn the trust of their team members who are above and below them. Are you a selfless, trustworthy leader? In your home...ministry....business? Well, are you?

LIVING FOR A CAUSE GREATER THAN YOURSELF!!

" And David said,...Is there not a cause?...And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him, thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine". 1 Samuel 17:29-32. My friend, let me ask you a question? Are we living for a cause greater than ourselves?. Our existence make any difference in this world we are living in? At the age of twelve Jesus said " I must be about my father's business". Luke 2:49. Twenty one years later, dying on the cross, He announced, "It is finished". John 19:30. These two statements frame a totally fulfilled, mission accomplished, God-glorifying life. You may say that is Jesus! How about people like you and me? Well, How could David stand up to a giant from whom everybody else was running from? Even the king of Israel was scared and was hiding. He found that God's people were being threatened, and everybody around him was afraid to confront the problem and ridicule. Bro: do we have the boldness and nerve to say "I'm going to do something about this". If you were God, and you wanted to send one of your servants to help the less fortunate and proclaim the gospel, what would you do? God sent His only son to save us. God has called each of us to live for a cause greater than ourselves. If God asked you what you had done for the spreading of the gospel and for the poor, what would you say? So ask God to reveal to you His purpose for your life. Until you find it you haven't lived, and until you fulfill it you are not ready to die. Do you know what is your God given assignment? Just asking, just asking.....just a..

REST MAN REST!!

"..and he said, it is enough; It is enough; now, Oh Lord, take away my life...And He lay and slept under a Juniper tree.. 1 King 19:4-5. Humm, my friend, I have a message for you! TAKE A BREAK AND REST!!! God never prescribe deeper spirituality to a natural problem, TADA. When it is time to sleep-it's time to sleep. Nothing takes the place of Rest and spending time with your family. By the way "there is no vacation anointing either". Rest, Rest! Intercessory prayer and talking in tongue won't do it. GO TO BED! Jezebel may be hiding beside the Juniper tree or behind the shadow of the Oak Tree. But your God can handle Jezebel and what ever she is trying to do. All you have to do is rest in Him man!! Illness, stress, family problems, job demands, etc ..rob us of sleep. And when we constantly run low on battery power it shows up in our attitude, our relationship, and our performance. David said "I will both lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety" Psalms 4:8 (NKJV). Hey Bro: do you know that "with one week left to live, Jesus observed the Sabbath"? As far as we can tell. You may ask " with all those apostles to train and people to teach, he took a day of rest and worship?" Apparently so. My friend, you need rest, rest, rest, REST. It's not UNHOLY! Don't feel guilty, DO YOU UNDERSTAND? GOOD!!

CHRISTIAN RACE!!

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus". Philippians 3:14 (RSV). I was a runner in State and University level in India during my School and College years. I can relate to what is Paul talking here. The gun sounds. Runners spring from their starting blocks, and the race is on. At the beginning, the pace is rather equal; but as the contestants round the final turn, their gait increases. Far down the track, a tape stretches across. Noise from the crowd grows in intensity. Each Competitor, drenched with perspiration, strains every muscle, running in their own lane to the finish line. In a moment, the tape breaks. The winner grimaces from his exertion but smiles with joy. He pressed toward the finish line and captured the coveted prize. How like a race is the Christian life. The prize of eternal life spurs dedicated servants of Christ to surmount any obstacle in order to attain it. Their purpose is to be with Christ at all cost. Victorious Christian life requires the devotion and stamina of a track star. But all the blood , sweat, and tears of discipleship will be gently blotted from memory by His wonderful look of love when we reach our goal! Too many church goers are singing "standing on the promises" when all they are doing is sitting on the premises. Bro: It's good to be a Christian and know it, but it's better to be a Christian and show it!! TADA!! The crowd is watching you friend, your spouse, your children, your church, your friends, unbelievers..world...and JESUS!!!!

HIS PRESENCE!!

"..Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world". Matthew 28:20. All of us have challenges in our lives. Some times when we go through difficult days, it is very lonely. We feel isolated. We feel nobody understands, maybe nobody even knows and cares about it. But OUR GOD knows and He is present and He is there to be an encouragement to us. My friend, there is no day so dark, so common place, so uninteresting that we do not find Him there. Often, no doubt, He is unrecognized, as He was on the way to Emmaus, until we realize how our hearts have been warmed, our lives stirred, with every promise seeming to speak to us with heavenly reality and power. When seven of His disciples were fishing at the sea of Tiberias, scared, catching nothing, the merciful restoring Jesus appeared on the shore and asked them, "Children, have ye any meat?". They did not recognize Him, but one John said "It is the Lord". He was there, WASN'T HE? He is IMMANUEL (God be with us). Not an "above us God" or somewhere in the neighborhood God. Not "God with the rich" God, not with the religious' God, not with Americans, Russians, Indians, Africans, Europeans, Nurses, Doctors, Plumbers, Truck Drivers, Engineers, Taxi Drivers, Librarians alone God. HE IS "GOD WITH US" God. Bro: I want you to know this fact always, that He is with us, a Presence all unseen but real and ready when we need Him to manifest Himself for our help. Hey, hey, You are not alone, the creator of the universe GOD ALMIGHTY IS THERE WITH YOU TO HELP AND DELIVER! Y'ALL HEAR ME?

TODAY IS THE DAY TO LIVE!!

"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thoughts of your life..eat..drink..put on..But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and hid righteousness: all these shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:25-33. My friend "Today is your day"! Are you looking for something better in your future all the days of your life and it is passing you rapidly? We dream of a magical rose garden- free from all thorns- across this situation- and we neglect to enjoy the fragrance of the roses that bloom today so close to our window, aren't we? Bro: You cannot recycle time! Tada. Our future to a large extent is the result of how we live today and the decisions made today under the guidance of the principles of God. A thief becomes a thief when he accept the lifestyle to steal the first time. You become an alcoholic when you choose to take the first drink. Businessman fails in his business because of a string of wrong decisions. Years ago I read in a New York news paper about woman in the nineties suing the Lottery Commission of the State. Apparently she won millions of dollars, but found out that she will be paid in installments over the next twenty years. She says she wanted her money now because she will not be around to collect it. She won millions but too old to spend it. Hey, hey, Get rid of that self-pity, criticism, and blame. Excuses..bury them. Take up everyday as today, one by one, with clean hands and a pure heart and enjoy the life- with your spouse, children, relatives, church friends and above all 'have daily time with our God". One thing I learn by watching the clock is that it passes time by keeping its hands busy. Am I right?

BITTERNESS!!

"And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? .. now the Lord hath forsaken us...." Judges 6:13. Humm, Gideon, BITTERNESS? My friend, root of bitterness unchecked produces bad decisions- do you know that? The man was bitter looking at the past! In the past anything anybody does to you is controlling you, that means you have bitterness. This will result in making WRONG DECISIONS! He or she hurt my feelings- is that your excuse buddy. Are you wearing that "FEELING GLASS" and see everything and everybody through that glass rest of your life? Can you imagine Peter walking away from Jesus saying "He hurt my feeling", he called me a satan or Cananite woman going away from Jesus telling "he hurt my feeling", he called me a dog! Hey, Kingdom people "Shake it off" that bitterness. Somebody burnt you or mistreated you in your past and you are "straightly shut up" like Jericho, God cannot help you my friend. When you open up, then God moves. Over the telephone you told me "I don't have bitterness". Let me see: Bitterness is a characteristic that always reveals itself in unpleasant ways. A bitter taste is hard to swallow; bitter cold is hard to bear; bitter truth is a phrase used to describe a situation when telling the truth is painful; bitter enemies are those whose names strike fear in your heart. So when Bible speaks of BITTERNESS, or of a BITTER SPIRIT, it is speaking of that which produces a bad taste, an unpleasant reaction; that which is characterized by resentment or anger. Hey hey, Give all your bitterness to Jesus and plea for His help. He can blot out your Bitterness and hurt feeling. We are guilty and He is innocent, we are filthy and He is pure, we are wrong and He is right, He is not on the cross for His sins but He is for ours, He will perform the miracle of forgiveness in you and set you free. Today not tomorrow....yes...YES..HE WILL.

PRESENT-TENSE GOD!!

"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM..thou say unto children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you". Exodus 3:14. My friend, we are serving a Present- Tense God! God not only reminded Moses of His covenantly promise to Abraham, but used His name "I AM THAT I AM" to remind Moses about His COMPLETENESS, God's SUFFICIENCY, His PROMISES, His PROTECTION, and His COMFORT. Our Lord is ALMIGHTY!! "He is the same yesterday, today and forever". Our Jesus always said "I AM". For us: we were younger, faster, prettier, full of energy. We can say "we were". He never said "I WAS". From the center of the storm He shouts: I AM, from the court where He was tried He said "I AM". For you and I: From the ICU He says "I AM", from the board room He says "I AM", from the maternity ward He says "I AM", at the divorce court He says "I AM", Single parent He says "I AM", people call you names and says "you are good for nothing"- He says "I AM", laid off and bills are piling up he says "I AM", rejected and ridiculed He says "I AM". Oh my!! Whatever situation you are going through my friend, He is a Present-Tense God. He is telling you "I AM THAT I AM!! Am I preaching or WHAT?

God's love and mercy!!

"The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are overall his works". My friend, this Sunday morning as we are worshiping our God, do you know how good our God is? His goodness is seen in His provision for us not only in our own lives but in the universe. His goodness is seen in His patience with us. None of us deserve any of His good and yet He has poured it out upon us. His mercy endures forever. His love and goodness is seen in His protection for us, doesn't it? Is there any end to His love and His mercy? Is there a limit? You'd think so, wouldn't you? Well, David the adulterer never found it, Peter the liar never found it, Mary Magdalene never found it. They all hit the bottom in life but when it came to God's love, they never did it. Hey hey Our God is good and His love is everlasting. Let's worship Him today!!!

MAKING DECISIONS!!

"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety". Proverbs 11:14. My friend, do you know what causes bad decisions? Limited information is the greatest cause for poor decision. People who are making decisions without getting all the facts and making decisions without full information are making decisions on half truths. Surround yourself with people who gives optimum information. Don't make any decisions on the basis of "He says", "she says", "they say", "I heard", "I thought", "It looks like to me": all that cause you to make bad decisions. In future, this will help you in your church life, business, marriage, raising children, and out in the Isle of Patmos. Bro: Now you know what happened to you, right? Don't take permanent decisions on the basis of temporary circumstances!! Did you hear me??? Yeah, yeah, Good.

SAD DEPARTURE!

"He was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions". Mark 10:22. My friend, isn't it a sad departure for this rich young ruler? He was rich, he had great possessions, he held a great position, he was deeply religious but he was not HAPPY. Well, his hands were clean and that's why he said:" All these things have I kept from my youth up". Omniscient Jesus did not deny what he said either. But his heart was empty- something is missing- and he was looking for something more. He was uncommitted and for a call to service and sacrifice- he wasn't ready. For him, it was too strict and too senseless. Filled with sorrow, the rich young ruler forfeited eternal life because he would not meet Christ's demands. To this day men and women find Christ attractive until he commands them to go, sell, and give. How about you and I, my friend? We are proud and content to be saved and a member of a church, right? As Christians, we often delude ourselves. We keep the law and kneel before Jesus. He promised abundant life but the primary ingredient is sacrificial service. Does our Christian experience consist of a dull routine because we refuse to give our all to Christ? Will we depart this life in sadness? Humm, I thought I will share what the Lord spoke to me during my devotion this morning!!

DON'T BE LAZY!!

"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man". Proverbs 6:9-11. My friend, are you guilty of laziness? Well, you may say I am not. According to the Bible: 1) Those who want to do nothing. They are LAZY.(Proverbs 13:4, 19:4). 2) Those who engage in activities of secondary importance and neglect those activities which should challenge their talents. They are LAZY.(Proverbs 20:4). 3) The "one talent man" had been active - he buried and unburied the money but was still called "LAZY" and he had not been busy in the most significant activity. Some feel it is too hard or too much work to change. If you accept the status-quo position in life, we end up living a mediocre life. Do things to get by in life will not take you to the destiny God has for you. If you are too lazy to study the Bible and shows yourselves approved, don't expect to see your life prospering. Here in Texas we say "He who wants milk should not sit on a stool in the middle of the pasture expecting the cow to back up to him". Tada!

OBEY GOD NOT MAN!!

"We ought to obey God rather than men". Acts 5:27. Deciding what is right or wrong is usually not too difficult. Finding the courage to act on such a decision is often extremely difficult. Fear of disapproval or scorn sometimes cause one to hesitate to act positively. Often time the temptation is to go along with "everybody is doing it, I don't want to be a square, it's legal, time has changed, it's simply matter of business, nobody is perfect, or what would people think? My friend, do you have the courage to stand for God and do things in the right way? The Jewish Sanhedrin had arrested Jesus' apostles again and put them in prison and asked them "Did we not strictly commanded you not to teach in His name?". For that Peter and apostles answered and said, "We ought to obey God rather than men". In the Old Testament Prophet Samuel commanded King Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites as God commanded. Saul did not! Saul admitted that he "feared the people and obey their voice". He lost his position as the first king of Israel. But King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon ordered all inhabitants of his empire to bow down and worship a golden image. The three Hebrew young men refused and did not bow down. They did not submit to the decree of the king. But God spared their lives from the hot furnace of the earthly king. Hey, God blesses those who boldly choose to do His will, despite the unpleasantries that they might have to endure. Bro: Stand for the truth, and God! He will honor you in the midst of your enemies. Praying for you my friend!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

"And He said, A certain man (Father) had two sons:". Luke 15:11. My friend, notice the verse didn't say "Two son had a father". It's a story of a loving father, not prodigal son! Too often we forget the price the father paid while enjoying the fruits of his labors or the sweat of his sacrifices. The daily conflicts of earning a living and heading a household is tough. I say to all the fathers- living or dead- yours deeds, your unselfish deeds, your glorious deeds and unselfish and unreserved love, shall never die. They shall be hallowed in the cherished memory of your grateful children, grandchildren and generation to come. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! God bless you!!!

ARE YOU IN A HOLDING PATTERN!

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint". Isaiah 40:31. My friend, I know It's hard for us to WAIT! Three years ago I was flying back from my mission trip extremely tired and was eager to get back to my family and my own bed. As we were approaching Dallas, the Captain spoke into the PA system and said " The traffic Controller from the tower instructed that we should WAIT and we are going to assume a HOLDING PATTERN until further instruction come from the tower". What a strange place to have to wait- IN THE AIR? All passengers were very much concerned until the stewardess quickly eased our fears by saying that the planes always carry enough fuel to withstand these kind of delays. As I was praying, I began to wonder "Isn't that the way in our life when God speaks from heaven "Assume a holding pattern until further notice". The question is "Do you have enough fuel (FAITH) to assume holding pattern and wait for the promise"? TADA! Bro; waiting upon God can be one of the most trying of all trials. Trouble with all of us who prays is that we say "Amen" and run away before God has a chance to talk to us. Listening to God is far more important than giving Him your ideas and shopping lists. I have a suggestion for you. While you are in your "holding pattern", keep praying, keep believing, and keep knocking! Your Plane will land safely in HIS time and everything will be alright buddy!! Y'all hear me???

WHAT IS SUCCESS!

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth;....for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success". Joshua 1:8. The word "success" appears only once in the Bible and that is in Joshua 1:8. My friend, what is success for you? We spend so much time trying to prove to the world that we are successful. From the cloth we wear, the cars we drive, and the discussion of the stuff we have. The death of the king of the pop begs the question what does it really mean to succeed? The riches, fame, and influence brought him no peace at all. He died by the trapping of his so called success. How about this man: arrested many times, in and out of prison, often run out of town, never built a building, never spoke on television, never had a website, never had a Face Book, twitter or instagram, never owed his own home, had to work on the side to support himself, not a skilled speaker, unimpressive looks, and seems to be involved in public controversies (Paul). Is he a success buddy? In 2 Corinthians 3:1-3, Paul says about his success like this "You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody, You show that you are a letter from Christ, the RESULT of our ministry. As far as Paul is concerned, the proof and success of his ministry was the changed lives of his hearers. It's all about lives changed by the HOLY SPIRIT. And success according to the Bible: 1) A GOOD NAME rather to be chosen than great riches, and LOVING FAVOR rather than silver and Gold. Proverbs 22.1, 2) A wise son maketh a glad father (Generation). Proverbs 10:1, 3) Because I delivered the poor that cried, and fatherless, and him that had none to help (Charity). Job:29:12, 4) I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness (Victorious Christian life). 2 Timothy 4:7-8. Lord was speaking to me while I was studying this. Hope this is helping you my friend.

DO GOOD!!

"But Jesus answered them, My Father has worked [even] until now, [He has never ceased working; He is still working] and I too, must be at work". John 5:17. Well, my friend God wants us to work in our all stages of life. No retirement in His Kingdom!! Your work matters to society. Cities need plumbers, carpenters, engineers, cooks, doctors, Nurses etc. When stoplights break we need repairers. When bones break we need doctors to set it. I heard a guest in a Christian radio program saying like this: Some has to raise kids, raise cane, and manage the kids who raise Cain. Bro: Never stop doing good! In Acts 10:38, we read about Jesus like this "Who went about doing good". We should aim and strive to do good. What are some of the main elements that go to make up such a fruitful life, You may ask? 1) Sympathy is the start. Get out of the mindset of "me myself, and I". We must have a heart that goes out to others. If there is no feeling of sympathy in you, it can be cultivated. 2) Open your eyes and see the needs. Needs are everywhere in one form or another. Lift up your eyes and look and get your eyes off ourselves. Get up and work in the vineyard- DO GOOD! Not sit their and eat grapes. Hey hey, we are made better by just being in the company of good people, aren't we? People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care! NOW, GET UP AND DO SOMETHING GOOD, Y'ALL HEAR ME? YEAH... GOOD!!

KNOW YOUR PURPOSE AND KNOW YOUR SOURCE!!

"I must also see Rome". Acts 19:21. Here we have the first mention of Paul's dream to go to Rome. But it was at this point that Satan attacked him not as the deceiver but as a destroyer. In Paul's days dreaming about going to far away distance like Rome was considered a mere fantasy. My friend, do you have a God given dream or vision? Unfortunately , people create all sorts of barriers- or "glass ceilings"- that keep them from discovering and fulfilling God's purpose in their lives. Because the ceilings are made of glass, they often aren't even aware of the barriers and cannot understand why they matter. As a result they drift along in life as if they have no purpose or value. Bro: You are custom made by God with intricate features and capabilities. Unless you realize your God given potential, you will live a mediocre life adhering to the philosophy "Eat and be merry, tomorrow you die"! When a manufacturer design a new product, he first clarifies the purpose of that product. A car manufacturer will first decide whether that vehicle is to be a Race Car, Family Car, Mini Van, Delivery Van, or a Semi Trailer Truck. Once the vehicle purpose has been established, the engineer will incorporate all the features to meet that need. Bible says, " Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou comest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee.." Jeremiah 1:5. You see, in accordance with God's plan He gave you special abilities and aptitude to enable you to accomplish everything that He intended. Knowing and living within God's purpose is the difference between using and abusing the gifts and capabilities God built in you. STOP SAYING "I can't, I have no calling, I have no education, I came from dis-functional family etc. Hey hey, Know your purpose and KNOW YOUR SOURCE!! Y'ALL HEAR ME!! YEAH..GOOD!!

TRY TEARS!

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy". Psalms 126:5. The context of this Psalm is when Israelites were besieged by the enemy and life sustaining supplies were denied to them. The enemy had not attacked them yet but was terrified by the eminent attack of the enemy. My friend, have you ever been there in your life? But they had two options, either cook the seed and eat or plant the seed in the dry land and water them with tears. I am not talking about literal seed and planting now. Hey, greatness has a tremendous thirst. This thirst is quenched in the tear-stained struggle toward destiny. No fellowship or friendship can lower the price of personal sacrifice. People can hold your hand, still you have to shed tears. Others can cry with you, but they can't cry for you. Tada! But there is a reaping time coming. Don't get stuck in a state of lamentation at the time of reaping and joy. Tears were needed during the time of sowing, but when you have come to the harvest time don't let the devil keep you from the Joyful celebration. Now, you have paid your dues and shed your tears- now it's your turn to joyfully reap your benefits. How about kingdom of God? One denomination reported over 11000 of their churches baptized zero last year! Another 18000 baptized five or less. Churches are dead..dying.. or have plateaued. William Booth once said: "Some men's ambition is art, some men's ambition is fame, some men's ambition is gold, My ambition is the souls of men". He once told his converts who complained "We tried everything. We've tried preaching on street corners, beating drums, passing tracts and nothing works." Booth sent them a telegram that simply said "Try Tears". What is your ambition? Personal or ministry wise? Try tears...HE WILL ANSWER!!

LIVE IN HARMONY!

"..ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge.." 1 Peter 3:7. My friend, unless you noticed "God created men and women different". How come you forgot what I preached at your wedding? 1 Peter 3:7 says "dwell with her with knowledge or understanding". You remember "Left Brain and right Brain" connection? This understanding brings happiness to your life. Your brain functions compartmentally. You move from family to work to recreation to hobbies, etc.., each compartment walled off from the other. When in one you forget the other. Hey, her compartments are connected, spilling over to each other. That's why she is capable of multitasking like "she is working, thinking about kids, plan to stop by grocery store, planning dinner, what to wear for exercise etc..simultaneously! No walls! Interconnected! That's why the little thing happened in the morning before you went to work, YOU FORGOT BUT SHE DIDN'T! TADA. Bro: She is not unreasonable or unforgiving, SHE IS WHAT GOD MADE HER! Hey girl, give him time to get back to the "family compartment" before raising the issue. He needs to come back to that file ad open it. But for her, she needs closure and for her there is no place to hide. Boys and girls, that's the way God created male and female "For a purpose". Stop playing "DOG AND CAT". Drop the case, case is rested. LIVE IN HARMONY. Conduct your married life with the knowledge of how God created you. Did you hear ? Hear??

CALM YOUR SEA!!

"Then they said unto him, what shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us?" Jonah 1:11. My friend, How few of us realize that our own SEAS are not calm because we have not dealt fairly with our fellows. And indeed , how little peace of mind is possible to one who mistreats another, for whatever reason. Personality differences, physical deformity, lack of mental aptitude, racial origins, are all of little consequence in man's attitude towards his brother, for the human family is interrelated by creation. Yes, there are some "These are spots in your feast of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds, trees whose fruits withereth, without fruit, twice dead..".Jude 12. Their sharp words, hasty judgments, snide criticism, all spring from a spirit that is foreign to Christ not realizing what they do affects others. When I was growing up in India, I threw a rock at our neighbor's dog, intending to drive him away. Unintentionally, hurt the dog's leg. But instead of running away, the dog came limping up to me and licked the hand that threw the rock. THAT DOG PREACHED THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT AS FEW OF US EVER PRACTICED IT. I took the dog and carried him back to my house, gave him necessary treatment and fed him for weeks. HE BECAME MORE OF A FRIEND THAN OUR OWN DOG. Bro: see, the sailors were reluctant to deal harshly with him, realizing that how they treated him would affect their own peace. ARE YOU IN PEACE? YOUR UNTHOUGHTFUL BEHAVIOR AFFECTING OTHERS? Just asking? Just asking?

THIS TOO SHAL PASS!!

"For our light, momentary afflictions (this light distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!]. 2 Corinthians 4:17. My friend this too shall pass! As Christians, we must live a day at a time, no matter how wealthy or gifted we cannot live two days at a time. Somethings in our life are not meant to change but to survive, can't alter it but out-live it. Like a tree in the frosty arms of winter, silently we have to refurbish our strength to produce fruits in our next seasons of our life. Temporary setbacks create an opportunity for renewal and fresh commitments. Bro: learn to be patient. Yes, God needs men and women who are decisive, but prayer is the seasoning of judgments. Without prayer, our decisions will not be palatable. This is the season for "prayer and waiting" for you. Hey, hey, you have a God who hears you, the power of His love behind you, and the Holy Spirit within you. If you have Jesus, you have grace for every sin, direction for every turn, and an anchor for every storms. Buddy, THIS TOO SHALL PASS!! TRUST HIM. Don't throw in the towel now, OKAY.. Did you hear me?

STICK YOUR NECK OUT!!

"By faith Abraham when he was called to go out into a place..to receive an inheritance..went out".. Hebrews 11:8. My friend, the fear of failure prevents lot of people in stepping out towards their God's destined purpose in this world. Stop telling the excuse that those around you did not encourage you, nurture you, support you, wasn't there for you and didn't treat you right. Don't you understand that over time you've become cynical and negative, subtly and internally angry, looking for target to blame- your parents, your lack of opportunities, your church, and even your family. Recently I had a lunch appointment with an young executive and I saw an interesting plaque hanging on his office wall which read "Behold the turtle, He only makes progress when he sticks out his neck"! Bro: Life is a series of challenges which require that we "Stick our neck out" in order to make any visible progress. This is where faith comes in. It is the substance that enables us to move forward, to become all that God wants us to be, and to accomplish all that He wants us to accomplish. Faith has every expectations that our Goals will be achieved. It knows no limits. No matter how small the progress, there is no failure when you stick out your neck and move forward in faith. The only failure is in refusing to come out of your shell. Hey, hey, You can easily determine the caliber of a person who you are by the amount of opposition you take to discourage you. Did you hear it partner ? Yeah, yeah. Good!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

"If a Mommy wants her children's attention she should: a) Sit down and read. 2) Go to potty. 3) Pick up the phone. 4) Check emails. 5) All the above. Children: Mommy, you spend the first two years of your life teaching them to walk and talk. Then you spend the next sixteen telling them to sit down and shut-up. Mommy: when you are a mom showering is like an Olympic sports: you leap over things to get in, you have fans calling your name and you're pressured to finish in record time. And Mommy, Bedtime: the perfect time for kids to ask questions, request food, require additional bathroom breaks, and need a new nightlight. Mommy, WE appreciate your unconditional love and sacrifice on this mother's day! GOD BLESS YOU!! (collection from FB postings)

CONSTRUCTION ZONE!

"..this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before" Philippians 3:13. My friend, God wants to make your life anew, and He can do it today if you'll allow Him. Do you think God has given up on you? Are you wondering "Is it too late to make something of my life?" Have you made bad decisions and you're trying to overcome a series of mistakes, sins, failures, and disappointments? Do you wish you could have another chance or start all over again? Is that the way you feel, I have good news for you. Even though we call our past the PAST, but the very truth is it's very much PRESENT in our life. Bro: the final whistle hasn't blown yet or the curtain of your life hasn't fallen yet. God still has a plan for you and it's a GOOD plan filled with a future and hope. Have you seen a construction site? Bricks, steel, dirt, plastic, wood and construction equipment every where. Even you can hear carpenter's hammer nailing, hissing noise of circular saw cutting through the boards and studs. It's a mess, right? The picture is not pretty. But the construction engineers know how the building is going to look like, right? YOU ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION BUDDY! Your God knows how you are going to look like when He finishes with you. Paul says "develop the discipline to FORGET. WE MUST FORGET OUR FAILURES AS WELL AS SUCCESS. During my college years I read a speech made by Sir Winston Churchill during World War II. He said "If the past quarrels with the past, there can be no future. We must learn to accept the past as unalterable and move on". You are "UNDER CONSTRUCTION". Did you get the message Bro: Good!!

Download and install JAVA!!

"A word spoken in due season, how good is it". Proverbs 15:23. But the trouble with the person who talks too fast is that he or she often says something he or she hasn't thought of yet. My friend, sometimes they come by gallon while thoughts come by spoonful. Hey, if your mouth should misfire, be careful about reloading! Did you hear? Listen man listen. Recently one young couple came home after work and she was cooking dinner while he was checking his emails. The wife came in the room and said "Honey I can't open this Jar. In response he said " Down load and install Java". Tada! Did you get the message this Sunday morning buddy? Good!!

HIS EVERLASTING PRESENCE!!

"And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished out of their sight". Luke 24:31. My friend, Our Lord who has promised us "I am with you always even unto the end of the world" is with us. Sometimes unrecognized! He was on the way to Emmaus, until they realized how their hearts have been warmed, their love stirred, and the promises in the Bible seemingly speaking to them with heavenly reality of His awesome presence- when they were lonely and scared. Loneliness can affect the rich and poor, the king and the peasant- but your God is there to listen to you. Occasions arise that sadden the most buoyant and dampen the hope of the most hopeful. In the days of danger, opposition, threat and persecution or or in the days of monotony, boredom, and grinding circumstances, the Lord's presence should give your ordinary living a new appeal. Bro: The sea of life is not always smooth, neither the wind is not always favorable and you are getting tired of rowing: But as He promised, He will calm the sea and proclaim Peace to you. My friend,Let us realize and know this fact that He is with us, and "His presence" all unseen but REAL is ready when we need Him the most! HE IS SHAMMAH!! YES HE IS!!

OUR MOMENTARY AFFLICTIONS!

"When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined Gold [pure and luminous]". Job 23:10. My friend, some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns. It's all your perspective and understanding about the God you serve. Being a child of God, what a comfort it is to know that the Lord has vested interest in my deliverance. He is in the process of cultivating what He has invested in my life. Wasn't it God's divine purpose that kept us afloat when others capsized beneath the Lord of life when we were facing fierce storms in our life? Job knew that God had an investment in his life that no season of distress could eradicate. Hey, hey, you will come out as refined and purified Gold. When I was a boy I watched my mother sift flour through a sieve. The fine flour went through easily, but the large bits of grain were not affected by the shaking and remained on top. Bro: Life is like that. We go through testing periods, but if we are big enough- have big faith, hope, love, courage, and faith and confidence in your God- we can endure the shaking and remain on top. Your God has bigger plans for you. Disappointed! But appointed to do bigger works. Cheer up man, THIS WILL PASS!!!!!

WILL COME OUT AS PURE GOLD!

"When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined Gold [pure and luminous]". Job 23:10. My friend, some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns. It's all your perspective and understanding about the God you serve. Being a child of God, what a comfort it is to know that the Lord has vested interest in my deliverance. He is in the process of cultivating what He has invested in my life. Wasn't it God's divine purpose that kept us afloat when others capsized beneath the Lord of life when we were facing fierce storms in our life? Job knew that God had an investment in his life that no season of distress could eradicate. Hey, hey, you will come out as refined and purified Gold. When I was a boy I watched my mother sift flour through a sieve. The fine flour went through easily, but the large bits of grain were not affected by the shaking and remained on top. Bro: Life is like that. We go through testing periods, but if we are big enough- have big faith, hope, love, courage, and faith and confidence in your God- we can endure the shaking and remain on top. Your God has bigger plans for you. Disappointed! But appointed to do bigger works. Cheer up man, THIS WILL PASS!!!!!

YOUR HAIRS ARE NUMBERED!!

"But the very hairs of your head are all NUMBERED". Matthew 10:30. We usually ask questions like "Do I know you? I don't believe I know who you are? We answer it in different ways. We give our names, sometimes where we live, our nationality, I am a Texan, whose children are we, or even the parents of this or that person. But my friend, our God knows who we are and you don't have to introduce yourself to Him. Our God's record about us are so complete that even the hairs on our head are numbered. Not counted but NUMBERED, that means He has the chronological record of your hair strands and He knows which hair is in your comb. TADA. He has the record of your family tree, your tithes, your thoughts, your priorities, your blood group, your vain words, and your secrets which you think you only know. But God knows it. Even in those moments of absolute desperation, disappointments, loneliness, and helpless situations, our God is working an expected end for your good. BRO: Our Lord who fed thousands with one basket, stilled storms with one command, raised the dead with one proclamation, rerouted the history with one life, lived in one country, was born in one manger, died on one hill is telling you now "STAND STILL AND SEE MY SALVATION". HE WILL DO IT AGAIN BUDDY!! For you..for you.. FOR YOU!!

ARE YOU A MEMBER OR DISCIPLE?

"GO then and make DISCIPLES of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". Matthew 28:19 AMPV. Do you see my friend two words "GO AND DISCIPLES"? Today's average audience in the public gatherings is made up of those who need it least. There have been times when one public sermons would result in three thousand conversions; but today the results are more like three thousand sermons resulting in one conversion. This is not to disparage public meetings. This is why Jesus said "GO". Pastors and churches are high on memberships, but Jesus is telling us to make DISCIPLES not pew-warming members. Disciples are expected of the following: 1) Commitment. "And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple" Luke 14;27. We can learn in groups, serve in teams, worship as a family; but we can only DISCIPLES individually. Without commitment, discipleship cannot happen. 2) Competence. John 15:7-8. Remain in me and bear fruit. 3) Character. John 13:34-35. 4) ..love one another..By this all men will know that you are my disciples. 4) Conviction: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free". John 8:32. Too often, Christians are knowledge rich but application poor. "Right Doctrine" but without "Conviction". That's why "our life styles differ little from the cultural norm and do not even hint at CHRIST within us. Tada. Are you a member or a disciple? Think about it buddy.

COLT FOR JESUS?

"Go into the village over against you, and straight away ye shall find an ass tied , and a colt with her: loose them and bring them unto me". Matthew 21:2. After talking to you the other day, I like to encourage you to do God's work. Stop telling me I am useless, foolish, weak, no degrees in Theology, good for nothing, unwanted, unqualified, and have no calling. Look like you have fear and inferiority complex. God qualifies the called, and he wants to know whether you are available. Of all animals Jesus chose the foolish donkey to carry Him for His triumphant journey to people. Horses are majestic and fast. But the colt was foolish, weak, immature, untrained. The donkey can say" I am just a village donkey not a city-bred confident one. Probably the owner had to push it to go. When Jesus was riding on Him, he received honor, people were shouting and praising Jesus. "He said to me, "prophesy to the breath, prophesy son of man. Tell the breath, 'God the master says, come from the four winds. Come, breath. Breath on these slain bodies (dry bones). Breath life!" So I prophesied, just as He commanded me. The breath entered them they came alive! They stood upon their feet, a huge army". Ezekiel 37:9-10. Bro. We serve a God of endless possibilities, if He can breath life into dry bones, He can take care of your situation if you ask Him to, nothing is too hard for Him. Step out of your box and into the purpose God has for you, and He is waiting for you. Don't limit yourself, He is calling...calling.. calling!!

YOU AND YOUR PRIDE!

"..I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above above the stars of God, I will sit also upon the mount...I will ascend above the heights of the clouds.." Isaiah 14:13-14. My friend, do you have this "I" problem? The classic portrait of pride is Lucifer, Satan, the Devil which is caused his downfall. God is in all out war against PRIDE, do you know that? Litmus test time! 1) You have a tough time accepting, or considering for that matter, suggestion given by colleagues or anyone else. 2) You do not entertain people who challenges you or correct you and you'd rather keep away and maintains a distance. 3) You avoid contact with people whom you think have a higher potential and skill compared to you. 4) You get extremely offended when your associates or team members seek help for complicated cases from your friend and not you. This is what you call "I am invincible pride". Well, God pickles the proud and preserves the foolish. Hey, pride is the only disease that makes everyone sick but the one who has it. TADA. How do I deal with it- you may ask? a) Recognize it buddy. b) Repent of it- do something about it before God does. c) Fight it everyday. Hey hey, soon after your body has been lowered into the grave, your family, friends, your co-believers will be eating fried chicken, chicken biriani, eating desserts, cracking jokes and you will be history. OUCH but it is true.