...and David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?" "Pursue them," he answered. "You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue."
I Samuel 30:8

Are there goals and dreams in your heart that God has assigned to you to go after? What are you waiting for? In this season God is saying pursue, don’t be concerned about the resources or circumstances if God says “pursue” it’s time to move by faith knowing that God will fill in all of the details by giving you favor in the situation. God is the only one that can turn what seems like a small beginning into a massive reality, all for the Glory of God.

The Miracles of Jesus Healing Power

Matt 9:18-10:10

The one thing that is consistent with the miracles of Jesus healing power is that each individual seeking Jesus took some form of action believing in the source they were seeking which was Jesus. Our lesson in this is clear, prayer is essential, but faith requires action on our part to do what we can do and believe that God will act on our action of faith. Because our faith is increased by what he has already done, we are prompted to move to higher, bigger, and better. God gives each one of us a measure of faith that causes me to believe that it can and should increase as we watch how God turns faith into miracles. With this being the first month in the new year by faith just as the father asked Jesus to restore his daughter back to life, the women with the issue of blood touching Jesus cloak, and the two blind man asking Jesus to have mercy on them, I am expecting and anticipating God to answer prayers. Remember, he delights in blessing  His children all to illuminate  His Glory in our lives.   

To God Be the Glory!!

You can’t walk in who you are until you know who that is...

I will give you every place on which you set foot, as I promised Moses. (Joshua 1:3 GWT)

Offenses

While observing Jesus responses and reactions to others conduct there is only one instance when Jesus became angry and that is when others mishandled the temple of God by using it as a marketplace. Even when a crowd brought a woman to Jesus who was caught in adultery he showed grace, love, and gentleness towards her. I have to admit I do not always exhibit Jesus example. It is essential to display the correct response and attitude concerning all things when we confess to be children of God. There is always someone watching us but even more important Christ is always present. Although anger and frustration is a valid emotion how we display and managed it is important in the eyes of God. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (Gal 5:22-23)  Our target should be to become Christ-like, practicing the fruits of the spirit in all situations so others may see the Holy Spirit active in our lives. We are the Church of God and our actions speak so much louder than words. So before we respond or react to a situation this would be a good place to ask “what would Jesus do?” I believe God will honor the question and give us exactly what we need to look more like Him.

What Is Your Response?

Then Mephibosheth bowed and said, “Of what importance am I, your servant, that you show regard for a dead dog like me?” (2 Sam 9:8 NET Bible)

When I think of the holiness and greatness of God I am humbled by the many ways he continues to bless, grant prayers, and pour his favor out on our lives. It reminds me of the story of David and Mephibosheth. David sought out anyone left in Saul’s family for the sole purpose of blessing  them, he wasn’t concerned about residence, physical appearance, or current circumstances. It’s the same way that God feels about us being a part of his family. He delights in blessing his children and showering them with everything they need as well as the desires of their heart. Our response should be gratefulness and a humbled heart…the one and only true God thinks of us? Really? There is no sweeter thought.

Lord I am humbled by every answered prayer and unexpected blessing. I bow unto you saying thank you for the love and thoughtfulness you have towards me, use me to extend that same love towards others so they may come to have a personal relationship with you so that you will be glorified.  

To God Be The Glory!

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! (John 14:12-14)

Many times we forget the power that Christ has given us to do the work of the Father. It is not by our strength but through the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. Christ challenges us to “ask him for anything in his name and he will do it.” Can your faith match up to God’s statement? Are your goals small or bigger than you and your immediate resources?

We are equipped with everything needed to fulfill are dreams that God has placed inside of us through prayer and the Holy Spirit, accomplishing our dreams serves one ultimate purpose to make God shine, to blow his name up, to bring Glory to HIS name. 

We are in the likeness of Christ when our main goal is to bring glory to the Father.

To God Be The Glory!

Am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. 

Isaiah 42:8 NIV

One way for us to stay on track in regard to our personal relationship with Christ is to remind ourselves that in everything we do we should always make sure it gives God the Glory. Our speech, responses, lifestyle, goals, gifts and talents should be for the soul purpose of glorifying God’s name on this earth. God uses his chosen vessels in the physical to bring him Glory, the reason for our existence. Everything we possess and have the ability to do should be a direct indication to others that because we serve and worship the only true and living God we are blessed and favored, which magnifies the name of Jesus and brings Glory to the Father.

If we can ask the question in our plans and daily walk “does this bring Glory to God?” it would assist us in keeping our focus and making godly decisions in everything that we do.

To God Be the Glory!!

I made you grow like a plant of the field….And your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, because the splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign Lord…But you trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a prostitute. You lavished your favors on anyone who passed by and your beauty became his…This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will deal with you as you deserve, because you have despised my oath by breaking the covenant…Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the Lord. Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign Lord. (Ezekiel 16:7, 14, 15, 59, 60, 62, 63)

 

It is so important for us to recognize and manifest a grateful heart for the amount of compassion and forgiveness God has for us and not take it for granted, doing so only entangles us further into sin. Yes God is forgiving but continued disobedience without repentance reaps negative circumstances and places us out of the will of God. Once we come into the knowledge of Christ we have an obligation to live a life that is obedient and pleasing to our Father, living any other way does not afford us to take hold of our God given destiny. It is only through Christ that we attain true splendor in life, without God we are nothing. I am so grateful for Christ’s covenant agreement to those who commit to a life and personal relationship with him. His covenant provides everything that we will ever need to succeed in a world that is filled with greed and wickedness. Before anything else we should be most grateful for the sacrifice of Christ that saved us and keeps us daily.

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deut 31:8 NLT

…for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," Heb 13:5 NAS

In a world where it is challenging to find the character of “ride or die” individuals I am so grateful that I can depend on God. Many times we try to take things into our own hands which only breed doubt and discouragement. We have to come to a place in our walk with God that we totally depend on him for all things and trust that he will “not fail us” even when we fail ourselves. The Holy Spirit leads and guides us when we seek and trust God to permeate over our lives. Many times it’s hard to surrender unto God because of the uncertainty of how things will turn out, however as a child of God no matter what the outcome we have the assurance that God will not fail us, or desert us, “NEVER.” I don’t know about you but that gives me so much hope, and fills my heart with so much love and joy to know that the only true God is by my side every step of the way.  

Prayer

Lord not only did you sacrifice your life to give us life you have also given us the assurance that you will always be with us, and although others may forsake us we can stand firm because of your love, protection, and kindness. We can never repay you for all that you have done and are going to do in our lives, thank you Lord for always standing with us especially in those times when we are left with no one.  Amen!

The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh King of Egypt. Deut 7:6-8 NIV

I realize the sited scripture addresses Israel prior to entering into war to possess the land promised by God, however because we have been adopted into Christ family the same promises apply to us. We are special in the eyes of God no matter what others think of us or the mistakes we have made. God loves us so deeply that he made provisions through Jesus Christ to snatch us from hell into his wonderful promise of eternal life. Once we accept Jesus invitation and allow him to become our Lord and Savior no one is able to snatch us from the Father’s hand. (John 10:29)  God’s love for us should prompt us to change and be transformed into his likeness sharing with others what was so freely given to us. Standing on the love of God provides us freedom and confidence in everything we do. I am so grateful the one and only true God looks after me constantly. What a mighty God we serve!!!

Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him, if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then, free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear. You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor.

(Job 11:16-19 NIV)

Many times it’s hard for us to completely let go of false securities that we mistaken as ways to deal with hurt and pain. God transforms each of us into his likeness in different ways and stages through a lifetime. Our responsibility is to submit and trust the Holy Spirit to heal us as we continue our walk with God. This can be very difficult at times because we have become so accustom to a particular way or thought process. However once we surrender onto God its like “waters gone by.” There is security and peace in turning our deepest fears, hurts, and pains over to Christ trusting that he will heal and deliver bringing us to rest in his arms. 

Devote your heart to God and watch how he will transform you into his likeness and free you from the pass so that God can you use you for his glory. 

The whole earth is wrapped in darkness, all people sunk in deep darkness. But God rises on you, his sunrise glory breaks over you. (Isaiah 60:2 MSG)

All of us rather we were taught basic Bible principles as a child or came to know Christ in our adulthood have made bad decisions and done things we wish we could take back. We were all born in sin and darkness but thanks be to God he thought enough about us, loved us so very deeply to provide the light which is Jesus Christ. Only the sacrifice of Jesus provides our “sunrise” our safety net from being engulfed in sin and death. What Christ did for us cannot be duplicated, purchased, or manipulated it is a one time deal for all mankind who accepts the invitation through Jesus Christ for life, peace, and abundance. You can search the entire world and not find what Christ offers to us through the ultimate sacrifice of dying on the cross. His love and kindness gives clarity and freedom like nothing else. What a mighty God we serve!

Bask in his glory and light that was perfectly and strategically created just for you.