"I Know I'm a Christian But I wanna "DO IT".... By Jackie Hill

This video popped up on my YouTube today, figure it could bless some folks!


She's just keeping it real.

Click here to watch video

By: Jackie Hill

Hold to God's Unchanging Hand

By: Donovan Parker

Song in my spirit - wanted to share. So it's an old hymn I remember from my youth.

I have been repeatedly singing it these last couple days. 

The most memorable lines in the chorus are "Build your hopes on things eternal; hold to God's Unchanging Hand. 

So I took a second to think about the message that the song provides. 

This is what's exciting to me ..

The songwriter uses the term "build" which is interesting for a number of reasons.  There are a couple things to note about building. We will go over as we go along.  

Before building, most people put together a detailed and scripted plan or blueprint of what they want the completed work to look like.  That's interesting because the mere fact that you have an expectation of completion is testament to the dominion and power you have in God to it coming to pass!

These next few things are crucial to your BUILD.

1. Foundation. Your BUILD has to have structure. It has to be able to withstand some weight.

In other words, the foundation or the base/basis for what you invest in must be structural because its necessary for support of the weight of the BUILD.  

2. Supplies. You'll need resources to complete your BUILD.  Don't worry, this is already covered.  Ever went shopping on the company budget? It feels a little different doesn't it? You have already been approved for ALL the resources you'll need - at no cost to you!

When I think of building something, I don't automatically think of building my "hopes, dreams, visions, etc."  However, to suggest that your hopes, aspirations, goals be rooted in eternal things is really powerful! 

Here's why..

God and His Word (John 1:1) ARE ETERNAL! Haha

When you BUILD (root, anchor, rest, meditate) on His promises ... myGod  - the results are sure. They can withstand. They sustain; they encourage; they motivate..

Anything that I can hope, think, or even imagine .. if I BUILD on the eternal (God and His Word) is decreed prosperous. Psalm 1:3 - planted, prosperous, un-withering.  

This brings me to the next point, when you have success in building you want to BUILD more!

Ephesians 3:20 tells us that God is able to do exceeding and abundantly more that we are able to ask or think! Why wouldn't you want to BUILD with assurance like that!? Your confidence should maxxxx! 

God desires relationship with us , so much so that He gives us the power to make such powerful things happen if we just lock in with Him.  He has even left us with the resources we need for our BUILD. His Word -> Salvation -> Access to the same eternal extension of grace! These are all in His hand! And there's nothing we could do to change that! His Hand is UNCHANGING ! The same blessings, promises, grace, and resources are ALWAYS available to us when we BUILD in Him.

I'll leave you with this thought..

BUILDING IS A CONSTRUCTIVE PROCESS!  

Continue to cultivate your methods of BUILDING by learning to trust Him more, talk to Him more, and LISTEN to Him more. Put your Faith in action by utilizing the resources He's already given you access to! 

For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. -Hebrews 3:4

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

We thank You that one of Your creations was soooo valuable to You that You granted access to the Eternal.  We can't even understand forever, but thank You for loving us that long!  Help us to operate in boldness with the resources You've given us access to AND BUILD with confidence those things You have already set aside for us. We love You, thank You, and praise You for an unchanging, unshakeable foundation to BUILD on. You are AMAZING!

In Jesus' Name,

AMEN.

It Aint For Everybody

By: Fred Reid

Short Version: Whatever gift, testimony, and knowledge you have won’ t work for/reach everybody! There are several people you will reach for Christ but don’t get so down on yourself if there are people that you just can’t affect (seemingly)

      So you love the Lord! You’re zealous for the kingdom and often you experience His presence and have an increased heart for people...bbuuttt somehow you can’t seem to introduce certain people to this new lifestyle that you are enjoying. You can see how they need Christ, the benefits that will come to their life if they just apply the knowledge that you have gained…but its just not clicking. So now you are at the point where you are questioning your methods….maybe you’re just not that good at witnessing, maybe you don’t know the right scriptures to use, maybe you aren’t being transparent enough.

      Well this devo is just in time for you! There are specific people that you CAN reach and instead of spending so much time getting frustrated with who you can’t reach you should focus on who you can reach and impact. Don’t get too caught up in tryna change EVERYBODY’s life..that’s not going to happen! Even Jesus couldn’t reach everybody and neither can you. So what are we to do when our testimony, and ministering falls on deaf ears?

Matt 10:14

“And whosoever shall not receive you nor hear your words when ye depart out of that house or city shake the dust from your feet”

     Essentially charge it to the game lol ok but seriously, if people aren’t trying to receive don’t get angry with them, frustrated with yourself (or God) just keep it moving! Too often Christians tend to get condescending when people aren’t receptive of the gospel. Or guilt trippy on the whole “well you’re on your way to hell” approach.  I really wish we’d stop that so I’m taking a stand lol But by no means am I saying just give up on people that don’t listen or receive this good news of Christ Jesus, because no matter how long you’ve been saved that’s out of your jurisdiction, you have no say in whether someone’s a lost cause or not. But I am a firm believer that the Father is not one to waste time. There is something that you should be learning at this point of rejected witness, something that is being developed in you so pay attention!

     A (seemingly) failed witness or missed opportunity really bothers me from time to time as well so as my brother in Christ Cliff Jones reminded me YEARS ago: one man plants another waters but God gives the increase! Maybe you are the planter that toils the soil and digs into it instead of the waterer that simply nurtures what’s already there. Either way it is the holy spirit that will bring about a spiritual increase and a changed life.  No matter how you slice it, your witness just aint for everybody.

Over and Out J

Why the Cross: What the cross has to do with past sexual sin

In His Image

 By: Deborah Ross

“I want a man who loves God, is a leader, is supportive, is respectful,  obedient to God, sensitive to the Holy Spirit, patient, has a fruit-bearing life, active in the church, ...” and so on and so on goes the list of several women about their ideal guy (concerning the spiritual and “soul-ish” aspects of their ideal guy).  I’ve never seen any of my brothers’ lists of their “dream girl” but I’m sure it’s filled with several amazing qualities much like those on my ladies’ lists.  I want to pose these questions to us though ladies: do we possess the qualities that a man, looking for a wife, wants?  Fellas, are you someone a lady wants to find her? And questions for us all: Do we possess the fruit of the spirit? Are we kind, loving, gentle, patient, joyous, self-controlled, forbearing, faithful, and peaceful?  Are we seeking to be purified, sanctified, and holy? Are we active in church, obedient to God, supportive, submissive to our leaders, serving people, serving God, leading when necessary, and sensitive to the Spirit?  Do we possess the qualities that we want our mates to have?  Now don’t just try to possess these qualities just to impress Mr. or Mrs. Right but desire these qualities simply because it pleases God.  Allow him to help you develop these things because that’s his plan for your life and it brings him glory.  Be matured in the areas where you need work just because of your love for God and your desire for a closer relationship with him.  Then Mr./Mrs. Right may come along. (But even if she or he doesn’t, as you become who God wants you to be and you understand who he is you will become content in him and satisfied with his plans/desires over your own.)  Matthew 6:33 ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (SN: now the context of this scripture is talking about not worrying about having the necessities of life. God knows what you need and will supply those things.  Instead of worrying seek first his kingdom; his rule, his authority, what he’ll have you to do and his righteousness; what is acceptable to God, how you can honor him and then these “things”; that God knows you need, will be added to you.  When you seek him first and his righteousness you’re not worried about what you don’t have.  You’re focused on God and as he brings you different gifts you are appreciative of the gifts instead of idolizing them or stressing about when you’re going to get them. )

Prayer:

Daddy, the qualities we want in our future mates are things that you require of us.  You want us to be filled with the fruit of the spirit, to be pure; serving, giving… help us to be the men and women you want us to be; loving, kind, gentle, joyous, self-controlled, faithful, longsuffering, full of peace, and patient.  We want the heart motive to be this way just because it brings you glory and it fulfills your purpose for our lives.  We thank you for the gifts that come along with seeking your plan, your kingdom, and your righteousness first, above all things.  We want a heart of appreciation for the gifts but a stronger appreciation, recognition and reverential fear for you, the giver.  We praise you because you are fearfully and wonderfully made and more awesome and fulfilling than anything else in this world.  Only you can completely fulfill us so help us to seek you to fill the emptiness in our lives.  Thank you; we love you! Amen.

P.S. (shameless plug) For my sistahs out there: I’ve started a book reading club and we just started reading a book that relates to what I was saying in this devotional.  It’s called Lady in Waiting and it’s about becoming God’s best; a woman of reckless abandonment to Jesus, purity, diligence, security, faith, contentment, conviction, patience, devotion, and faith.  The link to our FB page is http://www.facebook.com/groups/133153863555103/.  Check it out for more info =)  ~Deborah

Again??

By: Juan Tuset 

Earlier today, my pastor was talking about how the resurrection of Jesus was the most amazing miracle that God ever performed. Now, I've always been grateful for the resurrection (cuz it you know, saved me from eternal damnation and what not), but I never really considered it to be such a great miracle, definitely not THE greatest one simply because Jesus had brought other people back from the dead while He was here on earth.

My pastor went on to explain what was so amazing. Yes, Jesus had risen other people from the dead, but after Jesus was crucified, ALL the powers of darkness were working to keep Him in hell. That means every demon, every imp, and Satan himself were exerting ALL their power to keep Jesus from resurrecting. And He did anyway.

What does that mean for us? It means that all of the things coming at you have already been defeated. Debt, lack, sexual perversion, laziness, ALL these things. The gossiping demon, the seasonal allergies demon and the dandruff demon (I'm gonna open up and let yall know that them last 2 be coming at me hard) ALL these dudes just got their butt's whooped by our Father in heaven, our Big Brother Jesus, and the Holy Spirit that lives in you. Romans 8:11 (Amplified version) says: But if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, then He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you.

The same Spirit that defeated EVERY SINGLE demon over 2000 years ago (and because there is no time in the Spirit realm, that beating is fresh in their memories) lives in you! God laid the smack down on ALL of them and has freely filled us with His smack down power!!! So whenever any circumstances or old sins try to come at you, don't murmur. Don't complain. Don't get frustrated.  Instead, rejoice and thank the God who ALWAYS causes you to triumph, look at whatever's trying to come at you and say, "Do you really want this AGAIN???"

Fullness of Life

Fullness of Life

By: Monique Smith

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 KJV)

While on twitter earlier today, I was reading a friend's tweets about relationships. One that stuck out to me was:" Singles don't miss out on anything because Jesus came to offer everything to anyone who believes, not just for married ppl @kingspark"- tweet by Sarah G. From Morgan Bates' sermon. 

After reading that tweet, God gave me this revelation. While being single, (which everyone is unless they are married, being in a relationship with God will provide you with anything you want and will quench any thirst you may have. This visual came to mind. Picture a cup that is full. You know the cup is full and you're enjoying it. Now we're going to look at the temptation of sexual sins. Lust comes and blurs your sight and distorts your depth perception. Across the way you see another cup. This cups looks good and looks more fun than you feel like your cup is. In fact it's one of those hard plastic colored cups, that changes colors. Lust makes you yearn for that cup and could tempt you to go to it. You choose to do so. However, once you get inside the cup, you realize that it's EMPTY. And the fullness that it presented it self to have was just an illusion. It was actually one of those freeze cups! (Google for image) It appeared to be fun and full... But once you get to it, you realize it's empty. Then that leaves you to ponder on how great it was when you were content and patient with the fullness you knew you had! 

Friends, don't let the enemy side sweep you! God wants what's best for you! 

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. (Psalms 84:11 KJV)

God won't withhold anything that's GOOD for you in this season!! Don't be deceived. Be like Paul---I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret ⌊of being content⌋ — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. (Philippians 4:12 HCSB)-- Be content!

Prayer: God I love you. Help me to remain content.  Help me to remain focused and realize that I have abundant life in you at all times! There is nothing that I currently lack in my life because there is no good thing you are withholding from me in my current season! Help me grow in my relationship with you. I love you! In Jesus name, amen. 

Grace

 Grace

By: Monique Smith 

Last night after after attending a Lecrae concert in Durham, NC. I headed home to Erwin. While I was still on the highway, I decided to call in my order at Waffle House, so when I got there, it would be ready for pick up. I didn't want to make time to wait, because I was really tired AND hungry. About 15 min later, I pulled up to Waffle House, hopped out with my car still running and my lights on-- to run in, pay for my order, and head to my house. To my surprise, when I asked for my pick up order, no one behind the register knew what I was talking about. So they went to the back and found another employee to see if he had my order. He in fact had my order but forgot to inform the cooks to make it. He looked at me and said "Ma'am I am SO sorry! It's been a really rough night". I gave him a tiny fake smile and purposefully tried to look annoyed. Thankfully the Holy Spirit kicked me in my chest right after that, and I fixed my demeanor and engaged the guy in small talk with a genuine smile. It only took about 4 min for them to make my food and I wished him a great night and a better tomorrow. When I got in the car, God reminded me about the principal of Grace. 

At the concert, Lecrae said, "When I see people living life in complete disregard of Christ, I don't look at them and think... Look at that heathen! They are so filthy!... Instead I look at them and thank God. Because the only difference between me and them is GRACE. Who am I that God is mindful of me?!" 

Now I'm not saying that the Waffle House employee didn't have a relationship with Christ because he made a mistake and didn't place my order. That would be silly. The Holy Spirit just reminded me of Grace because of my attitude. WHO AM I to have a attitude or be rude toward someone who made a simple mistake, when God, who is PERFECT decides to give me Grace everyday when I make mistakes ALL the time! Grace is UNMERITED! I don't deserve NONE of it! But it's the ONLY thing that allows me to be presented holy and blameless to my Father! I was so blessed and in tears when that hit me last night. 

Prayer: God you are sooooo good and soooo amazing and sooooo perfect! Thank you for loving me in spite of my constant foolishness! God, continue to infiltrate me with your character and refine me to be person you want me to be. Thank you     for everything! I love you with my inner most being! Thank you for allowing me to accept YOUR life in place of my life! You're the best! In Jesus name, amen!