Sunday, July 31, 2011

It's Not About Us

One of the songs I have been listening to constantly is "It's Not About Us" by Bishop Noel Jones. It has always been one of my favorite songs. It speaks the truth that it is not about us but it's about Jesus. Jesus is our focus and everything revolves around Him. He is the reason why we are saved from hell and death.

But what is also important about this statement is that we give up our rights, mind, body, soul, heart and spirit to Jesus. We do not know what is best for us, so Jesus came and showed us the way. We have to die to our flesh daily.(Galatians 5:24) And I am not only talking about sin but our ways, attitudes and desires. For example, if you don't hear your favorite worship song at service and you get upset, well praise and worship is not for you it is for the Lord. We sing songs that are pleasing to Him.

Recently I was working with a freelancer at my job and I really didn't feel like talking to her. She was a little strange and she used too much profanity. I just wanted to get the work done and keep it moving. After work, the Holy Spirit said to me it is not how you feel but it is about Me and saving souls. I felt so bad about being dismissive to the girl. I was wrong to allow my feelings to rule me in that moment. I totally missed an opportunity to witness to this young girl. Unfortunately I didn't think I had a chance to redeem myself because she might not freelance with us again.

But God with His infinite grace granted me a second. The young lady returned and I was able to talk to her. I learned about her life and insecurity issues. I was able to encourage her and provide her godly advice. Had I stayed quiet, I would not have been able to be used by God to reach out to her. I had to put aside my pride, comfort and emotions to make my work day Christ centered. My life has to be Christ centered at all times unless i could miss signs, wonders and miracles. I pray that you make Jesus your focus and the center of your life. It is all about JESUS!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Freedom is Free For All


As I finished up my devotion time on the train on my way to work, I received an understanding of the word I just read. This came from Psalms 14:7. In this verse the psalmist speaks about how the Lord will set the captives free and the people will rejoice. The truth is, that has already been done. Freedom came when the work on the Cross was finished.
But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”Galatians 3:13 (NLT)

Jesus fulfilled that duty when he died for everyone to receive salvation. This is an amazing gift that cancels everything that you have ever done in your life or that has happened to you. All past hurts, pains, failures, addictions, fears, bad habits and lifestyles are no longer a factor. The Lamb that was slain took care of all of that by sacrificing Himself for us.

But I know for myself, sometimes I forget that this means I am free from everything. Free from man's opinions, insecurities, debts, doubts, curses and worldly influences. I remember that I can not believe the lies of the enemy. Like the scripture says, "He whom the son set free is free indeed." John 8:36. God made it so simple for me & you. All we have to do is know who He says He is and know and believe who He says we are. We serve an Awesome God! Get your freedom and deliverance today! Trust and believe that it already has been done.

But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:22 (NLT)

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

It's Prayer Time!!!


We need to pray more than ever. The hour is getting near and darker. Laws have been passed, confusion is controlling the minds of people, nations are falling apart, the institution of marriage has been compromised and economies are crumbling. The Bible clearly states that all these things will happen before Christ returns. (2 Timothy 3:1-4)We need to be in the prayer closet now more than ever. Things are happening so fast that it is overwhelming. My heart is aching for the lost, poor, oppressed and neglected.
The other day my sister and I were on the train and two young men entered. They were talking loud and using profanity. Soon after they entered, another man enters the train and he heads towards the door that is in between the cars and throws his stuff down next to a young lady. He opens the doors , stands between them and proceeds to urinate. The train was not moving and everyone on the platform could see what he was doing. The conductor gets on the intercom and announces that the train will be skipping some stops. Everyone gets out of the car except us. My sister notices a man heading towards our car and starts to get upset. The man had several bags, his hair and clothes were dirty. He appeared to be homeless and on a substance or he was not in his right mind.
My sister did not understand why he had to get in our car and she felt that he did it on purpose. I was so into what I was doing on my phone I disregarded it. Than the Holy Spirit got my attention and I realized that all these people needed prayer. We are a light to the world and God has placed us in areas to pray for others.
When we got off the train, I told my sister what the Holy Spirit had placed in my heart. Instead of getting upset we should pray. Like we have said throughout our posts on this blog, prayer is our most powerful weapon against the prince of this world. Miraculous, amazing and wonderful things happen when we fast and pray.
People need freedom from the strongholds of this world. The body of Christ has to unite and pray for people to receive the same grace and mercy that Jesus has given me and you. I urge you to please pray, not only for others but for yourself. The seducing spirits of this world could capture and cause you to fall, compromise, be fearful, or doubt your faith. (1 Timothy 4:1) Stand strong on the Word of God. Forget about the material things of this world. Look towards the Cross. Keep your focus on the Lord and loving your neighbors. Time is running out and Satan is trying to take as many people with him to Hell as he can.
Turn off the TV, iPod and internet. Start prayer groups in your home, workplace, or school. Pray for your city, school, workplace, coworkers, peers, friends and family. Pray for your church body, for marriages and children to be born or adopted into godly homes. The kingdom of heaven must and will advance. The Lord will keep us through this dark age.

You shall keep them, O LORD,
You shall preserve them from this generation forever.
Psalms 12:7