A Must Read!: "Broken Church Homes"

Last month we read an amazing post from Pastor G. Craige Lewis of Exministries. It is called "Broken Church Homes" and Pastor Lewis expressed his deep concerns about the state of marriages in the body of Christ. It is a thought provoking article that addresses the many issues that Christian marriages are facing today. The Enemy is really attacking what God has ordained to be sacred and holy. We urge everyone to pray and intercede for the marriages in your local church, your families, friends, church leaders and pastors. The devil is doing a work and we need to counteract. Prayer is our most valuable and powerful weapon against this spirit of divorce, infidelity, division and confusion. To read the article click here or copy and paste the link below.

http://gcraige.blogspot.com/2011/08/broken-church-homes.html

"But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, ⁸ and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. ⁹ Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Mark 10: 6-9

Smoke and Mirrors: A Disillusioned Generation

My sister and I went out Thursday night this pass week for Fashion Night Out. The event started in 2009 and we have been out shopping that night since it started. We have always had a good time and enjoyed getting free gifts, food & discounts. We were on a mission this time to get dresses for our cousin's wedding this month. After attending the prayer meeting at our church we headed down to Soho to a couple of stores. When we got out of the station there was a large crowd that we have never seen before!
There were so many people out and in one area. It was extremely overwhelming, considering all the crime that happened over labor day weekend, we were a bit worried. We normally do not like large groups of people and avoid them like the plague but we wanted to go to a particular store. On our way to the store we encountered a lot of disheartening events. Young women were dressed in scantily clad outfits, young men were cat calling the girls, individuals were dressed as the opposite sex and all types of inappropriate behavior. It was like watching numerous identity crisis happening all around us. The girls paraded around imitating their favorite celebrities. You could tell that they have bought into the lies of the media about who they are, their worth and what they should look like. The guys approaching the girls were vulgar in their pursuit. They were unnecessarily aggressive, inappropriate and disrespectful. There were many young men dressed as women or acting extremely effeminate.
We were disturbed by what we witnessed. I recently completed The Vision by David Wilkerson and my sister is reading it now. Pastor David talks about the lewdness, lawlessness and flood of filth that will happen in the last days that He saw in the vision that God gave him. It grieves my spirit to see that happening right now with this generation. It also made me upset how the enemy has deceived the masses to believe what they are not. These young people are trying to be celebrities, relevant or important.
Little do they know that they are already stars that have a divine purpose and call on their precious lives. They don't need to pretend to be something that they are not. They are made in the image of an amazing Creator that loves and cares for them unconditionally. Please keep this generation in prayer. We were all here at one point of our lives. We need to pray that we reflect Christ to the world. If these young people can see Christ in us they will be drawn to him. God said that if He be lifted up He would draw all men unto Him. If Christ is lifted up in our lives everywhere we go He will draw men unto Himself. Please continue to be prayerful and allow the Holy Spirit to move you to impact this generation.

Battle With the Devil: ABC Nightline Special

Last month ABC's Nightline Show Beyond Belief aired an expose called "Battle with the Devil." We watched the special and thought it was very interesting. We would like to know what you think about it. We have our own opinions, which we will post next week; but we want to give our readers a chance to watch it before we analyze it. Click the link below to watch the episode.

http://abc.go.com/watch/primetime-nightline-beyond-belief/SH55131205/VD55136065/battle-with-the-devil

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!

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)

It's Prayer Time!!!

Image loction

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

What is the GOSPEL?

Amazing spoken word on the Gospel

Be Bold: Don't Be Afriad to Speak

The spirit of fear and lack of boldness is a major issue for many young (in age) Christians. Youth are often inundated with peer pressure and to go with the flow; to conform to the ways of the world. Many young people are so consumed with how people look at them and perceive them instead of realizing that the only person who can affirm them is their Creator. Yet we are called to something great and that is to tell the world that God is real, that He gave His only Son as a sacrifice so that our debts and sins could be forgiven. God wants us to speak. He wants us to do that which He has called us to. In Acts 18:9-10, God spoke to Paul and said:

…Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

¹⁰For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

¹¹And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

If God has called us to speak then He has made heavenly arrangement to ensure that we glorify His name. God asks that we “not hold our peace, for He is with us”. He said that He would be with us. He is telling us that if we just trust that He will fill our mouths and stand by us and His Word, we shouldn’t be afraid to speak. We should feel free to open our mouths and tell of His mercy, love and grace. God also promises that no one would harm us. If God is for us, who can be against us? I know we all have heard it before but do we really understand and believe it? We should constantly remind ourselves that Christ said He would not leave us as orphans. We will not need to fend for ourselves and protect ourselves from all the wolves in the world. No, He is going to protect us. He will make sure that we are kept and preserved. Then God says something beautiful, He said that He has many people in the city. I wonder, do we ever stop and think about the fact that God has strategically placed many of us in a particular city for a particular reason? I know that my God just doesn’t throw ideas in the air and see if they stick? No, He is a thoughtful God that orchestrates all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. God has set His people in cities to be an encouragement, protectors, watchers, and a cup of cold water. He has not forgotten us. If He has called us He will take care of us and that also means situating His saints in various places.

God will also give you the words to speak. Isaiah 50:4 reads,

4 “ The Lord GOD has given Me

The tongue of the learned,

That I should know how to speak

A word in season to him who is weary.

He awakens Me morning by morning,

He awakens My ear

To hear as the learned.

And while the previous passage speaks of Christ, we have been commissioned to do His Works on the earth. So if Jesus wants us to do that which He did, wouldn’t it only be fitting that we too will have the tongue of the learned? We would have a word in season for those who are weary? Bottom line, when He calls you He equips you. You never have to worry or wonder what to speak. God will give you the words, He will provide protection, He will be with you, He will provide people in the faith as a comfort for you and so much more.

Dare to be different for the Lord. I know it can be hard dealing with people’s perceptions of you, wanting to be liked by classmates and co-workers, but we need to understand we only need to be approved by One’ person” and that is God! We are in the world but we are not of the world. We need to remember what Jesus said about us in His prayer before being led away to be tried and crucified. My music ministry director mentioned something to us once. He said that God mounts us on wings as eagles and as many of you may know, eagles soar to new heights and when the wind is troublesome they don’t stop flying they just rise higher. He said that eagles don’t flock. That simple phrase really changed my outlook on how I see myself through the eyes of the world. It doesn’t matter if we are ostracized because eagles don’t flock anyway. Let us not seek approval or comfort from the world, but rather know that we can speak boldly because the Holy Spirit lives in us and guides us. So wherever you are, if God is calling you to stay and speak, then you do just that. Know that He is with you and that He loves you. Know that He has put His Word on the line. Also realize that you can do nothing in the flesh. God’s Spirit does the work and gets the glory. You are a vessel and a partaker but you are not the author or the recipient. Allow God to use you for the saving of souls. Don’t be afraid to speak and don’t be afraid to be different.

I pray that God delivers you from fear and baptizes you in love and boldness.

Decision Making Prayers

I have had many decisions to make in my life. I recently and still am, seeking the Lord on some major decisions that I have to make. Some concerning the matters of the heart. I am a control freak and the Lord had to deal with me in this area. There were many times that I relied on my own knowledge and will to make choices. Needless to say some of those decisions landed me in trouble. The Lord had to show me that I needed His Knowledge and Will to help me in my decision making.
A good example of this is in Genesis 24. Abraham sends out his oldest servant to find a wife for his son Issac. The servant prayed that the Lord would "show him success this day."(verse 12) His prayer was asking God to bless his master, Abraham, and to show him the woman that he should take back with him for Issac. The servant was very detailed in his prayer and the Lord answered quickly by having Rebekah come to the well at that time. The servant's prayer came from a true honest heart for the love and loyalty that he had for Abraham and Issac. It wasn't a selfish prayer or about him having favor or receiving any gift for doing his job. He knew that he had to call upon God for help because he knew that he could not make this decision on his own.
Have you ever had to make a decision on leaving a job or excepting one? Have you ever had to make a decision on which school to attend? How about which church or ministry to join? How about deciding on if this is the right person for you to marry? Or, where to move, how much to charge for your services, to home school or which school your children should attend? Maybe you had to make a decision on what medical care to receive.
Whatever your situation is, go to God in prayer. Please do not be general with your requests. Just how Abraham's servant was very detailed in his prayer and made it very intimate with the Lord, we should do the same. Spend time with God and let Him know everything that is going on in your life. All the decisions you have to make and the desires of your heart. Yes, God knows all and He sees all but He loves that special time when we get away from all of life's distractions and we come to Him. God loves when we ask Him for advice or guidance because it shows how we have surrendered all our cares to Him.
We don't need to read horoscopes, go to palm readers, call talk radio shows or go on talk shows for advice. While, going to friends and family members is nice; there is only one source that can give you the answer that you need. Psalms 62: 5 says it all:

" My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him."

Our Father has our best interest at heart and He will guide us in the right path, so that we make good decisions. We need His wisdom, knowledge and discernment to get through in these last days. The only way we can achieve that is through prayer. Can you imagine if the servant went on his own feelings, emotions, understanding and flesh, what could have happened? Would there have been the nation of Israel? Perhaps the servant knew what was at stake. Maybe Abraham had told him the promise that God had made him? So he knew this mission was not something small or insufficient. A whole nation was going to be birthed out of Issac's seed. So he had to make the right choice.
Sometimes we think our choices or decisions are not that important. So we don't seek God to direct us. My friends, every choice we make is important to the Kingdom of God! God has major plans for our lives but He gives us the ability to choice His way or our way. Proverbs 3: 5-6 states:

⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

That is what the servant did. He trusted God to help him pick Rebekah. He acknowledged the Lord and gave Him all the glory. He did not rely on his intelligence, years of experience, taste or occupation to make this decision. He asked God to " show kindness" to Abraham and appoint the "one" for Issac. Here is the amazing part of this story, just when he is done speaking, Rebekah comes to the well! God is so good! He was so eager and excited to answer this heart felt prayer that He didn't even wait for the servant to finish! Can you imagine what He is waiting to do in your life?
Call on Him and ask Jesus to give you the sound mind, wisdom and discernment that you need in order to make everyday decisions. I pray above all else that the Lord is glorified and lifted up in your decisions!