HEART OF THE MATTER

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  • Overcoming Doubt with Scripture

    Believing the word of God, whether written or spoken is instrumental to our walk of faith. God’s word is what moves us forward in times of difficulty and darkness. It challenges us to become what he says and not what we see. God’s word compels us to move forward in faith so that we may believe without a shadow of doubt. His Word and his will shall prevail no matter what. It is the words of God that keeps us contending to fight the good fight of faith. You can overcome doubts by taking steps towards trusting God.

    The other night, I awakened early in the morning to pray. I asked God about my heart condition. I asked the Lord, why had I become so frustrated in the matters of my life and the Lord spoke to me, “seeds of doubt.” Seeds of doubt causes frustration, anger, discouragement, anxiety, and panic. Of course, I cried and repented for not believing what God had spoken. God is who he says he is even when we cannot trace him, we can still trust him. Because what we seen him do, he still can do. Doubt will take you out when the Word of the Lord is not sealed in your heart. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you.” Knowing what God has spoken and keeping his word in your heart will cause what he said to manifest. Because where doubt is faith cannot operate and “faith is what pleases God”. (Hebrews 11:6).

    The enemy is after the faith of the children of God. In the Garden of Eden, Eve heard God when he said we shall not eat from the tree of good and evil. And the enemy came and presented it in a way, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” The enemy came and sowed seeds of doubt. (Genesis 3:1-4.) And because Eve desired more of what she saw than what God said, seeds of doubt were planted and disobedience followed. (Matthew 13:18) “When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.  The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.  But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.  The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” The seed is the Word. God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (Numbers3:19) No circumstances changes anything that God has spoken. We must hold fast to the Word of God like our life depends on it, because our life depends on it.

  • Finding Hope in Uncertain Times

    Finding Hope in Uncertain Times

    In times of uncertainty, we tend to lose focus and hope. We become frustrated and saddened about the way things are going, and our need to control becomes unbearable. We worry about things way in advance or dwell on the past for too long. During uncertain times, many people fall into depression or suffer from anxiety. The need for control, companionship, or comfort rises. In times of uncertainty when we don’t know which way the winds blows we must trust God. Our focus should be on the one who makes all things possible. The one who knows our needs before we ask. God is still the same, today, tomorrow, and always; take hold of his unchanging hand.

    As you begin each day, take time to be with God. Reading his word, praying and praising him will make a world of difference when you allow the one who created the day to lead the way. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it” (Psalm 118:24). He removes all fears and worries so that you have a carefree day. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.” (1st Peter 5:7) “So do not worry, saying, ‘ What shall we eat? or ‘ What shall we drink or ‘ What shall we wear for the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” (Matthew 6:31-32) God isn’t caught off guard by events happening in our lives; instead, He is working for the good of those who love the Lord according to his will and purpose.(Romans 8:28). God has a plan even in times of famine; faith must arise. We must learn to lean on the Lord, who is willing and able to help all in need.

    Daily, we must eat to sustain our physical energy. We must use the same technique for our spirits. We must feed ourselves spiritually. The daily bread that God provides. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but from every word that comes from the mouth of God.” It is the essential existence for our being. We’re so consumed by the pleasures of the world that provide temporary happiness, and we’re missing out on the joy that the Lord graciously gives. We spend too much time worrying about tomorrow that we forget to savor the moments with the Savior. God provides great meals; take some time to sit and sup with him today. “Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (Revelation 3:24). God gives us our daily bread, and those who eat are well fed. Nothing is more pleasurable than sharing a great meal with a friend, especially one that will last until the end.

    Friends, we must spend time with God while we still have time. He is the author and the finisher of our faith. We spend so much time worrying about this life that we miss the one who came to give us life and life more abundantly. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one can get to the Father (God) except through him. (John 14:6). Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who hopes in him. (Psalms 34:8)

  • Faith Over Fear: Embrace God’s Promises

    Faith Over Fear: Embrace God’s Promises

    Fear is not a gift that the Lord has given to those that trust in him. 1st Timothy 1:7 tells us, I have not given you the spirit of fear but of love, power, and a sound mind. As we trust in God the fear that enables us to move forward disappears. Fear is the enemy’s greatest weapon and is a stumbling block and a stronghold for those that allow it to operate in our lives. It is where the church has become stagnant and unable to move on what God has in store for those that love him. If we are afraid of what God has for us, then we will never have what God has for us. “If God be for us then who can be against us.” Fear is a natural, powerful emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. There is fear that overcomes us when danger is present, but even during a storm God did not give it. Jesus demonstrated it inside of the boat when the storm rose.

    (Mark 4: 35-41 NIV) That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

                    Fearing means that faith is not fully activated in our lives. Many of us are afraid to step out in what God has called us to do because fear has paralyzed us to do so. We have so many disagreeing thoughts that we thought ourselves out of a good thing. The good is God. The goal is to trust Him. If we believe that God knows the plans that he has for us, the plans for good and not to harm us then what has stopped us from moving forward for his glory. There will be challenges along the way. The enemy is not going to easily allow break through without trying to deter you. But move by faith anyway. Faith is the substance of things hoped for but the evidence of things unseen. (Hebrews 11:1). We are called to walk by faith and not by sight. To believe without seeing and to trust without knowing. “But the people who know their God shall be strong and carry great exploits.” (Daniel 11:32). Great exploits mean achieving remarkable, sometimes supernatural, feats, or breakthroughs.

    God is our present help in times of trouble. David wrote this in Psalm 46:1 and Jesus demonstrated it when he walked the earth. God is faithful even when we are fearful so we can step out while we are afraid and do great things. Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John14:12). Fear will not just disappear; you will have to replace it with faith. Believe God and GO.

  • THE GREATEST FATHER

    Today, men around the world are celebrated for their fatherly roles. Many will receive gifts of appreciation for being an awesome dad. Love gestures will be shown for the love given over the years. This day is known as Father’s Day in America.  While thinking about this day,  God, thank you for being faithful, thank you for always showing loving-kindness. Thank you for unconditional love, for being caring, for healing, for making a way when we saw no way. Thank you for being you. Thank you for saving me. I couldn’t allow this day to pass by and not give the Greatest Father the honor that is due his name. We are his children, and we have been adopted into his family forever. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Romans 8:17). We are God’s children. We are not orphans left without parents. God loves us and desires that not any of his little ones shall perish, but all come to repentance. His love is indescribable and unimaginable. He is the Father to those of us who trust in his name, his will, and his leading. We have identity in the Lord. You are his son. You are his daughter. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8: 38-39)

    Our Father in heaven,
    hallowed be your name,
    your kingdom come,
    your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
    Give us today our daily bread.
    And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
    And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.
    For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen

  • FAITH THAT HEALS

    FAITH THAT HEALS

    Last night in the discipleship training class, we talked about the healing power of God. We discussed that it is always God’s will to heal. Jesus took all of our iniquities and sicknesses and nailed them to the cross. Sickness doesn’t come from God. It comes from the enemy who keeps us bound when he is around. The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but the Lord came that we may have life and life more abundantly. (John 10:10). Many times when bad things happen in our lives, we blame God. But it is the work s of the enemy and our participation with him. God said, “My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6) God heals not by pills but by faith. Faith is the way to see true healing manifest. Believe God and receive all his benefits. (Psalm 103:2-3) “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all of his benefits who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”

    Faith is the way. The woman with the issue of blood was bleeding for twelve years. She went to doctors who could do nothing for her. She used all of her money to try to get rid of the terrible disease that had come upon her. Until she heard about Jesus, and I am sure she heard of all the miracles and healings that he performed, and thought to herself, “If I can just touch the hem of his garment, then I will be healed.” Great faith. She knew she was healed before she touched it. So, she pressed her way through the crowd with one agenda: to be healed.  And as soon as she touched Jesus, it happened. The healing that was already available came upon her. Jesus asked, who touched me?” As the disciples tried to explain the bulging crowd, Jesus interjected, “I felt power leave me.” As the woman bowed before him, trembling, it was I who touched you.” Jesus said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” (Luke 8:48). Her faith is how she was healed, not pills. The woman didn’t fake it; she faced it and faith it.

    I am not saying anything is wrong with doctors; they are there to diagnose. And they are there to offer comfort because the Lord is compassionate, and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. (Psalm 103:8). But the Lord heals. Exodus 15:26 says, “For I am the Lord who heals you.” Jehovah Rapha. Healing comes when we put our trust in God and our unshakable faith with it. Having a renewed mind helps us to see properly. God is not the enemy but the one who helps us overcome what the enemy has done. Our belief in God’s word is essential to our health, wealth, and self. We must believe to receive.  Jesus said, “You may ask for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:14).

    I had a terrible pain in my side, and I said to the Lord, I am not going to the doctor, you are going to heal me and he did. The pain went away. It wasn’t the demand on God; it was the faith in my heart that pulled it. Thank you, Lord.

    God is for us and not against us. We can have what our hearts desire when we seek first the Kingdom of God and all of his righteousness, and all things will be added to us. (Matthew 6:33). Healing is ours because we have been blood bought, healed, and sealed in the mighty and marvelous name of Jesus.

  • TRUSTING GOD IN TRIALS

    TRUSTING GOD IN TRIALS

    Disappointment will occur in all our lives at some point in time. It will leave us with sadness and feelings of rejection that causes us to feel we are not good enough for whatever it is that we are pursuing. It will have us second guessing our ability to do something that we believed that we could handle. This emotion will cause many of us to give up before we get up. Disappointment doesn’t mean denied but there will be delay. Maybe we are not ready for the challenge that lies ahead as we may think that we are. It can be that God is requiring more growth in us and preparing something greater for us. “When someone has been given much, much will be required in return. And when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” (Luke 12:48). Disappointment can cause discouragement if we are not careful how we perceive situations that arise in our lives. God is not a lair but withholding his promise is beneficial for the one he has made the promise to. Many of us become so eager to see the promise of God come to past in our lives. Yes, we may have received a glimpse into the future, but we do not know what the path entails of getting there. And the middle holds all the greater details. It is the development along the way that makes the difference. God wants you to obtain what he has for you but trusting Him in the process is the greater gift he will give. Because then we will know the Lord. “Trust the Lord with all of your heart, mind, and soul.”  Let God finish building you before blessing you so that whatever comes along won’t break you. “And I am certain that God, who began a good work within you, will continue his work until it is finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6 NLV).

    Joseph had a dream that his family would bow down to him. But before that promise came to pass, he saw the pit and the prison before the palace and the promise. He did not get those details in the glimpse of his future, but it became part of his process. He knew that God had made him a promise and although he had to endure the events. God was with him. His trust in God was great because he didn’t let the in between break him or his faith fade out. He kept on trusting and believing with the right attitude. The favor of God on his life was still flourishing, and he continued to show himself friendly. When his dream came to past, he said to his brothers that threw him into the pit to kill him. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20).

    In this world we will have times where things do not go as we expected them to. And there will be trials that seem to be too hard for us, but God is bigger. We can put our trust in him to see the better outcome. God will not always take us out of the storm, but he will show us how to overcome it with him. “I have told you these things that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble but take heart I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Disappointment is not a denial it is an appointed time with God to see the desires of the heart. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

  • GUARDING YOUR HEART

    GUARDING YOUR HEART

                    In the scope of our lives, there are things that has and will take precedence in our heart. As we go through life, we get attached to some of the things we experience and people we encounter. We have begin to develop a natural response to these things because they excite us or provide us with something that we desperately need. These things cause us to have a good emotional arousal, and we gravitate towards the things that makes us happy. These are things that may or may not be good for us, but they feed our flesh and captivate our hearts. Sometimes we seek things to fulfill us in the areas of depravity that keeps us bingeing on what it offers. When we allow things to settle in our heart, we begin to live from that desire or live for that desire. It is important to always examine the heart to see where you are.  David said, “search me God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24). The heart is the place where we store things, if we have evil things stored in our hearts it will be shown in our actions and therefore, we are judged according to our deeds. Jesus said, “out of the mouth the heart speaks.” (Matthew 12:34-40). Whatever has your heart has power over you. Those things that we love with a deep desire cause us to either fail or excel in life. The heart is the place God sees when he seeks. David was chosen because of his heart for God. “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1st Samuel 16:7). David desired to keep a right heart before God. Even when he sinned with Bethsheba, he was quick to acknowledge and repent before God because he knew that a pure heart before God brings you into eternal rest. When we allow people to have our heart, they will possess a power over us that will make us feel defenseless towards them. People may or may not have good intentions when it comes to us and so we are vulnerable to the distractions and the disappointments in our lives.

                    God says to love him with all our mind, heart, and soul. When we love God with every being of our lives, the enemy has no weapon to use against us. Because even when we do right, it doesn’t mean that the other person or people have good intentions. A moment of weakness on their part could cause us a lifetime of pain when your heart is not with and for God. Power is produced when a person has a position of authority in your life. When Jesus was handed over to Pilate to be killed, Pilate said I have power to determine if you live or die. Jesus said, “you have no power over me, only what my Father has given to you.” (John 19:10-11).If you don’t bow down to God, you will bow to man.

                    Many of us want to be brave but find ourselves in battles that we desire to overcome. It’s a struggle because we have not learned to possess the power over that person or that position. We have developed a need for what they feed, and it causes us to have to bow or belittle ourselves just to have it. Your heart stores the matters of life so whoever or whatever has your heart has power over you. “Guard your heart because out of it flows the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23).

  • WOMEN OF GOD

    WOMEN OF GOD

    She doesn’t fear in times of trouble and she’s not double-minded in times of struggle because she knows the God she serves will bring her over.

    She will overcome so let his will be done, let his Kingdom come.

    She knows that life and death lies in the power of her tongue and that her battles are already won.

    She gives life and light to those she encounters and her faith as tiny as a mustard seed can move mountains.

    See, she drinks from a different fountain.

    The fountain of everlasting water that only comes from the Father.

    When she walks in the room, she consumes the attention because of the light of the Lord that is within her.

    She’s a teacher. And anything that is unlike the Lord is beneath her, but you can still reach her.

    She is caring, supportive and always loving.

    Sharing God with others is her true devotion.

    You can find her at the feet of Jesus because she understands how much she needs him.

    She’s soft-spoken, gentle and meek. She’s quick to listen and slow to speak. She’s not weak. She’s unique.

    And her Father’s face is who she seeks, on repeat.

    She laughs in the face of the enemy because she knows who’s in control. She’s bold.

    Behold. Her beauty isn’t only in her looks; it’s in her attitude, she represents God in the way she moves.

    Beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.

    A woman who fears the Lord is worthy of praise and she is blessed in all of her ways.

    She is you, and she is me, and we are mighty WOMEN OF GOD.

  • The Power of Prayer: Aligning with God’s Will

    The Power of Prayer: Aligning with God’s Will

    Some may think that nothing is happening when we pray and cry out to God. God hears the prayers of the righteous, and they availeth much, according to James 5:16 in the Bible. We are not just talking into empty air space. We are speaking into God’s ear, into the heavenly realm. We are aligning ourselves with heaven to see God’s kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. When the righteous pray, we begin to destroy darkness in and around us by releasing a sound that causes heaven and creation to respond. Praying the word of God brings us into focus with force to fight the good fight of faith. Prayer is essential for producing fruit in every purpose for every believer. Prayer creates an intimate relationship with the Father that leads you into the freedom that Christ paid for on the cross. The one-on-one engagement with the Father helps us to become closer, grow bolder, and live out loud for Christ. He has given us a helper who will help us navigate and operate in the fullness of what we have been called into. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” (John 15:16). Having a consistent prayer life will build a foundation on Christ and increase your faith. Faith is the only way to please God because it shows that you believe and trust God. Praying puts us in a position for God’s provision. It is where we begin to humble ourselves, not my will but your will be done.

    Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane took this position and prayed, “Father, if it be your will, then take this cup from me, but nevertheless not my will be your will be done.” Jesus knew his mission would be tough. He knew what he had to endure.  He had already faced betrayal of someone close to him; he was about to be humiliated, disgraced, and killed for a wicked world. It wasn’t an easy task or an easy death. IT WAS A DEATH ON A CROSS, and it came with a cost that we could not pay. None was found worthy. “For we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 8:23) But God, in his mercy, made us fit for his Kingdom. But Jesus desire and delight were to please the Father, and that’s when prayer becomes a pastime and not past time. Prayer works because of the one you are speaking to. There is no one greater to heal, to hold, to help than the Almighty God. Praying is not a calling; it’s a call out, which means anyone can do it.  We are called to pray without ceasing because it helps us to become confident in our confidant and counselor, Jesus Christ.

    When we pray, we do not speak into the atmosphere where our words do not reach heaven. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2nd Chronicles 7:14). Praying to God is inviting him into your situation with his power, authority, and presence, and when he comes on the scene, he changes things. Praying aligns us with what God is doing in our lives at the time or helps us to endure what we will overcome. “Father, nevertheless, not my will but your will be done.”

    PRAY TODAY.

  • THOSE THAT BELIEVE

    THOSE THAT BELIEVE

    In this world, our sight leads our direction. It is often said that where you focus, you will follow. We make what we see shape our reality. I am not saying that what we see is not real, but our perception as believers has to be different. As believers in a greater Kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven, we have to look deeper, watch more closely, and pray continually.  Stay alert and sober-minded. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around looking for someone to devour. (1st Peter 5:8). This is a real thing in the lives of all people. God calls his people to walk by faith and not by sight. To believe without seeing and to trust him without knowing the next move. To believe something means to accept something as true, or to have confidence in someone. When we believe something is obtainable without a doubt, we bring it to manifestation. We will receive what we truly believe.

                One of the disciples, named Thomas, did not believe the other disciples who told him that Jesus had risen from the dead. He stated, “I will not believe until I see the holes in his hands.” When Jesus appeared to him, he said, now I believe.” Jesus said to him, ” You only believe because you saw, but more blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. (John 20:29). Jesus called those who believe more blessed because it speaks of a trust in God that is far greater than we can imagine. Many believers walked and fought in this kind of belief. A belief that is not just spoken, but is a position in the heart. A resolve in the heart that says What comes, what may, Lord, I believe what you say, and I will obey. “And we know that faith is the only way to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6). And as true believers of the faith, our purpose is to please God. When we believe, we take off the old mindsets and habits and BECOME transformed by the renewing of our minds according to Romans 12:2. It is a process that allows the Holy Spirit to complete a work in our thought patterns and our lives as we read and respond to God’s words.  This invitation allows us the grace to grow and the freedom to walk in what Jesus Christ paid for us all.  “Who the Son sets free is free indeed. (John 8:36).

    Jesus has given us power and authority as he has called us to carry out the great commission. This is not just for pastors or leaders. This mandate is for those who believe. “In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (Mark 16:17-18). This is a promise that is made to all who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. If we dwell in the place of belief in what God has spoken in his word, then we can do what Jesus has instructed us to do. “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father.”( John 14:12)

    I asked the Lord, “Why did you make the ability to believe as small as a mustard seed?” He said, “Because I knew it would be hard for many to believe so, I made it as small as possible.” If we had faith as tiny as a mustard seed, we could command a mountain to move. And it will obey us.  And the many other signs and wonders that will follow those who believe.