Take Your Place and Be Obedient: You are the Essential Ingredient in God's Kingdom

As a child, I remember growing up in my family and my parents stressing obedience. I always remembered my father stressing this vehemently. As it turned out, I always tried to comply with everything that was requested of me. As I look back, I was an obedient child for the most part, however, I had my moments when I was not obedient. Due to those moments of being disobedient, I had to accept the consequences of my actions. The desire to please my parents was always ingrained in me. I didn’t want to disappoint them, because they were loving to my siblings and I. They nurtured us. They provided for us. They protected my siblings and I. When all was said and done, they loved us unconditionally. In all of this, we paid with consequences for disobedience, we still knew that we were loved.

I heard a pastor once say that when you are obedient to God, the dove stays nearby. However, when an offense of disobedience has occurred, the dove flies away. He stated that at that time, God’s heart is grieving. “YOU SHOULD DESIRE TO FOLLOW GOD’S WILL ABOVE ALL ELSE.” God’s gives us all free will to choose what is right and what is wrong. Learn where to find “THE KEY TO KNOWING GOD’S WILL” for you life. Do you know your destiny? Have you every asked God to reveal it to you? Do you even care? (John 16:18; Romans 8:32)

I have worked in the criminal justice system in Texas for twenty years in September. I always known that I will retire if it is God’s will due to people making wrong choices. If we as Christians make wrong choices, God is right there giving us grace and mercy in hopes that you will desire to make the right choices to live a productive and fruitful Christian life. We have heard many times that “God’s Grace Abounds”. However, the criminal justice system is not so forgiving. It is easier to ”fake it until we make it.” Sounds familiar? Well, God is not the one to fake it with! This is “INSINCERE OBEDIENCE.” (2 Chronicles 25:2.) We all do or have done it. For example, we do or say anything to our employers, spouses or friends to get along, especially if that person has authority over us. Does this sound familiar?

In relationships between men and women, we are to
“MAINTAIN SEXUAL PURITY.” This is the law of God. Have you everyone gone shopping in the grocery store and tasted a grape before you bought the bunch? It is stealing, no matter how you justify it by saying that everyone does it. Sex before marriage is wrong and God will not bless this mess. I( Peter 1:14-16)

In our streets today, there is a code of silence. They are burglaries robberies, thefts, rapes and murders occurring each and everyday somewhere in this world. However, in some neighborhoods, these crimes will never be reported to the authorities. Many of our family members and friends are incarcerated, because they do not want to be known as a snitch. In the world of a Christian, you must always take your stand for Christ, “NO MATTER WHAT OTHERS THINK!” A sincere Christian will always take a stand for Christ regardless of peer pressure, popular opinion or opposition. (Matthew 26:57-75)

Policemen, Wardens, Correctional Officers and Husbands all have one thing in common. They are in a position of authority.
If a person has authority over you, it is best to “TAME YOUR TONGUE.” The same tongue that you use on Sunday mornings to praise the Lord with, you turn around and use on Monday morning insult someone with your fire breathing words. If we are to please God and maintain a testimony that brings glory to our Lord, we must control what we say.
(James 3:6-9)

During the course of a wanted man’s life, he gets tired of doing the same old thing over and over. It’s tiresome to keep looking over your shoulder and wondering what is going to happen next. Will I get caught? Will someone rob me? Will someone kill me? Sooner or later, they get tired of looking over their shoulder and turn themselves in to the authorities. Immediately, the glow of peace appears and they are relived, no matter what their consequences may be. Obedience to the Lord in every facet of our lives is "THE KEY TO INNER SECURITY” and experiencing the presence of God. (I Peter 1:18-20)

Just as a criminal decides to retire his life of crime and make up his mind to follow the societal standard of living, you too as a Christian must follow the will of God and not your own.

Remember to “TAKE YOUR PLACE AND BE OBEDIENT, YOU ARE THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT IN GOD’S KINGDOM. (Matthew 6:33)

The Legacy of Our Father(s): His Namesake

My Father was a great man! He was a man of wisdom, strength and character, but first and foremost, he was a godly Christian man. He was a man of righteousness who modeled this for all to see. He not only walked the walk, he talked the talk. He can also be described as a man who stood for justice. Fathers are men who after they are gone, have an undeniable legacy that they have left behind. The most precious gift that a man can leave his family is a legacy that his survivors can remember and relish. My father did not send his family to church; he took us to church. He modeled that each Sunday. He studied his lesson and made sure that we received the word each week. " What did you learn today in Sunday School?" This was asked of me and my brother and sister each week. We would regurgitate the lesson to him week after week. We learned the books of the bible, the Ten Commandments and many other things that most children today have not had the pleasure to learn. He taught us to "turn the other cheek". There are so many memories of my father that I could list, but as I think of him today, thirty-seven years since his homegoing, I smile, as I am proud of the legacy that he left behind. This is the most precious gift that anyone could receive. His blood that run through my veins each day is a DNA footprint that I hope to pass on one day not just to future children, but to my nieces and nephews. The family name is a badge of honor and sense of pride for many families in this world. The legacy of Adolphus Ross Sr still lives today.There is another legacy that is more precious than my fleshly father; it is my Spiritual Father. He is the one who made it possible for all of us to exist on this earth. He is the Father who is known by many in this world as:

1. Adonai Jehovah..................The Lord Our Sovereign
2. El-Elyon.............................The Lord Most High
3. El-Olam.............................The Everlasting God
4. El Shaddai....The God That is Sufficient for Needs of His People
5. Jehovah Elohim..................The Eternal Creator
6. Jehovah Jireh.....................The Lord our Provider
7. Jehovah Nissi......................The Lord our Banner
8. Jehovah Ropheka................The Lord our Healer
9. Jehovah Shalom..................The Lord our Peace
10. Jehovah Tsidkenu.........The Lord our Righteousness
11. Jehovah Mekaddishkem.....The Lord our Sanctifier
12. Jehovah Sabaoth................The Lord of Host
13. Jehovah Shammah.............The Lord is Present
14. Jehovah Rohi......................The Lord our Shepherd
15. Jehovah Hoseenu................The Lord our Maker
16. Jehovah Eloheenu...............The Lord our God

These are just some of the names and a mere mention of his legacy to us.
He is everything to us. His legacy is chronicled in the Old Testament and New Testament. His acts and deeds as well as his character is revealved through out the bible.

It is prayfully requested that if you do not know your father or the legacy that he has left you,

Read Romans 10:9-10
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

You too will have a legacy on which to stand and be proud. This is the most precious gift that any father can leave a child. He is a father to the fatherless and a mother to the motherless. He is waiting on you to accept this open invitation into his family.

The Tale of the Empty Basket

Easter is a time of celebration for most families. It represents spring time and new things. Easter was a time as I reflect back to childhood that was a very special time in our family. As a child, I along with my sisters and brother always knew that this meant that we would get something new.

Easter bunnies, Easter baskets, new clothes, new shoes and a new hairstyle. Although I have not seen this picture is over thirty plus years, I remember it vividly as my sister and I each had new Easter rabbits. My rabbit was purple and my sister's was blue, our favorite colors. Of course, these were stuff animals, but a real tradition each year for us. We also delighted in the Easter baskets that our parents bought us as they were filled with chocolate eggs, marshmellow eggs of different colors and toys. We also knew about the real reason for Easter as our parents were Christans. We knew that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead on the third day. Each Easter as children, we could not wait for church services to be over, because we were ready to hunt for eggs. A tradition that is alive and well today.

This brings me to the question of " Why is your basket empty? As Christians, we should know that there are nine attributes in the walk of the christian. These are attributes of the christian life, better known as the "Fruit of the Spirit." In Galations 5:22-23(NIV), these attributes are revealed. They are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. Let's discuss each of these attributes:

Love
(1 John 4:16(NIV)),And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him

(1 Corinthians 13:4-8(NIV)) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

Joy
(Nehemiah 8:10(NIV)) Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

(Hebrews 12:2)(NIV) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Peace
(Romans 5:1)(NIV) Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Romans 15:13)(NIV) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Longsuffering(patience)
(Colossians 1:11)(NIV) being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully

Ephesians 4:2)(NIV) Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Gentleness(kindness)
(2 Corinthians 6:6-7)(NIV)
in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;

Goodness
(2 Thessalonians 1:11)(NIV) With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.

Faith(faithfulness)
Ephesians 5:9(NIV) (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)

Isaiah 25:1)(NIV) O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.,

Ephesians 3:16-17)(NIV) I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,

Meekness
(Galations 6:1)(NIV) Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

(Ephesians 4:2)(NIV)2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Temperance(self-control)(2 Peter 1: 5-7(NIV)
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

The Fruits of the Spirit are excellent attributes to live by just because you were created by God and live on this earth. Just think about these attributes as one of the prerequisites to get into heaven.

A childs marvels at the thought of an Easter Egg Hunt. The different colors of eggs that are hidden in the grass are just waiting to be picked up by children who are full of excitement. Children in their innocents have an innate sense of joy, peace, peace, faith, gentleness, goodness and meekness about them as they are sure that they will find the eggs that the Easter Bunny had hidden. Patience and self-control while waiting for our Sunday service to end were always lacking in most of our characters as children. However, as we grew up these things were instilled in us as the trails of life appeared.

As you grow in Christ, all nine of these attributes will become apart of your daily Christian walk. True christian living is a lifestyle that must be nurtured and developed. As resurrection Sunday approaches, be mindlful of your basket. Is it filled with the nine attributes of true Christian living or is your basket empty because your attributes are still hidden?

The Providential Wife

The Role of the Pastor's Wife has been defined and superimposed into a phenomenon that literally scares most women into a state of defiance and a misunderstanding of the role that she must assume. You never hear the term "a doctor's wife"; " a lawyer's wife" or even a "football player's wife." However, the pastor's wife is always defined universally in this way. Some pastor's wives have stated on numerous occasions "I AM LIVING IN A FISHBOWL" and I don't like it. Well it is true that you are on public display all of the time. However, many of us just want to be ourselves.

The key is to be you. I have yet to meet a wife of a pastor that was excited about their role as a pastor’s wife. Many are called after they are married to serve with their husbands. I have heard some wives say that "God called him, but he didn't call me!" There have been many marriages suffer, because the call was on the husband and the wife refused to heed the call. In the dating arena, many women dated seminary students, ministers or pastors. There are some women who really didn't know what they were getting into with their significant other and as a result, they weren't ready for was the innate responsibilities that are imminent when you become the wife of a pastor. It has taken many women a lifetime to adjust to the role of becoming a pastor’s wife. Some begrudgingly hiss for years sentiments of discomfort and roll their eyes almost to the point of needing the assistance of an ophthalmologist under their colorful masks. This is due to not being able to openly share your feelings . Wives of pastors need to feel safe when sharing concerns and someone besides their husbands should be available to help them ease the burden.

You should not be define by what others think you should be doing for the ministry, but what God calls you to do. Your gifts are to be used to serve in the kingdom of God and to help others. If you don't know what your gifts are, you should think of the things that you do best. What do you enjoy? Also, taking a gifts assessment will help you discover known gifts and those that are not visible to you. Find your niche and apply them to in the ministry. God has placed all of us on this earth for a purpose. Pastor Rick Warren of the Saddleback Church states in his book, The Purpose Driven Life, " You are not an accident." You are here for a reason. Ask God to reveal your purpose and if you listen carefully and with an open mind, He will reveal your purpose to you. Bishop T.D. Jake's wrote a book entitled, God's Leading Lady, Out of the Shadows and into the Light. He also states that you must step out of the shadows and into the spotlight. The basis of this book is to empower women to be what God has purpose you to be. If you are a child of God, you’re already illuminated. Therefore, the lights are shining and you should already know that you are living a transparent life.

God chose you to be the helpmeet of your husband. This is an honor that is not bestowed just upon anyone. You were appointed and anointed well before you even realized it. Some of you are in families that have a great legacy of pastors and pastor’s wives. I am carrying on the legacy of my family as a wife of a pastor. You can truly believe that I was not aspiring to be a pastor’s wife, but I heard the call and accepted it graciously and with honor. It has not been easy, but the rewards have been many.

Serving in the ministry with my husband is a blessing. I am happy that Our Father chose me even before my parent’s thought of me. The road is filled with bumps and curves, but if you have a great navigator and I do, you will be able to negotiate and stay on the road, which will eventually lead you to your great reward in Heaven. Just think of Jesus as your "On Star" button. you can press it anytime and receive the help that you need.

The War of 2007

The War of 2007

There have been many wars since the beginning of the world. Many wars were necessary to fight injustices, to gain power, to liberate people and a host of other reasons to numerous to name. The war of 2007 is spiritual. Spiritual warfare is not a common subject among Christians or the secular world. It is a topic that many Christians are not comfortable with speaking about or acquiring knowledge of this raging battle that is destroying our civilization by the millions. The battle is with the mind, body and spirit. Unlike wars, these battles never end. Spiritual warfare is real. If you are a Christian and have a personal relationship with God, you know this to be true.

Spiritual warfare is the struggle to have life in this material world reflect as much as possible God’s loving governance. It is a war, because there are many forces working vigorously to thwart God’s work. God is in charge, but there is an enemy that is in full-scale revolts with a powerful army that all around us. As with the unseen God, the forces behind the revolt are unseen, non-physical and supernaturally waged against you.

The battle for souls is what this war is all about. All wars are waged for one reason or another. Just looked into any reason that a military war has been fought. There is always one power battling for control over another. If you are a Christian, you entered into a feud with Satan that will be ongoing just like the most famous family feud the Hatfield’s of West Virginia and the McCoy’s of Kentucky. This bitter feud began as a result of war. Kentuckians and West Virginians fought and died for both the Union and the South’s honor and cause. Satan is waging an all out war for your soul. You must choose the weapons that will defeat him, but first you must understand why he is after you. The plain simple truth is that Satan was one of God’s angels who were cast out of heaven for being disobedient.

Satan has already lost the war with God, but he is waging his own personal battle to take as many souls with him to his ultimate resting place, better known as a Hell. He knows that this hurts God. Satan is battling with God for your soul by any means necessary. The thought of losing something special is always unbearable especially if the owner cherished it. You must guard your mind, body and spirit at all cost.

1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

There are many reports that the current war that the United States is fighting in Iraq has many reasons for beginning. The reasons at this point are not important. Mothers and Fathers are more concerned about the safety and well being of their loved one, the United States soldier who is fighting the war. There have been numerous reports in the media that the soldiers do not have adequate protection for their bodies. They are in need of body armor that has not been provided by our government, because of the cost. As a former Officer of the United States Army Reserves, this is a gross error in the decision of not spending dollars where they are needed. Aren’t the lives of our soldiers worth it?

Henceforth, we will continue to see the maiming of our dear soldiers and the ultimate sacrifice of death due to not having adequate protection.

Now that this has hit home, I want to share the protection that you will need to fight the Spiritual War of 2007. Read Ephesians 6:11-20, The Armor of God. This is full protection from all attacks waged by Satan in his silent war of soul snatching.

In war, some people get wounded, but God never lets one of his soldiers succumb to the forces of evil as long as you know the strategy of protection. Expect some defeats, but with the help of the almighty God, you will win the Spiritual War of 2007.

A Star is Born

Advertising

Whenever a movie is about to be released in Hollywood, they advertise. Advertising via television, radio, internet and a host of other technological means is a sure fire way to get the word out. However, if you know anything about the art of advertising, you know that “Word of Mouth” is the most effective means of advertising. Most people hear words spewed from the mouth of other people on a daily basis. People are interacting at their employment, by going to the grocery store, dining at a local restaurant and even worshipping at church. Of course, there are many other interactions on a daily basis where physical contact is made with another human being. For women, it is the almighty telephone where tidbits of information are shared with a family member such as a mother, a sister or our girlfriends. Men are conversationalist too; they just don’t let women know it. However, if they are talking to their close buddy, they are having that close interaction that most relationships desire. Reciprocating with another human being is natural.

Communication

So, it was natural that the message that the messiah would come to save the world was passed on by word of mouth during biblical times. How would it be that the most powerful message was received by all through this form of communication? Good news travels fast and bad news travel even faster. There are many songs that depict the arrival of our most precious Star. “Go Tell it on the Mountain that Jesus Christ is born over the hills and everywhere”, this song captured the art of communication that the news of Christ was born. It brought “Joy to the World that the Lord had come”. Heavens Angels were portrayed in song as recognizing this wonderful news. “Hark the Herald Angels sing”, Glory to the new born King. Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconcile. And don’t forget that there were even “Three Kings from the Orient” bearing gifts. The news had travel near and far throughout the world that our most precious star was born. “The First Noel the Angels Did Say” was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winters night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel. Christ was the first and only Star of this season that we celebrate as Christmas. “It Came upon a Midnight Clear”, that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold. The weather and time of night was described a clear and cold. Angels were communicating, shepherds were communicating, kings were walking and talking and everyone in the land was talking about the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This was the most delightful buzz of the land. Praise and worship was demonstrated all in the land. Just think that our Lord and Savior born “Away in Manger”

The Star

It had been calculated that there was a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn (6BC), but that can be scarcely explained how “the star” went before till it came and stood over where the child was.” Some think that it was a “nova” that is a star that explodes and burns brightly for a while, But how could that fit the case? The wise men or three kings saw was no doubt, distinct phenomenon, A supernatural light, which by a direct Act of God, went before them and pointed out the exact spot, A Supernatural Spot; a Supernatural Announcement of a Supernatural Birth. Isn’t that how Hollywood recognizes it’s stars with a huge spot light?

The Story of a Star
It is best told in Matthew Chapter One and Luke Chapter One. Take time to read this wonderful story of how our precious Star, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior; the Messiah entered into this world. It will give you the true story of how the birth of Jesus evolved.
Jesus is the true reason for the Christmas season. He is the Star of the best-told story of all time.

Are We Thankful Enough?

Thanksgiving is the beginning of the holiday season. America's tradition of celebrating thanksgiving began in the year of 1621. The celebration was held at Plymouth Colony. The English Pilgrims who had founded the colony marked the occasion by feasting with Native American guests—members of the Wampanoag tribe—who brought gifts of food as a gesture of goodwill. Although this event was an important part of American colonial history, there is no evidence that any of the participants thought of the feast as a thanksgiving celebration. Two years later, during a period of drought, a day of fasting and prayer was changed to one of thanksgiving because rains came during the prayers. Gradually the custom prevailed among New Englanders to annually celebrate Thanksgiving after the harvest.

As we relflect on this past year, there have been many news events that have shaken and reshaped our lives. Many of you are thankful for a multitude of things ranging from material things to more meaningful things such as food, health and family.

I would like to share with you the events of my life that I am most thankful for this past fourteen months which began transforming about nine years ago.

I am thankful that God chose me to be a Pastors Wife.

1 Thessolonians 5:18(NIV)
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

God does not make mistakes. After praying numerous prayers during and after a previous marriage and divorce, I was given a man who would share my dreams and thoughts regarding the works of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My prayer was simple. I prayed for a Godly and Christian Man. I prayed that he was taller. I prayed that I would be married again soon after I had completely healed from my divorce. Never, did I pray to become a pastor's wife. As I think back, my late cousin, the Dr. E.K. Bailey who was the Founding Senior Pastor of the Concord Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas obviously knew that I had a call on my life. He looked at me in the month of November 1997 and said very sternly while at a family gathering to "get back into church". Well, I never left church, I was serving my country on the weekends as an Army Reserve Officer. I went to the military church services, but I was AWOL from my home church most weekends due to this obligation. Two years later, I was in a tragic accident that should have ended my life, however God had His Angels protecting me. I saw them standing next to me as the ambulance was wisking me away to the nearest hospital where the news was given to me that I had broken my back. The two Angels clearly told me that I was going to be alright, but I was going to go through something. Of course, I made it through the tests.

I am a better person today as a result of the heartache, physical pain, financial suffering and my unwavering faith in God. Now back to the inital story of becoming a pastors wife. I am thankful that the Lord chose me to be the helpmeet of Pastor Michael Eaton of the Holiday Hills Baptist Church in Abilene, Texas.

I still wonder, Am I thankful enough?

The Power to Choose

The power to choose is a metaphor that is used in the secular world to choose telephone carriers, electric companies and a host of other services that are absolute needs or simple conveniences of life. Having the power to choose anything is a luxury that many of us take for granted. Have you ever thought about not having the power to choose the job that you go to everyday, the mate that you married, the decision to have children, and the neighborhood that you reside in, the meals that you eat and the list could go on endlessly. The power to choose is a blessing in its own right.

I want to place this question on your mind and ask, "Are you transcending in to Heaven? Or, Are you diving feet first into Hell? Now, that is the question that we all need to ponder. This is a subject that is not discussed in our day to day dialogue with friends whether saved or unsaved. It is not a comfortable topic to discuss. Many people only know the commercialized version of Heaven and Hell. For example, the movie" Ghost" depicted a scene where the villain went to Hell kicking and screaming as he was being carried off by demons to a place that was unthinkable to reside for eternity. However, the actor Patrick Swayze went on his way to Heaven. A beautiful and peaceful scene was created to characterize that Heaven was the place to be after death.

The souls of mankind are our most precious commodity while we exist here on earth. As death is apparent everyday via the television, by radio, reading obituaries in your local newspapers or by hearing of the death firsthand by word of mouth, the news of a death travels faster than any other news event that can be broadcasted. There is one question that many Christians have upon hearing of a death, "Was the deceased saved?" My Christians friends, how many times have you shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with non-believers that you are in contact with on a day to day basis?

For those of you who may be reading this article, I want to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with you.

Let's take a trip down Roman's Road of Salvation:
1. Every human is a sinner, Romans 3:23
2. God's penalty for sin is death, Romans 6:23
3. In his great love, God has made provisions for the salvation of sinners,
Romans 5:8
4. Each person must put his trust in God's Son, Jesus Christ
Romans 10:9-10;Romans 10:3

If you accept this as the truth, then you have accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ as being the road to the Father.

Remember that you have the "Power to Choose" the road to your own salvation!

Forgiveness Frees the Soul

Forgiveness frees the soul.

In our day to day relatonships, there are many times where situations arise that causes hurt and discord. We must get pass the hurt or discontentment in order to forgive the offending party. Jesus forgave man for their sins as he bore them on the cross. If Jesus can forgive all of mankind for their sins, you too can forgive the person that has deeply wounded you. Your spirit will not be free until true forgiveness is obtained. Many people carry around the burden of hurt and ill feelings for years, because they were deeply wounded by the actions of others or words from someone's mouth. My prayer for you today is to free yourself from the shackles of carrying a load that is difficult for you to bear. Don't let Satan ride your back. He can only ride your back when it is bent. Have you every tried to ride the back of a horse when it was standing straight up? You can't, it is very difficult to hang on.

The Removal of Offenses
If a professed Christian is wronged by another, he ought not to complain of it to others, as is often done merely upon report, but to go to the offender privately, state the matter kindly, and show him his conduct. This would generally have all the desired effect with a true Christian and the parties would be reconciled. The principles of these rules may be practised everywhere and under all circumstances, though they are too much neglected by all. But, how few try the method which Christ has expressly enjoined to all his disciples! In all our proceedings we should seek direction in prayer; we cannot too highly prize the promises of God. Wherever and whenever we meet in the name of Christ, we should consider him as present in the midst of us.

A Brother Who Sins Against You
Matthew 18:15-20(NIV)

15"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
18"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

My prayer for you today is to let go of the burden of unforgiveness. Feel free again to soar.

Bearing a heavy load is is not a requirement for a child of the king.

Victorious Disciples Day 4:Faith in Him

Do you have faith in Him? Well, I do. Faith is an act of free will obedience.

Faith in the secular realm of things is the confident belief in the truth, value or trustworthiness of a person, idea or thing. However, in the theological sense of things, it is the virtue defined as a secure belief in God and trusting acceptance of God's will. It is a belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.

Many people will agree and disagree alike with the theological definition of faith. Those that agree are more than likely "Born Again Christians" who understand the plan of salvation. Those that disagree have yet to travel the road to salvation. While most may not have an opinion, I would like to take you on a journey of faith.

Whether you have faith in the secular sense or theological sense, we all believe in something or someone. Whatever road you are traveling right now, at this time in regards to faith, it is paramont that you know that the Word of God is established as the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

There is a gospel song that talks about faith. It went something like this:
"Faith can move mountains". Oh, Faith can help you to succeed. "Oh, Faith can supply your every need." Faith, Oh Faith, WHERE IS YOUR FAITH TODAY!"

Hearing and learning the Word of God is the foundation of faith.

Hebrews 11:1(KJV)
Now faith is the substances of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Have you taken that faith step? Are you ready for the journey? You must know that when you enter the forest to start your faith journey, that there will be obstacles (tests) that you must complete before going any further.

You must know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you want to enter the forest. As the old cliche' states,"You can't see the forest for the trees." You will not see the test in the beginning of your faith journey. You will be tested time and time again. As you faith matures, you will discern that this is a test. Remember the broadcast on radio or TV? "This is a test of the radio broadcasting system." If this had been an actually emergency, you would have been instructed on what to do. This emergency broadcast happens to prepare you in the event of an actual emergency. The multitude of tests that you will encounter as you travel through the forest will develop and prepare you into becoming a better christian. It will also increase your faith to believe in God for everything.

Daniel 3:13-28
13 Nebuchadnezzar burned with anger. He sent for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So they were brought to him.
14 The king said to them, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, is what I heard about you true? Don't you serve my gods? Don't you worship the gold statue I set up? 15 You will hear the horns, flutes, zithers, lyres, harps, pipes and other musical instruments. When you do, fall down and worship the statue I made. If you will, that's very good. But if you won't, you will be thrown at once into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to save you from my powerful hand?"
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king. They said, "King Nebuchadnezzar, we don't need to talk about this anymore. 17 We might be thrown into the blazing furnace. But the God we serve is able to bring us out of it alive. He will save us from your powerful hand.
18 "But we want you to know this. Even if we knew that our God wouldn't save us, we still wouldn't serve your gods. We wouldn't worship the gold statue you set up."
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar's anger burned against Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The look on his face changed. And he ordered that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. 20 He also gave some of the strongest soldiers in his army a command. He ordered them to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Then he told his men to throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So they were tied up. Then they were thrown into the furnace. They were wearing their robes, pants, turbans and other clothes.
22 The king's command was carried out quickly. The furnace was so hot that its flames killed the soldiers who threw Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into it. 23 So the three men were firmly tied up. And they fell into the blazing furnace.
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet. He was so amazed he asked his advisers, "Didn't we tie three men up? Didn't we throw three men into the fire?"
"Yes, we did," they replied.
25 The king said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire. They aren't tied up. And the fire hasn't even harmed them. The fourth man looks like a son of the gods."
26 Then the king approached the opening of the blazing furnace. He shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, come out! You who serve the Most High God, come here!"
So they came out of the fire. 27 The royal rulers, high officials, governors and advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire hadn't harmed their bodies. Not one hair on their heads was burned. Their robes weren't burned either. And they didn't even smell like smoke.
28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "May the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be praised! He has sent his angel and saved his servants. They trusted in him. They refused to obey my command. They were willing to give up their lives. They would rather die than serve or worship any god except their own God.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had pure faith. They were unwavering in their faith in God. They defied the king and were thrown into a fiery furnace, because they refuse to serve another god. They were at peace.

The true test of faith is peace. Faith is exercised in every test that you will be subjected to by God. You can not get elevated if you can't past the test.

Are you passing the test?

Victorious Disciples-Day1

Today was the first day of a yearlong faith journey in our women's discipleship class. The ladies were excited about the information that was presented. They are looking forward to going further in and deeper down into a new dimension of studying the Word of God. My heart is overjoyed at the prospect of actually mentoring women who have a child like giddiness to study the Word of God. This is an awesome responsibility that I do not take lightly.We discussed the many aspects of discipling as well as the effect that we wanted to have in our church and our community. It is by the divine design and the will of God to place six women with like interest in the same room for two hours and a half and everyone emerge with smiles on their faces. This was a safe place and it was obvious that this day and time was ordained by Our Father.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (GNT) Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God choses.

These ladies have a growing hunger to do the Lord's work. As we tend to feed our physical desire to eat delectables such as fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and the Lord know that our sin is Blue Bell Ice Cream, these ladies have desired more over the last ten months, since I became a member of Holiday Hills Baptist Church. The desire for a more spiritual delectable came in the form of a hunger for the Word of God. Their stomachs exibited a small desire to eat, but now it is growling like the roar of a lion who is ready to be fed right now!

As I talked to a sister today, she stated that she and others wanted more. She said that God had been too good to her and that she was ready to do more of his work. She said that she would rather sleep later on Saturday mornings, however, I told her that the time is now for the Lord's kingdom work to be completed. She smiled and said, "Yes, you are right." I informed her that the Lord has given us all a spiritual gift to be used in works of his kingdom.

God has given all of us at least one spirtual gift. This gift is to be use for building God's kingdom. A gift's assessment should be taken by all of God's children to help you in determinig what your spiritual gift is. Some christians may know what their gift is, but many chrisitans wonder,
What is my spiritual gift? Do you know what your spiritual gift is? As I end tonight, I want to know, What are you assigned to do for the Lord's Kingdom?