As people of God, we have been accepting evil things long enough. It is time to stand our ground.

We stand our ground with the word of God.

Jesus was tested/tempted by Satan after a 40-day fast in Luke 4.

Satan likes to come at a vulnerable moment in your life to get you to fold under pressure.

However, when he was tempted, Jesus spoke the word of God. When Satan came at Him, Jesus said, “it is written.”

He did not dwell on what Satan said. Instead, Jesus immediately spoke the word of God.

We should follow in the footsteps of Jesus. We need to feed on the word of God daily, so when we are under pressure, the word of God will automatically come out. It is just like when you are listening to a song long enough. Then, you sing it without even thinking. It is automatic.

We should be the same with the word of God.

James 4:7-8 Amplified Version says 7 So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God [with a contrite heart], and He will come close to you.

You cannot do it to your ability. So you defeat the devil with the word of God.

Satan came at Jesus more than once, but each time Jesus spoke the word of God.

Hebrews 4:12 King James Version 12 For the word of God is quick, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and Spirit, and the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Know your enemy. The enemy can be working through yourself, a person close to you, or someone not close to you. The enemy can also operate through unexpected events (bills, accidents, disappointments, and painful situations).

What does the word of God say about our enemy? First, the enemy is like a thief; it robs you of material things and your emotions and Spirit.

John 10:10 New International Version says 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.

We need the whole armor of God every day to protect us from the enemy.

Ephesians 6:10-18 New International Version says 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and his mighty power.11 Put on God’s whole armor so you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the whole armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Ask God to give you spiritual discernment when the enemy is working. Ask God to provide you with wisdom on dealing with the person/persons the enemy is working with. Remember, it is not the person but a spirit operating within that person. Somewhere there was an open door for the enemy to come in to operate on that person.

Solomon prayed to God to give him an understanding heart of how to deal with people. That should be our prayer every day. We cannot escape people.

Yes, we should speak the truth and speak it in love. However, sometimes you must get bold and firm with certain spirits operating within a person.

Jesus rebuked Peter in Mark 8:33 when Peter tried to stop Jesus from fulfilling what God had for Him. Jesus turned and looked at his disciples; he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God but merely human concerns.”

It was not Peter; it was a spirit operating through Peter, and Jesus recognized it. Sometimes I even rebuke myself when I know it is not from God.

It is time to be defiant and slay the giant or giants in our lives. 

Satan tempts you to do something that is not according to the word of God; use the word of God as a weapon to destroy the enemy.

Do not accept defeat or give up when things come at you.

When the enemy comes around, stand your ground!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, this is the day you made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it. Thank you, Lord, for another opportunity to manifest your love through me. I put on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil’s tricks. I know the enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy. I recognize when the enemy is operating through things, and people, including myself, and I stand against it with the word of God. In Jesus’ name! Amen!

 

Love is powerful. Love is a choice, not a feeling. It is the attribute of God because God is love. It is a sign that you have the spirit of God living in you.

1 John 3:14 Amplified: 14 We know that we have passed out of death into Life because we love the brothers and sisters. He who does not love remains in [spiritual] death.  

God gives us a choice. He does not force Himself on anyone.

Deuteronomy 30:19 New King James Version says, 19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before your Life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore, choose Life, that both you and your descendants may live.

When you choose to love even when it hurts, you choose Life. Unforgiveness and bitterness can consume you. It can cause sickness and disease. Break down the word disease, and you have dis-ease, which means you are not at ease.

In Webster’s dictionary, one of the meanings of ease is free from pain. When you put it together, disease means without freedom of pain. No one wants pain, and everyone needs to be free. There is nothing like a life free from pain. We free ourselves from pain by walking in love.

God draws us to Him through love.

Jeremiah 31:3 says Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore, with loving kindness, I have drawn you.

We should examine ourselves daily to see if we are walking in love. Then, ask God to make you aware when you are not walking in love. Love is a challenge, but it becomes easy to love when you choose to love repeatedly.

What is true love? Ask yourself if you are truly walking in love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Amplified Version:

• 4 Love endures with patience and serenity.
• Love is kind and thoughtful and is not jealous.
• Love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant.

5 It is not rude; it is not self-seeking; it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not consider a wrong endured. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. 7 Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times] and endures all things [without weakening].

Reading that passage in the bible makes you search for yourself. We have all stepped out of love. Thank God for Jesus and the Holy Spirit living on the inside of those who have accepted salvation. The Holy Spirit will alert you when you are out of line. When we repent, we have a merciful God who does not remember the wrong we have done. Praise God!

I like the message version where it says love does not force itself on others.

We cannot make anyone do anything they do not want to do. The only thing we can do is be an example, encourage and pray for one another.

A true example of love is the parable about the prodigal son found in Luke 15, starting at verse 11. 

The father had two sons. The father let the youngest son go with his inheritance and gave the eldest son his legacy. The youngest son wasted all his money, living a wild and uncontrolled life. It got so bad that he was down to nothing and begging for food where the hogs eat. Thank God at his lowest moment, he came to his senses, repented, and was ready to accept the consequences of his actions. However, when he was coming down the road, his father spotted his youngest son from afar and was moved with compassion. He welcomed him with open arms, hugged and kissed him. He told his dad he was not worthy of being called his son and was willing to work as a hired servant. Instead of reminding his younger son of what he had done wrong, he gave him a robe, a ring, and shoes and threw a party for him to celebrate. His elder brother was not happy when he heard the music and dancing. He refused to come in. He was angry. He reminded his father that his younger brother spent his money on prostitutes and was unhappy he was throwing a party for him. He told his father I stayed and served while his younger brother was gone living wildlife. His father told his elder son, “everything that I have belongs to you.” The father was rejoicing because his younger son, that was lost was now found. He was dead in the sense of his lifestyle, but he is now alive.

That is how God’s love is for us. Even though we sin and do not deserve His love, He welcomes us with open arms when we come to Him. God’s love is unconditional.

A lot of us have been guilty of behaving like the elder son. You ask God why they are getting blessed when you served God all this time, doing the best you could and staying out of trouble, and it seems you have been overlooked. We, as humans, can look at things from the outside. Man looks outside, but God looks at a person’s heart. The post from June 3, 2018 (you can refer to it), titled “Release the grudge, God is the judge,” expands on this. Look at yourself and ask if you are serving God with the right intentions.

God gave me this phrase early one morning while I was getting dressed. God was dealing with me on forgiveness. Only God knows what goes on in a person’s heart. The only thing we can do is forgive a person, pray, and move on for our well-being. It does not mean we have to hang out with the person; it means we let it go so that we will not stay stuck and so we can heal.

Let us choose to love today. We draw people through love and the Life we live. Actions speak louder than words. We do not need to force our beliefs on anyone; we just live Life. It is the goodness of God that leads a person to repentance.

Love: let it be a choice, not by force!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your love. It is unconditional. Thank you, God; your arms are open to us, as we are ready to live a life for you. I repent for not displaying love and being judgmental. I draw people to the kingdom of God through love and kindness. In Jesus’ name! Amen

God removed darkness by the words he spoke. We are created in the image and likeness of God.

Genesis 1:3 says, And God said let there be light, and there was light.

We should imitate God. Ephesians 5 says Be imitators of God and walk in love. Faith works by love.

Mark 11:25 says when you stand praying for forgiveness. Unforgiveness can block prayers from being answered.

If anyone has a problem with forgiving a person, you can confess, ” I am forgiving,” or say, ” Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”

When you keep saying something over and over, it gets down in your heart then you start to believe it.

Salvation is the same way. Romans 10:9-10 New King James Version says 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.

Notice that the first thing is to confess with your mouth and then believe in your heart.

If you are not saved or do not have the assurance of your salvation, there is no time like the present to start. To receive the things of God, you must accept him as the Lord and Savior of your life.

If you are having a hard time with your faith, start speaking the word of God continually. It will take root in your heart.

Mark 11:23-24 King James Version says 23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them

Notice the word saith, which means it is a daily thing.

Muhammad Ali kept saying, “I am the greatest.” He became the greatest because he spoke it into existence.

What we confess, we possess.

Instead of saying “I am old,” replace it with “my youth is renewed like the eagles.” Instead of saying “I am broke,” replace it with “God supplies my needs.” Instead of saying, “I am sick,” replace it with “I am healed with the stripes of Jesus.” Instead of saying, ” I can’t break this addiction” (whatever it may be), replace it with “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” during it.

Even though the facts say different, speak the word of God, which is the truth. Romans 3:4 Easy Read Version says, even if everyone else is a liar, God will always do what he says.  

Ask God to put a check on your spirit each time you say the wrong thing. Speak crop failure to it and start at it again. Remember, correction brings perfection.

You can tackle your shackle with your words.

Bound by something you cannot shake? Speak words of life for the chains to break!

Prayer: I thank you, Heavenly Father, for giving me a tongue to speak of your goodness. I can break any chains in my life with the word of God. The word of God is sharper and more powerful than any two-edged sword, and it can cut up any negative roots in my life. I repent for living in chains when Jesus set me free from bondage. My tongue guides my life like the Rutter guides a ship. Who the Son sets free, is free indeed? In Jesus’ name! Amen.

Your actions speak louder than what you say. Many of you are familiar with the saying, “Let your light shine.”.

Matthew 5:16 says to let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

1 Peter 3:1-2 Living Translation 1-2 Wives, fit in with your husbands’ plans; if they refuse to listen when you talk to them about the Lord, they will be won by your respectful, pure behavior. Your godly lives will speak to them better than any words. As people of God, we can love. God commands us to love even the most difficult people and others that do not share our belief in Jesus or God.

Jeremiah 31:2-4 says with loving kindness; God draws us to Him.

Romans 2:4 says it is the goodness of God that leads to repentance.                                                            

We should address it in love if we catch someone at fault.

Ephesians 4:15 says to speak the truth in love.                                    

Galatians 6:1 Amplified Version says Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual [that is, you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit] are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness [not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness], keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.                                     

We all need someone we are accountable. So if we mess up, repent, take responsibility for our actions, and ask for God’s help.

What you believe should be demonstrated, not debated, to impact a person’s life.

If it is people you are trying to reach, practice what you preach!

Prayer: God, thank you for another day for you to manifest your glory in me. I let my light shine, so people will see your good works and glorify the Father in heaven. I draw people through love and kindness. I repent for not practicing what I preach and judging others. I ask for your help and grace to live a life people would say, ‘what must I do to be saved” In Jesus’ name! Amen!

 

Separation is the key to preparing for the more extraordinary things God has for us.

Ecclesiastes 3:5 NIV: there is a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.

Sometimes we must get away from everyone and everything to get clarity or to work on areas we need help in.

Jesus left us an example to follow in his footsteps. But unfortunately, there were times when Jesus would get alone.

Luke 5:16 Amplified Version: Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray [in seclusion].

Abraham got away from his family to receive the blessing and was able to bless his family.

Genesis 12:1-2 New King James: Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. 2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great, And you shall be a blessing.3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

In most drug and rehab programs, the person would get away from their surroundings in order to get clarity and the help needed to conquer an addiction.

Do you need clarity? Is there a stronghold or bondage you are trying to break free from? Do you need answers?

Follow Jesus’ example and get alone with God. Get quiet, meditate on the word of God in the areas you need clarity, pray, worship, and praise God.

People may not understand, and they may think you are being rude or acting funny. However, you can significantly help yourself and others when you find time to get away.

Separation for preparation!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for another day to demonstrate your goodness and power. There is a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. I get away and embrace time with you and your will for my life, which includes separating from people/things to move forward. I repent for holding onto something that has caused me to stay stagnant. I move forward in the plans you have for me, God. In Jesus’ name! Amen.

In 2019, it is time to birth the dream!

When a person desires something strong enough, he/she will do anything to get it.

Birthing the dream

Romans 8:22-25(New King James Version says)²² For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. ²⁴ For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

From the blog in April of 2018 “Birth What’s in the Earth”, it was addressed that it is just like an expectant mother; when it is time to give birth, the mother will do whatever it takes to push the baby out no matter how long it takes until she gives birth.

After researching, talking about it, meditating, visualizing, hearing about it, now it is time to possess.

It reminded me of an event in the bible:  Luke 5 starting at verse 17. There were men who needed healing for their friend who was paralyzed. They tried to get into the house carrying their friend on a mat to get to Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he forgave their sins and healed their friend.

You will face obstacles trying to birth out your dream, but do not let it stop you from birthing it out. It takes faith and faith comes by hearing the word of God. Hearing daily is the key in order to get faith to obtain what you are believing for.

Birth your dream in 2019!

Prayer: Lord I thank you for the dreams you placed on the inside of me.  Lord no matter what obstacles I face I will push through like a mother giving birth to a child until it is birthed out. I give you the praise in Jesus’ name!  Amen.

Most of us as adults spend a lot of our time driving. When driving, we know one distraction that takes our minds off the road can cause the vehicle to run off if not caught in time.

In Genesis Chapters 2 & 3. God told Adam every tree in the Garden he could freely eat, but the tree of the knowledge of good and evil do not eat for the day you do you will surely die (spiritually and physically). So Eve was deceived by the serpent, gave to Adam, and they both ate and were driven out of the Garden.

The battlefield is in mind. Most of you know the phrase “curiosity killed the cat.” This means that some things should not be explored or touched, no matter how tempting it may be to see what would happen if we did.

Any addiction (food, drugs, sex, and even serial killings) starts with something small and gradually progresses until, like a car, it gets out of control.

Just like Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden tree, exploring something that is not moral or godly is just like eating the forbidden tree.

Proverbs 4:23-27 New International Version 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Just like we must physically take a bath so that our bodies will not stink, we have to take a spiritual bath, or our lives will stink.

We take a spiritual bath through God’s word every day. Ephesians 5:26 says sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.

Steer Clear! It Can Cause You to Veer.

Prayer: God, thank you for another new word from heaven. God, I guard my heart and mind against things that are not of you. I repent for allowing things to cause me to veer off the path of righteousness. I take a spiritual bath by meditating and spending time in the word of God. I thank you, God, I am clean! In Jesus’ name! Amen.

This season and every day, whatever we want if we reciprocate it, it will come back.

Luke 6:38 KJV says 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured to you again.

You get what you give. I noticed when I encouraged others, even when I was feeling down myself, I felt encouraged myself.

It is the same with a spiritual relationship with God. If you are feeling spiritually dead or feeling God is far away, James 4:8 says if you draw near to God, he will draw near to you.

Luke 9:26 (in Jesus’ words) If you are ashamed of me and my words before people, I will be ashamed when I come in all my glory before the Father and the angels.

There are a lot of ways to give. It could be a kind word, a smile, spending time with someone, a call, or a gift.

To live a happy and whole life, do not wait to reciprocate!

Have a joyous season.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me the ultimate gift, your Son Jesus. God, thank you for your love and faithfulness towards me. I repent at times for not returning the love and letting other things and people distract me. I draw near to you, and you will draw near to me. I know whatever I want, I give, and it is multiplied by me. I thank you now in Jesus’ name! Amen.