Keep the Faith Now

"Here are Kingdom revelations, words to live by, and words of wisdom to empower you to reign in life,.........."Use them as keys to unlock the treasures of true knowledge." Proverbs 1:1-2 (TPT) The book of Proverbs is considered to be wisdom that comes from above. In Hebrew the word for proverbs means more than just a wise saying, it can mean to rule, to reign in power and to take dominion. It is also considered a byword or precept, an embodiment or representation of some quality. Solomon asked God to be embodied with wisdom, a representation of the character and quality of God. The keys to unlocking your best life are found in the word and precepts, the instructions of God. It opens up your understanding to give you the proper insight on all of life. It teaches you to value discipline in order to have the ability to choose what is right and fair. Wisdom will teach the naive how to become clever and teach you how to grow and live with discretion. Wisdom will demo

"Let these men go. Ignore them. If this is just another movement arising from human enthusiasm, it will die out soon enough. But then again, if God is in this, you won't be able to stop it_unless, of course, you're ready to fight against God!" Acts 5:38-39 Movements are the culture of this generation. It is defined as organized activities working toward an objective, or an organized effort to promote or attain an end. It also defines motion toward something or a cause. In this 5th Chapter of Acts we continue to see the Apostles being persecuted for the cause of the Gospel. They have been put into prison and supernaturally released. Their incarcerators have sent for them but they are not where they caged them. When they find them they are in the temple courts, teaching the people the word of God. The council is perplexed and fuming for they warned them to never say anything in the name of Jesus again. Peter and the Apostles made it clear that they were not about

"What should we do with these men? We can't deny the signs and wonders. But to keep this propaganda from spreading any further among the people, let's threaten them severely and warn them to never speak to anyone in this name again." Acts 4:16-17(  TPT) Educated, wealthy and elite people in power can be a formula for unprincipled collaborationists and political sycophants, who would sell their mothers for power. Judas Iscariot the disciple fell into this same type of mindset selling Jesus to the Sanhedrin and became a collaborationist, betraying the Son of God. In this chapter of Acts we see the Sadducees leading the incarceration of the Apostles. They saw these miracles and the message of the gospel as a threat to their political structure. They were materialistic rationalist, in Acts 23:8 it states that they did not believe in the resurrection, angels or spirits. To them the Messiah was simply an ideal. Today we have a similar issue operating in America. Powe

"Pray to the Lord for the city where you are living, because if good things happen in the city, good things will happen to you also [ in its peace and security, you will have peace and security ]." Jeremiah 29:7 Living in one of the most influential cities in America can be extremely fruitful to it's residents. As a native Philadelphian I am drawn to the history of this city which means brotherly love. As a Black American I understand that though in a free land their are still unnecessary means of captivity for people of different ethnicities, nevertheless it's still my city and I believe it to be the best. In sharing this story in Jeremiah 29 I could not help to see the many similarities of the life of the Jewish remnant who were in exile in Babylonia. God had instructed them to strive to get along with their captors. They were to be peacemakers not troublemakers and they were to sincerely pray for their enemies. This may not be easy for everyone to agree upon

“So God created human beings in His image. In the image of God He created them. Genesis  1:27  NLT In light of everything that we are facing in our society today, police brutality and the horrific and senseless crimes that we commit against one another mankind must remember that we are destroying God's masterpiece. Ephesians 2:10 tells us;  "For we are God's masterpiece. He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." This was never God's plan He knew that after Adam sinned that all mankind would no longer have His nature so He sent His Son into the world that we would again be like Him. He knows the heart of men, and His message to us is to love one another as you love yourself. Love and hate are at war, this is not about race, this is a matter of human dignity. Humanity is the human race the action of humanity is humanness, benevolence, compassion, brotherly love, fraternity, fellow feeling, philanthropy, kindn

"For the Lord Our God has brought us His glory-light." "I offer Him my life in joyous sacrifice." "Tied tightly to your altar I will bring you praise." For you are the God of my life and I lift you high, exalting you to the highest place." Psalms 118:27-28 The 118th Psalm speaks to every believer in every age. The background is said to be the dedication of the restored walls and gates of "Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles in 444B.C. in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah." The Jews in the city were surrounded by enemies who ridiculed and threatened to attack them and stop the work that the Lord had given to them. The rebuilding project took fifty two days and the report of this remarkable and phenomenal accomplishment astounded the nations." The Psalm writer expresses the joy the people experienced as they marveled over what the Lord had done on their behalf." (ref...Be Exultant) As people of God we must see the Lord in ev

"You satisfy my every desire with good things. "You've supercharged my life so that I soar again like a flying eagle in the sky!" Psalms 103:5 ( The Passion Bible ) Most often as children of God we really misappropriate the meaning of belonging to God. We often lose sight of this wonderful privilege. In the 103rd Psalm the writer is expressing his praise and gratitude for the Father's love. How his soul praises him and that it bows in wonder and love towards God. In this psalm he describes how his soul is celebrating the miracles that have been performed on his behalf and in spite of all that he has done God has forgiven him, healed him inside and out. He shares how he was recused from a living hell, then crowned with love and mercy. His praise is far from superficial because he understood that his help came only from God. It is so wonderful to know that in spite of everything God can renew and restore us. In v.5 we want to focus on three words, satisfy ,

"But you are God's chosen generation, His royal priesthood, His holy nation, His peculiar people, all the old titles of God's people now belong to you. It is for you now to demonstrate the goodness of Him who has called you out of darkness into His amazing light. In the past you were not a people at all: now you are the people of God. In the past you had no experience of His mercy, but now it's intimately yours."   I Peter 2:9 Peter gives a clear contrast of the destiny and privilege of believers. As a believer we are a distinct group from the rest of the world, unified by the Holy Spirit. Not by a physical birth but by spiritual rebirth into the royal family through Jesus Christ. In light of that you must live according to this principle of no longer living a commoner's life. Walk in retrospect of the Kingdom of which you represent, unique and holy. Remember to hold fast to what you have for the Lord is coming soon, see to it that no one takes your crown

"Know (perceive, recognize, and understand with approval) that the Lord is God! It is He who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]! We are His people and the sheep of His pasture." Psalms 100:3 ( AMPC ) The excellence, beauty and perfection of God is exhibited in all creation. The awe in the Psalm is seen in the word "Know" which in the text means to know by experience, in the dictionary it means to acknowledge or to have developed an relationship with (someone) through meeting and spending time with them, to realize, be conscious of, comprehend, recognize the nature of, discern, or be convinced or certain of. We know God by what we have experienced in our hearts and have witnessed of His incomparable glory. "He made us; He has chosen us to be His own, it was not our doing but God's. The metaphor of sheep as God's own people is to portray Him as a Shepherd, that leads and guides His people into the places that have been prepared for th

"I will put my rainbow in the clouds to be a sign of my promise to the earth." Genesis 9:13 (GWTB) In this covenant with humanity and all living creatures, God makes a promise to never destroy life in the earth through another universal flood. Throughout biblical history to help the people of God to remember His covenants He would give them a visible sign. In Genesis 1:14 God said for there to be lights in the sky to serve as signs to mark sacred times and seasons. Rainbows are caused by the sunlight filtering through water in the air, each drop becomes a prism to release the colors hidden in the white light of the sun. It is an optical phenomenon that appears when sunlight and atmospheric conditions are just right and the position of the viewer is just right to see it. ( scijinks.gov...It's all about the weather ) "Be Basic" by (Warren Weiserbe) tells of a story about Mark Twain and a friend who steps out of church just as a violent storm beg

"Since there is one bread, we [believers] who are many are [united into] one body; for we all partake of the one bread, [which represents the body of Christ]." I Corinthians 10:17 (AMP) The life of the believer is based on our partaking in our human body the things that Jesus gave us and His word spoken to us, demonstrating His divine life. His life being the one bread emphasizes the unity of His church. God has committed many good things to us of which we must be faithful. We are living in a day where there is so much hatred, division and divisive measures being taken against one another. The world needs a source of unity that one thing that brings us all together and unlike the world the church has that source. The question is does the body of Christ partake in the source that unites us or do we manage to participate in that which unties us? I Corinthians 12:12 lets us know that the body of Christ is a unit, "for by one Spirit we all were immersed and mingled in

"But that's not all! Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence, knowing that our pressures will develop in us patient endurance. And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to hope." Romans 5:3-4 God's love is so amazing to me. Sometimes it's hard to comprehend the depth of His love, His mercy, His compassion, His faithfulness, His long-suffering and His relentless pursuit of us! The incredible plan of redemption surpasses the love and wisdom of any human, it turns our reasoning and logic upside down and offers us a means to obtain it without effort. Oh what joy to know that it is our faith in Jesus that transfers God's righteousness to us and declares us flawless in His eyes. What this means is that we can now enjoy true and lasting peace with God because of what the Lord has done for us. Our faith guarantees us permanent access into this marvelous kindness that gives us this magnificent relationship wi

"Two people will not [Can two.....?] walk together unless they have agreed to do so [or to meet; or on the direction]." Amos 3:3 In Amos the 3rd chapter God is speaking through the prophet to His people because He saw that they were going astray so perversely after their lusts. In some sense God is asking a question;  "do you wish for me to walk with you? Or perhaps "do you wish that my blessing dwell among you, to continue to show you My paternal love and bountiful support for you? "So why then do you not walk with Me or there not be a mutual consent? Why do you not respond to me? for I am ready to walk with you."(TPC) The prophet affirms that he speaks by God's command in agreement with Him and that he was fully persuaded that their is nothing we should do according to our own will but wait for the call of God that there be no chance of self leading us astray, but to stay on the road the Lord has pointed out. Agreement is the harmony or acc

"Do You not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours ." I Corinthians 9:24 Last weekend in Philadelphia we had the annual Broad Street run. Many have trained and come from many areas to run this marathon but there can only be one first prize winner. What amazed me was a story of an African American woman who was about 92 years old or older partaking in the race. I was in awe of her and embarrassed of myself at the same time. I had committed to waking up early after prayer to continue my prayers while walking, I think I accomplished it for one day. Life is consistent even when we are not. Paul was describing the Christian journey as a race and that we have to see ourselves like athletes training to win the greatest prize in the universe, which is the crown of our salvation. He described disciplining ourselves like athletes with self control, persistence

"My Ears Are Filled With The Sounds Of Promise." Psalms 11b MSG In your quest for obtaining great faith there will be moments when you have to put your foot on the neck of what you hear. I promise you that you will hear a lot of discouraging words and accusations. The enemy will always try to get in our ear, whispering for us to quit, give up, you can't make it, you can't do that, it will never happen, you will always be broke, you will always be sick, they don't like you, your not beautiful, you don't measure up, your not special, your not talented, there is no reason to live, no one loves you, your going to die, I can go on with the endless lies that the devil deposits on a daily basis. The sad part about it is that so many believers are used to this sound! You cannot allow these fake statements of the enemy rob you of your faith. In this portion of the Psalm vs. 6-11 the writer is declaring that God's people shall overcome. And the promise of God

"Faith is the assurance of things you have hoped for, the absolute conviction that there are realities you've never seen." Hebrews 11:1 ( The Voice Bible) Faith means being sure, the assurance or tangible reality or the sure foundation of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even when we do not see it. When you have vision, you have to have faith. Faith is about taking a risk, going where you have never gone before, doing what you have never done before. It takes faith to have your dreams and goals come true. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Issac, there will be trying moments to test your faith, times when you fully have to abandon your natural inclinations and defer to God's word. In the critical moments of life you must use our faith and look beyond where you are, you will see your faith elevate to brand new levels of success and victories that you have never attained before. Realize that whatever your going through tod

"Now is the time for us to progress beyond the basic message of Christ and advance into perfection. "The foundation has already been laid for us to build upon: turning away from our dead works to embrace faith in God,......" "So with God's enablement we will move on to deeper truths." Hebrews 6:1-3 The body of Christ must now come to an understanding of expanding what we know about God. The elementary fundamentals we received in the start of this journey will not suffice the assignment. We must now move forward to maturity, completeness and more grown-up teaching. Many of us started in Christ with a excellent beginning but as we were to grow spiritually we calcified, we became very hardened to the things of God by the things we experienced. Some of us continue to go up and down and end up back to the basics, year after year, after year, after year. We repeatedly slip back and end back up being taught the same things we were taught when we got sav

"My Destiny and it's timing is in the hand of God." Psalms 16:5 Your way of life, your fortune, your fate, your portion comes from God. Knowing God is to know that He operates in rhythm, seasons, or times. Ecclesiastes 3 breaks down very intricately the seasons, or timing of a man's life or destiny. It tells us in vs.1 that, "Everything on earth has its own time and its own season" ( CEV ) or " Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses." ( GNT ) Being in sync rhythmically with God is so vital to the believer, operating in boundaries of our destiny or fortune, is the ability to flow in purpose. God has a purpose for each of us, you will find it to be your greatest joy as you discover the privilege of understanding the intention of God for your life. There are times as believers we find it difficult to accept what God has given us. There will be times when your ideas of what you want may get in the way of you and God

"For even if you were to gain all the wealth and power of this world with everything it could offer you, at the cost of your own life what good could that be?" "And what could be more valuable than your own soul?" Matthew 16:26 ( Passion Translation ) Jesus after rebuking Peter for being an offense to His destiny, expounds on what it cost to be a disciple. Speaking to them He shares what would have to occur if they truly wanted to follow Him. Very clear He declares that at once they must completely reject and disown their own life, and be willing to share His cross and experience it as their own. To choose self-sacrifice and lose their lives for the exchange of His glory. Revealing to them that this is the only way you can experience the true life of God's Kingdom. If you choose to keep the life that your living then you will forfeit everything you try to keep. For example " If you want to walk toward something you must walk away from it."  (Lewis

"Jesus immediately stretched out His hand and lifted him up and said, "What little faith you have! Why would you let doubt win?" Matthew 14:31  (Passion Translation) Miracles are the marvelous, unexplainable acts of God. Miracles also reaffirmed Jesus identity as the Son of God, they also teach and reveal to us the nature of God's Kingdom. In Matthew 14 we see nothing but miracles. Jesus first feeds the multitudes who are hungry and desolate, with five loaves of bread and two fish. He serves about 5000, men, women and children, then so much that the disciples filled twelve baskets full of leftovers. After feeding the people, He tells His disciples to get into their boat and go to the other side of the lake while He stayed behind to dismiss the people. After the crowds dispersed, Jesus went up into the hills to pray to His Father.  In the early hours of the morning the disciples run into a storm, tossed back and forth by the sea, worried and afraid they fight a

"Set Your Gaze On The Path Before You. With Fixed Purpose, Looking Straight Ahead," Proverbs 4:25a What is before your eyes? There is a saying that says outlook determines outcome. With a world full of so much to see, how, what and where do you grab the vision for your path? Social sites have many options to fashion yourself after with filters, props and crops to give a picture of what is not. The pretentious images we view on a daily basis, the fake statuses and fake looks do not impart true life. Many of us begin to stray off the path of our inner being and set our affections on things that affect the affections of our heart. Feasting on the feeds of others and being formed by the words of people we have never met. God says in this Proverb 4:21 to "Fill your thoughts with my words until they penetrate deep into your spirit." All of the worlds new gimmicks and new technologies have led many off the path that was set before them. Understand that your purpose i

" When I was desperate, overwhelmed, and about to give up, You were the only one there to help." Psalms 142:3a In the prison of problems, distress, adversity and challenges, know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Life can cave in on you in such a way that it can confine you to the circumstance. It can surround you and distort your outlook on life and God. In this Psalm, David is confined in a dungeon or (cave), a man with the anointing to be king, hiding from Saul a man he loved and served, who has lost his mind and is hunting him with an army trying to kill him. In this place he cries out to God begging him for mercy spilling out his heart. Declaring to God that he is trapped and alone and the only hope he has in life is Him. "Lord Your all I have, my only hope in this life, Your my last chance of being rescued." He talks about how the people he loved disowned and deserted him, that when he had favor in Saul's court everyone took interest