The Urgency of God's Mercy: A Wake-Up Call for Our Souls
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We chase after success, pleasure, and personal fulfillment, often neglecting the most crucial aspect of our existence – our relationship with God. But what if we've been looking at life all wrong? What if the purpose we've been searching for has been right in front of us all along?

Let's take a moment to reflect on a sobering truth: every single one of us deserves God's wrath. It's a hard pill to swallow, but it's the reality of our human condition. We are all sinners, our minds and bodies corrupted by the nature of sin. Yet, how often do we live as if this doesn't matter? How frequently do we go about our days, weeks, and years, acting as though God is an afterthought?

We claim God's blessings, we boast that "God don't play about me," but are we truly living in a way that honors Him? Or are we deceiving ourselves, thinking that God will continue to turn a blind eye to our transgressions? It's time for a wake-up call.

Consider this: mercy means to forgive or show compassion to someone who deserves to be harmed. By this definition, we are all in desperate need of God's mercy. Without it, we stand condemned. Yet, how many people have died without experiencing this divine mercy? At funerals, we often hear eulogies that paint a rosy picture, as if everyone automatically ascends to heaven. But the harsh truth is that many depart this life without having embraced God's merciful offer of salvation.

Life is fleeting. Ten years, twenty years – they pass in the blink of an eye. In light of this brevity, we must ask ourselves: what is the true purpose of our existence? The answer is both simple and profound: to get back to God. Everything else – our careers, our achievements, our earthly pleasures – pales in comparison to this ultimate goal.

But here's the tragedy: many of us live our lives dishonoring God, even laughing in His face. We may believe in His existence, but we refuse to repent, to change our ways, to align our minds with His will. We know what we ought to do, yet we stubbornly cling to our sinful patterns, missing out on the transformative power of God's mercy.

The day of judgment looms on the horizon, and it will bring only two possible outcomes. For some, there will be joy, triumph, and cheers of victory. For others, there will be gnashing of teeth, screams, wailing, and unimaginable fear. The choice is ours. Will we surrender our self-centered pursuits and embrace God's agenda for our lives? Or will we risk standing before Him on that final day, only to be cast into eternal separation?

It's a sobering thought, isn't it? We know these truths deep down, yet we often try to ignore them, seduced by the temporary pleasures of sin. Yes, sin can be alluring and fun – many of us can attest to that from personal experience. But we must recognize a greater reality: God is real, and His judgment is certain.

Here's the good news: right now, at this very moment, we are living in a time of God's mercy. The Bible calls this "forbearance" – a period where God is holding back His wrath, giving us an opportunity to turn to Him. It's a window of grace, but it won't last forever.
The book of Hebrews encourages us to "come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV). This is our invitation – to run to God with all our flaws, failures, and sins exposed. When we truly grasp the depth of our sinfulness and the magnitude of God's holiness, we should be compelled to flee to Him as our only hope.

Consider the testimony of a former drug dealer who tried to balance his illicit activities with prayers for forgiveness. Living a completely contradictory life, he sought God's mercy while continuing in his sinful ways. But when the full revelation of his true condition hit him – how utterly depraved and foul he was in light of God's holiness – he ran to God with abandon. He realized that without God, he was hell-bound, and that in God alone could he find safety and redemption.

This is the power of God's mercy. It doesn't matter how far we've strayed or how deeply we've sinned. God's arms are open wide, ready to receive all who come to Him in genuine repentance. But we must act now, in this time of mercy, before it's too late.
As we conclude, let this be a clarion call to our souls. We cannot afford to squander this opportunity. The time of God's patience and forbearance is a precious gift, but it has an expiration date. One day, we will all stand before the Judge of all the earth. On that day, will we meet Him as our Savior or as our condemner?

Take advantage of this time of mercy. Don't let another day pass without seriously considering your standing before God. Reflect on your life, your choices, and your ultimate destiny. Are you living for temporary pleasures or eternal purpose? Are you running towards God or away from Him?

Remember, no one can say they were never told about Jesus Christ and His lordship. This message serves as a witness – a reminder of the urgency of embracing God's mercy. The choice is yours, but the consequences are eternal.

In a world full of distractions and competing voices, may we have the wisdom to recognize what truly matters. May we find the courage to confront our sinfulness and the humility to accept God's outstretched hand of mercy. For in His mercy lies our only hope, our true purpose, and our eternal joy.

Let us not delay. The time is now. Run to God, embrace His mercy, and discover the life you were always meant to live – a life reconciled to your Creator, filled with purpose, and destined for eternity in His presence.

Transforming Our Minds: From Worldly to Godly Living

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves at a crossroads between living for ourselves and living for God. It's a struggle that many believers face - the pull between our earthly desires and our spiritual calling. But what does it truly mean to live a life that glorifies God rather than ourselves?

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, reminds us that "we proclaim not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake." This powerful statement challenges us to shift our focus from self-glorification to serving others and honoring God.

Consider for a moment: How often do we find ourselves saying, "I believe in God, but I can't live for God"? This mindset reveals a heart that is still clinging to self-glorification. We want what we want, when we want it, and God becomes an afterthought. But true belief moves us from mere lip service to heart service.

The transformation process is not always easy. The Bible tells us that "the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers." This spiritual blindness can affect even those who claim to believe. We might pray occasionally or listen to worship music, but do we truly understand that our entire life should be an act of worship?

Living a life of worship goes beyond Sunday services or playing Christian music. It's about how we conduct ourselves daily. The way we live, the sacrifices we make, and our obedience to the Holy Spirit's promptings - all of these constitute worship. When we move away from things that don't align with God's will, that's worship. When we tend to the responsibilities God has given us, that's worship.

But how do we make this shift? It starts with recognizing that we are "dead to sin and alive in Christ." Ephesians 2 reminds us that we were once "dead in trespasses and sins," following the ways of the world. But now, as believers, we are called to a new way of living.

This new life requires vigilance and mindfulness. We must be aware of our thoughts and actions, constantly aligning them with God's will. It's not about working on our sins or merely praying about them - it's about putting them to death. As Paul says, "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid!" We must banish even the thought of continuing in sin.

Often, we try to make deals with God, promising to change if He helps us. But true transformation comes when we operate by the "light of knowledge of the glory of God." It's not about our strength or willpower, but about submitting to God's power and trusting in His instructions.

This submission might mean saying no to things we want, even when it's frustrating. It means replacing negative behaviors with positive ones - truth-telling instead of lying, honest work instead of stealing, and speaking blessings instead of curses. It's a daily decision to follow God's ways rather than the "prince of the power of the air."

In our pursuit of personal goals and aspirations, we must not lose sight of our primary purpose - to glorify God. The prophet Haggai delivers a powerful message from God: "Consider your ways... You have sown much, and harvested little... because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house."

This scripture serves as a wake-up call. Are we so focused on our own lives and desires that we're neglecting God's house - both the physical church and our spiritual responsibilities? When we align ourselves with God's will and focus on building His kingdom, He promises to take pleasure in it and be glorified.

It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of knowledge, arts, science, and societal development. These are not inherently wrong - they are gifts from God. However, when corrupted by a diabolical spirit or misaligned from God's purposes, these abilities can be misused for selfish ends, deception, and harm.

As believers, we are called to pick up our cross and follow Christ. This isn't a call to complacency or comfort, but to active participation in God's work. It means asking ourselves: How can we contribute to ministry? How can we make our faith community more dynamic? How can we reach out to others?

When we become kingdom-focused and busy ourselves with God's work, we open the door for Him to add to our lives. It's not about individual success, but about collective growth in faith and service.

Remember, as Christians, we are owned by God. The apostle Paul described himself as a "slave of Jesus Christ." This ownership comes with responsibility, but also with incredible blessings. We have received the Holy Spirit, who helps us "realize, comprehend, and appreciate the gifts of divine favor so freely lavished upon us."

Sometimes, in the busyness of life, we forget the benefits we have as children of God. Take a moment to reflect on what God has delivered you from, what He has fixed in your life, and how blessed you are. The ultimate goal is not earthly success or recognition, but to hear those coveted words from our Savior: "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Let's not take advantage of God's grace or trivialize the sacrifice of Christ. Changing our minds and hearts can be painful, but God is in the midst of that change. If we're willing to align our lives with His will, if we're motivated by love and a desire to help others, we have the ultimate Helper - the Holy Spirit.

When faced with negative thoughts or the desire for revenge, confess it. The Bible encourages us to "confess your faults to one another." Bringing these thoughts into the light helps prevent them from taking root and growing into something more destructive.

In conclusion, let's embrace our new life in Christ. Let's move beyond mere belief to a life that truly glorifies God in every aspect. It's a daily choice, a moment-by-moment decision to align our will with God's. As we do this, we'll find ourselves transformed, no longer conforming to the pattern of this world, but renewed in our minds, proving God's good, pleasing, and perfect will.

As I read through John 6 tonight, I am struck by how Jesus assigns the disciples the task of caring for the 5,000 who were fed with the fish and loaves of bread. The disciples had to organize the crowd, ensuring that 5,000 people were seated, and then gather the leftover food so that nothing was wasted. Imagine a small group of men managing such a massive crowd. Can you fathom the burden, the effort, and the potential frustration involved in handling such a significant event? This scenario is strikingly similar to how most churches function, where a few dedicated individuals serve the needs of many.


After the event, Jesus retreats to a mountain alone for solitude and prayer. Meanwhile, the disciples embark on a boat to cross to the other side of the sea. As night falls, Jesus comes to them, walking on water—a moment of profound wonder and reassurance.

The significance of these two moments, meticulously recorded by John, lies in the duality of the disciples' experience. They are entrusted with the heavy burden of service, organizing and feeding the multitude. This task likely demanded immense physical effort, patience, and resilience. Yet, this same group of disciples is also privileged to witness the private, awe-inspiring glory of Christ's miracles. Through their diligent service, they draw closer to Jesus, experiencing His divine power in a deeply personal way.

These events illustrate a powerful truth: those who labor in faith often carry significant burdens, but they are also granted moments of profound spiritual intimacy and revelation. The disciples' journey—from the practical, exhausting work of feeding the masses to the miraculous encounter of Jesus walking on water—mirrors the journey of many believers. In serving others, they find themselves drawn nearer to the heart of Christ, experiencing the miraculous in the midst of the mundane.

When I think about my walk with God, I know that I have been deeply devoted to Him since 2004. The day that I walked into the church, I submitted my life to Him in every way possible. I try to give God the best of who I am at all times. Within my devotion to God I see His hand on my life. He is a faithful God and always follows through with His promises.

But is my devotion a requirement of God? We must first define the word devotion. Devotion:love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause. Is love a requirement of God? Is loyalty a requirement of God? Is enthusiasm a requirement of God? I have to ask myself these questions because there have been times that I may not have been loyal. There are other times that I may not been enthusiastic towards God. Do these things stop God from operating in our lives? No!

God saved us before we became loyal and even before we loved Him. The bible says that He first loved us (1 John 4:19). For the last 3 months we have been studying 2 Pet 1:3-5 at the church. In the first few verses we see God giving and fulfilling promises without our devotion. He gives us His nature, He fulfills our life and spirituality, He gives us the knowledge of Christ, He calls us to glory and virtue. What we must understand is that without God’s supply and the acknowledgement of it we cannot be devoted. We do not have the capability, the power nor the will to be devoted to God. He must first draw us to Him in order for us to know Him.

Devotion should be something every Christian exercises. We should give God all of us. Romans 12:1 tells us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God because it's our reasonable service. After all that God has done its just reasonable that we serve Him in a mighty way. We should never take advantage of the grace of God (Romans 6:1). We do ourselves a disservice by carelessly handling God’s love and grace. When our children take advantage of our love it frustrates us. Therefore in the same manner do not frustrate the grace of God (Galatians 2:21). I believe devotion truly matters when it comes to our walk with God. It exhibits a level of maturity as well as discipline. But God is the source of our devotion.

Pastor Jamol.

As we celebrate Women's History Month 2022, we reflect upon Queen Esther had in the history of the Bible. We thank the ladies of A&A Ministries for today's blog post.

Over the weekend I had a conversation with my granddaughter Haveah “who’s 6”.  She tells me about school and how’s she’s doing well.  They recently put her into a gifted program, which makes me very proud.  She explains to me that a girl in her class was cheating off her paper a while back and she told the teacher.   According to my grand baby there have been several issues with the same little girl with others.   Now, how many of you would be over her by now?  If I know anything it’s that in todays world if nothing else is strong the “cut off” game is strong. Especially in the body of Christ.  When have we gotten to a point where we’d rather be done with someone then to see where we could help?

 So back to the story. Fast forward to today Haveah informs me that she not only is still friends with the student but is now tutoring her and 2 others to read. What!!! So there was a reason the girl was cheating and acting out.  She can’t read! You mean to tell me a six year old can show more compassion towards one who’s wronged them then most adults? And help them in their weaknesses?   How many times could things be turned around for us and others if we’d just take the time to first find out the issues and lend a hand to correct them?  

She told me she felt bad the girl got in trouble in class and how the other kids were being mean to her, that’s empathy. 

But true compassion is having a desire to help and acting on it.  MAKING A CHANGE NOT JUST OBSERVING THE PROBLEM!

When we know better we do better, which can cause the world to be better


I love you
Pastor T

God’s grace is like a room full of treasures. There is an abundance of value in the things of God. The longer that we walk with God the more we consume and handle God’s most valuable commodities. God who is rich in grace and mercy welcomes us to all that He has and can provide for our lives.

As we walk amongst God precious treasures we see things that are designed specifically for our lives. Through the handling of tailored made treasures we come to an understanding about our purpose, destiny and the direction life is pointing towards. Yet there are so many things in the room of treasures that often times we get distracted and take for granted the things that God has designed just for us.

Finding your purpose in life is a precious jewel. Often times, many do not realize that their purpose has been with them their entire lives. A person’s purpose rest in frustrations and desires. The things that upset you the most about the world and the things you desire to do for others usually points a person in the direction of purpose. It is the discovery of purpose and the handling of it that ultimately brings focus into our lives. In my personal opinion, the person who dies without finding purpose has missed out on one of the greatest divine revelations or the very tailored made treasure for their life.

Once you find your purpose in life do not lose focus! I will say this again…ONCE YOU FIND YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE DO NOT LOSE FOCUS. God has given us one physical life. Within this life, He has specifically designed something just for you. Finding where your treasure is amongst other treasures is the key to self discovery. Once you find yourself in God do not let go. There are a lot of shiny things (distractions) in the treasure room but there is only one thing designed just for you.

In Mark Chapter 4 Jesus teaches of the parable of the sower. He speaks about seed falling into specific areas of ground or in other words, life. The one place Jesus speaks of that has always intrigued me is the seed among the thorns. Mark 4:18-19 Message-"The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it. Be careful with your treasure. Identify the weeds and thorns and do not allow your purpose to be strangled by things that have nothing to do with what was made just for you.

As I sit here and think about life, I found myself jealous of people who are free to be themselves; not that I am not genuinely authentic, but there are things in Christ that I know that are unacceptable. The Apostle Paul said that I am prisoner of Jesus Christ and a slave to righteousness. So no I am not living a fake life but on the contrary I am living someone else’s life. I am doing my best to emulate the life of Christ. Therefore, when I see the freedom of sin and know the fleshly joy that it brings I feel at times somewhat envious of a sinners false freedom. It appears that they say what they want to say, do what they want to do, and be whatever they want to be.

As I ponder the sinners freedom I also ponder their end. Psalm 73:8 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou casted them down into destruction. I know that without repentance every person will enter hell. The sacrifice of a relationship with Christ ultimately gains you the reward of hell. This is the sinners recompense of reward. Party now pay later!

Being armed with the information of life (physical and eternal) in my soul, I realize that my envy only dwells on the physical plane of existence and that my sacrifice of the flesh will reap the benefits of Christ. Therefore, I subdue my fleshly desires for the path of righteousness.

There are times that I feel like I am playing in the marvel movie Venom. There is this thing in me that speaks to me. It wants freedom. It wants to do, say, and feel totally different than the spiritual life that I live. I want to make spirit led and spirit filled decisions. It wants to make flesh led and flesh filled decisions. It fights so effortlessly and is relentless with its suggestions and desires. Because of this I know without Christ I am a danger to myself. The last verse in Psalms 73 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. After David identifies his envy towards the wicked, the goodness of relationship with God, but his stupidity of desiring a sinners life he just plainly says: But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works. A great cognitive relationship with yourself is powerful. Yet the only thing that can save you from you is the mind of Christ. Without the mind of Christ you are subject to the duality of human existence.

Psalm 73 King James Version
73 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

Luke 7:19-23 (American Standard Version)19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to the Lord, saying, Art thou he that cometh, or look we for another? 20 And when the men were come unto him, they said, John the Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that cometh, or look we for another? 21 In that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits; and on many that were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered and said unto them, Go and tell John the things which ye have seen and heard; the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good tidings preached to them. 23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall find no occasion of stumbling in me.

Good Morning,
 
John the Baptist was in prison and asked two of his followers to find Jesus. He wanted his disciples to ask Jesus if He was the One that they were looking for or should they look for another. After all that John experienced of Jesus, now that he was in trouble he started to doubt Jesus. John the Baptist began to doubt Jesus because he was discouraged about his imprisonment.
 
Jesus went about doing the things that He was sent to do. He healed people of diseases and plagues. He continued to cast out demons and gave the blind sight. Although John the Baptist was in prison and was discouraged about Jesus not coming to free him Jesus continued with His ministry. Jesus told John’s disciples to tell him what they saw. Give John the testimony of the things that I have done. Look at John’s dilemma. Jesus is performing miracles but He is not coming for me. How many times have people witnessed to you yet you still doubted the power of God? How many times have you witnessed someone else’s miracle but you are in need of your own miracle? Why isn’t Jesus showing up for you?
 
Jesus said, “blessed is he, whosoever shall find no occasion of stumbling in me”. So many times, we walk so far with Christ then when the going gets tough, we tend to shrink into doubt. “Why is God doing this to me”? If God was a loving God, he wouldn’t let me go through this”. I wish I would have $10 for every time I heard, “I tried God and my life got worst. 1 Peter 1:7 states, That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. No matter what we go through do not lose faith in Christ. I believe that if John the Baptist did not doubt Jesus, the outcome would have been different. There has been so many times that I could not see a way out of a situation and Jesus showed up right on time. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Put your trust in Jesus and leave it there.

Live Life On Purpose!

Pastor Jamol Cooper
Impact Christian center
www.impactccr.com

During my younger years in life, I realized I was never the tough guy. I really never wanted to deal with confrontation. Although, I wasn’t the tough guy I would come against aggressive opposition. When faced with the aggression I had a choice to make, either tuck tail and run or meet the opposition. As I became older, I realized I just couldn’t walk away from certain things but had to meet opposition head on. As I began to stand up to aggressors I realized I was changing. When met with opposition I started taking on the personality of the one opposing me. A lot goes on within a person when they are backed into a corner. You get tired of people taking advantage of you and you knuckle up and fight back.

Satan who is our aggressive adversary constantly stands in opposition to us. He comes as the aggressor and wants you to fight him on his terms. He wants you to fight him through the same personality that comes up against you. Child of God always remember that "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds." Understand that fighting an enemy on their turf is a tough battle. We must lure the enemy into the camp of God. We are no match for the enemy in our carnality. We lose the battle of the flesh to him every time. The battle is not won by fighting in our flesh (shouting,screaming, crying or running.) The battles of our lives are won in Christ.

Jesus is our buckler and our shield. He is the one that has made us victorious. When we stand in Christ the fight becomes fixed. No weapon formed against us shall be able to prosper. The enemy is confused by Judah (praise). He becomes discombobulated by the personality of Christ. When we take on the mind of Christ we are clothed in an impregnable armor. Stand firm in your position of Christ and resist the enemy then he will flee.

Adam’s soul was only exposed to the goodness of God. His only reference to life was the experience that God had given him. When Adam chose to step outside of the will of God he experienced something new in his soul. His mind, will, intellect, imagination and heart was now exposed to alternative information. He now has a choice. The ability to discern between good and evil wasn’t an option a few moments ago.

When we stay in the will of God we are conditioning our souls to experience the goodness of God. We have a reference of sin because we were born in it due to Adam’s negligence. Yet we can condition our minds, will, intellect, imaginations and hearts to resist sin and walk in the goodness of God. It all comes down to a choice. Choices are like throwing a rock in a pond. When the rock hits the water it causes ripples. Every choice that we make causes ripples in our lives. God has revealed Himself to you for your good. He wants you to experience a divine life. Yet it all comes down to our choices in life.

Philemon 1 PAUL, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

The Apostle Paul, was called by God and inspired by the Holy Spirit to write the majority of the New Testament. The things that God revealed to Paul for our lives has made an impact for centuries. His writings are the very words that Christians are to learn and to live. As we read through the Bible from Romans to Philemon, (except for the Book of Jude and the Hebrew writer is undetermined) we see Paul’s ministry unfold before our eyes. One would think that Paul desired this ministry or believed with massive faith for such a great responsibility, but on the contrary none of it was in Paul’s radar.

In the opening of Philemon we see Paul call himself a prisoner of Jesus Christ.This is such a powerful statement and insight into his own life. Paul did not desire or believe for the ministry that was placed in his hands. He did not pray or fast for it. On the contrary, Paul’s life was going in the opposite direction. Paul’s mission was to destroy Christianity! A lot of us can relate to a life that was going in the opposite direction away from God and then suddenly we are standing before God with no way of escape. Paul clearly understood that the life that was laid before him was not of his own will but of the will of God. ( Will of God References: Eph 1:1, 2 Cor 1:1, Col 1:1, 2 Tim 1:1)
God has a way of inserting His will into our lives without force or manipulation. Because God is long suffering He allows us to come to the end of ourselves only to find Him standing there with open arms. In His sovereignty, He applies His will where He chooses through foreknowledge. He knows more about us than we know of ourselves. We have the gift of freewill yet He has the ability of foresight. God is the only One in our tomorrow. He stands in our future and allows His will to unfold in our lives.

The Apostle Paul clearly understood that there was no way around God. He was trapped. God imputed His faith into Paul’s life. He bestowed him with love and a burning desire to spread the Gospel. Paul’s life was transformed through will of God and he didn’t have the ability to turn back. We are slaves to righteousness. We are what we are because we are the elect (chosen) of God. God has called us and our lives are forever changed. The one lesson Paul learned at the beginning of his walk was to not kick against the pricks. Do not fight the will of God. You are who you are because of God’s sovereign will. Be like Paul and embrace the life that has been laid out before you because God has great things in store for you!.

Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

There was a long period of time that I lived outside of Christ. I knew the concept of Christ very well. I understood that He died for the sins of the world and that through faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ I could be saved. I knew this and completely understood this long before I submitted my life to him. Knowing a thing and understanding a thing is not living it out.

There were several decades of life that I was living with knowledge but operating in foolishness. Looking back over my life from this current point of view, I realize that the foolishness wasn't the activities but the neglecting of the knowledge that was imputed to me. The foolish activities of my life were just a result of neglecting what I clearly knew to be right.

God is extremely patient and loving. He watched over me in all of my mess. He loved me through some tough situations without me even knowing it. He allowed me to get to the end of myself to finally come to the realization that He was with me the whole time. It was in this moment of exhaustion of myself that the swelling of the knowledge of Christ began to take over.

Now that I have walked with God almost two decades, I realize that He gathered me in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world. It was in His foreknowledge that he predestined me to be his child. I am so thankful that God allowed me to come to the end of myself. I am now locked in a place with Christ and my life is renewed each day.

The greatest advice that I have for you is to submit early. If you are walking around with the same knowledge that I had but are operating in foolishness, stop. Turn around and submit to the knowledge of Christ that has been given to you. The sooner you submit the greater your life will become.

Godly information is chaotic to a sinful mind. The information is so powerful and toxic that an immediate interaction disrupts the psyche. The Word comes in quickly and power and begins to reorganize the intents of the heart. It cuts sharply and deeply that it produces agony to a sinful mind (Hebrews 4:12). When this information hits our soul we attempt to organize the information into old categories, but you cannot put new wine in old wineskins (Matthew 9:14-17). What is deemed chaotic cannot be organized because light shines into darkness and darkness cannot comprehend it (John 1:1-5). Therefore the only options that a sinful mind can do is either banish the godly information for their own thoughts or submit to the chaos, be consumed by it, and be transformed by the renewing of their mind (Romans 12:2).

Husbands, God has given us a precious gift in a wife. She is the heartbeat of the family. She is the one who does all of the intangible things. What would life be like without our beautiful wives. Therefore husbands love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it.

Christ made a great sacrifice for love. He relinquish himself so that we may live. Husbands there are sacrifices that we must make for the love our wives and family. We endure the loss of individuality that we complete the life God has blessed us with. The Bible tells us that when a man finds a wife, he finds a good thing and receives favor from the lord. She is your good thing. She is your favor. Grace is dispense into your life because of her. Love her. Cherish her. Make the necessary sacrifices and enjoy the life God has given you.

As we grow older in life priorities are a major part of life. We can almost say that what we prioritize is our life. I believe if we surveyed and tallied the surveys around the world God would not be the main priority. We get so busy in life that we forget about God. We tend to put life in categories based on:

1. Importance
2. Comfort
3. Work
4. Others

When we fail to put God first we miss out on the life that was purposed and designed for us. If God is not first in our life, things become jumbled and frustration can set in. Once frustration sets in discouragement consumes our lives. Keeping God in the forefront of our lives enables a life focus that is driven by the Spirit of God.

God is first and before all things in existence (John 1:-4). When you establish the mindset that God is before all things in your life you tend to operate by a power that the world cannot tap into. It takes faith to make God first in your life. So many things pull at us and compete for our attention. Human reasoning can get in the way of a spiritual lifestyle and cause us to focus on minimal things that appear bigger than God.

It takes trust and faith to allow God to be first in your life. When God sits on the throne of your heart life moves according to a divine purpose and plan (Proverbs 16:3); submitting to God’s way of life births hope in the life of a believer.

Our souls desire fulfillment and for this reason we seek things outside of God. But when you understand that submitting to the designer of our soul life ultimately works better. If you focus on the right thing the best things in life come into focus. Nothing can bring joy, peace, love, contentment and structure to your life like God. I implore you to make God a constant first and watch your life produce things that will blow your mind.

The mystery of “what if?” There are so many obstacles and decisions in life that we will never fulfill all of our dreams. Our imagination is powerful and vast. We can think up so many things that if we are not careful the “what ifs” can take in many directions.

As I pondered my life, I realize there are many “what ifs” at every point of my life. Some of the what ifs would have led to positive outcomes and others lead me to negative outcomes.We can imagine what could of happened if we would have did things differently but life doesn’t give you mulligans.

The “what ifs” of life have pushed me closer to God. When I apply faith to every area of life I no longer have to ponder what could have happened if I did it a different way. The way to not deal with the “what ifs”of life is to follow God’s lead. If we learn to make Spirit-led and Spirit-filled decisions we eliminate the guessing of “what if.” Following and honoring God is the best position and posture a person can have in life. When we place our lives in the hand of God we no longer guess our way through it. We see life through the eyes of God and the enigma of “what if” no longer holds our our soul.

Reference: Psalm 139:7-10, Proverbs 3:5.6

The greatest obstacle in a marriage is individualism. When God designed the institution of marriage He intended for a man and a woman to become one. You hear people say that marriage is a 50-50 deal. I disagree. A successful marriage is just 100%. 

Everyday as individuals we do not operate at our optimal level. When the husband is operating at 40% the wife needs to pick up the 60% and vice versa. When a marriage is treated like a contract instead of a family, when one person doesn’t uphold their end of the deal the marriage fails. But when you understand that just as  your parents created a family you now have started one. Then things fall into place.

Marriage is great with the right understanding. Marriage is about  sacrifice and agape love. The love that a family shares isn’t based on conditions of 50-50. Family is just family. A unit that helps one another.

Eph 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

There are many seasons in our lives. There are good days and bad days. There is life and ultimately there will be death. Each day brings its own challenges, disappointments, joy, peace, and accomplishments. Our lives are totally moving from one point to another point; from bliss to dissatisfaction. 

We must be able to endure the vicissitude of life in order to grow. Every moment comes for a lesson. My Pastor taught me to approach every moment as if it owns me something. Therefore the joy that I experience has a lesson in it, as well the painful moment has a lesson in it also. The moments never last. The moments change therefore we must get what we need out of the moment in order to use the lesson in the next moment. 

There will be seasons that are so great that you never want them to end. You get use to winning and expect to win. We bask in the glory of the season. We are operating in our purpose. We are transformative and powerful. But what you equate to a win just may be a stepping stone to God. There is another level of effectiveness that God is trying to get you to. Suddenly, life changes and the moment or season ends. It is here that God begins to prepare you for the next level. 

Understand that the glory, power, and effectiveness on the previous level has ended. It is now time to grow again. If you dwell too long on what was you will begin to wither. You will never reach the new growth level that God is nurturing you for. Embrace the cutting off of the previous season. It is time to reach higher. It is time for you to become greater. It is time for you to be more than what you were before. The “Son” is still shining in and over your life. Greatness has been placed in you for abundant living. But greatness only comes through pruning!

References: 

Leviticus 25:3-4
Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard and gather in its crop, but during the seventh year the land shall have a sabbath rest, a sabbath to the Lord; you shall not sow your field nor prune your vineyard.

John 15:2
Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.

Isaiah 18:5
For before the harvest, as soon as the bud blossoms
And the flower becomes a ripening grape,
Then He will cut off the sprigs with pruning knives
And remove and cut away the spreading branches.

Romans 11:33Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!

God is wonderful and glorious. As I write this it is hard for me to gather the thoughts to describe Him. Is far out of reach of my knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. The only way that I know Him is because He revealed Himself to me. Without this revelation I cannot truly know myself.

God has drawn us close in order for our lives to become better than ever before. As we travel closer to Him revelations become prevalent. The further we go the more He reveals. His desire for our lives is to become more and more like Christ. That we may grow and mature until Christ is revealed in us.

There is a place in God that is a point of no return. Once you reach this intimate place life will never be the same. The way you think will be different. The way you talk will be different. Life suddenly shifts and becomes powerful. True power for living is when you find your life in God through Christ (Col 3:3). If you move past desire and into conviction you will touch Him that all of your infirmities will dry up. Life is so good in the depths of His goodness and love. 

2 Kings 1:14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah?

We find the true meaning of faithfulness in the story of Elijah and Elisha. Elijah was at the end of his physical existence on the earth. The Lord was preparing to take him up. Elisha walked with Elijah until the very end. Elisha made one request: I want a double portion of your anointing. The one thing I have found out about faithfulness is that it puts a demand on purpose. The longer you stick with a thing the closer you get to a breakthrough. When Elijah was taken up by God his mantle fell on Elisha. Elisha took the mantle and went straight to work. When we ask God for something we must move on that thing.The only way that you know is if you take action.

The key to fulfilling a Godly purpose for your life is to be faithful to the end. Regardless of what it looks like.  Regardless if you don't see what you desire or the chatter you  hear from others, be FAITHFUL and keep TESTING what you want to see. We do not see what God sees, so we must walk by faith until we see manifestation.

God measures faithfulness not sight. God measures desires not frustrations. Your eyes have the ability to frustrate you. We must see life through a different viewpoint. Without a reference point of faith we are subject to fail due to physical sight. Elisha walked it out. He asked for something that the Elijah himself didn’t have. He not only asked for the mantle but a double portion.  Elisha was committed to the very end. He made a request and his resilience (actions) showed his desires. No matter what the naysayers said he remained steadfast. (2 Kings 1:3,5)

The enemy will state the human obvious. You don’t feel good. That condition or conditions are coming to a head. Life is working against you. You are dealing with major resistance and life is not going in your direction. This thing that you want is too hard for you to accomplish. “But is ”ANYTHING” too hard for God. God only needs our faith to bring forth whatever He has planned for your life. Faith produces diligence. Faith produces prudence. Faith produces resilience. Faith receives and then walks out the will of God through the divine power of the Holy Spirit. PUT IT TO THE TEST!

Most lessons in life feel like a loss. The lesson is so rigid and it makes you constantly engage with it. The lesson doesn't leave the room when you ignore it. The lesson walks with you and talks to you. There is no escape.

Once we finally look at the lesson square in its illusive face then we can begin to conquer it. The lesson will not give up easily. The lesson will not give in just because you are ready to conquer it. It will fight you back. It will become stronger. It will become resilient. It wants to win just as much as you want to win.

But the lesson has a weakness. The weakness is designed to be learned. Each lesson in life is designed to be hard but at the same time to be overcome. The enigma is that you and only you must find the weakness within the lesson. You must fight the lesson. You must get bruised and slammed on the floor of life. But know this the lesson has a weakness and when you find it the fight is over.

As we go through life we learn many lessons. The first lessons that we learn we usually receive at home. Each home has a particular way of doing things and built in belief system about life. There are families that are overall functional and there are families that are overall dysfunctional. The condition of the home and what you were birthed into will shape your life for years.

As we grow and journey away from the home we begin to learn from others and the environment around us. When he hit early adulthood our minds are usually set in a particular direction. Our life journey really begins when our mind's compass is set, whether the direction is beneficial or detrimental to our future. Please note that the journey has been shaped by the lessons of the home and the peers around us. How we use the lessons will determine the direction of the journey.

Our life's lessons are the building blocks of who we are. These lessons shape our personalities and characters and ultimately begin to define us in a personal and intimate way. The ups and downs of life whether they are parental or environmental are effective based on your response and management of them. Your response is your responsibility.

As a parent, one of the toughest things to see is your children being effected by decisions you made that you no longer honor or live by. I believe many parents go through this. For instance, your mindset at 20 may not be your mindset at 40 but your 20 year old decision is effecting your 20 year old child. Our parents sent us out into the world with their wins and losses and we send our children into the world with our wins and losses. The key to the journey is your ability to pivot, change, and transform when the lesson is teaching you something greater than what you know.

If you can understand that your absolute may not be the right way of doing something is key to pivoting, changing, transforming and developing into a greater you. The longer you hold a stance that is causing problems in your life the longer it will take for you to learn. The great thing about the lesson is that it is as relentless as you. It will not give up nor will it give in. The length of your learning curve is determined by only you. How long it takes you to learn life's lesson will be determined by your willingness to admit to yourself that you may be wrong about something.

Wisdom is the proper use of knowledge. The lesson is bringing forth the knowledge but you are in control your way of thinking. How Mom and Dad did it may have been right or it may have been wrong. You have to choose the previous lessons over the current lesson and weigh out what will prosper you, move you forward or hold you back and possibly hinder you.

God has given us freewill. He has made mankind the most dynamic being on the planet. He has given us the complexities of thought and reason to manuever through intricate moments of life. Use what God has given us in the right way and make the most out of what you have.

Proverbs1: 3-5
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, and judgment, and equity; 4  To give subtilty to the simple,To the young man knowledge and ||discretion.5 A wise man will hear, and will increase ilearning; And a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Proverbs 2:1-11
1My son, if thou wilt receive my words, And hide my commandments with thee; 2   So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, And apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, And liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4  If thou seekest her as silver, And searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, And preserveth the way of his saints. 9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, And equity; yea, every good path. 10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, And knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, Understanding shall keep thee: