Start with a Smile! It’s Contagious!

In life most of us are looking for meaning and purpose. We ask ourselves what is my purpose, what is it that makes me happy, what can I do that will give me gratification?

We are all seeking self-gratification when our focus is on us. Actually serving God brings more meaning and purpose than anything. Think about it, when you give someone else joy, it gives you joy. It can be something as simple as giving someone a compliment. A kind word said will make a difference in someone’s life that has never heard anything good at all.  It makes them feel so good - their eyes light up and they flash a big "SMILE"! It is a natural high nothing can replace - no drug, alcohol, or sex before marriage will ever do.

***A little note: God’s medicine (The Bible and Communion with Him) heals a body, soul, and Spirit. Taken daily, delivers you from destruction. The world’s medicine destroys, kills, and harms the body over time. ***

Philippians 2:3-7 AMPC 

3 Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves].

4 Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.

5 Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]

6 Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained,

7 But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being.

Kind words and acts of kindness changes a person - and their lives. I see it everyday at my place of work. Anyone can recognize a passionate and loving heart. That is where the change comes, followed by “Because you took your time to talk to me, pray for me and tell me or show me you care, means so much to me” Thank you!”

If making someone smile, or causing that person to shed tears of joy, or you told someone they are beautiful and they also cry, doesn’t give you joy, then your heart is not in the right place.

When you give anything of yourself and things, and not in a grudging way, blessings are given back to you from God. 

Luke 6:38 AMPC 

38 Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you. 

 And put another way in the Bible 

Mark 4:24 AMPC: 

24 And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you—and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.) 

Serving takes little effort and time. (We should never be bored) There is always someone that you can help, call, talk to, visit, pick up, pray for, or give a ride to the store, etc. we feel we have to plan a big event, or do something of that magnitude to make a difference. You make a big difference to someone at the doctor's office or waiting at the BMV, or sitting at the bus stop by saying "Hello” or smile. A smile goes a long way! 

Mark 10:42-45 Amplified Version 

42 Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their powerful men exercise authority over them [tyrannizing them]. 43 But this is not how it is among you; instead, whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wishes to be first and most important among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

To be intimate with God is to “Serve God” 

Life has more meaning!

So many things in life are much better with God than without Him. Less stress and more joy, less dissatisfaction, and more contentment, less worry, and more faith, and less strife, and more understanding and peace. 

All of us and our children need a Father who loves them perfectly, understands them perfectly, never judges harshly, and always sees the good in them. And with that good, He knows it will overflow into others and they will see Him in you that changes peoples hearts and lives that is filled with love, joy, and goodness. 

We can’t keep neglecting our spiritual well being - and it’s very vital for our young children as well. Families are more polarized than ever and it’s only because of one thing, God is not in their hearts, or the head of their household. 

As Joshua says: 

                

 Joshua 24:14-15 AMPC

14 Now therefore, [reverently] fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in truth; put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the [Euphrates] River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord 

15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

When you have God in your life, EVERYTHING changes for the better. 

Psalm 1 AMPC

1 Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.

2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.

3 And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].

4 Not so the wicked [those disobedient and living without God are not so]. But they are like the chaff [worthless, dead, without substance] which the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the wicked [those disobedient and living without God] shall not stand [justified] in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous [those who are upright and in right standing with God].

6 For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God’s will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought).

Let no one rob you of your Crown!

How many of you want to go to Heaven? How many of you want to live in peace and joy? These are questions we need to be asking ourselves daily when temptations come -  and you yield to that temptation anyway. What some of us do, not all, is look around us and come to a conclusion - "If it feels good do it!" Be careful, not everything that "feels" good is "good" for you or will come to a good ending!

I want you to read this story and I hope not to get too lengthy, but when it is told by Our Heavenly Father, I want to make sure you are reading His Words and not mine. Let us begin:  

During the days of Noah, which means, he was alive on Earth, there was evil in the land among the people. 

Genesis 6:1-5 AMP 

Now it happened, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, 2 that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful and desirable; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose and desired. 3 Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive and remain with man forever, because he is indeed flesh [sinful, corrupt—given over to sensual appetites]; nevertheless his days shall yet be a hundred and twenty years.” 4 There were Nephilim (men of stature, notorious men) on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God lived with the daughters of men, and they gave birth to their children. These were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown (great reputation, fame).

5 The Lord saw that the wickedness (depravity) of man was great on the earth, and that every imagination or intent of the thoughts of his heart were only evil continually.

Let's continue...

Verses 6-8 reads: 

6 The Lord regretted that He had made mankind on the earth, and He was [deeply] grieved in His heart. 7 So the Lord said, “I will destroy (annihilate) mankind whom I have created from the surface of the earth—not only man, but the animals and the crawling things and the birds of the air—because it [deeply] grieves Me [to see mankind’s sin] and I regret that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor and grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Now I will skip the history of Noah and his generation which is found in Genesis 6:9-10 (Please read on your own) 

Verses 11-13 reads: 

11 The [population of the] earth was corrupt [absolutely depraved—spiritually and morally putrid] in God’s sight, and the land was filled with violence [desecration, infringement, outrage, assault, and lust for power]. 12 God looked on the earth and saw how debased and degenerate it was, for all humanity had corrupted their way on the earth and lost their true direction.

13 God said to Noah, “I intend to make an end of all that lives, for through men the land is filled with violence; and behold, I am about to destroy them together with the land.

(Read verses 14-22 at your convenience). God gives Noah instructions on building the Ark and to build it exactly as instructed. In Chapter 7:1-10, He also instructs Noah of what animals to put on the Ark and how and when to board them.

If you will recall in verse 3 God said he will let man live 120 years; which during those years, the people did not realize they were given that time to change; however, they did not pass the test and ignored all the warnings and signs of God and Noah. All the while Noah did not doubt or waver that it was God instructing him, and he continued to build the Ark to completion. So after 120 years, when the day came for Noah, his family, and the animals to enter the Ark, it said, "God closed them in". 

In Genesis 7:1 AMPC :And the Lord said to Noah, Come with all your household into the ark, for I have seen you to be righteous (upright and in right standing) before Me in this generation...verse 16 - And they that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded [Noah]; and the Lord shut him in and closed [the door] round about him.

When God closes a door no man can open, and when He opens a door, no man can shut - you're safe. Think about that, Heaven and Hell are real and when you enter one, you cannot crossover to the other. It is fixed - eternal!

If you read on about this story you will find that: 

1. God gives us time to repent of our sins and become a born again believer. He is long suffering; so don't fall into that trap of thinking, it’s taking God awhile so I will continue in my sin.
2. God always sends warnings and signs
3. God always has someone who is faithful (His remnants) 
4. God never stops loving you. You make the choice to stop loving and obeying Him
5. You're safe with God.

You can read the whole story of Noah in Genesis Chapter 6 through Chapter 9, and remember everything you read about in the Bible is for your benefit and instructions. Don't take things too lightly or feel because it has been going on for hundreds of years, nothing will transpire from living a sinful life. I'm sure those that were in the land where Noah lived thought the same way, and were not safe. 

Note: Archeologist have found human bones that does show they are bones of a very large man - or a giant compared to the average height of man today. God reveals things at the appointed time and the right time, so we will know, His Word is truth. 

FYI: You will also find in Revelation 3:7-11 of how God opens doors no man can open and closes doors no man can shut upon His second return.

Now God regretted destroying His creation and gave Noah a sign of His promise, which is a Rainbow, that He will never destroy all creation by a flood again. (Genesis 9:11-17) 

Don’t give up your Crown for a meal (momentary pleasure). Eat only what is Holy and satisfies that hunger. 

Has It Been That Long?

So many of us in our household do not realize the strongholds and evil spirits that still war against us daily that keep you in bondage to drugs, self-loathing, boredom (which is deeply sad because there is so many things a person can do to get their minds off themselves by helping others), false gender identities, hate, jealousy, greed, arguing, fault finding, etc.

We are here for a purpose and to help others by being light in dark places. It ONLY comes from knowing and loving God. If you are not growing then you are not spending time with God. It is as Paul says in the book of Hebrews 5:12-15 Amplified Version: 

12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers [because of the time you have had to learn these truths], you actually need someone to teach you again the elementary principles of God’s word [from the beginning], and you have come to be continually in need of milk, not solid food. 13 For everyone who lives on milk is [doctrinally inexperienced and] unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a spiritual infant. 14 But solid food is for the [spiritually] mature, whose senses are trained by practice to distinguish between what is morally good and what is evil.

As it is written in verse 12 “because of the time you have had to learn these truths”. Let’s take a marriage for example, After approximately 25 years of marriage the spouse who has not been raised in the Bible feels threatened by the idea of going to church. They may try it for a week or two and go back to his or her ungodly ways, and refuses to make an effort anymore. No one can make you do what you do not want to do, and neither will God force you either. It is your choice. 

Anything that is unhealthy and takes a toll on your health has to change or be removed. No God doesn’t like divorces, yet, He will not condemn you or stop loving you if you have been living in darkness for years. If you are the one rejecting God, don’t act surprised when you are alone - but there is still hope for you and possibly the marriage, but you have to stop the excuses and selfish desires and ways to justify why you are hard to get along with. How hard is it to pick up a Bible and begin a new life - a better life? 

I am not trying to say I am perfect. I have many imperfections; however, it is necessary for me and my household to seek perfection by spending time with God. If I chase perfection I can catch excellence. God does NOT condemn you, look at your past, and reject you at all. When you come to Him with an open heart to want to be healed, all He says is Come. That is why He is the Judge of us all; whereas, man judges too harshly. We tend to forget our sins, but are quick to harshly tell someone of their faults. God does it in a loving way, we do it with malice in our hearts - which is NOT God’s character at all. Let God change your attitudes, and you by His love that surpasses all understanding. 

None of us deserves God’s love, yet He loves us anyway regardless of our sins. 

John 3:16-20 AMPC 

16 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him.

18 He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation—he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ’s name.]

19 The [basis of the] judgment (indictment, the test by which men are judged, the ground for the sentence) lies in this: the Light has come into the world, and people have loved the darkness rather than and more than the Light, for their works (deeds) were evil.

20 For every wrongdoer hates (loathes, detests) the Light, and will not come out into the Light but shrinks from it, lest his works (his deeds, his activities, his conduct) be exposed and reproved.

It’s never too late or are you too sinful for God to show you His love. That is why Jesus died to save a wretch like me and you! 

Happy Juneteenth Day

There are many misconceptions of slavery in the Bible and this is where many people go wrong. They take out what they want to believe and omit what is truth. That’s why is is important to read the Bible, pray and get your wisdom from God who gives it generously and accurately of what His word means. 

Let’s start off with Genesis 15:13 Amplified Version: 

13 And [God] said to Abram, Know positively that your descendants will be strangers dwelling as temporary residents in a land that is not theirs [Egypt], and they will be slaves there and will be afflicted and oppressed for 400 years - which was fulfilled in Exodus 12:40-51. Remember God said, “Let my people go”. And when Pharaoh didn’t, God pored out His Judgement on him and his people the Egyptians. 

Also recall Jesus was afflicted and oppressed by those who were in opposition to God. Isaiah 53:7-8, Matthew 27:11-14, Mark 15:1-5, Luke23:9-12, John 18:1-3)

Being afflicted and oppressed is a sin

Isaiah 1:16-17 (AMPC) 

16 Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes! Cease to do evil,

17 Learn to do right! Seek justice, relieve the oppressed, and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.

There are many translations of the Bible; however they are one in the same. Some Bible translations say Bond Servants, others say Slaves. Now Bond Servants in the Bible translates Human nobility. Being God’s servant is an honorable position, which is usually prophets and priests. Someone who is absolutely devoted to Jesus. In II Timothy 6:2 speaks about those who have believing Masters should not disrespect or be scornful to them, instead teach and urge them because we all brothers in Christ. Again Master (leader) slave (servant). Now our Master is Jesus Christ and we are all His bond servants to those who believe. 

As we March on to and in the presence of God, remember your circumcision is in your heart to follow after Jesus and bring about change so we all unite as brothers and sisters in Christ (The Anointed One) in Love. Love covers a multitude of sins so that ALL are treated fairly and just. 

Happy Juneteenth Day!  Love you All in Christ Jesus! 

Finished with Sin!

I Peter 4:1-11 AMP

Keep Fervent in Your Love

1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh [and died for us], arm yourselves [like warriors] with the same purpose [being willing to suffer for doing what is right and pleasing God], because whoever has suffered in the flesh [being like-minded with Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [having stopped pleasing the world], 2 so that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living for human appetites and desires, but [lives] for the will and purpose of God. 3 For the time already past is [more than] enough for doing what the [unsaved] Gentiles like to do—living [unrestrained as you have done] in a course of [shameless] sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries. 4 In [connection with] all this, they [the unbelievers] are resentful and surprised that you do not [think like them, value their values and] run [hand in hand] with them into the same excesses of dissipation and immoral freedom, and they criticize and abuse and ridicule you and make fun of your values. 5 But they will [have to] give an account to Him who is ready to judge and pass sentence on the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the good news [of salvation] was preached [in their lifetimes] even to those who are dead, that though they were judged in the flesh as men are, they may live in the spirit according to [the will and purpose of] God.

7 The end and culmination of all things is near. Therefore, be sound-minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer [staying balanced and focused on the things of God so that your communication will be clear, reasonable, specific and pleasing to Him.] 8 Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others]. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited favor]. 11 Whoever speaks [to the congregation], is to do so as one who speaks the oracles (utterances, the very words) of God. Whoever serves [the congregation] is to do so as one who serves by the strength which God [abundantly] supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified [honored and magnified] through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

The Ohio River Courtesy of PWW

The person who has suffered in his body is finished with sin. In our unsaved life we do what sinners do and live to please our evil desires that destroys our mind, body and Spirit. Those who don’t know God think you are strange or weird by not doing things that is worldly. The Bible says we are a Peculiar Race, and the world does not understand us. 

Having sex before marriage, drinking at a young age and getting drunk. I did them and I look back and see how wrong it was and what disasters it did bring in my life. Thank God He doesn’t write of us off that quick. If fact He gives us many chances. The Bible says He is long suffering. Just a little bit of advice, don’t wait too long; because the enemy of ours (the Devil) roams around like a roaring Lion seeking to destroy us. (I Peter 5:8) The Lord and His Word protects us. He gives us many chances to turn our lives around because of His deep love for us all. God is not mad at you - But He is mad about you. You are the Apple of His eye. But we must be sincere and truly turn away from our wicked ways - but we can’t do it without Him (spending time reading the Bible daily) His word heals, delivers, and restores. He also said test me, try me and see if I won’t open the windows of Heaven and pour out a blessing so powerful you can’t contain it. (Malachi 3:10) 

Jesus is our daily Bread!

 John 6:45-51 AMP

45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone who has listened to and learned from the Father, comes to Me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He [who was with the Father and] who is from God; He [alone] has seen the Father. 47 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he who believes [in Me as Savior—whoever adheres to, trusts in, relies on, and has faith in Me—already] has eternal life [that is, now possesses it]. 48 I am the Bread of Life [the Living Bread which gives and sustains life]. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the Bread that comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the Living Bread that came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this Bread [believes in Me, accepts Me as Savior], he will live forever. And the Bread that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh (body).”

To eat the Bread, which is nourishment for your body is to read scripture, and believe in Jesus who is God in flesh. It said in the beginning of creation, Jesus was with God. (Genesis 1:26 - “God said, Let Us (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beast, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth.) 

Jesus’s body is the bread (The Bible, alive and active in you when you read and meditate on it day and night) that takes all sin (sickness and diseases, temptations, shame, guilt, sexuality impurity, anger, hate, etc.) and gives us His righteousness when we believe in, trust in, and rely on Him; and receive baptism of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. No one is turned away no matter what your past looks like. 

Reading His Word heals us from Glory to Glory, and satisfies the hunger and thirst (fills that void) in our lives. God loves us All, and does not find fault or shows any disapproval when you open your heart and say, “God, help me!”

His love conquers all unrighteousness and once you taste His love, you will never turn away from it. To have life (Spiritual life) is to live with God in eternity. There is only two places your Spirit can go Heaven or Hell. Choose life (Jesus) where sin can’t reside.