A Hopeless Generation

We live in a society now that is not energized with Hope. The generation that we find ourselves in the 21st century is practically Hopeless. When I say generation, I'm not talking about simply the "young people" or the "on-coming" generation. I'm talking about the people who are alive during this age and era. Socially and culturally (not necessarily individually) we are a Hopeless Generation. Why do I say that?

Hope is the ability to look beyond the present and current circumstances and envision a brighter tomorrow and a better future. Hope is not simply some type of enthusiastic optimism in the midst of trying and tedious times. Hope is being able to identify and assess what tomorrow is going to look like, a brighter tomorrow, even though there's nothing about the present that suggests that tomorrow is possible (Romans 8). That is why I say we are a Hopeless Generation; there's no vision of tomorrow that suggests it's going to be significantly better than today. No Hope.

The real challenge with this is the Witness of the Church. If anybody should be hopeful it is the children of God. However, because we as the body of Christ have failed to be renewed in the spirit of our minds (Ephesians 4), we have developed a social and cultural perspective that is commensurate with that of the world. No Hope. So what are we to do in the midst of a generation, a country and a culture that offers no hope for a brighter future and a better tomorrow?

Saints, believe it or not, we may not have to do anything. In a matter of days, (that could be weeks, that could be months) God is getting ready to turn some things around. When the Lord releases His Judgment upon America, people will be desperate, including government officials and community leaders, to find hope anywhere they can. The beauty of it will be, the only Hope that will be available will be in God. People will start talking about God that you didn't even think knew the Name of Jesus. People will start talking about Prayer that previously were "anti-church". It's going to come to pass. And when it does, in His Everlasting Mercy, God is going to offer Salvation, Deliverance and Restoration to those who put their trust and faith in His Name. As the elect and chosen of Christ, all we need to do is be prepared. Now is not the time to go to sleep. Now is not the time to become self-centered. Now is not the time to seek self-pity. Now is not the time to indulge in self-pleasure. Now is the time to deny yourself, be sober and hope to the end for the Grace that is to be brought unto us at the Revelation of Jesus Christ (Matthew 16, 1Peter 1). The God we serve is the God of All Hope (Romans 15); and as we prepare to go into 2016, He is ready to minister Hope to a Hopeless Generation.

The Key to Prosperity

I haven't met a person yet that didn't want to Prosper. Whether it's prosperity in their finances, in their health, in their career, in their relationships; everybody wants to prosper and be successful. However, a lot of people, including Christians, don't understand what to do to achieve Prosperity. For the record, just because you're a Christian doesn't automatically mean that you're going to prosper and be blessed. Being a Christian and a child of God gives you "access" to being prosperous in Christ and in the Lord. But it's like having a brand new car in the driveway and not having the keys; you're not going anywhere. Such is the case with many believers, we don't have The Key to Prosperity.

The bible says in Second Chronicles chapter twenty, "Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper". I heard a prophet say once, we have a lot of established churches because we believe in the Lord God, but we don't have a lot of prosperous churches because we don't know how to receive the prophetic word. We're in a day now saints where if you want to prosper, you're going to need more than just the "pastoral word" that you hear on Sunday mornings. For the record, the pastoral office and the prophetic office are not synonymous (Ephesians 4). I'm not saying don't go to church on Sunday morning. And I'm not saying don't listen to what your pastor has to say. What I am saying is that if your pastor isn't a prophet or operates in a prophetic anointing, you're going to need more than what you're getting in order to Prosper. This is a spiritual reality that the church must come to grips with, if we want to become a Prosperous Church. We have to understand rank in the Body of Christ and in the Kingdom of God. In order to prosper, it's not enough just to believe in God and believe in Christ, you have to believe His prophets, the prophetic word of the Lord.

The Lord told Joshua in Joshua chapter one, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success". If you're going to be prosperous you have to be a student of the Word of God. We still have too many professing Christians that do not read their Bibles for themselves. This is not correct. You can't grow spiritually and mature in the Lord just hearing a word from God one day out of the week. It's not going to happen. We must become disciplined and learn to read and study the Word of God, day and night. If we learn to read the Word and heed the prophetic voice of God through His prophets, we will embrace the Key to Prosperity.
 

The Fairness of God

Recently I was having a discussion with a friend of mine in regards to the Fairness of God. We were exploring the question, is God fair? My response was a resounding, no He is not. And can I tell you something, I'm glad about it! There may be many of you that are going through situations right now that you feel that you don't "deserve" to be in. You're finding yourself assessing your situation and questioning the Fairness of God. "Lord, this isn't fair. I don't deserve this". I won't question whether or not you deserve to be going through what you're going through. But to me, what is unquestionable is the Fairness of God. To me, God is absolutely, Not Fair.

Let's first talk about what we as "sinful creatures" really deserve. If God gave us what we deserve in regards to our obedience to Him, our loyalty to Him, our submission to Him, our worship of Him; would we be where we are right now? The bible says that the wages of sin are death (Romans 6). Have any of you sinned "lately"? If you have then you "deserve" to die. So then, if you're simply alive and breathing, within the Justice of God, that's not fair. Do you see what I'm saying? We like to look at the Fairness of God in light of what we're going through at the time, not in light of what we deserve overall within the economy of God.

Then let's look at the Fairness of God in regards to the treatment of His own Son. The bible says that Jesus was without sin (2Corinthians 5). Yet He was crucified on the Cross for our sins and iniquities (Isaiah 53). Is this fair? Is it fair for a Man who did nothing wrong to suffer a brutal and humiliating death just so a sinful humanity could be reconciled to God? I don't think so. And remember, it was the will of God that Jesus died on the Cross for the sins of the world (Isaiah 53). So, once again, when we think about our own Eternal Salvation and the price that Jesus had to pay, surely The Father is not Fair.

Yet, let's examine one other area of the Fairness of God. Favor is not Fair. Is there any one of us that "deserves" the Favor of God? The times He's blessed you, the times He's delivered you, the times He's healed you, the times He's made a way out of no way; did you deserve that? The times that He's let you live while others have gone on to their grave; were you "better" than that other person? No you were not. The reason you weren't in the accident, the reason your life was spared is because God is not Fair. We generally describe it as The Grace of God, God's unmerited favor. This is significant, because we're getting ready to enter a season where God is going to pour out His Miracle Blessings upon His chosen and elect, while others have to deal with the consequences of Judgment. I can assure you, it won't look fair. But at the end of the day, God is Sovereign and God is Just. I'm just so glad that God is not Fair.

Change is Coming

As we acknowledge the first official day of winter and the drawing of the end of the year, we want to recognize that Change is Coming. The weather is different (unseasonably warm) and people are still on edge regarding the terrorist attacks that are taking place around the world. But be not deceived, things are getting ready to change in our country, and in our world.


I don't have a timeline or an exact date, but I can assure that as we go into 2016 (and remember, 2015 isn't over just yet) we are going to experience some things that we have not witnessed or experienced in our lifetime. The scripture says very clearly that because the Judgment of God is not always swift, men do not always heed the warning and word of God as they should (Ecclesiastes 8). However, the word of Judgment that God has issued, particularly for America, is still in effect. Don't let the times lull you to sleep. We serve a very Merciful God. He wants all men to come to repentance (2Peter 3).
But the time is short, and the Judgment of God is imminent.


At the same time, as the children of God and believers in Christ, we too want to recognize that Change is Coming. For a lot of believers, it's been a dry season. Things are not moving quite the way you would want them to, and things are not changing as fast as you'd like for them to change. I say to you my brothers and sisters, Be Patient (Hebrews 6). God is not slack concerning His Promise. He knows what time it is, and at His Appointed Time He will release the Miracle Blessings for which He has prepared for His Chosen. But what we want to do is be expecting the Change. Not just a change in our external and situational circumstances; but a Change in our Inner-Being. Yes saints, God is getting ready to manifest a Supernatural Work in His chosen people. Unfortunately, not all of God's children are chosen (Matthew 22). But for those who are, who have taken the time to get prepared. For those who are, who have allowed the Holy Spirit to discipline them, and sanctify them, and consecrate them unto the Lord. For those who have aligned themselves with God's Perfect Will for their lives (Romans 12), Change is Coming. All we have to do is Hang in There. Satan is busy. But greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world (1John 4). It won't be much longer children of God. For in due season, Change is Coming.

Training Camp

If you are familiar with Football, then you are familiar with the concept of Training Camp. Every year, before the official season begins, every football team (professional football) holds what is called a Training Camp. During this Camp, all of the players who intend to play on the team come out to participate in this Camp. Not everybody who comes to the Camp, makes the team. Some people get cut. During the Camp, the coaches assess the ability of each player, to see if they have what it takes to make the roster. The Camp allows the players to develop their skills, and more than anything else, learn the techniques and methods that the coaches want the players to learn and for the team to execute. Training Camp ends when the official season begins.

The concept of Training Camp is applicable to the church and the Body of Christ. Many Christians are conditioned by the "stay busy" mindset of our digitalized culture. People have to always be doing "something". However, this is not the Way of God. Every now and then, instead of God having His people move, He has them to make camp. In other words, Be Still. Many of us have found ourselves in a season of "Camping". Not a lot is going on; personally, relationally, financially, ministerially, it just seems like things have been at a stand still, for an extended period of time. A lot of us, particularly if you're ministry-minded and service-driven, feel like something must be wrong if things aren't "moving" in your life. However saints, this assessment is incorrect. Part of God's dealing with His people is to have them Be Still and "camp" for a season. If this is the Season that God has you in and has "had" you in, don't be frustrated, don't be upset, and don't think that "something is wrong". Believe it or not, you're right where God has ordained for you to be.

In the Old Testament, when God was leading the children of Israel through the Wilderness, there were several times where He had them to make camp and just stay at a particular location for a specific period of time (Numbers 9). The children of Israel knew not to break camp until the Cloud lifted and God directed them to move forward. It's the same with His army today. God has a purpose in keeping you still for a Season. An apostle shared a message that Jesus gave Him where the Lord said, "The strength of the army that marches will be determined by the quality of its camp. When it is time to stop and camp, it is to teach My people My ways. An army is an army whether it is in battle or at peace. You must learn how to camp, how to march, and how to fight. You will not do any one of these well unless you do them all well." I pray that you have a productive Training Camp.

The Inspiration of ISIS

Have you ever wondered what is the inspiration and motivation of ISIS? On the surface it looks like its just acts of terrorism or the desire to inflict violence and fear. Other perspectives may portray political and even religious motivations. All of these are true to a very large extent. But there's an inspiration that ISIS has that needs to be duly considered by the believer in Christ. Part of the inspiration of ISIS is what I'd like to describe as "eschatological". This is a word that is derived from the term "eschatology" which is the study of the end times. Members of ISIS are not strictly motivated by political aspirations, there are spiritual and eternal motivations as well.


One of the fundamental beliefs of Islam (not just ISIS) is that at the end of time Muslims will rule the world. They have a "messiah figure" likened unto Jesus Christ named the Mahdi. One scholar on the teachings and ideology of ISIS put it this way: "the Islamic State is no mere collection of psychopaths. It is a religious group with carefully considered beliefs, among them that it is a key agent of the coming apocalypse...".  Why is this important? Because part of what's driving these so-called "radical Islamists" is a view of the afterlife. It's hard to shut somebody down when they feel their reward for killing is beyond the rewards of their temporal existence. Recently a pizza store owner was arrested for supporting ISIS in New York. When he made a statement on why he participated, his response was, "a person who helps or sponsors a fighter to engage in violent jihad obtains the same religious rewards from Allah as the fighter himself". I'm sure no one suspected this New York business owner of being a "jihad supporter". But because of his religious beliefs, he was predisposed to this philosophy.

Why is all of this important? Because it's suspicious to me how Muslims can be so on fire for their faith and their beliefs to either lay down their lives or risk their civil freedoms (going to jail) in order to support the cause of the worldwide expansion of Islam in preparation for the end times. Christians have been offered this same hope, but where's our fire, where's our sacrifice, where's our willingness to suffer in order that we may "reign with Christ" (Romans 8)? The hope of the believer in Christ is that if we are faithful to Him, when Jesus returns we will rule and reign with Him (Revelation 20). All that we do during this temporal period is supposed to be driven by the rewards we receive in Eternity (2Corinthians 4). However, such is not the case for the "mainstream witness" of the church. Maybe we should take a lesson from the Muslims and re-examine the status and commitment of our faith to suffer and die for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. We would do well to assess for ourselves the inspiration of ISIS.

Not the Same God

Recently outside of Chicago, a Christian college suspended a professor over her comments regarding Christianity and Islam. The issue arose when the professor chose to wear a hijab-the headscarf worn by many Muslim women-during the season of Advent as a show of solidarity with the Muslims for the negative response many of them have been receiving in wake of the recent terrorist attacks. However, when she decided to make a statement on Facebook in regards to her actions, this is what she stated: "I stand in religious solidarity with Muslims because they, like me, a Christian, are people of the book. And as Pope Francis stated last week, we worship the same God".

Let me state for the record: Christians and Muslims do not worship the same God. Let me say it again, Christians and Muslims DO NOT worship the same God. If you are a professing Christian and a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, I implore you not to believe this lie. This is deception and a trick of the Devil. Do not believe it. Christians and Muslims do not worship the same God. If we did, do you think that Christianity would be outlawed in many Middle Eastern nations that practice Islam? You may say, well those are extremists; no they're not! Orthodox Islam (not just radical extremists) do not embrace the faith nor the tenets of belief of the Christian faith. Islam does not affirm the deity or Messiah-ship of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. They acknowledge Him as a prophet, but not as the Son of God.

But let me break it down according to the word of God. The Bible says in the first chapter of the Gospel of Saint John, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God". Then the scripture goes on to say in that same chapter, "and the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us". The Word that became flesh was called Jesus, but the scripture already confirms that the Word was God; therefore we can scripturally conclude that JESUS WAS AND IS GOD. Muslims do not worship Jesus as God, Christians do. Therefore, we do not worship the same God.

Yes, Jesus is God the Son, He is not God the Father, that is Jehovah. But the issue is whether Christians and Muslims worship the same God. We as Christians worship Jesus as God, Muslims do not. Therefore, once again, we do not worship the same God. Saints please, I beseech thee, don't fall for this religious deception. What the Enemy wants to do is lull the believer to sleep and plant the seed in our minds of "oh yeah, it's ok, we all worship the same God". No we don't! Please don't fall for this lie. This is the groundwork of the Anti-Christ (1John 2, 1John 4). The Bible is clear, "one Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all" (Ephesians 4). It is Not the Same God.

All Lust, No Love

I was reading a passage in the first chapter of Romans (The Message Translation) that described relationships as "all lust, no love". The passage really struck me as to accurately describing what has transpired in many of our relationships today. Even though we have major issues in our country in regards to same-sex marriage and transgender concerns, a lot of these matters have actually grown out of the delinquency and dysfunction of many of our heterosexual relationships. Even though male and female is natural, a lot of these relationships are still out of Divine Order.

What has to be examined, particularly by Christians, is: are the relationships that we're entering based on Lust or based on Love? Of course most of us want to believe it's Love; but there's a 50% divorce rate in America for a reason. And the last I heard, the statistics stated that the divorce rate amongst Christians was 60%. Christians are getting divorced in larger proportion than the world! Something is wrong with that picture.

So how do you know if it's Love or Lust? First off, being "in lust" with someone doesn't necessarily mean that you want to just rip their clothes off and jump in the bed with them (I hope that wasn't too graphic). A lot of people automatically associate lust with sex. The two are definitely closely related, but far from synonymous. You're being regulated by lust relationally when your first priority and focus in the relationship is you. We don't intend to be self-centered, but unfortunately, most of us are. Do they like me? Are we going to get together? How do they make me feel? Am I "happier" around them? How do they "complement me" in the long run? All of these are legitimate questions, but there's only one challenge; they're all about you! Self-centeredness is the root of all lust. No matter how mild and modest your selfishness may appear to be, it is the breeding ground for the manifestation of lust in your relationship.

Love doesn't think about self first. Not that it doesn't think about self at all, but it's not the primary focus. The primary focus of Love is God. When you're in a relationship that's based on Love, the first question you ask is, what is God going to get out of this? Is it God's Will for me to be with this person? Has the Lord brought us together? How has this person been divinely ordained to assist me in the fulfillment of God's purpose for my life? These are the questions that a Love-based relationship will ask. Then Love will ask, how can I support this person? How can I serve them? How has God gifted me to assist them in the fulfillment of God's purpose for their life? None of these questions revolve around Self.

Whether you're saved or not, all relationships that are based on lust end up with the same results. It's time we go back to the Father and let His Spirit, not our desires, not our attractions, not our ambitions, lead us and guide us in our personal relationships with the opposite sex. The Word of God is still true, "what...God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" (Mark 10). If we let the Spirit of God and His Love regulate our relationships, then we can be sure they will not be All Lust, No Love.

The Body of Christ

Generally when we think of the Body of Christ we think about the church. This of course is correct, but it has much more meaning than that. The Body of Christ is simply that, His Body. It's not just the church as a spiritual body-organization. It's not just the ecclesiastical gathering of the saints in the name of Jesus Christ. It is the "body" of Jesus Christ.


What we must remember about Jesus is that before He became a Man, He was The Word of God (John 1). The scripture says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God". Jesus as the Word was God. When the Word became flesh, His name was Jesus. So what we see is that Christ as the Word in the beginning was Eternal and was a Spirit. Jesus was a Spirit (The Word) manifested in a Body.


The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus, the Spirit of Christ (John 14). God the Father sent the Holy Spirit to the church on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Now that the Spirit of Jesus (the Holy Ghost) is here, all He's looking for is a body, human flesh. That's where we as believers come in. The whole plan of salvation, and the whole plan of creation for that matter, is to duplicate and replicate the Spirit of Jesus (Christ) in human form. Thus is the purpose and function of the church.


The bible says that Christ is the express image of God (Hebrews 1). The Book of Genesis says that God made humanity "in His image and after His likeness" (Genesis 1). God's Original Plan was to make a humanity that looked like His Son (which in fact was Himself, John 14). Now that humanity has been redeemed back to God (John 3), the original plan can be put back in motion.


The bible describes the believers as the Temple of God (1 Corinthians 6). The temple is the human body. The Body of Christ is simply the physical vessel that God wants to use to demonstrate and manifest the Divine, Eternal Personality of His Son, Jesus the Christ. The question is, are we available? Are you ready to let Jesus literally take over your body through the leadership an in-filling of the Holy Ghost? Before He gets your body, He has to get your mind. That's why the bible says that we have to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12). God is looking for a people who are ready to totally surrender to Him so that their bodies can be 100% devoted to the manifestation of the personality of Jesus Christ in the earth. When we commit ourselves to this mission and this charge, we will then establish the true witness of being The Body of Christ.

Perseverance

A while ago, maybe a couple of months, a prophet-friend of mine received a prophetic word from the Lord that they were allowed to share with me. The word wasn't very elaborate, but yet very succinct and powerful. The word was, Perseverance. A lot of times when the Lord speaks to this particular prophet, the Lord will simply give them one word, but the one word is usually loaded with prophetic meaning. This time around, the word that the prophet received was, Perseverance.

In the days ahead, and in order to get to and get through what God has allowed and ordained, you're going to need to operate in the spirit of Perseverance. I often mistake Perseverance with Persistence. This is incorrect. Persistence is the repetition of a particular action or pursuit with a certain degree of consistency. Perseverance is the demonstration of persistence in the midst of  adversity and disappointment. You demonstrate Perseverance when you're challenged to go through something that is disappointing and discouraging, yet you don't allow it to hinder the pursuit of your goals and ambitions. This is what God is looking for from His people.

It's the end of the year, and many of the saints are tired and worn out. Certain promises have been made, certain dreams believed in, and yet at the end of the day, for all intents and purposes, your situation looks pretty much the same as it did last year. And in some cases, may even appear to be worse. This is where God is calling you to demonstrate Perseverance.

I can assure you saints, God has not forgotten about you. If God has made you a promise, if there are certain things that you've been waiting on from the Lord and they still have yet to come to pass, exercise Perseverance.  I know you've demonstrated faith, that's why you've waited this long. But the Bible says in the 6th chapter of the Book of Hebrews that "through faith and patience inherit the promises". This is Perseverance.

Now is not the time to give up. Now is not the time to throw in the towel. Now is not the time to shrink back. Now is not the time to become indifferent. Now is the time to gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the Grace that is to brought unto you at the Revelation of Jesus Christ (1Peter 1). Hold on for just a little while longer. Your breakthrough is nigh! Simply ask the Holy Spirit to continue to develop within you the grace and spirit of Perseverance.

What is Islam?

We are in some very critical times right now, where the American people need to understand what we are up against as a nation. With the recent shootings in San Bernardino, California, we need to understand what is sponsoring these terrorist attacks in our nation and throughout the world. What cannot be denied, regardless of the comments of the media and the politicians, is that Muslims are behind the terror that is shaking our world. Muslims are individuals that adhere to the religious belief called Islam. The people who are massacring masses of innocent people across the globe are adherents to this religious faith described as Islam. Whether you want to label them as "radical" Muslims or "extremists", the bottom line is, they engage in these acts of war in the name of Islam. For this reason, it is imperative at this juncture that Americans have a better understanding of what Islam is and its perspective on America and the Western world's way of life. What I believe will perpetuate more danger is not necessarily prejudice or divisiveness, but ignorance of what we're up against and what is fueling the hatred that is set on destroying America.

So, what is Islam? Islam is the faith of nearly 1.5 billion people across the world that follows the teachings of the book the Quran and adheres to the teachings of their prophet, Mohammed. Many Muslims, particularly those in America, don't necessarily hold to the beliefs that are sponsoring the deadly acts of the terrorist caliphate called ISIS. However, it needs to be understood, even though they may not be "extremists", they do adhere to the Islamic faith. What we want to lay out is the "brand" of Islam that is sponsoring the war that we are currently in with ISIS. The brand of Islam that is sponsoring the types of deadly attacks that we witnessed last week in San Bernardino, is a supremacist political ideology that insists on imposing sharia, which is Islamic holy law, on the world. This Islamic ideology holds the belief that if a person doesn't convert to Islam, they should be stoned to death and executed. This is the belief of ISIS and other terrorist groups that operate in the name of Islam.

What needs to be understood by everyday Americans is that a June 2015 poll of Muslims living in the United States by the Center for Security Policy showed that 51% seek to embrace sharia over the U.S. Constitution. In addition, nearly one in four of Muslims polled believed that "it is legitimate to use violence to punish those who give offense to Islam by, for example, portraying the prophet Mohammed". One in five respondents agreed that "the use of violence is justified in order to make sharia law the law of the land in this country" while only 39% believed that Muslims in the U.S. should be subjected to American courts.

Why is all of this important? Because there's a seed that has been planted in our country, and the Bible is true, you reap what you sow (Galatians 6). Our departure from God, Christianity, has opened our nation up to the spirit of this religion that outright does not respect nor adhere to the American way of life. Islam, under sharia law, is incompatible with open elections, rights for minorities, trial by jury, and all other institutions familiar to the Western way of life; not to mention freedom of religion and freedom of speech. We are at war saints, in more ways than one. And if we want to survive and for this great nation of ours to be preserved, we need to repent and turn back to God, and submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ under the Covenant of His Blood.

We Are At War

We are in a very critical time in the United States of America, and it's time that we come to grips with where things really stand in our nation. We are at War. No matter how you slice it or dice it, this nation has a war on its hands that the American people need to be aware of. The latest shooting in San Bernardino, California should convince all of us that we are in a war. When a woman can leave a six-month old baby in order to fulfill a suicide mission in the name of terrorism, we are at War. Regardless of what the media pundits or the political candidates are saying or not saying, it's time we face the facts: We are at War.


As I've been stating for months, this should not be a surprise to anyone. This nation is under Divine Judgment. This too is a fact that, at some point or another if this nation wants to survive, America's going to have to face as well. You don't slap God in the face with the perversion and abomination of the legislation of same-sex marriage and not expect to experience Divine Accountability. Whether the general populace or even the church, recognizes it or not, this country was founded as a Christian nation. No, the witness of America has not always exemplified Christian principles, but the founding of this nation in the 17th and 18th centuries was based upon religious freedom and the Christian faith. God was responsible for the founding of America, and He's also the One responsible for making America the most prosperous nation in the world. But when you decide to forsake God and insult Him by denying His divine and sacred ways, He then will leave you to your own devices, which then results in national destruction.


The threat of ISIS is for real. The President can play it down if he wants, legislators can play "politically correct" if they choose to, but this terrorist organization is out to destroy America and Western culture (i.e Paris, France). And don't fool yourself, part of the destruction that they're out to mete out is not restricted to America but also the adherents of the Christian faith. This terrorist threat by ISIS is serious. It has already been prophetically declared that ISIS threats are in the making in this country during the Christmas season. God is trying to warn America and His people, GET READY FOR JUDGMENT.


God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2Timothy 1). As believers in Christ, we don't have to be afraid. All we have to do is be covered by the Blood of Jesus. But this is not something that we can do "haphazardly". Just as the children of Israel were "prophetically instructed" to put blood on the door posts of their homes in order to escape the Judgment that God executed against the nation of Egypt (Exodus 12), we too as Christians must "apply" the Blood of Jesus in our lives in order to be sufficiently covered from the Storm that is about to hit this country. It's time to recognize saints, We are at War.

The Feast of Dedication

Starting Sunday evening, December 6, The Feast of Dedication will commence. This is an 8 Day Celebration that is celebrated by the Jews. It is not one of the major Jewish feasts that are identified in the Old Testament. But it is noted in the New Testament, and was a Feast that was actually celebrated by Jesus (John 10). Therefore, if it was worth Jesus celebrating it, and the Holy Spirit taking time to record it in Scripture, then it's still worth the Body of Christ acknowledging it as well.

This Feast is generally recognized as Hanukkah, and is looked at as a Jewish parallel to Christmas. However, this is not the case. The historical aspects of this Feast are quite inspiring (which you can research on your own), but what strikes me about this particular Feast is the focus and the timing. This is the Feast of Dedication. This is a time like never before that we truly need to be Dedicated to the Lord. This is not the time to play. This is not the time to be waddling in habits and behavior that we know is outside of the Divine Will of God. This is not the time to be resisting the Revealed Will of God for your life. This is the time to be completely submitted and sold out to the Lord. Whatever you have to do to be in complete alignment with the Lord, now is the time to do it. I strongly urge you, whatever it is or has been that the Spirit has been convicting you of, Repent. If I can say it like this, the Lord's not playing (Acts 17). This Feast should be a time to Consecrate ourselves unto the Lord as this year comes near a close.

The last thing saints, these are some perilous times that we are living in right now. With the terror attacks in Paris, the shootings in Colorado and California, we are living in very dangerous times. None of this is coincidence. I've said it for months now, when you turn your back on God, Divine Judgment is inevitable. But can I tell you something? It's far from over. The Father is lifting His Hand off America. Not to punish us, but to call us back to repentance so that as a nation, we will turn back to Him. Now is the time to make sure that you are covered by the Blood of Jesus. Now is the time to renew our Dedication to Him.

God-Sense v.s non-sense

If you are striving to have an intimate walk with Christ and develop your relationship with God, then probably at some point you've questioned some of the things that God has called you to do. Have you ever said, "you want me to do what Lord"? This is normal as God stretches our faith and challenges us to grow in Him. However, one of the reasons why we're apt to digress into this mode of Divine Interrogation is because we haven't learned to distinguish between God-Sense and non-sense. A lot of times, when God tells us to do something, it just doesn't make sense. But that doesn't necessarily mean that it's non-sense. We must learn to differentiate between the two.


What we must establish and learn to embrace is the fact that God's ways are not our ways and that God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55). With this being the case, it would stand to reason that God's Eternal and Omniscient thought process is going to infinitely exceed ours. Therefore, we should come to expect that the things that God is calling us to do and the things for which He is leading us to are not going to register with our human and finite perspective. This has to become a given. Why? So that when God gives you a directive or commandment, you won't be "looking" for it to make sense. Believe it or not, this will reduce a lot of anxiety and stress in regards to the execution and manifestation of God's Divine Will for your life.


Once you've settled that what God is telling you doesn't make sense "to you", and that it is a given, then you will be challenged to move into the gear of faith. This is why the Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11). If you're trying to serve God within the context of your logic and rationale, you're going to be frustrated and you're going to run out of steam. But once you understand that as finite humans we're just not going to "get" what God is doing, then you can move into faith mode.


Faith is the means by which we can appropriately relate to God and begin to perceive what He is doing. When we walk by faith and not by sight (2Corinthians 5), the Spirit begins to renew our minds and give us revelation that will register with our spirits. Once the activity and movement of God begins to register with our spirits, the Lord begins to settle it in our minds, and by faith, it begins to make sense.


There are some things that The Father is getting ready to release and manifest in the earth that, by all rational appearances, is not going to make sense. As believers in Christ, we can't afford to get bogged down in that type of unbelief. We have to make sure that we gird up our faith and are walking by God-sense, not non-sense.

The Grief of God

Grief is an epidemic that affects the world. If you're human and are of age (which is relative), then you've experienced grief. Grief is an emotional and psychological response to an experience of loss in one's life. If a person has experienced a significant loss in their life, then they've experienced grief. People who have lost loved ones to death, have experienced grief. People who have gotten divorced or had a serious break-up, have experienced grief. People who have lost their jobs, and sometimes even retirement, have experienced grief. There are many instances where people grieve the loss of something or someone. But have we ever taken the time to consider the Grief of God? A lot of times, we think of God as this Distant, Cosmic Being who's in control of everything and decides the fate of every person's life and being. This assessment of God is incorrect. Nobody feels as much as God. Nobody is as Sensitive as God. Nobody is more caring than God. No one is more considerate than God. As Christians, we more than anybody else need to remember that GOD IS LOVE (1John 4). And when you really love someone, you're more prone to be hurt than if your concern is "surface" and self-oriented. God is not superficial and His Love is not selfish. He loves us with an Eternal and Sacrificial Love (John 3). So because of our lack of regard and sensitivity towards God, whether we realize it or not, it hurts Him. Consequently we have the issue of The Grief of God.


The bible says to "grieve not the Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 4). When Jesus entered Jerusalem prior to His Crucifixion, He wept (Luke 19). This was a sign of Grief. What is it that Grieves the Heart of God? It is our blatant Disobedience and Disregard for Him as God. God has mercy for sins (Psalm 136). We think that God is this Heavenly Tyrant just waiting to punish humanity because we've "messed up". This is not the Spirit of God. No parent, who is sane, is ready to throw their child out of the house or beat them up just because they "did something wrong". That's what kids and children do. But what breaks a parent's heart is when that child has no regard for the authority and discipline of their parent. You tell the child what to do and there's no respect, no consideration. They won't do what you say and they don't want to gain a better understanding of why they should have to do it. This is what will break a mother or father's heart. Such is the same with God. God loves His creation and He loves His children. When we make it clear that we are not going to do what God says. When there's no conviction of sin, no wrestle between right and wrong, no spirit of repentance and submission; this is what sponsors The Grief of God.


I can assure you saints, God is Grieving right now. He's grieving over His church, and He's grieving over His nation, America. In both instances, this country and many of our congregations have refused to submit and subscribe to the Divine Will of God. The God we serve is a God of Patience (Romans 15). He gives us time to repent (Revelation 2). But when we make it clear to Him that we have no intention of surrendering to His Will, then it breaks His Heart.


The Call to Repentance is about to expire. The Season of Judgment is about to commence. When the Judgment of God is released upon His church and upon this country, people will still be given the opportunity to turn to God; but what could've been avoided and abated will have to be experienced and endured. It will be the results of a people who had no regard for The Grief of God.

Get Better, Not Bitter

Many of us have had experiences where someone hurt our feelings, did us wrong or dogged us out. I'm sure all of us at some level have been betrayed or our trust broken in a relationship. Pain unfortunately is a part of life. But how we handle the pain and how we handle the hurt is a Choice. This is very critical for Christians, because as believers in Christ who have been saved by Grace, we have an obligation and a responsibility to forgive (Matthew 6). Some us are still angry, some of us are still hurt, some of us are still mad about what happened to us years and years ago. This is not the Will of God. It is not God's will for us to be bitter, it's God's Will for us to get Better. Our salvific destiny hinges on the fact of whether we have the capacity to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us (Colossians 3).


One of the ways that we can get Better and not bitter is to recognize the need for Healing. Whether it's the loss of a loved one through death, a divorce or a break-up of a significant relationship. Whether it's the loss of a job or some other type of hurt that you've been challenged to endure; people are quick to say, "I'm Ok". This is not always an accurate response to their emotional state and condition. I'm sure people want to "believe" that they're ok, but in a lot of instances, they are not. It's time that we start admitting and acknowledging, no I'm not ok. Yes I still hurt, yes I still cry about it, yes I'm still angry, yes I'm still mad. It's ok to feel that way, it's just not ok to "stay that way" (Ephesians 4). And if you're in denial about where you are emotionally in regards to the hurt and pain you've been through, you're not going to heal and the pain is going to grow into bitterness and resentment. Once again, this is not the Will of God. We've got to take the time to say "ouch". We must acknowledge the need to be healed.


Another means of not getting bitter and getting Better is to talk to someone. There are too many people that are "holding the pain in". I know sometimes it's hard to find people to talk to about your personal and intimate feelings; but the word of God says that we should confess our faults one to another that we may be healed (James 5). This is why I am a strong proponent of Counseling. I know there are some Christians that are too "spiritual" to take advantage of this resource, but it is needed, even for a lot of believers. Sometimes, we just don't have the capacity to work through a painful and hurtful situation on our own. We need help. And if your support system isn't sufficient to assist you emotionally and psychologically through some of your painful episodes in life, a good counselor may be the answer to your prayers.


Finally saints, keep in mind that at the end of the day, being bitter simply is not the Divine Will of God (Ephesians 4). No matter how you justify it to yourself, as a child of God and a believer in Christ, you simply don't have the right to hold bitterness in your heart. And as I referenced earlier, holding onto bitterness can have dangerous eternal repercussions for your life. Give your pain to God. Let Him minister to you and heal the wounds and hurts that you've absorbed in life. Learn to let the Grace of God make you Better, not bitter.

The Source of Seduction

As we prepare to enter the season of the Kingdom Movement, we must be cautious of the attacks of the Enemy. Satan has one primary aim, that is to steal, to kill and to destroy (John 10).  However, greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world (1John 4). For this reason we must be mindful of what can be described as The Source of Seduction.


We must remember that Satan is extremely subtle (Genesis 3). Generally when he attacks, he's trying to come at us in a way that we won't easily suspect. If we understand how he operates, then we can prepare for his attacks and by God's grace, govern ourselves accordingly. His tactics are not new, but unfortunately, still very effective. If we look at the Satanic attack that he contrived in the Garden of Eden, and the attack that he placed upon Jesus, we should be able to ascertain rather sufficiently the means by which Satan will come at us and try to undermine the execution of God's Divine will for our lives.


The first thing Satan likes to appeal to is the Appetite. When he came at Eve, he presented her with the "forbidden fruit" (Genesis 3), something to eat. When he came at Jesus, his initial temptation was turning stone to bread, once again, appealing to the appetite (Luke 4). Take inventory on where your appetites lie. Some people have an appetite for pleasure. Some have an appetite for companionship. Some people have an appetite for recognition; others have an appetite for attention. The list goes on and on. But the point is that all of us have an appetite for something, and it's not always "sinful". But Satan will attempt to identify your appetite and what you have a personal taste for and manipulate it so that he can get you off of the path that God has ordained for your life. And by the way, it doesn't help when your appetite isn't being "fulfilled". Be prayerful about these areas in your life.


Then the Devil starts to attack your vision, what you "see". This is indeed the Source of Seduction, because this is what Satan uses to "draw you in". The book of Genesis says, "when the woman saw that the tree was good for food". Before she tasted, she looked at it. Be careful at what you choose to "observe" and "focus" on. If Satan can get you looking at something that God has not ordained for you, then he's suckering you into his seduction. And let me say very quickly that this is not always "pornography" or some type of sex-sin. When you "look" at a situation from a perspective that is not of God, this is Satan trying to seduce you into his position and out of God's will. I'm sure many of us have had to say, "oh, I didn't look at it that way". Satan tried the same thing with Jesus when he took Him up into a high mountain and "showed unto Him" all the kingdoms of the world (Luke 4). Be careful what you choose to look at and what you're focused on.


Lastly saints, Satan's completion of his Source of Seduction is to get you wrapped up into Self-Inflation and Self-Entitlement. When you start talking about what you "need" and what you "deserve" and what you "should have", then Satan's got you. That's how he closed the deal with Adam and Eve. When he told them they'd "be like gods", he was boosting their ego and appealing to their self-esteem and self-image. That's why we have to remember what Jesus said; in order to follow Him we must deny ourselves (Matthew 16). We never want to be self-centered, we always want to be Christ-centered. This is how we escape Satan's Source of Seduction.

The Materialization for The Manifestation

Have you ever wondered what Jesus did for 30 years prior to the beginning of His public ministry? Of course we have the scripture that shows Him in the Temple at 12 years old (Luke 2), but outside of that, we don't read much about Jesus (biblically speaking) until He turns 30 years old and is baptized by John the Baptist (Luke 3). Obviously, the Spirit didn't find it significant to have those 18 years of Jesus's Life recorded in Holy Scripture. But that doesn't mean that those years of His Life weren't important. After all, we are talking about Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Living God. So what do you think was going on with the Lord during that time frame? I believe He was experiencing the Materialization for the Manifestation.

In order for something to Manifest, the substance thereof has to first Materialize. A lot of people think that Jesus just busted out of the womb and was "ready" to be the Savior of the world. I don't believe that. There was a process that Jesus had to go through that produced the substance and character necessary for Him to fulfill the Call that the Father sent Him to this earth to execute. Let's look at some possible ingredients that facilitated Jesus's Materialization for Manifestation.

One of the first things we look at is that Jesus was subject to His parents (Luke 2). Why is this important? If you can't be subject to God-ordained authority, you won't be subject to the authority of God. Jesus had to learn to submit to the Order that God had placed Him under. And so do we. I can assure you, if you haven't learned to obey, respect and honor your parents, if you don't know how to submit to your pastor or other spiritual authority that God has placed you under; if you have challenges honoring and respecting your teachers or supervisors at work, then you don't have the necessary character Materialized in you to Manifest the son or daughter of God that the Father is calling you to be.

The next thing we see about Jesus was that He was a Student. In the episode at 12 years old, He was "hearing them and asking them questions" (Luke 2). Did Jesus really need to ask them questions? That's what you do when you're a Student. The posture of a Student is that there's always something for Me to learn. Jesus had never been a human being before (at least not that we know of). Even though He might have known the information that the doctors were discussing, His posture of Learning was essential to the Materialization of His Messianic Manifestation.

Lastly, Jesus was committed to growth. The scripture says He "increased in wisdom and stature" (Luke 2). Something's wrong when you feel that you have arrived. Jesus, even as the Son of God, never reached that point. He was always growing. Many believers, particularly preachers and pastors, have grown stagnant in our relationship with God because we have forgotten that there is still areas for which we can grow, develop and increase in wisdom and Christian character. So many believers never maximize their Divine potential because they don't follow through with reaching to become ALL that God has called them to be. Jesus didn't do this. He was always committed, even up to the Cross, to the Materialization for the Manifestation of Him being God in the flesh.

Don't Picket, Just Pray

Recently we've had several incidents occur that have raised issues concerning race in our country. We've had the incident at the University of Missouri where Administrators lost their jobs. At the University of Illinois there are students talking about a "white student union" in retaliation of demonstrations by the group "Black Lives Matter". And let's not mention the countless questions raised regarding the activities of police and the slaying of young African-American males (can anyone say Michael Ferguson?). So issues of race have been of concern in our nation as of late.

I would be the last person to say that race-relations and the issues thereof are not still a major concern that needs to be addressed in America. The shooting that transpired in the A.M.E church in South Carolina this past summer proves that. My concern is the approach and the methodology that people are using to address the concerns of injustice in our society. I am not convinced that picketing and protesting is any longer the answer. The question that has to be raised is, what does it resolve? I cannot answer that question definitively, but I don't think it resolves much. In the sixties, during the Civil Rights Movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., marches and protests were a staple strategy of addressing prejudice and discrimination because it was designed to draw attention and raise awareness to the plight of African-Americans in this nation. Well, with the level of technology we have today with i-phones and smart phones and the internet, universal awareness is pervasive and ubiquitous. Plus, you have 24-hour news channels that report these issues around the clock. So the purpose for constant protest and demonstration is no longer needed from a strategic standpoint.

What has not been utilized, I believe, on a mass scale is Prayer. What people need to do now, if they want to see significant and sustained social change, is Pray. The bible says very clearly, "if my people, who are called by my name, would humble themselves and pray..then I (God) will hear from heaven..and heal the land" (2Chronicles 7). We don't need another march, we don't need another demonstration, we need a Prayer Meeting! I know I'm saying it right. In Acts chapter 12, when King Herod was prepared to execute the apostle Peter, the church didn't protest, they didn't rebel against Roman rule, they prayed. And as a result, God sent an angel and set Peter free. Then later sent judgment to deal with King Herod.

The times we live in saints require more than just social reaction and outrage. We need Divine Intervention. The chaos and division that has spilled over in this nation is going to take God to rectify and resolve. Once we realize this and humble ourselves; once we get serious about getting "permanent results". Once we're ready to really see the problems of race and injustice "fixed", we'll embrace the belief that says: Don't Picket, Just Pray.

The Pride of Life

One of the areas that a lot of men (and women) never quite overcome in the Battle of Life is the spirit described as The Pride of Life. This spirit of pride is very sinister and insidious because it lurks in the hidden parts of our personality and weaves its way seamlessly into the fabric of our character. Many people don't even realize that they are operating in a spirit of pride. But the reason it is so significant is because this spirit of pride is an anti-Christ spirit and can actually serve to undermine your Christian witness and your personal relationship with God.

In the first epistle of John the second chapter, the scripture says, "for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father". We often talk about the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5), as well we should. The lusts of the flesh and the affections thereof are still a major issue for many believers in Christ. But the dangerous thing about the Pride of Life is that you can be cleansed from the filth of the flesh through the sanctification process (Colossians 3) and still be vulnerable to the Pride of Life. This is why you can't simply measure where you are in your relationship with God based upon your outward behavior. You have to measure your walk with Christ based upon the condition of your heart (Proverbs 4).

Sin is not the key to falling victim to the Pride of Life. Sin is the by-product of Pride, not the root thereof. We know this because two of the biggest victims of Pride were sinless creatures: Lucifer and Adam. Lucifer (now called Satan, the Devil) was once an angel in Heaven. He was in the very Presence of God (Isaiah 14, Ezekiel 28). So how did a perfectly created being who was in the very Presence and Glory of God, end up falling out of Heaven? It was pride. He began to mistake the glory that God had bestowed upon Him with his own. This is why I say, and it sounds un-spiritual, you have to be careful how close you get to God. Not everyone is fit to dwell in the Presence of the Most High.

The same thing happened to Adam. Adam was created in a state of innocence. He knew no sin, was not created with a sinful nature (like we are today, Psalm 51). Yet, at some point in his time in Eden, he decided to rebel against God (disobedience to God is rebellion, no matter how "small" the sin may be). Why? Because of Pride. Satan (at that point already a fallen creature) used Adam's wife to subtly suggest that he compete with God (that strategy itself is a whole 'nother lesson). Instead of submitting to the Divine and Eternal Rule of God, His Maker and Sustainer, Adam proceeds to try to be "self-sufficient" and as a result, lost the Paradise that God had created for him and his family. Yet once again, originally, Adam was not a sinner.

Why is all of this important? Because saints, there are some of us that God is getting ready to transport into a whole new Spiritual Realm and Dimension that we couldn't even possibly imagine. When God, in His Grace, performs this supernatural miracle in our lives, you better believe, Satan is going to be right there, waiting to bait us with the spirit of Pride to sponsor our Fall. We don't have to fall victim to this. If we allow the Holy Spirit to minister to us now a spirit of lowliness, meekness, humility, humbleness of mind, selflessness and long-suffering; we can be strategically and spiritually positioned to side-step the attack of Satan and overcome The Pride of Life.

A Proper Foundation

One of the things that's going to be most needed as we proceed into this Season of Judgment is to have a Proper Foundation. Jesus made it clear in the 7th chapter of the Gospel of Saint Matthew that it is imperative to build the foundation of your house on a rock, not sand. If the church is going to stand during this very trying hour that's about to knock on the doors of this nation, we must make sure that we're standing on a Proper Foundation.

The bible says in the 11th Psalm, "if the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?". There must be re-laying in the church of a Proper Foundation. The first area we must examine is the foundation of our faith. Number one, is our faith rooted and grounded in the Word of God. The Bible is the unadulterated, divinely inspired, Living Word of God (2Timothy 3). We can't put our faith in tradition, we can't put our faith in philosophy, we can't put our faith in a man or woman; we must put our faith in the Word of God. God's Word never fails (Jeremiah 1). Therefore, if we are standing on the Word of God, then we have a solid foundation.

The other area of faith that we need to examine in regards to having a Proper Foundation is the basis of our faith. Is our faith Grace-based or Works-based. There are still too many believers that are basing the foundation of their relationship with God upon what they do behaviorally instead of what Jesus has already done through dying for our sins on the Cross. The bible says, "for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2). If you're still thinking that your going to heaven is contingent upon your works, what you do and don't do, then your Foundation of Faith is not solid. Now mind you, the bible also states, "what shall we say then, shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid." (Romans 6). Grace is not a license to sin, it's a provision for the sin that we inevitably commit (1John 1). However, your status and standing with God is not based on your works, it's based upon the Saving Grace of God manifested through the death, burial and resurrection of His Son, Jesus the Christ. This is the basis for a Proper Foundation of faith.

Lastly (and of course there is so much more), the area we want to examine for a Proper Foundation is our commitment to Sanctification. The word Sanctification means to set apart. God wants His people to be Holy (1Peter 1). No you may not be sinless, no you may not be perfect, but you can be holy. It is the sanctification process that produces holiness in the character of the child of God. The Holy Spirit engineers this process through our devotion to Christ. Part of that devotion is our Prayer Life and reading the Word of God (Ephesians 5). We must be committed to developing a relationship with God, not trying to be spiritually religious. We're going to make mistakes, we're going to do things outside of the Divine Will of God. But what The Father wants to know is do we love Him enough to open up our hearts and open up our minds to allow the Holy Spirit to renew us in the spirit of our minds (Ephesians 4). If we let the Holy Spirit minister within us the divine work of Sanctification, we will indeed have laid a Proper Foundation.

A Living Sacrifice

There's another level that The Father is calling His children to. This level is not one that every born-again believer can sustain. Very shortly, there's going to be a major distinction between the Christians who simply go to church on Sunday mornings and the believers who have sold out for Christ. You may not be able to witness the difference right now, but very soon, there will be no question in terms of who the elect of God are. With that being said, before we cross over into the next dimension of the Kingdom of God, there is one more area of faith we must make sure we exercise.

God is now calling for Sacrifice. I'm sure many of you feel you've sacrificed enough, and I would be the last one to argue with you. But the Father is calling for a special sacrifice, a Living Sacrifice (Romans 12). When I reference this term "Living Sacrifice", I'm not just referring to sexual abstinence or fasting. I'm talking about the willingness to literally lay one's life down for the cause of Christ. A lot of times we think of this in the context of some sort of "martyr sydrome", but it's deeper than that. Yes, if we are called to physically die for the cause of Christ we should be willing to do that. However, the Plan that God has for us isn't restricted to that.

The Plan that God has always had for humanity is for Christ to live through us (Colossians 1). Somewhere along the way the Covenant Community got lost in the obsession of trying to keep the law, but this was never the Will of God (Hebrews 10). The Law was designed to serve as a template for how God wanted His Kingdom structured, but not how He wanted the hearts and minds of His people to be regulated (Hebrews 8). The Plan has always been the Manifestation of the Divine Image of God through the lives of God's people (Genesis 1). But here's the catch that Adam didn't receive and that Abraham did: in order for the Divine Image of God to be manifested in and through human vessels, humanity has to die. Man cannot remain self-contained and operate in the Divine Image of God. That's why very few human beings truly actualize their Divine Potential; they're not willing to Die for it. This is part of the reason why Jehovah allowed His Son to take on human flesh. Not just for the purpose of Salvation, but to also demonstrate the method and means of fulfilling the original human design that God made for humanity. I hope saints that we love God enough and are grateful and appreciative enough of the Sacrifice of His Son, to be willing to Honor the Father with the submission of our bodies, souls and spirits to serve as A Living Sacrifice.

The Wisdom of Self-Examination

We are approaching a Season where the Judgment of God is going to be released. It needs to be established that before The Father judges the world, He will first judge His church (1Peter 4). The blessing with this is that when the Judgment of God hits the world, for those who have submitted to the Judgment of God for themselves, will not have to endure the Judgment that God has reserved for the world. Yes, we will all have to go through it, but that doesn't mean that we have to be adversely affected by it. However, the only way to insure that we are not "victims" if you will, of the coming Judgment of God is to embrace the Wisdom of Self-Examination.

The bible says that we should "examine ourselves" (1Corinthians 11). Now is the time to let the Holy Spirit lead us in the ministry of self-inspection. There are areas in our lives that we need to "check", in order to be rightly aligned with The Father. It's time out for playing. Time out for "getting away" with things. The bible says in Acts 17 that God is not "winking" anymore. The Call for Repentance has been sounded, and the people of God are commanded to turn from our wicked ways and repent unto The Father (Acts 20). Let me clarify as well that the areas for which we need to examine and inspect don't always have to be "areas of sin". Yes, if there's an area in your life that is blatantly outside of the Divine Will of God, take it to God and repent. He will give you the Grace to move beyond it. But for some of us, the issue is not sin, the issue is focus. God wants us to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6). For many of us, God is still not our top priority. This is an attitude from which we must repent. God is not settling for a luke-warm church (Revelation 3). He's ready for a church that's on fire for Him! If you've been passive and laid-back in regards to your relationship with God, you need to examine that and repent.

For the Season we're about to enter, please understand, everyone is going to be Judged (2Corinthians 5). And as I've stated before, Judgment is not necessarily a "bad thing". If I get an "A" in a course, then my Judgment is good. If I get an "F" in a course, then my Judgment is bad. So either way, the Judgment is set. The question is, which side of the Judgment will you be standing when God brings into accountability the creation that He has made and the church that He has saved. Don't wait until the last minute to find out the answer to this question. Exercise now the Wisdom of Self-Examination.

Being Politically Correct

We live in a world now where everybody is challenged to be "politically correct". Regardless of your views, values or convictions, if what you say doesn't line up with the popular consensus regarding a particular subject or theme, you will be duly prosecuted and vilified in the court of public opinion. That's why most leaders that hold public office are not in a place to express their true convictions or beliefs. They have to make sure that they say what "the people want to hear". Unfortunately, I can understand this when it comes to individuals who hold public office and certain entertainers or public figures that owe much of their livelihood to their popularity and social acceptance. However, this should never be the case with the people of God. God has not called us to be subject to the cultural measuring stick or the social thermometer. We are supposed to be catalysts for social change. Therefore, we too must learn to be Politically Correct.

As born-again believers in Christ, we too must keep in mind that we are part of a Governmental Order. That order is called The Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ is The King (literally the Emperor of the Universe, Heaven and Earth). Kingship is a political term and political position. Therefore, no matter what people say about "separation of church and state", you can't separate the church from politics because The Kingdom of God is a political movement. Why do you think King Herod wanted to have Jesus killed when He was only a baby? (Matthew 2). Because it was foretold that Jesus was born a King; He was a "political threat". We must come to understand that true Christianity is not a religious movement, it is a Political Movement, led by The King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus the Christ.

With this understanding, we must embrace the fact that as Christians, we too must become "politically correct". As the children and people of God, we are Ambassadors of Christ and witnesses of the Kingdom of God (2Corinthians 5, Acts 1). We don't have the right to think what we want to think. We have the responsibility to develop our perspectives and opinions around what God has ordained as His Divine Will for His earth and His creation. So if God says homosexuality is wrong, we as the people of God say its wrong. If God says same-sex marriage is an abomination, we as the people of God say its an abomination. If God says that abortion is murder, then we as ambassadors of the Kingdom say that it's murder. None of the things that I've mentioned are politically correct within our society today. But they're correct in the Kingdom of God! And as Christians we have the responsibility to represent Christ and not the world. Jesus said, "but whosever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 10). At some point saints, we're going to have to decide as the people of God and the Body of Christ which side we're going to embrace in regards to Being Politically Correct.

The Redemption of America

Have you ever wondered how did America get so far off track? Thirty-five to forty years ago, it wasn't the popular consensus that homosexuality and same-sex marriage were okay, let alone the idea of being able to change your gender. When did we as a nation lose our allegiance to God's Chosen Nation of Israel? Why is the police perceived in some segments of our society as more of the enemy than a friend and source of security? Yes, some of these dynamics have been brewing for awhile, but we have a generation now that seems to have embraced this "counter-culture" value system. Why?

I tend to agree with one particular author who stated it like this: during the Depression of the early 1930's and World War II in the 1940's, the adults of that generation had to struggle for what they received. They had to work to make sure food was on the table. They had to struggle to make ends meet. Well, the decision that the generation that grew up in that era made was that their children wouldn't have to struggle like that. This may have been a mistake, because struggle and hard work gives you direction, and develops perseverance and character. But when you don't have to struggle, you develop an entitlement attitude. And a lot of the middle-class generation that hasn't had to struggle feels entitled to think what they want to think, feel how they want to feel and do what they want to do. This is not of God. I remember seeing Jamie Foxx (who is in his mid-forties) talk about his teenage daughter in an interview, and he said facetiously, "the younger generation needs an app for struggle".

But saints, let me assure you, God is getting ready to change all of this. America is getting ready to see some of the hardest days she's ever witnessed in the history of being a nation. God has already declared that He is going to "Shake America". Some of the prophetic revelations that have gone forth and are going forth are downright scary. It's like something out of a movie, a bad one. You wouldn't be able to imagine the devastation that God has stored up for America in regards to Judgment for her rebellion and defiance towards the Divine Will of God. But believe it or not, It's All Good.

The God we serve is a God of Mercy and Justice (Psalm 86). His Objective is not to destroy America but to redeem America. When God allows the hard days and the dark hours to hit this nation, His Divine Aim is to redeem America and have her turn back to Him. Turn back to the values and beliefs that made this nation great. To return to the belief that America IS a Christian nation. That we are committed to lifting up the name of Jesus and glorifying God the Father. We have some difficult days ahead in this country. But God has ordained all of it for The Redemption of America.

A Miracle Mind-Set

We are entering a season where we are going to witness one of the greatest Moves of God the earth has ever seen. When this Kingdom Movement manifests in the earth, one of the distinguishing marks of the Hand of God will be the manifestation and demonstration of Miracles, Signs and Wonders. This is not necessarily the norm in most mainstream churches, but it is going to be. There is a remnant that God has been preparing for the last several years to operate in the Supernatural Power of God. If you are going to participate and receive the Miraculous Manifestation that the Father is getting ready to release in the earth, then it is imperative that you have a Miracle Mind-Set.

One of the reasons we as the people of God don't witness more Miracles in our Sunday morning services is because of a lack of faith. Many of our Sunday morning worship services are extremely regimented and routine oriented. You can pretty much predict what's going to happen. Yes, the God we serve is a God of Order, but He's not necessarily a God of predictability. Many of us, individually and congregationally, have put God in a box. I can assure you, He's getting ready to bust out. We must now approach our worship of God with a spirit of faith. A spirit that says I believe and I expect God to do that which is beyond my reason and comprehension. Many of us as Christians have been conditioned that if it doesn't measure up with our logic and rationale, then it must not be of God. This mind-set is incorrect. We need to start allowing the Holy Spirit to recondition our minds (Ephesians 4) so that we start to embrace God for the Impossible. It's part of having a Miracle Mind-Set.

The next thing we need to do is develop a mind-set of Unity. There is too much division in the Body of Christ. Before the Holy Spirit established the church on the Day of Pentecost, the bible says that the disciples were "all on one accord" (Acts 2). This spirit of unity not only applies to our churches, but also to our families, our friendships and our places of work. Wherever we are challenged to operate in community, we need to develop a spirit of unity. This doesn't mean you have to "agree" with everyone, but you can surely "get along" with everyone and treat everyone with the level of respect for which you personally desire and deserve (Ephesians 4, Romans 12).

It's time saints. We are getting ready to enter a season where people will "need" the Miracles of God simply to survive. Don't let your Christians witness be one that is so restricted by religion and denominational doctrine that you can't embrace the Movement of God in a Supernatural way. It's time to develop and nurture a Miracle Mind-Set.

The Power of Preaching

One of the most popular activities in many of our churches is the ministry of preaching. People will travel hundreds and thousands of miles to hear what they consider "good preaching". This is an inspiring phenomenon, if you will, but it may not necessarily be pleasing to the Lord. The reason that I say this is because a lot of the preaching that takes place in our pulpits is more aimed towards entertainment than edification. Many preachers gear their sermons towards making the congregation "feel good" rather than experience the conviction and growth of the Holy Spirit. When preachers preach for the appeasement of the people rather than the truth of God's Word, we lose The Power of Preaching.

Preaching is the means by which God has ordained to reach souls for His Kingdom (Romans 1). This is why Paul says in the 10th chapter of Romans, "how shall they hear without a preacher". We must get back to the centrality of preaching the Word of God. Yes, singing has its place in the Body of Christ. Even teaching is instrumental for the growth of the saints and the people of God. But it is the preaching of the Word that's going to bring in the Harvest and win souls to Christ and His Kingdom.

What is the difference between preaching and teaching? Teaching is for instruction, preaching is for persuasion. We live in a world now where people, including members of the church, are not "persuaded" that God is God. How do we know this? Number one, there are too many believers that don't believe that the Bible is the unadulterated, divinely inspired Word of God. If you don't start with that premise, you have no solid foundation for your faith (what to believe about God). This is why you have so many Christians that are mistakenly advocating same-sex marriage. They don't know the Word! Or they don't "believe" the Word. The next thing we see is that a lot of Christians don't have a healthy "fear of God". When we talk about fear, we're not talking about intimidation, we're talking about Holy Reverence. People just don't have Reverence for God anymore. That's why you have this mentality that "anything goes", including in the church. When you know who God is and you have a proper fear (reverence and respect) for who He is, there are just some things you just won't and don't do. And if you do engage in them, then you know they're wrong. The consciousness and conviction of sin is lacking in our churches and our nation because we aren't persuaded that God is God: Sovereign, Omnipotent, Omniscient and in Total Control.

The day is coming saints, sooner than later, when this nation (America) will feel the wrath of God's Judgment. As I've stated before, you don't slap God in the face with national legislation of perversion and abomination and think you're going to get away with it. When the Judgment hits, what's going to save this nation is The Power of Preaching. People who totally ignored God will be ready to give their lives to Christ because they will literally have no other hope. It was the Power of Preaching through the prophet Jonah that saved a whole nation (Jonah 2). It was the Power of Preaching that made the Israelites ask, "what must we do to be saved?" (Acts 2). It will be the Power of Preaching that will turn America back to her God and faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Cut and Polished

Recently I was reading the 31-Day Devotional written by the prophet Kathy S. Wilson, entitled "It's A New Day". In one of the chapters she talks about us as believers serving as Jewels in the Crown of God (Malachi 3). She states that in order for us to go from "gems in the rough" to Jewels of God, we must first be "Cut and Polished". Saints, this is the process that we must undergo if we're going to be fit and prepared for the Kingdom Movement that God is getting ready to release in the earth. We must allow the Spirit to Cut and Polish us.

The God we serve is a Cutting God. When He established the Covenant with Abraham in the Old Testament, the Covenant was sealed by the rite of Circumcision. In order for the Jews to be in Covenant with God, every male had to have the foreskin of their penis cut off. God is not interested in cutting off physical flesh in the New Covenant of the Blood of Jesus, He now wants to cut off the flesh of our hearts. God is now interested in the Circumcision of our Hearts (Romans 2). There are still too many believers that are prone to indulge the lusts of the flesh and the affections thereof (Galatians 5). The bible clearly states that anyone who indulges in the activities of the flesh (the sinful nature) cannot inherit the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5). This scripture has been misinterpreted to suggest that if you indulge in the lusts of the flesh that you will not go to Heaven. This is incorrect. We're not going to heaven based upon our works, good or bad (Ephesians 2). We're going to Heaven because of our confession of faith in the shed Blood of Jesus Christ for the remission and forgiveness of our sins. We're saved by Grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2). However, self-indulgence can disqualify you from the Inheritance that Jesus procured for you through His Blood. Yes you'll receive the Gift of Eternal Life, but you'll miss out on the Reward of the Inheritance that the Father has prepared for you; in this life and in the life to come (Colossians 3). This is why God is allowing certain adverse circumstances in order to "cut" some things out of your heart.

Then we must be Polished. Another way to describe this process is to be smoothed or sanded off. This is not some easy process like wiping dust off of a table or drawer. This is like a piece of wood that you're shaving and sanding off to make it smooth. The key to the smoothing process is the friction. There are some rough spots in the bosom of our hearts and souls that the Father wants to polish and smooth out. He wants to sand off some of that bitterness. He wants to smooth out some of that anger. He wants to polish off some of that resentment. He wants to work out some of that arrogance and pride, self-centeredness and conceit. The prophet John the Baptist quoted the book of Isaiah, "the crooked shall be made straight and the rough ways shall be made smooth" (Luke 3). No matter what you may look like on the outside, no matter what state your life may be in, if you are child of God and a born-again believer in Christ, then you are a Gem in the Rough. But now is the time for us to allow the Holy Spirit to Cut and Polish us.

The Promotion of Persecution

I have mentioned this before, but I feel led to address it again; we are about to enter a Season of Persecution. God is getting ready to release His Judgment upon this nation, and when He does, either you're going to stand with Him and for Him, or you're going to stand against Him. However, for the elect and chosen of God, this is not a period for which we need to be afraid or frightened. This is a time in which we need to rejoice. Jesus said in the fifth chapter of the Gospel of Saint Matthew that when people persecute us for His Name's sake to "rejoice and be exceeding glad". The reason why we need to rejoice is because the Persecution is actually a Promotion.

When Jesus was inaugurated as the Son of God by the baptism of John the Baptist (Matthew 3), the next thing we see is the Spirit leading Him into the wilderness to undergo Satanic attack (Matthew 4). Many of us are waiting for the promotion that God has revealed to us in regards to our Calling and our Destiny. But what we need to realize is that along with this promotion will be automatic persecution. The anointings and offices that some of us are about to receive are going to be a direct threat to the kingdom of darkness. So there's no way that Satan is going to sit back and not set up an assault against us. But remember, God is in total control. This is why the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be subjected to this type of satanic harassment. It was to further prepare Him for the battles He was going to face once He went into total warfare. For this reason saints, once you are elevated, once you are promoted, once you receive the manifestation of your calling from the Father, know that you're going to experience the Promotion of Persecution. You're going to be satanically attacked. But it's all for our good (Romans 8).

Then remember how, once Jesus passed the test in the wilderness, He came out with power (Luke 4). After He then goes into the synagogue and announces His Messianic Mission out of Isaiah 61, the next scene we see is the people trying to throw Jesus off a cliff. Once again, the promotion is followed by persecution. The first persecution Jesus experienced was in the spirit realm (at the hands of Satan). The second wave of persecution Jesus experienced was at the hands of the people (the people of God at that). This is the order saints. We must begin to allow the Holy Spirit to prepare us, not just for the promotion, but for the persecution that accompanies it. This throws a lot of God's servants off because they're not prepared for it. Get prepared. And if you need one more, after Jesus rode into Jerusalem at the cries of Hosanna (Matthew 21), the celebration was followed by the persecution of the Cross. It's the order saints. We can't get around it. If you're serious and sincere about fulfilling the Kingdom Call that God has placed on your life, then you must prepare for The Promotion of Persecution.

Jesus is the Answer

There are a lot of questions swirling in our society today, and not enough answers being readily provided; at least not ones that are sufficiently satisfactory. There are questions about sexuality; is it right and ethical to change one's gender? There are questions about our financial system; what's going to happen to all of the debt that America owes and the value of the dollar? There are questions about our political system; who's going to be the next President, and is it really going to make a difference? There are questions about our criminal justice system and the role of the police in our society. All of these questions are being raised. And of course, many people have a response, but not everybody has the answer. I want to go on record today and state emphatically that Jesus is the Answer.
Not too many people, not even non-Christians, would disagree with that, but the challenge is the application. So why aren't people actively looking to Jesus to solve the problems of the world today, including in the church?

One of the first reasons why people aren't looking to Jesus to be the Answer for the world's problems is because the witness of the church has restricted the reach of Jesus. We (Christians) have made it seem like the only way to access Jesus is through the church. This is incorrect. As a matter of fact, you might have a better time finding Jesus in some of our more secular institutions than you would in many of our so-called churches. We've made Jesus religious and He is not. Jesus is not religious, He is Relational. Much of the world is anti-religious, but they are not anti-relationship. Everybody wants to be accepted relationally in society. Jesus is the Greatest Relator there is. But if people think they have to be religious and "live right" in order for Jesus to be the Answer, they're going to reject or dismiss the Answer before they even know who the Answer is. We've got to rectify this misconception that Jesus can't be found outside of the organized church.

The next challenge of people understanding that Jesus is the Answer is that Jesus's impact and influence has been restricted to the realm of salvation. Yes, Jesus is the Savior of the world (John 3), but He's also the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19). All Power in heaven and in earth is in His hands (Matthew 28). We must not just present Jesus as the Savior, we must also present Him as The King, The King of the Universe. When we understand Jesus as the King, then we begin to understand the dynamics of His Kingdom. Salvation is for the church, but the Kingdom is for the world. Yes, Jesus died for the sins of the world, so the will of the Father is for the world to be saved (1Timothy 2, 2Peter 3). But the Kingdom of God under the emperorship of Jesus is what will solve the problems of the world; politically, financially, socially, culturally, sexually, relationally and otherwise. The answer is not in the church, the answer is in the Kingdom.

Lastly, in order for Jesus to be the Answer for the problems of the world, there has to be a spirit of repentance and reverence towards God. You're not going to respect the Rulership of Jesus if you don't reverence the God that He serves. Jesus is the Son of God, and He is God in the flesh. But let us not forget, that the One who sent the Son is The Father. Jehovah, Yahweh, IS GOD. If you don't believe in God, and reverence Him, for all intents and purposes, you won't pay any real attention to Jesus. Jesus came and died for the sins of the world to reconcile us back to God (2Corinthians 5). America is in the shape its in because we have forsaken the God for whom this country is founded. It's time to turn back to God, repent and say we're sorry for our spiritual departure. It's time to give Father God the reverence He deserves. Because He knows, with all of the love He has for us, that His Son Jesus, is the Answer.

The Power of Agreement

One of the biggest hindrances to the witness of the church is the spirit of disagreement. When Christians can't learn to get along, there is a problem. Church fights, power struggles in the congregation, churches putting preachers out; all of this is against the will of God. The world sees the disarray within the Body of Christ and wonders where Jesus is in all of this. A lot of the friction and in-fighting that takes place in many of our churches grows out of our lack of understanding of the Power of Agreement. Many of us have heard the phrase "agree to disagree". This is not enough for the witness of the church. We must learn "how to walk in agreement". Even though we may not all see "eye to eye" on everything, we still must come to the point where we're operating in a spirit of agreement. Once we learn this, we will begin to tap into the Power of Agreement.

The bible says "how can two walk together except they be agreed" (Amos 3). The first area that we need to establish agreement in is with God. There are still too many professing believers in Christ that are not in agreement with God. Why do I say that? Because they don't believe His Word. Whenever you are not in agreement with the Word of God, you are not in agreement with God. Just because you don't "obey" everything in the Word of God, doesn't mean you're out of agreement with the Word of God. That's why we confess our sins to The Father, because we agree that what He says is right is right, and what He says is wrong is wrong. Submission to the Word is not synonymous with agreement with the Word. We must be in agreement with the will of God according to His Word.

The next thing that we need to understand about the Power of Agreement is that humility is required in order to walk in agreement. I heard a preacher say once that every argument is fueled by pride. Regardless of the topic or subject. We only argue to the point of being cantankerous and mean when the defense of our position is more significant than the person we're speaking to. Yes, it's ok to be passionate, but you can be passionate without argumentation. Agreement comes when you're "looking" for common ground. When you're "trying" to operate in unity and one accord, the spirit of arguing and disagreement will not be prevalent. A lot of times you just have to yield (Ephesians 5) and give up some ground in order to be able to operate on the same page (this is really a big issue in a lot of marriages). We must foster humility in order to tap into the Power of Agreement.

Lastly, the Power of Agreement is not a principle that is restricted to the believer in Christ. This is a universal principle that works whether you're saved or unsaved. Remember in the book of Genesis at the Tower of Babel. The reason why God had to come down and disrupt their operation is because He stated, "behold the people is one..now nothing will be restrained from them.." (Genesis 11). This is the Power of Agreement. That's why Satan likes to keep up so much hell in our churches and in our families, because he knows, if we ever get on one accord, nothing will be impossible for us. We must be prayerful saints and ask the Lord to give us the wisdom to operate in The Power of Agreement.

God's Got Plans for You

One of the most frustrating experiences in life is when you have taken the time to put together a plan, and it falls apart. For some reason, things just don't work out the way you "planned" for them to. You didn't "plan" to lose your house. You didn't "plan" to lose your job. You didn't "plan" for your car to break down. You didn't "plan" to get a divorce. All of these things just kind of happened, in spite of the "plans" that you had already made. The old saying goes, "the person who fails to plan has planned to fail". So planning ahead is essential to gaining success in life, regardless of the area. But my brothers and sisters, I want to encourage you today, despite what is going on or what has happened with "your" plans, you need to know today that God has Plans for you.

The discouraging thing about our plans not coming to fruition is that we really don't know what to do next. Of course it helps to have a "Plan B" if you will, but even with that, adjustments have to be made. Our plans not working out force us to make changes that, in a lot of cases, we were not mentally prepared for. However, the Plans that God has already established for you are Eternal. God doesn't need a Plan B for your life because His Plans will never fail. However, what God will never do is "force" His Plans on us. This is the challenge for humanity. The reason why the world is in the mess that it's in is because we've chosen our plans instead of God's Plan. God's Plan for humanity is Paradise. God's plan for humanity is peace and Blessing. But you have to "choose" God's Plan for your life, He won't choose it for you.

This is the decision saints that ultimately determines our Destiny. Whose Plan have you chosen? Have you chosen God's Divine Plan for your life, or have you opted to risk it with your own humanly conceived plans? And don't fool yourself, you can't have "part of your plan and part of God's Plan". God's Plan is not a hybrid. Either you do it His Way or your way. Now, He will be merciful with your plans, and by His Grace He may even bless your plans; but know for a certainty that you will not get the same results leaning to your own understanding (Proverbs 3) as opposed to simply submitting to His Divine Will.

The key to having God's Plan manifested in your life is identifying the Path that He has ordained for you to follow. Yes, God has a Plan for everyone's life, but you must follow the Path that God has ordained in order to get there. If you don't follow the Path, you don't fulfill the Plan. This is where a lot of believers have missed it, because the Path of God requires faith. His Path is not easy. It's challenging, difficult, and stretches us to grow beyond our comfort zone. But in the end, it yields the fruit of what God has ordained for our lives (Hebrews 12). If things are rough for you right now, if things don't seem to be "working out" in your favor, then it might be a good chance that God is Shaking things up to get you to choose "His Plan" for your life. Remember, according to Jeremiah 29, God's Got Plans for You.

Overcoming Evil

We are entering a season where the major thrust will revolve around Spiritual Warfare. I have said this before, but if you are serious about being used by God as an instrument of Kingdom Advancement, you need to be prepared to go into spiritual battle. There will not be anyone who is on the battlefield that will not be an object of Satanic attack. There is no need to fear, the victory is already ours in Jesus Christ, but we still have to fight. With this in mind we need to be prepared how to Overcome Evil.

The Evil One (the devil) has one primary objective, to get us so self-absorbed that we lose focus on God. Satan knows that if he can get us distracted and out of alignment with God's Divine Will for our lives, then sin is pretty much inevitable. That's why we need to be sober and vigilant (1Peter 5) because Satan is very subtle, and before you know it, he's got us off track. But if we are watchful and prayerful in regards to self-examination, we won't be caught off guard and can thwart the enemy's attacks.

One of the ways that we must Overcome Evil is by not harboring grudges and unforgiveness. This is one of the major areas that Satan defeats the believer. If you're holding a grudge or any type of bitterness or resentment against anyone, you've got to let that go. Not only is it not emotionally healthy, it's also not spiritually sound. All of us have been hurt by someone in some shape, form or fashion. All of us have been mistreated and been victims of injustice and unfair treatment. But as believers in Christ, this does not give us the right to harbor malice or resentment towards someone else. As Christians, we are beneficiaries of God's Grace and Mercy. Therefore, the expectation is that as God has forgiven us, we are obligated to forgive others. This is not optional, this is mandatory. Jesus clearly says in the 6th chapter of Matthew that if we don't forgive others their trespasses, The Father won't forgive us. Ask The Father to heal us of the wounds and hurts that may be sponsoring resentment and bitterness in our hearts.

Another way to Overcome Evil is to fight it with Good. Not only must we not hold grudges and harbor bitterness and unforgiveness, but we must learn to love and do good to those who mistreat us. This is a big challenge for a lot of believers, but no matter how daunting the task, it is still the Divine Will of God for our lives. Jesus tells us clearly to love our enemies. We must mature in this area. We must proactively do good to those who mistreat us and who have done us wrong. This is not natural, it's Supernatural. So it's not a matter of "how you feel". It's a matter of what you're going to choose to believe. Remember, the Lord says that He sends His rain on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5). He does not discriminate in regards to His Goodness. God loves everybody, and demonstrates such. When we do this, we neutralize the evil in the world because the darkness of evil cannot overwhelm or hinder the Light of God (John 1). We have some difficult days ahead of us saints, and there are more than a few people who are not going to be nice based upon the stand we'll have to take because of our faith in God. But let us not succumb to hatred or resentment or bitterness or revenge. Let us be committed to Overcoming Evil with Good (Romans 12).