Stay Focused

Kingdom Perspective: These are times of great distress, challenges, so many distractions, to the extent, many people of God are becoming weary and losing focus on the main thing. Just to encourage  and remind you today that our sovereign God already knows what you are going through. He is building a kingdom that will outlast this world of trouble and will keep you standing strong, if you can believe that all things are possible.  We are called to serve a unique purpose in life but not without going through a transformation process which goes through a tunnel of great difficulty. Times of difficulty however, are used as tools for developing character, discipline, obedience for becoming more like Christ. Please remember Jesus said: "Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matt. 16:18. Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain... Ps. 127:1 If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14  Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession..."1Timothy 6:12.  Stay focused, stay connected, keep the main thing the main thing- Jesus Christ is Lord of all. May grace, peace, love be multiplied to all.
The Lord be with you. +MEA

Remember to Obey

REMEMBER- Keep and live out the entire commandment that I’m commanding you today so that you’ll live and prosper and enter and own the land that God promised your ancestors. Remember every road that God led you on for those forty years in the wilderness, pushing you to your limits, testing you so that He would know what you were made of, whether you would keep His commandments or not. He put you through hard times. He made you go hungry. Then He fed you with manna, something neither you nor your parents knew anything about, so you would learn that men and women don’t live by bread only; we live by every word that comes from God’s mouth. (Deut. 1:1-3)MSG   

Remember to trust, obey the word of God in every situation; now we are standing on the precipice of entering greater dimensions.  It is becoming increasingly apparent that oppositional forces are poised to distract us from moving forward into uncharted waters. It is written  in scriptures that many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers out of every one. Therefore we are not exempt from trials, tests or attacks from the devil. These struggles present an opportunity for learning to be faithful and obedient to the will of God. Although He was a Son, Jesus learned obedience through the many things He suffered. (Heb. 5:8) Please know that before promotions or entering into a new place of blessing, there are enemies(giants) waiting to hinder or prevent safe arrival. These are times of intense spiritual warfare which are challenging, therefore, now is the time to awake, arise from complacency to make necessary preparations for fighting the good fight of faith and engage the enemy in battle. (2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph.6:10-19) Prayer, Intercession, Worship are anointed weapons of warfare critical for destroying strongholds, yokes of bondage and removing heavy burdens. (Isa.10:27) In that we live in a fallen and dark world, the faithful are encouraged to walk as children of Light in alignment with the teachings of Christ. Unfortunately, oppressive spirits, rebellion, disobedience, gross misuse of power, to name a few, are becoming increasingly prevalent within places of worship. Therefore, the place of fellowship, healing and restoration have given rise to some who exhibit ungodly behavior.  It is extremely important for a successful outcome to continue standing confidently on the word of God. Remain obedient, undaunted, committed to enduring the tests of times, keeping focus on Christ- the author and finisher of our faith.  Let us endeavor to stay connected to the Divine power source, for without Christ we can do nothing.  God's grace is sufficient for empowerment, making us effective in utilizing management strategies that can prevent being left exposed and vulnerable to the wiles of the devil. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, molded for God's use and have been called into the kingdom for such a time as this. Always REMEMBER! Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered.  Keep a cool head, stay alert. The devil is poised to pounce and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up, you’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith, the suffering won’t last forever.” (1Pet. 5:8-9)Msg.

 

 

Streams in the Desert

God can break the cycles, tear down systems to bring change in circumstances, shifting the atmosphere. He is able. Trouble, adverse situations are often used as an opportunity, vehicle or tool for Him to be glorified. At times running around with so many things to do, we reach a point of exhaustion, feel like giving up, on an emotional roller coaster: frustrated, weak, hungry, thirsty and in need of immediate provisions, streams of healing and refreshing. However, sometimes substitutes are used that does not satisfy the thirsty soul. Jer.2:13. Matt.5:6. God already knows what needs to happen to change the situation. Miracles can be in the hands of people who don't count as being significant. God is concerned about us, He sees, He cares; He already knows just what to do. Expect that every need is already provided. Don't get discouraged in the process, the solution is already completed. When the task seems overwhelming, way over our head, that's when God steps in and asks "What's that you have in your hand?" Surrender every thing to Him and watch multiplication take place. Make use of what we already have instead of focusing on what we do not have. In everything give thanks, during times of being broken, restoration, refreshing of the soul occurs as God leads us in the path of righteousness for His name's sake. The insecurities of challenging times help to define who we really are at the core. Worship warriors will arise to the occasion and fight the good fight of faith for His kingdom's cause.  We are challenged in chaos and not in comfort to continue standing strong on the word of God. Stay focused, stay on course, stay connected to the true power source in Christ. During times of Transition- (gap between seasons); the way we exit determines how we will enter the next season. Praise/ Press through the difficulties of tight/narrow places with a joyful heart and hopeful expectation, having an attitude of"not my will Lord, but Yours be done." God is able to keep us standing. The more excellent way to manage multiplied challenges is through loving God, loving His people. The greatest commandment is to love God and one another. Mk. 12:30,31; Lk. 10:27; Matt. 22:37-39. In so doing, Holy Spirit helps us to become faithful and obedient servants who trust God in every situation. Through worship, praise, prayer we continually stand firm on the promises of God.( 1Cor. 15:58,59, 16:13)
Don't lose heart during desert or wilderness seasons. Hear the word of The Lord saying:
"Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isa. 43:18,19.

Season of Refreshing

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the water; and you who have no money, come buy wine and milk without money and without cost. (Isa.55:1)

Life's challenges, changes experienced during transitional and dry seasons very often can render the soul weary and thirsty.  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God where the thirsty can be refreshed and restored.  For the weary traveler on the journey, there is an open invitation for the thirsty to drink from healing streams flowing from the river of God. These streams breakthrough every obstacle or any other hindrances in its path. The timing of the Lord is perfect; He already knows the outcome of every situation but will allow conditions that are necessary for growth and promotion.  Pain is a passageway to fulfillment of purpose, although enduring under seasons of tremendous pressure or difficult circumstances, for a moment can leave you feeling thirsty, tired and uncomfortable. At the right time, in the right place, He makes all things work together for His purpose. The Lord is our Shepherd; He restores the soul and leads to quiet streams of refreshing.

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. (Jer.31:25)

The Gift of Love

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).  One of the most poignant expressions of the real meaning of love is presented by Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. He concludes this letter by saying: "Now abides faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest is love.  The love being referenced here is an overflowing love that is faithful, committed and loyal amid adversities of life.  True love can flourish, persevere and endure, even among the most difficult or challenging circumstances. There is only one person who exemplified perfect love on earth-Jesus Christ.  Because of love, He was presented as a gift to bring hope, peace, joy and love to the whole world.  This is how God showed His love among us, He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1John 4:9,10)  In a world filled with hatred, rebellion, disobedience, unrest, etc., many are running to and fro trying to find love in all of the wrong places.  The love of God is greater than any other force and will last throughout time and eternity; it is a gift that keeps on giving. Christianity is a lifestyle of love and obedience to God's will, based upon a personal relationship with Christ, not just an intellectual exercise.  Love is where joy gestates, hate is where anger incubates, it is a choice. There are many spiritual gifts, but the greatest is love, so we endeavor to love God, love one another as He loves us.

Joy to the World

Joy to the world, the Lord is come; let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing. He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love.
Amid all the challenges of the season, the faithful can intentionally focus on the good news and sing joyful songs of praise. Although there is a steady stream of bad news coming from various sources, we can share the good news that Christ came into the world to give hope, peace, joy and love. Rejoice in the Lord always and again rejoice for our God is awesome, He reigns above every circumstance and is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we can imagine. All things all possible if we can believe by faith that He is always there in every situation to help us ride safely through stormy and difficult seasons.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blasts of the ram's horn-shout for joy before the Lord, the King. Psalm 98:4-6

Faithful Perseverence

One of the most important qualities along the Christian journey is Faithful Perseverance. Jesus said to those who believed in Him, "If you continue in My word, then are you My disciples". John 8:31. He who endures until the end shall be saved. MT.24:13. Persevering amid a multiplicity of challenges demands courageous and righteous standing on promises set forth in the word of God. Having done all to stand, keep on standing and trusting that God is faithful to fulfill every promise. He gives more grace as difficult situations increase and always causes us to triumph over every circumstance.   Patient endurance is not easy, however it is very necessary for learning the art of waiting, training, character building while pressing through narrow, tight and difficult places. The deep, dark valley places along life's journey help to define who we really are at the core and our need for God's help.  During these times it is so very important to listen carefully to His voice for clear instructions so that we can avoid moving ahead too quickly. In every trial, it is critical to make sure that every lesson for the season is learned while humbly, obediently and silently waiting in His presence.
Spiritual maturity is developed when we stay in an assigned place long enough, even amid a great deal of adverse situations.  Resistance is a faith builder that provides an opportunity for spiritual growth and development. Sometimes we are tempted to take the easy way out, but there are no shortcuts in God, therefore we must remain resolute, committed to stay the course, outlast oppositional forces and move forward into our designed "There"place. We are crossing over into greater dimensions of blessings and favor. God is exalted; the devil is defeated; Jesus is Lord.  Let God arise; Let His enemies be scattered.
Strategies for Courageously Standing Amid Oppostion:

• Praise, Prayer, Pursue Love
• Meditate on the word; trust, believe God
• Wait for manifestation with faithful perseverance, hopeful expectation
• Stay focused, connected, undaunted, accept what God allows
• Grateful for the opportunity to rise to the occasion; never quit; never give up
• Confident that God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all you can imagine according to the power that is working within
• Watchful Prayer; Stay Alert; Be Aware of diabolical schemes designed to block your success   

The Lord be with you. +MEA