Stay in the Race

In the wake of confronting a multiplicity of challenges, this is the not the time for faithful disciples of Christ to panic but earnestly fight the good fight of faith. So many distractions, increased warfare-Is there not a cause to pray fervently for supernatural intervention in this season? Yes, there is a cause to Arise as a carrier of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout your sphere of influence. You may be exhausted, disappointed or discouraged due to enduring under tremendous pressures on your journey, however, be encouraged.  God is faithful to bring you into a place of restoration, refreshing in healing streams so that you can catch your breath and continue the race.
Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him. (2 Corinthians 2:14)
 (Hebrews 12: 1,2 MSG) Do you see what this means, all these pioneers who blazed the way; all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus who both began and finished the race we're in.

Are You Available?

Romans 11:33-12:1,2. Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It's way over our heads. We'll never figure it out. Is there anyone around who can explain God? Anyone smart enough to tell Him what to do?Anyone who has done Him such a huge favor that God had to ask his advice? Everything comes from Him; everything happens through Him; everything ends up in Him. Always glory! Always praise! Yes. Yes. Yes. So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going to work, walking around life and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Don't become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit in without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well formed maturity in you. 

#Challenged #Christ #Disciple

There is a Cause

There is a cause for the faithful to continue walking by faith, not by sight, sharing the good news that Jesus Christ is the answer to every problem or situation. It's an old story, yet still relevant in these modern times. Halleujah Christ Lives! Because He lives we have the power to keep moving forward in victory over every oppositional force. However in order to maintain a victorious position, it is necessary to "Fight the good fight of faith, take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession..." 1Tim.6:12. Although we are abundantly blessed, the evil one comes to steal, kill and destroy by any means necessary. It is critical for a successful journey to: love one another; pray continually; be thankful; earnestly contend for the faith entrusted to us and ride out every stormy season. Keep trusting by faith to persevere through every trial or circumstance. Having done all to stand, keep on standing with confidence that God is able to help you overcome every obstacle. The kingdom is suffering violence, the violent take it by force. Stand your ground; Never give up! Never give in! Thanks be to God who gives us the victory in Christ. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy! (+ MEA)

Good News: God Loves You!

The gospel is still good news for all who will hear and respond by faith in Christ Jesus. It is good news to those who were once sinking deep in sin, surrounded by darkness, feeling hopeless and alone. God's love is greater, higher than anything; it reaches from the highest mountain to the lowest valley. To the utmost, Jesus saves; He uses extreme measures to demonstrate His love for humanity. In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12) This is how God showed His love for us: He sent His 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. (1 John 4:9,10) God's love for us is so amazing!  #Love #Lifts

Praise the Lord

In these times of facing so many challenging situations, let songs of praise to God keep you in step with His intervention in the midst of it all. For our God reigns above every situation or circumstance; He is our strength and provides everything needed as overcomers who stand boldly amid life's difficulties.  (Psalm 150:6) Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. (Psalm 117) Praise God, everybody! Applaud God, all people! His love has taken over our lives; God's faithful ways are eternal. Hallelujah! #PraiseTheLord

Standing on a Firm Foundation

Shortly after Jesus miraculously fed a multitude with few provisions, He traveled with His disciples a great distance to a northern region of Israel. This hike took several days over dusty and difficult terrain. This region was surrounded by multiple pagan gods, spiritual darkness, turmoil, brutality, domination by Roman government and King Herod.  When Jesus arrived in the villages of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, ” What are people saying about who the Son of Man is?” They replied, ” Some say He is John the Baptist, some say Elijah, some Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” He pressed them, “And how about you? Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter said, You’re the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus came back, ” God bless you Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God Himself let you in on the secret of who I really am. And now I’m going to tell you who you really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together My church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out. Matthew 16:13-18MSG.  In this season, many have been tested, taken to the farthest region of faith and have been stretched to the limit while enduring pressures of every kind. Very often, there have been times of doubt, discouragement, disappointment when confronted with unexpected circumstances. For faithful disciples today, as you face difficult, confusing or dark times, Who do you say Jesus is? This question remains to be the greatest one you can ever face. If you can believe that Jesus is the Christ who built His church, then the gates of hell cannot prevail against it.  Be strong, very courageous, meditate on God's word and continue standing fast on the firm foundation established by Christ over 2000 years ago. (Psalm 127:1,2; Ephesians 2:19; Colossians 1:9-14; 1Peter 2:5)  Let the wisdom and knowledge of Christ have the preeminence as you persevere through challenging situations along life's journey. Having done all you can to stand, have faith in God, being fully persuaded that He is able to keep you standing through every circumstance. Fight the good fight of faith, earnestly contend for the faith that was once entrusted to the early Christians. You have been called and chosen to declare the glory and sovereignty of God, ‘For Such a Time as This.’ Grace and Peace be multiplied to you. +MEA

Courage to Stay Focused

Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Psalm 119:133 
These are times of great distress in which challenging circumstances are causing many people to become distracted from following God's plan for their lives.  It is becoming increasingly difficult to stay focused on following the path of righteousness, which for the most part, have very few travelers.  The world today is constantly changing, to the extent, that what was once considered immoral, unclean have now, for some people, become the 'new normal.' Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surface, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time...(Matthew 7:13) Don't follow the crowd! Be bold, courageous enough to stay on the right path and stand out as a unique designer original. Please remember that God's word does not change with changing times and remains relevant even in today's modern world.  The grass withers, the flowers fall but the word of our God stands forever.  Jesus Christ, is the same yesterday, today and forever.  (Isaiah 40:8; Hebrews 13:8) No matter what challenging circumstances confront you, trust and believe that God's word gives strength, courage to stay focused in an everchanging world.  You are called and chosen to serve a unique purpose in life, however, not without going through a messy, painful, uncomfortable transformation process. Enduring seasons of trials, tests are utilized as tools for developing character, discipline, obedience for becoming precious vessels of honor for the glory of the Lord.  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. In His presence, everything essential for living an enjoyable life is provided. May grace, peace, love be multiplied to all.  The Lord be with you. +MEA

Courage Amid Life's Storms

Courage does not always have a loud voice. It is a calm voice that speaks wisdom and perseveres amid adverse situations. Dr. Mary Adams

Luke 8:22-25 MSG- One day He and His disciples got in a boat. "Let's cross the lake," He said. And off they went. It was smooth sailing and He fell asleep. A terrific storm came up suddenly on the lake. Water poured in and they were about to capsize. They woke Jesus: "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" Getting to His feet, He told the wind, "Silence!" and the waves,"Quiet down!" They did it. The lake became smooth as glass. Then He said to His disciples,"Why can't you trust Me?" They were in absolute awe, staggered and stammering,"Who is this anyway?" He calls out to the winds and sea, and they do what He tells them!" Jesus calmed the storm and then asked, "Why can't you trust Me?"  In every situation or circumstance God's word speaks: "Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God is with you every step you take. Joshua 1:9 MSG. You can have confidence that God is with you in every challenge or circumstance. Stand on His word, it will never fail. He is able to hold you together amid life’s storms with an anchor of hope that is sure, steadfast, firm and secure. If we can be honest about our response to life’s storms or challenging circumstances, sometimes experience similar emotions of fear, panic, desperation just as the disciples. Amid stormy situations, sometimes there are feelings of being overwhelmed and very uncomfortable. If you are facing challenging storms right now, be encouraged, quiet down, listen up to hear the Lord saying to your spirit, “Don’t you trust Me to carry you through this situation?” This question can prompt making an honest assessment of where you are on the journey of faith. The depth of the feeling of discomfort can sometimes reveal some unresolved emotional issues. When the storms rage and the winds blow, and they will, present an opportunity for faith, hope and trust levels in Christ to increase. Believe with hopeful expectation that God is with you always and will never let you perish in stormy situations. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Where Jesus who went before us, has entered on our behalf.” (Hebrews 6:19-20a) In comparison to a ship and the hardships of life to storms, hope is the anchor that keeps us from being shipwrecked. An anchor is dependent on two things: the cable that tethers it to the ship, and the solid ground. The cable connecting us to hope is faith … an assurance of Jesus’ love, goodness and power. Our faith believes He still speaks peace to storms. Faith is being confident that the promises in His word will carry you safely through life’s journey. In times like these, be very sure your anchor holds and grips Christ, the solid Rock. His word is faithful, firm and unchanging. As the waves rise and the winds howl, sometimes it’s tempting to pull away from Him, especially when we ask, Why is life so difficult? However, storms are opportunities to dig deeper into our relationship with Christ through meditating on the word, praying, giving thanks, worshiping Him in Spirit and Truth. The storms will rage, strong winds will blow; nevertheless, be strong and of good courage knowing that God will safely guide you through every stormy season. Lord have mercy on us; Christ have mercy.  Not only so but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character, and character hope; and hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom He has given us.(Romans 5:3-5) 

LOVE- THE ULTIMATE GIFT

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.  1 John 4:9,10. By this all will know that you are My disciples if you love one another. John 13:35
One of the most poignant expressions of genuine love is outlined in 1Corinthians 13. Love is more than an emotional feeling, it is a deep bond or attachment to someone. Love is the most powerful force in the universe and giving of yourself to help or serve others demonstrate love in action. In other words: love is as love does. You will not know the quality of your love walk until it is tested.

Holdfast to What You Have!

God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to Him. 

2 Chronicles 16:9

In these times of changing trends, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain core Christian values causing so many to forsake foundational truth. Please remember that God's word is immutable, therefore He still answers prayer when you call out to Him! Trouble is a vehicle of transportation to the next place of spiritual maturity. If God has brought you this far, surely He will carry you safely to fulfillment of destiny. (My troubles turned out all for the best- they forced me to learn from God's textbook. Truth from Your mouth means more to me than striking it rich in a goldmine Psalm 119:71,72)  Stand Fast! Holdfast to what you have learned knowing that God's word will never fail. Praise the Lord; He is good, His mercy endures forever. #LoyaltyMatters

Seasons of Life

Life's journey presents many opportunities to learn valuable lessons in every season, eventhough there could be times in which many challenges, changes, twists or turns cause you to grapple with harsh realities. In any case, there is beauty in every season; as people of faith, you have a sure and steadfast anchor of hope in Christ. With this in mind, lessons on building a bridge of love and unity will help carry you across troubled waters or to weather strong winds of adversities in any season. No matter the situation, you can arise from dark places of trouble and begin again in Christ.