What Are You Focusing On?

What Are You Focusing On?

Just a few days prior to the new year, a memory popped up on Facebook. that memory reminded me of how horrible a certain year had been or seemed to be.

As I read what I had previously posted, I began to reflect and realize that it wasn't the entire year that was horrible, only certain times and situations.  Yet we tend to gauge whether a year is good or bad by the circumstances we've encountered in that year.

As 2019 approached, it was on my heart so strong that rather than focusing and labeling an entire year by the highs or the lows I may encounter, I am starting out this new year by writing down each good thing that happens.

Our human nature likes to focus on and remember the negative. By writing down the good times and instances that bring joy then placing these reminders in a jar or some other decorative piece, it will help to remind each of us to focus on the positive in this upcoming year.

A year is made up of days and those days are made up of highs and lows.  We know in this life we will encounter both, but I want to encourage you to do as the Scripture encourages us to do and write it down as a reminder...

Finally, brethren, 
whatsoever things are TRUE, 
whatsoever things are HONEST, 
whatsoever things are JUST, 
whatsoever things are PURE, 
whatsoever things are LOVELY, 
whatsoever things are OF GOOD REPORT; 
if there be any VIRTUE, 
and if there be any PRAISE, 
THINK ON THESE THINGS.
Phil 4:8

In Everything Give Thanks

IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS

This past week, everyone gathered with family or friends for a time of thanksgiving. Tables and plates were filled with food….turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, desserts…. There was so much food, we all came away from the table more stuffed than the turkey.

Did you know the word “Thanksgiving” is mentioned 28 times in the Bible?

In Leviticus 7:15, God instructed the Hebrews and said,

“…thanksgiving shall be eaten the same day that it is offered; he shall
not leave any of it until the morning.”

Can you imagine trying to eat EVERYTHING that was fixed for Thanksgiving on the same day?  Nothing could be left until the next morning? We’d probably all try to fix less food and smaller portions.

Thankfully, this passage of Scripture is referring to the sacrifice that they were offering to give thanks unto God and not our Thanksgiving feast.   I actually enjoy eating all those delicious leftovers for the next few days after the holidays.

Do you know when the first thanksgiving was celebrated?

If you’re like most, you will think back to the pilgrims when they first arrived in America and gathered with the Wampanoag Indians at Plymouth for an autumn harvest celebration in November of 1621. 

But did you realize there was a Thanksgiving celebration that occurred earlier than that?  There was a Thanksgiving celebration that took place even before Christ was born.

1 Chronicles chapter 16 details the first corporate Thanksgiving celebration which took place in Jerusalem after the Ark was returned to Israel.  The Ark symbolized the Presence of God and the people were rejoicing over its return.

All the people gathered as the Ark was set once again in the midst of the Tabernacle.  David delivered a Psalm of Thanksgiving in to the hand of Asaph and his brethren which they read before all the people, saying….. 

“Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, 

make known His deeds among the people.

Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him, talk ye of all His wonderous works.

Glory ye in His holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.

Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually.

Remember His marvelous works that He hath done….”

And the Psalm of Thanksgiving went on, reminding the people to remember and think on all that God has done for them. (1 Chron 16:7-36)

The Psalm of Thanksgiving concluded with all the people saying, “Amen!” and praising the Lord.

I’m sure you may be thinking, “ok, so they gave thanks to God together.  How can that be considered the first Thanksgiving?”  Thanksgiving is a time when we gather together with family and friends, share our long list of things we’re thankful for, but most of all it’s known for food.

David and all of Israel also celebrated this Thanksgiving with food.

1 Chronicles 16:2-3

And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

And he dealt to every on of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh (i.e. meat), and a flagon of wine.

This is not referring to wine as people think of it today. 

The word ‘flagon’ come from the Hebrew word ‘asheeshaw’ meaning: something closely pressed together, that is, a cake of raisins or other comfits. (See Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance H809)

At the first Thanksgiving, King David gave to each person a loaf of bread, some meat, and a fruit cake.  We typically associate fruit cakes with Christmas, but the first fruit cake was given during a Thanksgiving celebration.   (just a little bit of information for fun)

Giving of thanks is something God wants us to do not just at the Thanksgiving holiday but all year round. He wants us to focus on being ‘thankful’.  Sometimes that can be difficult when you’re lonely, sad, and just want to cry because life has dealt you some hard blows.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

IN EVERY THING GIVE THANKS: 

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

This Scripture is often misquoted and misunderstood.

I had someone ask me one time “HOW can I give thanks FOR this horrible situation?” Her son had just passed away tragically and she was a grieving her loss.  The Scripture does not say you have to give thanks FOR the tragedy but you can find something to thank God for IN the situation. 

You may be thinking ‘that’s easier said than done’.  I agree and understand those thoughts.  My first husband passed away 7 years ago.  I was left to raise 3 children alone without any family near. While I’m not thankful FOR his passing, I can find things to be thankful for IN the situation.

Many people give thanks to God when He gives.
But Job gave thanks when He took.

Something to think about!

The Thanksgiving holiday may be past but an attitude of gratitude should follow us all year long.

Someone said, “When asked if my cup is half-full or half empty, my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup.” 

That is truly a grateful attitude!

I want to issue a challenge to LOOK for things to be thankful for.

IN EVERY THING GIVE THANKS!  This is God’s will for us. 

My House Shall Be Called The House of Prayer

 Matthew 21:13

And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house
of prayer…

In this passage of verse, Jesus became angry when He saw that the Temple had become a place to buy and sell, rather than a place to pray as was God’s original design.

When we hear this phrase, we often think of it as referring to a building such as the Temple in the Old Testament or the Church building in which we gather to have service on certain days of the week.

The word “house” can be defined as “a dwelling place”. (see Strong’s G3624)

God wants the place where He dwells to be a place filled with prayer.

Romans 8:9

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit if so be that the Spirit of
God DWELL in you…

The Greek word for “dwell” comes from the Greek word for ‘House’ and means “to occupy a house, reside”. (see Strong’s G3611)

WE are God’s House, His dwelling place, if we have the Holy Ghost living inside of us.

2 Corinthians 6:16

…For ye are the Temple of the Living God; as God hath said, I will
dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

WE are the Temple of the Living God.

WE are to be the House of Prayer.

For it is through prayer that mountains move.

It is through prayer that situations change.

It is through prayer that WE change and get in alignment with God’s Will.

It was during a prayer meeting that the Holy Ghost was poured out on the Day of Pentecost.

It was during a prayer meeting that the Holy Ghost was poured out at the Azusa Street Revival.

We need to LONG after God.

We need to HUNGER and THIRST after God!

Let us not just appear to be a house of prayer but to actually BE a house of prayer.

Is Your Anchor Secure?

Hebrews 6:19

          Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast…

I was a widowed single mom for many years.  Because funds were tight at times, I often had to be ‘handymom’.  On one of those occasions, while trying to put shelving up in the bathroom, the drill slipped and drilled a hole in my finger.  Thankfully, it wasn’t severe enough to require a visit to the doctor, so I bandaged my finger and proceeded to finish the job.

Standing there, feeling accomplished, suddenly all my hard work came crashing to the ground when one of the family cats decided to jump up on one of the shelves. Rather than get upset, I thanked God for allowing me to see BEFORE I put all the items on the shelves that they were not secure.  To fix the problem, I merely needed stronger anchors.  Anchors had been used originally to secure those shelves, but those anchors were not strong enough to hold up to the weight that they were going to have to bear.

How many times in life have we tried to secure things with weak anchors such as quick, microwave prayers as we rush through the day then groggy prayers as we are falling asleep at night?  It may help things to appear to stay in place, but a burden heavier than we can carry may send us crashing to the ground.

Is your anchor strong and secure?  If not, it’s not difficult to replace that weak anchor.  It’s as simple as reading your Bible and praying daily combined with fasting often. The more time we spend with Jesus, the more secure our anchor will become so that we will be able to handle the weight of the storms life may send our way.

Are We All Children of God?

I saw something was said recently that Preachers (saints) and sinners are all Children of God.

Are they?

That saying sounds good.
It makes for a catchy phrase.
We're all created by God but are we all the Children of God?
What does the Bible say concerning this?

In John 8:42, Jesus made the statement, " If God were your Father, ye would love me...."

One would reason that although they're a sinner, they love God. So, would that then make them a Child of God?

I John 3:8 states, "he that committeth sin is of the devil...."

I John 3:9 states, whosoever is BORN of God doth not commit sin...."

According to I John 3:10, we are either a child of God or a child of the devil...
"In THIS the Children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil:  whosoever doeth not righteousness is NOT OF GOD, neither he that loveth not his brother."

So, whose child are you?

Romans 8:9 reads "...now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His."

How do we become Children of God?

Notice I John 3:10 mentioned being born of God.

Jesus said to Nicodemus, "marvel not...ye MUST be BORN AGAIN." (John 3:1-7)

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter gave the instruction to:
Repent
Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ
And assured every believer that the Promise of the Holy Ghost is available to them.
(Read Acts 2:38-39)

We see this witnessed throughout the Book of Acts, which is a history of the birth of the Church.
Everywhere the Apostles went, they baptized or rebaptized believers in the name of Jesus Christ.
Then they would pray with them to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost which was evidenced to them when the believer spoke in other tongues.

Acts 2:38-41
Acts 4:12
Acts 8:12-18 (Simon saw tangible undeniable evidence that the believers received the Holy Ghost)
Acts 10:44-48
***heard them speak with tongues
***commanded to be baptized in the NAME of the Lord
Acts 19:1-6
***rebaptized believers
***received Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in tongues

We are not all the Children of God, but salvation is available to anyone who wants to receive it.

God is not wanting anyone to perish but the choice is up to you.

Which Path Are You On?

Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV)

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: 

for wide is the gate, 

and broad is the way, 

that leadeth to destruction, 

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way, 

which leadeth unto life, 

and few there be that find it.

Many today have this backwards.  They think it's a broad path and everyone is on the road to Heaven while only a few will be lost. 

But contrary to popular belief, the Scripture says "NARROW" is the way that leads to life and only a FEW find it. 

This is not a judgmental or condemning post but these Scriptures should really make us stop, think, and examine our hearts to make sure we are ready for Jesus Christ's return.  

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.  Prov 14:12

We've got to make sure of our salvation.  

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, 

and be baptized every one of you 

in the name of Jesus Christ 

for the remission of sins, 

and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38

Real vs Fake

This right here! 👇👇👇👇💯

They say those who learn to detect a counterfeit bill do not spend their time studying counterfeit bills but rather study the real bills. 

In the same way, we do not detect false doctrine by studying about false doctrine but rather by digging into and studying God's Word combined with prayer.

#StayInTheWord

John 21:7

...Now when Simon Peter heard it was the Lord, he girt his Fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. (Jn 21:7)

In my reading for today, I found this to be very interesting.....

After Jesus died and had resurrected, Peter went back to his old profession of fishing.  The Lord wasn't present (or so he thought) so he stripped down so he could more easily work. 

John records him as being naked. This is an important point because Peter wasn't completely unclothed.  He had on his lower garments so he could work without the incumbrance of the outer garment. In that time, that was considered the same as being naked.

But when Jesus....
When Peter heard that Jesus was present, all of a sudden he felt conviction over his immodesty and threw the outer layer of his clothes around him. 

Reminds me of the demoniac whom Jesus delivered.  He was unclothed (immodest) until Jesus came on the scene....then he was found clothed (modest) and in his right mind.

The last part of this verse is even more interesting....
he was fully clothed and kept his clothes on when he went swimming.  He didn't strip back down to the bare minimum to swim....he jumped in the water clothes and all. 

Peter realized the necessity for modesty in Jesus' presence.  Something to think about.

Book of Acts Church

To make an impact in our cities, schools, jobs, families, we've got to get back to being just like the Book of Acts Church.

The world doesn't need us to only look different (they already know how to look different), they need us to BE different.

Let it be said of us (me) that we are: "These that have turned the world upside down...." Acts 17:6


Originally posted to my fb page on Aug 6, 2017

Don't Judge Me

Posted on fb 9-19-15

There is a post going around FB that is really bothering me.  It reads: "Don't judge someone just because they sin differently than you do" and implying that God looks at all sin as the same.  This is incorrect theology.   

1) We should not be continuing in sin.  As Christians, we are to strive to live above sin. If we do sin, we can gain forgiveness through repentance and by not doing it again. 

2) When you read the Bible, God gave different consequences for various sins: 

**The adulterers were to be stoned. 

**Sodom & Gomorrah were destroyed by fire & brimstone.

**a thief was to make restitution plus extra

**etc

Notice the difference in degrees of consequences?  While all unrepented sins have the same end, there are differences in the severity of sin.  A judge is not going to hand the same sentence to a murderer as he would to someone who stole something.  Please do not buy into this incorrect doctrine. God calls some sins sin, others He calls an abomination.

***********************************

This saying has been floating around on Facebook and the internet for a while now. Many are proudly sharing it, and I even heard that a pastor has this saying displayed in his office. I am bothered when I see born again Christians spreading this.  I'm not trying to condemn anyone, but this popular belief is not biblically sound. 

I John 3:8 reads... 

He that committeth sin is of the devil. 

I John 3:9 reads...

Whosoever is born of God 

doth not commit sin;

I John 3:10 reads...

In this the 

CHILDREN OF GOD 

are manifest,

and the 

CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL:

whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God,

neither he that loveth not his brother.

So, if we're sinning, whose child are we? 

If we sin, we're walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit.

The good news is if we do sin, God's Word lets us know... 

If we confess our sins, 

He's faithful and just 

to forgive us our sins, 

and to cleanse us 

from all unrighteousness. 

I John 1:9

Let's not be so easily swayed to follow after popular sayings that sound good and are pleasing to the flesh yet are not doctrinally or Biblically sound. 

I recommend reading Minister Martin Ballestero's blog for a more in depth study concerning  judging. That Scripture has been misused for far too long.  His study is very informative and enlightening. 

https://martynballestero.com/2013/08/19/who-are-you-to-judge-me

The LORD, our Protector

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people from this time forth and forever.    (Psalm 125:2)
The LORD is your keeper (protector); the LORD is your shade (defense) at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day nor the moon by night (Day or night, He's watching over you!)
The LORD shall protect you from all evil.
The LORD shall protect your soul.
The LORD shall protect you as you go through the day (your going out and your coming in) from this time forth and forevermore.  (Psalm 121:5-8)

The LORD is our protector!  Our defense! By day or by night!  In the good times and in the bad, He is with us!  What an encouraging promise from the LORD!

Originally posted on Facebook on 7-30-2013

Church Growth

How do you define true Church growth? 

It's not uncommon to get excited and say, "look how we're growing" when you see saints change from one Church and start attending your assembly (as long as the change is coming, not going ;) ). But is that true growth?

I've been thinking about this a lot lately.  To me, that's merely your own gain, not God's if they're already saved.  And unfortunately, not always but the majority of those time, those Church "transfers" bring problems with them, especially if they have a history of (as we used to term it) Church Hopping.  They bring problems when they come, and unless change and spiritual growth truly happens, you can be assured eventually they're going to "feel" to change churches again...usually sowing division and discord in the process. (Yes, we love them and try to help them as best we can, but we also watch and pray in the meantime).  

True Church Growth is seeing a sinner repent of their sins, be baptized in the saving name of Jesus, and receive the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in that heavenly language.    

Oh, yes, we're here to help the saved stay saved, the struggling to overcome, but our greatest mission should be to go into the highways and byways and compel them to come in. The fields are white unto harvest but the laborers are few. 

When we see the lost become saved, THAT is true Church growth.  Lord, help me to be a soulwinner!

Preacher, Preach To Me!

Preacher, preach to me!

Tell me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear!

In this day and time, it is unpopular to preach/teach anything that brings conviction, makes someone squirm in their seat, or reveals that the way they are living is sinful.

Too many have the misconception that Church is a place to come to be entertained and hear motivational preaching.  They want to hear mainly about the love of God and what God can do for them, but they do not want to hear that this Holy God also requires true repentance with godly sorrow and forsaking sinful ways. 

They'll excuse their sin and say, "God understands." That incorrect way of thinking is contrary to Scripture.

If you have a Pastor who preaches against sin, thank God for him! If he preaches it straight and tight, it's not because he's trying to be mean.  It's because nit only is your eternal soul at stake, but his as well if he ceases to warn against sin. 

For all the Pastors and preachers who still stand for Truth and preach it straight despite opposition, I thank God for each of you!

Eze 3:17 - Son of man, I have made thee A WATCHMAN unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and GIVE THEM WARNING FROM ME.

Eze 3:18 - When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and THOU GIVEST HIM NOT WARNING, NOR SPEAKEST TO WARN THE WICKED from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; BUT HIS BLOOD WILL I REQUIRE AT THINE HAND.

Eze 3:19 - YET IF THOU WARN the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but THOU HAST DELIVERED THY SOUL.

Eze 3:20 - Again, WHEN A RIGHTEOUS MAN DOTH TURN FROM HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: BECAUSE THOU HAST NOT GIVEN HIM WARNING, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; BUT HIS BLOOD WILL I REQUIRE AT THINE HAND.

Eze 3:21 - Nevertheless IF THOU WARN the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; ALSO THOU HAST DELIVERED THY SOUL.

My Lord is the Treasure

🎶....I'd run for a thousand years if I knew every step would be getting me closer. I'd swim to the ocean floor.  For my Lord is the treasure.  My Lord is the treasure.🎶

This is a beautiful song but I'm so thankful that I don't have to do all that to get closer to Jesus.  He said draw near unto Him and He'll draw near into us.  He's as close as the mention of His name.  Even at the very thought of Him you can feel His presence close.  I'm so thankful for God's deep and bountiful love.

The spirit of Korah

Important note: **This isn't written as a rebuke but out of love and concern for what the Lord has shown me in His Word**

Over the past few weeks,  I've seen several posts on Facebook that have me concerned for the souls of those posting.  People are posting against pastors without any fear of God or reverence for the office of the man of God. Not only are they posting against the pastors, but they are also trying to rile others up against the pastors as well.   One person went so far as to boast that they had called that pastor's District Superintendant in the attempt of getting that pastor's ministerial license pulled.  Then proceeded to gloat about it on FB in an attempt to rile others up against this man as well, and then these others proceeded to angrily share this person's post. 

This is a dangerous spirit! 

Whether the gripe is real or perceived, it is unbiblical and a dangerous spirit to give ear to. 

It reminds me of Korah (Numbers 16).  Korah rebelled against Moses' authority.  He didn't feel Moses was leading or doing things correctly.  He felt he could do a much better job.  But rather than taking his gripe to Moses privately, he went around airing his gripe to others (a.k.a. gossiping and backbiting) and stirred up the hearts of the people against Moses and Aaron.  (Someone who is offended about something never wants to be offended alone.  They want to feel supported in their feelings and desire for others to agree with their actions).

The spirit of Korah (rebellion) did not just affect him alone; it cost most of the people of Israel their lives. Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and the 250+ leaders in Israel provoked the LORD (Num 16:30) by stirring up the people against the man God had placed as leader over His people. It would have cost the entire nation of Israel their lives if Moses and Aaron hadn't interceded for them (twice).   Sowing discord amongst the brethren is an abomination unto the LORD (Prov 6:16-19) because it doesn't stop with just one or two...it spreads and eats like a cancer.   

The Bible warns,
"Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm."
(Psalm 105:15)

Some will try to excuse this admonition away and say, "we're all God's anointed."

Korah said the same thing, "ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them:..." (Num 16:3) but read about his end.  God was not pleased with what he did.  It was a very serious matter.  It ended with the earth swallowing up Korah, Dathan, and Abiram's tents and households alive.  The 250+ leaders in Israel were consumed by fire.  And over 14,000 people died from plague.  All this because one man stirred up the hearts of the people against the man of God.

David was anointed King over Israel, was fleeing for his life from a man (Saul, also the King of Israel) who wanted to kill him without just cause, YET David felt convicted just for cutting off a small piece of the King's robe.  (1 Sam 24:4-5)   It is said the Rabbi's teach that any act of disrespect shown to one of the teachers and guides of Israel, even by injuring the clothes they wore, God would punish this person sooner or later.  David felt convicted because he wanted to be right before God and man.

There are some serious lessons to be learned in the Bible. 

Many focus on the love and mercy of God but there's another side of God that we must not overlook. There are so many Scriptures concerning and admonishing us to fear God.  We need to get a healthy fear of God in our hears for it is by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. (Prov 16:6)

Perhaps that is why the Apostles admonish many times throughout the New Testament to rebuke, withdraw, to mark and even avoid those who walk disorderly (1 Tim 5:20, 6:3-5, Rom 16:17-18, 2 Thess 3:6). 

Bad attitudes are contagious.

Let the words of my mouth (what I say)
and the meditation of my heart (what I think about)
be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my Strength and my Redeemer.
Ps 19:14