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The WHY- For this reason

The WHY- For this reason

John 12:22
“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”

No matter what was happening to Jesus, He never forget the WHY.
John recorded this statement when Jesus was predicting his death. During this time many of the Jews were going over to Jesus’ side because they were believing in Him. The Chief Priests were not happy about the fact that large crowds were going after Jesus, so they designed a plot to kill Him.

Jesus knew what was happening and he knew the time for his death was quickly approaching, so He prayed “Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.” He knew this hour was going be gruesome, but he soon caught himself, it is for this “REASON”.

Do you realize that YOU were apart of his WHY. The reason he said NO to comfort and YES to horrible death. It was for this reason Jesus endured suffering; he said YES to death so YOU and I can say NO to sickness, NO to hurts, sadness and grief, NO to addictions, NO to disappointments, NO to sin and its power over us and No poverty and lack. They laugh at him – come down and save yourself, what they didn’t realize; he was too busy carrying and saving the world, it wasn’t about him, it was about YOU.

Pin point the reason in your life, and Yes he took care of it. What is your reason for living and fulfilling the dreams in your heart today? The road might be a bit rocky sometimes, but Jesus took the journey so you could enjoy the destination. WHY not let Jesus be the center of your world today? I know you might be saved, but is Jesus really on the throne or are you?

Jesus Loves you!

Advancing the Kingdom of God in the earth!

This Jesus – No greater love

JESUS DIED ON THE CROSS

1 John 4:10
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

This was an incredible time of prayer for Jesus because he was about to take on the sins of the entire world. His time was no longer coming, it was now here. The task ahead was incredible, the journey was nothing a mere man could endure. The sorrow Jesus felt inside was so very great. Only he could truly understand the magnitude of his sacrifice. In Christ, God prepared himself a sacrifice for the entire human race. He knew how all of it would play out, so as fully man he cried out to his Father to take away this assignment from him, yet as fully God, he said, “Not what I will but what you will”. Jesus came to carry out the Father’s Will even though it cost him his life. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (Corinth. 5:21)”.

                                                      JESUS

“Behold the Lamb of God”- the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the entire world. Only JESUS – the true Lamb of God could fully satisfy the wrath of God for the punishment of sins and thus purchase the redemption of man. Jesus became the perfect and ultimate sacrifice for all mankind (Heb. 10:10, 14). Salvation, according to the Word of God, is known as a gift that is freely given by God to man, through his son Jesus Christ as atonement for sin, which can only be fully appropriated by an exercise of our faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8).

What he did?

  • He was despised and rejected
  • He bore our sorrows and carried our grief (Isa 53:4)
  • He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities (Isa. 53:5)
  • He was chastised for our peace (Isa. 53:5)
  • He lay down his life for us (1John 3:16)
  • He suffered for sins – so he could bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18)
  • He became the propitiation for our sins and the sins of the world (1John 2:2)
  • He was manifested to take away our sins (John 11:25)
  • He poured out his blood for the forgiveness of sins (Matt 26:28)
  • He became poor that we might be rich (2 Corinth. 8:9)
  • He is the resurrection and the life – this means victory and abundant for us (John 11:25)

What does this mean to us?

  • If he bore our sins and he did, then why should we continue to walk in sin?
  • If he bore our sickness- why do we need to keep bearing it?
  • As believers we have a blood bought right to receive all the benefits Jesus died to give us
  • Our job is to believe in Jesus Christ and receive his awesome gift of eternal life
  • His punishment was enough to pay for the penalty of our sins
  • His death provided life and life more abundantly- to the fullest and overflowing
  • Jesus was rejected that we could be accepted by God
  • Jesus became sin that we may become righteous
  • Jesus was chastised for our peace- so now can walk in his peace
  • He became poor that you might be rich
  • By his stripes we are healed
  • His love is as amazing as his grace

All of this can be summed up in one word- LOVE. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13). Jesus loves us more than we even know.

What will you do with Jesus today?

My job is to present Jesus as the only hope and answer to man’s dilemma; as he is the only one who provides it (salvation), faith as the only effort to receive it and man’s confession evidences the work of salvation. This reveals how we can appropriate the gift that God has given to us so freely, so that we will never have to face an eternal damnation because of our rejection of this gift.

Your best decision YET is to make JESUS Lord and Savior of your life. It is very simple; believe in him from your heart, confess him as Lord with your mouth, ask him to forgive your sins and THERE you are saved. You are precious and wonderful to him.

If you need any further help inbox me and I would be happy to assist you.

Be blessed.

 

Supporting Scriptures

John 11:25 – Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Romans 3:25
God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood–to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished–

Hebrews 2:17
For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.

1 John 3:5
But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.

1 John 4:10
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 4:14
And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.

Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray: Seven 7 reasons why you should make prayer a priority

Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray

prayer worksSeven 7 reasons why you should make prayer a priority

This sounds like a direct command. It also seem a bid offensive as well, because we would like to think we are doing the best we can with our prayer life. The disciples were over powered by tiredness, so they fell asleep when they should be praying. This was the one time Jesus needed their support and their strength. Jesus was in great anguish for what he was about to face. Facing the fury and wrath of God, bearing the sins of the world – past, present and future was a very tall order Jesus was getting ready to fill. He needed the support of his disciples. Unfortunately, they were not up to it.

Luke 22:46 records “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Jesus was emphasizing the importance of prayer, especially at a critical time in the history of the world. This was a life altering and transforming experience that was about to take place. What has been predetermined in the mind of God before the foundations of the world was now becoming a reality, a major shift in the universe for humanity was on its way – the redemption of man. Here prayer was necessary to make the plan of salvation a reality.

Get up and pray was not only applicable to the disciples who needed it at that time, it relates to us today as well. Seeing prayer for what it really is becomes necessary if we are going to have any lasting impact. How many times have we prayed for something and stopped when it doesn’t work as fast as we expect. Or we soon forget the victory that came when we stood steadfast in prayer. I urge you like Colossians (4:2) says “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Seven 7 reasons why you should make prayer a priority

  1. Watch complacency – It is very easy for complacency to step in when prayer is sporadic. Complacency brings a numbness over you spiritually. While you are not spiritually death, you are numb to spiritual things and situations you would otherwise be alert to. Your perspective about kingdom things changes; instead of seeing from the Word’s perspective, you now begin to see from the world’s perspective. We allow things of the world to creep into our lives, unbelief and doubt gradually sneaks in and we give more and more leverage to ungodly standards. Prayer keeps you alert, aware, quickened, well- guarded and focused on the word.
  1. Watch confusion – God is not the author of confusion. The enemy’s plan is to cause confusion to flood our minds that we cannot make sound decisions. When we find ourselves fretting and becoming anxious about anything, that’s the time to pray about that thing and make our request known to God (Philippians 4:6). When our minds are in turmoil, peace and understanding is lacking. Therefore, prayer fills that deficit, producing peace beyond comprehension. Prayer works for every situation and for everything. Leave no stones unturned in prayer.
  1. Temptation is always around, however a state of prayer-less-ness makes one more susceptible to temptation. Instead of resisting the temptation, we yield. Instead of running like Joseph we linger and enjoy the pleasure for a moment. Instead of fighting the good fight, we allow the enemy to creep in with doubts and fears. Instead of standing firm, we buckle to the ground. Instead of taking our authority, we give it away. As we pray we tap into the power of God available to us, to resist the devil and watch him flee. We develop the power to resist temptations. Matthew 26:41 also states “Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation…” Jesus prayed for Simon and the other disciples when he knew the devil desired to sift them as wheat (Luke 22:31). Prayer keeps you sober and vigilant that you are not devoured by the enemy (1 Peter 5:8).
  1. Strength – We are no match for Satan in our own strength. That’s where he beats us. Jesus knew, the task ahead was humongous, so he prayer for strength. Prayer strengthens the spirit and weakens the flesh. Prayerlessness strengthens the flesh and weakens the spirit. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Mark 14:38). If Jesus did not rely on his flesh why should you? His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinth 12:9). Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness (Isaiah 41:10). Prayer takes brings us to the place where we rely on God’s strength not ours.
  1. Discernment – prayer sharpens your discernment and your sensitivity to God’s plan. Spiritual discernment is helpful in undertaking what God has placed in your heart. 1Kings 3:9 “So give your servant an understanding heart to judge your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours?”
  1. Audacity – this is having the gut to carry out the plan. Anything God calls us to accomplish is never simple. God’s purposes will never be accomplished without much resistance and hindrance of the enemy. Prayer gives you the audacity to pursue what’s in your heart despite what’s facing you. God has given us all we need to execute the plan, but we must find the boldness to do it. In fact when you get started it may seem like all hell is breaking loose. That’s the time to step up a notch in prayer. Don’t quit praying because of frustration. You have what it takes, otherwise God would not place it in your heart. Jesus look at the task ahead, and ask the Father to take away this assignment, but his spirit said, not my will but yours be done. The time he took to pray made the difference in accomplishing this great salvation plan in which we have become partakers.
  1. Relationship- praying is not about completing one of our Christian routines for the day, it is so much more than that. It is building a relationship and a rapport with God. It is getting to know him better. It is allowing him to reveal himself to us in wonderful ways. It is allowing him to unfold his amazing plan for our lives. He longs for you and me to truly discovering the richness of his inheritance He has for the saints. He wants us to truly tap into his unsearchable riches in Christ Jesus. He wants us to live as stress free as we possibly can – casting all our cares upon him, because he truly cares.

Action plan

Get up and pray. It’s not too late to start again.

Don’t let someone or thing dictate your day. Speak life into your day.

Don’t let the forces of darkness take over and leave you powerless.

Don’t allow the enemy to reap havoc in the office, your home, with your marriage and your children while you stand on the sidelines getting upset.

Don’t give away your authority, that’s what Satan wants. Find what the word says about it and use it.

Get back in your fighting stance, get your guard up again. You are fighting from a place of victory. Stop being the victim and begin to operate like the victor that you were made to be.

Get up even if you have to drag and do it.

Take back the altar of prayer once more, pray the word, and pray it with conviction and authority.

Walk in love for faith worketh by love.

Don’t stop praying just because all seems well right now.

What are your words loaded with?

The intent of a fully loaded mouth

Inspire

A gun is known as a very deadly weapon, especially when it is loaded. Whether law abiding citizens use it in self-defense, or criminals use it to get what they want. It has the potential to do great damage, once the trigger is pulled. The gun is an extreme example; it creates all sorts of destruction to its target. You see, once you pull that trigger, you cannot turn back that bullet, you cannot wish the bullet back. Words are like that. Words come from the seat of our hearts and emotions, so when we speak words, they will create an impact. They can be devastating or motivating. The same goes for written words such as; emails, facebook, twitter and other social networking sites. Once words are released they are hard to take back. People have lost their jobs, friends, get slapped with law suits and made enemies writing insensitive things about other people. Now I am not talking about the abuse of guns and gun violence, but I am however, drawing a comparison here, showing how reckless use of words can do the very same damage to someone’s emotions, dreams, self-confidence and literally create wounds that only God can heal. I might even venture to say, words may be more powerful than guns. We never think about the damage words create to others and to ourselves, but they can be pretty destructive. They can create or heal the very emotional, dysfunctional attitudes that breeds gun violence.

Family hurts

Perhaps, the greatest damage of words occur in the family. Words spoken in haste to family members have been the single most influential tool in bringing about separation and ultimately destroying family relationships.

As a mom I had to understand that, not because I am the parent, I get to say what I want to my children. Words can create devastating wounds in children, they walk away feeling rejected, develop low self-esteem, feelings of insecurity and feelings of not being loved. This may create distrust, display fits of rage and anger as a result. Even adult children bear emotional scars from words spoken by a parent years ago. I don’t apologize for disciplining my children, but I have to always remember they are humans and I have the power to make them or break them.

Marriages are literally torn apart by demeaning words. You cannot build a meaningful happy marriage, by bashing your spouse and pinpointing their faults every time there is an argument. Wives and husbands run from each because of demeaning words. Constant belittling of your spouse’s character will drive your spouse away from you. Think about a man who finds every excuse to stay away from his wife- excuse “she nags all the time”. She bashes and belittles him so much, that he feels less than a man. My husband and I did that years ago, we bash and tell each other some insulting and hurtful words. That didn’t solve the problem to begin with, it created a different one- insecurity and open wounds. Since then we vow never to speak hurtful and demeaning words again to each other. We knew, it was destructive and unproductive for a good marriage. There are certain no, no phrases in our marriage, as simple as it seems “You’re stupid”. Words hurt for a long time and we have learned to take some words out of our vocabulary. We deal with the issue instead of releasing insult bullets we cannot take back.

If you need to retrain yourself to speak kindly to people, do it. Make a deliberate effort to speak without an intent to wound. You will be happier, your family will be happier and your marriage will be happier. Make that effort every day, to be an excellent communicator with family, friends and even strangers.

The power of words

The power of words have the ability to shape our world just like God created the world by his spoken word. Words affect our emotions, our perception, influence our decisions and may change the way we view the world. Words are dangerous when they are used in the wrong way. And when they are loaded with hate, envy, hurts, jealousy, anger, insecurities and low self-esteem they become like guns or other lethal weapons; creating wounds, scars and destruction? Words can be remembered twenty, thirty, forty years later and almost throughout one’s life time.

On the contrary, words are wonderful and powerful when are used in the proper way. They can ignite a spark and fire in someone to better themselves, they can edify and encourage people to pursue their dreams, to quit a bad habit, change their lifestyle and get better grades. They provide so much confidence to the hearers that they motivate them to make immediate changes. Don’t be the kind of person who shoots first then ask questions later. Psalm 141:3 “Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” The writer wanted his prayers to be answered and his worship to be acceptable. I don’t know about you, but as for me, I constantly feel the Holy Spirit putting a guard over my mouth. Jesus said it’s not what goes in that defiles, but it is, what comes out of one’s mouth that defiles him (Matthew 15:11).

Load your mouth with the word

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it…. (Joshua 1:8)

Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say (Exodus 4:12)

For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say (Luke 12:12).

Load your mouth up with the word of God- it’s wholesome and full of life. It’s time we yield this part of our lives to the Holy Spirit. Words are powerful tools so use them to inspire, motivate, encourage and empower those you encounter. We get to decide the intent of our words before they are released.

Tell me

What bible verse do you use to help keep your mind and mouth in line?

How do you keep your mouth in check? What do you say or do?

How much are you aware of your words impacting others good or bad?

How much time are you spending loading up the right stuff?

 Be blessed.

Advancing the kingdom of God in the earth.

What’s in your mouth!

What’s in your mouth!

As parents we tell our children, WATCH YOUR MOUTH. Yet we ourselves don’t make a conscious effort to watch ours. So our children hear when we bash other people. Do you know there are so many people who are critical of others, no matter how good people perform they will find something to be critical about. They are always saying negative things and cannot seem to speak well of others. Though you will be tempted to lash out, speak ill, get angry, tell someone off, speak roughly to a stranger or co-worker, hold your peace and walk away.

Take the love path, the sooner you realize you don’t have to fight every battle trying to defend yourself, the sooner you will happier emotionally, mentally and relationally. From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. So if the heart is filled with jealousy, arrogance, pride, bitterness and it’s all about me attitude, then that’s going to flow out of your mouth. What’s in your mouth is what’s been cultivated in your heart. Don’t you wish sometimes you hold your tongue before jumping to conclusions? The Holy Spirit is your constant help, especially in those angry moments.

Think about Romans 12:21

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” You are not a person of evil and vile things, don’t let people put you there. Don’t answer to the labels someone put on you.

James 3:8

Describes the tongue as unruly, restless evil, full of deadly poison. Men have tamed many things but yet unable to tame the tongue. However by the power of the Holy Spirit we have the power over what we say and how we say it. Who wants to be in a place where they cannot control what comes out of their mouth?

James 3:9

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. When you attack someone’s makeup and demean their personality, you are attacking the very likeness of God.

Ephesians 4:29 states clearly,

Let no unwholesome or corrupt word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Watch what’s coming out of your mouth.

Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? Bitter or sweet which will it be? If we will not put bitter foods into our mouths daily, why are we allowing bitter words to come out to hurt other people? It is not our jobs to destroy people with our words. We have been created to build each other up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Colossians 4:6

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” In the world today it is easy to get caught up in speaking ill things about people and become sucked into conversations I have no business being a part of and agreeing with things that should not be a part of your standards.

It’s important to speak the truth in love, so instead of allowing anger, hurt and vexation to rule your heart, you get to choose love. It may not be popular or feel like the logical path, but I have proven that love wins every time. So whoever is your challenge right now, make that person your prayer assignment. Even your enemies, Romans 12:20-21 “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”

Important things we can use the tongue to accomplish

Use your tongue to speak life not ill things about other people

Use your tongue to build up not pull down

Use your tongue to compliment not always criticize unless it’s constructive

Use your mouth to speak sweet words not bitter ones

Use your tongue to praise God and others

Use your tongue to establish what the word of God declares

Use your tongue to encourage someone

Use your tongue to create a positive environment around you

The power of death and life are in the tongue. We get to decide how we are going to use this great tool that God has given to us. My pastor always says some people have a mouth and don’t know what to do with it. What are you doing with the mouth you’ve got? Are you constantly tearing down or are you making an effort to esteem others. Make it a practice every day for one month not to say anything negative about anyone or anything; not the government, not your boss not your co-worker, not even your children. I know they might do everything to get on your last nerve, but hold your peace. Take the power and reigns of your tongue and guide it with the power of the word. Make a conscious and deliberate effort to speak good things.

What’s in your mouth? Life or death.

Relentless Prayer

Let's prayPray with a relentless attitude
 
Jesus tells the parable of a  widow and a judge who neither feared God or cared about what people thought. Yet he changed his mind because of a persistent widow, who kept showing up relentlessly for him to grant her justice against her adversary. Although he refused for sometime, he finally decided to give in and grant her request.
 
Jesus points our attention to what the judge says, (Luke 18:4-5) “ ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” This judge feels no constraint of right or wrong, but is compelled by persistence to deal justly with this woman, how much more, will the God who loves and cares about us answer our persistent prayers? God will not do like humans do; keep putting us off when we need his help, ignore our calls or postpone his justice or kindness toward his children. He is not like the unjust Judge who had to be badgered until he gave in.
 
What a relentless prayer looks like?
This is not the look of desperation, but one of confidence. A  relentless person is one who will not be moved by what he sees or how difficult it becomes. He is steadfast, focused and patiently waits on God’s timing. She stands in faith no matter what comes her way, she relies on the word for her direction and confidence, and rests on the promises of God as Yeah and amen. According to Dr. Jerry Fowler, “Praying in faith is not denying that you have problems, but believing that God is BIGGER than your problems.”
How many of us would be like this woman, who knew what she wanted, she knew who had the authority to grant what she wanted and she never give up until it was accomplished? Being a widow meant that she was helpless and perhaps vulnerable because she had no one to fight her cause.
Relentless Prayer takes faith
The most important thing here is exercising faith in the righteous judge of all human life. This woman had faith in the unjust judge’s ability to give her justice. Where is your faith today? What do you have more confidence in? Relentless prayer builds relentless faith. Faith that does not know how or when to quit.  Faith that remains unshakable and immovable under any circumstance. Faith that is rooted and grounded in the Word of God as its final authority.
Jesus said, when he returns will he find faith on the earth? Will he find faith in you and me? It doesn’t matter what changes occur in the world around us, what matters is, will we choose to always pray and not give up on what God is able to do?  The point is, keep praying until you see the answer and beyond. God will not disappoint a prayer-er. God will show up if you refuse to quit believing.
 
Relentless prayer will give birth to incredible results
God does not lie. Numbers (23:19)”God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Psalm (105:8-9) He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac. Well meaning people have defaulted on many promises and obligations, they intended to keep, but God has absolutely nothing stopping him from keeping true to his word. Abraham received his promise because he refused to waver through unbelief, but was strengthen in his faith.
Challenge yourself this year that your faith will persevere in prayer as you become relentless in prayer.
 
Advancing the kingdom of God.

Prayer is your greatest weapon!