NOTHING is Impossible!

For with God NOTHING IS impossible! LUKE 1:37

God is going to make something good happen for me today!  He is with me and He is for me!

He is always on my side! God will give me grace to fulfill my destiny because I am blessed and HIGHLY FAVORED!  

I am a successful person! I am in the way of victory.

Everything works out for my good!

I Declare it. I Decree it.  I Receive it today, in Jesus' name!

 

Wisdom vs. Knowledge

Knowledge is gathered from learning and education, while most say that Wisdom is gathered from day-to-day experiences and is a state of being wise.

 

Knowledge is merely having clarity of facts and truths, while wisdom is the practical ability to make consistently good decisions in life.

"Knowledge doesn't make you wise" - dgd

If your gut says NO!...then pay attention.  The thing about knowledge is, it changes as time progresses; but wisdom grows.  Facts and human truths change.  Now Pluto is no longer "considered" a planet?

 

Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people. Luke 2:52 (NLT)  Even Jesus had a "normal" childhood and adolescence and "grew" in wisdom....He went through the same progression we do today, in terms of developmental processes. 

 

Jesus "grew" physically and mentally.  He related to other people and was loved by God.  A full human life had to be balanced like ours.  So if God did not ignore the process of Jesus developing (in human form), then we should not ignore this process either.

 

As humans (both young and old) - we too should allow ourselves to fully develop as we remain harmoniously in touch with each of these key areas: physical, mental, social, and spiritual. The other developmental areas in our lives, such as love and finances, will evolve with wisdom, based on experience AND knowledge.

 

Experience is a good teacher (BUT) The ear that listens to the reproof [that leads to or gives] life will remain among the wise. He who refuses and ignores instruction and correction despises himself, but he who heeds reproof gets understanding....Proverbs 15:31-32 (AMP)
 

So as we grow, let us be reminded that everyone in the world has to go through a developmental process.  No one figures out life in first gear.  As we grow, we will come to learn that life is a process and God hath made every thing beautiful in HIS time...Ecc 3:11 (KJV) so don't rush it - enjoy the journey.

 

Be blessed and have a wonderful Saturday!

- Pastor D

This Is ONLY a Test!

It's Sunday morning and I'm feeling blessed and thankful to be in the land of the living. Regardless of the many challenges I've faced this week, I am still blessed to be able to tell somebody about it. The challenges are called tests, which creates testimonies. 

Trials and tribulations can engulf us all but I serve a true and living God; so despite all these things, overwhelming, victory is mine through Christ, who loved me. Romans 8:37

I serve a true and living God whom gives me the strength and power to conquer over all things.  God has given me the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the powers of the enemy; nothing will harm me. Luke 10:19

I don't serve idol gods because they have no power.  Only my Creator God has dunamis power therefore I will serve and trust completely in Him!

Remember, this is ONLY a test - so be encouraged today God's people.  For the things we face today are temporal and not meant to last forever so focus on things eternal. Keep thanking God for what He's done and for what the Spirit keeps on doing until Christ returns. I know I do, and will until He returns!

Blessings to you all, God's people!

- Pastor D

Thankful For A New Start

 

Just finished talking with a good friend and feeling thankful.  We laughed until we cried.  We covered almost everything under the sun yet kept it real and clean.  Now it's time for me to retire for the night -- BUT not before I thank God for another day and a new start!  Thank You God for both!!

In thinking back over my life, I've come to discover many things: friends are few and life is short so you'd better enjoy it while you have breath.  It's good to have people in your life who make you laugh.  It's great to have genuine support, especially when you're down.  BUT--what's most important is KNOWING that God has your back!  

 

When the chips are down and there's no one around - God has your back

When friends are few and you feel your cause is through - God has your back 

When you wished that people would stay yet they walk away - STILL God has your back 

Just when you think it's O-V-A (over that is...) - God will let you know "I GOT YOU" and it ain't over unless I say it's over!  This is ONLY the beginning of a NEW chapter --and for that -- I am SO very thankful!

Thank You Lord God, for a new beginning, a new start, and for turning the page into a new chapter instead of ending the book.  Thank You God for another opportunity!  I ask your blessing, protection, and covering over this next chapter, in Jesus' name, Amen!  Turning the page...

 

Pastor D

Thankful Thursday

Today, I am thankful for many things.  Thankful for life (above ground) on this side of heaven.  Thankful for the activities of my limbs.  Thankful for the love that I'm shown [daily] by my spouse, my son, my Deacon and family, my brother Shell and my sisters-in-Christ at work.  I'm thankful for my church and church family.  Though small as it may be - it's significant and genuine; we don't have to fake it, Amen!

I'm thankful to God because He is SO awesome.  He's my sustainer and comforter; my deliverer and source; my strength and my redeemer in Christ; and my all in all.  Yes life can be challenging but anything worth having, generally is; but overall, when God is in it, you can win it!

I'm thankful because I am convinced that all things will work for my good. (Romans 8:28)  And even though I can't see the fullness of my purpose now, I know God will lead and guide me every step of the way.   Be blessed on this Thankful Thursday and enjoy a wonderful weekend!

Pastor D

Today's Prayer

Dear God, help me forgive those who judge me. May I remember that they do so only because they do not really know me, and they are not aware of the beauty that each soul possesses by your Grace.
Amen.

What Do You Do When...

What do you do when your love and faith are put to the test?  You kneel down and look up; raise your hands and lift your heart to the LORD.  In this New Year of 2015, I pray that when your love and faith are tested, you kneel down. look up, and raise your hands as you lift your heart to the LORD; He is the only One who really understands. 

Be blessed everybody and trust the LORD with everything you have, with all of who you are, and for all that you need. 

- Pastor D

Today's Prayer

My God, teach me that every trial has a lesson and a gift in disguise, waiting only to be revealed in due time.  Help me to have the patience to wait on the revelation, in Jesus' name, Amen.

It's Christmas Time!

Christmas is a time to celebrate giving.  The reason that we can celebrate Christ-mas is because of Jesus' birth. 

 

Remember God gave the ultimate gift to the world (John 3:16) so don't overspend, go into deep debt, max out your credit cards, or be sad if you can't buy the most expensive gift because it's already been purchase and is still relevant today.   God gave us Jesus!

 

Every tangible gift will eventually fade away, grow old, be forgotten, or perhaps reduce in it's sentimental value but Jesus will always be the same today, tomorrow, and forever more.  He won't fade or grow old or reduce in value.  He shows mercy to us and extends His grace--- even when we don't deserve it.  But because He loves us so much, we get a 2nd chance every day. 

 

God gives us new mercies every day; perhaps we could do that too! Micah 6:8

 

I pray that this will be your season to give love (charity) as you share Jesus with the lost.

 

The Apostle Paul reminds us about this (agape) love in 1 Corinthians 13 (NIV):

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have (Christ) love, I am only  a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 

 

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have (Christ) love, I am nothing. 

 

If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast but do not have (Christ) love, I gain nothing.

 

1 Corinthians 13:13 - And now these three remain: faith, hope and (Christ) love. But the greatest of these is love (Christ).

You're Never Walking Alone

When you are sold out for Jesus, many times you feel like you're walking alone. Yes spending time with the Lord is always a good thing but every now and then, you'd like to have a good road-dog; somebody you can just be real with and not feel that your realness will turn them off or scare them away.  I often wonder how many people would remain in friendships if they were honest about their feelings and dealings...truly honest with others???  'Girl, you look good in that dress'...knowing all along you think she looks a HOT mess in that dress...LOL! But would ya tell her or TALK about her??? Hmmmm...

With so many undercover-haters out there, and so many untrustworthy and disloyal people, it's hard to spend time with others outside of your home.  And you can't share your real feelings about anything without it turning into the latest gossip or "prayer request"...ehem! But -- God knows.  He knows our deepest, most inner thoughts and they are safe with Him. His knows our hearts too...be it real love or false intentions. Now, if you're up to no good, then God will expose that...so you may as well be real about "it", especially with God.  You can't fool Him nor hide from Him.  

 

Now, walking alone does not mean you have to feel lonely because God is always there.  Just call Him...and He'll answer.  Keep in mind, that the next time you feel you are walking alone, remember, God is walking alongside you.  He's Omnipresent! 

 

I have a friend indeed, and His name is Jesus. He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me that I am His own. He loves me and I Thank God I can always count on Him. He won't let me down. He won't leave me nor forsake me and for that I am grateful. 

 

Until next time...be blessed!

Pastor D

Turn the Page and Celebrate!

Turning another year old is a blessing, especially with so much going on in this present world.  As I think about the past year's events, I am so grateful for the many victories that I experienced within that year. God knows we all experience failures in life but when I can celebrate the victories, I do - and will continue to celebrate them.  Thank God for His grace...and mercy!

 

As I turned a new page yesterday, I reflected upon the year that went by so fast, and appreciate all that I'd learned within that year.  I learned that people are not who they appear to be; that people tell more lies than necessary; and that someone in life will always disappoint you; BUT don't let those experiences stop you from reaching your goals or loving your life.  Life is precious so don't waste it on regrets or revenge but spend it on making your life better.  How? By investing in yourself!  Forgive and be free.  Pick up a good self-help book.  Read your Bible. Take some time to study a new language.  Finish that degree. Learn something new. Try a new restaurant. Play more and worry less.  And...please don't text and drive...it can wait.

 

Today, as YOU reflect upon your anniversary year, be it a birthday or any other special day, reflect upon the victories you've celebrated within that year -- even if it's only one...celebrate THAT one. 

 

I am continuing to celebrate my life, my liberties that Jesus paid for, and my continuous pursuits of happiness. My happiness is a result of something happening. I can choose to respond in a positive or negative manner.  I choose to be positively happy...that's the real choice, you know. 

 

My joy -- no one can take because Jesus gave it to me.  My peace (no one has that kind of control over me) so my God gives me that too.  Even in the midst of the storm - He can say peace be still and the storms of life will obey and cease!  My love -- I will share with you but don't take it for granted.  Just because I'm friendly, giving, loving, kind, and understanding - don't mean that I'm oblivious to life and people with false motives.  I can "read" pretty well. :-)

 

Today, I choose to celebrate life (because today is all we have) and pray that you will too. Be blessed today -- and every day give thanks to God, for He is good.

In Him I am,

- Pastor D

Friday's Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for today - I couldn't have done it without YOU!  Thank you for the many blessings you've bestowed upon me and my family. You are an awesome God!

Tonight, I give thanks for knowing that God is truly the strength of my life.  He covers and protects me. He loves me to the point of dying and rising again for me.  Thank You Lord for all that you've done; and if you never do anything more for me, you've done enough.

As I retire for the evening, I will rest in God's grace.  Thank You Lord for allowing me to see another day that was not promised.  I pray that I see many more days of grace in You, through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, Amen!