I know this seems silly when you read me writing this, but consider the illustration of praise and worship. Praise and worship is assuming we are in a place of thankfulness and are able to get past everything in our heart and are light enough to be in a spirit of praise, right? In church services you can get millions to operate in praise and worship because we are sometimes praising God for things to come, right? The funny thing to me as a minister is when it comes to the art of repenting and being humble that you seldom find roughly 1-5 percent of your participants willing to do praise and worship AND be driven to repent.

What is up with that? It has been observed from my point of view that lately repenting to God has become somewhat unnecessary and outdated. Friends, asking God for the forgiveness of the mistakes you made is not only in style but necessary for the keeping of your mind and life each and every day! Please do not misplace this with the ideal that we can just replace asking forgiveness with just only being thankful. We must remember to have moments where we are humbled and acknowledge that we are human and that God is God! Stay in style and sanctify yourself through prayer today!

Ephesians 6:17

[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Hebrews 4:12

[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

1 Peter 1:23

[23] Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

1 Corinthians 12:13

[13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

One of the great missions of the spirit of God is to lead us into obedience. Before we can ever realize obedience, we must lay off the sin in our life, right? We must bring to life the part of Christ that is in us and living and more than ready to come alive! For by that one spirit He not only baptized us as an individual to do a work to bring all of our personal fears and doubts under subjection but to do this on a greater scale for the church as well!

Galatians 5:22-23

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
[23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

As we all know and admire about God, He is that great source of grace to each and every one of us. And with that grace we should be doing all that we can and not be still. Grace was not brought for us to be free for us to still feel in bondage! Since the day I was made free I can literally feel the difference in my life as the spiritual part of me rises to dominate and sanctify the other! This is my own testimony; Jeremiah said that it was as a fire shut up in His bones (the desire to obey). When you abide in the spiritual things of God, obedience will only amplify the things we read of above.

2 Corinthians 3:17

[17] Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

One of my personal favorite things about the spirit of God is that when it is time for when He calls for your obedience that there will be spiritual freedom to do it! There has never been a time that I felt the urgency to mind the Lord that I did not have the opportunity to do it. And if there was the unique case that I was being held back intentionally, I know that God was moving on my behalf to open the door for another way or another time! God will make sure that there is an opportunity for you to feel His wonderful presence!

Romans 8:14

[14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Obedience is led by the spirit, and the spirit is sent from God. I love that. It is easy for me to understand and to never try to work it any other way other than God’s way. Let us always remember to be led by God and never stray to what we would feel is best; for what we would sometimes think is best may help temporarily but not spiritually fulfill the need as God could do!

Romans 8:26

[26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Ah, intercession! I thank God for the veil being torn in the temple and that I have the ability to have access to pray to God today! There is nothing to hold you back from opening your mouth even now and calling out for the help that you (or others) need this very moment.

The intent of this message is to get your mind wrapped around one concept: follow the spirit of God to lead you to obedience, and when you get there take your liberty and follow what God leads you to do. In doing so, people’s lives will be changed forevermore!

[1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

One of the biggest enemies that I see in the day that we live in is one that is very nearby: ourselves. In the great daily battle for attention people will go to great lengths to feel noticed or have a notion that someone is drawn to them. It sells products on the market and can sometimes make or break businesses depending on the level of ‘wow’ factor a person is determined to have. It has also took us to a greater scale of pride where our social lives are now based on numbers and statuses that just ‘have’ to be put out there…or do they?

I really hate to sound like the bad guy or one that would rebel against the common trends of today, but I must honestly confess that I feel out of the loop and I do not mind it. When God changed my life and saved me from all of the bondage I felt so freed up from things that use to hold me down. There are so many things each and every one of us can be bound to. How about the constant want for proving that you are the best and have the best? Or consider that you like to be the center of attention or like the feeling that comes with sympathy or empathy?

I want you to just be reminded when you have that wonderful change in your life that with separation from the world comes a lack of attention from it. Remember that even though you may feel like you are losing out on things at first that you are just feeling the death to your pride and the lusts of your flesh. Trust me, it only gets better and the peace that you inherit from the blessings of God will far surpass anything the world could give!

The part I love about David Edwards work is that He gets the word of God worked in throughout the book in all the right places! There are also titled sections if you can only digest a little at a time. This works best for me as I feel that trying to take it all in at once loses its great spiritual value! I highly recommend!

And always remember when you are done with one, pass it on or recommend! That helps the ones who work so hard to write them!

Check out: Worship 365: The Power Of A Worshiping Life- ISBN 978-0-8054-4367-7

Click image for full size.

Luke 12:22-40

[22] And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
[23] The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
[24] Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
[25] And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
[26] If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
[27] Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
[28] If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
[29] And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
[30] For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
[31] But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
[32] Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
[33] Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
[34] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
[35] Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
[36] And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
[37] Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
[38] And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
[39] And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
[40] Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

This is not only a word of preparation, but a word of encouragement to know that we have a way to be prepared for no matter what is to come. The most important thing I would like to stress from this passage is the “take no thought”. Please do not think this is to not give any consideration whatsoever. This word was intended to remind them of the importance and priority of God and to not allow the wordly influences to supercede. Many people in that time valued their garments and religion far more than they did anything else, and even in the day we live in we still see that desire as a battle unto our flesh! The encouraging word for me is about the raven, simply because a raven does not give regard for the next meal. I guess you could say one animals lack of regard for the next provision should be the stirring of our faith for the victory in the next trial!

2 Timothy 4:1-6

[1] I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
[2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
[3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
[4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
[5] But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
[6] For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

Paul was emphasizing that once you had the word of Christ in your life to be ready no matter what and to be prepared to face many circumstances such as rejection, difference of opinion, and even opposition to your obedience. He was reminding those in that time (and if we read it, for us as well) that sufferings will be present but the presence of God will be there to make a way for you through all things as well!

1 Peter 5:2

[2] Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

Most importantly, as a friendly reminder to you I want to say that even though it is hard but to stay willing and flexible to what God has for you in His plan. It may seem hard, impossible or without logic to our own minds; however God’s ways are above ours and we need to hang in there and hold on with all we have until we have that breakthrough for ourselves and our loved ones! And trust me, it’s worth the wait!

God is looking for us to be more proactive to react and change when we hear the word of the Lord to help heal each and every one of our troubles and trials. If I learned to not just be a hearer but a diligent doer of it then I am reducing the likelihood of the same thing occurring again of the same magnitude. This could be a test of patience, anger, moving you from depression, helping you through finances, etc. that list could go on forever. My point to you is that the healing of the Lord is for way more than just our bodies! It is for our minds as well!

So remember this: using the healing that God performs in you to allow you to be changed once and forever. After your wonderful change, use that experience as part of your witness to draw others! That is how others can begin to be drawn for their own change and the beginnings of that brand new life in Christ!

When it comes to being a powerful witness, it’s important to carry your confidence with not just words, but in the peace in your mind and heart by the spirit you carry within. Sometimes it’s not how much we can give or how much we can say but simply how we can be there by being a Godly comfort to one another. And as we learn to do that for one another, it becomes easier for ourselves (and vice versa). Some of the greatest influences I have ever been encouraged by never said a word to me; they were simply there and gave me a hug.

The greatest thing that I could say today is that when you want to give something in abundance that you must possess it. To give great wisdom and powerful moving encouragement you must first receive that word of the Lord and apply it! As you grow and begin to build up your life you can begin to let your words speak to others in a way you have never seen before!

[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
[2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
[3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
[4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
[5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

As we read from the text here, we are reminded that as time lingers on that we as people will become more consumed with ourselves than we will with God. It is very easy to find one’s self in any of these sorts of qualities when we are lovers of pleasures more than of God. Some people settle to the point and just tell me, “that is just the kind of world that we live in”. I will admit that in moments that I have seen and observed this part of the word of God literally coming into truth. This does not mean, however, that we that are lovers of God should be within this kind of position! I refuse to believe that we as people are not capable of living above these sorts of things! With the power of God helping us to do overcome you are able to do all things!

Romans 12:1-14

[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
[3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
[4] For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
[5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
[6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
[7] Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
[8] Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
[10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
[11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
[13] Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
[14] Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

As you read this, think on the word “soberly” and consider being in a place of good standing with a clean heart and mind before God. If we are living in the world and doing any old thing, I cannot expect the power of God to begin to bless in abundance every part of the ministry that it makes reference to here. We must think clearly and have our desires in check with God being first! We do this by presenting something before God that is living, or continual. If I never waiver from praying and having a God-fearing lifestyle, then the probability for me to willingly volunteer myself to my own struggles is drastically reduced! When you are working continual and are thinking clearly before God, He will bless you with the ability to see your ministry flourish!

2 Corinthians 8:7-14

[7] Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
[8] I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
[9] For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
[10] And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
[11] Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
[12] For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
[13] For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
[14] But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

As we learn to live before God soberly (cleanly) and to put God first and to not have a more dominant desire for the world, there will begin to grow a great love and compassion in your heart. With more of the presence of God in your life, it cannot help but manifest within you and bring all of the fruits of the spirit! One of the hardest parts about the love of God once we have the mind to realize we have it is to use it (or as it reads to perform the doing of it). The difference-making power is neither in how flashy things are to the eye nor how great they sound to the ear; for it is simply by how people are drawn by the power of God that lives within you! And as each and every one of us learns to work together in a church as a body, it truly presents equality and a lifting of the heavy burdens from just a few to creating a situation where everyone walks with lighter loads!

2 Timothy 2:3-15

[3] Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
[4] No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
[5] And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
[6] The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
[7] Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
[8] Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
[9] Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
[10] Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
[11] It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
[12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
[13] If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
[14] Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
[15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Another translation says to give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and properly handles the Word of Truth. As we read this, it is important to remember when we begin to apply all of these great things into our lives to not mishandle the word of God by deliberately going against it. There are other scriptures that point out that for a person to know right and to stray from it that to them it is sin. So I say this in all sincerity: let us not pretend that we do not know how to live for God when we have been living “religion” for so long. When you perform the doing of it, this part comes easy. It is when we stray from God that we will know to help our brother and neglect the duty of it, right?

1 John 3:16-21

[16] Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
[17] But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
[18] My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
[19] And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
[20] For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
[21] Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

So what is it at the end of the day that should keep us continually going? First of all, the presence of God should keep the parts of you that fall weak going strong. The knowledge of the Word of God will teach you to stray from things that will harm you and lead you to help others in the same way. The desire in your heart will stay as long as you are continual present something to God often. And most importantly, the compassion can stay in your heart if you stay humble and put the needs of others before yourself. It is hard to do when we could so easily be selfish at the drop of a hat! People need us in deed and truth and not just in a “I will be there when you need me” catchphrase! Show someone you love them today! Operate in the calling God has given you. Do not stray in trials and pray for strength in tough times. Do not settle for the religious opinions. Seek for the wisdom of God to keep you! It works every time!

[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.
[15] Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
[16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Have you ever been in a place where you have found it hard to sing at church? To worship? To preach? Or even to witness? I am sure at some point that we have all been there in a place where we found it to be a battle to get to a place where we were enjoying our walk with God. When we read about narrow, consider another way of referring to narrow as difficult. All the efforts of worth and excellence that we make are going to be difficult. The Christian life is going to be tough as we attempt to truly live it as well. The great thing about it is that though it may be hard at times that within its design we have the ability to trust God! We can stir ourselves to trust God by the salvation that lives inside! You will know the fruits that you and others are bearing are ones that are able to reach out and be of help to others!

Philippians 2:12-13

[12] Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
[13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

God saves people through salvation and His marvelous grace, and this is where we must learn to begin to stir ourselves regardless of where we are. You may have some praying and casting off of things to do, but it is of Gods good pleasure that is worked when you submit to His will. If we start at the redemption and simply do what He would call for us to, you will find amazing changes and new beginnings ahead of you.

Hebrews 2:9-11

[9] But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
[10] For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
[11] For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

Thank God for the difficult things to do! Jesus is bringing many to glory, and to be made perfect through sufferings we cannot be shielded. It will take effort, and bravery, and courage, and faith, and holiness, but God gave us all of things things to create within us a person that can love and lead others to the Kingdom of Heaven!