If you’ve been a Christian or been in church any amount of time you’ve heard it or read it…

1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV)

⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

But, many times when we’re honest with ourselves it’s not always that simple.

Some of our benefits of being in relationship with God can become churchy clichés and sometimes lose their power due to our OVERUSE and UNDER APPLICATION.

Why?

Because we don’t know how! How do you really “Give it to God”? How do you really “Let go and let God”? Have you ever tried to do that and it was still there? How do you do that? Have you ever asked yourself, “Is there something wrong with my faith?” “What am I doing wrong?”

After 48 years on this earth and 21 years as an ordained minister, I’m FINALLY learning how to ‘Cast my cares’, ‘Give it to God’, ‘Let Go and let God’! Hallelujah!

Now, you may have already figured this out, and if so, I’m glad for you, but for those who haven’t, I hope this helps you.

How do you cast your cares on Him?

Let me start by giving you two questions to ask yourself…

“How REALLY REAL is God to me?

“Do I really believe in my heart that He is in control?”

There’s nothing wrong with asking yourself these questions because they are the key to casting your cares on Him.

It’s easy to say you love God and trust Him because it’s the right thing to say, but we sometimes prove with our actions how much we really don’t.

So how to you prove this to yourself? (Because God already knows)

Too many times we as Christians will pray to God about something, but won’t feel a real since of comfort or confirmation until we’ve talked to someone else…’a real person’.

Has this ever happened to you? Something happens, and yes you pray at first then…you complain, you seek advice, you seek a shoulder to lean on, you want someone to listen,  you Google for answers, you may even throw a tantrum seeking pity. All the while saying religiously, I prayed about it and left it with God.

HERE IS YOUR SPIRITUAL EXERCISE:

Find an issue in your life that you make a commitment to not say one word to anyone else about. Not your spouse. Not your best friend. Not your parents. Not even your Pastor. Make it a point that you are going to let God be REAL enough in your life to tell Him about it, trust Him with it, and leave it alone.

I promise you. Once you become content in knowing that God heard you, is concerned about you and is working it out for your good in the midst of everything going on around you, your faith will grow, and you will begin to feel better about it…that’s growing in trusting Him. Even if the situation seems to get worse, keeping that commitment to leave it between you and God can give you a peace and a level of intimacy that you have never experienced before.

God wants this level of intimacy with us…

James 4:8a (NKJV)

^“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…”

Psalm 63:1 (NKJV)

“O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water”

Doesn’t that sound just like a level of intimacy and longing between two who are in love and totally trust one another?

Think about this. Sometimes the reason you CAN’T find anyone to talk to, or God will allow NO ONE else to understand because He wants you to trust your situation with Him alone.

Tell it to God only.

Leave it with God only.

Trust God with it only.

And, watch your love, faith and trust grow.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

John 4:9 (NKJV)

⁹ Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Urban, Rural, Ghetto, Northern, Southern, Republican, Democrat, Elderly, Millennial…

Race, Geography, Education, Socio-Economic Status, etc., etc., etc.,

There are negative stereotypes about any group you could mention.

I don’t know what’s worse!

Those who judge and group people by these negative stereotypes…

Or,

Those whose behavior actually confirms those stereotypes to be true!

Unfortunately, there are those who seem determined to prove some of these prejudices are valid through their behavior. But, they by far never represent the entire group.

Stop it!

Stop judging entire groups based on these stereotypes.

Stop confirming these stereotypes with negative behavior.

Stop putting a spin on acceptable behavior transforming it into a ‘negative’ stereotype.

Remember how the disciple Nathanael unfairly grouped Jesus and those from His town when he first heard about Him…

John 1:45-46 (NKJV)

⁴⁵ Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

⁴⁶ And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

Could anything good come out of Nazareth?

Yes!

BE BLESSTIFIED!

I live in a suburb of Memphis. Many people don’t realize that Memphis, St. Louis and other nearby cities are located in an area vulnerable to earthquakes. The New Madrid fault earthquakes of 1811-1812 rank among the largest in North American history. Of course, these areas were much less populated back then, but today earthquakes in this zone measuring 8 on the Richter scale would be catastrophic. Very few people who live in these areas have earthquake insurance. Many major corporations have either headquarters or vital operations in these areas. To say life would be disrupted would be an understatement.

An event such as this would leave millions of people homeless and destitute (look at hurricanes Katrina and Harvey), possibly overwhelming any aid the government could give. Especially if other events were taking place simultaneously.

Every part of our country is vulnerable to some type of natural disaster…tornados, tsunamis, hurricanes etc.

We live in an increasingly unstable political climate.

Many people have been so spoiled by our abundance, prosperity, freedom and ‘security’…

Proverbs 11:28 (NKJV)

²⁸ He who trusts in his riches will fall,
But the righteous will flourish like foliage.

God is not impressed by the ‘strength of man’…

Psalm 147:10 (NKJV)

¹⁰ He does not delight in the strength of the horse;
He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

Many look down on those who are forced to quickly flee for refuge…REFUGEES.

“They should have been prepared!” “They aren’t our problem!” “There’s not excuse!” are some of the these many people harshly judge on those who have been visited by sudden calamity.

But let me remind you…

No matter where you live. No matter how much money you have. No matter how you’ve prepared. God can use…

The right storm…

The right natural disaster…

The right military conflict…

The right shock to our economy…

To remind us that He is in control.

People put their faith in our economic system, our political system, their savings, their own wisdom…

1 Timothy 6:17 (NKJV)

¹⁷ Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

Think about the fact that an event could happen so quickly and catastrophically, it can destroy everything that any ‘doomsday prepper’ has ‘prepared’ for instantly!

No matter how much power you have…

No matter who you may know…

No matter how detailed your plan may be…

No matter how wise you think you are…

No matter what resources may be available to you NOW…

One day you could be a refugee!

Be thankful. Be compassionate. Pray for those whose lives have been turned upside down. Be prepared as much as you can, but most of all…

BE HUMBLE!

One day it could be you.

BE BLESSTIFIFED!

I by no means claim to be a political blogger or leader. I am a minister of the Gospel, who will sometimes comment on politics when I see a spiritual implication that I can’t ignore. I believe in presenting the word of God and allowing people to be led His Spirit in making up their minds to make the right decision. But, certain current events, decisions have led me to see some common behavior with leaders of the past that quite frankly has me concerned. I would be irresponsible to not mention it so my readers for consideration and prayer.

What did biblical kings do to even their blood relatives who they felt a threat to their throne?

 2 Chronicles 21:4 (NKJV)

⁴ Now when Jehoram was established over the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself and killed all his brothers with the sword, and also others of the princes of Israel.

What have modern 20th and 21st century dictators do to those who opposed them?

Be careful! What would a leader in a democracy who attacks his own supporters who disagree with him or her do to them if he were a dictator?

Be careful when a leader clearly doesn’t display or walk in the Fruit of the Spirit…

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Be careful of those (especially those in the Body of Christ) who refuse to see it or make excuses for their behavior because an unrepentant, arrogant dangerous leader can never do damage alone.

BE WISE…

BE BLESSTIFIED!

No matter how holy you are, we all know that it takes money…currency…mediums of exchange to operate in this world.

Even the church, The Body of Christ, must utilize money to interact with the world for goods, services, citizenship, to do kingdom work in the world, serve and sustain until the LORD returns. Look at how Jesus humbled Himself to submit to the world’s system of money and taxes…

Matthew 17:24-27 (NKJV)

 24 When they had come to Capernaum,[a] those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.”

And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” 26 Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money;[b] take that and give it to them for Me and you.”

Jesus admitted that THIS world is not His kingdom…

John 18:36  (NKJV)

 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”

His kingdom has a different medium of exchange…

LOVE

Love, like money, does no one any good if it’s not exchanged….

It can be a gift, given even if it’s not reciprocated…

Or, it can be exchanged to the mutual benefit or enjoyment of those involved in the transaction.

Consider that through God’s love…

We were BOUGHT

1 Corinthians 6:20 (NKJV)

 20 For you were BOUGHT at a price; therefore glorify God in your body[a] and in your spirit, which are God’s.

We were REDEEMED

1 Peter 1:18-20 (NKJV)

 18 knowing that you were not REDEEMED with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you

We were GIVEN a GIFT

John 3:16 (NKJV)

 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Look a what else God says about love…

LOVE is our only spiritual DEBT

Romans 13:8-10  (NKJV)

 8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,”[a] “You shall not covet,”[b] and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”[c] 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

WE ARE COVERED ANE EMPOWERED TO COVER

1 Peter 4:8  (NKJV)

⁸ And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”^[a]

Look at what the God told the church at Laodicea…

Revelations 3:14-17 (NKJV)

 14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans[f] write,

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,[g] I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I AM RICH, HAVE BECOME WEALTHY AND HAVE NEED OF NOTHING’—AND DO NOT KNOW THAT YOU ARE WRETCHED, MISERABLE, POOR, BLIND, AND NAKED— 

LOOK AT LOVE’S BEHAVIOR…

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NKJV)

 ⁴ Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; ⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; ⁶ does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love is the power behind…the support…and the medium transfer for those ‘TANGIBLE INTANGIBLES’ that God calls The Fruit of the Spirit. ( for more read…GOD’S TANGIBLE INTANGIBLES…)

In fact, they all operate in perfection ONLY through true love…

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

That’s why love is superior to any Fruit of the Spirit or spiritual attribute we can have. Back to 1 Corinthians 13…

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NKJV)

13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. ² And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,^[a] but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Did you catch that at the end of verse 3? “PROFITS me nothing”.

LOVE IS THE CURRENCY THAT FUNDS SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)

¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Think about this…

Even those who don’t believe in God have this attribute of Him in them when they exercise love because we are all created in His image.

There will be no need for money when we reign with God forever, just as was His  intention for us in the beginning.

Don’t let the devil make you bankrupt by hardening your heart. That’s what he really wants to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).

Love hard and share your wealth…

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Asking forgiveness isn’t repentance. In fact, God doesn’t emphasize asking Him for forgiveness as much as He does telling us to confess our sins (Psalm 32:5, Psalm 38:18, 1 John 1:9) — then He will forgive us. Yes, we should ask God for His forgiveness, but He knows that words are cheap. How many times have you asked for forgiveness only to do it again…and sometimes again and again and again?

God demands repentance.

Repentance doesn’t begin with your MOUTH it begins with your MIND

Look at how God beautifully defines repentance and then gives us a beautiful promise through the prophet Isaiah. There are others like 2 Chronicles 7:14 and 2 Corinthians 7:10, but I love the way God says it here…I’m just going to let you read it and allow it bless you because the Word speaks for itself.

Isaiah 55:6-7 (NKJV)

⁶ SEEK THE LORD while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
⁷ Let the wicked FORSAKE HIS WAY,
And the unrighteous man HIS THOUGHTS;
Let him RETURN to the Lord,
And He WILL HAVE MERCY on him;
And to our God,
For He WILL ABUNDANTLY PARDON.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Be careful how you respond to everyone today. Those who smile…Those who frown…Those who treat you with respect…Those who snap at you unfairly…

Those who walk by with without speaking…

Those who want to be left alone…Those who won’t seem to leave you alone…

You never know what people are going through

You don’t know what someone is struggling through WITHOUT drugs, alcohol, bad relationships, resorting to crime…

You don’t know what people are going through. What family, financial or personal struggle they are enduring. You don’t know what devastating news they just received. What physical, emotional or psychological pain or abuse they are enduring.  You don’t know what they have ‘given to the Lord to handle’. And, you don’t know when they aren’t strong enough to give it to Him yet.

Everyone doesn’t react to stress, trouble, pain, resistance or negativity the same. Some people just don’t handle it well. In fact, we all have those moments.

That’s why…

No matter what, your reaction to them is crucial.

You could be the person God put in their path to let them know He still loves them and is there for them. Or, you could be the person that leads to their downward spiral…your reaction.

That’s why we should always react with love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Sound familiar?

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

When we are led by God’s spirit, we breathe life into every environment that we occupy. Your reaction according to the Fruit of His Spirit can diffuse the influence of the enemy. And, even if it doesn’t change the situation immediately, it will plant a seed of God that may take root and grow later.

Remember this…

Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV)

A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.

As I looked at what was on the menu for lunch today in the cafeteria at my office, I didn’t see anything I really wanted, so I took a walk through downtown Memphis to grab a bite to go from somewhere. As I walked down the sidewalk, I realized that I really didn’t have a taste for anything in particular, and I honestly didn’t want to spend $10 on lunch today. So, I decided to go back to the office and make myself a salad. While working my way back, I noticed a man who was obviously in need in my path. Now, normally I don’t hesitate to buy lunch for someone in need or help them if I can, but today…

I found myself beginning to cross the street early to avoid him and take out my phone to appear to be talking…

But, I didn’t cross the street. I walked by him with my phone to my cheek and asked, “Are you alright?”

He responded, “No I’m not sir. I need $6 to get into the shelter. I don’t do drugs. I don’t drink. I really need some help.” I’ve worked with the homeless to know when someone is trying to take advantage of you, but even if he was…that would be between him and God. It’s not going to break me to leave behind an example of God’s love. To be a possible answer to a prayer. To confirm that someone has value. To let someone see that people still care…even if I don’t eat lunch myself. So, I gave him what he asked for, chatted for a moment and had prayer with him. I then asked him to pray for me.

But, I’m so ashamed of myself for briefly hardening my heart. I know what God told us about helping those in need…

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 (NKJV)

⁷ “If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, ⁸ but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs.

 Proverbs 21:13 (NKJV)

¹³ Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor
Will also cry himself and not be heard.

 James 2:14-17 (NKJV)

¹⁴ What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? ¹⁷ Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

 1 John 3:17  (NKJV)

¹⁷ But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

 James 4:17 (NKJV)

¹⁷ Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

I feel ashamed that God has given me more than enough for today, that it crossed my heart to withhold being a blessing to someone in need.

I ask God to forgive me and thank Him for allowing me to ‘come to myself’.

Have you done something, or not done something that left you ashamed? If so, take a deep breath. Yep, that’s proof that you still have an opportunity to repent, and even if you can’t ‘make right’ what you’re ashamed of, you can FIND A WAY to share God’s love, and resolve to do better.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Are in a storm? A challenge? Are in a trial of your faith? Are in a storm that God placed in your life to grow you? Or, are you in a storm you placed in your own life?

Are you living the consequences of a bad decision?

Are you in a period of resistance, or are you coming out of an oppression you placed on yourself?

Are you praying to come out? Hoping to come out? Trusting God for deliverance?

Here is a powerful affirmation from the word of God for you to declare, pray, shout, praise and claim in the name of the Lord all day today, tomorrow, every day until God brings you out!

Psalm 118:16-18 (NKJV)

16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted;
The right hand of the Lord does valiantly.
17 I shall not die, but live,
And declare the works of the Lord.
18 The Lord has chastened me severely,
But He has not given me over to death.

God may be turning things around, so don’t give up…DON’T GIVE UP IN THE ‘TURN AROUND’!

Verse 17 let’s you know that you’re still here for a reason. And, what that reason is!

BE BLESSTIFIED!

No matter how old you are…

YOU WILL NEVER BE AS YOUNG AS YOU ARE TODAY!

Enjoy your youth youngster!

Psalm 103:5 (NKJV)

⁵ Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Isn’t it interesting how God created some natural things to be a shadow of heavenly things?

Hebrews 8:5 (NKJV)

⁵ who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”^[a]

Think about the sun and the moon. The sun produces it’s own light…

The moon only reflects the light of the sun. In fact, the only way we have light in darkness is when the moon reflects the light from the sun.

But we all know that every now then the moon will ‘get in the way’, and its shadow will block the light from the sun. We all now this is called an eclipse.

Does this sound familiar?

Think of the Son of God and man (mankind). The Son produces His own light…

John 8:12  (NKJV)

¹² Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Man only reflects the light of the sun. In fact, the only way we have light in darkness is when man reflects the light from the Son…

 Matthew 5:16  (NKJV)

¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Get it?

Sun/Moon    Son/Man

We must make sure that we live our lives so that we are reflecting the light of the Son of the God, our Lord and Savior Yeshua, Jesus Christ – and not blocking it.

Please don’t be a spiritual eclipse.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Two of my fears of Trump occupying office of President of The United States were

1) The fact that based on his actions and behavior, from my view, does not display (1) Fruit of the Spirit…

Galatians 5:22-23  (NKJV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

2) He displays a very low-level of emotional intelligence…

Emotional Intelligence was coined by researchers Peter Salavoy and John Mayer, and made more well-known by author Dan Goleman in his 1996 book. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to identify, recognize, understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as those of others.

Many of Donald Trump’s advisors have been resigning based after his choice of words and reaction to the unrest in Charlottesville VA. I’m not going to re-tell the story, but he asserted that those who counter-protested Neo-Nazi and White Supremist protesters were just as bad, and stated that there are “fine people on both sides”. It wasn’t just the fact that Trump said what he said, but it was also the obvious lack of emotional intelligence he displayed during his press conference, as he has in the past.

His statement and behavior repulsed many people, including me. As a result, many of his advisors resigned from their appointed positions. My first reaction was, Yes! What an awesome statement and assertion of values.

However, then I began to think about the word of God. What’s are good examples of this in the bible?

Hmmmm….

Consider this…

God strategically placed Joseph as second in command in Egypt to serve under a pagan Pharoah who oppressed the children of Israel and considered Egyptians to be superior. Joseph’s position allowed him to eventually save his family. (Genesis Chapters 37-50).

God strategically placed Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah (Belteshazzar,  Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego) as advisors to Nebuchadnezzar by having him select them himself. He was a pagan king, who oppressed the children of Israel. He considered the Babylonians to be superior, but still requested the ‘best’ of the children of Israel to ‘serve’ (or advise) in His palace. Daniel at one time was appointed the third highest ruler in the kingdom…the pagan kingdom (Daniel Chapter 1).

Based on this, there 3 things I think that godly corporate and spiritual advisors who are opposed to Trump’s words, behavior and policies should consider before resigning.

WAS TRUMP SELECTING THEM GOD’S WAY OF PLACING THEM THERE?

Donald Trump selected these men and women. They didn’t apply for their positons. I don’t know what his motives were, but he did select them. Joseph, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah didn’t ‘apply’ for their positions either. God placed them there…even if it was through captivity. But, God was looking at the big picture. He placed them there for His purpose, and to save their own people. Had they refused to serve…even if by death, they could not have done what God had for them to do.

THEIR INFLUENCE MAY BE GOD’S WAY OF ENSURING HIS VOICE IS HEARD

Josesph’s, Daniel’s, Hananiah’s, Mishael’s and Azariah’s presence in these pagan leaders’ adminstrations was God’s presence in their administrations. Could this be true for a truly godly advisor chosen by Trump? Remember, Potiphar’s house was blessed just by Joseph being there…

Genesis 39:5 (NKJV)

⁵ So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field.

If Trump decides to listen to them…If he does in fact take their advice, then that’s God’s way of getting His voice and influence in that administration. I know, I know…many people say he’s not listening to his advisors. He’s doing what he wants to do, and even belittling those in his own adminstration who oppose him.

EVEN IF TRUMP DOESN’T LISTEN TO THEM, THEY’RE HOLDING A SPOT

Even if Trump doesn’t take their advise, these individuals are still holding a spot that could be held by someone who agrees with Trumps ideology and behavior. If they resign, he can replace them with someone who would help further damage the godly character of the country.

People need to be led by God for themselves, considering the Word of God, as to what decision they make. However, sometimes God places His people close to those not being led by Him for a reason.

Exodus 20:4-5 (NKJV)

 ⁴ “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; ⁵ you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me

“You can’t erase history!” That’s what so many so passionately proclaim when they protest the removal of confederate monuments and symbols from public places.

Think of all the historical figures and events that you remember without a statue or monument. Monuments aren’t necessarily about remembering…they’re about celebrating, honoring and even worship.

But, if God forbade us from erecting an image to represent Him, why would we need one to remember a man or woman.

When God forbade graven images, it was about more than just worship. Notice that Exodus 20:4 was about forbidding to make them. Then, Verse 5 addressed bowing down and worshipping them. Does this imply that it’s a sin to make them, then it’s a further sin to worship them…Hey, I’m just asking.

God knows how we are. He knows that people have the tendency to be more caught up in the symbol that what it actually represents.

Think about how many people wear crosses, but don’t live a lifestyle or really particularly care about what that represents.

People are ready to kill over statues, flags and songs.

Being that passionate about a statue, flag or monument is worship.

I’m a Black man and I don’t need a statue to remember who Dr. Martin Luther King was. God gave the Jews the Pentateuch, which is their history. When the children of Israel erected a golden calf to represent and remember the God that brought them out of Egypt, He commanded it be torn down (Exodus 32).

To say removing a monument erases history is very simplistic thinking.

If God doesn’t need a monument to represent or acknowledge Him, then why should anyone else.

Now do you see why He forbade graven images.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

It’s tough when you try to talk to the one’s closest to you and they just don’t get it…

They don’t understand how near and dear ‘it’ is to your heart.

They don’t understand how important it is to you.

They just can’t grasp how you really feel!

They don’t get how hurt you are!

But, they’re closest to you. They’re your mother. They’re your father. They’re your husband. Your wife. Your sister. Your brother. They’re your closest friend. They are SUPPOSED to understand everything about me! Right?

How can they love me the way they say they do? How can they care about me…and not understand how I feel? Are they really listening? Don’t they see what’s really going on? Why don’t they ‘get it’?!

If you’re honest with yourself, there are times that you couldn’t always understand what was going on with your loved ones…no matter how passionately they tried to explain it.

Why?

Because sometimes God has to remind us that He is the ONLY one who truly and totally understands us.

If we aren’t careful, we can begin to make those we love ‘little idols’. We can put them before God. This is one of the reasons that the Lord said…

Matthew 10:37  (NKJV)

³⁷ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

He has to remind us who really is supposed to come first.

How many times have you prayed about something, but you weren’t truly satisfied until you talked about it or confirmed it with a ‘real person’. Yes, God sometimes confirms things through people, but…

There are some things He wants us to trust with Him only.

There are some times that He wants you to prove to yourself how real He is in your life (because He already knows). There are some things that He wants you to truly…leave with Him.

But, how does God prove that He understands? That He hears? That he cares?

Well here’s how He’s proved it to me…

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a concern. I may have talked to someone about it and they didn’t understand. Or, I didn’t want to talk to anyone about it because I felt they wouldn’t understand. Then…

As I read my bible and the very passage of scripture I was reading spoke specifically to my issue.

Or, I heard a sermon that spoke directly to what I was going through. The minister may have even quoted the same scriptures I had studied.

Or, I read a blog post. Saw a bumper sticker. Saw come type of unsolicited confirmation of what was on my heart.

God has some pretty amazing ways of letting us know He understands. It’s up to us to realize that it’s really Him.

It’s good to have loved ones and friends in our lives to lean on. And It’s important that we be there for one another. Try to understand one another. Be a shoulder to lean on. It’s important that we be friendly and stick close to one another.

There are two things we must always remember…

You don’t always have to understand someone to love them!

And…

Proverbs 18:24  (NKJV)

 ²⁴ A man who has friends must himself be friendly,^[a]
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Hey! I started my blog one year ago today! Please accept my sincere…

THANK YOU!!!!

Thanks to each of you who take the time to read and respond to my blog. Even if you don’t respond, I appreciate you taking the time to read what God has placed on my heart. I made a commitment to make an original post every day, and that has drawn me closer to and more dependent on God. Every now and then I will bring back an older post, but I have been able to keep that commitment.

I have learned so much from my fellow bloggers, and those of you who give me feedback and add to each discussion with your comments. I also want to thank those of you have supported my wife’s (Mechelle Johnson google with an ‘e’ and not an ‘i’)  music:-)

Thanks again for your love, comments and support. I pray that God allows me to continue posting…

Original, Daily Devotionals, Inspiration and More from a Fresh, “Hey! I Never Thought About It Like That Before” Perspective.

And, I encourage you, please don’t die with a diamond in your pocket. Share what God has placed inside of you!

Romans 12:6-9 (NKJV)

⁶ Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; ⁷ or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; ⁸ he who EXHORTS, in EXHORTATION; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Has anyone ever questioned your love for them based on what you’ve done or haven’t done? Based on what you’re doing or aren’t doing? Based on what someone else has done or hasn’t done? Based on what someone else is doing or isn’t doing?

It hurts when you know what’s in your heart and someone questions it or challenges it.

It’s important to remember that saying what’s in someone’s heart is judging. Be careful when you judge what’s in someone’s heart, because when you do you’re opening the door for someone to do the same thing to you.

Matthew 7:1-2 (NKJV)

 “Judge not, that you be not judged. ² For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

You know what you feel…your level of devotion…your level of sacrifice. And, based on their perspective they question your love.

But, before you get too upset at someone for questioning your love there are three things that you should do.

1. ASK YOURSELF ARE THEY RIGHT

Many times it stings when people question our love…our devotion…our loyalty. But, before we get too upset we must ask ourselves have we given them a good reason to feel that way. Even though you may not agree with their reasoning. They feel the way they feel and there’s not much you can go about it. Sometimes people can be unfair, but sometimes they may be right. What have you done to hurt them? What have you not done to be in their corner. These are questions that we must ask ourselves. We must make and effort to see things from their perspective. Even if you say, “Well, I don’t see why you should feel that way” or “I don’t see it that way”…remember, they aren’t you. Just because your love ‘failed’ in one area doesn’t mean you don’t love them…but it did fail.

2. ASK YOURSELF HAVE YOU QUESTIONED GOD’S LOVE

Have you questioned whether God really loves you? Whether He really cares about you? Whether He really hears your prayers or sees your pain? Have you done this?

God proved His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, while we were His enemies…He gave us His only son.

We must realize that just because we let each other down, that doesn’t mean live is absent…it just means our love isn’t perfect.

Maturing in love is a lifelong process, and even if we live to be 100 years old, we will die with our love imperfect.

Only God’s love perfect. In fact, I think He allows us to let each other down from time-to-time to remind us that ONLY His love is perfect.

3. SINCERELY PRAY FOR THEM

Yes, you should first ask yourself if they are right – but if they’re wrong… If they are unfairly judging you… it’s easy to become angry and defensive. Think about Job’s friends who went to comfort him, but instead relentlessly questioned and blamed him for his calamity. They questioned his devotion and true love for God. We all know that God restored to Job everything that he lost, but only AFTER he prayed for those who contended against him…

Job 42:10 (NKJV)

 And the Lord restored Job’s losses^[a] when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before

Remember when someone questions your love for them, how you react is how you prove it.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Psalm 127:2 (NKJV)

² It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.

Are you tired? You went to bed. You had time away from work, but you’re still tired? Is your mind always racing? Are you either trying to get ahead? Stay ahead? Or, catch up? Maybe you’re just trying to hold it together.

So many of us our so busy. So many of us are either worried, stressed or obsessed.

Then what do we say when someone transitions from this life…”Rest in Peace!”

I want to encourage you today to learn to rest in peace BEFORE you die!

One of the enemy’s greatest manipulations is to keep us spiritually weak because we don’t rest. He wants us too tired to read and study God’s word. He wants us too tired to take the time to pray before we eat our food, before we go to bed at night. He wants us too tired to go to worship.

How many times have you said, “I’m not going to church today…I’m too tired!”

Rest is so important to God that He commanded we rest one day every week (Exodus 20:10). He told us to do no work! But, I’ve noticed that in some church cultures people will go to morning worship, then they will leave and go to another church and worship having what’s called ‘afternoon services’ or ‘special days’….Men’s Day, Women’s Day etc.  Then some will even have another service in the evening.

Just as much as it is God’s will that we don’t forsake the assembling of ourselves together and that we worship regularly, it’s not His will for us to spend all day in church to the point that we don’t rest at all. That is establishing our own righteousness (Romans 10:3).

I have to admit when it comes to not getting enough rest. I’m guilty. I’m guilty of sometimes letting life’s problems weigh too heavy on my mind. I’m guilty of not stopping to just do nothing and rest my mind, body and spirit

I encourage you to learn to rest in peace before you die. Learn to rest your body. Learn to rest your mind. Learn to rest you spirit. Learn to refresh yourself in God’s word and prayer. Learn to say NO. Learn to say I can’t do that. Learn to say I need some time to myself. Think of how Jesus would withdraw to Himself (Luke 5:16).

The Lord has promised to help us with our ‘rest problem…’

Matthew 11:28New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁸ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Learn to get yourself some rest because if you don’t…you’re being disobedient.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

It’s one on the most common acronyms now…OMG! The texting world has infected our day-to-day speech.

Of course you know that OMG is an acronym for “Oh My God!

These days, people very casually say “OMG” to express surprise, astonishment, amazement, shock, disbelief, etc., without any thought they are referring to God.

But, OMG isn’t just referring to God…it proclaims to “MY” God! The one true and living God!

We all know that the bible commands that we don’t take the NAME of the Lord in vain…

Exodus 20:7 (NKJV)

…but does OMG do that? It’s not like using His name when cursing, as so many people do…is it?

Well, what is GOD’S name? God is referred to by names that convey His essence…Yahweh, Elohim, I AM.

And, what is taking His name in vain? It’s MISUSING it…reducing it…blaspheming it…

But, taking His name in vain goes beyond the misuse of the combination of consonants and vowels by which He is called… but His essence, His character, His personality… His authority.

When we call Him ‘God’, we are saying who and what He is…, and that is His name.

Exodus 3:14 (NKJV)

We are only to make reference to Him in respect, honor and reverence….never casually…never flippantly.

When God commanded that He be referred to only in reverence provided a necessary boundary to protect the His honor due to His name and authority.

Some expressions should only be used when we are crying out to God, in humility or with an attitude of worship.

Be careful how you say, write, type or text…

“Oh my God!”

“Oh my Lord!”

“My God!”

“Lord have mercy!”

“OMG!”

“Good God!” should only be proclaimed when you REALLY mean ‘God is good’.

Even “Hallelujah!” …Jah (Yah) in Hallelujah is referring to God. (This is said much too casually in many popular secular songs)

Too many Christians are accepting as okay being down right silly when referring to the one true living God…

“Oh Lawd!”

“Oh Lort!”

“Lawd ham mercy!”…

Are all disrespectful and beneath God’s holiness.

Think of the when Jesus cried out, “My God!” on the cross…

Matthew 27:46 (NKJV)

46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Remember…you don’t have to say the horrible “GD” word to take God’s ‘name’ in vain.

Whenever you see or hear “OMG”…notice the context and ask yourself, “Did that honor God?” “Was that in humility?” “Was that necessary?”

Just say “Wow!” instead…it takes the same number of letters.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

This is where most people are in our lives…

We work with them…

They are our neighbors…

We like the same teams…

We have the same political opinions…

We even go to church with them.

You’re cordial. You’re polite. You can hold a conversation. You can work together towards a goal…but you definitely aren’t friends.

You don’t enjoy being together.

You don’t have any loyalty towards one another.

You don’t particularly care what they think about you.

BUT,

You don’t hate them.

You don’t work against one another.

You don’t have any ill will towards them, nor do they to you.

These are the people that we need to learn to disagree with without becoming enemies.

I pray you have at least a few good friends.

I hope you have few enemies.

But, most people you know will be neither.

Proverbs 12:26 (NKJV)

The righteous should choose his friends carefully,
For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Have you ever had someone get angry or aggravated at you for absolutely no reason? I mean you haven’t done anything.

Or, have anyone ever gotten extremely angry at you for trying to do the right thing. For doing something good? For be a blessing to someone? For speaking the truth?

Why?

Think about the times that those who were being led by the enemy got angry when Jesus came around (Mark3:1-6, Luke 13:1). When He healed people. When He did good. Think of the opposition He encountered. They even sought to kill Jesus and Lazarus because Jesus raised him from the dead and they didn’t want people to believe in Jesus because of that miracle…

John 12:9-10 (ESV)

 ⁹ When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus^[a] was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. ¹⁰ So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well,

Think of the reactions of the demons inside those they were possessing when Jesus came around. They were afraid, they were worried, they were restless, they were uneasy.

Matthew 8:29(NKJV)

²⁹ And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”

 Mark 9:20  (NKJV)

²⁰ Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth.

Why were they angry, uneasy or afraid.

Because of the presence of Jesus! Demons tremble in the presence of Jesus…at the very mention of His name. The enemy get’s upset in the presence of Jesus and those in whom He lives.

So, I encourage you…

Do something to piss the devil off today!

Here are 7 things you can do to please God while upsetting the devil.

1. WALK IN THE SPIRIT

Galatians 5:16-17 (NKJV)

¹⁶ I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

2. GLORIFY GOD  WITH PRAISE

Psalm 22:3 (KJV)

³ But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

3. FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD IN PRAYER

John 14:13-15 (NKJV)

¹³ And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask^[a] anything in My name, I will do it.

4. READ AND STUDY THE WORD OF GOD

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

¹² For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

5. SHARE THE WORD OF GOD

Matthew 28:19-20  (NKJV)

¹⁹ Go therefore^[a] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.^[b]

6. SHARE THE LOVE OF GOD

 John 13:34-35 (NKJV)

³⁴ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

7. RESIST AND IGNORE THE DEVIL

James 4:7(NKJV)

⁷ Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

So, don’t be surprised, upset, disappointed or discouraged when your good is met with opposition. Let it be confirmation that you are pursuing your purpose and pleasing God.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

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