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!

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

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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!

.

 

 

Addiction…

Alcoholism…

Lust…

Greed…

Lying…

Adultery…

Fornication…

Homosexuality…

People pray to God to deliver them and their loved ones from the sins that plague our lives and souls.

They want God to take away the desire…the taste…the longing…

Can God do this…Yes!

Did He promise to do this…No!

Too many times those in the church associate deliverance with God taking away the desire to sin, but He never promised to do that.

In the bible, deliverance means to rescue.

God does know how to rescue or snatch His people out of sinful situations…

2 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)

⁹ t then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,

He rescued/delivered Israel from oppressors and enemies time and time again though out the Old Testament.

God delivered us from the power of sin through our Lord and Savior, Yeshua, Jesus Christ, but that does not take away the desire to sin…

Colossians 1:13 (NKJV)

¹³ He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,

Think about Lot (Go back and read Genesis 19). God rescued Lot from Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot wasn’t in a hurry to leave. He liked where he lived. The angel had to practically drag Lot away, and warned him and his family to not look back. Lot reluctantly left and was told to run after getting out of the city.

God rescued Lot, but did not take away his desire to be there.

God rescued Israel from Egypt, but they longed to go back.

God is a strong deliverer. He loves to rescue His people, but…

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Asking God to take away our desire to sin is the easy way out!

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There’s no love for Him in that…

There’s no devotion to Him in that…

There’s no commitment to Him in that…

There’s no relationship with Him in that!

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What husband or wife wants to have to force his or her spouse stop wanting or desiring a serious rival? They want their spouse to reject them on their own.

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That’s what God told us to do…

Colossians 3:8 (NKJV)

⁸ But now YOU YOURSELVES ARE TO PUT OFF all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

Ephesians 4:25 (NKJV)

²⁵ Therefore, PUTTING AWAY LYING, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,”^[a] for we are members of one another.

Ephesians 4:31 (NKJV)

³¹ Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking BE PUT AWAY FROM YOUR, with all malice.

2 Corinthians 7:1(NKJV)

7 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, LET US CLEANSE OURSELVES from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, LET US LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT, AND THE SIN which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

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God expects us to love Him enough to choose Him over our sin…not have Him conveniently take away our desire for it.

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We do more harm than good when we give people the expectation God will take away their desire for their weakness.

That’s why people ‘go back’ after being snatched out.

The truth is that some people struggle with some sins all their lives with the help of God.

Yes, God can and does sometimes take away the desire, but only after we have truly lay it down ourselves.

Let’s stop expecting God to do what the Lord has given us the responsibility to do ourselves.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Have you ever heard anyone say, ‘Don’t let me let the hood come out,” “i went straight to the ‘hood’ on ________,” or “Don’t let me get ghetto on you”?

It usually refers to ‘going off. ‘Cussing out, or even kicking someone’s a**.

Why?

Why do so many of us associate THE HOOD or THE GHETTO with the worst in us?

There are good people in the hood.

There are people with self-control in the hood.

There are people with integrity in the hood.

Some of our richest cultural and spiritual influences have come from the hood.

It’s plenty of good mothers, fathers, grandparents and guardian doing their best to raise their children right in the hood.

It’s plenty of kids doing their best to stay on the right track in the hood.

It’s plenty of good churches doing real kingdom work in the hood.

Jesus was from ‘the hood’ in a sense. When the disciples heard about Him remember what Nathanael said…

John 1:46  (NKJV)

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

Philip said to him, “Come and see.

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It’s time we change the negative narrative about the hood. Its time we stop feeding it.

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I’m not from the hood. I’m from the ‘country’ which has its own negative stereotypes. But, I proclaim to be unapologetically country.

So whether you be from the hood, live there now or never been… don’t let the negative speak louder than the positive.

When you say “I’m going to let THE HOOD come out”, embrace all the good about unique culture. Let it be the about…

Determination…

Hard Work…

Loyalty…

Devotion to Family…

Perseverance…

Faith…

Or, one of the many other positive aspects of ‘HOOD LIFE’.

Let the world know there are plenty of GOOD TIMES in the hood.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

No matter how many problems you have. No matter how many issues you’re struggling with. No matter how little money, influence or resources you may have. God has still given you the solution to someone else’s problem.

Even if your meal is free, God has equipped you to bring something of value to the table.

It may not have a dollar $ign…

Encouragement…

Inspiration

Entertainment

Education

Strength

Support

A shoulder…

An ear…

A voice…

To the friendship…

To the marriage.

To the team.

To the organization.

To your church.

To a stranger.

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Even if you’re broke, you can be the key to someone’s breakthrough.

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Not only no matter your situation, but BECAUSE of your situation, God is strategically positioning you with the people and places where you can be a blessing.

Remember this…

James 2:5(NKJV)

5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

Now…Get out there and bless somebody today!

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Many times we hear people say, “What I do in my house is my business”. That’s true, but if it’s wrong…it’s wrong.

Think about the fact David committed his greatest sin while watching ‘soft porn’ at home (2 Samuel 11).

Notice how he affirms to behave at home in Psalm 101…

Psalm 101:1-3 (KJV)

I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing. 2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

Yes, sinning ‘in the street’s’ affects others, but sinning at home alone can be more harmful than many may think.

How?

1. SINNING CAN BECOME EASIER

When we become comfortable sinning alone, it makes committing that sin, and other sins easier.

2. IT DEFIES OUR SPIRITS

God wants us to strive for holiness. That’s why He tells us to lay aside all filthiness and sin because it defiled our spirit.

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV)

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Remember, God’s Spirit wants to live in a clean ‘temple ( 1 Corinthians 6:19).

3. IT MAKES OUR ‘HOUSE’ A COMFORTABLE PLACE FOR DEMONS

Piggybacking on #2, when our spirits are defiled, we make our bodies and spirits a comfortable place for demons to dwell. And, not just dwell, but thrive.Notice that Revelation 18:2 (KJV) called Babylon a ‘habitation’ for devils. Notice what Jesus said in Matthew 12…

Matthew 12:43-45 (KJV)

43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

We must make sure our spiritual and physical house comfortable for God and not the enemy. What we do or don’t do at home sets the atmosphere.

4. EVEN THOUGH WE’RE ALONE, WE STILL HAVE AN AUDIENCE

Just because you’re in your house with the doors and blinds closed doesn’t mean you’re alone. You’re personal angel(s) watching…

Hebrews 1:14 (NKJV)

14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

What has your angel(s) witnessed in your HOUSE?

Be just as careful, if not more careful of your behavior at home. Watch what you watch, listen to, say and do. Watch who you allow inside your house.

Sin at home led David to greater sin, and it can do the same to us.

And, please…please…please don’t ask God to leave only to invite a demon inside…(please click to read) DON’T ASK GOD TO LEAVE FOR A DEMON TO COME IN…

BE BLESSTIFIED!

 

 

Many people in ministry can get caught up wanting to be famous, talked about, prominent or at least well known. But, God reminded me one day to enjoy your anonymity. Enjoy your limited influence. Enjoy where God has you hedged from responsibility.

Because…

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The more people that know your name…the more demons know it too. Are you ready for that?

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Acts 19:11-17(NKJV)

¹¹ Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, ¹² so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. ¹³ Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We^[a] exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” ¹⁴ Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.

¹⁵ And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

¹⁶ Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered^[b] them, and prevailed against them,^[c] so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. ¹⁷ This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

 If God has you hidden for a season, make the most of it. Enjoy it. Study harder. Grow stronger. Prepare yourself because if you get the attention you seek won’t always be good, positive, rewarding or enjoyable.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

We all have struggles in our lives. Emotional. Psychological. Physical. Relational and, yes… Spiritual.

We all have fears.

Think about this…at any given time, on any given day, any given person that you encounter or even observe without their knowledge, is most likely struggling with something.

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The truth is that we struggle with some issues and fears our entire lives.

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What are you struggling with right now?

Here’s the interesting thing about struggles, trials, tests and fears…

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My struggle may not seem like much to you, but it’s HARD for me…

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Someone who loves to fly may not understand your crippling fear of flying…YOUR FEAR VS YOUR FUTURE

It’s easy for someone else to say, ”You shouldn’t struggle with that.” “You should be over that by now”. “That wouldn’t be a problem for me”. “Why can’t you just move on”. “You don’t have enough faith”. “If I were you I would…”. “That’s no big deal”….And, sometimes they are right.

They may have even gone through the same thing. The same struggle. The same fear. The EXACT same thing…but they aren’t you. Your levels of strength, faith, experience, endurance are not the same. You weren’t raised the same. You weren’t prepared the same. You have different strengths and weaknesses. You’ve had different challenges. Different ‘breaking points’. Different levels of maturity. Everyone’s relationship with God is not the same.

Five children who read on the same grade level, may still all comprehend the same material on five different levels. We aren’t the same in areas that we are the same.

We can criticize Peter for denying Christ (Matthew 26:69-75). Judas for betraying Christ (Luke 22). Thomas for doubting Christ (John 20:24-29). The religious leaders for resisting Christ on challenging their traditions (Matthew 15:2). Many of His disciples for walking away because of how difficult His words seemed to them (John 6:60-71). Or, even the Jews and Romans for crucifying Him (Luke 23:21), but the truth be told, many of us would have done the same thing if we were living back then. How do I know? We can tell by our actions and attitudes today. For more on that click here to read…WOULD YOU HAVE SHOUTED HOSANNA OR CRUCIFY HIM?

So, I’m saying all that to say this…

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Let’s respect one another’s struggles and fears!

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Please respect someone else’s struggle.

Be patient with them.

Don’t judge them.

And most of all remind them how to overcome…

Philippians 4:13(NKJV)

I can do all things through Christ^[a] who strengthens me.

BE BLESSTIFIFED

 

 

 

You ever notice how some phrases just make you feel good. If you like cake, saying “I think I’ll have some cake”, as you lift the top off the ‘cake taker’ is always accompanied by a smile.

Here’s another phrase that provokes a smile…

“Would you like to have a treat?”

Come on now! Who can say no to a treat?! Everybody likes treats!

How about this one? Whether you’re in school…work in an office…or a factory, these two words ALWAYS bring out the teeth…

“SNOW DAY!”

Proverbs says it best…

Proverbs 16:24 (NKJV)

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

What words or phrases make you feel good or smile? I hope that two of them are…

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Psalm 47:7 (NKJV)

For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding.

Annnnnnd, if you’re like most people you don’t buy CDs or full albums any more…you stream or download.

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Whether you like music from a major artist or independents like my wife, eventually someone has to actually purchase music if more music will be made:-)

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That’s why we record singles:-) To make it easy and inexpensive.

It’s perfect your your playlist whether you’re relaxing, working, grilling, chilling, riding or yes….worshiping.

I have made it easy for you to check it out, stream or possible even download for only 99 cents. Here are the links…

“Walk with Me (Never Alone)”

http://apple.co/298RrOb iTunes

http://apple.co/298Rg59 Apple Music

http://amzn.to/29lXdxO Amazon MP3

http://bit.ly/29s2bct Google Play

http://spoti.fi/29ey3iN Spotify

“URGENT”

http://apple.co/1MuDUyj iTunes

http://apple.co/1TRlqO9 Apple Music

http://amzn.to/19qwe0K Amazon MP3

http://bit.ly/1TywxWp Google Play

http://spoti.fi/1EvC4WX Spotify

“Thanks for Loving Me Too”

http://apple.co/1J3u5l6 iTunes

http://apple.co/1MhfvxW Apple Music

http://amzn.to/1EXdILQ Amazon MP3

http://bit.ly/1qMRMxd Google Play

http://spoti.fi/1L8fRow Spotify

 

 

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Oh, yes! Don’t forget to check out and LIKE her FB page, and follow her YouTube Channel…

https://www.facebook.com/MechelleJohnsonMusic/

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I hope you enjoy our music. Please listen closely to the lyrics, and thanks in advance for supporting our ministries!!!

BE BLESSTIFIED!!!

 

We’ve all done it before!
We’ve walked up while people are already talking and butted in.

Maybe it was important, and maybe it wasn’t. But, for us to interrupt, we are assuming that what we have to say is more important than what is already being said.

I’ve noticed interrupting to be very common in the office in which I work. It’s a Fortune 300 company, and almost daily I see those with the highest titles (VPs and up) feel most free to interrupt important conversations. It takes place in all organizations…even the church.

I think there’s a certain level of arrogance and entitlement that makes one feel comfortable enough to walk up and expect everyone else to drop everything because you want to talk…even if what you have to say is important.

No matter how important you may think you are, everyone deserves to be shown the same respect.

If you don’t like being interrupted, then please don’t interrupt others.

Remember what Jesus said…

Matthew 7:12 (NKJV)

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Doors. They provide access. They allow us to enter one environment while at the same time exit another. When closed, they keep things in and keep things out. We all want God to open doors for us to better things. We may even pray for God to open doors for us. Doors lead to the things we desire…

One day a man had to hurry in the bank before he picked up his daughter from school. He didn’t go to the bank his normal bank location because he decided to stop at the one closest to his daughter’s school. At 2:45 as he pulled up and read the sign on the door that said, “Open 8:30 – 5:00”. He pulled to open the door, and it was locked. He pulled again, and again. As he looked through the glass and through the lobby he could see the tellers behind the counter and became angry. “What are they doing?” “Bankers make me sick!” “They know it’s just 2:45!”  “They see me out here!” Furious, he now shook the door violently. “Let me in you lazy…!” Suddenly, he saw someone come to the door and he began lecturing the employee as he rushed into the building when he noticed the employee locking the door back and felt someone aggressively grab his arm. The bank was being robbed!!! His daughter stood waiting for an hour before her horrified mother picked her up as they waited and hoped for hostages to be released.

We need to remember that some doors God has closed for a reason. 

Some things you have your heart to do, some places you have your heart set to go, some people you have your heart set on, some jobs you have your heart set on, some loans you hope to get, even some things you sincerely want to do for God…are not meant for you.

Some things we want aren’t His will for us. 1 Chronicles 22:7, David states that it is in his heart to build a house for God, but that wasn’t God’s will for David. Acts 16:6, the Holy Spirit prevents Paul and his companions from going to Asia.

Sometimes people denying you access, ignoring your resume, ignoring your text messages is God keeping you from something that’s not for you. Sometimes people ignoring your gifts or choosing someone not as gifted is God’s way of getting you to move on to where you are meant to be.

We need to be very careful when we find ourselves trying to unlock and force our way into doors that God may have shut for a reason.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Who wants to be last?

Last in line.

Last on the list.

Chosen last for the team.

Last to be recognized.

Last to be seen at the doctor’s office.

Last to be promoted.

Last to be heard.

Last to be healed.

Last to be delivered.

Last to get your breakthrough.

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When was the last time that you were frustrated about being last?

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I just want to give you a quick reminder. The next time that you get ready to complain about being last, remember this…

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Being LAST is better than being LEFT OUT!

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For every person that’s LAST, there are countless others who were never chosen, never included, never considered…who were LEFT OUT.

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And, think about this. It’s the LAST piece of any puzzle that makes it complete.

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Remember the beautiful promise that Jesus gave…

Matthew 20:16 (NKJV)

So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”

Can you think of a time that you were blessed to be last?

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Remember this…

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You don’t have to see things EYE to EYE, to listen EAR to EAR and connect HEART to HEART.

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If God is willing to reason with us…

Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV)

¹⁸ “Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.

…Then we should be willing to reason with one another.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

It’s easy to read the gospels and think, shame on the scribes, Pharisees, Saducees and religious establishment that so often confronted, questioned and even corrected Jesus. But, if we’re honest with ourselves, many of us would have done the same thing if we were living then.

How do I know? Because that’s what many of us do, sometimes unintentionally, today.

Allow me to use the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-12), you know where Jesus performed His first recorded public miracle, to give a hypothetical example.

What if there was a man or woman who planned to go to that wedding, but one of the ‘church people’ told him or her, “Well, I’m not going, and I would advise that you don’t go. I’ve heard they will be drinking there. Based on that ‘churchy’ advice, the man or woman did not go. We all know that when they ran out of wine, Jesus was the person who richly replenished the supply, rather than rebuking them for serving it.

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They would have missed an opportunity, possibly their only opportunity to meet Jesus trying to be righteous.

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We all know that when they ran out of wine, Jesus was the person who richly replenished the supply, rather than rebuking them for serving it. For more on this please read my post: PLEASE DON’T ‘TRIP’ OVER A GLASS OF WINE – ALL THINGS IN MODERATION…

Yes, we must do our best to live holy lives, especially while in the midst of those who don’t believe, but we must have balance and apply wisdom.

Remember this…

Ecclesiastes 7:16-17(NKJV)

¹⁶ Do not be overly righteous,
Nor be overly wise:
Why should you destroy yourself?
¹⁷ Do not be overly wicked,
Nor be foolish:
Why should you die before your time?

BE BLESSTIFIED!

 

 

 

I’ve been seeing more and more people using slavery as ammunition against the bible. Atheists…

Those walking away from the faith…

Those trying to justify other sins…

And, those of other religions…

Quickly point to the presence of slavery in both the Old and New Testaments to discredit the bible or prove their point.

So, I decided to once again RE-SHARE my post…LET’S TALK ABOUT SLAVERY IN THE BIBLE…

Please use this as ammunition when slaver is used to attack the word of God. Please click the link above…check it out, and share if it blesses you.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

 

 

There’s nothing wrong with being recognized and awarded, but it can be a problem when we come to expect it. I was recently watching a Gospel music industry award show. The glitz. The glamour. The red carpet. The speeches… It almost seems like sometimes we’re saying, “The world has a red carpet, and we want one too!”

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Here again, I’m not saying there is anything wrong with it, but we must be careful that those of us in Gospel aren’t conforming, but reforming.

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Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

And as I said, we also must be very careful that we don’t allow pride to slip in to the point that we EXPECT rewards, awards and recognition. I wonder how many artists, songwriters, producers, etc., were actually disappointed or angry they didn’t win, or jealous of those who did? How many thought in their hearts, “They didn’t deserve it!”. Not to mention the thousands of people laboring for Christ, whose work is just as good, but are never recognized. In fact, in many cases, it tends to be the same group of people who continue to win or be honored.

We are human, and sometimes we can feel hurt when we see others getting all of the attention…especially when God’s anointing is working powerfully in your life.

On those days, remember this…

Remember that during His earthly ministry Jesus wasn’t:

Nominated for an award…

Accepted by the establishment…

Appreciated by those who needed Him most…

The ONE and ONLY time He was triumphantly celebrated (Matthew 21:1-11)…

Some of the same people shouted for, consented to, mocked at and celebrated His death (Matthew 27:16-26).

If you feel that you aren’t ‘getting what you deserve’…

If you feel that others are getting recognition while you’re being ignored…

Don’t get caught up complaining, whining, lashing out at the world for ignoring you.

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Stay focused and work your ministry.

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Our Lord has been waiting over 2000 years for His glory. If He can wait. So can we.

John 17:24 (NKJV)

²⁴ “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

A few years ago I regularly volunteered at a rescue mission. While there, I worked closely with the Pastor who over saw the location. As I watched him, there were some occasions I thought his temper was too short and he was too harsh. Of course there were many people there who needed help, but he would daily encounter people who were trying to take advantage of the system, harm other residents, or didn’t appreciate the help they were getting. I didn’t know the Pastor when he first started his job…how hopeful he was to make a difference…how passionate he was for those who were in need, but it was clear that dealing with negative, evil people had since hardened his heart.

There have been times that I willingly bought food for people in need on the street, but other days, because of people who were clearly trying to take advantage of my kindness, tried to ignore those who are in need.

Jesus made a powerful prophecy for the last days. He prophesied that BECAUSE of evil, the sincere love of many will grow cold.

Matthew 24:12 (NKJV)

¹² And because lawlessness (sin) will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

Has negativity, dysfunction, racism, violence…evil ever made you angry?

Do you have a family member or friend who has given so many chances to change that you don’t feel sorry for them any more?

Has being mistreated made you feel justified in disliking, or even hating someone?

When people seem to confirm negative stereotypes, does it push you towards racism?

Have those who abuse systems designed to help cause you to lose compassion for those who are truly in need?

Have you found yourself to love less? Be careful, because it can lead to being loveless.

The devil wants to use the evil in the world to harden your heart. He wants to find the right button(s) to press to make you the mirror image of that you see as evil.

Please don’t let allow the bad in the world to harden your heart.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Revelation 19:10 (NKJV)

10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Revelations 21:8-9

8 Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.

9 Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”

I love how the angel of the Lord replied to the John in Revelation 19:10 and 22:8-9...Twice as the Apostle John received awesome Revelations from God, he tried to bow down and worship the angel of God, but the angel immediately stopped John and told him, 1. “I am of your brethren…2. Worship God!

I love that!

So many times when God uses great men and women to share His word and love people will try to worship them.

Yes, the bible says we should honor and respect those who bring the word, but there’s a difference in respecting and worshiping.

Some people have even come to expect people to worship them, especially after God has shown HIS POWER THROUGH THEM.

If an angel of God can humble himself, then so should we. We should NEVER give any man or woman MORE respect than we give God.

Sometimes, I’ve found people to try and hide their liquor when I would come around, or I’ve found them to curse with every other word until they found out I was a preacher, then they would change while I was around. I quickly tell them, “I appreciate the respect, but before I arrived God was here  and, He will still be here when I leave. Don’t respect me more than you respect God!” People who stop drinking, doing drugs, cursing or whatever when the “preacher” comes around must remember that God is always there, and that every time they do it, they do it in His presence.

Let us always respect one another, but never more than we respect God.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Have you ever noticed someone name dropping? When they use the fact that they know someone, or have met someone to their advantage? Have you ever done it?

Have you ever noticed God ‘name dropping’ in scripture? Not only does He name drop, but He also has called out specific names for one reason or another throughout history.

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God knows us all by name…by what we’re called and who we are.

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Why or when does God ‘name drop’ your name?

Why does God call out your name?

God does some name dropping in the book of Ezekiel. When Ezekiel is prophesying about judgment for persistent unfaithfulness, God states that when He allows calamity to come upon the land, even Noah, Daniel and Job would not be able to deliver the people, but only themselves. But the fact that He called out these men’s names…that He referred to them…speaks to their righteousness, prominence, influence and standing with God.

Ezekiel 14:14 (NKJV)

¹⁴ Even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness,” says the Lord God.

In what context does God call out your name? Look at a few examples of God calling out some names…

Genesis 17:5 (NKJV)

⁵ No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.

1 Samuel 3:4 (NKJV)

⁴ that the Lord called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am!”

Job 1:8 (NKJV)

⁸ Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?

Matthew 16:18 (NKJV)

¹⁸ And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 16:23(NKJV)

²³ But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.

Luke 19:5 (NKJV)

⁵ And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him,^[a] and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”

Acts 9:4  (NKJV)

⁴ Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

How has God ‘dropped’ or called out your name?

To give you your purpose?

To brag on you?

To judge you?

To come to Him?

Go go away from Him?

To fellowship with you?

To use you as an example?

Remember God knows your name, but you control how He uses it.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes as soon as your feet hit the floor it seems that trouble is waiting for you. It may carry over from the day before, or you can wake up in a great mood and helplessly see everything around you spiraling downward.

You feel helpless. As much as you struggle to get a handle on things, they slip right through your fingers.

Sometimes its even after you prayed for peace, for direction, for protection…for God to bless your day.

How could He allow such calamity when you just asked Him for peace.

Think about this. It’s easy to have peace in a peaceful situation, But, how can you know that God has given you true peace unless you see that you can maintain it when surrounded by trouble.

Sometimes God allows trouble to show you He answered your prayer for peace. To prove to you that your peace is established in Him, and not what’s going on around you…

John 14:27 (NKJV)

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

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So I encourage you, that when your day starts off ‘bad’…TRUST GOD through it…

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1. Tell God that you love Him and you trust Him. The devil wants to manipulate the situation to make you doubt God. He wants to interrupt your prayer life and fellowship with God. He wants you to think God doesn’t hear you or care. There is power in telling God, in the face of the devil, that you love Him and trust Him.
2. Get out your bible, bible app, or whatever you use and turn to Psalms. Feed yourself with a book full of encouragement in adversity. Read several and meditate on them all day. Notice how the Psalms that begin in trouble always end in praise and trusting God.
3. Don’t let the trouble provoke you to step outside of God’s character. Don’t curse. Don’t blame. Don’t backslide. Don’t damage your testimony.
4. Find a way to give God glory in the situation. Sometimes it’s speaking peace into others who are troubled. Sometimes it’s allowing them to see your resolve in crisis.
5. Maintain God’s purpose. Sometimes trouble can lead you to give up or say who cares. Even a momentary lapse in your calling or purpose can cause catastrophic damage. Remember, that God promised through the Apostle Paul that ALL things work TOGETHER for the GOOD of those who LOVE Him and are CALLED according to HIS purpose.

Sorry if you were expecting some magic prayer or exercise to suddenly turn things around. We have to many people of spiritual influence doing that now.  That’s not how God works. In fact, that only turns your faith into superstition. God is developing us to conform into the image of His Son…and who’s day started out worse than Jesus’ did a little over 2000 years ago when He went to the cross for us.

Remember this…

Psalm 34:19 (NKJV)

¹⁹ Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

 

BE BLESSTIFIED!

 

 

 

Many people have been eager to offer their opinion on Snoop Dogg doing a Gospel album. It’s not my place to judge who God chooses to use. I will say this…

 

1. Many of our most beloved Psalms were inspired by God through a man who killed thousands of people, and had a man killed so he could have his wife (King David)
2. It’s interesting how some of the same church people who accepted R. Kelly’s, “I Believe I Can I Can Fly”…some even including it in worship are critical of a Christian or Gospel artist who sings a love song. (Song of Solomon proves there’s nothing wrong with a love song, especially in a Christians marriage).
3. Even though God strictly forbids the homosexual lifestyle along with other sins, many of the Gospel songs that touch the hearts of countless people, and have even led people to Christ were very likely written by homosexuals. (That by no means excuses or justifies the sin, but the truth is the truth).
4. Even the apostle Paul said that some preach with ungodly motives and others with a sincere heart…but he was just thankful that Christ was preached and despite the selfish motives, people received the word.

Philippians 1:15-18 (NKJV)

¹⁵ Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: ¹⁶ The former^[a] preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; ¹⁷ but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁸ What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

So, if Snoop Dogg recording a Gospel song(s) that sincerely inspires someone or strengthens someone’s connection to God…then to God be the Glory. It’s not my place, not matter how evident it may seem to me by his current and past ‘fruit’, to judge what is in Mr. Calvin Broadus Jr.’s (Snoop Dogg’s) heart. That is between him and God.

 

BE BLESSTIFIED!