Devotional Archives

I Will Love You From A Distance? (Audio)

Love One Another – Gladys Knight and the Unified Voices

I will love you from a distance?

What does one really mean when a Christian says to another, “I will love you from a distance”? I’m not referring to empirical data by which one measures the physical distance between two people but rather the spiritual distance that has come as a result of an attitude towards another. Perhaps one has offended the other and the other refuses to forgive the offender. For whatever reason, they have grown apart and mutually agree to not be in the presence of each other. Is this “distant love” the kind of love that Jesus commanded (John 13:34 ASV)? When Jesus said, love one another as I have loved you, he was speaking to the community/family of believers (i.e. Christians). Therefore, in the context of family, at the very least, we should have the kind of love for each other that parents have for their own children (i.e. “PHILEO Love”). We have our children’s best interest at heart. We will deny ourselves to make them happy, and protect them from all hurt harm and danger. We do not seek to be apart from them but to be close and affectionate as we would be to our best friend. Likewise, Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep (John 10:11 NKJV).”He also said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one (John 10:27-30 NKJV).” Jesus did not command us to love from a distance. The type of love he requires is the same kind he has for us. Jesus has forgiven us of all our trespasses and He requires us to forgive those who have offended us. Remember when Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”  Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:21,22 NKJV see also Luke 17:3,4, Matthew 18:15-18). Jesus is attached to us; so much so that when we offend one another we also offend Christ (1 Corinthians 8:12,13 NKJV). Likewise, the kind of love that Jesus requires is that we be attached to one another; not apart from each other.

Secondly, the word “distance” means “apart from” but Jesus taught that we should be “one.” He said “May they all be one! Even as you, Father, are in me and I am in you, so let them be in us, so that all men may come to have faith that you sent me. And the glory which you have given to me I have given to them, so that they may be one even as we are one; I in them, and you in me, so that they may be made completely one, and so that it may become clear to all men that you have sent me and that they are loved by you as I am loved by you (John 17:21-23 BBE).

Therefore, when we say to our fellow believers, “I will love you from a distance,” we are not in the spirit of oneness, but moving toward a spirit of separation which is the spirit of the enemy and the plan of Satan to divide the children of God. Ultimately, our goal is to be Christ-like, to love unconditionally (i.e. AGAPE Love) which not only provides a platform for Christian growth but also attracts the unbeliever to the kingdom of God. 06-02-2016
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How Important Are We In God’s Mind? (Audio)

Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers – That’s Just the Way the Father Is

Featured Artists: MIKE & LE’ANDRIA JOHNSON – He First Loved Me

Featured Artist: Israel Houghton – Others

How important are we in God’s mind? We know that the earth is small compared to the universe. We are told that it is a mere speck in the whole scheme of God’s creation. And in our finite minds we may think that a God who is so big, who created the whole universe, cannot possibly have any special care for us. Moreover, we are told that the average life span of human beings in the USA is 78 years of age; and what is that
compared to timelessness or eternity? David said, “
Humans are like a breath of air. Their
life span is like a fleeting shadow (Psalms 144:4 GW).” Our life span is so short compared to an eternal God, it seems like we are here today and gone tomorrow. God has an eternal past as well as an unending future. Moses said in his prayer to God “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the
world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God (Psalms 90:2 KJV).”

How important are we in God’s mind? We live in a society that is governed by
impersonal laws; laws that have a tendency to impress upon our mind that we are
insignificant. In many cases these same laws allow the real criminals to go free and the innocent are left with injustice. These laws take no heed of personal differences; they have no regard for who we are or where we come from.

How important are we in God’s mind? We often see the tears of animal lovers when they are unable to save a whale, a manatee or a turtle that has taken ill and unable
to survive. But when a human being is shot in cold blood for doing nothing wrong, we are quick to have a debate or to analyze whether someone deserves death or life.

How important are we in God’s mind? If one looks to society to find the answer, if we look to impersonal laws to give us some direction we will soon find ourselves in a depressed state having no hope or purpose for our existence. But I submit to you today, we will find the answer in the word of God, for the word of God is the mind of God. And the one who reveals to us the mind of God is the Son of God. The Apostle John said, “and
we have known that the Son of God is come, and hath given us a mind, that we may know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ; this one is the true God and the life age-during! (1 John 5:20 YLT).”

How important are we in God’s mind? Well, in God’s design and blueprint of creation, there was a round table discussion among God the Farther, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:26 KJV).” We are given charge and dominion over all the animals of the earth. Not only that but David said, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little
lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor. You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet, (Psalms 8:3-6 NRSV).”
When we consider the vastness of the universe, we may seem very insignificant, but in the mind of a powerful and loving God we are very valuable.

Not only are we more valuable than the animals God created. We are more valuable than the angelic beings. Fallen angels cannot experience the redemption of God, but human beings that have fallen and are in a lost state with no hope for tomorrow we are given grace to repent and return to God. Jesus did not die for the angels, but He died for us that we may experience the awesome power and forgiveness of God. “The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9 WEB).”

God has put so much value on human life, and, if we say that we love God, then we should love those who God created in God’s image. How can we say that we love God, who we have not seen, but hate our brothers and sisters who we see every day? If we do not love one another, then we do not love God (1 John 4:20). God has shown mercy to us, thus, we ought to show mercy to one another.

How important are we in God’s mind? By the world’s standard we may not look successful, but in God’s mind we are worth more than gold. It doesn’t matter whether we are rich or poor. It doesn’t matter if the world thinks we look beautiful or just a plain Jane. God loves us unconditionally. When we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and put our trust in God, we become ….”A chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that we should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).”

How important are we in God’s mind? God gave us the best that heaven can give. God’s best was not Michael the arch-angel whose chief responsibility was to preside over the care of the Jewish people. God’s best was not Gabriel, the angel who brought supernaturally the word of God to the people of God. God’s best was not the prophets of old who stood in the gap and became earthen vessels for the voice of God. But God’s best is Jesus the Christ, the son of the living God! We are so precious in God’s mind that God gave His only begotten Son to die for us that we may inherit the gift of eternal life. Jesus is the one who tells us that “the very hairs of your head are numbered. Fear not herefore:
ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7 KJV).” I submit to you today, God does not discard your hard work and dedication to the building of God’s kingdom.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV).”

I just want to hear my master say, after enduring the trails and troubles of this life; after being talked about and ridiculed in this life; after holding on tight and being unmoved from my assignment in this life; I want to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord (Matthew 25:23 KJV).” 05/19/2012
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Pick Up The Pieces: How often do we forget the spiritual for want of the physical? This happened when the disciples thought that Jesus was making reference to the lack of bread when, in fact, he was talking about the yeast (doctrine or teachings) of the
Pharisees and Sadducees. Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the
leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread. Matthew 16:6-7 (KJV). Jesus said this, not because his disciples forgot to bring the bread but because he used the testing or tempting of the religious leaders as an occasion to teach his disciples about the effects of false doctrine. The superstition of the Pharisees produces hypocrisy, pride, envy, and
ungratefulness; while the false doctrine of the Sadducees leads one to deny the
existence of a spiritual world, the immortality of the soul, the resurrection
of the body, and the providence of God.
When Jesus perceived what his disciples were talking about he said, “You of little faith, why are you talking about having no bread” (Matthew 16:8 NRSV)? “When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?
“Twelve,” they replied. “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” He said to them,
“Do you still not understand?” Mark 8:19-21 (NIV)
The source of their grief was that they forgot to bring the bread. Sometimes our memory will fail us, but let that not be an occasion to deny an all-sufficient God. Putting trust in our self leads to grief and disappointment. How often do we forget when the Lord has provided for us in our time of need? We, who are the people of God, do not put our trust
in man, the world system or any other scheme the enemy has to offer. Confidence
in man leaves us weeping by the broken cistern (Jeremiah 2:13). When there is a church project we are quick to count our pennies and settle for less while forgetting that our God is rich and can do more than what we can see in our bank account. Pick up the pieces. We should put our trust is in God and God only! Yes, life does happen. Perhaps you have been victimized by the corporate cutbacks and downsizing. However, Paul said to the Philippians, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19 KJV). Pick up the pieces! Perhaps you lost your
physical sight in an automobile accident but now your spiritual ears hear the voice of God loud and clear. Pick up the pieces! May be the enemy used an arsonist to burned down your home but only to discover that God had somewhere better for your family to live. Pick up the pieces! Remember when you wept when you saw all of your belonging burned to ashes. But look at you now; God has turned you ashes into a thing of beauty (Isaiah 61:3). Pick up the pieces! Jesus said “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if
God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith”(Matthew 6:28-30 NLT)? Just when we think that God has forsaken us because we lost a loved one, Jesus says, “….. I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26 NRSV). 04/14/2012
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The Helper of Our Joy: The beauty of being in the Kingdom of God is that God has laid certain principles, guidelines and parameters by which the body of Christ can grow. The Apostle Paul understood this well when he said to the Corinthian church, “It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us. Now I call upon God as my witness that I am telling the truth. The reason I didn’t return to Corinth was to spare you from a severe rebuke. But that does not mean we want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm” 2 Corinthians 1:21-23 (NLT).
In essence, Paul was saying, I want to make something very clear to you; although I have been called by God to proclaim the gospel and placed in this office of leadership, I will not exert supreme religious authority over you and your faith. Paul did not know the
depths of their pain, or the extent of their inner conflict and struggle. These issues must be worked out between the Savior and the sinner, between God and the individual soul. As Paul said to the Philippians, work out your own salvation (Philippians 2:12 KJV); the Corinthian church had a Christian obligation to do the same. Thus, Paul was saying, I am not your ruler or lord, but the helper of your joy.
Moreover, by answering the mother of Zebedee’s children, Jesus taught His disciples to be humble. She came to worship Him; not in humility but arrogance (Matthew 20:20-23 KJV). She was asking for special privileges for her sons but Jesus said to His disciples, be not like the gentiles who lord their authority over their subjects.
Whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister; and whosoever
would be first among you shall be your servant: even as the Son of man came not
to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many”
(Matthew 20:26-28 ASV).
Jesus is the helper of our joy because “In him our hearts find joy. In his holy name we trust” Psalms 33:21 (GW). Jesus is the helper of our joy, because He is the Bishop or the overseer of our souls (1 Peter 2:25) who leads us to the best pastures, who defends us from our enemies, who guides us by His watchful eye and one who prays to His Father to send us another comforter.  Even in moment of despair, rejection, sadness
and defeat, He restores to us the joy of His salvation (Psalms 51:12 KJV). Jesus is the
helper of our joy
because He said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” John 15:11 (ASV). Jesus is the reason why we sing, “This joy that I have the world didn’t give it to me. The world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away.”
Let us remember that in our efforts and struggles to obey God, there will be days that we may feel defeated or overcome with the temptations of the world. But Jesus, who is the helper of our joy is saying to us today, I have your best interest at heart, I am with you in every defeat and every conflict and when you fall “Take my yoke on you and become
like me, for I am gentle and without pride, and you will have rest for your souls;” Matthew 11:29 (BBE).When we take His yoke upon us we allow him to take our disappointments, and worldly ambitions so that we can be free to praise and worship God in spirit and in truth. He says give me your sin, your sickness and give me your grief’s so that I can heal your body and your soul, and lead you in the path of righteousness for my name sake. David understood this best when he said, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me” Psalms 23:4 (NRSV). 03/18/2012
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Take Back Your Authority. It’s something worth fighting for. Ever since the
serpent deceived Eve and the disobedience of Adam (1Tim 2:14), humankind lost
their authority to have dominion over the earth. God gave Adam a charge to keep. “And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” Genesis 2:15 (KJV). The trees in the garden were beautiful and good to eat. They were like orchards for man and woman to enjoy. All Adam had to do is to take care and maintain (i.e. preside over) the garden like a husband is given the charge to take care of his family. Failing to do so is to deny the faith and to become worse than an infidel (1Tim 5:8).
When Adam ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he decided what was best for him and his family as opposed to trusting and believing in what God said. Thus, he gave away his God-given authority and became obedient to Satan. He became the tail and not the head and was blinded from the truth. “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” 2 Cor 4:4 (KJV). Satan
turns off the light in our mind but Jesus turns it on. One cannot operate in their God-given authority when one is no longer in the position where God assigned them.
The purpose of the work of Christ upon this earth was to put us back into position and to declare war and fight: 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 Eph 6:12 (KJV). We fight against one another in our homes, our churches, our communities and we declare war against our neighboring nations; but our real enemy is Satan! Much like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a “nonviolent resister” who attacked the evil system of segregation and racial discrimination rather than the individuals who happen to be caught up in the system; Jesus fights against evil.
Take back your authority and reclaim your God-given authority to have dominion over the earth. One can only do this by getting back into position and having a right relationship with God. When we are in a right relationship with God, we will have a right relationship with one another. Jesus is our authority when he regained our God-given authority when he died on Calvary’s cross, was buried and rose again by the power of God. Jesus is our authority because He said all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Those who “….confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved Rom 10:9 (KJV). We were saved from the power of sin to have authority over us.
Jesus is our authority because He called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases Luke 9:1 (KJV). Jesus is our authority when he said to us “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” Matt 28:19-20 (KJV).
Get ready saints, because at the end of the age, God will show that God has authority over all. “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power” 1Cor 15:24 (KJV). “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven,
saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever” Revelation 11:15 (KJV). 02/10/2012

 

 

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Our God is a Jealous God: What does one mean when one says, “I am jealous for
you with a godly jealousy?” Does it mean one is moved with envy to defend what one believes belongs to oneself (Acts 5:17)? Does it mean one is moved with a spirit of covetousness with the desire to have what someone else has (James 4:2-4)? Worse more, does it mean one is moved to such a degree as to engage in punitive zeal; that is, the zeal that inflicts punishment on others (Mat 27:18)? On the contrary. In fact, when the Apostle Paul said, “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ 2 Corinthians 11:2 (KJV), he was operating in the position of being the friend of the
bridegroom (i.e. Jesus) and was moved with Godly jealousy to educate the bride
(i.e. the church) to be prepared to meet their bridegroom. Paul was moved with
jealousy with a zeal for the Gospel and with a view to stirring his fellow-nationals to a sense of their need and responsibilities regarding the same (Acts 13:45-46). Not only was he moved to save the lost Gentiles, but also was moved to inspire those who should have been engaged in the same work (Rom 11:14). This jealousy that Paul had comes from above and not from the world (James 3:14-17).
Likewise, Jesus is jealous. He is zealous in His watchful vigilance over us, that we might love no other gods. He says “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Matthew 23:37 (KJV). Jesus is jealous because God say, “ Ye
cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers
of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy?
are we stronger than he?” 1 Corinthians 10:21-22 (KJV). Jesus was jealous
when he told the five foolish virgins “verily I say unto you, I know you not” Matthew
25:12 (KJV)
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Finally, this jealousy that Paul had and the jealousy that Jesus has is the same jealousy that comes from our God who calls Himself Jealous. God says, “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: Exodus 34:14 (KJV). Our time, talents, treasures, and motives should be examined such that our God
holds first place in every aspect of our life. When we put God first, we become friends of God; but to love the world is to become God’s enemy. Friendship of the world tends to breed envy; the Spirit of God that dwells in us helps to develop a very different character trait; contentment! When we realize that we do not deserved any gift or blessing from God, we should never envy those blessings which God has bestowed on another. If Christians in general would be content with the honor that comes from God, if we would take heed to give no provocations to our fellow Christians, if we would cease from envying those on whom God bestows honor or favor, we should soon be on our way to having a jealousy like God. 11/04/2011

 

 

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The Love of God: Oftentimes when we think about God’s love we think about sacrifice, providence, protection, security, long suffering, the giver of peace, the healer etc. What
about God is just or, in particular, God the corrector? God’s love is also manifested in providing disciplinary measures for the people of God. While God’s discipline is not pleasant, the end result is confirming. God say’s “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty” (Job 5:17 KJV). Also God says, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:6 KJV). Because God is sovereign, God can use anybody, or anything to bring about correction to God’s people. Even our enemies are used as God’s
chastening rod. Our heavenly Father knows just the right dosage of correction to bring about the desired change in God’s people. However, under the auspices of the love of God, free will comes into play when our enemies take it upon themselves to go beyond the limits for which God intended to bring about correction. One such enemy was the Chaldeans. They were the elite ruling class of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. God said to them, “I was angry with My people, I profaned My heritage And gave them into your hand. You did not show mercy to them, On the aged you made your yoke very heavy” (Isaiah 47:6 NASB).
In essence, God was saying to them that they did not come to power by themselves
but only by God’s divine permission. In your pride you have over-stepped your
bounds and, thus, my judgment against you is eminent.
The love of God is stern, yet merciful; uncompromising, yet compassionate. As parents, leaders and people of authority, we must constantly seek God in assisting us in providing a healthy dose of disciplinary action. Too much leads to more rebellion and too little leads to false peace and happiness. God said, “For they have healed the hurt of the
daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is o peace”
(Jeremiah 8:11 KJV
). The leaders were treating the nation’s sin lightly. They would dress (or bandage) the wound, assuming the injury was not serious when in fact it was terminal. If the leaders were making proper use of the word of God, God’s people would be restored to good health. God says, “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered (Jeremiah 8:22 KJV)?”Not only did the Love of God provide correction and restoration to a backslidden Judah, but the Love of God provided a plan of correction and reconciliation for the sins of the whole world.
The Love of God was ultimately expressed in the Son of God. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). As children of God we are approved of God. When God sees us God does not see our sin but rather the blood of Jesus the Christ. Jesus is the Love of God who died in our stead and paid the price that we should have paid. Jesus is the Love of God because when sin weighed us down and death was eminent, our trust in his death burial and resurrection broke the power of sin and provided a way for God’s people to live a resurrected life. I remember the hymn writer saying “Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, Love lifted me.” Jesus is the Love of God; the one who is the master of the sea. He heard my despairing cry. From the waters lifted me, now safe am I. 09/14/2011
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True Wisdom (Audio)
True Wisdom: What is true wisdom and where can one find it? One can be as wise as those who acquired technical skills and were used to construct the beautiful priestly
garments (Exodus 28:3) or as wise as those in military battle (Isaiah 10:13). What is more, one can be as wise as the wisdom that David (before his death) entrusted with his son (Solomon) to use in dealing with Joab (1Kings 2:6). However, the wisdom (i.e. wise hearted) acquired in Pharaoh’s court, the wisdom of one who was wise in his own eyes, and the wisdom that was constructed to seek one’s own vengeance cannot measure up to true wisdom. In fact, the Apostle Paul said, “but to those who are called, both Jews and
Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God (1Cor 1:24). Jesus is our wisdom; not so much because he is the giver of wisdom, but because he is the ground and object of wisdom. Jesus is our wisdom; not so much because he declares to us the truth, but because he is the truth. He gives us wisdom in giving us himself. The “righteousness, sanctification, and redemption” are ingredients of the wisdom (1Cor 1:30). Jesus is our wisdom in being to us these things: that is, he is the prime object of all true wisdom as he is the source of it. Isaiah, in Isa 11:2, speaks of the Spirit of wisdom
and understanding. This Spirit is the Spirit of God, and therefore, the Spirit of Christ. It follows that this Spirit is the Spirit of love; for God is love. Experience will show us that the Spirit of love is the same as the Spirit of wisdom. Thus, if anyone wishes to be truly wise and prudent, one must be loving and charitable. To have this Spirit is to also have the Spirit of understanding. In Christ is the ability to discern what is really going on
within people and situations. To care not to understand one another is to care not to love one another. The wisdom preacher said, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” Proverbs 4:7 (KJV). Christ is able to make sound clear judgment and it follows that if we were to do the same, one must first ask God for wisdom (Jesus) who will enable our desires to be aligned with God’s will. When our desires are God’s desires, the choices we make in everyday life will be wise. 09/08/2011
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A Boaz Blessing: A Channel of Blessings to Others. When someone says, “I will be a Boaz blessing to you,” what one is really saying is “when I’m blessed, you will be blessed.’ In the Book of Ruth, Boaz was a wealthy farmer and landowner who used his blessings to bless Ruth, a Moabite woman. Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, were in a financial crisis which was the source of their grief and depression. Ruth understood the rights of the poor in Israel to gather grain in a field after the harvesters had passed through. The corners of the field were to be left for the poor to reap (Lev 19:9-10; 23:22). Therefore, according to the law, she knew she was entitled to something. Much like our government entitlement programs; the poor and needy know that they are entitled to welfare. The devil, however, always try to reduce or eliminate it altogether. What she did not know is that the God she now serves does more than we ask or think (Eph 3:20). Ruth did not wait for Naomi to serve her (i.e. looking for a “hand-out”). Hand-outs without accountability leads to irresponsibility and bad stewardship. She took the initiative to do something about her circumstances. She went to glean in the
field and Naomi encouraged her. Not only did she take the initiative but she was also industrious in her approach to gleaning (Ruth 2:17, 18). She catches the eyes of Boaz who inquired about her and told her not to glean anywhere else but to only glean on his field. In essence, he was saying to her, “if you glean on my field, you are going to receive more than you expect. Not only will she get what the law provided but she would get an abundance of grain, water and protection from the young men who like to put their hands on the gleaners (Ruth 2:8-10).
“A Boaz blessing” provides protection. Sometimes we may find ourselves compromising our self-respect because of financial needs. I submit to you today, never put money over self-respect. When you respect yourself, others will also. Remember that God will never put more on you than you can bear. God says “ There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV). The devil is always waiting to ambush and derail us off the course that God put us in. In essence, Boaz said to Ruth, glean on my field that I may watch and protect you. As in Proverb 4:26, Boaz
wanted to watch the path of her feet to steer her from evil.
Not only does “a Boaz blessing” provide food when we are hungry, protection in a time of potential danger, but also provides water when we are thirsty. He said to her “…..when you are thirsty, go to the vessels, and drink from that which the young men have drawn (Ruth 2:9). God says that my people “….shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the
heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them (Isaiah 49:10 KJV). “A Boaz blessing” highlights the words of our redeemer “For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;” Matthew 25:35 (NASB77).
Finally and perhaps the most important, “a Boaz blessing” is life preserving. Boaz was a kinsman redeemer. One who was responsible for buying back land that had been sold in a financial crisis (Leviticus 25:25). Moreover, Boaz goes a step further in carrying
out his role of kinsman by marrying Ruth to preserve the family line of Elimelech (i.e. Naomi’s deceased husband). It was quite disappointing to not have heirs to carry on the family name. When Boaz bought back the land and married Ruth he preserved the family’s source of security and wealth as well as maintaining the integrity of the family bloodline.
Through the love and compassion of Boaz, Naomi, the desolate widow, and Ruth, the despised Moabite, were rescued and restored. Jesus came from that union and is our Kinsman Redeemer. He marries the despised Gentiles who come humbly to Him and He makes glad the heart of all the desolate of Israel who would trust in Him. His heart burns with desire for Jews and Gentiles, Black and White, Red and Yellow and every shade of human creation to come into his bridal chamber. Jesus is our “Boaz blessing” but the work of our Lord far outweighs anything Boaz could ever accomplish. For Jesus thought it was not robbery to leave the union of God the Holy Ghost and God the Father to redeem lost humanity for eternity.08/23/2011
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God’s System of Promotion: Probation, Purification and Elevation. One must be
proved before being approved. God tries and trains God’s people before and for advancement. God’s path of promotion is very different from the world’s system.
God says, “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth
himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:11 KJV). God’s trials are very different from the trials that we put ourselves in. Our trials are self-fulfilling; God’s trails are severe and cause one to ponder the motives of our heart. God asked Adam, “….Where art thou?” (Genesis 3:9 KJV). It was not that God did not know, but asked in the hopes that Adam may ponder the reason why he was in such a place. Adam was where he was because of his disobedience. Although he wanted to blame his wife, the final decision was in his court. God’s trials come with the intent to move God’s people into the realm of faith. When tested by God, Abraham responded by faith (Hebrews 11:17 KJV). God does not violate ones will in the test. We have the will to decide like Adam or Abraham. Adam failed probation but Abraham passed and was promoted.
In the test, God purifies his people. God says, “And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall
say, The Lord is my God” (Zechariah 13:9 KJV). Jesus was a willing victim who was persecuted by the wicked hands of men. He laid down his life but recognized the hand of God in his affliction. He came and made himself of no reputation but was obedient unto death even the death of the cross. Because he humbled himself and obeyed God, he was highly exalted (Philippians 2:7-9 KJV). The Christian life is a race and one cannot run effectively with the weight of sin in their life. The joy that was set before the Lord to endure the cross was that the sins of the whole world would be nailed to the cross, (past,
present and future), that we would be reconciled to God and ultimately be reunited with all believers. The sins that we commit in our lives have already been accounted for. God says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (KJV).
After passing probation and being purified in the test, then comes the promotion. Promotion comes when we endure our trials by faith. To grumble or complain in our trials is not faith but pride. But God says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But
let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4 (KJV). The mindset to deal with our trials in our own strength is to deny the power and the provisions of God in our lives. God has a community of believers to encourage us along the way (Acts 14:22 KJV). God wants us to be accountable to the community of faith and to clothe ourselves with humility and in due season your promotion will come (1 Peter 5:5-6 KJV). 08/14/2011
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“God has a plan for our life.” God says “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jer 29:11; see also Zech7:10 KJV). Oftentimes, when we go through the troubles of life, we feel as though God is watching from a far distance. We may think that the hand of
God has been removed and has left us alone to deal with our troubles. However,
let us not forget the potter in the potter’s house. God said, “O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel” (Jer 18:6 KJV). God’s hand is always in our affairs. God uses the circumstances of life to mold us into what God wants us to be or to guide us into the direction where God wants us to go. We serve an ever present God, who has not left us alone; one who will never leave us nor forsake us. God sees the end of our troubles from the beginning and knows what the results will be. Like a sculptor who chips away at the undesirable pieces, God chips away the imperfections in our life. 07/15/2011
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In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Pr 16:9 (NIV)
State of Emergency: We Must Save African American Males by Jawanza Kunjufu; The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr., by Martin Luther King Jr. and Claybone Carson; The Audacity of Hope, by President Barack Oboma.
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26 (KJV)
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all
be made alive. 1Corinthians 15:22 (KJV) It’s good to know that the Spirit of
God penetrates the whole man, and so imparting to the whole man God’s own
nature. Thus, in Christ, we have a new nature.
17 Therefore,
if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new. 2Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) 06/26/2011

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