What God Promises, He Will Perform!

Perform: Execute, successful completion of a process
Promise: An assurance given that one will or will not do something

"And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform" (Romans 4:21). In fact, Philippians 1:6 tells us, that we can be "confident of this very thing." So often we think that WE have to do this or WE have to do that; that WE have to make things happen - when in all actuality WE don't. Usually when WE try to complete the process, WE mess it up.

Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding;" instead, we must "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord" (Psalms 27:14).

Take Abraham for an example, he said, Lord God what wilt thou give me seeing I go childless? The Lord promised him a son in Genesis 15:4, but while they were in the waiting process, Abraham and Sarah took it upon themselves to execute God's promise. Instead of waiting on the Lord, Abraham was given Sarah's handmaid (Hagar) and had a son with her... but that was not the son God had promised him. The powerful, the awesome, the almighty God waited until they were old and well-stricken in years - Abraham was 99 and Sarah was 90 when she conceived her first son - so there would be no doubt that He is well able to perform what he promises.

There are consequences for our actions when we get ahead of God - Abraham had to send Hagar and her son away because he was not to be the heir with the child that God had promised. We must have the faith that the Lord is with us. We have to realize that just because that thing we've asked for doesn't happen in OUR time, it doesn't mean that it's not going to happen. Wait on the Lord, He's well able to perform what He promises... in HIS time!

With all that said - let the church say Amen... and AMEN!

There’s a Battle Going On!

Battle: A struggle, to engage in a war or battle

As Christians, we are in a spiritual battle of some sort on a daily basis and we are either the victors or the victims of that spiritual battle. Fortunately for us, in many situations we have the ability to choose whether we play the role of victor or victim (Praise God!). The reason we have a choice is because the battle I’m talking about is the one we fight within.

The first place we lose the battle within is in our own thinking. If we think something or some situation is permanent, then it is likely to be permanent. If we think we've reached our limits, then we probably have. If we're laid up sick and we think we’ll never get well, then the odds are that we won’t. It's imperative that we change our thinking - we must see any- and everything that’s holding us back - every obstacle and every limitation as simply temporary.

If you're out there thinking, "whew, she's not talking to me this week," think again! You can easily see an example of this - just go out of your way to do something for someone and them not reciprocate when you need them to (or you don’t reap the same in return). I bet it'll be a battle not to show any anger or what you are really thinking. What we fail to realize is that we are not responsible for what that person did to us; though it may affect us, their actions are not our problem. It's how we respond to what they did to us that is our responsibility.

Clearly, this is one battle we don’t have to leave home to fight. However, we must get dressed for it. Ephesians 6:11-14 tells us to "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness"

My friends, we may sometimes lose the battle, but we don’t have to lose the war! No, for we have a deliverer and a savior - His name is Jesus and He is only a prayer away. He's also the only one that can change us and help us to win these battles that wage within.

With all that said, let the Church say amen... AMEN!

God Wants Us to Thrive!

Thrive: To flourish, to prosper, to be healthy.

Jesus said in His word, "I am come that they (we) might have life, and that they (we) might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).  The Lord doesn’t want us to simply exist - He wants us to thrive!  There are so many people out there that are simply existing - they're murmuring and complaining and blaming others for their misfortunes. What those folks don't realize is that, in all actuality God is the head. He wants us to come into agreement with Him and confess that where we are is His master plan. He wants us to be successful both naturally, spiritually, and financially. Let’s stop complaining and start thriving.

Jeremiah 29:4 tells us, "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon." As the scripture continues, verses 5 and 6 reminds us that God is telling us to thrive - regardless of what our situation may be, we must thrive; "build houses... plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them.... take wives, have children, give your daughters to husbands, and your sons to wives that they might have children that we may increased and not diminished." Whatever your case (or situation) may be, don't forget that the Lord has allowed it. He allows things to bring us down just so He can take us higher -- but we must be mindful to praise Him and be thankful in all those situations.... after all, there is always something to be thankful for even when it doesn’t appear to be!

The Lord didn’t want them or us to just exist in the land, He wanted them and us to flourish, to prosper, and be healthy. We must leave off the pity party and start thriving right where we are.  When those things come up to interrupt our day, you should immediately start praising God because that’s another opportunity to thrive in order for the Lord to take us higher.

Just a few examples of how God wants us to flourish: Abraham was blessed greatly, he had flocks, herbs, silver and gold (Genesis 24:35); Boaz, a mighty man of wealth (Ruth 2:1); God gave Solomon wisdom, knowledge, riches and honor (2 Chronicles 1:12). These men thrived, they were in good health, and died a good old age. 

My friends, remember that God is the head over all things and all situations. You and I might not be planting gardens or getting married; but we are here doing something and whatever it is, God wants us to thrive right here where we are!

With all that said, let the church say amen... and AMEN!