Category Archives: Advent

Empty Kingdoms

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Matthew 4:8-9

 

Just like Satan lied to Jesus , he is lying to you on a daily basis. Promising great kingdoms that he will never fulfill. Because Satan doesn’t care about you or your future, he just wants your soul. He will entice you with the temporary pleasures of this world, such as money, lust, drugs, ect. These pleasures of the world will cost you your soul.

What kingdoms are you building today? Are you slaving away at your career, climbing the corporate ladder only to get there and find your life has passed you by? Remember your time on this Earth is limited, money and possessions will fade but your life could be eternal.

(Matthew 16:26)” For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

 

What is your soul worth to you? Is there a pleasure worth giving your life for? Make your choices wisely, everything you do in this life has costly consequences. The world will promise you everything but in the end will deliver you nothing, but unfortunately by the time most people figure this out there life has already passed them by.

Remember with God you are a Citizen of Heaven and not of this world. Don’t fall for the traps in this world that will cost you everything. Keep your eyes and mind on above, don’t fall for Satans deceit.

(1 Timothy 6:9) “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”

 

Temptation leads to destruction. When we fall for the lies and lust of Satan, we lose our focus on God. We become consumed with ourselves and don’t think about the consequence it has on others. Why are we never satisfied with the gifts God has already blessed us with?

Notice is says it leads to perdition. Perdition is eternal damnation. Is there anything worth selling your soul for? Jesus laid down his life to give you eternal life, are you willing to throw it away for worldly lusts?

(Proverbs 11:28) “He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.”

 

Trust in God and not in money, the problem with wealth is people get a false sense of security. The believe if they obtain enough money they can live a pleasurable life. Live almost like a King, big house, nice car, good food, ect. But money cant save your life. Money cant buy you real love, and Money cant give you inner peace.

Theres only one way you can get all these, and that’s thru Jesus Christ. And he won’t cost you anything but he gave up everything for you. Put your trust in the Lord and not in this world. Because all the wealth and possessions will just leave you with an Empty Kingdom in Jesus Name Amen

Every Season has a Purpose

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1

What season are you in? Are you in a good or bad season? Some seasons appear to last longer than others but remember they all have their purpose.  We need to remember to rejoice during the good seasons and endure thru the bad seasons.

Sometimes the hardest seasons can turn into our greatest seasons when we learn to let go and trust in God. Remember that pain may last thru the night but joy comes in the morning. Tomorrow might be the start of your new season.

(James 1:12) “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

 

The trials you face during your seasons can make you or break you, whatever the circumstance we need to learn to trust in God and rejoice at all times.

There will be times when we feel like God has left us, that’s the time when we need to call out to him even more. Because he promised he would never leave or forsake us. What trial are you facing now? Are you standing the test? Stay strong and preserve you will receive your crown of life.

(Acts 1:7) “And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.”

 

We always want instant results, but God has a plan. Even though your season may seem to be lasting forever, God has a purpose and a plan for your trials. We must trust in him

Remember there is a time and season for everything, even if you are having a season of sorrow right now, there will be a season joy also.

Think about the butterfly, before it becomes beautiful it’s a caterpillar that goes into a cocoon. During that season in the cocoon it’s transforming into a beautiful butterfly. Same with you during your season, whether good or bad, your transforming.  Remember every time has a purpose under heaven, trust in God in Jesus Name Amen

Jesus Laid it Down

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. John 10:18

 

People who don’t know Jesus will say he was killed by the Romans, or killed by the Jews, but the truth is nobody killed Jesus. He sacrificed himself on the cross to save us from our sins. Do you really think man could kill the Son of God?

Don’t you think if Jesus really wanted to, he could have called on the angels to come save him? Jesus knew he had to be crucified to pay for our sins. There is no greater act of love than what Jesus did for us on the cross.

(Matthew 26:53) “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?”

 

Jesus clearly states in this scripture he could have called on God and he would send his army of angels to protect him. But Jesus knew this was going to happen. He knew Judas would betray him and knew he had to sacrifice himself for us.

Even though many have and still deny Jesus he was still willing to go ahead and lay down his life. How can you turn your back on him?  He gave us all hope on the cross, why would you deny this?

(Matthew 4:6) “And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in theirhands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

 

Satan was testing Jesus, because he knew Jesus was the Son of God and Jesus is in charge of the angels. This is just further proof, even Satan knows the power Jesus had. But yet Jesus always displayed humility because he knew his mission here on Earth.

Why didn’t Jesus destroy Satan at this time? Because the crucifixion was necessary for all of us to be redeemed by the blood of Jesus. Without the crucifixion nobody would be worthy to enter the Kingdom of God, for we all have sinned and fallen short.

(John 10:11) “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”

 

But the good news is Jesus came to save us, just as the shepherd has found his lost sheep. Jesus has found us, who are willing to listen to him. He did lay down his life for us because he loves us all.

Don’t throw away your life, Jesus has giving you a chance of eternity in the Kingdom of God. This world will pass away but Heaven will stand forever, give your life to the Good Shepherd who has found and saved you in Jesus Name Amen

 

Not of this World

And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. John 8:23

Why did they deny Jesus and want him dead? Because they were living for the world and not for God. As Jesus said if they really knew God then they would have known Jesus is the Messiah. But as Jesus said they didn’t understand the scriptures and cared more about their own man made rules and rituals.

Sounds very familiar today? How many religions and denominations claim to be preaching the gospel of Jesus, yet if they met him, they wouldn’t even know him. They have become consumed and blinded by the world.

(1 John 4:5) “They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.”

Prosperity Gospel is a classic example of this, ask God for riches, promotions, perfect health. Everything that will sustain you in this world, but none of these things will help you gain the Kingdom of Heaven.

Jesus came down from heaven dwelt among the lowly and poor, he is the King of kings but was viewed as just a Carpenter to the worldly. Jesus didn’t need million dollar churches, private jets, book deals, to spread his gospel. He lived his gospel because he is the truth, life, and the way.

(2 Corinthians 4:4) “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.”

The world is blinded by the false gospel, until we hear and believe the true gospel of Jesus Christ we will remain blinded.  The truth of Jesus shall set you free.

Jesus, the image of the living God, is the light of the world. Run to him and you will be saved from the darkeness. Nothing else in this world can save you except Jesus.

 (John 16:33) “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

But there is good news, Jesus has overcome the world and has delivered us from death.  Don’t be deceived by the world, there pleasure is temporary and there time is running out.

Live in the world but don’t be of the world, for this world is temporary but  Christ is forever. In Jesus name Amen

Spiritual Warfare

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. Ephesians 6:12

There is much more to this world than meets the eye, there is a spiritual world full of good and evil which drives everything. Once you understand this, you understand how powerless and vulnerable we are on our own.

But if you walk with God he will protect you and give you wisdom to avoid the traps of Satan. Think about the problems or obstacles in your life, what is the driving force behind them? The answer is Satan, we are under attack.

(1 John 5:19) “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”

The world is under Satans control, if you don’t believe me take a look around. Nation against nation, babies being legally murdered, homosexuals being legally married. This is not the Kingdom of God, this is people following Satan.

So what do we do? Return to God and put on the “Armour of God’ and stand against evil. Stop following the ways of Satan and follow Jesus.

(Ephesians 6:13) “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.”

The Word of God has power and can stand against anything, like a sword it cuts thru deceit of the enemy. The Wisdom you obtain will help you avoid the pitfalls of Satans traps.

Take a stand against Evil, take a stand with God. This is about life and death, this isn’t a fairy tale this is reality, you are in Spiritual Warfare whether you believe it or not.

(Romans 8:6) “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

Carnally means worldly or fleshly lusts. When will live for the world and not God it leads to your death. You can’t follow Satan and God at the same time. You need to draw the line and take a side. Live for today or live for eternity.

But you will be under attack, there is Spiritual war going on. Stand with God and you can stand against anything. Put on your Armour of God and take a stand in Jesus name Amen

Press On to the Prize

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

 

The journey of faith can be
long and tiring, but we continue to press on because we know the prize is great. Jesus warned us it wasn’t going to be easy as a Christian, persecution and discrimination are common. But your reward will be great in Heaven, blessed are those who don’t see but still believe.

Your mission from God is a higher calling. Everything you do will greatly impact the eternal future. not only your  but everyone who you touch. Your secular job on Earth is only temporary, but your calling from God is eternal and the results will impact eternity

(Matthew 10:14) “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.”

 

Jesus warned us you might receive opposition to spreading the Gospel, as he said “Shake the dust of your feet” and press on. There will be some who will receive Christ and some who deny him, don’t let the haters ruin your destiny.

Don’t let your past ruin your future. You are renewed thru the blood of Jesus Christ, keep pressing toward your prize in heaven.

(1 Corinthians 9:24) “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”

 

What a strong statement, not only should we press toward our prize but let’s strive to master our craft. Some Christians just do enough to fulfill there requirements, but why not strive to be great? Why not be like David and face a giant with just a sling and stone?

But remember the race is long, brace and prepare yourself for the long haul. There will be trails and tests along the way, keep your peace and remember when to just shake the dust off your feet.

(Romans 8:28) “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

 

God loves you and knows the trails you will endure, he will be with you. Just know that all you do will work for the will of God. Remember your reward is not here on Earth but in Heaven, don’t be discouraged by the events you may see.

You have a high calling from God, to serve our Lord Jesus and spread his gospel. No matter what happens, keep pressing on and you’ll receive your prize one day in Heaven in Jesus Name Amen

Gods Plan for You

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Somedays you wonder, what is my purpose, what is my destiny? But God has a plan for you. He has not forgotten or ignored you. Timing is everything, we need to learn to follow Gods timeline and not our own.

When we make our own plans for our life, we don’t fulfill our destiny. What we might think is our best, might only be a fraction of what God has in store for you.

(Isaiah 55:8) “”For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.”

Many times we believe what God is thinking or we know what’s best for us. But we can’t imagine or comprehend what God’s plans are for us.

Take Moses for example, spent the past 40 years in the wilderness now God called him to go back to Egypt and lead the Israelites. Do you think Moses ever thought he would go back to Egypt? Or become a great prophet for a nation he used to enslave?

(Proverbs 3:5) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;”

Our biggest problem is we try to use our own logic and not trust God. Man can’t comprehend how God created the Heavens and The Earth so man created up the Big Bang Theory. Man can’t comprehend that God is the creator of life so they created Evolution. Why do we do this?

Because it make us feel like we’re still in control when we make up our own logic. The reality is were not in control, God is in complete control, lean not on your own understanding.

(Romans 8:28) “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Key words here at “According to his Purpose” Sometimes we believe were doing Gods will, but were only pleasing ourselves. How can we know what his will is then? God will open the doors to where you’re supposed to go. If you have to break down a door to reach your destiny, it probably wasn’t meant to be.

God never said it was going to be an easy path either, you must remember you will be tested, you will be tempted to quit, but remember “all things work together for good” just follow God and his plans for you. In Jesus name Amen

Love Like Jesus

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; Ephesians 5:25

Love your wife as Jesus loved us, how many marriages would have been saved following this principle? How many broken families could have been restored? To love like Jesus, what does it really mean?

Although it would be impossible to love as much as Jesus , we should strive to follow him and love the way Jesus showed us

(John 15:13) “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Jesus laid down his life for us all, payed the ultimate sacrifice. He even did it knowing that many people would reject and mock him. Is there any greater love than what was demonstrated on the cross?

Can’t you atleast love your spouse and family like this? Are you to full of hatred and pride that you can’t give everything you got to ones that love you the most? If you can’t love the partner God has created for you, can you truly expect to love others?

(John 13:34) “”A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Love one another as Jesus loved us, we are commanded to love. Should it be this hard? Do we really have to force ourselves to love each other? If it’s that difficult for you, then you have a troubled soul.

Love should come easy for us, your soul should be filled with love and slow to anger. Remember Love is Patient, Love is Kind, Love does not envy or boastful. These are not just words, this is a lifestyle. This is the life of a true Christian.  If your heart is constantly in conflict, then you need to ask Jesus to heal you.

(Proverbs 10:12) “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”

Hate is the root for all conflict, when you have hate in your heart it’s just a time bomb waiting to go off. Hatred is always looking for its next victim or problem.  You need to cleanse your heart of hate. The only way to do this is thru Jesus Christ. He gives us the inner peace and strength that Satan couldn’t defeat.

Let’s strive to love each other, especially our spouses and children, just as Jesus loved us. Sometimes your going to get hurt, but love always conquers evil in Jesus name Amen