Day Twenty Four

The times are changing faster than the seasons come and go.  We are living in an accelerated time period.  God is bringing about change through out the world at a pace not seen by anyone.  At the same time, the enemy is working overtime because he knows that his time is growing short.  The devil is unleashing everything in his arsenal, everything that is at his disposal.  Just look around and see what is going on.  America is changing so fast.  The public schools are teaching things to our children that are not our child's best interest.  The government is making laws that the people of this land are against.  We are allowing them to take God out of everything.  And you better not say the name of Jesus in public or someone might be offended.

Now on the other hand you can speak about any other god and that is OK.  It is time that the church rise up and take the position that God has intended.  We are the ones who have authority given to us by Almighty God.  When we pray things happen and when we don't things happen.  What do you want.  It is time to make a choice.  It is not up to the news media.  It is not up to Hollywood.  Its not even up to the government, it is up to the church.

Now is the time to pray for a mighty revival in America from sea to shining sea.  God has blessed this country  more than any other.  He did this because our founders chose to serve the living God.  I could care less what the media says, just read the history.  If you have watched the news you see the Tea Party movement is making quite a statement.  But where is the voice of the church as a whole.  

It all starts with prayer and then action.  God can change the hearts of the rulers when we pray.  Prayer can be back in our schools when we pray.  The sick will be healed when we pray.  Lives will change when we pray.

But prayer is just the first part of the equation.  Faith without works is dead.  There is work to be done and the church is the one to do it.  It is time for religion to take a seat in the back of the bus and the church as a whole needs to come together with one voice and with one goal and that is to lift up the name of Jesus.  To pray down the walls of deception that the enemy has built.  To set the captives free.  Bring healing to the sick and hope to the hopeless.  

What can you do?  Pray and seek the face of God.  Live life with passion and with purpose.  Don't be discouraged for the battle has been won but we must finish the race.  Don't be a spectator, be a participant. 

I have been waiting for so long.  I have not been doing the things that God has set before me.  And for that I apologize.  We all have something we need to do that God has given us.  The Bible says many are called but few are chosen.  How do we move from called to chosen.  It is really simple, you just have to step out and step up and follow the destiny that God has set before you.  Don't be afraid of failing because you won't.  If God be for us who dare be against us.

References:

  

Romans 8:31 (Amplified Bible)

³¹What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?]^(A)

James 2:26 (King James Version)

 ²⁶For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

 James 2:18 (Amplified Bible)

¹⁸But someone will say [to you then], You [say you] have faith, and I have [good] works. Now you show me your [alleged] faith apart from any [good] works [if you can], and I by [good] works [of obedience] will show you my faith.

John 12:32 (The Message)

 ^30-33Jesus said, "The voice didn't come for me but for you. At this moment the world is in crisis. Now Satan, the ruler of this world, will be thrown out. And I, as I am lifted up from the earth, will attract everyone to me and gather them around me." He put it this way to show how he was going to be put to death. 

Proverbs 21

 ¹The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Day Twenty Three

As I was sitting at MD Anderson with my dad waiting for test results, I was looking around and was astounded by all of the people who were affected by cancer.  I saw some as young as 6 months and others as old as 80.  I was filled with sadness.  Then the Lord spoke to my heart and said something that took be by surprise.  He said "cancer is a murderer."  I sat back in my chair almost shocked by the revelation.  I never thought of it that way.

So many people, even in the churches, believe that God puts illnesses on them or that it is some kind of test that He is putting them through.  That kind of thinking comes straight from hell.  Can you imagine a loving God giving His children a dreadful and lethal disease to teach them a lesson or to use it as a test, or as punishment for their sin?

When I saw a young man that was around 16 years old sitting in the waiting room I could only imagine how he must have been feeling.  He looked so weak and his skin color was a light greenish color.  He could barely keep his head up.  You could see hopelessness in his eyes. almost like death would be a blessing to him.  I thought to myself, he has his whole life ahead of him but his life is being stolen from him.

God is not a thief.  He does not take pleasure in a mans agony and yet so many people believe that God put it on them.  This is and has been a lie.  God is a giver of life and blessings.  The devil is the one who comes to kill, steal, and destroy.  Satan is the complete opposite of everything that God is and it is time to see him for what he is. He is a defeated foe.  He has no power except what we give him through our weaknesses and our lack of knowledge and understanding.

When my dad met with the doctor she said something that I know she has said more times than I care to know.  She said " you can hope for the best but prepare for the worst.  You should get your affairs in order."  After she said this I saw for the first time in my life hope leave my dads eyes.  When the doctor I moved over to her chair and looked my dad in the eyes and said "she doesn't have the last word on this, God has the final word.  You must fight this,  I know many people who have beaten cancer."

Have you ever noticed when some people get the diagnosis of cancer and the doctor will tell them they have 6 months to live that many of them die with in 3 months.  Do you know why?  Because words have power and when you believe those words they will manifest.

Cancer and every other form of sickness and illness was defeated at the cross.  We have a promise of healing from Jesus.  He died for us.  He paid for everything in full.  The Word says so and that Word should be the final one.  Everything that has a name must bow to the name of Jesus in Heaven and on Earth.

I know that many of you might have known a man or woman of God who has died as a result of some illness or disease and wonder why.  Don't for we do not know what the circumstances where.  Maybe they just wanted to go home or God wanted them.  For we know that we shall see them again for that is what the Lord has promised.  

If you know someone who has cancer you need to pray for them just like you would if you knew a murderer had a knife to their throat.  Be bold and be direct.  Speak to the cancer and tell it to dry up at the root.  Keep them encourage, tell them of what the Lord has done for them.  This is a battle of life and death.  Sickness has no place in the body of Christ.  And as the church matures and people take God at His Word miracle upon miracle will manifest.  For God so loved the world that he gave and did not take.  He healed and did not kill.  His mercy never ends and is forever.  His grace is given to us for we could never earn it on our own.

God loves all of us and wants to heal us, protect us, and wants a everlasting relationship with us.  So much that he laid every sickness and every sin and every transgression on His only son for us.  We have hope and we have faith and we have power given to us by the Holy Spirit and we must use them and go in them.

Let me ask you one thing.  If your child made a mistake and he became ill and was dying, and you had the ability to give him the cure, would you hold out to teach them a lesson or when they asked you for healing would you deny them?  Or course not unless you are sick and twisted.  So why would God deny you of a promise or you neighbor or anyone who would ask of Him and believe?

My pastor says our church is a " cancer free zone."  I hope and pray that other churches will proclaim the same.  Never deny God the wonderful miracle of His power.  For God is love and His love is for now and forever.  Keep the faith and heal the sick.  Preach His Word and live like you believe it.  For without the Word and with out His promises we would have no future, no hope, and no life.  To God be the glory.

John 10:10 (New International Version)

¹⁰The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Isaiah 53:5 (King James Version)

 ⁵But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Matthew 21:21 (King James Version)

 ²¹Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

1 Peter 5:8 (Amplified Bible)

⁸Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [^[a]in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

   

3 John 1:2 (King James Version)

 ²Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth

3 John 1:2 (Amplified Bible)

²Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers.

   

Days Twenty - Twenty Two

This took more time than I thought so this will count for three days.  I will go back later and make the change.  I want you to please comment on this because I know it affects many Christians.

Over the last few weeks I have begun to ponder a subject that I can not get away from.  When I was seven years old I got saved and I remember the way I felt.  It was amazing.  At that time my family wasn't attending church very much so I had no one to take me.  But I do know that the experience was so real and I still think back to this day. 

When I was in my early teens I was able to go with friends and I was back living out loud for God.  We would go witness to people on the streets, in school, and even have church in our homes.  We were just average teenagers who wanted to tell people about Jesus.  We were far from perfect but we were real with God and each other.  

When I was in my early twenty's I was attending church and God gave me a word and soon I was a youth pastor.  I didn't know what to do but I loved God and had a great relationships with the teens.  We started with four and grew to over seventy in a few years.  We were far from perfect but we were real with God.

Now the point is, as I got older I looked back and noticed something.  The only way I know how to put it is that so many Christians are judgmental.  The church can be a brutal place for people.  I look back and see how people would make you think that you should be perfect and have everything under control and be with out fault.  That is so ludicrous.

We come to the Lord broken and knowing that we are failures and that our sin debt can not be paid on our own.  We know that the blood of Jesus will cleanse us and set us free.  But where do we go wrong.  Who puts the idea out there that now you must be perfect.  That if you make a mistake or if you are hindered by some addiction that you are less than a man or woman of God.  I have seen it happen over and over again.

People begin to condemn themselves and then they feel they aren't good enough for the church or for God.  They fall away and go back to the life they once led and find themselves more miserable than ever because they just don't fit in the way they used to.  No matter how hard they try, they now know they can't make it with out God.  This becomes a very critical time.  This is when they need some one to stick out there hand and help them up but, if they run into a "helpful" but judgmental Christian, it can shatter them.

God never intended for the church to tear down her members nor did He want the people to be heathens either.  We must remember who we are.  We when got saved we allowed Jesus to become the Lord of our life.  Jesus did not want us to become drone Christians He wanted us to be ourselves, full of His love and His power.  Let me clarify this.  I don't mean that we live the way we used that would be absurd.  At the same time we don't lock ourselves up and throw away the key either.

Be who God called you to be.  Don't hold fast to the judgments of people but, when they do cast judgment, give it to Jesus right away.  Don't give it the chance to root in your heart.  

As much as we want to be perfect, we will make mistakes.  We will miss the mark at times.  And please remember that other people will miss it too.  Don't become critical and cynical.  Don't act like you never made a mistake when a brother or sister slips or falls.  Be like Jesus.  Love them, care for them, let them know that God still loves them.  Remind them that before they came to the Lord that He knew all of their sin of the past and for the ones in the future.  That his blood cleanses them from all unrighteousness.

I thank God that I have pastors and leaders that love the Lord.  I am thankful for the balance in their lives.  I am thankful for their love of people and the righteousness of the Lord that shines out from their lives.

So take some time and pray about this.  Please don't let the enemy use you to tear down people.  Remember that God will use you to correct and steer people in the right direction, but when He does, it will come from love and compassion not in a way that tears them down and builds you up.  It will not be about you when it comes from God, it will be about love.

At the bottom of this is a place for you to comment.  Let me know how you feel about this subject.  May God bless you and keep you.

References:

Matthew 26:28 (New International Version)

²⁸This is my blood of the^[a] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Romans 8:39 (King James Version)

 ³⁹Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Timothy 6:11 (King James Version)

 ¹¹But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

1 Peter 2:17 (King James Version)

 ¹⁷Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

1 John 4:7 (King James Version)

 ⁷Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

1 John 4:12 (King James Version)

 ¹²No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

1 John 5:2 (King James Version)

 ²By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

Romans 2:4 (Amplified Bible)

⁴Or are you [so blind as to] trifle with and presume upon and despise and underestimate the wealth of His kindness and forbearance and long-suffering patience? Are you unmindful or actually ignorant [of the fact] that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repent (^[a]to change your mind and inner man to accept God's will)?

I want to give a special thank you to all of the JG leaders and members.  I still think of all of you and I am thankful for you to this day.

Day Eighteen

Did you know that we have an ability that God has given us that we some times take very lightly.  This ability is something that the enemy wants  but he can't have it unless we allow him to access it.  Do you know what it is?  

It is the ability to create by the use of our words.  We have such power at our disposal that so many of us really don't give it much thought.  The enemy has taught us in such a way that it seems so harmless when we say things.  Things that can set us up for failure or even others for failure.  Let me give you a few examples and see if you have ever heard them or said them:

I am sick and tired of........

That scared me to death

I am so stupid

I hate....

I'll never get to.....

We never get out of debt

I wish I was never born

Those are just a few off the top of my head.  See, the enemy uses our words of creativity to get his agenda to the forefront.  We must guard our words.  We must be careful when we say things about ourselves, others, and especially our family. The enemy is always looking for a way into our lives and he knows that our words that we speak is the perfect way to get a foot hold.  Once he has a foot hold, he sets up a strong hold.

We must be vigilant in keeping our words pure and full of faith, hope, and love.  Just listen to what you are saying and also listen to what others are saying.  You may be more than shocked at what is being said.  Be a person that speaks life not death.  Be full of encouragement and not discouragement.

Proverbs 18:21 (King James Version)

 ²¹Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Matthew 12:37 (Amplified Bible)

³⁷For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.

Day Seventeen

How are you doing in the area of your goals in life.  Do you have goals?  Are you pursuing them or avoiding them.  Now days it is so easy to pulled in so many directions, we can get off track.  Take some time and write down some of the goals that you want to accomplish this next coming quarter.  The first quarter of the year has come and gone and April starts the next 3 months.  It is very important that you not only have goals but that you write them down and put your goals in a place that you can see them every day.  Track your progress.

What we need to remember is that a goal is part of your vision and your vision is a direct link to the destiny that God has in store for you.  Keep your focus.  God is the center of our lives or he should be.  Keep Him first.  He wants only the best for you and for your family.  He does not have a hidden agenda.  He has great things in store for you.  Keep your goals in front of you and keep God first and you will succeed.

Proverbs 29:18 (King James Version)

 ¹⁸Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Day Sixteen

This one is kinda like getting ready to take some medicine but it is the good kind.  Get a piece of paper and write at the top of it "What can I do to be a better spouse to you?" Now give this to your husband/wife and tell them to be completely honest because you want to be the best spouse you can be.  

Now after you get the paper back, look over it and take it before the Lord.  Some of the things might take you by surprise and that is OK.  The point is to see what you can do from your spouses' point of view.  Wisdom and insight are very precious jewels.  

references:

Proverbs 2:2 (New International Version)

 ² turning your ear to wisdom
       and applying your heart to understanding,

Proverbs 4:6 (New International Version)

 ⁶ Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
       love her, and she will watch over you

Proverbs 16:16 (New International Version)

 ¹⁶ How much better to get wisdom than gold,
       to choose understanding rather than silver!

Day Fifteen

What drives you?  Have you ever given it much thought?  What motivates you to get going everyday?  The Lord has given each of us a dream to see come to pass.  Each of us have different passions, things that draw our attention.  What is yours?  If you will take the time to see what drives you, you will see a part of your destiny.  we all have something we have to accomplish that God has given us.  Today, take the time and look at where you are going in life. 

Ask yourself the tough questions.  Are you moving towards your dream? Away? Or are you just being still and not going in any direction.  Life is short.  Don't waste another day on what was or what could have been, but focus on where you are going. 

Keep God first otherwise you could lose focus and end up backing yourself into a corner.  Remember that you can not please everyone all of the time.  You are going to make mistakes.  Just keep your focus.....Pin point focus on the Lord and then whatever you put your hands to will prosper

References:

Isaiah 55:11 (Amplified Bible)

¹¹So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Matthew 6:33 (King James Version)

 ³³But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Day Fourteen

Today is Sunday and I hope that you excited and ready to be a blessing to three people that the Lord has put on your heart.  Enjoy the day and praise the Lord for He is the reason that we live.  Keep a smile on your face and love in your heart for the Lord is good.

Psalm 26:12 (New International Version)

 ¹² My feet stand on level ground;
       in the great assembly I will praise the LORD.

Day Twelve and Thirteen

During the next two days take some time and pray about blessing three people this Sunday at church.  This is a lot of fun.  Learning how to give is such a blessing.  Ask the Lord who He would have you bless.  If you have never done this that is OK just be open to what the Lord would have you to do.  The main thing is that you are going to give with out them knowing it.  Don't just walk up and give them money and say "be blessed" You want to do this in secret.  I have found a great place to put the money is in their bible.  One day they will be reading the bible and come across it and they will get a big smile one their face.  The best part is they don't know who did it but God knows and that is what is important.  Even if you give each person only $5.00 or even $1.00 it doesn't matter.  Just listen to your heart.  You are sowing seed and you are being a blessing.  If you want you can leave a note and put the money in it.  Just don't put your name. 

Matthew 6:3 (New International Version)

³But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

Matthew 6:4 (New International Version)

⁴so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Day Eleven

Everyone in our families need to hear something special from us everyday.  By this I mean they need to hear you compliment them, encourage them, and yes that you love and appreciate them.  Sometimes we get busy and just forget and before you know it a few days go by and you haven't said these things.  As you go through out the day, every time you think about them take a second and let them know.  Just make a quick call, text, or send a email.  Let your family know that you are thinking about them.  It makes a big difference to them.  Don't assume they know, tell them.  

References:

1 Corinthians 13:4-6 (New International Version)

 ⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

Day Nine & Ten

As we go throughout our lives we will, at times, have someone hurt us.  It could be emotional or physical and sometimes both.  When we hold on to these things and not turn it over to the Lord, it can damage us for the rest of our lives.  It develops into unforgiveness.  This will hinder your relationship with God.  You must come to a place where you can turn the hurt over to the Lord.  Cast your cares upon Him.  When you hold on to these things, every time you see that person, anger and resentment come flowing to the surface.  You may find yourself avoiding the person altogether.  That in turn gives them power over you.  That is something you do not want.

We all go through this in our life and we must learn how to overcome it.  Don't let the past control you.  It won't be easy but God will give you the grace needed to be victorious.  

Also, don't forget, none of us are perfect so you have hurt people too.  So many times we hurt the people we are the closest to.  We say things we shouldn't or we might have done things we regret.  If possible, apologize to them.  Ask them to forgive you.  These next two days, search your heart and ask the Lord if you are holding on to unforgiveness or if you have hurt someone and ask Him how to deal with it.

This will let all of that bitterness out of your heart and you will begin to heal.  It will change your life.  Bitterness will over time make you sick not just emotionally but physically as well.  If bitterness goes unchecked it will turn into hate.

The bottom line is people hurt people and it is a shame but it is a part of life.  Your mind is a lot like a hard drive.  You need to send that junk to the recycle bin and delete it once and for all.  You may never forget the hurt but God will heal you and restore you.  Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is ourselves when we make a mistake.  Forgive, love, and respect yourself.  Remember God forgives you, loves you, and respects you because you are His child. 

References:

Matthew 6:14 (New International Version)

¹⁴For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Psalm 69:14 (New International Version)

 ¹⁴ Rescue me from the mire,
       do not let me sink;
       deliver me from those who hate me,
       from the deep waters.

1 John 2:9 (New International Version)

 ⁹Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.

1 John 4:20 (New International Version)

²⁰If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

Day Eight

Today take some time and make some important decisions regarding the health of your body.  We all called to run a race and to finish the course.  Sometimes we are unable to do all we have been called to do because we are hindered by the conditions of our bodies.  

Getting our bodies in a better state of health is very important.  Take a look at some of the things you eat or drink on a regular basis and see if they are really good for you.  Some of the things you can do are so simple and can make a dramatic difference in your over all health.  Here are a few suggestions:

Stay away from white bread and white flour products

Reduce you sugar intake

Avoid all soft drinks

Stay away from red dye drinks

Walk at least 30 minutes everyday

Avoid processed food

Avoid all P.H. oils

Drink fresh squeezed or juiced veggies and fruits

Limit your dairy - Cows milk can cause may allergies

Drink plenty of water - take your body weight and divide by 2 and that's how many ounces you should drink per day.  This alone can do wonders for you

These are just a few things you can do.  Ask God He will point you in the right direction.  Get in the best shape you can because you never know what mountain you may need to climb or what valley you must cross.  It is better to be prepared instead of being treated after your body breaks down.

1 Corinthians 9:24 (New International Version)

 ²⁴Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

1 Corinthians 3:16 (New International Version)

 ¹⁶Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?

1 Corinthians 6:19 (New International Version)

¹⁹Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

Day Seven

Today is the day to worship and honor God at His house.  To thank Him for all He has done for you this week.  Reflect on what he has spoken to you through out the week and give Him all of the glory.  Today, rest in Lord and the power of His might.

Day Six

Reach out and invite or bring someone to church this Sunday.  Then treat them to lunch.  Make them feel special and be the reflection of Jesus.  One by one Jesus will change the world. And we are the body of Christ.  Everyone needs a touch from God.  To feel His presence and experience His peace.  Lead them as He has led you. 

References:

Luke 10:2 (New International Version)

²He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

John 4:35 (New International Version)

³⁵Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.

Day Five

Well this one is just as important for all of us and we all need it.  Get your family together rent a great family movie.  Something really funny.  I have a great suggestion, OLD DOGS.  You can get it at red box for a less than $1.00.  The bottom line is to watch a movie that will make you laugh and has a good message.

Your family or just you and your spouse need a good belly laugh.  It does wonders for your stress level and is a perfect immune booster.  Laughter can be excellent medicine.  

So pop some corn, get out the soda's and even some chocolate and have a great time.  Don't miss this movie, it will bless you.  It's good to know that there are movies that are clean and funny and does not have ANY bad language.  

References:

Psalm 16:9 (New International Version)

 ⁹ Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
       my body also will rest secure,

Proverbs 17:22 (New International Version)

 ²² A cheerful heart is good medicine,
       but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22 (Amplified Bible)

²²A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 15:15 (The Message)

 ¹⁵ A miserable heart means a miserable life;
   a cheerful heart fills the day with song.

Day Four

Today remember the love of God.  Reflect on His goodness in your life.  Give Him thanks for what has done for you.  Look at the little things as well.  

God created so many great things in the world and He wants you to enjoy them.  Just take a moment when you look at a sunset.  Look at all of the colors and how the sky glows and how the stars slowly appear out of the darkness as the sun sets for the day.  God took and carefully crafted all of creation seen and unseen.  

Look for the Lord today.  You will be amazed at what you will see.  He truly is with you everywhere you go.  He is looking to bless you.  Think of Him through out the day and I assure you, you will see Him in ways like never before

References:

Psalm 66:20 (New International Version)

 ²⁰ Praise be to God,
       who has not rejected my prayer
       or withheld his love from me!

Psalm 91:14 (New International Version)

 ¹⁴ "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
       I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

Day Three

Everyday we encounter people we never met or seldom see.  What we need to remember is that everybody has good days and tough days.  We are to encourage those we come in contact with.  It is not always easy but it is very important

Today focus on being a person of encouragement to everyone.  Keep a smile on your face.  Keep your words positive.  Don't let anything negative come out of your mouth.  For example when you leave a store tell the clerk to be blessed or God bless you, or what ever come up in your spirit.  Be an reflection of Jesus.  He loves people, all people.  We are the body of Christ and we are His ambassadors. 

Have a blessed day and be an encourager.

References:

Romans 12:8 (New International Version)

⁸if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Colossians 2:2 (New International Version)

²My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,

Thessalonians 5:14 (New International Version)

¹⁴And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Day Two

Relationships:  Today get your spouse something for no reason other than you love them.  It doesn't have to cost much at all.  It is a gesture of love and appreciation.  Get her some flowers, or leave her a loving note on her pillow.  For him make a special dessert or get a card from the heart.  The point is to show your love by giving something special from your heart.  These little gestures go a long way.  We all know we did things like this when we were dating.  Also every chance you get tell them that you love them.  Tell her she's beautiful.  Tell him he is handsome.  Focus on your spouse and put them first.  Open doors for your wife guys.  Hold hands.  Watch a movie together.  You need to do something like this everyday. Open your heart.

For those of you who are not married, pray for your future spouse.  Thank God for him or her.  Pray blessings over him /her.

References:

Ephesians 5:25 (New International Version)

 ²⁵Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

Song of Solomon 1:15 (New International Version)

Lover

 ¹⁵ How beautiful you are, my darling!
       Oh, how beautiful!
       Your

Song of Solomon 7:10 (New International Version)

 ¹⁰ I belong to my lover,
       and his desire is for me.

Song of Solomon 5:10 (New International Version)

  ¹⁰ My lover is radiant and ruddy,
       outstanding among ten thousand.

Day One

I am so excited that you have joined us in this journey of 40 Amazing days. You will look back and see how small changes in the way you think,talk,pray,and even what you eat will transform so many areas of you life.  In the comment section post your testimonies as the days go by because it will bless and encourage each of us.

Day One:  Write down(on paper) 3 important things you want the Lord to do for you.   When you are done, take the list and in your prayer time read the list to the Lord and ask Him.  Then thank Him for all of it.  Call it into your future.  From now on when you pray just thank Him for the things you have asked for.  Consider it done.  Believe it.  

Now for the next 39 days ask God this question:  What can I do for you Lord today that will be a blessing to you?  Then listen for His answer.  Listen to His request and do it.

You will be amazed at how when you focus on His desires, how much closer you will feel to Him every day. You make His desires your priority.  See, you have asked for what you needed and since you know He wants to give you the desires of your heart then you need not take time to repeat it to Him everyday. The Lord has a very good memory lol.  It's done. So focus on His desires. 

Matthew 7:11 (New International Version)

¹¹If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

John 15:7 (New International Version)

⁷If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.

Matthew 6:33 (New King James Version)

³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

40 Amazing Days

I am so excited about what is coming up and I want to invite as many of you that are willing to give 40 days of your life to see how God wants to transform every area of your life.  Beginning on March 8th I will lay out a plan  day by day that God has placed on my heart.

God wants nothing but the best for His children and all man kind.  We are the church and we need to reflect that in every area of our lives.  He wants us to be balanced in every area.  He longs for a deeper relationship will each one of us.

The Lord wants us to mirror Him and He wants us to be healthy in our bodies our minds and our spirits.  The time has come to advance in the things of God.  He wants us to move with Kingdom authority.

There are people in the church that don't even realize the power at their disposal from the Lord.  As the world continues to go down the wrong path, they are going to need the church to rise up and be the light in the darkness.

I encourage you to take a leap of faith and talk to your friends about the up coming 40 days.  It will change your life and put things back into balance.  I am so excited to see what God is going to do in my life and my family's life.  I am believing God for 100 people to join us

Pray about it and encourage people to join in.  If they need a link have them go to my Facebook page and it will be under the links tab.

Proverbs 4:6

 ⁶ Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
       love her, and she will watch over you.

16 years

It is amazing to think that Oceans Ministries is about to turn 16. It all started with a small youth group in Cleveland, Texas called the Joshua Generation (The J.G) In no time at all we grew to over 65 teenagers who loved God and believed nothing was impossible. I can remember when we prayed for snow and you guessed it, snow was on the ground. Most of the parents didn't like it but the rest of us did. Now 16 years have come and gone and the name has changed but the vision is ever growing. This year we will launch out like never before and begin to reengage the vision that God placed in our hearts. My wife and I are going to see some amazing things and we are excited about what God is doing. I want to encourage everyone to pray for us as we will also be praying for you. God has given each of you a dream and it is up to you to nurture and care for it.

Just last year I left my career to move into full time ministry as God led me. Of course there has been many obstacles but God has always been there.

I wanted to put the vision out there for you to get a complete understanding of what God has out in our hearts, so here it is

To help other ministries grow and flourish in the things of God
To have a multi-million dollar facility for ministering the Word of God with state of the art lighting, special effects equipment few have ever seen.
To perform original christian themed dramas that rival the best movies people have attended.
This building will also be available for Christian concerts and other events.
To allow the anointing to flow unhindered.
To write books
To watch people lives change as God moves in their lives
To get ministers from all faiths together with one common goal in mind, to reach the world and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere.
To have meetings that are designed for pastors and their families to be refreshed and encouraged and help them to stay on target with the dreams God placed in their hearts.
And most of all to love and pray for people.

I know that this sounds like a lot but that is the best part. We can't do it except for God. He is the dream giver and He is the reason that we live here and now.