Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Is It Really Yours?

Proverbs 11:18

If you use lies, deceit or cheat to obtain anything, is what you obtained yours? The answer is no. If you have to lie, deceive or cheat to obtain something then it means that you may not have received it otherwise. It's your attempt at playing God to create a blessing for yourself that God didn't release to you. Simply put, greed and selfishness.  In this society deceptive ways have become a way of life. The reason King Solomon called the wages deceptive is because they do not last. Anything not obtained the right way and for the right reason will flee. It's simply a matter of when not if. God is the one who releases blessings and if He didn't see fit for you to have it, you will lose it. What He gives to you no one can take away.  God's law of sowing and reaping as stated in Galatians 6:8 is sovereign whether you believe it or not is of no value- God's law still stands. The word given in Galatians 6:8 says The one who sows to please his sinful nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Destruction comes in many forms. Those who obtain anything the right way and for the right reason are the ones with the real reward because God gave it. The ones who do it, "by any means necessary" are saying they are not good enough to receive it God's way, therefore doing it Satan's way as he is the father of lies, is their only option. Remember, in the end Satan loses. So anyone who uses Satan's ways to obtain anything also loses. Is what you obtained really yours?

Remember to let me know if you will be joining me on Saturday, August 25th at Family Christian Bookstore in Elkridge, MD (Gateway Overlook) anytime between 12-4pm. There is a free gift with every purchase of Get Your JOY In The Morning.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

The Unbroken Chain

Lamentations 5:15
15Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning.

Joy is happiness. But when the joy is gone, it's visible. There was a reason Israel was unhappy. Israel had done the unthinkable in the eyes of God and therefore paid for it with the loss of joy, laughter and happiness, even peace of mind. Israel turned to Egypt and Assyria continually for their protection, for their necessities instead of turning to the Lord. Israel sought after the enemy to sustain them but did not think about the cost they would have to pay. Israel had to be at the mercy of Egypt and Assyria. And eventually, Egypt and Assyria turned on them. The Lord already knew this would happen and that's why He didn't want Israel to seek anyone for their needs outside of Him.  How does this relate to you? Temporary or momentary satisfaction provided by anything else outside of the will of God will crumble sooner or later. The smile becomes a frown. Peace becomes grief and the problems feel like an unbroken chain. Egypt and Assyria said whatever had to be said to gain the trust of Israel so they would be indebted to them. Who has said or promised you whatever needed to gain your trust? What did God tell you in regards to them? Did you even seek God?  When God says don't trust the ways of man but trust His way, there's a reason. When God tells you don't seek alliances with the enemy to obtain anything, He means it. He knows that sooner or later you will have more trouble then you are aware of. He knows the peace He's provided to you will be lost at your own doing. You don't have to lose your joy and peace if you seek God FIRST not last. The unbroken chain of problems and discord doesn't have to be when your obedient to God.

Remember to check out my girl Stubbs of the Leap of Faith Network from 6-9am ET on and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Making a Mark

1Timothy 4:12

The apostle Paul addressed Timothy in a letter as he called him to oversee the church in Ephesus. Timothy was much younger than most but his foundation was strong. He was raised by an awesome mother and grandmother who were strong in their faith. When Paul met Timothy, he took him under his wing as mentor and father figure. Paul's knowledge of Christ was overwhelming like none other as he went from one who persecuted Christ to one who preached Christ. The apostle Paul contributed greatly to the New Testament. So indeed, Timothy was in good hands. But as we know, there are those who doubted Timothy based solely on his age. Paul encouraged Timothy to continue to be an example in every area of his life that his example would win them over. Leadership is not about age, nor is it solely based on title. It's really about being an example. Some of the greatest influencers of the world were young when they started. Let's just start with Jesus. Though Jesus didn't begin his public ministry until he was thirty years old, he was an influencer from birth. He went  from being taught and led by his earthly mother, to being her Savior and our Savior. And he didn't have a title in the eyes of the Pharisees and Saducees other than trouble maker. His title, his authority all came from God the Father. His main purpose is to be an example of light to a dying a world...both then and now. Timothy, though young and given a title, was to simply be an example. Without being an example, his title meant nothing to those who were further along in life. The age and title should not be the dictator of anyone's mark in the world. But let it be of the example they live and who they inspire to do better and be better.

Remember to check out my man V on the Artist to Artist Show on on Mondays! Please note the upcoming Get Your JOY In The Morning book signing event on August 25th at Family Christian Bookstore has been publicly recognized by WUSA Channel 9 News and 97.1 WASH FM as a community event! This is a great opportunity to minister to many through the gift of writing! PRAISE THE LORD!!