Short Thought #14: Under Subjection

When we enter the Kingdom of God our souls are changed; it is placed in the hands of God, it is repented, which means it is turned toward God. Now with that comes some changes involving our conduct. We are to make sure our thoughts, actions and emotions are all in tune with God. We are to keep are conduct in check, behaving as one who has been pulled out of the lost world and into God’s Kingdom. We are to walk as beacons of light for God Almighty, being clean Temples for the Holy Spirit to abide in. But remember the Holy Spirit can’t dwell in an unclean temple. And also, we will be tempted and tested. Therefore we are to constantly keep our mind, emotions and flesh under subjection. Bringing them under authority and to the obedience of Christ. The 3 areas of our soul are the mind, will and emotions and God expects us to subdue them all, that’s our job. God is not about to make you do anything, you make you do what it is that God requires of you. Don’t let your mind, will and emotions get the best of you, you get the best of it. You are in control!

Short Thought #13: We Have a Responsibility

People in the Body of Christ tend to hold no accountability for their actions. When they slip up and make a mistake, some say, “The devil made me do it” or they make an excuse for it saying, “Well I’m only human” or “God knows my heart.” I get so tired of hearing all those lame excuses! First off, you give the devil way too much credit! When you make a mistake and black slide, it was an act of your own will! It started off with a thought, which led to an imagination and that imagination led you to fantasize and that fantasy turned into an action, and the action was a sinful one! The devil didn’t do it, you did! Look in the mirror! You have no one else to point the finger at except yourself! Next the infamous, “Well I’m only human” excuse, while it is true, guess what? SO WAS JESUS! He was an example for us, He was a second Adam. Showing us who we are truly supposed to be as Children of God and He was tempted and tested just like we are everyday. The difference is, He walked in authority and refused to fall into temptation and you have that same authority; given to you from God because of the sacrifice of Jesus (Luke 10:19 "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you."), so you have no excuse. The third excuse, “God knows my heart” again true! Jesus said the heart of man is evil; Mark 7:21"For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts,sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery..."; Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things & beyond cure. Who can understand it?"; Matthew 15:19 "For out of the heart come evil thoughts..."So don’t pretend as though your heart was in the right place and something just happened, when in all reality it is your heart that got you into the trouble your in, in the first place! It’s time for all of us to man/woman up in the Body of Christ and be held accountable for our own actions and stop pointing the finger! We have a responsibility. The grace God has placed us under has called us into a higher standard. Righteousness is what God does, Holiness is what we do. God deals with our character and we deal with our conduct. God gave you all the tools you need to fight and overcome temptation, USE THEM!

Be One in Heart and One in Mind

In the Body of Christ, we should all be on in heart and one in mind. A major reason why we fail at many of the things we try to take on in Christ at times is because we are apart, there is no unity. Alone you are a voice, but together we are a force. Yes, there will be a time where each of us may have to stand alone like John and be one crying in the wilderness but whenever we are able, with those around us, we should come together as one. Together we could do amazing things in God's Kingdom, to further establish it in the Earth! We are much mightier than we think we are! 2 Corinthians 10:4-5"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

It's time as the Children of God, that we suit up, pick up our spiritual weapons and march forward in God 's remnant army, His ecclesia. There so much to be done in God's Kingdom, more than we realize and it's time we come together as one, being on one accord and get some work done; there is plenty to do, Luke 10:2-3 He 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. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves."

Get in agreement with someone around you, as many people as you possibly can, Matthew 18:19-20"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in Heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Together your faith can subdue Kingdoms and bring down spiritual wickedness in high places.

When we come together in the Body of Christ, being one in heart and one in mind, there isn't anything that can stop us; especially since we are going out in the name of Jesus, for the glory of God the Father. It's like the believers when they first came together in the Book of Acts, they were all one accord and as I'm sure you've read, they did some mighty things, Acts 4:32"All believers were one in heart and mind." You think what God did through them could only be done back then, no! It can be done today! If only we would come together and believe in faith, in agreement with one another, being united as one! So get together with some fellow warriors in Christ who are around you and get moving in God's Kingdom!

God Bless!

Short Thought #12: Exchange

When we come to God and yield to Him we exchange what’s in our hand for what is in His hand. Whatever you are trying to hold on to, let go of it! There’s nothing that you have now that is greater than anything that God is going to give you in your future. What God has in His hand for you is far more greater in value. Let go and let God!

Short Thought #11: Praising

It has always greatly baffled me when I see people staring at people who are worshipping at Church. As I worship the Lord at Church, I glance around because it’s a joyous occasion to see fellow brothers and sisters in Christ worshipping but every now and then I will see someone or some people just sitting back staring and watching. I don’t understand it. When it’s time to worship my Father I can’t help but get on my feet and dance, because I think about all He brought me through, who He is to me, all the love I have in my heart for my Abba and all He’s going to do for me. Then I see people just looking and questions begin to pop in my mind; like, Why are they sitting? Do they not love God enough to dance for Him? Are they saved? Do they know the true goodness of Jesus? Do they feel like they don’t have to praise Him? Are they embarrassed to praise Him in front of people? Do they feel as though they have all of God they need? Do they have a real revelation of what praise really is or do they feel like it’s just like any other form of dancing? I know that’s a lot of questions but it is honestly what I contemplate when I see this taking place. All I can say to end this short thought is that I hope that those who don’t praise get a praise in their heart soon! Our Praise is a weapon! If you don’t have a praise then you are lacking a very vital weapon! Get up and get your shout on! Don't let your feelings, situation, surroundings or the opinions of people keep you from praising God! God desires to hear your voice shouting unto Him with the multitude! So go ahead! Worship and praise Him! Don't be afraid!

Don't Give to the Lord What Cost You Nothing

When God smote His Son on the cross, He paid the highest price for you. He Himself purchased salvation for you, a place in Heaven,eternal life with the Father! He didn't send a representative, He came Himself. He gave of Himself in hopes that He would gain you. He left all the riches and glory of Heaven, put on your filthy rags, went to the cross and died for you. His pure and innocent blood was shed for you. God had to turn His back on His one and only Son, so you could be set free. He gave what cost Him the most, so in return you should do the same.

We give to God in more ways than one. Yes, we give Him tithes and offerings, but we give Him our lives as well. In everything you do in life, your actions, what you say, what you give, how you treat others and how you treat yourself, should be a tribute and sacrifice to what the Lord has done for you. Everything you do in life should glorify God, not defy Him! Your life should be given to Him daily, not just on Sunday's. Don't be careless in your giving to God.

Don't offer up to God, a half way praise, an almost shout! That doesn't cost you anything. Be like David! Who worshiped the Lord with all his might, to the point where those around him were ashamed and embarrassed. When you offer up praise and worship to God, go all out! Like there is no one in the room but you and Him. He rejoices over you with singing, Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." So give God as song from the heart! Don't sing unto Him a song that is meaningless to you! Give Him all the glory that He more than rightfully deserves!

When God sets a task before you, don't half way do it. Do it to completion and with the best of your ability.  There is no half stepping in God's Kingdom, He will not accept an almost from you. Almost doesn't count. Jesus didn't half way or almost do anything when He was sent into this earth for you, He did and gave His very best! He gave all of Himself! You give God your best effort in everything He sets before you; leaving no task undone, giving it all you got.

When giving an offering to the Lord, give your very best. Don't give Him anything that cost you nothing at all and expect a return. Your tithes and offering is an expression of your faith. Even if it's $1, it should be a sacrifice. If it doesn't cost you anything, then it doesn't mean anything to God. He showed you by giving you His Son how much you meant to Him and you should always be prepared to do the same.

Give the very best to God in every aspect of your life. He gave you and still does give you His very best, His utmost and you are to do the same. Don't be careless with the things of God. Your sacrifice, whether it be monetary or in some other area of your life, may it be your very best! Don't give to God what cost you nothing at all!

2 Samuel 24:24 "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing."

God Bless!

Short Thought #10: Give

We are to give. Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." And don't be confused. God isn't telling you to give because He needs your money, no! It's His money really to begin with; but it is used as a measure of your faith in Him. When you sacrifice what is sacred to you and give, it shows God that you have faith and trust in Him and that you believe His Word. And actions speak louder than words; John 14:23"If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching." You want God move? Then give! In God’s Kingdom you have to give to get. Think about it. God didn't get you for free; He had to pay the ultimate price for you, His Son. So why on Earth do you think you should get all of God and all that God has for you at no cost at all? So give and have faith! God will make sure you receive a return. His Word is true. And when you receive that return you will be glad that you gave. Believe and trust in Him!

Short Thought #9: You Can't Outthink God

When you begin to try and plan out every detail of your life and outguess God, He laughs! Stop trying to outguess God it will never work, you will fail every time. Just when you begin to think God is doing one thing, He will surprise you with something else completely. God is not one dimensional; there are many facets of Him. He is so deep, He is eternal and He is in control of everything, your life included. God has surprises, miracles and wonders for your life on this path of righteousness; so don’t try and plan everything out, it’s not going to happen the way you think. You serve a big big God and He’s got some things in store for you that you couldn’t even begin to dream up. Trust Him!

Pray For One Another

Sometime things go wrong because we fail to pray and we fail to pray for one another. If only we all really came together in the Body of Christ and recognized that there is great power in prayer. James 5:16 "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."  This is not just a saying, it's God's Word and it is true! Sometimes when you can't physically do anything for someone, the best thing you can do is pray for them. Our prayer is a very vital weapon in the Body of Christ. It's time we begin to use it.

We all too often fail in praying for one another. How many times do you hear people say,"I'll be praying for you." Quite often, right? Yes. But once that is said, the person usually, not all the time, goes off and forgets to pray for that person. That "I'll be praying for you." is one of the biggest lies we tell in the Body of Christ. And though it may not be intentional it still happens. When you say you'll be in prayer for someone, don't forget, make sure you get in touch with God on that persons behave.

Also, when we begin to pray for one another, God begins to move in whatever area of your life you need help in as well. God rewards those who pray and He rewards greatly. I can testify to that and so can many others. Don't just always focus on yourself in prayer (though that is important) but also remember those who God has placed in your life and on your heart. You never know, you may be the only person praying for them. And when you pray for someone, you don't have to tell everyone about it. Sometimes it's just nice to keep that persons name in your prayers without them even ever knowing.

By failing to pray for one another we sin against God. 1 Samuel 12:23"As for me, far be if from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you." It is an obligation that we in the Body of Christ, as God's holy, redeemed children pray for one another. Though God's children are all over the earth, when we begin to pray, it is as if we are altogether on one accord, united as brothers and sisters. Alone we are a voice but together we are a force. So don't just sit on the sidelines by yourself and pray either, join together with a fellow prayer warrior and get into the presence of God. Matthew 18:19-20"Again,I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for,it will be done for you by my Father in Heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

So pray for one another. People need to be prayed for. A lot of attacks from the enemy could be thwarted if we would only pray.2 Chronicles 7:14-15"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place." Pray and see God move. Pray and watch the heavenly angels move. Pray and see your life turn around. Pray and see miracles take place. Pray and be healed, delivered and set free. Pray always and pray for one another, without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

God Bless!

Short Thought #8: God Is Your Protector

God tells the enemy that he can’t get to you without coming through Him first! So stand up and be fearless! Nothing can touch God! So therefore nothing can touch you! God is alive in you and you are alive in Him! God’s got you covered and protected! He’s got your back! Never fear your Father is near!

Short Thought #7: Provision From God

Provision has already been made for you. God made sure to take care of that when He smote His Son on the cross for you. So if you for one second believe that God doesn’t care for you, doesn’t know your needs and won’t provide for you, then you are sadly mistaken and are in dire need of a new and fresh revelation of God in your life. God is your provider and protector. He is responsible for you and He loves you.

Short Thought #6: God Has A Master Plan

God had a master plan from the beginning; from the very foundations of this world. And  just as sure as He had this master plan from the beginning of time, you can be sure that He included you in those plans. You are not an outcast! You are not forgotten by God! God does have a plan for your life. From the least to the greatest among us. Trust Him!

Peace Be With You!

In a world filled with trials, tribulations, catastrophes and atrocities, it can sometimes be quit difficult for us to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Our vision gets clouded, our minds grow weary and our strength diminishes. But it's in these times where we need to hold on to our faith the most. Knowing, trusting and believing that despite the outlook, our Father has us and everything else under control. We need to go our Savior, the risen King, Jesus Christ and yield to Him. There at the feet of Jesus you will find true peace and the answer to all your needs.

"Peace be with you!"~John 20:19

Jesus is Jehovah Shiloh, the Prince of Peace. His Spirit dwells within you, therefore peace is with you, it is forever with you. You don't have feel scared, alone, afraid or abandoned, God is right there with you and He always will be. When that loathsome feeling of emptiness tries to come upon you, get into the presence of your Father and your strength will be renewed. Peace will begin to fill your heart.

We in the Body of Christ need to come to realize how good we have it. We are the Children of a Mighty God, who has not left us broken and confused. So when the tough times get going and you feel as though you aren't going to make it, stand up and be strong and proclaim peace over your life. Get in agreement with those in your household, don't stay and wallow in the depths of despair. Make your earthly temple and your home a pleasing atmosphere for the heavenly angels and the Holy Spirit to abide in. Walk through the rooms of your home speaking peace into the atmosphere. You'll find that the more you magnify God and the more you speak peace into your life, the more relaxed and mellow you will be and you'll ride through the tough times smoothly. Peace be with you, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ always!

God Bless!

Short Thought #5: God's Calling

When God places the calling over your life to preach, it is not anything that you should take lightly. He has placed you in charge of the flock. You are now a father of the faith. You are the ears of the people. How are the people going to hear if they have no ears? Matthew 11:15 "He who has ears, let him hear."With the office comes great responsibility and accountability, it is nothing to play around with. If no one else, you should always have yourself spiritually in check. You should be in tune with God at all times. Following in the footsteps of Christ. No one wants a backslidden, can’t get it right preacher behind the pulpit and now and days there are a ton of them. How are you going to tell someone something about God but you can’t stand before Him and pull it together yourself? When God calls you, get prepared, you have a great standard to live up to and it won’t be easy. But it is rewarding! There is no greater work to do than to do the work of God.