“Many Has Been Called, But Few Has Been Chosen”

Matthew 7:21-23

Called is defined as named; appointed; labeled. 

Chosen is defined as preferred; elect; select; picked. 

The King is giving a wedding feast for his son. The King sends out his servants to call those who are invited to the feast, but they would not come. The King sends out other servants again, to say that dinner is prepared and everything is ready, but they paid no attention, while some went about their business and others treated them shamefully and killed them. The King was angry and sent his troops to destroy the murderers and burn the city. Then he sent his servants to the main roads to find as many as they can and bring them to the feast. Later, when the King came in to look at the guests, he saw a man who was not clothed with the wedding garment. The King asked the man how he got here without a wedding garment, and he was speechless. The man was cast into outer darkness, which is described as a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. And the parable ends with the statement, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” We see two groups of people who were invited. The first guest list was prepared before the wedding ahead of time, and this is a picture of the Israelites. But they refused to come even though they were the ones expecting the Messiah. The King extends the invitation again to the original list, but this time they harm and kill the servants of the King. So, the King decides to invite others. By sending his servants out to the streets and inviting anyone they could find regardless if they were good or bad. In other words, the banquet was extended to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles. So, even though many were “called”, only a few are chosen. Only those who are willing to accept the terms of the King’s invitation were allowed to participate. The man who was cast out into outer darkness was required to have the wedding garment on, but he didn’t. When asked why not, he was speechless.

I come by this morning to let you know to put on Christ and be His true disciple. No one can enter the banquet of God without an invitation from God. This invitation is by the grace of God alone. Along with the invitation, there is a great responsibility—the responsibility of putting on Christ. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“God Can Turn Around The Impossible”

1 Peter 1:6-7

Impossible is defined as not possible; unable to be, exist, happen; unable to be done, performed, effected; unworkable; unless.

God is limitless in power and ability. Things that look impossible to us are nothing before Him. There is no sickness too great and no problem to overwhelming that God cannot overcome. He is the Almighty God and His power is able. God still perform miracles today. David was able to beat the giant and win the battle with God’s help. He knew how to get God involved in the impossible situation. Jairus’ daughter was at the point of death. In fact, she died before Jesus arrived, but He raised her from the dead. Nothing is beyond God’s power. Jairus begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live. At the darkest hour of this man’s life, when he received the news of his only daughter’s death, Jesus encouraged him to believe. Only someone who knows things are not over could encourage like that. Most would simply sympathize with his loss, and try to comfort him, but Jesus knew it was not over. Faith had already been released when the man declared, come and lay your hands on her, that she may be healed and Jesus was already on the task. Because the man believed, He received a miracle.

I come by this morning to let you know whatever challenge you are facing, God is bigger. If you are crying out: God Help, then know that He is your helper. All you have to do is believe that He can perform the impossible and it shall be done. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Distracted”

1 Corinthians 10:13

Distracted is defined as something that takes our attention away from what we’re supposed to be doing; troubled; absent-minded; disturbed; preoccupied. 

Distraction interferes with our concentration and focus. Distractions can be dangerous. We must always be on guard. The devil loves it when we are distracted. It makes his work easier. In 1 Peter 5:8 it says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” We are not all distracted by the same things. Samson was distracted by a relationship with a Philistine woman. Demas was distracted by the culture around him. Martha was distracted by household tasks. Nehemiah addressed and resisted insurmountable distractions while seeking to fulfill the mission and plan of God. Nehemiah, a visionary leader and man of God, left his life of service in Persia to return to his homeland and provide leadership for the rebuilding of a wall around Jerusalem, a wall destroyed more than a century earlier. The wall was almost complete except for the placement of doors within the gates, nearing the finish line, but not quite there. Nehemiah’s enemies sent an invitation, a distraction, to Nehemiah: “Come and let us meet together at the plain of Ono.” The plain of Ono, about 25 miles northwest of Jerusalem, was not a far distance, but far enough from the project for Nehemiah’s enemies to take advantage. Nehemiah said, I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you? 

I come by this evening to let you know distractions will come, but if we are alert to them we can minimize their impact. Father God let our focus be on You and You alone. Convict us of any sin that has taken our eyes from You. Help us to commit our problems, worries, and fears to You that may bask in Your presence without distraction. Amen!!! Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Praise Now, It Could Be Worse”

Psalms 124:1-6

Worse is defined as something less good; bad; poor; imperfect.

Our focus is not on our problems, but on God’s presence. Praise now it could be worse! As Jesus approached the man, he also was aware of what had taken place earlier and recognizes that the man was now whole. He says it outright! Behold, or see thou are made whole. He further says to the man, ‘Sin no more, lest or if you do, something far worse could take place.’ Think about it for a moment. Here was a man who had once been physically incapable of caring for himself for over 38 years. Now, he had regained the physical state that he apparently knew earlier in his life. This man had returned to a normal lifestyle. He had regained his independence and was now able to do whatever it was that he desired. But, here was Jesus on the scene. First he acknowledges to the man that the state that he was in at the moment was much better than earlier. Jesus could see that what the man had desired for quite some time had been actualized. What a blessing!

I come by this afternoon to let you know with everything that we encounter on a daily basis, it could always be worse, but God. Once we recognize that Jesus is capable of making us whole in every aspect of our lives, we must receive our healing but also take responsibility for the wholeness by refusing to sin or persist in unChristlike living. Praise now, it could be worse. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“The Lord Is About To Use Your Enemies To Support And Bless You”

Matthew 11:28-30

Support is defined as to bear or hold up; serve as a foundation for; to sustain or withstand without giving way; serve as a prop for. 

God promises to support and help you through every trial. The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you. The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. In Luke 6:27-28 it says, “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” God has not just instructed us to do nothing; he has asked us to fulfill a difficult task. God can use our enemies to bless us. what you may think is a disappointment, a person that walked away, a friend that betrayed you, a coworker that’s trying to make you look bad, you may not like that, but you couldn’t reach your destiny without them.  it’s all a part of God’s plan to get you to where you’re supposed to be. David would only be known as a shepherd boy if it wasn’t for Goliath. Goliath was strategically placed in David’s path, not to defeat him, but to promote him. without Goliath, David would’ve never taken the throne.  don’t complain about your enemies; it may look like a setback. but really it’s a set up for God to get you to your throne. After all, God could’ve used King Saul to promote David; Saul had the authority. He could’ve moved on Saul’s heart, told him to promote that young man, but God chose to bless David, not through his friends, but through his enemies. That’s why we don’t have to play up to people, try to convince them to like us. God doesn’t have to use our friends or our family, He can use our enemies, our critics, the ones that are trying to push us down;  He can use them to push us up. 

I come by this evening to let you know your enemy should become your footstool and he shall support and bless you. And for every tongue that raise up against you shall be condemned immediately in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus. When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Spiritual Breakthrough”

Hebrews 4:12-13

Spiritual Breakthrough is defined as gaining freedom over a reoccurring evil attack, getting saved, hearing from God or testimonies to a resolved challenge.  

We must learn to forgive ourselves and those who sin against us, because if we don’t it becomes impossible for us to achieve a breakthrough. Paul’s experience on the Damascus Road could be considered a spiritual breakthrough, as he saw for the first time who Jesus really is was. Peter’s experience on the rooftop in Joppa could be considered a spiritual breakthrough, as he learned that the gospel was for all people, Gentiles included. The conversion of Lydia on the outskirts of Philippi could be seen as a spiritual breakthrough, as she was the first person saved on European soil. The idea of a “breakthrough” suggests a preceding struggle that finally peaks and finds resolution. Some believers feel that they need a regular emotional experience during worship or prayer and that, if they don’t feel that emotion, there is something wrong with them or God has walked away for some reason. However, this is wrong thinking. The Bible says that God is always with those who trust in Him, guiding them, that we are never separated from His love and that we can rest contentedly in His promise, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

I come by this morning to let you know God will complete the good work He began in us. We must take the following steps to receive spiritual breakthrough; (1)Call on the name of Jesus, (2)Prayer, (3)Persistent Prayer, (4)Fasting, (5)Faith, (6)Alignment with God’s will, (7)Have patience that God is working while you are waiting, (8)Forgive anyone who has hurt you, (9)Repent of any known sin and (10)Stand still and watch God work. We will not need to fight, stand still and watch God work mightily on our behalf. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“True Healing From Within”

Ezekiel 36:24-28

Healing is defined as growing sound; getting well; mending; restoration; fixing; helping; renovation. 

When our heart is shattered, there is one truth we need to hold on to: God loves us unconditionally. In Luke 4:18-19 it says, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” God says to you, “I will restore you to health and heal your wounds.” Think about it: Jesus dedicated much of his ministry to healing diseased bodies and broken hearts. God heals when you demonstrate faith, even a smidgen the size of a mustard seed. The woman who had the issue of blood for twelve years. As Jesus walked by, she touched the hem of his garment. Jesus turned and said, “Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you.” By faith, she reached out and was healed instantly. God responds to faith. God heals to encourage people to come to Him. David wrote: Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your sins, and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. God not only heals but he can turn even the most horrid experiences in your lives into something good for you as you come to love Him. 

I come by this afternoon to let you know no matter what sins we have committed, no matter how terrible our life may be, God loves us. Our job is to rest in God’s unfailing love and surrender our heart to Him. Jehovah-Rapha, let the healing begin. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“The Children Of God Are Often Underestimated”

1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Underestimated is defined as to estimate to at too low a value, rate, or the like; minimize; miscalculate; depreciate.

God always sees the best in us. We find Gideon going about his business of threshing wheat in a winepress. He is a young man trying to help his family get the grain they need and keep the Midianites from finding it. Gideon and his family are hiding from the Midanites and other groups that want to harm them. Gideon has no confidence in the God of the Israelites. His family has become Baal worshippers. They are running into caves to seek safety. The faith of the Israelites has weakened and so has Gideon’s. Even so, God calls to Gideon at the winepress. He calls Gideon a “mighty warrior.” When God speaks to Gideon, he describes him according to what he would become, not what he was. At that moment, Gideon is aware that he is just a young boy who is just going along with the ways of his family. He doesn’t see that he has anything to offer God, especially not becoming a mighty warrior. God saw the best in Gideon. He looked past his faults and his weaknesses. The same is true for us today. God sees our hearts. He knows who we truly are. God knows that we have weaknesses. God also knows that if we trust in Him, we have everything it takes to do the work He has called us to. 

I come by this afternoon to let you know we are mighty warriors and not to be underestimated by the world. We are an unfinished product. Only with the guidance of God can we grow and strengthen our faith. Let no man be the ruler of our lives. If we have Christ in our lives, then we have all we need. If we let God rule our lives, we can enjoy the spoils of royalty as well because we will be co-heirs with Christ. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Jesus, Don’t Stop The Storm, But Allow Us To Walk Through It”

Isaiah 43:2

Walk through is defined as to guide someone carefully through a process; train; lead; mentor; coach; counsel.

As we walk in faith we will go through some tough times, but remember storms never last forever. In the midst of the storm seek the Lord and run unto Him for shelter. He will protect and help us endure. And when Jesus got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” Don’t think about the bad weather, but instead seek peace through Christ. Meditate on His promises and be strong. The sun doesn’t always have to be out to give the Lord thanks so continue to give Him praise.

I come by this morning to let you know faith does not mean trusting God to stop the storm but trusting Him to strengthen us as we walk through the storm. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“The Weapon Has Formed But It Will Not Prosper”

Isaiah 54:15-17

Prosper is defined as to thrive; flourish; succeed; advance; multiple; progress.

God will protect us from our adversaries both in camps and courts. the prophet Isaiah delivers a message from God about the restoration of Jerusalem after its destruction by the Babylonians. The people would be in chaos and confusion, but the Lord promises a future day when the city will be more glorious than ever. God’s people will return to their land and live there without fear of further devastation. In saying that “no weapon formed against you shall prosper,” God promises the people of Jerusalem that no enemy will be able to produce successful weapons against them. God is in charge. He created the one who creates the weapons, and He will see to it that whatever weapons are wielded by Israel’s enemies would be ineffective against them. This promise will see its ultimate fulfillment in the millennial kingdom of Christ. The promise to Israel is often applied to God’s children today, as we deal with spiritual enemies. No matter what the devil devises to throw at us, in the end it will fail because God is the sovereign ruler of our destiny. He gives us the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 

I come by this morning to let you know God is our salvation. Even when bad things happen to us, when we feel defeated and crushed by our enemies, we can trust and not be afraid. God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and mountains fall into the ocean depths; even if the seas roar and rage, and the hills are shaken by the violence. No weapon formed against us shall prosper not now or ever. Our God is almighty and He is faithful to His word. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Even When We Are Faithless, God Remains Faithful”

2 Timothy 2:13-15

Faithless is defined as not trustworthy; unreliable; disloyal; deceitful; dishonest; unfaithful.

God's grace is still faithful even though we continue to sin. The Apostle Paul reminds us that even “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.”  God is always working in our lives, but if we don’t spend time tuning our hearts to His voice, we will miss when He speaks. Want to grow closer to God? Be consistent. In James 4:8 it says, “Come near to God and He will come near to you." Are we as close to God as we want to be? If not, are we faithful? Are we consistent in our relationship with Him? Consistency is not found in how much of the bible we can read or recite, but in the commitment to spend time in God’s word and in His presence on a regular basis. Paul tells us that the Word of God is never bound, and therefore even when his body lay weak in prison, God can save His people. As he instructs young Timothy to be a good soldier for Christ, to pass the torch of faithful teaching to faithful men who will teach others, and to stay the course like a farmer who knows the reward of patience, he reminds him to look to Jesus as the ultimate motivation and hope. We’re all going to fail. Be reminded that Jesus is the faithful One. His faithfulness remains through our weaknesses. We live because He died. We persevere because He endured the cross. We do our best to live as faith-filled people. We seek to grow in obedience and surrender. But our task is to lean fully on His remaining-faithfulness and allow that to be our greatest strength.

I come by this morning to let you know we must lean completely on our perfect Savior who in every way remains faithful. Jesus keeps us afloat in our midst of mistakes and shortcomings. When we’re unable to hang on it is God who hangs on to us. Amen!!! Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“God Will Show You Favor In Unexpected Places And Situations”

Isaiah 58:11

Unexpected is defined as unforeseen; surprising; sudden; unpredictable; out of the blue. 

God delights in surprising us, in revealing the ways in which he is not like us. Saul never expected Jesus’ appearance to him on the Damascus road. Ananias was surprised by the commission to lay hands on a sightless Saul, welcoming him into the community of believers. The radical change in Saul of Tarsus was certainly unexpected by those who had heard of him or had experienced his tirade against Christians. Our God likes surprises. And, He does the unexpected as well as the expected in our lives. God shows up in unexpected places for:

Abraham in old age, Ballaam in a donkey, Caleb in a winless war, Daniel in a lion’s den, Eve through the pains of childbearing, Felix in truth spoken by a common criminal, Gideon in a wool fleece, Hosea in an unfaithful wife, Isaiah in the death of his King, Jacob in a wrestling match, King David in the death of a child, Lazarus in his own death, Moses in a shrub, Noah in an ark, Onesimus in a letter, Peter on the shore, Queen Esther in a kidnapping, Ruth in a foreign land, Samuel in the middle of the night, Timothy in his youthful years, Uzziah in a disease, Vashti in a demotion, the Widow in two mites, Xerxes in a second marriage, Yoshua in a rag-tag army, Zacchaeus in a tree. God shows up in unexpected situations: When choosing a people he came to the smallest. When choosing a king he came to the youngest. When choosing disciples he came to the least qualified. When choosing a gospel spreader he came to the gospel hater. Israel expected blessing through birth-order, but God chose the second son. They expected God would protect the strong, but His law protected the widows, the fatherless, and the alien. They expected the Messiah would come from the religious elite, but he came from a young woman. They expected the Messiah in Jerusalem, but he was born in Bethlehem. They expected he would come in glory, but he came in infancy.

I come by this morning to remind you God will show you favor in unexpected places and situations. All you have to do is keep the faith and trust Him. I’m a living witness, He will show up and show out and do exceedingly and abundantly above all we could ever ask or think. He’s able!!! Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Making Epic Moves Through The Will Of God”

Isaiah 40:31

Epic is defined as extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope; heroic; glorious; grand; magnificent; royal; splendid.

Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. But 

there’s a problem, we have lost our story because we have forgotten that every story is great as long as we trust the author. The good news is our story can be recovered. The real author of our story can take the mess we’ve created and work it beautifully into the story He’s writing. This is when the epic moves begin through the will of God. The biggest thing is, God knows how the story ends. He even knows the result of every possible decision we could ever make and knows how to write it into the story for the good, if we trust in Him. There are 3 things we must do in order to make epic moves in the will of God; (1) Trust the true author. (2) Realize he’s writing a good story. (3) Accept that you are not the main character, but you are an important character. Jonathan was the son of the first king of Israel and Judah and that was Saul who lost his anointing because of his disobedience. While Saul sat under the pomegranate tree and had tea with 600 men shivering with him, wondering how do they tackle the brutal enemies encamped across them, Jonathan said: “Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison.” Ah, that’s the spirit! Hearts that are right with God does not fear. But even the flutter of leaves would scare the unrighteous and those who live on ‘I can do it’ attitude. Trust comes not by flexing the muscles but by bending the knees to depend on God. 

I come by this morning to let you know when we obey and follow God’s instructions whole-heartedly we can assured to be provided for the task and also guided by Him immaculately. You are the apple of His eye. With God we can accomplish anything and everything. In Philippians 4:13 it says; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Fake”

Isaiah 29:13-16

Fake is defined as false; imitation; counterfeit; fraudulent; imposter; unreal; phony.

For every good product that comes out in the market there are people who make the duplicate. Many of us take home the fake one thinking it is the genuine one. On Hosanna Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. People on either side of the road greeted Him as King. There was joy, celebration, and jubilation. The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it. The fig tree grows big but the branches stay low to the ground. Fig trees are unusual trees in that they can produce as many as three crops in a single year. The first crop is produced on the old wood or trunk. Then the tree produces fruit in the branches. Then when the news leaves come there is the third crop that come along with the leaves. All the three crops produce full harvest. Now to be noted here is the fact that Jesus was hungry, it was not the season for figs, but when Jesus saw a fig tree with leaves but the nature of the fig, he anticipated that there would be fruit. Yet, when He searched the tree, He found it was all leaves and no fruit. This fig tree was deceptive because its leaves promised something the tree could not deliver. The leaves promised fruit, but there was none. There was nothing wrong with the soil. There was nothing wrong with the sap. There was simply no fruit. Jesus went ahead and cursed the tree. The fig tree symbolizes the nation Israel. Israel was just like this fruitless fig tree. They had all the signs of spiritual life, but they had no fruit. They were keeping the law, they were religious in every detail, but they had no spiritual fruit. You see Israel had been given every advantage by God. They had received the personal attention and redemption of Almighty God through Abraham. They had been planted in a good land. They had the word of God, the prophets of God, and the Temple of God. They had everything they needed for a spiritual bumper crop, but they remained fruitless. They did not recognize their Messiah and King Jesus Christ. They were fruitless spiritually and fit for nothing but the fire of judgment.

I come by this morning to warn you be careful when you come upon people who cry out Lord, Lord because they are just like the fig trees, looking productive but bearing no spiritual fruits. Try the spirit by the spirit to know whether it is who it proclaims to be. God has promised again and again in the word that He will cut out every fruitless branch, every fake fruit. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Be Careful, The Enemy Has Disguised Himself As A Friend”

Proverbs 13:20-25

Disguised is defined as to conceal or cover up the truth or actual character; camouflaged; fake; concealed; undercover; masked.

We ware warned against using disguises in our spiritual lives.  Rather, we are called to live sincerely, purely, and transparently before the Lord and the world around us. Jesus warned of wolves in sheep’s clothing and Paul warns us that sometimes false teachers disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Satan is the master of deception, falsehood, pretenses, and manipulation. So it is no difficult thing for him and his followers to assume many disguises. They can easily hide their true nature and pass undetected, leading many astray. The enemy’s tactic of deception. When word came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies that Nehemiah had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it, though up to that time Nehemiah had not set the doors in the gates, Sanballat and Geshem sent him this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were scheming to harm him, so Nehemiah sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” We must discern the lies of the enemy. This is important for believers. 

I come by this morning to let you know we must be able to recognize the tricks of the enemy. Discernment comes from knowing the true word of God. Be careful because the enemy will disguise himself as your friend. The enemy comes only to steal, kill and destroy, but the Lord comes so that we may have life and have it more abundantly. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Jesus Will Fulfill His Promises To You”

2 Peter 3:8-10

Fulfill is defined as to carry out, or bring to realization, as a prophecy or promise; to perform or do, as duty; obey or follow, as commands; bring to completion; accomplish. 

If it were not for Jesus’s  promises, we don’t know how we would have made it through this year. Jesus has been great to His people and there is nothing we will lack ever again if we stay in the will of the Lord. Amen!!! Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Mary didn’t experience that picture perfect setting when she was carrying Jesus. She rode on a donkey to go pay their taxes while she was pregnant with Jesus. When she went into labor, no one would offer her a room until an inn-keeper took pity on her and offered for her to stay in his stable, the filthiest place you could think of to have a baby. Yet Scripture says she found favor with God. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” This gives us so much encouragement because as Christ followers, we are ALL highly favored, and the Lord is with us ALL. It doesn’t matter what our circumstance is, Jesus is with us in it. 

I come by this morning to let you know, Jesus is a Promise Keeper and we have the victory in ALL things. All of us have found favor with God, we don’t need to be afraid despite what our circumstances look like, Jesus will keep and fulfill His promises to us. When we believe Jesus’  promises are true, we can maintain our hope during difficult times. Our faith, our hope will prevail in Jesus mighty and powerful name. Amen!!! Be bless and I love you!!! JE

“God Created Us To Be Unique”

Psalms 139:13-18

Unique is defined as existing as the only one or as the sole example; different; exclusive; individual; one of kind; extraordinary.

God made us special and unique. In Jeremiah 1:5, God says, “Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you.”  God created different kinds of colors, tastes, sounds, foods, scenery, animals, ideas and types of leisures. One area that is especially intriguing, is the variety of people He has created. In fact, everyone is different. There are no two of us alike. We are each special. We are unique. God has made each of us special and unique. He’s created us in amazing ways and made it possible for us to contribute to what He’s doing in this world. Every person who comes to Christ brings something that no one else is able to offer. Rather than making us arrogant, this knowledge should cause us to remain humble as we celebrate our special place and affirm God’s sovereign plan for us. God has every hair on our head numbered. As a God of limitless power, He is intimately aware of each and every attribute of ours. Paul reminds us in First Corinthians, "For you are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which belongs to God."

I come by this morning to let you know everyone of us is unique, a one-of-a-kind, special, limited edition. This uniqueness doesn’t happen by accident. It’s also part of God’s grand design and plan. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Setting Boundaries In Toxic Relationships”

2 Timothy 3:1-5

Toxic is defined as causing unpleasant feelings; harmful or malicious; poisonous; unhealthy; destructive; hurtful. 

It's not a sin to keep ourself safe, it's actually a wise thing. Life is precious, but a lot of our time is spent around negative, toxic people, draining the life right out of us. These people can be co-workers, friends or sadly, even family members. If you're in a toxic relationship, you do not need to "get used to it" or "just get over it." It is ok to distance yourself. In distancing yourself from the toxic relationship, you create space for empathy and forgiveness. When you forgive someone, you are not only offering them the gift of forgiveness, you are setting yourself free from holding onto a grudge. You exchange a heart of bitterness and anger for one focused on God's love. There are many who consider the idea of staying away from certain people as rejecting them. To be honest, it's not. The Lord Jesus Christ commanded all His followers to be wise and that includes dealing with certain people in our lives. Toxic people are the kind who are loaded down with various lusts and issues that they are either not dealing with or are using to in some way manipulate or control their relationship with others. They might appear good, kind, even "angelic," but you'll know by their fruits that they really aren't. Paul warns us about such people. Befriending and spending time with such people becomes dangerous because the word tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:33; “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”

I come by this afternoon to let you know we must pray and give God the opportunity to work. God’s greatest desire is to set us free. And sometimes what propels that change is for some brave soul to be willing to say, “Stop, no more.” One who will choose what is better, and learn to set boundaries that will protect and limit the control of a toxic relationship. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Twisted Sister”

Luke 16:15

Twisted is defined as crooked; perverted; confused; corrupt.

Being bent-over hinders every aspect of our life, from doing our regular chores, to participating in the marketplace, to caring for our children, to conversing with our family and friends. Everything in our life would be affected by our condition. And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day. The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him. Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

I come by this morning to let you know we must learn to be prepared to challenge the status quo when necessary and to speak out on behalf of our sisters. Let us learn to recognize the subtle lies that hold so many people hostage in abusive and twisted relationships. Make your love genuine. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Happiness Is Letting Go Of What You Assume Things Should Be”

John 10:10

Happiness is defined as peace of mind; joy; prosperity; contentment; pleasure; well-being.

Everything doesn't have to be right in our world for us to experience the feeling of being happy. If we keep our eyes on the bigger picture, it's easier to rise above the trials and tribulations of life and still find reasons to be happy. If we keep our focus on God and eternity, it is easier to experience happiness even in challenging times. My dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. Paul says to “throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles us. Every day we have a chance to renew our mind in Christ. This allows Him to take all that hinders us so we can run the race marked for us.These hinders become sin that trips us up and slows us down. Giving it to God may seem scary at first, but our surrender will bring us freedom. We have one life, this one right now, we must live it, own it, and especially don’t let other people’s opinions distract us from our path. No worries! Be happy and allow the Lord to lead you. 

I come by this evening to let you know we are not meant to merely make it through life. We are supposed to live life to the fullest and experience true happiness. Happiness is letting go of what you think your life is suppose to look like and celebrating everything that it is. Starting today we will give up on all those things that no longer serve us and we will embrace change. Ready? Here we go. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Beware Of The Spirits Of Division”

Titus 3:9-11

Division is defined as separation; disconnection; splitting up; estrangement; conflict. 

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. Apostle Paul speaks of the division in the church. He says that they are worldly and unspiritual. In some ways, they were the most ‘spiritual’ of all the churches that Paul wrote to. They did not lack any spiritual gift. However, they were ‘unspiritual’ because of bad attitudes, which led to division. He points out three bad attitudes. These are dangers for all Christians, but particularly for Christian leaders. (1) Jealousy - He writes, ‘For since there is jealousy among you, are you not worldly? It is tempting to compare ourselves with others and, when we hear about some blessing another has received, to start thinking, When is that going to happen to me? We should bless others and not be afraid they will get ahead of us. We must not envy anyone else’s appearance, possessions, education, social standing, marital status, gifts and talents, job, or anything else because that will only hinder our own blessing. (2) Boasting - Paul writes, ‘So then, no more boasting about human leaders. Boasting is the temptation to compare ourselves with others, think we are doing rather well and boast about our ‘success’. We need to see our part in God’s economy in its proper perspective. We are first, mere human beings; second, only servants; third, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything. Therefore, there is no cause for boasting. (3)Quarreling - Paul writes that their quarreling is another reason that he sees them as unspiritual. We must avoid taking sides, where one says, “I follow Paul” and another “I follow Apollos.” 

All of these stem from an inflated view of our own importance. These are ‘unspiritual’ attitudes. These sorts of attitudes are all too common in fallen humanity, infecting the world, and sadly the church too.

I come by this morning to let you know we need to understand that all of us are utterly dependent on God. One plants a seed, the other waters it, but God makes it grow. Planting and watering are important, but they are relatively easy. Only God can do the difficult bit and make plants, people and churches grow. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Magnitude Of Blessings”

Genesis 28:3-4

Magnitude is defined as importance; significance; greatness; degree; consequence.

How much does God want to bless us? There is no limit to what is possible with God. Jesus said He came that we might have life and have it abundantly. Blessings without limits. Jesus came “to destroy the works of the devil.” This means we already have power over every form of spiritual opposition. We can live in total victory. If we ask in faith, anything will be possible for us. If we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to us. He has given us His power and authority. One day a large crowd pressed around Jesus while He preached. The Lord wanted to use Peter’s boat as a floating platform from which to address the multitude, so He asked the future apostle to push the vessel out a little way from shore, not in itself a particularly remarkable request. But Peter’s compliance to His request paved the way for a life-changing blessing. From his example, we also learn how essential it is to obey God in even the smallest matters. The noisy crowd received the first blessing of Peter’s obedience; the people could now clearly hear Jesus’ words. At the conclusion of the lesson, the Lord said to Peter, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch,” a second opportunity to say yes or no. But this time, Peter may have felt tempted to decline. After all, he was a seasoned fisherman. He had worked the entire night for a catch but had returned empty-handed. Now this young teacher, a carpenter, by the way, not a fisherman, was asking him to go fishing again? Peter’s reply demonstrates the beginning of a lifetime of faith in God. He said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.” The soon-to-be disciple chose to obey the Lord and to leave the consequences of his decision to Him. But notice what happened as a result of Peter’s obedience, Jesus demonstrated His power and sovereignty. Peter and his partners may have started the day off thinking their efforts had yielded nothing. But they ended it in complete amazement because they pulled in not one but two overflowing boatloads of fish.

I come by this morning to let you know in our life, we must not place limits on God. Remember Jesus’ words: “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” Believe God’s promises, and expect His overwhelming blessings to flow into your life. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“You Haven’t Yet Arrived ”

Deuteronomy 12:8-9

Arrived is defined as to come to a certain point in the course of travel; reach one's destination; accomplish; flourish; prosper; make good.

Leaving an old life and entering into a new one. In it the nation of Israel learns how to walk well with their holy, delivering, providing God. The Israelites’ haven’t yet arrived in the Promised Land; they haven’t even made it through to the end of the 40 years in the wilderness. Exodus is a story of preparation as God teaches and trains them for the days ahead. That same God is at work in our life today, in our in transitions, in our relationship with Him, as we navigate an incomplete story trusting the One who leads us. Jesus spent 40 days after His resurrection preparing His disciples to spread the Good News. They were eager and excited to begin their mission, yet Jesus told them to wait. They were not to go anywhere until they received the Holy Spirit to go with them. The disciple’s focus was elsewhere; they wanted to know when Jesus would return to establish the Kingdom of God on earth. Jesus told them they shouldn’t worry about that time, but rather, wait for the Holy Spirit, whom they would need as they went forth as witnesses of all they had seen and heard. Jesus knew the disciples would fail in their own strength, and the same holds true for us. God wants us to trust Him and attend to His timing even when we think we’re ready for action.

I come by this afternoon to let you know when we believe our ways and timing are better than God’s, we miss out on the precious gift of full and abundant life lived through the power of the Holy Spirit. Embrace patience and wait on the Lord until He is ready to use you and send you forth. You haven’t arrived yet. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“You Are Stronger Than You Think”

1 John 2:14-17

Stronger is defined as powerful; healthy; determined; firm: capable; vigorous; secure; solid. 

We don’t need to be perfect to repel and defeat any situation or circumstance in the name of the Jesus Christ.  In Philippians 3:5-6 tells us Paul was, “circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. In other words, Paul was more educated and experienced than almost anybody of his day. He was as perfect as a religious man could be, keeping the law to the utmost. Yet he describes all this self-importance as trash, compared to knowing Christ by faith. His personal assets were viewed as liabilities so that he could fully embrace the righteousness of Christ. Lord Jesus, You are our strength and our defense. We humble ourselves before You and we declare in our weakness, You are strong. There is no other like You. Thank You for clothing us in Your power and righteousness. We are enough because of You. Amen!!! 

I come by this evening to let you know that the  more we remain in the word of God, the more prepared we are to face a difficult day, a new battle or a new trial. God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone”

Joshua 1:9

Comfort zone is defined as a place or situation where one feels safe or at ease and without stress;   a situation in which you feel comfortable and you do not have to do anything new or difficult.

This world may pull us in many directions, but God always remains the same. We are who God says we are, not who we doubt we are. We must rise, be string and courageous, go, run the race, and continue. God remains, dwells, sits  as abides over the flood, as King forever. He is unchanging, all knowing, and everywhere all at once. He goes before us, behind us, and remains with us. The One True God was, is, and is to come. “The Lord’s absolute and everlasting rule is committed to his peoples complete salvation and unmixed blessedness. The same God who formed the earth and all life in it breathes life into our daily lives. Jesus was there in the beginning, and remains with us now. God is the God of making big moves. 

I come by today to let you know where we go GOD is with us. We must step out of our comfort zone and declare the works of the Lord. God made us awesome and amazing, meant to bring glory and honor to His name. God promises us complete strength and complete peace. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Smiling On The Outside But Hurting In The Inside”

Psalms 3:3-6

Hurting is defined as to cause bodily injury to; injure; damage; harm; abuse; afflict; trouble. 

In God’s arms of love is the most comforting and safe place to be. A broken heart is the source of emotional sickness. It is the excess baggage we carry around that the eyes of others cannot see. Smiling on the outside, but inside we’re crying. Isaiah 53:5 says; “But 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.” Emotional sickness will keep us in prison and cause us to miss God’s best for us. Put your past on the cross. Satan likes to hold our past over our head and use it as a reminder to keep us in bondage. Jesus paid an ultimate price for us already. It’s time we let go and let God deal with all our situations. 

I come by tonight to let you know we no longer have to allow our past to afflict our present. We need to go before God and stop covering those wounds that need to be healed. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“He Has Risen”

Luke 24:6-7

Risen is defined as restored from death; ascended into glory; get up; increase; grow; develop; advance; progress. 

No matter what we face today, what we’ve been through or what uncertainties tomorrow may hold, Christ is risen and is our Hope. He conquered death, He makes all things new. He breathes new life, so that we can live…free. You can try to bury Power, but it won’t stay there. You can try to bury Truth, but it is not dead. You can try to bury Love, but it cannot be contained. Jesus is not dead. And we’re not alone. Not ever. He lives! Jesus was arrested, tried and found guilty of claiming to be a king. His body was hung on a cross between two thieves. After his death, Jesus’ body was wrapped in linen cloths and placed in a tomb with a large stone rolled across the opening.  On the third day, an early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and another Mary came to the tomb and found it empty. Sitting on the rolled away stone was an angel of the Lord who told them to not be afraid because Jesus had risen. As the women left to tell the disciples, Jesus Christ met them and showed them his nail-pierced hands. 

I come by this evening to let you know,”He Has Risen.” Without the resurrection, the belief in God's saving grace and mercy through Jesus is void. When Jesus rose from the dead, he proved his divinity as the Son of God and his works of atonement, redemption, reconciliation, and salvation. The resurrection was a real, physical raising of Jesus’ body from the dead. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“When God Says, Not This One”

Romans 8:28–31

Not this one is defined as none, nothing; neither one. 

God is for us. Nothing in time or eternity, in heaven or on earth, no force of evil, no demon from hell, absolutely nothing will ever separate us from the Lord and from His love for us. When Satan wants to destroy a saint, he must get permission before he touches him. So he comes to God and says, “Job only worships you because he’s rich. If I take his camels, donkeys, servants, he’ll curse you.” And God gives him permission, but he puts a limit. “Don’t you touch his body.” So he kills them all. Job falls on his face: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away.” Satan has to get permission to go after his body, and he gets it. But God says, “Don’t you kill him.” Jesus says, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat.” Satan came to God in the case of Peter. What that means is he wants to take Peter and, through some kind of fear or sin, squish him through the grate so that Peter comes out here, and faith stays there. Then you have a faithless Peter, with faith sifted out. That’s what was going on that night. Satan wanted to make him really afraid,  take all faith out of his life. That’s what Satan designed to do. Jesus says; “But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” He did not say, “If you turn again, I hope you’ll be a strengthener.” He was sovereign over Satan’s designs right there. “I’m praying for you, Peter. I have interceded with the almighty God, and we have decided: you will deny me three times. You will cry, and when you cry, you will repent. And when you repent, you will become a rock. And on this rock, I will build my church.”

I come by this morning to let you know that God is for us because He has adopted us into His family and has made us joint-heirs with His Son. All we have to do is trust Him and He shall prevail on our behalf. Because the Lord Jesus Christ has died and risen and has been exalted at the right hand of God the Father, there to intercede for us, God has justified us once and for all. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Let God Deal With The People Who Mistreat You"

2 Thessalonians 1:6-9

Deal is defined as to take action with respect to a thing or person; handle; deliver; partake; render; bestow. 

Trust me when I say, no one will escape from the justice of God. God knows all things. Nothing is hidden from Him. God will repay, so leave room for His wrath. You don’t need to take it into your hands when you know it is in His. God will deal with this. You can leave it to Him. It is on this foundation that God says, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” The word tells us in Matthew 5:44; Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  Jesus Christ came into the world because there is a future catastrophe that you need saving from. During his three years of ministry Jesus did so much good, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, proclaiming the greatest teaching that this world has ever heard. He did so much good in three years of ministry. He died as a sacrifice, and in the great love and mercy of God, our sins were laid on Him. Isaiah says, “The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Bearing our sins means that Jesus bore our punishment for sin. This is what was happening at the cross. Isaiah says, “The punishment that brought us peace was on Him. On the cross, Christ was punished for our sins. He was shut out from the presence of God. That’s why He cried out, “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” What Jesus suffered on the cross is able to atone for all our sins forever.

I come by this evening to let you know God has our back and there is nothing or no one we need to fear. He will fight ALL our battles. Christ laid down His life for us and now He lays claim to our life for Him. That means our gifts, talents, time, money, the strength of our body and the affections of our heart. We must repent, believe and follow Christ. He is the answer to all our problems, fears, situations and circumstances. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Don’t Let Fear Stop You From Going Forward”

Job 17:9

Forward is defined as advancing; progressing; moving ahead; onward.

Whether it’s moving on from a past relationship, past disappointments or past sin, remember God has a plan for us. His plan for us is not in the past it’s in the future. If we don’t move forward we will never go on to do great things for the Lord. Don’t let our yesterday use up too much of our today.  We must set aside that extra baggage, it will only slow us down on our walk of faith. In Matthew 6:27 it says; “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” The answer is no. God has great plans for our lives. It’s exciting when He puts dreams and desires in our hearts, but it can also be challenging because fear always comes against us when we try new things. Joshua is a great example of someone who took a step of faith in the face of fear and moved forward. When Moses died, God charged Joshua with the huge task of leading the people of Israel into the Promised Land. Fear must have come against him at every turn. But Joshua pressed past his fears so he could embrace his God-given destiny.

I come by this evening to let you know that sometimes God closes doors because it’s time to move forward. He knows we won’t move unless our circumstances force us to. When God asks you to leave the familiar behind, let His Word encourage you to keep moving forward. Because when you step into what God has for you, His anointing makes the impossible possible. Be bless and I love you!!! JE