“Isolation”

Proverbs 18:1

Isolation is defined as the complete separation from others; confinement; segregation; detachment; exile; withdrawal. 

We don’t have to experience loneliness and isolation any longer because God has already provided a way to fulfill our deepest desires and He does it through relationships, starting with Himself and then with others. Jesus loves us just the way we are and invites us to have a relationship with Him. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus invites us to go through this life with Him. He wants to help us carry our burdens and fulfill the deepest desires in our hearts. To break out of our isolation, we must begin by re-thinking our view of the church and revising our approach to relationships: (1) Realize your need. It’s our pride that keeps us believing that we don’t need other people. (2) Move toward others. It might seem intimidating, but most people are struggling as you are, they don’t have it together. They need you to make the first move. (3) Be vulnerable. I’ve learned that people who act or look like they have it all together really don’t. (4) Change your thinking. Challenge those “old tapes” that play negative thoughts in your head. (5) Take risks. Step out, join a group, and reach out to someone. (6) Be empathetic. Identify with others’ hurts and become other-centered. I have never found a great listener who doesn’t have tons of friends. (7) Pray. Pray, pray, pray. Trust God.

I come by this afternoon to encourage you to move beyond what’s holding you back so that you can grow with Christ and serve Him with an even greater passion. Jesus died on the cross so we would never have to experience the ultimate pain of rejection or isolation. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Spiritual Stability”

Deuteronomy 32:4

Stability is defined as endurance; perseverance; steadfastness; dependability.

We are tossed here and there by the various trials and difficulties in our everyday life. The bible describes spiritual infants and the double-minded as being tossed like the “waves of the sea.” We are spiritually unstable. However, our faith in Christ should enable us to stand firm. Paul encourages the Philippians to “stand firm in the Lord.” Paul said whatever happens, they should stand firm in one spirit. Trials attacking the Philippians could cause them to give up ground to the enemy. They were being persecuted for their faith, people in the church were arguing and complaining and false teachers were attacking the congregation. These difficulties could shake their faith in Christ. Still, Paul encourages them to stand firm. The word stand firm means to persist or preserve. Spiritual stability comes from a continual pursuit of knowing Christ. We must always press to know Christ more, like Paul. Knowing and being like him must be our one thing if we are going to develop spiritual stability in our lives. Otherwise, we will always be tossed to and fro like the waves of the sea, up and down in our spiritual lives.

I come by this afternoon to let you know in order to have spiritual stability we must pursue intimacy with Christ and Christlikeness. The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Jesus Is Our Focal Point”

Acts 3:19-20

Focal point is defined as the central or principal point of focus; center of attention; highlight; source; heart. 

The enemy has caused us to lose our focus on what matters by distracting us. Jesus Christ is the focal point. God is working miracles all the time; but we are too focused on the wrong things to notice it. When we do notice it, we don’t give God all of the glory, honor, and praise. It is not about you; but about the life changing power of Jesus Christ. Peter quickly got the attention off of himself and put it on Jesus. As followers of Christ, we must realize that when great things happen that is God working through us. It isn’t through our power, but Christ’s power. It’s not about what we want or what we think; it’s about Jesus. When we make it about anything or anyone else, we will not be effective.

I come by this afternoon to let you know we need to realize that it is our sins that put Christ on the cross; but through His power we can be made strong. The word “you” applies to each of us. Make Jesus your focal point today. It’s not about us but about Jesus. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Dealing With A Lying Spirit”

Proverbs 12:22

Lying is defined as the telling of lies false statements; untruthfulness; deception; dishonest; backbiting.

Lying is a sin and is displeasing to God. We will never get away with attempting to deceive others as God remembers all things. Lying will always have a negative effect on our lives. The first thing God requires from us when we come to Him is not perfection, it is not purity, it is not goodness, it is not love, and it is none of these things. There is only one thing God requires from us when we come to Him and that is honesty. Paradise is not made for perfect people. It is made for honest people . It is made for people who are willing to speak the truth. The first sin mentioned in the bible is lying. The first sin mentioned in the bible and that is not the sin Eve committed when she ate of the tree that God had forbidden. There is a sin mentioned in Genesis 3 even before that, not committed by man but by Satan. When Satan came to Eve and asked her, 'Has God said, 'You shouldn't eat of any of these trees?' And the woman said, 'Well, God has said, 'If you eat from this tree, which is in the middle of the garden, you will die." The serpent said, “You surely shall not die.' That was a lie. That is the first lie and the first sin mentioned in the scriptures; you shall not die, you can disobey God but you will not be punished for it, you will not go to hell. Sin does not have a punishment. That was the lie with which Satan deceived Eve, and ever since, he has deceived the entire human race for thousands of years, even until today. There are preachers who comfort sinners in their sins. There are preachers who comfort believers in their sin, saying, 'You have accepted the Lord. You will go to heaven, no matter how much you sin.'

I come by this evening to let you know everyone who loves and practices a lie will be outside the kingdom. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth. If you want to be truthful, you have to ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and to mortify this lying habit in all your speech. If we do that, we will find that God gives us discernment on the lies which Satan seeks to deceive us with. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Jesus You Are My Strength”

Psalms 73:25-26

Strength is defined as the quality or state of being strong; courage; power; stability; security; substance. 

When your mind and body are feeling tired and just plain weak just remember Jesus is your strength. There is no other like Him. Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” The joy of the Lord is found on the road to restoration. God convicts us of sin, and often our first reaction is guilt and shame. But those feelings never come from God. Ezra the scribe gathered all the people. He read to them from God’s book and skilled ministers explained the words and their meaning to the people. Nehemiah 8:8 says, “They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.” Once the people understood, really understood, they wept. God's Word was opening their eyes to the way they had failed Him, but Nehemiah was quick to remind them of who the Lord is. They could delight in the joy of the Lord because he is a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate.

I come by this beautiful and blessed morning to remind you, Jesus is our strength and there is no other like Him. We don’t just do things for the Lord, we live our lives in Him, with Him, and by His strength, to honor Him with the submission of our will for His. He is our strength. Be bless and I love you!!! JE

“Stay In Your Lane”

Hebrews 12:1

Lane is defined as any narrow or well-defined passage, track, channel, or course; route; avenue.

There is a specific path; a specific lane on the highway, the highway of life specifically laid out for you. Throughout the bible, we’re told we each have a specific talent, role or path. The Apostle Paul told us in Ephesians 2:10; “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  Solomon told us to let our eyes look straight ahead; fix our gaze directly before us. Give careful thought to the paths for our feet and be steadfast in all our ways. If we don’t keep our focus on our driving we will eventually cause a disaster. The same goes for our focus on Christ. If we take our eyes, or our focus, off  Him and what He has taught us, our lives will suffer the same fate. How can we make progress in our lives, completing whatever work God has created for us, if we lose our focus on Him? We must stay in our lane. We need to remain focused on Jesus, He will provide discernment and guidance, so we do follow God’s directions and continue on to the final destination He has prepared for us.

I come by this evening to let you know in Matthew 7:3 it tells us, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Stay in your own lane, not someone else. We can’t stay in our own lane if we are focused on someone else’s path. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Trust In God, Not In Yourself”

Proverbs 3:5-8

Trust is defined as reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety of a person or thing; confidence; trustworthy; faith; hope; expectation. 

We have to choose to trust in the Lord. He is infinite, all-powerful, all-wise, and all-loving. When we’re faced with problems, situations and circumstances, temptation is to cut out God and trust in our own abilities. God warns against this. Proverbs 28:26 says that “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool.” When we give our lives to Jesus, He not only gives us the gift of eternal life, but makes us “wise, acceptable, and holy.” Anything good and trustworthy about us is not from us. It’s from God. Trusting God protects us, transforms us, and sets us free. God designed us to think for ourselves. That’s one reason the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was present in the garden. God simply did not design us to think by ourselves. It is not irrational for very limited, contingent creatures to depend on the guidance of an omniscient, self-existing Creator to know how to live. It is eminently reasonable for us to trust in Him with all our heart. That’s wisdom; that’s sanity.

I come by this morning to let you know it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man or woman. The bible tells us that God rewards those who trust Him. May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Don’t Become Disgruntled, Let Go And Let God“

Matthew 11:28-30

Disgruntled is defined as displeased; discontented; annoyed; irritated: disappointed; dissatisfied. 

With God’s help, we can learn how to deal with our feelings and walk in His peace. The bible tells us; “When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath last until the sun goes down. Leave no room or foothold for the devil.” Some of us have been upset for so long that we don’t even realize we’re angry anymore. God said there is a way to be angry and sin not, there’s a way to make a decision about what we’re going to do with our anger before it gets out of control. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 it instructs us to take every thought captive into the obedience of Christ before it becomes a stronghold in our mind. In other words, we can choose what we are going to think and dwell on. We can continue to fuel our angry emotions with wrong thoughts or we can take a stand and, with God’s help, refuse to allow the situation to get out of control. So, when we feel ourselves getting upset, the sooner we say “No!” to those thoughts and feelings, the better. Instead of letting the anger control us, we can pray something like this: Father God please help us. We know being upset is not going to get us anywhere. This person hurt our feelings and that was wrong, but we’re not going to act on this. With Your grace and strength, we’re going to control ourself and we’re going to trust You to take care of the situation. In Jesus mighty and powerful name. Amen!!! And it is so!!! 

I come by today to let you know we are more than conquerors and not a devil in hell can change it now or ever. We forgive those who have hurt us. We’re letting go of any angry feelings we’re holding on to and place those situations in Your  hands Father God. We can trust You to be our Vindicator. Father God, You are bigger than our feelings and You have given us self-control so we can walk in peace and experience Your perfect love. Don’t be disgruntled, let go and let God. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“We Shall Inherit The Land”

Leviticus 20:24

Inherit is defined as to take or receive property or the like by virtue of being heir to it; obtain; receive; acquire; be granted. 

We have to purposely learn to dwell where we are. Psalm 37 is full of commands for us that will lead us to godly living on earth while keeping our eyes set on what's coming. Here are the command for how we should live and the promises of what God will do; Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. God sees us waiting. He knows our heart and what we dream of. He feels our pain of missing someone or somewhere. And He will help us through this life until we can join Him in our perfect eternity.

I come by this late evening to let you know we must claim our inheritance now and believe we already have all we need in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus. When God takes a step; we must follow. He pushes, we must go. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Let’s Show Kindness That Makes A Difference”

Ephesians 4:31-32

Kindness is defined as compassion; generosity; favor; gentleness; patience; grace. 

Jesus showed us kindness when we did nothing to deserve it. How many times have we stopped short of giving because it would require something slightly inconvenient to us? Jesus watched at the temple in silence as rich men made donations, some of them quite large into the treasury. But then a poor widow placed two small copper coins in the box, barely a fraction of a penny. That was when Jesus spoke up, saying that this woman had given more than any of the others, even the richest of them, because she had made a true sacrifice. Kindness requires sacrifice. It is uncomfortable. It takes willpower and a spirit of kindness in our hearts to choose kindness. But the more we do it, the easier and more natural it will become. It’s a trait that needs prayer, practice, and repetition to become second nature. God makes it clear: showing kindness is a requirement. It’s important to be kind because it can make a difference in the world. We serve a big God. We have no clue what amazing things God can do with our acts of kindness. It could impact someone in ways we never know. One simple act of kindness could completely change someone’s perspective.  An act of kindness can bring hope to someone who feels hopeless. Our acts of kindness can be a light in a world that is hostile and indifferent.

I come by this morning to let you know kindness never returns to you void. We must build up instead of tearing down. Real impact happens when we give something of ourselves. Real kindness makes a difference. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Set Apart”

Deuteronomy 14:2

Set apart is defined as separate something and keep it for a special purpose; isolate; segregate. 

When it comes to being set apart for God, know that it cannot be done by our own efforts. You must be saved. You must repent of your sins and trust in Christ alone for salvation. God desires perfection. Jesus died on the cross and became that perfection on our behalf. Being set apart from the world doesn’t mean we can’t have fun, but we are not to indulge in the sinful activities of this world. We are not to indulge in things that are contrary to the word of God. We must let our light shine before others. God has chosen you out of the world to show His glory in you. You’re in the world, but don’t be part of the world. Don’t follow the world’s desires and live like unbelievers, but walk like Jesus our Lord and Savior. Our holiness comes from Christ. No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. We are set apart for a mission. Our mission is similar to that of John the Baptist. We, too, are called to prepare the way of the Lord and to be a voice crying in the wilderness. We do not live in God’s kingdom for our own benefit. Nor, do we change simply for the sake of change. Our purpose for responding to God’s love and the arrival of God’s kingdom is so that we may actively participate in accomplishing God’s will, allow people to catch a glimpse of heaven on earth, now.

I come by tonight to let you know, we can’t never influence the world if we’re trying to be like the world. Amen!!! We must have a change of mind about who Jesus is and what was done for us. We are set apart to be the light of the world, to bring people out of the darkness. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Slaying The Giant Of Failure”

2 Corinthians 4:8-10

Failure is defined as lack of success; inadequacy: decline; loss; defeat; deficit.

There is no failure too big for God to forgive. We must learn from our failures and keep moving forward. Even though we fail, that doesn’t mean we’re failures. Accept failure as a fact of life, not a way of life. While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. "You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said. But he denied it. "I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway. When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean." He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don’t know this man you’re talking about. Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept. Peter blew it and He knew it. (He went and spent the rest of his life as hermit, seclusion. Wrong!!! Two months later Peter preached one of the greatest sermons in Christianity and 3,000 people got saved. Don’t ever let someone call you a failure or a loser. You are not your resume. Failure is an event, not a person. It’s something you do, not something you become. Amen!!!

I come by this late evening to encourage someone and to let them know your failures are not your outcome. Pick yourself up and move forward, this is not your end but the beginning of your greatest in Jesus Christ. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Lord We Surrender Our Will To You”

Romans 12:1

Surrender is defined as to yield something to the possession or power of another;submit; to give up or put aside voluntarily. 

Surrendering to God means letting go of our plans, and letting God have His way in every aspect of our lives. Allowing Him to guide our steps and direct our decisions. Surrendering and letting go is never going to be easy, our natural instincts urge us to move on with our plans and our timetable. And sometimes we make a plan assuming that it’s Gods and try to force Him into it. But this isn’t surrender, and can only end in pain, frustration, and heartbreak. Jesus Christ gives us very clear instructions on how to surrender to his loving authority in Matthew 16:24-25; “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” To lead a surrendered life we must do the following things: (1) Be open to surrender. (2) Deny yourself. (3) Take up His cross and (4) Follow him. Our relationship with God might cost us our family, our friends, our job, or, in some extreme cases, our life. Jesus Christ was the perfect model of surrender. Because he loved his Father and us so much, he surrendered his perfect and sinless life to God, making a way for us to enter into fellowship with him.

I come by this afternoon to let you know that while we’re in the waiting stages of surrender, we must focus on the prayer, spending time in the word and keep doing the last thing God told you to do. Lord, we surrender our will to You. We are to submit to the will of God, that which pleases Him, and pursue truth and righteousness above all else. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Warrior For Christ”

2 Timothy 2:4-13

Warrior is defined as a person engaged or experienced in warfare; soldier; fighter; battler.

Our identity as believers should be so evident and strong that it forever brands us warriors for Christ. As followers of Christ, our resemblance to Jesus should be an eternal reminder of who we are as God’s children. We should carry these five traits as a warrior: (1) Understanding our identity - we know who we are as children of God. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:21 that in Christ we have “the righteousness of God.” That means our Heavenly Father sees us as having the same righteousness as Jesus has. (2) Exhibit love - we should be full of God’s compassion and mercy. Remember the story in Luke 9:51-56 where James and John wanted to call down fire from Heaven on those who didn’t respond to Jesus right away? The Lord rebuked them and said, “The Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Jesus was a person of love, and His followers should be as well. (3) Hope Against All Hope - Contrary to any evidence they might see with their natural eyes, warriors are able to maintain their hope in the Lord. Paul describes in Romans 4:18 how faith and hope were a central part of Abraham’s mindset. There was no natural reason Abraham could expect to have a child. But he hoped against hope. Because of his intimate personal relationship with God, he was able to line up his beliefs and actions with what he knew God could do. (4) Be Single-Minded - Remember Caleb? Throughout his life, he was single-minded and full of faith for God’s promises to be fulfilled. He knew that God had promised him an inheritance, and after 40 years of wandering in the desert, he was focused on getting that inheritance. No one could shake his faith. (5) Speak Words of Faith -Jesus asked blind Bartimaeus, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Because faith is always tied to our words, Jesus needed the man to express his need.

I come by this morning to let you know many of God’s children think they’re exempt from hardship; but this is the life of a soldier, a warrior. We must raise up and conquer. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Whatever Is True”

Philippians 4:8

Whatever is defined as no matter what; anything; everything.

There is an important relationship between truth and these qualities: honor, rightness, purity, loveliness, good reputation, excellence, and praiseworthiness. Paul writes to Philippian believers, encouraging them to “stand firm in the Lord” and one important component of standing firm is that we should think on whatever is true. In fact, Paul introduces this concept by saying, “Finally, brethren,” meaning that thinking on whatever is true is set apart as the last critical piece needed for a believer to stand firm in the Lord. Those who focus on truth are immersed in these things: who God is, His ability to provide, and His trustworthiness to carry us through and His peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. When we think on what is true, we will recognize the Lord’s role in our lives, we will be prayerful and thankful, and we will have peace. God’s peace is based on truth, not circumstances. Even in the most difficult of circumstances we can still have God’s peace by following His recipe. In order to stand firm in Him and have His peace, we need to think on whatever is true. In order to do that, we must access the truth He has provided to us. This truth is found in the word of God. If we are allowing His Word to dwell richly in us, to be at home in us then we will experience the kind of peace He intends for us to enjoy.

I come by this evening to let you know we must allow God’s word to dwell richly in us, thinking on whatever is true, being prayerful and thankful in all things at all times. Enjoy His peace even in bad times. Focus on whatever is true. Amen!!! Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

 “Setting Boundaries”

Psalms 16:5-9

Boundaries is defined as barrier; borderline; radius; limits; margin.

We all have problems with setting boundaries. This is the main reason why we experience overwhelming stress and eventually burnout. Jesus had far more stress, far more pressure, and far more responsibility than any of us and yet he remained relaxed, joyful, and generous with people. He models and mediates for us living in God’s rhythms of grace. Jesus set boundaries repeatedly. Jesus had personal needs that he put a priority on, sometimes even over the needs of other people, and he did so without feeling guilty. Primarily his personal soul care had to do with separating himself from people to be alone with God, who he called “Abba.” (Father) Jesus lived in a rhythm of life that not only kept him free from burn out, but far beyond that, it kept him full of God, full of grace and truth, and therefore ready and able to be compassionate and generous in His response to people, their needs, interruptions, and crisis situations. Unlike many other servants of the Lord, Jesus did not live on the defensive, overextending himself and getting more and more tired and then finally taking a break. Instead, Jesus lived on the offensive in dealing with temptation and Satan. He was proactive in that he consistently invested in His intimacy with Abba(The Father) and this gave Him energy and focus. Because He lived this way He was never in danger of burnout. 

I come by this evening to let you know it’s very important to have boundaries. Jesus had them, so it was meant for us to have them as well. The better our boundaries of self-awareness and self-definition are the greater our capacity to offer empathy and love to others. Good boundaries help us to care for others because we have a stable foundation to operate from and are not distracted or depleted by personal insecurities or blind spots. That’s why it’s not “selfish” or unloving to have boundaries and “take care of yourself.” Be bless and I love you!!! JE

“Adoration”

Ephesians 2:8-10

Adoration is defined as the act of paying honor, as to a divine being; worship: intense love; reverence; exaltation; praise; appreciation. 

Adoration differs from praise, although the two are related. Adoration, or worship, should be reserved for God alone. Praise can be a part of adoration, but adoration goes beyond praise. Adoration gets to the heart of who we are. To truly worship God, we must let go of our self-worship. We must be willing to humble ourselves before God, surrender every part of our lives to His control, and adore Him for who He is, not just what He has done. Let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’ That consuming fire strips us of pride and self-consciousness. To truly worship means we lose ourselves in the adoration of another. Our only thought is the majesty and glory of the One we adore. When we adore the Lord, our daily activities become acts of worship. Only when our deepest adoration is reserved for our Savior will all other loves take their proper place. We are able to love our families and friends better when our worshipful adoration belongs only to the Lord. The Lord made us for Himself and desires that all our worshipful adoration be saved for Him alone. Jesus said that the Father is looking for those who will adore Him as we were designed to do. Jesus said that “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

I come by this morning to let you know God is worthy of your adoration. The time for worship is now. The time to adore Jesus is urgent. Will you pour your life out to Him today? I will. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Stop Settling, God Has Made A Way For Us To Prosper”

Jeremiah 29:11

Settling is defined as calm; relieve; quiet; still; come to rest; soothe. 

The main reason we aren’t receiving God’s best is because we are willing to settle for less. Very few are committed to God’s best. We have been influenced more by the world than by God’s Word and “dumbed down” to accept far less than what God has provided. As long as you can live with less than God’s best, you will. Things don’t get better without effort. We have to seek to find, knock to get the door opened, and ask before we receive. We must raise our sights and aim higher. Most people are shooting at nothing and hitting it every time. When the Lord spoke to Jeremiah, Israel was devastated. The city of Jerusalem had been destroyed, and many people had been taken captive to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. Thoughts of peace were probably the last thing on their minds. Jeremiah 29:12-13 says; “Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” We must choose to trust God. We have to seek with ALL our hearts. That’s the missing element. We have to reach a point where we won’t live with anything less than God’s best. Stop settling! God’s promise is for us to prosper and be in good health.

I come by this morning to let you know we will no longer settle. God has given us the power to move forward in His mighty and powerful name. We have to be willing to stand and fight the fight of faith, or we will be overcome by this world. If we don’t stir ourself up, we will settle to the bottom. The world isn’t going to encourage us toward God’s best, and most Christians aren’t either. Don’t settle, get everything God promise you. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“We Must Be Slow To Anger”

James 1:19-20

Slow is defined as moving or proceeding with little or less than usual speed or velocity; unhurried; gradual.

God is slow to anger. When it comes to being provoked, He’s extremely tolerant and puts up with a lot. In 2 Peter 3:9 it says; “The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.” The nation Israel never did stop provoking God. In fact, God counted ten different occasions, from their exodus from Egypt through the period of their encampment at Kadesh-barnea, when they refused to take Him at His Word and do what He told them. It all came to a head when the spies returned from checking out the land and the majority gave a pessimistic report. “Then all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. And all the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, ‘Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness.  And why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder; would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?’ So they said to one another, ‘Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.” God’s patience was just about exhausted. He again expressed His inclination to destroy them and He repeated His offer to make Moses the founder of a new and greater nation. And again Moses prayed, “But now, I pray, let the power of the Lord be great, just as Thou hast declared, ‘The LORD is slow to anger.” Moses appealed to God once more to stay His hand of judgment, and the appeal was made on the basis of God’s own self-revelation of His long-suffering character. Again God answered his prayer. It was another display of Moses’ total unselfishness and of God’s amazing long-suffering.

I come by this evening to let you know we must not allow the enemy and his umps to get us anger. As we grow in the likeness of our long-suffering God, we shall show the world that He is real and so bring glory to Him. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Overwhelming Victory Is Yours Through Christ”

Romans 8:37-39

Overwhelming is defined as overpowering; astounding; amazing; exciting; breathtaking; eye-opening. 

We are conquerers with victory over sin, Satan, over the world, over afflications, persecutions and trials. We are "more" because we can glory in the struggles and persecutions because our faith and joy can increase as a result. By the blood of Jesus Christ we already have the victory, but we experirence even more victory when God uses our hardships to turn it around for His good. We must watch our focus. In Philippians 4:8 it tells us, “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report…think on these things.” Paul wrote this from prison. He was locked up in awful conditions, not sure if he would live or die. Yet he wrote again and again about things like joy, rejoicing, eager expectation, the privilege of walking with Christ, hope, confidence and peace. Near the end of his letter, he shared how this is all possible, by choosing what we focus on. By deciding what we think about. By filling our mind with thoughts that are “true, honest, pure, lovely and good.” Let heaven fill your thoughts. We are not to dwell on the things of this fallen world anymore. We are not to allow our mind to be mired in fear, doubt, frustration, anger, lack, depression, self-pity, anxiety, worry or anything else that does not line up with the truth that Jesus has fully restored us to relationship with our heavenly Father and His Kingdom. 

I come by this evening to let you know that overwhelming victory is yours through Jesus Christ. We must think like a Victor and not a Victim. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Only God Can Manage To Pull The Beauty Out of Something So Ugly”

Deuteronomy 31:8

Ugly is defined as very unattractive or unpleasant to look at; offensive to the sense of beauty; displeasing in appearance.

There are going be moments where life is going be so well and moments where things come crashing down and we don’t know how we’re  going to get through it all. Trust God in these moments, He promised He would never leave or forsake us. A diamond is just a plain ugly rock until it gets cleaned, cut, shaped and sparkles. A pot is just a heap of unattractive clay until the potter spins it and forms it into a beautiful pot. Even then it must go into the furnace before it shines. What I’m trying to say is, our storms in life are what shapes us and makes us stronger and better individuals. The things we go through in life may seem ugly at first but God manage to pull the beauty out of our circumstances a d situations. In Romans 8:28 it tells us, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” The same God that freed the Israelites and split the sea, is the same God within us. The same God that brought the walls of Jericho down is the same God that’s within us. The same God that was with David when he beat Goliath, is the same God within us. My Brothers and Sisters, let us not forget who we are (for we are His workmanship. We will endure and come out of the storm, a ugly place restored to a new level of beauty inside and out.

I come by this blessed morning to let you know we serve a mighty God and there is nothing too ugly for Him. He will pull the beauty out of this. We have an everlasting God that is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Who will always be by our side and love us unconditionally. Amen!!! Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“God, No Matter What We Have To Go Through You Get The Glory From It”

1 Corinthians 10:31-33

Glory is defined as very great praise; abundance; wealth; treasure; honor; dignity; majesty; importance.

God calls us to glorify Him in all we do. We glorify God by our faith. Paul reflects on the fact that Abraham was almost 100 years old, and his wife, Sarah, was barren. Abraham had every earthly reason to think God’s promise outrageous, yet “without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead,” and “he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God.” Instead, Paul explains, he “was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.” To give glory to God is to reckon God to be what He is and to rely upon His power and faithfulness. We glorify God by our worship. It is indeed proper to honor God in all of our endeavors, but worship is a distinct activity in which we set aside other tasks and set our minds and hearts fully on the Lord, in order to receive His Word and to respond back to Him with prayer and song, in private, in families, and especially in corporate worship. We glorify God in all we do. Each of us should use whatever gift we have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he or she should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, he or she should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised,  literally, “glorified” through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

I come by tonight to let you know we should glorify the Lord in ALL things. Make the Lord the priority in your life and watch your life change for the best. All the glory belongs to the Lord. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“God, No One Compare To You, You Complete Me”

Philippians 1:6

Compare is defined as to examine in order to note similarities and differences: Complete is defined as 

lacking nothing; whole; entire; full. 

Our perseverance is really God’s preservation. God is responsible for our “ability” to persevere in the faith. We run, but He empowers. We fight, but He wins the battle. We serve but God provides the results. Whatever God starts in you, He will complete. You will make every effort (perseverance), but God is the One who is the actual reason for success (preservation). We must make every effort to serve God and be faithful realizing that we cannot do it, but God will. We can persevere when we understand that we cannot fail because of God’s preservation. God can NOT be guilty of starting something and not seeing it through to a perfect finish, salvation being the last thing He could leave undone for someone who is truly saved. This is the irrefutable principle that gives the Christian security knowing that any person in whom God has begun the authentic work of salvation in response to the Believer’s obedience and faith in the Good News of Jesus Christ, can be assured beyond doubt that God will finish that work in them.

I come by this late evening to say I thank God for completing us and there is no comparison of what He can do in and through us. In James 1:22 it says; “In But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“God Wants Us To Prosper”

Psalms 1:3

Prosper is defined as to be successful or fortunate; thrive; flourish; succeed; advance; multiply.

The Lord Jesus taught us to invest. Remember the parable of the talents and the property owner’s anger upon return when one of his servants did nothing but bury the money in the ground. “His Lord answered and said unto him, ‘Thou wicked and slothful servant.’” That is, “We should have invested what I gave you and made it grow.” We are a steward of all God gives you. Our responsibility is to grow His investment. Our motive must not be greed or pride, but wise use of what He’s given. And we must get wise counsel. “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” If you lack wisdom, ask God and He will give it to you. Solomon gives us much-needed perspective. Enjoy life, but remember bad days will inevitably come. Sooner or later you’re going to get sick; you’re going to die. Keep that in perspective. Enjoy life. God wants you to enjoy life. If you have good things, enjoy them. Jesus was not a recluse; He was actually accused of being a wine bibber and a glutton. Of course He was not, but his accusers envied how much He enjoyed life! Jesus was a man of joy. There is nothing better for a man that he should eat and drink and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw that it was from the hand of God. If God is showering you with blessing, if He prospers you, if God gives you a home, enjoy it. If you sit down to a Sunday dinner, thank God and enjoy it. If you are surrounded by your wife, your children and your grandchildren, rejoice. If you’ve got brothers and sisters in Christ today, thank God for them. If there’s beautiful music, let it bless your heart. God is good. Don’t forget that.

I come by this evening to let you know Psalms 84:11 tells us; “The Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Our Father wants us to prosper and be in good health. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Transparency”

Proverbs 28:13-20

Transparency is defined as to made visible by light shining through from behind; open; easily seen through; recognized, or detected; clear; honest; sincere.

Sometimes when we’re at a place or a church among a group of people we can feel the most unwelcoming because they lack honesty and transparency. We should be transparent about our struggles. Here are three reasons why; (1) Transparency is attractive to nonbelievers. Admit we’re not perfect and that our need for Jesus doesn’t start and end with choosing to trust Him as Savior. (2) Transparency provides an opportunity to repent. Jesus often described the Pharisees as hypocrites in the Gospels. He said they were “whitewashed tombs” and noted that they had ignored “justice, mercy, and faithfulness.” Christians have been cleansed by Christ’s blood, but we’re still prone to act like Pharisees at times. Instead of acknowledging our struggles, we keep our mouths shut, or worse, we act like we have no struggles and (3) Transparency creates accountability. Encouragement among believers leads to accountability. Honestly, we can’t be held accountable if we don’t discuss why we need accountability. Likewise, we can’t keep others accountable if we don’t know why they need accountability. Paul’s words to the Galatians sum up the issue of transparency perfectly. Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 

I come by this afternoon to let you know we are we nothing. We are only “something” because of Christ. Not because of our righteousness. Not because of our good deeds. Because of His grace. Instead of being self-righteous and trying to hide our sins, I want to encourage you to be transparent about your struggles. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Time-Sensitive”

2 Corinthians 4:18

Time sensitive is defined as to describe a product that has to be delivered by a particular time or information that is only useful for a particular period.

We need to schedule regular, daily, time with God. It is He who equips us to carry out the tasks He has given us. It is He who directs our days. The worst thing we could do is manage our time as if it belongs to us. Time belongs to Him, so ask for His wisdom in how to best use it, then proceed in confidence, sensitive to His course corrections and open to God-ordained interruptions along the way. We need to place our focus on that which is eternal as opposed to the fleeting pleasures of this passing world. We should move forward with diligence and divine purpose as the courses of our lives progress toward God’s ultimate goal. Time spent with God and getting to know Him, through reading His word and prayer, is never wasted. Time spent building up the body of Christ and loving others with God’s love is time well spent. Time invested in sharing the gospel so that others will come to know salvation in Jesus bears eternal fruit. We should live as if each minute counts, because it really does. Time is very sensitive. Take heed and use it wisely.

I come by this morning to let you know we must take life serious and get a relationship with Jesus. Your religion is not going get you to heaven, your one on one relationship with Jesus will. Your time, my time is time-sensitive. We also cannot neglect the refreshment God gives us through times of rest. Rest is not wasted time; it is refreshment that prepares us to make better use of time. It also reminds us that it is ultimately God who is in control and who provides for our every need. As we seek to manage our time well, its wise to schedule regular times of rest. Be bless and I love you!!! JE

“Do Not Allow The Enemy To Gain A Foothold In Your Life”

Ephesians 4:26-27

Foothold is defined as a secure position; foundation; standing; establishment.

Footholds are very dangerous. It allows thieves and other evil people the chance to threaten you, cause you to fret or panic, throw things at you, and give them an opportunity to eventually break in. If you give the enemy control of one little part of your life, he will soon take over the whole thing. You give him a foothold into your life and he turns it into a stronghold. The Apostle Paul says the best way to deal with these negative emotions is immediately. He says, “Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” You must the decision to deal with it right away. To help you deny footholds from the enemy, here are some practical things you can do. 1) Forgive - Unforgiveness and bitterness give the devil footholds big enough to pull his body in. Choose to forgive. Don't hold grudges. Release the offenses made against you. Release it all unto the Lord. 2) Think of what is right -Thinking of things that are sinful and ungodly also give the devil a foothold. The saying "an idle mind is the devil's playground.” Take every thought captive and make it obey Christ. 3) Desire what pleases God - Wrong or ungodly desires don't give the devil a foothold – it gives him control over us! We must keep our desires in check. What we desire always reveals what's in our hearts (see Luke 6:45), and so if we desire what is wrong we've got to deal with our hearts. We must also remember that whatever we desire tempts us. James 1:14 tell us that "each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed." Be careful what you wish for.

I come by tonight to let you know we must recognize and destroy footholds and strongholds that evil spirits may have established in order to influence our thoughts and actions. Do not allow the enemy to gain a foothold in your life. Be bless and I love you!!! JE