“We Must Deny Ourselves Today And Follow Christ”

Matthew 16:24-26

Deny is defined as to refuse to agree or accede to; decline; reject; oppose; revoke; turn down. 

As we follow Jesus, we start to look more and more like Him and as we look more like Him, we look less like the world. To deny yourself means to say “No” to yourself and “Yes” to God. The process of denial is to humbly submit our will to God.” It is to go through life repeating the words that Jesus said the night before He died. When He was praying in the garden, He said to God his Father, “Not my will but yours be done.” Are you willing today to deny yourself and follow Christ? When someone hurts us our natural instinct is to get mad and lash out on them but when you’re walking in discipleship it’s not our will but the Father’s will. So we must humble ourselves and realize that God is calling us to forgive even our enemies. Paul’s instructions to the church in Ephesus. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Jesus taught that to be His disciple, His follower, the spiritual discipline of self-denial is required: Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Denying yourself is an essential part of the Christian life. Jesus called upon those who wish to be His followers to reject the natural human inclination toward selfishness. The Lord Himself exemplified self-denial. Self-denial is the willingness to deny oneself possessions or status, in order to grow in holiness and commitment to God. Denying yourself includes overcoming the persistent fleshly demands of the body, also known as the carnal self or the natural man and bringing them into submission to God’s Word so that you don’t give into sin.

I come by this morning to let you know denying yourself means seeking the good of others before looking out for yourself. Ruth is a perfect example. When Ruth followed Naomi, she practiced self-denial for the benefit of her mother-in-law. Also when Esther put her life at risk to save her people, she demonstrated self-denial. When you are willing to sacrifice your time, energy, rights, position, reputation, privileges, comforts, and even your very life for the sake of Christ, you exemplify what it means to deny yourself. Matthew 10:39 says; “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Perplexed, But Not Driven To Despair”

2 Corinthians 4:6-10

Perplexed is defined as bewildered; puzzled; uncertain; confused; involved. 

Jesus is about to display His glorious power in you. Paul was perplexed at times. He didn’t know what was going on at times. He didn’t understand why certain things were happening to him. There were things in his life that didn’t make sense. Outcomes that shouldn’t have happened. Friends that shouldn’t have betrayed him. Unexpected twists and turns. Paul was being a servant, gathering sticks for a fire and a poisonous viper latched on to him. Ever had that experience? You were just trying to serve and you wind up getting bit. We try to do the right thing and someone gets angry at us. We do all we know to do as parents and a child rebels. We help someone financially and they go around slandering us. We give someone godly counsel then they blame us for the problems their sins have caused. Perplexing. Confusing. Mind-boggling. Head-scratching. God allows us to be perplexed to remind us that we are jars of clay and all our strength comes from Him and Him alone. When life beats us down and we rise up out of the ashes praising God, it displays His incredible power. Others hurt us, yet we find again and again that God is with us. We just keep getting back up again and again. This is because of the power God has put in us. We have the victory! 

I come by this morning to remind someone, when we’re disappointed, betrayed, confused, perplexed, hurt, persecuted, disrespected, abused, it’s then that the life of Jesus shines most brightly through us. All our afflictions are intended to reveal the power and glory of God in our lives. We have the victory!!! Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“We Must Learn To See Ourselves The Way Jesus Sees Us”

Galatians 2:20

See is defined as to perceive with the eyes; look at; examine; identify; recognize; observe; watch; notice.

We all sometime or another have found ourselves basing our self-worth on how others see us and on our accomplishments, feeling shame from our past, defining our value based on our looks, or setting unrealistic standards for ourselves. It doesn’t have to be this way. We have to start seeing ourselves as God sees us. We are strong! We are mighty children of God! We are victorious! We are Kings, Queens, Prince and Princess! We are a Royal Priesthood! We are favored by the Lord! We are smart! We are intelligent! We are Beautiful! We are handsome! We are who God called us to be! And don’t you ever forget. Here are three thoughts that keep you from seeing who God call you to be: (1) If we are living to make sure that others love us, we give people the power to determine our self-worth. Our identity is found in Jesus Christ. (2) Our past history is an all-important determiner of our present behavior; because something once strongly affected our life, it should definitely continue to do so. Any feelings of guilt that come after we’ve confessed our sin are not from God, but may be from ourselves or from the evil one. We still have to live with the consequences of our sin, but God does not punish us for our sin. God disciplines us to get us back on track so we can continue to experience God’s love and plan for our lives. (3) We should be thoroughly competent, adequate, and successful in all possible respects in order to consider ourselves worthwhile. We need to cease trying to live up to these distorted beliefs and learn to line our thinking up with the way God views us. 

I come by this morning to encourage you to start seeing yourself as God sees you and do not believe what no one says about your identity. Align your view of yourself to God view. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Trusting God In Every Circumstance, No Matter What”

1 Corinthians 15:58

No matter what is defined as regardless of; of no importance; nevertheless; anyway; against; although. 

Even though the stresses of daily life can quickly wear on us and make us feel overwhelmed, we’re  not alone in our struggles. Staying in our word and praying can provide the courage and motivation we need to keep going through difficult times. We must trust God in every circumstance, no matter what. When it comes to trusting God, that means believing in His reliability, His Word, His ability, and His strength. The bible says that God cannot lie. That He always keeps His promises. That He loves us and has good in store for us. Trusting in Him means believing what He says about Himself, about the world and about us is true. Trusting God is more than a feeling; it’s a choice to have faith in what He says even when our feelings or circumstances would have us to believe something different. Our feelings and circumstances matter and are very much worth paying attention to. God cares about them both. But those things alone are not reliable enough to base our life on. They can change at any moment, even in an instant. God, on the other hand, does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and therefore is worthy of our trust.

I come by this morning to let you know don’t let your emotions rule your life, bring them to God so He can help you address them. He is not disappointed or frustrated by your struggles, doubts or pain. He cares about you and you can trust Him with those things, no matter what. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Stop Masking The Pain, Let Go And Let God”

Proverbs 16:1-5

Masking is defined as camouflage; disguise; conceal; hide; protect; cover up. 

It’s in our weakness that God’s grace often shines the brightest. Instead of trying to mask your pain, let it make you desperate for the one who knows what it feels like to be pierced, crushed, chastised, and abandoned. Find solidarity with his suffering, and healing in his stripes. Allow yourself to feel your brokenness instead of pretending like it isn’t there. There may be tears, and that’s okay, God keeps track of them Ask God to do what only He can do, and grant you peace. Israel’s false prophets helped the Hebrews numb themselves, and God rebuked them for it. God told the prophet, Jeremiah, that those prophets had “healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.” Instead of exposing the wound, and making it felt, they put a band-aid on what was broken. We all have different ways of masking our pain. It could be excessive alcohol consumption, binging every night on Netflix, pornography, shopping, or eating. The list goes on and on, but quite simply, band-aids are those things which we use to escape our painful reality. They’re the stuff that helps us not to feel. They’re the things that say to us, “Peace, peace!” when deep down we’re a mess.

I come by tonight to let you know it’s time we stop masking our pain and let go and let God. The prophet Isaiah wrote of Jesus, “But he was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed.” Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Walking With Christ When It’s Convenient For You”

Matthew 7:21-27

Convenient is defined as suitable or agreeable to the needs or purpose; well-suited with respect to facility or ease in use; favorable, easy, or comfortable for use.

A lot of people serve God when it is convenient for them. They serve God when they’re in need. Once that need is met they start serving God when it is convenient for them. There are believers in the body of Christ that ignore or simply disregard the consequences of their behavior. There are a large number of believers in the body of Christ that continue to act and behave in a fashion that is not accepted by God. God is pleased to bless His people. As Moses told Israel, “When the Lord your God brings you to the land that he promised to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, he will give you large and beautiful cities that you didn’t build, houses filled with every good thing that you didn’t supply, wells that you didn’t dig, and vineyards and olive groves that you didn’t plant.” Those gifts are many things, but inconvenient is not one of them. This is not a problem, for God is the giver of every good gift, including every convenience. Cars and computers, preshrunk T-shirts and HVAC, debit cards and printed money, pasteurized milk and little bears filled with honey, none of these things are essential to life, yet God has blessed us with them all. They make life easier and more accessible, the very definition of convenience. They save time, energy, or money. They are grace upon grace. Many are professing His name but unwilling to change their ways but expect God to continue to bless them. You have to be ALL in or not at all. In this season it is time out for playing with God, tomorrow is not promised to no one, not even the very second. We must remember what Jesus told us in Mark 4:22 when He said "For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad." Let us also never forget Paul’s warning in Galatians 6:7 when we read "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

I come by this morning to let you know God can not be fooled. You see, men and women look at the exterior things. Men and women look at the outward appearances, but God does things very differently. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." Today I’m telling each of you, God can not be fooled. God will not be fooled by our church attendance. God will not be fooled by our faithful tithing. God will not be fooled! God will not be fooled because God is not looking at the appearances; God is looking in our hearts. What is the motive for your behavior? Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“The Devil Is Coming Against God’s People With A Covert Attack”

1 Corinthians 7:5-7

Covert is defined as concealed or disguised; secret; hidden; camouflaged; underhanded. 

Our spiritual enemy is tough to defeat on our own, so we need to be aware of Satan’s strategies. His main goal is to destroy the Kingdom of God and us as God’s people. The great prophet, Elisha, had spiritual eyesight, so he was able to help the king of Israel avoid any traps that the enemy, the king of Aram, had put. Later, King Aram found that Elisha was the one disrupting all of his plans. He was furious and sent his whole army to capture the prophet. When Elisha’s servant saw the troops of the enemy marching into the people of Israel, he was so afraid. At that time, Elisha said to his servant, “Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them” and prayed for him. When the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and when he looked up to the hillside, he also saw many of God’s mighty armies protecting him and his master from the enemy. Like Elisha, we need to ask God to open our eyes in spirit to perceive the invisible realities; in particular, God’s Mighty Heavenly Angels are authentic. They are fighting for us during this challenging time. The Apostle Paul introduces not only the idea of an invisible world but also the concept of a hidden war. He said, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Do you know which weapon Satan is most afraid of? Is it our position, our power, our possessions? None of these are the answer. Satan is terrified of the name of Jesus Christ because God gave Him the name that is above every name. 

I come by this morning to let you know the victory was already won for us on Calvary by Jesus Christ two thousand years ago. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. God’s promise is absolute. The battle we are in today is not ours but the Lord’s. Remember what God said to the people of Israel through Moses: “The Lord will fight for you, stand firm and be still.”He has given each of us His full authority and power to overcome all the spiritual evil we have encountered in our walk with God. Amen! Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“We Must Strive To Be The Best Version Of Ourselves Through Jesus Christ”

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Version is defined as interpretation; form; portrayal; description; resolution; story.

As children of God, I believe we will do great things if we focus on His plans for us and not simply the things we think will bring us the most happiness and fulfillment in life. In Matthew 6:33 it tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and he’ll provide all those other needs that vie for our attention, in His timing and within His will. It’s a matter of prioritizing the things that matter, the things of God and trusting Him with the rest. We must constantly train our thoughts to consider what God wants for us and how we can glorify Him with our life. And this is where we find real joy, in serving God and serving others. It brings us a deeper, lasting happiness that isn’t dependent on other people or things. We must be the best version of ourselves. Because the truth is, even on our best days, we will fall short. If we want to know the secret to being our best self, it’s this: Lay your self down. Real, lasting happiness doesn’t come from having all our desires met in exactly the way we hope, and according to our best-laid plans. God loves us far too much for that.

I come by this morning to let you know the best version of you is not found in yourself but our desire to be better should come from wanting to reflect the nature of Jesus and draw others to Him. Be bless and I love you!!! JE

“We Find Refuge In You Jesus”

Isaiah 25:1-4

Refuge is defined as shelter or protection from danger, trouble; security; hiding place.

Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Taking refuge is like finding a safe place during a storm or getting comfort in time of trouble. Knowing God as our refuge enables us to trust Him more freely. We need not fear situations or people who threaten our well-being, whether in a physical or spiritual sense. There is no situation we will ever face that is out of God’s control, so the best place to be, always, is right with Him. “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” How can we make God, whom we can’t see our refuge? David is a great example of someone who knew God as his refuge. At different points in his life, David was on the run from people who literally wanted to kill him, but he always found safety in God. “My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” An easy way to make God our refuge is to simply ask Him to be. David said, “Pour out your hearts to him”; that’s what David did all the time. He poured out his heart to God about what was going on in his life and asked God to intervene on his behalf. When we turn to God for help or protection, we begin to know Him as our refuge. In contrast to David’s faith, the leaders of Israel in Isaiah’s day tried to find security in things other than God. In Isaiah 28:15, the Lord rebukes them for making “a lie our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.” God then offers them a true refuge: “See I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. I will make justice the measuring line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place. We may be tempted to look for safety in things other than God, but such things can only provide a false sense of security. God is the only real refuge we’ll ever find.

I come by this morning to encourage you to find refuge in Jesus. He is the truth and the light, the Author and Finisher of all things, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and End and the saver of our faith. Trust Him and run to Him in times of trouble. He is our present help. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Walking Around With A Mask On”

2 Timothy 3:1-6

Mask is defined as a covering for all or part of the face, worn to conceal one's identity; false face; camouflage; cover-up; veil.

God is not fooled by a mask. In 1 Samuel 16:7 it says that people look at the outside but God looks at our heart. Let us make sure that our actions are pleasing and honorable to God. Why do people wear masks? To look like someone or something else. A mask hides what you really look like or who you really are. Do you ever wear a mask? I don’t mean a real mask over your face though. Sometimes people will act a certain way so that people will think that they are better than they really are. They will come to church and say the right things, and sing loud, and act like a follower of Jesus, but it is really just a mask that they are wearing. Jesus was upset at the Pharisees one day because they would dress fancy and act like they loved God but really they were mean and unkind to people. Jesus said in Matthew 23:25-26 that they were like a tomb or a casket that was painted to look really nice, but inside was only a skeleton. He said that they were like a cup that was nice and clean on the outside, but was really dirty on the inside. Do you ever try to make yourself look better than you really are? Do you try to impress people? We all do this at times. But God wants us to be humble. Instead of saying that we love God and other people He wants us to actually love them. We show that we love Him by our actions. By how we live. How do we remove these masks? This is something only God can help us with but it requires the ripping back of layers and much cleaning and exposing of many things we need to come to terms with and this can result in some very painful memories and situations. You must first realize that you are ill, spiritually and emotionally ill and must allow Christ to heal you. 

I come by this evening to let you know it’s time to take off the mask and be authentic with Jesus and yourself. Because you’re not fooling God, He sees and knows all things. Tomorrow is not promise to no one, it’s time you get it right immediately. Repent and ask for forgiveness before it’s too late. Luke 8:17 says, “For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.” Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Don’t Deviate From God’s Word and Purpose For You”

Joshua 1:3-9

Deviate is defined as to turn aside, as from a route, way, course; stray from path; drift; depart.

There are people who profess to being Christians, yet live lives not in keeping with the precepts of the scriptures, compromising their biblical beliefs by living like the world. For them, the things of the world and its sensual allurements take precedence over the word of God. Jesus referred to these people as “those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” These are the ones who, though professing to follow Christ, compromise their faith by craving worldly success and accolades from their fellow man. Jesus chastised such people who rationalized their questionable behavior: “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” The word tells us in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 that, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. When we notice ourselves deviating and stepping into sin, Isaiah 1:16 says, “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes! Cease to do evil.” When we hear the Holy Spirit say, Don’t go any further, we must stop and repent, wash ourselves and make ourselves clean with the word of God and cover ourselves with the blood of Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us back on course, back on the right path that God has planned for us to go and to do what He has called us to do.

I come by this morning to let you know we must deviate from God’s word and purpose. We must be fully obedient to His word. And we must recognize that His word is not to be compromised for any reason or for anyone. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left, remove your foot from evil. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Recognizing the Sanballat Spirit In Your Life”

2 Chronicles 20:15-18

Sanballat is defined as the enemy in secret.

God is doing a great work in us and we must stay in position. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were three enemies of the Jews who made several attempts to stop Nehemiah from rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Sanballat and Tobiah was upset about Nehemiah’s work: “When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites.” They, along with Geshem the Arab, mock Nehemiah, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” When the construction was taking place, their anger grew: “When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews.” Nehemiah, who was also captive in Babylon at the time, began his writings with intercessory prayer for his people, Israel, just as Daniel constantly prayed on their behalf, beseeching God to have mercy on them and return them to their homeland. Nehemiah listed specific dates, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, in order that there might be a written record as to the issuing of the decree to rebuild Jerusalem. Before he asked the king’s permission to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, Nehemiah prayed, and God granted his request. As he was leaving Babylon, he met some Arab men who mocked him for what he was about to do. Nehemiah continued in his quest to rebuild Jerusalem. God provided all the necessary workers, and the building began. However, they were not without enemies, those who desired to stop the rebuilding. But God intervened as He had done with Moses. Nehemiah stands as a testament to faithfulness and perseverance. He lived far away from his home, yet he never gave up hope that someday he would return to it. He spent most of his life in exile in a pagan land, yet he never wavered in his faith and trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He was a prayer warrior, putting everything before the Lord in prayer, interceding on behalf of his people, and he was rewarded for his diligence and perseverance. Nehemiah cared so much for his people that he never gave up the hope of their restoration, not only to their homeland, but to the God that first called their forefather, Abraham.

I come by this afternoon to let you know stay in position and do not come down for no one. Sanballat will constantly come to distract you but by no means you come down. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Lord, We Need Your Help”

Psalms 121:1-8

Help is defined as to give or provide what is necessary to accomplish a task or satisfy a need; contribute strength or means to; render assistance to; cooperate effectively with; aid; assist.

God gives us signs. But they are never enough signs for hard-hearted, unbelieving people. We must trust God in ALL things. He said He would never leave us or forsake us. God does not lie and His word do not go void. Trust Him. Every word He has spoken it will come to past. Some bad yeast. Some Pharisees and Sadducees badgered him again, pressing him to prove himself to them. He told them, “You have a saying that goes, ‘Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky at morning, sailors take warning.’ You find it easy enough to forecast the weather, why can’t you read the signs of the times? An evil and wanton generation is always wanting signs and wonders. The only sign you’ll get is the Jonah sign.” Then he spun around and walked away. On their way to the other side of the lake, the disciples discovered they had forgotten to bring along bread. In the meantime, Jesus said to them, “Keep a sharp eye out for Pharisee-Sadducee yeast.” Thinking he was scolding them for forgetting bread, they discussed in whispers what to do. Jesus knew what they were doing and said, “Why all these worried whispers about forgetting the bread? Baby believers! Haven’t you caught on yet? Don’t you remember the five loaves of bread and the five thousand people, and how many baskets of fragments you picked up? Or the seven loaves that fed four thousand, and how many baskets of leftovers you collected? Haven’t you realized yet that bread isn’t the problem? The problem is yeast, Pharisee-Sadducee yeast.” Then they got it: that he wasn’t concerned about eating, but teaching, the Pharisee-Sadducee kind of teaching. Jesus healed a leper. Then with just a word He healed a Roman soldier’s servant who had some kind of paralyzing disease. Jesus also healed Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever by touching her hand. He cast out demons with His word, calmed the wind and the raging sea, then cast out a whole legion of demons from two men.

Jesus healed another paralyzed man and forgave his sins. Then He healed a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years, and He raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead. Jesus also healed two blind men by touching their eyes. And He cast out a dumb demon, enabling the possessed man to begin speaking. Jesus healed a man who was both blind and mute. Jesus fed 5,000 men plus thousands more women and children with five loaves and two fish.

I come by this morning to remind you, if Jesus did it before He will do it again. Your help is already here. Trust Him!!! Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Call on Jesus, He will help you. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Elevation”

James 4:10

Elevation is defined as advancement; promotion; raise; exaltation; uplift. 

Every promotion comes with pain and pressure. You have to bare in mind that Elijah is the 1st prophet and there is much to do to put on his shoes. Elisha wants to be his successor. He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over. Now when the sons of the prophets who were from Jericho saw him, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they came to meet him, and bowed to the ground before him. Elevation is promotion where the assignment is, to position others for their assignments, promotion is the qualified stage for being positioned in assignment. The promoted one is the one who has managed with humility the season or the stage, platform. Psalms 75:6 says; “No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves.” Joseph was promoted to the next level, a prisoner became the Prime minister in a foreign land, and even his own brethren came to bow before him. Esther was taking to the next level and a slave girl became the queen. No matter your situation, no matter the condition you shall move to the next level. David was the least among his brethren but when the time to move him to the next level came, even though he has been forgotten by his family, the Almighty God makes the least to become the first. When it is time to promote Modecai, the Bible says the king could not sleep, he ordered that the book of remembrance be brought unto him. God will open the book of remembrance concerning you today in the name of Jesus Christ. Even though the enemy has planned the destruction of Modecai, the gallows that Haman made for Modecai, Haman was hanged on it. He who dugs a pit shall fall into it”, every grave the enemy has dug for you and your family this year, the enemy shall fall into it in the name of Jesus.

I come by this evening to let you know moving Mon to the next level requires what the 3 D’s of life namely DESIRE, DETERMINATION and DEDICATION. We shall not be moved by the enemy.   Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Make Every Day Count”

Ephesians 5:15-17

Count is defined as check in order; total; result; sum; outcome; whole.

We must be careful about our time and choices. Be an on purpose person. The only way to get our day started right is to start with God. In Psalms 5:3 David says, “In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will prepare a prayer and a sacrifice for You and watch and wait for You to speak to my heart.” Time stops for no one so please make every day count. Let’s start our day with gratitude for God and others. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for us in Christ Jesus. Acts of kindness make you feel good, not to mention the person for whom you did the act of kindness. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:31: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has.” Laugh a lot. Don’t take life so serious that you forget to live. Laughter is good for the soul. The person who can bring laughter into a room is indeed blessed. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

I come by this morning to let you know if you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. Make every day count because tomorrow is not promised to no one. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“You Are A Masterpiece Don’t Let The Devil Tell You Different”

1 Peter 2:9-10

Masterpiece is defined as a person's greatest piece of work; treasure; prize; gem; model; jewel.

God created each one of us as a unique “masterpiece.” We are made in His image, so how could we be anything but magnificent? God does not take any shortcuts or get lazy in his creation.  We are made with outstanding workmanship!   When you look at yourself in the mirror, who do you see? Or maybe I should ask, what do you see? Do you see yourself as a “masterpiece”? For it is by grace we have been saved, through faith and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. God doesn't make damaged goods or even mediocre products. Whatever God makes is a masterpiece. We are a masterpiece because of what God has done in our life by his grace. We have been newly and wonderfully created through Christ, so that we might live in relationship with God and for His glory. We are a masterpiece, not because of our effort, but because of Your grace. How we thank You for what You have begun to do in us through Christ. May we see ourselves in light of this truth. May we live each day embodying this truth. May we be our masterpiece today, Lord, in all we do, think, say, and feel. Amen!!! 

I come by this morning to let you know God sees us. Living our lives in Jesus’ love and forgiveness makes us worthy. The sinful nature we see does not have the final word. God looks at us and sees none of the mess, only a forgiven child of God. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Lord You Complete Us, Nobody Compares To You”

Colossians 2:10

Complete is defined as lacking nothing; whole; entire; full; total; thorough. 

When we know that we are complete in the Lord, we realize our ability to do great, remarkable things. When we begin to realize the Spirit that is in us, “Greater is He who is in you, then He who is in the world" we will no longer hamper the ability He has given us to do extraordinary things. Remember Samson: God had given him unbelievable, super-human strength to be used against the enemies of God. When we begin to focus on the supernatural Spirit instead of the natural spirit, we will do extraordinary things. We will begin to defeat our enemies; sickness, poverty, fear, doubt, bad relationships, all of which are enemies of God. It’s is impossible for us to handle any problem on our own strength. Give God a try. It is always better to do things God's way instead of trying to figure out our own battle plan. Everything we need is found in Him and Him alone and so is our identity. God is completing us by producing in us more and more love fueled by truths about Him and His world. He is sharpening our minds and hearts around what is good, and that love, built on the iron beams of knowledge and discernment prepares us for Him, for a perfect, holy God. God makes us ready for that day by teaching us more of His truth and making us more loving toward others. God does the work. 

I come by this morning to let you know He who began a good work in you, saving you and beginning to make you more like Jesus, He will complete that work. Don’t lose heart. Don’t give up. Don’t doubt the passion and ability of God to fulfill the plans of God for you. Be bless and I love you!!! JE

“You Thought It Was Going To Break You, But God Sent It To Make You”

Genesis 50:20

Make is defined as to bring into existence by shaping or changing material, combining parts; create; build; compose; form; prepare.

When we put our trust in Jesus, all of Hell takes arms against us intending evil upon our life. And, yet what trumps that fear and evil is knowing that, no matter what comes, God is the Master Weaver. He takes that which was intended for evil and reweaves it for good. When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father. When their message came to him, Joseph wept. His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,”they said. But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

I come by this morning to let you know God has a purpose for everything even the things in our life that seem to take our breath away and break our heart. Our God is a big God. We can’t even begin to understand, but we can understand that even the bad things in our life that man or woman means for evil, God means it for good and He will always reveal it in His time. Have faith in Him, seek Him out and find comfort knowing good will come. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Do You Understand The True Value Of Loyalty?”

Proverbs 3:1-3

Loyalty is defined as faithfulness to commitments or obligations; honesty; support; integrity; trustworthiness. 

Loyalty is not just a word, it’s a lifestyle. People stop being best friends with someone because they have nothing to offer them anymore. People who claimed to be Christian become unbelievers because their circumstances changed. True loyalty never ends. Jesus paid our huge debt in full. He is worthy of all praise. We must trust in Christ alone for salvation. Our love and appreciation for what He has done for us on the cross drives our loyalty to Him. Many people just mouth loyalty, but it’s not a reality in their life. Scripture tells us that even if we are faithless, God remains faithful. Even if a believer fails God will remain loyal. Scripture makes it clear that nothing can snatch our salvation in Christ. The word of God continually says that God will never leave nor forsake us and He will continue to work in us until the end. Many of us only show loyalty when something benefits us, but this should not be. We are not to act like the world. We are to respect others and show the love of Christ. We are not to manipulate others or put others down. We are to put others before ourselves. We are to conform our lives into the image of Christ. God continually tests peoples character, faith, obedience, love, integrity and loyalty. But Peter told Jesus, “Even if everyone else turns against you, I certainly won’t!” Jesus told him, “I tell you with certainty, before a rooster crows this very night, you will deny me three times.” Peter told him, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the disciples said the same thing.

I come by this morning to let you know loyalty is more than words. True loyalty will result in actions. We are to be loyal to Christ no matter the cost. We all want loyal friends. As women and men of God,  we are to be loyal to the people that God has put in our lives. Do you understand the true value of loyalty? I do! Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Even In Our Ugliest Situation God Shows His Goodness”

Romans 8:25-29

Ugliest is defined as very unattractive or unpleasant to look at; disagreeable; plain; evil; messy; shocking; wicked; foul. 

We all experience exhaustion, disappointment in failure, overwhelm in hardship and sickness of a loved one, which make it difficult to see God’s goodness at times. Jacob may have experienced something similar after wrestling all night. When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups,and the flocks and herds and camels as well. He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one group,the group that is left may escape.” That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” The man asked him, “What is your name?” Jacob, he answered. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there.

So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”

I come by this morning to remind you even though the situation maybe at its ugliest, God can show His goodness in it, trust Him. Just as the goodness of God can be seen in Jacob’s difficult circumstance, it can also be seen in ours. Be encouraged and do not rely on your own deceptive tendencies but rather on the almighty God. God’s goodness is present in our most challenging life experiences. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Accept Jesus’ Gift Of Peace”

John 14:27

Peace is defined as a state of mutual harmony between people or groups; calm; serenity; love; unity.

Real peace is not won by avoiding or denying conflict. Conflict may be necessary to achieve peace. That’s why Jesus Christ fought and defeated the enemy of our souls, freeing us to live at peace with God. “For he himself is our peace, who has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” Jesus told His disciples that He gives peace of a different quality than the world gives. The world can achieve a temporary absence of conflict through a change in circumstances. But lasting peace is received as a free gift from the One who defeated death and sin. It is not something we can obtain through our own efforts, nor something that can be taken away by life’s difficulties or conflicts. In Jesus’ words: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Christ’s sacrifice brought us the gift of peace. We can experience peace in the midst of trials. We can replace anxiety with prayer.

Father God help us to accept Your perfect peace and not the temporary, imperfect peace offered by the things of this world. We pray for peace on Earth, but above all that Your will be done. Father God let us find our peace, not in the world, but in the promises and gift of God. And it is so!!! Amen!!! 

I come by this morning to let you know we must let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. Replace anxiety with prayer and thankfulness. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Strife”

Proverbs 6:16-19

Strife is defined as vigorous or bitter conflict, discord; struggle; battle; disagreement; disunity.

The bible warns against strife and reproves those who cause it. Strife is always accompanied by pride and an unteachable spirit. Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. When someone refuses to consider another viewpoint and demands his or her own way, strife results. Someone bent on strife will not allow compromise, negotiation, or humility. Strife alienates friends, divides families, and destroys churches. In 2 Timothy 2:23-25 it’s says, “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.” The herdsmen of Abram and Lot strove with each other. Isaac faced strife from the residents of Gerar over drinking water. Strife among the Israelites led to Korah’s rebellion and to the Israelites’ wish to die in the wilderness. Such strife always leads to trouble and requires the wisdom of godly peacemakers to assuage. God hates strife in His church for several reasons: (1) Strife destroys unity. Unity based on the truth of God is so important to Jesus that, in His longest recorded prayer, He asked the Father that His followers would “be one as you and I are one.” (2) Strife is the opposite of love. (3) Strife confuses the watching world. Jesus instructed His disciples to love each other as He has loved them so that the world will know that they belong to Him. (4) Strife alienates baby Christians. (5) Strife is a sign of worldliness and carnality. “You are still of the flesh,” Paul told one church. “For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?” (6) Strife distracts us from our ultimate purpose of making disciples. Jesus left us with one clear objective, make disciples of every nation.

I come by this morning to let you know we must be about our Father’s business at all times. He is not looking for part time disciples. Do not allow Satan to keep you tangled in your own petty disagreements, disappointments, and disputes so that you limit your impact on the lost world. We must be a light in the darkness of this world. We were created to make a difference and lead souls to Christ. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Our Task Is Never Too Great For Jesus”

Matthew 19:26

Task is defined as duty; work; responsibility; project; assignment; charge; calling. 

We don’t live in a world where some people work and some people don’t, it might seem that way based on how our labor market plays out but in God’s economy, we work because we are created in the image of the one who created work, and even still is working. Work is one of God’s ways of showing us how much He loves us and the world he has made. He uses people to cultivate the earth that brings forth beautiful flowers and trees. He uses people to feed the hungry. This is our task, but it shows the world that He is the provider and sustainer. Trusting God is more than a feeling; it’s a choice to have faith in what He says even when our feelings or circumstances would have us believe something different. Our feelings and circumstances matter and are very much worth paying attention to. God cares about them both. But those things alone are not reliable enough to base our life on. They can change at any moment, even in an instant. God, on the other hand, does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and therefore is worthy of our trust. Trusting God is not about ignoring our feelings or reality. It is not pretending that everything is OK when it isn’t. Trusting God is living a life of belief in and obedience to God even when it’s difficult.

I come by this evening to let you know that ordinary task matters to God because ordinary people matter to God. There is no “ordinary work” that is beneath us, because in Christ every task we undertake is never in vain. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“We Must All Be About Our Father’s Business”

Matthew 6:19-21

Business is defined an occupation, profession, or trade; specialty; assignment; affairs.

We must be obedient to the commands of Christ. We must be about our Father’s business. We are called to know Him and serve Him. Now Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you now know that I must be in my Father's house?" We must know these 3 things when we’re about our Father’s business: (1) Know your identity - be secured in Him. (2) Know your heart- be motivated by Him, not man or woman. (3) Know your Father’s business - be concerned about His works. 

I come by this blessed morning to let you know, Jesus had recognized His unique sonship to God and that His mission will require of Him a devotion to God's purposes so great that it takes precedence over the closest family ties. We must do as Jesus did and follow our calling, even if it brings pain and misunderstanding. We all must be about our Father’s business. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“I’m So Glad Our Freedom Is Not Base On What We Have Done”

2 Corinthians 3:17

Freedom is defined as the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint; independence; flexibility.

If there was a group for “People Pleasers Anonymous,” some of us would undoubtedly be a cardholder. The anxiety begins when we unknowingly go from being free men and women in Christ to enslaved men and women to other people’s expectations and thoughts of us. Our salvation is not based on what we can do, have done, or will do. Our salvation is based on what Christ did on that old rugged cross over 2,000 years ago. Paul explains that our freedom in Christ can, and that’s why he exhorts us to “stand firm” in our faith and not let others place a yoke of slavery or a list of rules or regulations on us as a way for us to earn our salvation. Paul speaks to both the new Christians who came out of pagan religions and the new Jewish Christians who had been taught that salvation was found in keeping the laws. He encourages those who came out of the world to be strong in their freedom found in Christ and not go back to their former sins that enslaved them to guilt and condemnation. To the Jewish Christians, Paul tells them that their works, their moral law keeping, also enslaves them. Circumcision, which Paul talks about, was a symbol of having the right background and doing everything required by religion. Yet we know that no amount of work, discipline, or moral behavior can save us. We are saved by faith in Christ, not by works. Though we are far from perfect, we strive to be filled with love and grace because of the love and grace that Christ extends to us.

I come by this morning to let you know we must learn to embrace the freedom we have in Christ and may it change us from the inside out. I pray that our lives will be characterized by Christ’s love working in us and through us. Amen!!! Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Get Rid Of All Bitterness”

Ephesians 4:26-32

Bitterness is defined as a feeling of pain or distress; hostility; grievousness; hating; anger. 

Bitterness blows out the candle of joy and leaves the soul in darkness. The seed of bitterness is a hurt that is planted in someone. It may be intentional or unintentional. Someone does not mean to hurt you, but you were hurt. Sometimes the hurt is only imagined. No one has hurt you, but somehow you feel that someone has done something wrong to you. The soil of bitterness is a heart that harbors hostility and does not deal with hurt by the grace of God. When someone becomes bitter, the bitterness takes root in the heart and grows deeper. The world is full of people who have not dealt with an old hurt. They look for things to criticize, people to find fault with, and ways to justify the way they feel. The word tells us in Hebrews 12:14-15 to “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” The root of bitterness is underground; it is easy to hide and camouflage. A bitter person is hypersensitive, ungrateful, insincere, holds grudges, and has mood swings. There are 3 steps to get rid of bitterness; (1) Let God reveal it. - A deceitful heart cannot diagnose a deceitful heart. You need to let God the Holy Spirit do radical surgery. (2) Let Grace reveal it. - By the grace of God, bury that hurt in the grave of God's forgetfulness. Justice is God giving us what we deserve, mercy is God not giving us what we deserve, grace is God giving us what we don't deserve. (3) Let Good replace it. - You cannot be holy unless you follow peace with men. It is so worth it when you forgive. But, you say, "Look what they've done! I am not going to let them off the hook." Well, they are not on the hook, you are. When you forgive, you set two people free and one of them is yourself.

I come by this morning to let you know we must let go of the bitterness and allow God to cleanse your heart of hurt, pain and unforgiveness. You’re missing out on so much happiness and peace. I pray God reveal you to you so you can get the opportunity to truly live. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“We Must Resist The Devil And Pray”

1 Peter 5:9

Resist is defined as to withstand, strive against, or oppose; refuse; persevere; refrain.

We must keep the word of God our rule and authority and live in obedience to all it says. It will keep us walking straight and guard us from all manner of temptation. Every lie or deception is designed to make us doubt the truth of the scriptures and put our faith in something, anything but  God. We don’t have to go out swinging to fight the devil. All we have to do is resist his lies and tactics. God has complete authority over Satan. Once we know that, we can learn how to resist the devil with confidence. Jesus Christ is seated in power above everything and everyone in heaven and on earth. There is no one outside His authority. No president, no king, no world ruler, no pastor, and neither you nor I can do anything without answering to Him.  Neither can the devil. Not only is the devil’s power limited, but he’s on borrowed time. We must fight spiritual enemies with spiritual powers. That’s why we need the strength only God can provide. The Bible tells us in James 4:7; “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

I come by this morning to let you know, we can’t afford to let our guard down. Not for one minute. When we have surrendered ourself to Christ, then we can resist the devil and as God promises he will flee from us. Resist! Stop allowing the devil to use you. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Where Is Your Accuser? He Without Sin Cast The First Stone”

John 8:3-11

Accuser is defined as person laying blame; prosecutor; gossiper; troublemaker; snitch. 

It is easy to point out everyone else’s sin and forget that we have our own glaring weaknesses. God’s grace is sufficient for us, no matter what we have done. In the beginning of John 8 we see the character of Christ toward sinners who break the commands of God and the freedom that comes by accepting His Grace. It's important to examine our own motives when we're addressing others. Are we twisting the "law" in an attempt to condemn someone else? Are we pure-hearted in what we're doing? Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone. God promise is that He will reign over evil and end all suffering. Until then, we wait with expectant and repentant hearts. Jesus was teaching in the temple when the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery, and they asked Him if she should be stoned as required by the Law of Moses. However, they cared nothing about this woman; they were using her to trap Jesus. In their minds, if He told them to set the woman free, they could claim He did not hold to the Law of Moses. If He told them to stone her, they could claim He was not the Savior; and, if He said nothing, they could claim He lacked wisdom. Jesus did not answer immediately but stooped and wrote something on the ground, and they kept pressing Him. Finally, the Lord said, in essence, “Go ahead and stone her because that is what the Law requires. But the Law also requires that the first stone be thrown by a person who is sinless in connection with this charge.” There is no doubt that this woman was guilty of a capital offense and that the law required that she be stoned, but the Law also required that the guilty man be stoned as well, that witnesses be produced, and that a witness begin the execution. But the Jewish leaders came with venom against Jesus and were thwarted by their own single-minded hate. They did not produce the guilty man, and they were unwilling or unable to produce the required witnesses. We do not know what Jesus wrote, but, after He wrote a second time, the Jews left one by one, from the oldest to the youngest, without saying another word. Jesus then set the woman free with a warning to her to sin no more.

I come by this evening to let you know no one is without sin and we should all understand the importance of compassion and forgiveness. We must sweep around our own front door before we try and go sweep around someone else. There is only one judge and we’re most definitely not it. Pray for your brother and sister when they fall short and show them grace. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Don’t Allow The Enemy To Vex Your Spirit”

1 Peter 5:6-11

Vex is defined to irritate; annoy; provoke; bother; offend; upset; disturb. 

We must understand how important it is to be able to recognize your enemy. Many of us do not take the enemy seriously because we don’t know enough about him to take him seriously. Satan’s cleverest strategy is to make us believe that he does not exist or that he’s not a real threat. Trust me when I say the devil is real and walk among this earth daily trying to deceive us every chance he gets. The devil is deceiving, murdering, tempting, destroying, lying, accusing, and controlling. God asked Satan from where he had come. The devil answered, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Here are a few people of the bible who spirit we’re vexed by the devil. One is Samson, who was vexed by his lover, Delilah. Delilah was treacherous and allied with Samson’s enemies, the Philistines. The Philistines knew that there was some secret source to Samson’s great strength, and they paid Delilah to find out what it was. Delilah tried several times to elicit the secret from Samson, but he was not forthcoming. Delilah did not give up but kept up the verbal barrage: “She pressed him hard with her words day after day, and urged him, until his soul was vexed to death.” Job was vexed by his well-meaning friends. The Israelites were commanded not to vex (as in harass) the foreigners who lived among them. Fathers are not to vex their children or dishearten them. And God promises to vex the ungodly who oppose the Messiah. 

I come by this morning to let you know we must stand flat footed on the word of the Lord and do not allow the enemy to vex our spirit with their manipulating and controlling spirits. The Lord has given us the power to trample over the enemy in His mighty and powerful name. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Recognizing Unthankfulness”

Matthew 18:32-35

Unthankfulness is defined as ungratefulness; disloyalty; rudeness; inconsiderateness; thoughtlessness. 

An unthankful heart is found in somebody who doesn’t appreciate the things that God has given them. Each one of us have been given more than we’ll ever know, so there are no excuses for God’s children to be unthankful. Unthankfulness is looking at the negative, despite the positive. The symptoms of an unthankful heart; People who are unthankful will naturally have negative personalities, find it easy to complain about little things or easily become moody. Their minds aren’t deeply rooted and grounded in a positive or thankful pattern of thinking, therefore when something comes up that pushes their buttons, they quickly forget about the goodness that God has blessed them with and begin to complain and grumble in their hearts. The Israelites would go about complaining, even after God has delivered them from the hands of their enemies. The Israelites were grumbling over the manna that God was giving them every morning when they woke up, so finally God gave them meat they could handle until it was coming out of their noses and was loathsome unto them. And they still were unthankful. Unthankful people are known to be bitter or unforgiving towards themselves, God or other people. In Matthew 18 the unthankful servant who was forgiven of a great debt, but could not forgive his fellow servant of a much smaller debt. If a person is bitter or hold things against others, then it shows us that they are unthankful for what God has done for them. 

I come by this morning to let you know that God showed you grace so why you have a problem with showing others grace? Unthankful people are never satisfied with what they have been given, but always want more. Be thankful! Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Give Yourself Away, So God Can Use You”

 Matthew 16:24-26

Give yourself away is defined to reveal yourself unintentionally, to expose your true feelings or intentions without meaning to.

You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. God has purchased a people for himself. They are not their own. They belong to God. That is, they exist to glorify and enjoy God forever. Their sins are forgiven. Their guilt is taken away. Their rebellion is overcome. Giving yourself to God means longing for Him to completely possess, rule, satisfy, and use you for His purposes. We give ourselves to our jobs. We give ourselves away in relationships. We will ourselves away to family. We give ourselves away to hobbies. So if we can give ourselves away to all the things why can’t we give ourselves away to God so He can use us. We must make time for God no matter how busy our lives may become. To be used by God is a great, humbling place to be. When we make ourselves available to God, He takes our gifts, talents, dreams and exceeds where our mind could even take us. We give ourselves away when our wants, needs, and desires become secondary to advancing the Kingdom of God. Luke 12:48 says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” God does not ask us to bring in our livestock and burn it on the altar; He asks us to give ourselves, to put ourselves alive on the altar. 

I come by this afternoon to let you know Paul says , to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Our minds must be renewed so that we can test what is the will of God. Give yourself away and allow God to use you. Be bless and I love you!!! JE