“God’s Grace Is Sufficient To Cover Us In Our Weakness”

2 Corinthians 12:9

Sufficient is defined as adequate for the purpose; enough; plentiful.

Grace is the reason God sent Jesus to die for our sins that we might be forgiven. Grace is the reason that God made us. God's forgiveness for sin is available to all who trust in Him through faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.” God's grace is greater than our shortcomings, failures, mistakes,  weakness, sinful desires, feelings of inadequacy and our own self-image. Nothing is required. It's already paid for. God's grace is sufficient for every moment of every day. And we all need it. God could have delivered Paul and said to him, “My power is made perfect in my deliverance.” He could have said, “My mighty deliverance is sufficient for you.” But he didn’t. Instead, he left Paul in his crippled state and said that his grace is sufficient and his power is made perfect in weakness. God wouldn’t let Gideon use 30,000 or 3,000 men. He carved his army down to a measly 300 men, making the odds of victory so unfathomably small that only God could bring deliverance. Goliath was an executioner armed with a colossal sword and spear. David was a shepherd boy attacking with a sling and a few rocks. Only God could snatch victory from the jaws of this defeat.

I come by this morning to let you know God’s power is made perfect in weakness because it shows that God and only God can deliver. We don’t have the power to rescue or deliver or save. But God’s grace is sufficient to do all those things. Be bless and I love you!!! JE

“The Storms Are Inevitable”

Joshua 1:9

Inevitable is defined as unable to be avoided, evaded, or escaped; necessary; unpreventable.

In our walk of faith we will go through some tough times, but remember storms never last forever. In the midst of the storm seek the Lord and run unto Him for shelter. He will protect and help us endure. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Here are some reasons why God allow storms in our lives; (1) Trials helps our perseverance. (2) God is making us more humble. (3) God’s discipline. (4) So we can become more dependent on the Lord. (5) It helps us grow as believers and become more like Christ. We can make it through our most difficult storms. Jesus said in the book of John: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” It does not matter if we are faithful Christian or not, trouble is inevitable. It is not a matter of if, but when. I am convinced that none of us are exempt from the storms of life. Job understood and believed the doctrine of original sin and that our time in this world is in the hands of God. We live in a world that suffers because of sin. However, God is still in charge. 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.

I come by this morning to let you know storms come to make us strong not to destroy us. Jesus is our hope and anchor who will keep us in the midst of storms. He is the one who is able to keep us steadfast and unmovable in spite of the tides of life. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“We Must Be Prepared In Season and Out of Season“

Luke 21:36 

Prepared is defined as properly expectant, organized, or equipped; ready in body or mind; able; willing; available. 

In life, we must be ready at all times. Everybody must be ready for Jesus because He will come like a thief in the night. If everyone knew what time He was coming everybody would accept Him. Stop putting Him off. Stop procrastinating! By failing to prepare, we are preparing to fail. Many of us will hear the words, “depart from me, I never knew you.” Tomorrow is not promised to no one, so get prepared today and make Jesus your Lord and Savior. Walk in His will and watch how your life change for the best. Jesus is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we can ever ask or think according to the power that works in us. We must also prepare ourselves for trials and the temptations from the devil because they will happen. When they do use the word of God and the power of prayer to stand firm. The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to find out if it had any fruit. When He reached it, He found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then He said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And His disciples heard Him say it.

I come by this morning to remind and encourage someone that we can’t follow God only when the timing is right for us. We also can’t rely on our own strength. When doing God’s work, we can never plan well enough or anticipate all the potential kinks; our plans will never be foolproof. We must be prepared in and out of season. Are you prepared? Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Judgmental Spirit”

Matthew 7:1-5

Judgmental is defined as tending to make quick and excessively critical judgments; reckless; thoughtless; immature; untrustworthy.

We judge because of our own selfish interests. For example, we sometimes become critical when comparing ourselves to those around us. We try to find fault in others to prove that we are smarter, better looking, happier or wealthier. We simply want to feel better about ourselves. The Pharisees in all of their haughtiness and criticism of others were not known as the people who could help one out of a spiritual fault. They were unable to help others because were so quick to cast their judgment. We are wrong to minimize our faults and magnify the faults of others, it is a hypocritical position. It does so much damage to the Body of Christ. The beautiful pearls of the kingdom are wasted on someone who only sees the faults and failures of others. The Kingdom of grace calls us to be more like God; forgiving, loving, and caring. We can no longer tolerate the critical negative spirit, we must move on to share the pearls of the kingdom with those who are open and receptive. Jesus illustrated this point so profoundly in the gospel of John when He challenged those who were ready to stone a woman to death who had been caught in the act of adultery. He said to them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.’ And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one. A critical attitude, judgmental spirit can hinder our walk with God and distract us from God's purposes for our life. 

I come by this morning to let you know when we judge, we invite judgment upon ourselves. The bible says in James 2:13 that "judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy.” Only God could satisfy the judgment against us for our sins. Be bless and I love you!!! JE

“Embrace Your True Identity”

Romans 12:3-6

Embrace is defined as to take or clasp in the arms; press to the bosom; hug; cover; take advantage of; accommodate.

A rock-solid understanding of our identity in Christ is essential to living our life in the way He intended. Who Does Jesus Say we are? Jesus has plenty to tell us about our identity.  He wants us to know we can always turn to Him to lean on. We can depend on His exquisite love regardless of what we look like, say or do. Jesus is so completely dependable that there is no situation He can’t walk us through.  He always is available to listen to our thoughts, dreams, needs and struggles.  Jesus wants to give us direction and guidance in all aspects of our life. Jesus deeply roots His Holy Spirit within us; we cannot change it, and He never leaves. Hurricane force trials don’t pull Him out of our lives.  The voices of our world may overwhelm and discourage us. We may retreat from Him.  But our identity in Him remains- and sometimes we just need a reminder.

I come by this evening to let you know we must come out the shadows and embrace our true identity. We are more than enough! Stop allowing the enemy to tell you those lies. God created us for more! And when we believe in Him we get to step into our new identity. Our true identity. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 it says, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” Be bless and I love you!!! JE

“Tribulation”

John 16:33

Tribulation is defined as grievous trouble; severe trial or suffering; pain; unhappiness; adversity; grief.

Often people forget goodness, forget love, forget sacrifice. Usually they want to squeeze you and throw you. The world is so cunning. It wants to use your money, your resources, your energy, your labour and want to prosper. But it doesn’t want you to multiply. As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ’I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. General signs of tribulation(birth pains). Jesus describes them as “birth pains.” When a woman is going to give birth the pain she experiences at first is more general, just more of a discomfort from getting larger, then as the due date approaches, the pains get more frequent and intense, becoming most intense right before she gives birth. The birth pains will be the following: (1) There will be wars and rumors of wars. (2)There will be famines and earthquakes. (3)There will be persecutions and an increase in wickedness. Now, don’t we see many of these things happening now?

I come by this afternoon to let you know thar we must stand  firm in the tribulation for the sake of the Gospel. We will have tribulation on the earth. Be patient in tribulation. It is painful to go through fire, water and storm but God sails with us. God said He knows our pains. Let us rejoice over our sufferings so that we can enjoy the blessings of life. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“It’s Easier To Endure A Season Of Trials If We Know There Is An End In Sight”

Isaiah 41:10

Endure is defined as to hold out against; sustain without impairment or yielding; undergo; withstand; tolerate; go through.

To endure suffering we must remember Jesus. Paul calls for Timothy to remember Jesus in order to help him endure. Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for Him He endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Think of Him who endured such opposition against Himself by sinners, so that we may not grow weary in our souls and give up. We must have a mind fixed on Christ, not our trials or difficulties, it’s essential for endurance. When Peter walked on water, it was when he shifted his focus from Christ to the storm that he began to sink. As long as he focused on his Savior, he was able to walk in faith. We must do the same. The resurrection was the ultimate proof that Christ was not just a good man or a prophet. He was the Son of God. He was the first to ultimately rise from the dead. Lazarus and others were only raised to die again, but Jesus continues to live. If we focus primarily on people, what people say, our trials, or what seems to be a lack of fruit, we’ll get discouraged and give up. Our focus must be on our King; it is this mindset that will enable us to endure.

I come by this morning to remind and encourage you that we can endure all things if we keep our focus on Christ and not on people, their thoughts, their opinions and what their doing. We serve a mighty God and He knows what our end is. He is the Author and Finisher of ALL things. So put ALL your trust in Him and Him alone. Be bless and I love you!!! JE  

“God Grant Us The Empowerment When We Just Want To Give Up”

Isaiah 40:29-31

Empowerment is defined as the giving or delegation of power or authority; authorization; permission; acceptance; agreement.

Sometimes the ground we stand upon is shaken. Sometimes we’re tossed and turned by the world, so much, that we forget who we are and the God we serve. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 it says, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” The power of God is available to us. With God, we have the capacity, ability, endurance and perseverance to be able to really have an effect. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead can live within us. This power that is available to us will come and restore to life our physical bodies.  When this happens everything changes. We are no longer the same. Our lives and the way we live our lives changes. We are no longer running on our own strength. We can switch over to His power in our lives. God’s power makes all the difference. We can only go so far in our own strength. Sooner or later we will need His power. Life can be like quicksand. It can swallow us up and the devil wants this to happen. We can struggle and fight this in our own strength and end up sinking even further. But when His power comes into play we can overcome and come out on top. 

I come by this morning to let you know God is the ultimate source of ALL power. We have no power on our own. We have the empowerment of God. We have been empowered by God through His Holy Spirit to do whatever it is He wants us to do or requires of us. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“God Knows What We Need”

Matthew 6:7-8

Need is defined as a requirement, necessary duty, or obligation; want; commitment; demand; right; wish. 

We all have fears and worries. When things don’t look good, it’s easy to doubt God. Instead of proclaiming His goodness, we start questioning God’s goodness. Instead of proclaming His power, we start professing our weaknesses. But it was in our moment of telling God our worries when God took us to Matthew 6:31-32 which says, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? your heavenly father knows that you need them.” God knows our needs and will meet above our needs. Because God is almighty and above all, he can provide us more than what we need. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. When we pray with thanksgiving  God chases away our worries and fills our hearts and minds with His peace. God’s word reassures us the Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help. God knows every prayer spoken, and He hears the cries of our hearts.

I come by this morning to let you know that God wants to bless you, but you must be in the position for God to bless you. You must be in a position of surrender so God can give you your needs and desires. God cannot bless those who are trying to take things into their own hands. He can only bless those whose arms are stretched out to receive his blessings. So remember, God knows your needs.Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Are You Willing To Tell Your Flesh No, So That You Can Grasp The Fullness Of God?”

Ephesians 3:17-21

Grasp is defined as to seize and hold by or as if by clasping with the fingers or arms; grip; understand;  seize; clinch; take hold of.

God wants to fill us so that we image Him to others. We were fashioned to be godlike. If we grasp the full love of Christ, we won’t grab at other things to fill us. At the core of who we are, we crave the acceptance that comes from being loved. To satisfy this longing we will either be graspers of God’s love or grabbers for people’s love. To be filled with something is to be in its grip: to have that thing become the controlling influence in our actions/behavior. To be filled with the fullness of God means that God is the controlling influence at a given moment governing our feelings, desires, thoughts, hopes, relationships, words, actions and reactions. At any given time, we may be hungry, sad, lonely, righteously indignant, but we are not allowing those emotions to control us. We are continuing to walk in the Spirit. To be filled with the fullness of God is to be conscious of and yielded to God’s presence, strength, care for others, spiritual authority, moral excellence and character (holiness, righteousness, love). 

I come by this morning to let you know we must die to our flesh in order to walk in the fullness of God. Say yes to Your will Lord and yes to Your way. I ask you the question again, “Are you willing to tell your flesh no, so that you can grasp the fullness of God? My answer is Yes!!! We are to be led by the Spirit. And the Spirit guides us into truth by speaking to us the word of Christ. The flesh leads us by carnal and selfish desires. Only Jesus has the words of eternal life. That’s why “it is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“We Must Know Our Value, Never Stay In A Place Where They Don’t See Your Value”

Matthew 6:25-28

Value is defined as relative worth, merit, or importance; advantage; quality; significance; purpose.

We are valuable. When our value does not come from Christ, then we will care far too much about how people see us. We will be afraid to be vulnerable. Our image of ourselves will become clouded. Our value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see our worth. Our value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s thoughts about us, including our own. Until we know our worth we will continue to seek other people’s approval just to feel good about ourselves. We can lose sight of who we are in Christ when we think negative thoughts about ourselves. Remind yourself of what Christ has done for you and who you are in Christ. We are valuable because of who we are. We are made in God’s image, according to His likeness. A long time ago, even before God created us and before He created this universe, we were the focus of His love. “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” We are valuable because of what we cost. As one loved by God, we have also been chosen by God for “adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself.” This adoption came at a high price, the death of His Son. We are valuable because of what we can become. As a person who is loved by God and adopted into His family, we can be sure that God has a plan for our life: In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

I come by this morning to let you know to never  settle. Know your worth. Never stay in a place where they don’t see your value. God made you great and don’t you accept anything less. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“We Can Do Nothing On Our Own”

John 5:30

Nothing is defined as no thing; not anything; emptiness; nonexistence; blank; void. 

Without Christ, we are capable of no Christ-exalting good. Without Jesus we can do nothing. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” Apart from Christ, we do not have the ability to bear fruit; but he has all temporal and spiritual treasures, and can supply everything and anything from his abundant fullness. May God help us to humble ourselves before Him, ask Him for help and see much fruit as we live our lives with Christ and not apart from him. In Philippians 4:13 it says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” All things. Through Christ. In Jesus, everything is possible. Jesus begins to paint a picture to teach us some very important spiritual truths, He states that He is the vine, and that His father is the gardener. The point is quite clear, no branch can be fruitful that is not attached to the vine. “Fruit” here means things that are important and lasting, not natural fruit but spiritual fruit.Jesus is speaking to His disciples and He is showing them and us that we must abide in Him to have life, a life that will matter not just now but in eternity. Jesus describes them as "already clean. meaning that they are “grafted in” already they are participants of Christ's salvation and plan for eternity. Jesus says that they will not be able to bear fruit unless they "REMAIN IN HIM," just like grapes no branch can bear fruit without remaining in the vine. 

I come by this morning to remind you that we must daily humble ourselves before Jesus and acknowledge that apart from Him we can do nothing.. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Let Your Conversation Be Without Covetousness”

Colossians 4:6

Covetousness is defined as eager or excessive desire, especially for wealth or possessions; greed.

We should not wait until we’re desperate and hurting to humble ourselves to God, we must be humble at all time. David came to his senses and sought the Lord again when his family and the families of all his men were taken captive by the Amalekites. David humbled himself before God after suffering pain due to his sinfulness. David asked the Lord if he should pursue the Amalekites and God said yes and that he will be victorious. After seeking God again and obeying the Lord, David’s men honored him again. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up. Within the group of men who honored David were evil men and troublemakers who did not like those who stayed behind and did not fight. Although things were now well in David’s camp, there were evil men who coveted the plunder. But what was David’s reply to these covetous men? Do not covet for just yourself what God gave. Even when all is going well, we must not be surprised of evil and troublemakers showing up in our midst. David brought up God and so must we when troublemakers come. It is nice to bring up God and say, “what would Jesus do.”

I come by this morning to let you know we are to share what God has given us but God also calls us to be good stewards of what we have. God should always be our priority. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Whenever We Are Messed With, God Takes It Personal”

1 Chronicles 16:20-22

Personal is defined as of, relating to, or coming as from a particular person; individual; private; special; exclusive; intimate.

God is 100 percent in control and He can easily protect His children. Whatever happens is allowed by Him. Satan himself can’t lay a finger on God’s children without God’s explicit permission. David is publicly praising God by giving a condensed review of the miraculous history of Israel. He cites some of the miracles God performed to fulfill His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Remember His covenant forever, The word which He commanded, for a thousand generations, The covenant which He made with Abraham, And His oath to Isaac, And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, To Israel for an everlasting covenant, Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan as the allotment of your inheritance. Through these miracles, God created a nation of Abraham’s descendants that would bless the entire world. No one and nothing could prevent God’s promise from being fulfilled, even against all odds. When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings. This passage refers to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. When “they” (the patriarchs) were few in number, they lived as wandering strangers in a strange land. Through all their travels and travails, God protected them, increased their number, and prevented the powerful rulers of the lands where they stayed from harming them.

I come by this morning to let you know there is nothing and no one that can derail God’s will. God had a plan for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and He refused to let the kings of Canaan and Egypt injure them: “For their sake he rebuked kings: ‘Do not touch my anointed ones. This is the same plan God has for us. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“There Is A Cost To Living Like The World”

Matthew 6:19-21

Cost is defined as the price paid to acquire, produce, accomplish, or maintain anything; sacrifice; worth; value.

We must have inner peace to protect us when adverse disasters come, that way is faith in Jesus Christ. It is that very faith that equips us and strengthens us for the tough times. No circumstance on earth, not one thing, can destroy us and separate us from the happiness we have in Jesus Christ. What is our happiness built upon, wealth, independence, Wall Street? Or is it built on Jesus Christ? The parable about the Rich Fool. And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The Rich Fool suffered from a disease that many of us suffer from today. He suffered from "I" trouble.

I come by this morning to let you know we must die to self and allow our life to be lead totally by Christ and not by the world. People who invest their lives in the thrills of this life and being a success of this world. It is sad but we live in a world full of these people and the church has their share of them too. 

Real riches are those laid up in Heaven by those who trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and live their lives for Him. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Your Wilderness Is Not Permanent”

James 1:12-14

Permanent is defined as intended to exist or function for a long, indefinite period without regard to unforeseeable conditions; long-lasting; stable; forever; steadfast; persistent.

As a believer in Christ Jesus the wilderness is not a place we can avoid. And it’s not a place we go to once in our life. The wilderness is a time, season, or place that we go from time to time as long as we are here on earth, but it’s not permanent. It’s a season or time when God takes us through purification, training, preparation, transformation, and inner healing. Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. If you are the Son of God, he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. 

I come by this morning to let someone know, your wilderness is not permanent, for Jesus came that we may have life and life more abundantly. Our wilderness is just a time when God wants to deal with some things in our heart or to prepare us for what lies ahead. It is not there to stay. We all have to go through the wilderness. God is shaping us to be Christ-like. Be bless and I love you!!! JE

“The Lord Determines Our Steps”

Psalms 32:8

Determines is defined as to give direction or tendency to; impel; to settle or decide by an authoritative or conclusive decision.

God is directing our steps so we can fulfill the plan He has for us. As we allow, He will show us the right choices and lead us down the best path. He will show us which step to take to keep us going the right way. Psalms 37: 23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.” God has an order for our steps and He orders them by securing our footing. Sometimes life can feel like we are walking up a mountain of gravel. We take a step, and it seems like we slide back two. Progress is slow, treacherous and exhausting. We are not sure if we will ever reach the top of the mountain. God keeps us from falling by making sure we are standing on solid ground. In Psalms 40:2 the psalmist says, “God has placed his feet on a rock and makes his footsteps firm.” God is doing that same thing for us today. While others are sliding backward, or stumbling, God keeps our steps firm and secure. He plants our feet on the path and shows us where we should step. As we seek to follow Christ today, our steps will be directed and confirmed by God. Amen!!! 

I come by this morning to remind you whatever you’re going through the Lord will determine your steps. All you have to do in the process is trust Him. The bible tells us in Proverbs 3:5-6 that we should, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Opposition On Every Side”

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Opposition is defined as the action of opposing, resisting, or combating; resistance; struggle; conflict; warfare.

When we’re doing God’s work, facing adversity is a given. Overcoming adversity is how we will stand strong. Peter knew what it was like to face opposition, to lash out in anger or draw back in fear, to be restored in love, then to step out boldly with gospel courage. It took him years to learn, but with Jesus beside him and the Spirit within him, he did. Here are a few ways Peter says we can deal with opposition: (1) Don’t be surprised. This isn’t new. It isn’t strange. It’s normal. Paul promises that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2) Calm your outrage. Don’t respond to opposition with that toxic blend of fear and anger. Respond with grace and truth. (3) Repent when needed. Sometimes our opponents see our failures far more clearly than we do. (4) Keep loving each other. If our battle isn’t against flesh and blood, our battle certainly should never be against each other. (5) Love your enemies. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called. (6) Trust God and do good. Trust God and do what’s right. Keep doing kingdom work. Keep serving each person you meet. Keep loving everyone who crosses your path. (7) Share your hope. (8) Be respectful. 

I come by this morning to let you know even though we may be struggling we are still winning. God has promised to be with us regardless of the opposition we may come against. God is our Protector and Provider. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Every Time We Turn Around Blessings Upon Blessings”

Deuteronomy 28:1-6

Blessings is defined as any means of happiness; a gift,benefit or advantage;that which promotes temporal prosperity and welfare, or secures immortal felicity. 

All good things come from God and so when we receive blessings why shouldn’t we thank Him for them? If the Lord shines His face upon us and is gracious to us, that is a blessing.  When Moses caught a glimpse of God the Lord caused Moses’ face to shine from the Shekinah glory of God.  He made Moses’ face shine when “the Lord turned his face toward him and God was certainly gracious to Moses as He still is to His own children today. We are blessed for being persecuted, reviled, and lied about when it is “for Jesus’ sake. The Greek word for blessed is “makarios” which means to be made happy. When Peter and the apostles were beaten for preaching the gospel, did they go and ask the church to pray for them?  Did they ask the Lord to stop their beatings and persecution?  No, “they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41).  These men were reviled, persecuted, and beaten and yet they rejoiced…because they were blessed!  They were very happy about it because they were “considered worthy to suffer shame for [Jesus’] sake.”  Persecution and joy actually go together or at least they should. In James 1:12 it says, “Blessed is the man who preserves under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”  

I come by this morning to let you know God’s greatest desire is that we be blessed and prosper. Jeremiah 17:7-8 says, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Embrace Your Moments, Because Tomorrow Is Now Promised To No One”

Matthew 6:34

Moments is defined as brief time period; instant; importance; significance; advantage; consequence. 

We must all remember how important it is to know who we are because of God. It’s because of Him that we have all of these great things in life, whether that’s financial stability or good health. But at the same time, He is also going to be there for us when things seem to take a turn for the worse. God will never abandon us, even when we’re feeling scared and alone. It’s all part of His plan for us. Everyday will not be perfect but that doesn’t mean it won’t have purpose. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith. Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

I come by this morning to let you know we must not worry about the things that haven’t happened yet. Live in the moment and leave your worries for tomorrow. Jesus knew how to live each day to its fullest. He was able to make every hour count. Even when he spent time resting in God, he was fully present, causing it to refresh him as it was meant to. Let’s follow his guidance. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Jesus Is The Only Lienholder Who Will Give You Time To Get It Right”

Colossians 2:13-14

Lienholder is defined as a person, company, or financial institution that co-buys that property or sells it to you on credit. 

Jesus paid our debt in full. When Paul said, “You were bought with a price,” he meant that believers were purchased and paid for with the sinless, spotless perfection of Jesus Christ’s blood. Jesus Himself said that He came to give His life as a ransom for us. Since we were obtained at such a tremendous expense, we are to use our bodies to honor God with good deeds: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Paul reminded the Corinthians that ownership of their bodies had been transferred to Christ. They no longer had the right or freedom to use their bodies any way they wished. Just as slaves were purchased in the ancient world, we were bought with the price of Christ’s blood on the cross. We now belong to Him. We don’t have the right to rebel against our Master by using our bodies in ways He forbids. Believers are set free from the dominion of sin through the death of Christ. Our spiritual freedom comes at the price of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. Consequently, since we now belong to Christ, we must not let ourselves come under the control of other humans. We are not to let human ideas and worldly systems rule over us. The blood of Christ paid for our liberation, setting us free from sin; but in another inference, His sacrifice changed our ownership, making us slaves to God alone. “You were bought with a price” means God was willing to obtain possession of us on Calvary by paying the ultimate price, the blood of His own Son. 

I come by this morning to let you know Jesus is our Lienholder and He is the Author and Finisher of all things. Don’t you ever forget that He is our all and all. There is nothing too hard for Him. He will never give up on you like people will. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“I Pray That A Breakthrough Will Happen Today”

1 John 5:14-15

Breakthrough is defined as an act or instance of removing or surpassing an obstruction or restriction; advance; progress; increase.

There are times in our lives when all we need is just a breakthrough. Father God in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus I come before You today, September 9, 2021 asking for a breakthrough. Father God I pray for our healing in our bodies, minds and souls. Father God I pray that all our circumstances will change right now. Father God I pray that all our fears will flee in Jesus mighty and powerful name. Father God I pray miracles over our lives right now. Father God I pray breakthrough over this entire nation, entire world in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus. Father God I pray You expose the enemy immediately for every plot, scheme, trick, curse, spell and wrong doing right now and put them all to shame in the public in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus. Father God I pray every strand of COVID-19 is destroyed and sent back to the very pits of hell to die and be no more in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus. Father God we plead the blood of Jesus over every person, every child, every family, every hospital, every school, every home, every job, every land, every nation, every state, every country, the entire world be healed and the enemy be destroyed immediately in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus. Father God for every tongue that has risen up against Your people condemn each and everyone of them right now. Father God I pray You confuse and silence the enemy immediately so that they can not operate in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus. Father God we thank You so much for answering our prayers immediately. Father God no retaliation of the enemy against me, my husband, my son, my family, GO Ministry, my friends and everyone who is connected to me in the name of Jesus. Father God we thank You because we know that it is already done and we have the victory in Your Son Jesus mighty and powerful name. And it is so!!! Amen!!! Amen!!!. 

I come by this morning asking that each of you join me in prayer thanking God for immediately giving us a breakthrough today, September 09, 2021. The devil has no power and he has been defeated immediately. We are walking in victory. No more chains and no more bondage, we are free. We have been healed, delivered and sanctified in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus. Our miracle is here. Thank You Jesus!!! Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“It’s Time For Healing”

3 John 1:2-4

Healing is defined as the act or process of regaining health; growing sound; getting well; mending; restorative.

Times of healing are also great opportunities for growth, whether that’s emotional, spiritual, or physical. One of the most helpful places to look for optimistic encouragement through periods of healing is the word. Jesus brought us peace and for our transgressions. He brings His Kingdom and healing and saves our life from the pit. And Jesus came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all. We must rely on God and His word to heal all our wounds. Here are a few steps to help us in the time of healing: (1) God heal all wounds - Scripture teaches that God cares about our emotional and spiritual wounds. Our Father cares for us so deeply that He sacrificed His only Son so that Jesus would take our burdens from us, no matter how heavy and gives us eternal rest in His place. (2) Forgiveness helps heal wounds - Choosing an attitude of unforgiveness disregards Jesus’ stark warning that as we forgive others their sins against us, so shall our heavenly Father forgive us our sins against Him, and as we refuse to forgive others their sins, neither will the Father forgive us our sins. Instead of choosing to punish our transgressor (and ourself) by bearing a grudge against him or her, use our time to cultivate a sense of forgiveness for the person who wronged us. (3)Do your part to live in peace with others. 

I come by this morning asking our Father God to send the Holy Spirit to fill our heart and bring health and peace to our day in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus. No weapon formed against us shall prosper. Amen!!! Look to Jesus Christ who suffered, died, and rose again so that we might have eternal salvation. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“God Is Looking For True Warriors”

Psalms 144:1-2

Warriors is defined as a person engaged or experienced in warfare; soldier; a person who shows or has shown great vigor and courage; a fighter. 

The battle is real and so shall the warriors be. The devil whispered in our ear, “you’re not strong enough to withstand the storm” and today we whisper in his ear and tell him, “we are children of God, children of faith, we are mighty true warriors of Christ, we are the storm!!! Jeremiah 20:11 says,”But the Lord is with me as a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble; they will not overcome me. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonor will never be forgotten.” We must use the word of God has our sword. Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

I come by this morning to encourage you to keep on your whole armor of God and do not allow the devil and his umps to distract or move you from the will of God. In this season we must be steadfast and unmovable true warriors of Christ. Hell is real and so is the devil and his umps. Mount up warriors and be about God’s business. We have the victory, all we have to do is stand. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“We Are Covered”

Hebrews 10:19-26

Covered is defined as to be or serve as a covering for; extend over; rest on the surface of; to place something over or upon, as for protection, concealment, or warmth.

I’m so glad our Father love us so much that He has covered us even when we were yet in our mother’s womb. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day. God's covering is an expression which describes the spiritual protection and nurture which God provides for all those who are in a covenant relationship with Him. We cannot see His covering but we can certainly experience the effect which it has. In Psalms 91:5-10 it says, You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes

and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. Amen!!! We are covered in the blood of Jesus. 

I come this morning to remind you to keep trusting in the Lord, He promised He would never leave or forsake us. Do not allow fear to have you doubting the promises of the Lord. His word is true!!! His word does not go void and He is a man that shall not lie. He is Almighty and He will protect and provide even in the midst of a pandemic. Amen!!! Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Lord Let Us Be A Display Of Your Glory”

Matthew 5:16

Display is defined as to show or exhibit; make visible; example; presentation; exposure.

Whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, we must do it all to the glory of God. When Moses asks to see the glory of God, God puts His glory on display by rehearsing His attributes. When we confess sin, we are putting on display His glory by declaring His righteousness. That is David’s point in Psalm 51:4: “Against You, You only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when you judge.” Our God is a forgiving God. When we forgive others, we are proclaiming His compassion and eagerness to forgive. If God does all things for our good (and He does), then demonstrating our trust in Him puts His nature and character on display. The life of Abraham provides a remarkable example of this. With respect to the promise of God, Abraham did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God.” At the end of his life, Paul recounts how the Lord stood with him, strengthened him, and rescued him from every evil deed, and concludes that the Lord will bring him safely to his heavenly kingdom, to Him be the glory forever and ever. Trusting God declares His glory. Jesus says: “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit.” Living a life that adorns God’s attributes puts His glory on display. When His communicable attributes are reflected in our lives, it not only produces fruit, but it glorifies God. Psalm 50:23 says, “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifies Me.” The Lord encourages and invites us to, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble and I will rescue you and you will glorify me.” Praying glorifies God. Like a city built on a hill or a lamp set on a lampstand, glorifying God entails letting the light of the attributes of God shine before men so that others will join with us in glorifying our Father in heaven. Lord let us be a display of Your glory.

I come by this morning to remind you we must live a lifestyle that is consumed with putting God’s glory on display. God created us for His glory. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“The Prayers Of The Righteous Availeth Much”

James 5:12-16

Availeth is defined as to use or take advantage of an opportunity; to be of value to; profit; satisfy; fulfill; when we choose to do good things in order to bring about good benefits.

When we choose to do good and godly things, we are in the perfect place for God to hear our prayers. When we repent and confess our sins, God will turn His ears toward our cries. He longs to help us when we humbly admit our weaknesses. Elijah was merely a human, just like us, but he let his faith in God prevail by praying fervently. He prayed that it wouldn’t rain, and it didn’t rain for three years and six months. Then he prayed again for it to rain and heaven poured forth rain. When we put our faith in God, our prayers can do more than we think or imagine. Jesus said that if we have faith and do not doubt, we can move a mountain. With God, impossible things are made possible. We can do great things because the Holy Spirit is within us. Our prayers avail much when we push aside our doubts and pray big. We must use our gifts and our prayers to serve and encourage others. Father God we pray that You will shed light onto people’s hearts so that they will be convicted of their wrong actions and thinking. Father God we pray for harmony and peace so that arguments will be doused with Your living water. Father God we pray that plots of evil and revenge are thwarted. Father God may our prayers play a  great part in turning someone toward You. Father God I pray we doubt less and pray big. Father God that we may worry less and pray often. Father God that all Your children pray more for others than we do for ourselves and we see the benefits as well. Father God when we pray like this, our righteous prayers will avail much in Jesus mighty and powerful name. And it is so. Amen!!! Amen!!! 

I come by this morning to let you know our prayers avail much when they help point people to the God who created them, loves them and longs to be in a relationship with them. It happens when we pray. Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“Allow, Obey and Prepare for The Overflow”

Deuteronomy 28:10-13

Overflow is defined as to flow or run over, as rivers or water; overabundance; excess; flooding; surplus.

God stands before us and pours out all we need, until our arms are filled and our heart is about to burst. He will bless us with complete happiness and infuse our lives with an abundance of joy. We shall walk in the overflow if we obey and faint not. 

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken.

I come by this morning to let you know God wants to remake our overload into overflow. To exchange the feeling of being drained into an awareness of being filled. May the Holy Spirit work in us and through us to bless the people around us. Amen!!! Be bless and I love you!!! JE 

“We Need A Word From You Lord”

Matthew 4:4

Word is defined as an expression or utterance; conversation; talk; discussion. 

God has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 tells us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die, a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to pcast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.” When we need a word from God we need to do the following things; (1)Ask – Simply ask God to speak to you through His word. (2)Have Faith – Once you ask, believe that He is going to give you a message of encouragement that you need for that day. (3)Be Quiet – Conversations cannot be one-sided. You will never learn anything by always talking. Be still and quiet for a bit after you have asked God to speak to you. (4) Use the scriptures- The bible, His word. Be sensitive and allow God to direct you to where you need to read. He’ll show you. (5) Write it down - Once you’re given a word from God either through prayer, reading the bible, dream or through prophecy write it down and keep it in a safe place.

I come by this morning to encourage you. God knows exactly where we are and He will absolutely make our situation beautiful in time. Position yourself today to hear a word from God. Be bless and I love you!!! JE