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September 13, 2021
Searching. Time passes. Aging can make us wonder what's become of key people in our past.
I've learned when those musings come, instead of turning to Facebook, I encourage you to turn to God on their behalf. With me, what often begins as a warm harmless thought- in short order becomes a dart reminding me of a malicious, salacious encounter, what the blood of Jesus Christ has washed away. "Dead man thinking."
Quickly I find myself taking what innocently introduced itself as the adolescent thoughts of an unbridled childhood; fighting for my sanctified mind; and against thoughts I long ago took captive, thoughts that I took dragging and screaming bound to the obedience of Christ Jesus.
Here's a suggestion, when someone from your dead past pops up in your renewed mind, respond with your renewed mind in prayer for them. Know that if this is the Holy Spirit enlisting you to cover them, whatever occurred between you and that person when you were dead in sins and trespasses will remain securely under the blood of Jesus.
Instead of Face-booking them, wondering what's become of them, which is in itself a natural and great thing to do - pray laborers into their life. Pray for their loved ones, their retirement (if their my age), their life which you sincerely hope and pray is rooted in Christ Jesus.
Here's a thought, if Jesus could save you and I, there's nothing He can't do, except fail!!! Shalom!!!
I've learned when those musings come, instead of turning to Facebook, I encourage you to turn to God on their behalf. With me, what often begins as a warm harmless thought- in short order becomes a dart reminding me of a malicious, salacious encounter, what the blood of Jesus Christ has washed away. "Dead man thinking."
Quickly I find myself taking what innocently introduced itself as the adolescent thoughts of an unbridled childhood; fighting for my sanctified mind; and against thoughts I long ago took captive, thoughts that I took dragging and screaming bound to the obedience of Christ Jesus.
Here's a suggestion, when someone from your dead past pops up in your renewed mind, respond with your renewed mind in prayer for them. Know that if this is the Holy Spirit enlisting you to cover them, whatever occurred between you and that person when you were dead in sins and trespasses will remain securely under the blood of Jesus.
Instead of Face-booking them, wondering what's become of them, which is in itself a natural and great thing to do - pray laborers into their life. Pray for their loved ones, their retirement (if their my age), their life which you sincerely hope and pray is rooted in Christ Jesus.
Here's a thought, if Jesus could save you and I, there's nothing He can't do, except fail!!! Shalom!!!
August 26, 2021
DIVINE REVERSAL IN YOUR LIFE
Eccl 10:7 "I have seen servants on horses, While princes walk on the ground like servants."
What is a Divine Reversal? It's when our Sovereign Lord reverses a norm, and He is within His Sovereign rights to do so, without explaining why.
By grace, Jesus chooses to share His ways and plans with those He determines has a need to know. The Church, The Pastor, The Prophet, The Parent.
Esau sold his birthright to his conniving brother Jacob for a bowl of pottage. The birthright belongs to the firstborn male. Esau didn't esteem the privilege of the firstborn male. He sold it to satisfy his flesh. Esau, came in famished from the field and valued natural food above God's favor.
While Esau sold his birthright, he still held the right to the Blessing of the father.
Rebecca, the mother of Esau and Jacob schemed with Jacob to steal what was left, (The Primary Blessing), to control all the family fortunes once Isaac died.
Heb. 12:16-17 "lest there be any fornicator or [GODLESS] profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.”
We know that Rebecca was forewarned while pregnant with the boys that there were two nations in her womb, and the elder would serve the younger. But God used the natural character flaws of both boys to bring about this change of fortune.
Esau didn't have to sell his birthright, but God knew he would.Esau didn't have to lose the primary blessing, and settle for a secondary blessing. (Remember, Isaac did ultimately bless Esau, but is was a secondary blessing).
So you think you know all there is to know about why you are riding on horseback, and the superstar is walking. Spiritually speaking!
Divine Reversals happen when we least expect, and feel least worthy; then God flips the script, and we love Him even more.
Romans 2:4 "Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"
What is a Divine Reversal? It's when our Sovereign Lord reverses a norm, and He is within His Sovereign rights to do so, without explaining why.
By grace, Jesus chooses to share His ways and plans with those He determines has a need to know. The Church, The Pastor, The Prophet, The Parent.
Esau sold his birthright to his conniving brother Jacob for a bowl of pottage. The birthright belongs to the firstborn male. Esau didn't esteem the privilege of the firstborn male. He sold it to satisfy his flesh. Esau, came in famished from the field and valued natural food above God's favor.
While Esau sold his birthright, he still held the right to the Blessing of the father.
Rebecca, the mother of Esau and Jacob schemed with Jacob to steal what was left, (The Primary Blessing), to control all the family fortunes once Isaac died.
Heb. 12:16-17 "lest there be any fornicator or [GODLESS] profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.”
We know that Rebecca was forewarned while pregnant with the boys that there were two nations in her womb, and the elder would serve the younger. But God used the natural character flaws of both boys to bring about this change of fortune.
Esau didn't have to sell his birthright, but God knew he would.Esau didn't have to lose the primary blessing, and settle for a secondary blessing. (Remember, Isaac did ultimately bless Esau, but is was a secondary blessing).
So you think you know all there is to know about why you are riding on horseback, and the superstar is walking. Spiritually speaking!
Divine Reversals happen when we least expect, and feel least worthy; then God flips the script, and we love Him even more.
Romans 2:4 "Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"
August 17, 2021
HOT OFF THE PRESS!
Bless you beloved,
While sitting in my office, the Lord told me to tell you; "Today, and every day that you live must never be seen as your success or failure.
Today is the day that the Lord has made, and that can only be for your success - because He made it for you.
Each and every day of your life - begins and ends with success. Because you are In Christ Jesus - your life is always to the praise of His Glory!"
We don't fight for victory, we fight from the position of victory!
While sitting in my office, the Lord told me to tell you; "Today, and every day that you live must never be seen as your success or failure.
Today is the day that the Lord has made, and that can only be for your success - because He made it for you.
Each and every day of your life - begins and ends with success. Because you are In Christ Jesus - your life is always to the praise of His Glory!"
We don't fight for victory, we fight from the position of victory!
June 17, 2021
While at the church praying today; the Lord spoke to my heart; there’s something so very special about HCC. Call us a remnant - or a brand plucked from the fire.
Zech 3:1-2 "Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan [THE ADVERSARY] standing at his right hand to oppose him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem (HCC) rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?”
My Pastor - Dr Earl Johnson, years ago was ministering to us at the American Legion on west 132 street. In the middle of his sermon he paused and said “this is an emergency room - people will come here broke and shattered.” And that beloved, has been our history.
The adversary has resisted HCC every step of the way. What you're experiencing is nothing more than preparation for the Day of the Lord. He has chosen HCC, not we ourselves!
You may have arrived at HCC a patient - and in short order became a trained spiritual physician. Hands that once hung low, are equipped for recognizing and ministering to symptoms of hopelessness - dreams deferred - abuse - depression.
Beloved this is the season where we see that our suffering has not been in vain. This is our redemptive season. Where we redeem the seasons of our toil and suffering - and those very seasons have now become - testimonies of His greatness and glory! The seasons of our joy in the Lord!
We recognize the symptoms of others, because we were once the patient.
To God be the Glory for all the great things He has done, and is doing!
SHALOM!!!!
Zech 3:1-2 "Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan [THE ADVERSARY] standing at his right hand to oppose him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem (HCC) rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?”
My Pastor - Dr Earl Johnson, years ago was ministering to us at the American Legion on west 132 street. In the middle of his sermon he paused and said “this is an emergency room - people will come here broke and shattered.” And that beloved, has been our history.
The adversary has resisted HCC every step of the way. What you're experiencing is nothing more than preparation for the Day of the Lord. He has chosen HCC, not we ourselves!
You may have arrived at HCC a patient - and in short order became a trained spiritual physician. Hands that once hung low, are equipped for recognizing and ministering to symptoms of hopelessness - dreams deferred - abuse - depression.
Beloved this is the season where we see that our suffering has not been in vain. This is our redemptive season. Where we redeem the seasons of our toil and suffering - and those very seasons have now become - testimonies of His greatness and glory! The seasons of our joy in the Lord!
We recognize the symptoms of others, because we were once the patient.
To God be the Glory for all the great things He has done, and is doing!
SHALOM!!!!
I have a job for you!
April 27, 2021 and every morning
Good Jesus morning,
We use to sing a song early in the ministry; "Abraham's blessings are mine!" Not sure who wrote the song; but I gather the writer had Galatians 3:9 in mind.
Galatians 3:9 "So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham."
I woke up this morning, knowing I would enjoy my prayer walk - the Lord whispered to me as I walked; "you have a dream job." I know that sharing the gospel is both and honor and a privilege; the high call of each believer, but I felt the Lord wanted me to seek further concerning His statement.
He that seeks more - finds more!
Here's where the Spirit of God led me.
Phil 2:17-18 "Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me."
I challenge each of you today share your faith in Jesus Christ with someone.
Maybe this is your day off. Maybe you didn't plan on being around people today. Then send a text encouraging someone the Lord puts on your heart. Send an email, post on your Facebook page a scripture of encouragement. God will give your heartfelt intention wings to reach who it should.
I pray God fills you with His evangelistic zeal today.
The Lord bless you richly.
We use to sing a song early in the ministry; "Abraham's blessings are mine!" Not sure who wrote the song; but I gather the writer had Galatians 3:9 in mind.
Galatians 3:9 "So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham."
I woke up this morning, knowing I would enjoy my prayer walk - the Lord whispered to me as I walked; "you have a dream job." I know that sharing the gospel is both and honor and a privilege; the high call of each believer, but I felt the Lord wanted me to seek further concerning His statement.
He that seeks more - finds more!
Here's where the Spirit of God led me.
Phil 2:17-18 "Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me."
I challenge each of you today share your faith in Jesus Christ with someone.
Maybe this is your day off. Maybe you didn't plan on being around people today. Then send a text encouraging someone the Lord puts on your heart. Send an email, post on your Facebook page a scripture of encouragement. God will give your heartfelt intention wings to reach who it should.
I pray God fills you with His evangelistic zeal today.
The Lord bless you richly.
March 25, 2021
Exodus 13:11-16 “And it shall be, when the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you and your fathers, and gives it to you, 12 that you shall [d]set apart to the Lord all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the Lord’s. 13 But every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And all the firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. 14 So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ that you shall say to him, ‘By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 15 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the Lord killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ 16 It shall be as a sign on your hand and as frontlets between your eyes, for by strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt.”
Beginning Saturday, March 27 - Saturday April 3 - you select a food or drink from your normal daily choices; (coffee, muffin, soda, sugar) sacrifice that food for 7 days. It will be leaven that you are removing, as you prepare to celebrate the Passover; as we remember God's great deliverance - into the eternal liberty in Christ Jesus.
Exodus 13:6-7 "Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day, there shall be a feast to the Lord. 7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days. And no leavened bread shall be seen among you, nor shall leaven be seen among you in all your quarters."
Beginning Saturday, March 27 - Saturday April 3 - you select a food or drink from your normal daily choices; (coffee, muffin, soda, sugar) sacrifice that food for 7 days. It will be leaven that you are removing, as you prepare to celebrate the Passover; as we remember God's great deliverance - into the eternal liberty in Christ Jesus.
Exodus 13:6-7 "Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day, there shall be a feast to the Lord. 7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days. And no leavened bread shall be seen among you, nor shall leaven be seen among you in all your quarters."
February 13, 2021
Bless you, beloved,
I awakened this morning feeling physically tired but spiritually energized. I heard the voice of the Holy Spirit saying;
"Tell My people that they are anointed for this season."
That was it.
That doesn't make this season any less traumatic - but it means you will not only persevere, but you will also prosper! Because the Lord has anointed you for this, and all seasons.
"If we are standing, we must be praying."
I will see you in God's House by zoom on Sunday, 2/14/21!
Bless you, beloved,
I awakened this morning feeling physically tired but spiritually energized. I heard the voice of the Holy Spirit saying;
"Tell My people that they are anointed for this season."
That was it.
That doesn't make this season any less traumatic - but it means you will not only persevere, but you will also prosper! Because the Lord has anointed you for this, and all seasons.
"If we are standing, we must be praying."
I will see you in God's House by zoom on Sunday, 2/14/21!
there will be deliverance!
January 15, 2021
Deut 6:20-23 "When your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments which the Lord our God has commanded you?’ 21 then you shall say to your son: ‘We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand; (THIS IS WHERE YOU ARE TODAY -OUT OF SIN, IN CHRIST JESUS!) 22 and the Lord showed signs and wonders before our eyes, (YOU SEE THESE WONDERS IN YOUR PERSONAL DELIVERANCE FROM ADDICTION, FEAR, DOUBT) great and severe, against Egypt, Pharaoh, and all his household. 23 Then He brought (YOU) us out from there, that He might bring (YOU) us in, to give us the land of which He [PROMISED) swore to our fathers."
This passage must hold a special significance in our Christian walk. When I first read it, being still new to the faith, I understood what the writer was saying.
God is a God of completion. I once tried to convince myself that God told me to do something. When those close to me asked what did God say? I responded; I'm waiting to hear from Him?
(they loved me enough to let me know that made no sense at all). Brother Manny, they responded; you just said God told you to do something, and in the same breath you tell me that you're waiting to hear from Him? Huh?
They knew the character of God better than I did. If He has brought us out of something, it's not to leave us midpoint - He brings us out, to bring us in!
Get ready!
Your latter days, shall be greater!!!!
This passage must hold a special significance in our Christian walk. When I first read it, being still new to the faith, I understood what the writer was saying.
God is a God of completion. I once tried to convince myself that God told me to do something. When those close to me asked what did God say? I responded; I'm waiting to hear from Him?
(they loved me enough to let me know that made no sense at all). Brother Manny, they responded; you just said God told you to do something, and in the same breath you tell me that you're waiting to hear from Him? Huh?
They knew the character of God better than I did. If He has brought us out of something, it's not to leave us midpoint - He brings us out, to bring us in!
Get ready!
Your latter days, shall be greater!!!!