Take Your Foot Off The Brakes

By: Bishop Vashti McKenzie

Published: August 01, 2010

How much of what you do everyday is by your own inclination, or by the power of the Holy Spirit? Everyday we make direction and destination decisions. We make them based on our own knowledge, learning and understanding, or we make them based upon the truth of God’s Word.

E. Stanley Jones writes that most people plot and plan themselves into mediocrity. The Holy Spirit will tell the believer, however, when to speak up, when to be quiet, what to say, where to go, when to leave, and will give direction to our daily movements.

It’s like the bitter cold winter race, the Iditarod. Dogsled teams race between Anchorage and Nome, Alaska. It is a brutal test of the skill and endurance of both humans and dogs.

There is an often-told story about a novice in the race excited to be apart of a race that could cost you your life. Excitement didn’t last long against the elements and he came in last. He asked an experienced racer to critique his efforts. The experienced racer responded that the dogs know where to go. You kept trying to tell the dogs where to go and you kept your foot on the break.

We are limiting our direction and destination efforts of this Christian race when we are led by our own inclination instead of being led by the Holy Spirit.

In the epistle to the Roman Christians, Paul, the attributed author, makes a masterful argument that three walls surround all of humanity. All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. This is the wall of universal guilt. The good we try to do, we don’t; and the sin we don’t want to do, we do. This is the wall of sinful nature. Whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved represents the wall of sovereign election.
Paul references the Holy Spirit many times in this chapter. The Holy Spirit breaks through the walls of sin, guilt and shame because there is now no condemnation. The Holy Spirit elevates our view off of earthly things and onto the things of God, spiritual things that are eternal. The Holy Spirit assures us of this new relationship as inheritors or heirs with Christ to both his suffering and glory.

The text states those who are led by the Spirit (NIV) and the English translation Bible states we are moved by the Spirit; James Peterson’s interpretation states with His Spirit living in you, your body will be alive as Christ’s! So don’t you see that we do not owe this old do it yourself life, one red cent. There is nothing in it for us. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God’s Spirit beckons; there are things to do and places to go!

Being led by the Spirit is taking your foot off of the brakes. It is allowing yourself to be led because the Holy Spirit knows the way just like the Huskies know the way to Nome.

Jesus promised us another comforter and the day of Pentecost has fully come. The Holy Spirit was given to us. He is fruit to conform us to the character of Christ and gifts that transform and empower to edify the body of Christ.

Scripture Of The Day: "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." - Romans 8:14

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Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the presiding bishop of the 13th Episcopal District of the AME, and serves as a guiding example for women and church leaders throughout the country. For more on Bishop McKenzie, visit http://www.13thame.com or hear her messages daily at http://www.thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com.…

The Power of Your Testimony

In our justice system, one of the most powerful pieces of evidence is eyewitness testimony. In the days before DNA and other scientific and forensic advances, the testimony of an eyewitness could make or break a case. An eyewitness could identify the guilty party or solidify an alibi and free an innocent person. The assignment for an eyewitness is to tell the truth about what they saw, heard, and experienced.

When Jesus ended his earthly ministry and gave us the Great Commission, he declared, "You will be my witnesses." We are called - commanded, even - to be eyewitnesses to the saving, healing grace of Jesus. In the Bible, there is a wonderful story of someone who did just that. The story in found in the 9th chapter of John. The story begins with a theological discussion, continues with a miracle, and ends with a powerful testimony.

As Jesus and His disciples were traveling, they saw a man who had been blind since birth. The Disciples (sadly like many of us sometimes) were more interested in the theological ramifications of the man's situation than they were in the man himself. "why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents' sins?" they asked Jesus. Jesus replied, "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins. This happened so the power of God could be seen in him."

Jesus then told His disciples, "We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over." For many years, I didn't understand why He said this - it didn't seem to fit with the rest of the story. But I believe what Jesus was saying to the disciples was you are wasting precious time trying to find someone to blame for this man's blindness when you should be ministering to him. (There's a sermon unto itself there, but that is a devotional for another day...)

Immediately after saying this, Jesus made mud, put it on the man's eyes and told him to go wash in the Pool of Siloam, which ironically means "sent." As soon as the man obeyed, he was able to see for the first time in his life! The town, which had known him all his life as a blind beggar, was buzzing with the news that he could now see. There was such a change in him that people who had known him all his life didn't think it was the same person.

There was a problem, though. The man had been healed on the Sabbath, and that was, according to Pharisaic Law, not legal. So they marched this man to the Pharisees to see what they thought. When they heard the story, there was a deep division among the Pharisees. Some of them were still spiritually minded enough to realize this was of God. Others, sadly were so mired in their self-imposed legalism that they refused to believe this was of God or that Jesus might be a prophet, much less the messiah.

They called the formerly blind man to appear before them to hear his story.

Some of the Pharisees thought they were being tricked, so they hauled the man's parents in front of them to identify him. The parents, who were deathly afraid of the Jewish leaders, acknowledged this man was their son and that he used to be blind, but said they had no idea what had happened to him. "He is of age, ask him yourself" they said.

The Pharisees would love to have discredited this man and thereby discredited Jesus. One thing stood in their way: his simple yet powerful personal eyewitness testimony.

"All I know is this: Once I was blind, and now I can see!"

You and I are often given the opportunity to use the power of our eyewitness testimony to persuade others of God's grace, love and mercy and to encourage our brothers and sisters. Let's be alert for opportunities that the Holy Spirit will give us today to tell our story of His working in our lives!

Scripture Of The Day: "Then I heard a strong voice out of Heaven saying, "Salvation and power are established! Kingdom of our God, authority of his Messiah! The Accuser of our brothers and sisters is thrown out, who accused them day and night before God. They defeated him through the blood of the Lamb and the bold word of their witness." - Revelation 12:10-11 (The Message)

A Prayer From Sister Helen

God of Compassion

You let your rain fall on the just and the unjust.

Expand and deepen our hearts

so that we may love as You love,

even those among us

who have caused the greatest pain by taking life.

For there is in our land a great cry for vengeance

as we fill up death row and kill the killers

in the name of justice, in the name of peace.

Jesus, our brother,

you suffered execution at the hands of the state

but you did not let hatred overcome you

Help us to reach out to victims of violence

so that our enduring love may help them heal.

Holy Spirit of God,

You strengthen us in the struggle for justice,

Help us to work tirelessly

for the abolition of state-sanctioned death

and to renew our society in its very heart

so that violence will be no more.

Amen.

His Eye Is on the Sparrow

Civilia Martin

1. Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
* Refrain:
I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
2. “Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
3. Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

A New Beginning

Image via Wikipedia

David Turner

During the course of the past year, many of us have faced some sort of trial, test, setback, or disappointment. Some of us have even experienced failure. But in spite of all of that, God has prepared this year, this moment in time for you to have a new beginning.

The enemy’s objective is to keep you locked in yesterday, the place where the pain originates from. God has a different plan for your life. He knows all about the things that have gone wrong. He’s not surprised at some of the questionable decisions that you have made. He’s knows that you have let Him down. He is not shocked at all.

The good news is that He also knows your future. “If any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away and all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17)

When you have life in Christ you have the ability to experience new possibilities in life. There is a season of new opportunities that await you and you must be willing to pursue it. Victory in this new year takes some understanding.

You were not created by accident. You were made by God himself. God is the creator of the heavens and the earth. He designed you to live for a unique reason. When He made you, He pulled out all the stops. You are His prized creation.

You were made to overcome obstacles. You were made for victory. He didn’t create you to blend in with the scenery. Out of over 6 billion people in the world, there is only 1 like you. So, don’t be shut off or boxed in by traditions or customs. Don’t be held back by someone else’s expectations. You were created for brilliance and excellence. You were made for success.

Before planting seeds, the ground must first be prepared. The ground must first be dug up and turned over in order to receive seeds. In the same way, we must cultivate our lives so that we will be able to yield a successful harvest. We must do some work in order for our lives to be ready for a new beginning. We have to make choices and not yield to the power of sin. As we choose God’s way the Holy Spirit will strengthen us even more.

There are some spiritual disciplines that we must develop to cultivate our lives:

1. Prayer – Not just asking God for things but communing with Him.
2. Giving – We must change our perspective on our possessions.
3. Studying the Word – We must take in His promises daily.
4. Serving – We should always look for ways to improve someone else’s life.

There is a lot of noise in this world. There are people shouting from every angle, trying to get your attention. To be able to distinguish between the voices you need to be able to listen very closely. God is always speaking; we just have to listen for Him. The time is come to get your hearing in order. The alarm has sounded.

What is the sign that you are waiting for? The light has already turned green and you are clear to begin your journey. Step away from the crowd. Separate yourself from the average people who don’t want anything other than what they have always had. You have been called out to make a difference. You have been called out reclaim territory for God and live out your destiny.

It’s time for your New Beginning.

Answering the Call to Holiness

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Dr. Betty R. Price

Many Christians do not take holiness seriously. They do not realize that to be holy is a commandment from God. Since God has called us to holiness, we have to will ourselves to live the holy life. In 1 Peter 1:13 -16, we see God's call to holiness: "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'"

We also find in II Timothy 1:8-9, "...share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began."

Everything that refers to God is holy. Holiness is the very essence of who He is. Our lives should always exemplify what Jesus' life was like when He lived on earth, because He exemplified what God's life is-a life of holiness. This was evident when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness. No matter what Satan tempted Jesus with, or how often Satan tempted Him, Jesus never yielded to him.

Holiness is the quality of life. It should not be confused with two similar terms such as sanctification, which means to be set apart, and righteousness, which means right standing with God. When you were born again, you were made the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ.

Paul tells us this in II Corinthians 5:21, "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." He also writes in 1 Corinthians 1:2, "... to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints..."

God makes us righteous and sanctifies us through Jesus Christ; those are things that He does. But it is up to us to be obedient to His call to holiness. We do not have to do anything to be sanctified, other than to live a sanctified life. Living the sanctified life is called holiness. This is how our character gets established. So Christians can't do anything to be righteous or sanctified, but everything to be holy.

It may seem difficult, but you can be holy, just as God the Father and Jesus are holy. It will take effort because it does not come overnight. You have to train yourself and remove yourself from unholy people, places, things and actions. You have to will yourself to do it. You have to go in the opposite direction of where your flesh or your mind may want to take you. You must remember that God cannot be involved in any kind of sin or immorality. When you get into sin or immorality, you park His power at the door and enter at your own risk.

Christians should desire to be pleasing to God instead of compromising their standards to please others. They must tell themselves, "I can abstain from fornication; I will not commit adultery; I will not worry; I will not overeat; I will not be jealous; I will not be envious; I will not be full of strife; I will not lie; I will not do anything that Jesus wouldn't do because I am holy."

To be victorious in living a life of holiness, you need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. You need the Holy Spirit, the power of God, to help you because Satan will oppose you when you commit to obeying the Word of God. You need the supernatural power of God because Satan is a supernatural enemy. It is a supernatural life that God has called you to. It is a life of joy, peace and fulfillment.

The act of holiness is not an impossible task. God would never tell us to do something or be something that is impossible to accomplish. You can be holy; you can count yourself as dead to sin; you can overcome those temptations just as Jesus did because God has already made a way of escape.

Paul tells us this in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

So, whatever challenge you're faced with, don't give up. It's a fight all your life. It doesn't matter how many times you fall; get up because one of these times, you're going to get the victory over that temptation so you can be right for God and live the life of holiness as you were called to do.

This devotional was excerpted from Dr. Betty's audio series, "The Character of Christ: Holiness." Please call us at (800) 927-3436 for a complete list of her products.

Three Key Weapons of Spiritual Warfare

Image by Loci Lenar via Flickr

Pastor Paula White

Many Christians often wonder why they are still struggling with a myriad of issues, although they have been saved and born again through Christ.

Why are so many of us are still living with illness and disease...addiction...fear and anxiety...depression...emotional scars...negative childhood memories...and more?

I have often said that it’s not always what we’re doing wrong – sometimes it’s that we’re not doing enough of what’s right.

The fact is, in the natural world we live in, we will still have to struggle against many spiritual attacks, weaknesses of the flesh, and strongholds/negative mindsets. And during certain periods of difficulties we must use the extra defense, inspiration, and intervention that comes from the power of the Holy Spirit within.

In other words: to overcome certain barriers to our victory through Christ, we must be prepared to engage in spiritual warfare!

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is filled with commands and strategies for achieving the victory He so dearly paid for.

In the sermon, there are three powerful keys for achieving victory through Christ – three eternally vital and life-transforming strategies for overcoming the challenges of life. Separately, I believe each is as important to the believer as eating or drinking. But combined together they cleanse, purify, and prepare the believer for battle -- and fill you to overflow with the power of God’s Spirit.

Together, the three become spiritual weapons that will help you break generational curses, overcome bad habits and negative self-talk, and achieve the true freedom God intends for you.

The three keys that will prepare you to battle your obstacles through spiritual warfare are giving, prayer and fasting. These are not suggestions that we are given to follow -- Jesus makes it clear that God expects us to do these things by using the word “when”:

• Jesus instructs us that we are to give love offerings (alms).

But WHEN thou doest alms…thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:3 - 4

• Jesus instructs us that we are to pray.

And WHEN thou prayest…enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:5 - 6

• Jesus instructs us that we are to fast.

Moreover WHEN ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance…and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:16 - 18

When these three vital Christian principles are followed, together their combined power provides life-transforming “weapons” for engaging in spiritual warfare.

And even during periods of peace and tranquility, you will deeply benefit from engaging in a period of spiritual practice that combines these three acts.

By combining giving, prayer and fasting, you will pave the way to walking in the true freedom God intends for you. You will be equipped for spiritual warfare that will break every yoke and destroy every stronghold in your life!

Chose to live a victorious life in Jesus!

Gifts Of The Spirit

Image via Wikipedia

Dr. Frederick K.C. Price



Many people make the mistake of lumping together speaking with tongues with the gift of divers kinds of tongues, one of the nine gifts of the Spirit recorded in 1 Corinthians 12. They are not the same manifestation; yet some people and churches say that speaking with tongues and the gift of tongues are one and the same, and use that as an excuse to get out of doing what the Word of God declares.

You need to be careful about what translation of the Bible you read, because many versions of the Bible were translated by people who do not believe in speaking with tongues, or that speaking with tongues is for every Believer. For example, here is how 1 Corinthians 14:2 is translated in The Living Bible:

But if your gift is that of being able to "speak in tongues"....

The way this verse is translated is incorrect, because when you are filled with the Spirit and speak with other tongues, it is not the gift of tongues. The translator is injecting a theological point of view to show that since not everyone has the same gift, not everyone has to speak with tongues. It can seem like a very clever argument to people who are not well-versed in the Word of God.

Let me show you where all the confusion has come from on this point. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Paul writes:

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

Paul is talking here about the gift of different or divers kinds of tongues. The gift of tongues is for public assembly, and should always be accompanied by the companion gift of interpretation of tongues. The rare exception to this is when God speaks to an individual through the person doing the speaking. In other words, one person will speak with the gift of tongues, but to the person to whom the message is addressed, it will be in a language he or she will understand.

Notice also that Paul says, "To one is given the word of wisdom." That means the word of wisdom is not given to everyone. Neither is any of the other gifts of the Spirit, including the gift of divers kinds of tongues.

Now read 1 Corinthians 12:28:

And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

What Paul is describing in this verse are the ministry gifts. There is another rendering of these gifts in the fourth chapter of Ephesians, and if you compare the lists in both of these scriptures, you will find they are the same, with one notable exception.

Notice, Paul starts out by saying apostles. Apostles are people, and they are a ministry gift. Then he says prophets. Prophets are people. Next, he says teachers, and teachers are people. But then Paul says miracles, gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. These are not people. However, they are tools that equip the people to stand in the offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher.

The gifts of the Spirit are not for everyone in the Body of Christ. They are actually for the ministry gifts God places in the Church. Nevertheless, every person in the Body of Christ who is filled with the Spirit may on occasion be used by the Spirit in any one of the manifestations of these nine gifts.

Speaking with tongues, on the other hand, is for your personal spiritual enrichment. It does not need an interpretation like the gift of tongues does, because it is simply you speaking to God. An easy way to remember the difference between speaking with tongues and the gift of tongues is that speaking with tongues is man talking to God; it goes from earth to heaven. The gift of tongues, on the other hand, comes from heaven to earth, because it is God speaking through man to other men.

Stir Up the Gift In You

Bishop Keith Butler

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 (KJV)

The healing power of God is inside of believers. On the inside of you is the healing that you need on your physical body. You may say, "How do I get it out on my body?" I'm glad you asked the question. I Timothy 4:14 says, "Neglect not the gift that is in thee." Now, the word "neglect" means this: to ignore or to be careless of. So it says, don't ignore the gift that's in you. Don't be careless about the gift that's in you. He said, neglect not the gift that is in thee. Which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

In II Timothy 1:6, (Paul still writing to Timothy) says to stir up the gift for God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. Don't be afraid to access the gift that is within you.

Well, what gift is that? The Holy Ghost. And the Holy Ghost is the manifestation of God's healing power. There is no healing power in the earth that is apart from God. Healing comes from God. Healing power is God. When God touches you, you get healed.

So it is necessary to stir up the gift that is in you. That's why we can't go to church and just shout all day. There is a time to shout, but there is also a time teach to the word of God too. That way we will know what we're shouting about.

So act on the word of God today and see the power of God work in your life.

Scripture Reference: James: 1:21-25

Celebrating The Gift Of The Spirit

Bishop Jim Swilley


But to each one is given the manifestation of the [Holy] Spirit [the evidence, the spiritual illumination of the Spirit] for good and profit. To one is given in and through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] a message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word of knowledge and understanding according to the same [Holy] Spirit; to another [wonder-working] faith by the same [Holy] Spirit, to another the extraordinary powers of healing by the one Spirit; to another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose); to another the ability to discern and distinguish between [the utterances of true] spirits [and false ones], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, to another the ability to interpret [such] tongues. All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses. (1 Corinthians 12:7-11, AMP)

The Gifts of the Spirit are:

G – od’s grace… the Gifts or Graces of the Holy Spirit…the “Charismata”…are available to us…

I – nfinite inspiration… the God-breathed unction inspires us to action and to good works…

F – ree flow… the Wind blows where it wills…in Him we live, and in Him we MOVE!...

T – imeless treasures… the Spiritual Gifts reveal the “I AM”…the God Who is in the NOW…

S – upernatural signs... “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord”…


O – mnipresent opportunity… God’s enabling Spirit can go anywhere…do anything…

F – irst fruits... Oh, what a foretaste of Glory Divine!...the Former and Latter Rain together…

T – ranscendant talents… we accomplish more in the Spirit than we ever could in the flesh…

H – eavenly help… “But you shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you”…

E – cclesiastical equipping… the Gifts bring life and give effectiveness to the Church…


S – pecial services… unique abilities… the Working of Miracles, Gifts of Healing, Gift of Faith…

P – entecostal power… “you shall be My witness…to the uttermost parts of the earth”…

I – nsightful information… Speaking with Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Prophecy…

R – eal revelation… the Word of Knowledge, the Word of Wisdom, the Discerning of Spirits…

I – nvaluable instruction… Helper/Teacher…the Spirit of Truth will lead you into all truth…

T – ransformational truth… Man cannot live by bread alone, but by every word that PROCEEDS (present tense) out of the mouth of God. The Gifts of the Spirit connect us with the “proceeding” Word of God.

A loose definition of the Greek word for “word” reveals that the Logos is what God has said, the Rhema is what God is saying. God is speaking IN THE NOW through the Gifts of the Spirit, and those gifts are available to every believer!

The Spiritual Gifts are for you!

A Blossom That Eternally Blooms

Pastor Paula White


A good way to determine how steadfast your faith in Christ is, and how completely you have given your life over to the leading of God’s Holy Spirit, is to consider the joyous message we are given in Galatians 5:22 – 25:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:22 – 25

These verses offer an awesome, inspiring, and deeply comforting revelation of how the Christian believer’s life, spirit, and actions should transform and manifest when truly “spirit-filled” and “delivered.” I can find no better description in the Bible of what a believer experiences, shares and expresses, when listening to, acting out of, and sharing the Spirit of God.

In other words: our lives should “bloom” with the fruit – the “blossom” -- or living proof, of the Holy Spirit within us! And people should be able to see our fruit – in our actions, our words, our lives…as clearly as we might see a juicy, ripe orange hanging from a branch as we pass by…or smell the delicious fragrance of beautiful tulip in spring.

In the verses from Galatians, the words “love,” “joy,” “peace,” “gentleness,” and “goodness,” immediately fill us with a gratitude to the Creator for His deep and abiding devotion to us. He is GOOD…and His Spirit fills us with His goodness, wraps us in His love, comforts us with His peace, and calms us with His gentleness – and define what true, lasting, and eternally accessible “joy of the Lord” is made up of.

“Longsuffering,” “meekness,” “faith” and “temperance,” are words that describe the characteristics we should display to the world as mature, Spirit-filled Christian believers. Hard won, steadily nurtured, carefully tended virtues – these are the sometimes painfully cultivated fruits of a harvest that the Spirit reveals through our patient, passionate, and persistent commitment to getting the best of what God has to offer!

There is another vital reason for nurturing the Holy Spirit within: it is only through the guidance of that “small, still voice” that we will be able to reap the sustenance of God’s grace, power, strength and fortitude during the darkest and most difficult seasons of our lives. His fruits within us are nourishing, empowering, and life-transforming characteristics that will show the world God’s omnipotence – as in our weakness, but through His strength, even while shaken, we stand…when everything around us tumbles.

So seek to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit that God reveals in Galatians…and in every season of life, you will be a walking testimony of God’s glory on our earth today – truly “a blossom in eternal bloom!”

Confer Not With Flesh and Blood

Bishop Keith Butler


But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Galatians 1:15-16 (KJV)

Paul gave no attention to what the people said. When he knew what God wanted him to do he didn't then go ask people what they thought about it. When you've heard from God you don't need to find out what your friends and family thinks about it. You just need to do it.

When you know that you know that you heard from God, you don't need a sign. You don't need to say, "Give me a sign Lord. Let a rooster cock-a-doodle-doo at midnight and I'll know it's your will." God doesn't lead you by signs; He leads you by His Spirit. When you pray daily, you will hear Him speaking to you.

Some folks don't pray until the emergency shows up. Now, I'm saying this jokingly, but I almost believe that when God hears certain voices praying, He says, "I haven't heard that voice in five years. They must be in trouble again." Since I'm on this point, there are also folks who don't go to church until things go wrong. God is not your Santa Claus. And he's not God-in-the-Box, where you wind Him up when you want to and out He jumps. God expects you to live for him with your whole life. He expects you to come before Him in prayer - all the time - daily, so that you can know that you know that you have His direction.

What you need is the Word and to follow the Holy Ghost. Paul said, I didn't confer with flesh and blood. If I had listened to people I wouldn't have a church, because people told me not to start it. You have to spend time in prayer, and let God show you what He wants you to do. Then when you know what God wants you to do, do it.

You mean God deals with me in the earth? Yes. He made you. He cares about you. Jesus died for you. Do you think He would then just leave you alone in this earth to fend for yourself until you die? No, He's involved in your life to the extent you will hear His word and obey His voice through prayer and fellowship with Him. He will show you what He wants you to do in life. And there is no need to confer with people when you have heard from God.

Scripture References: Isaiah 49:1, 5; Jeremiah 1:5; Romans 1:1

Why Do You Do What You Do?

Cindy Beall

I love the Holy Spirit.
He guides, counsels, comforts, and protects.

I appreciate the guidance that comes as a gentle nudge to write a much-needed note to a friend who is hurting. I am amazed at the counsel that falls from my lips when I have no earthly idea what to say to a woman in need. I adore the comfort I get when I am hurting and no one on this earth can do the trick. I love knowing that my children are protected within a hedge erected by the One True God.

But He also convicts.
And dang if I don't like that,convict.

Please don't misunderstand me. I love the outcome of conviction but am just not a fan of the discomfort that goes along with it. But, it's necessary. It's necessary for growth and a changed life. And I want a changed life.
I raise this issue of conviction with you because I have been slammed with it on every side in regard to a particular issue in my life.

My motives.
The why behind what I do.

Questions haunting me recently have had to do with the purity, or lack of it, behind why I do things or why I say things or why I write things or why I go to the places I go.

I think you get my point.

Do I do things I do to get my name out or to see what people think about me or to make sure I'm seen shaking the right hand or hugging the right neck? Do I want recognition so that my self-esteem and fleshly desires can be unhealthily fed? Do I comment or speak just to hear myself?

Sometimes.
Sometimes I do.

I want to have pure motives. I want to have an agenda that is solely about building the Kingdom of God. I want to get my desires out of the way long enough so that I can be fully yielded to what I absolutely know God has called me to do.

Still starving the flesh.
Is anybody hearin' what I'm sayin'?

Are You On Fire For God?

Pastor Andre Butler


"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;" --Romans 12:10-11

What does it mean to be fervent in spirit? Well the word "fervent," if you want a clear definition, means to be hot, to boil, to glow, and to be earnest. And God says here that it is His will that as a believer you be hot in spirit, you boil in spirit, you glow in spirit, you be earnest in spirit. The will of God is that you not just have moments, but a lifestyle, where you are on fire for God. Living this lifestyle is a key to pleasing God as well as living the victorious life God wants you to live.

Show Your Love For The Word with this beautiful shirt,

It is vitally important that you not only become fervent in spirit, but that once you get there you stay fervent in spirit. One thing that can happen to believers is that sometimes they start off on fire, but then they allow Satan and their circumstances to cool them off. Yet, if you're not on fire for God you're not really pleasing God and you're not positioning yourself to receive what God wants you to receive.

God didn't say "be fervent in body." He didn't say "be fervent in mind." He said "be fervent in spirit." That's how God wants your spirit to be -on fire for him.

See, the devil doesn't want you on fire for God. Why? Because when he touches you he gets burned. Satan doesn't want you to really start causing him damage, so he tries to take you out ahead of time. You've got to make sure that you stay on guard. You need to be sober, vigilant, and make sure that staying fervent in spirit is your lifestyle. Then, Satan can't deceive you into stepping out of the will of God for your life.

You should be known for being fervent and not allowing the enemy in any way to quench that fire. This is important to God. There's no room in the Body of Christ for lukewarm Christians. Lukewarm Christians get picked off by Satan. Lukewarm Christians don't produce for God, and lukewarm Christians do not prosper in every area of life.

God wants the fire of the Holy Spirit to spread all across this world. He wants people on fire for Him everywhere preaching His Word, living His Word, and winning the lost. And if you want to be successful in helping Him save the world, then you need to be on fire for him. I want to encourage you to begin by making a decision.

If you've been on fire for Him already, then make a decision to stay on fire. If you've gotten a little lukewarm then make a choice today not to be lukewarm and to be on fire for Him again. That's how God wants you to live, and it really starts with a choice.

So choose to be hot for God!

Empowered By His Spirit

Brenda Gittens


"At that moment the Spirit of the LORD powerfully took control of him, and he ripped the lion's jaws apart with his bare hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat." (Judges 14:6).

In the Old Testament, we see many examples of where the Spirit of God would often come upon people, so that they could perform or accomplish specific duties or tasks. All of these moments and experiences were special, but the Spirit of the Lord almost never remained upon someone indefinitely.

There was one young man in the bible named Samson, who was blessed by the Lord as he grew up and the Spirit of the Lord began to take hold of him. One day on his way to a city named Timnah, he was attacked by a lion. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he tore the lion's mouth in two with his bare hands!

Sponsor AdAside from that incident of shutting the lion's mouth, he also triumphed over the Philistines because God's Spirit empowered him (Judges 15:14-20), and he became the judge of Israel for twenty years, and the Spirit gave Samson the strength and ability to subdue great numbers of his enemies and to accomplish great victories.

However, in the New Testament, after Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help His followers, things did indeed change. Peter replied, "Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you and to your children, and even to the Gentiles - all who have been called by the Lord our God." (Acts 2:38-39).

We no longer need to wait for His Spirit to come upon us, for the Holy Spirit lives and dwells in all believers and worshipers. Today, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist the devil, accomplish, and perform great things for God. What a privilege we have - to be the temple of the Holy Spirit!

Today let's praise the Lord for the Spirit, who "helps us" and "pleads for us." And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. (Romans 8:26-27).

The Spirit helps us to overcome temptations, triumph over evil and other things that will try to destroy us. Praise the Lord for the Holy Spirit that lives within us each and every day, and helps us to crucify and take off the old nature and put on and wear our new nature in Christ!

We are empowered by His Spirit!

From Wimps To Warriors

Bishop Vashti McKenzie


It may seem to some that we have been set up to fail. God has asked us to live a life that is humanly impossible. Our sinful nature still sends us emails, text messages and tweets. The good, that we want to do, goes undone and the sin, that should be avoided, starts to look real good.

We are fighting a life and death battle with the sin that wants to control our lives. That which seeks to kill, destroy, distract and disrupt does not fight fair or adhere to appropriate rules of engagement.

God has asked us to serve in a world that is a combat zone. The kingdom of God clashes violently with the kingdoms of this world. There is the pagan environment of 21st century idols, statues, consumerism, sorcerers, temples and secular humanism. The deck is stacked against us, because we have been asked to do what is humanly impossible: to go, teach and make disciples of all nations.

Sponsor AdJesus knew we'd need help. He promised another comforter and that promised help arrived when the day of Pentecost had fully come (Acts 2). This was not a result of a class or course, mind-bending chants, candle lighting, ointment application, potions, drink or pill. It was the Holy Spirit of the living God who transformed wimps into warriors with life giving attitude altering power.

The Holy Spirit transformed their fears into bold confidence. The disciples were hiding behind closed doors. Now, those who had run from the public were now running in public empowered to tell the gospel. Everyone heard the gospel in his or her own language. They testified before the Sanhedrin court with such confidence, that the report read that the religious leaders realized they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4: 13-31)

The Holy Spirit transformed their weaknesses and abilities into gifts. Peter had denied Jesus three times. Now, he was preaching his trial sermon. The church grew that day from 120 to 3,120. Talk about church growth! His activities and capabilities were clothed with a power not his own. Just his shadow crossing the path of the sick brought healing.

The Holy Spirit transformed their feelings of abandonment into an ardent advocacy for Christ. The disciples would travel from city to city teaching and preaching. They were stoned, thrown to the lions, beaten, jailed, hunted and mistreated. They were told to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. They didn't stop, but started a movement beyond their human capabilities because of the gifting of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit gave them power to be the Lord's witnesses from Jerusalem to the utter most parts of the world, and the gifts of the Spirit empowered them to do ministry. You shall receive power after the Holy Ghost has come upon you.

As it was for them, so it is for believers. The Holy Spirit transforms our wimpy tendencies into warrior proclivities. We are not defenseless. There are weapons of warfare for every warrior, weapons that are not carnal but spiritual to the pulling down of the strongholds of the enemy.

The hymn writer sings the warriors national anthem "Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me... make me, mold me....use me". With a fresh filling, the Holy Spirit will confront, convict and comfort. He will motivate you in spite of obstacles. He will bring calm in the midst of storms, warn you of impending danger and lead you to truth.

Life by GPS

Milan Ford


About a year ago, my wife and I decided to purchase a GPS (global positioning system) device for our new m-i-n-i-v-a-n. Sorry for the long pause there. It's just that as a 33-year old urbanite, it's still rather hard for me to believe I actually own a mini-van. Very humbling to say the least.

I was pretty excited about finally owning our own GPS; we had been talking about doing a few road trips with the kids for some time now, and the whole MapQuest thing wasn't getting a bit old.

I mean who in the world still finds enjoyment reading and carrying around a folder full of printed directions everywhere they go?

(there's a message hidden in that statement, but i'll have to tackle that some other day)

We decided to try it out the other day while coming back from church one day. The following are just a few life lessons we both learned along the way. All courtesy of GPS.

1. When turning on the device, a screen immediately popped up and told us that the driver of the vehicle should NEVER try entering any new coordinates into the device while driving.

I assume driving and trying to control the device at the same time is FAR TOO DANGEROUS.

2. When entering in a specific destination, the device gave us the option on whether or not we wanted to travel by AVOIDING any highways, intersections, or U-Turns.

3. We decided to enter the address of a restaurant we had been to several times before. To our surprise, the device took us a totally different route. A SCENIC ROUTE.

But one that was much faster.

4. While traveling, we just couldn't believe this device (controlled by a satellite 12,000 thousands miles in the air), could possibly know MORE THAN US about a community we have lived in for years.

We decided to test it out and turn the opposite way it had told us. Immediately after we turned, the device began RECALCULATING an alternative route that would take us to the destination we entered.

5. Once we arrived, we pulled aside to enter in a new destination, when suddenly, the device shouted out, "LOST SIGNAL." We discovered that our GPS will lose its signal whenever it has not been PROPERLY CHARGED. Considering we took it right out the box, we had to return home on our own.

Once we arrived back home, we realized something. Our GPS and The Holy Spirit have a lot in common. The lessons we learned unveiled the very way God desires to direct our lives every day.

The Holy Spirit is an incredible guide. One that is ready and willing to show us the path we are to follow in order to reach every predetermined destination God has established for us.

In fact, the only difference we discovered between our GPS and The Holy Spirit (besides the obvious difference in manufacturing companies), is that we decided to call our GPS...Anne.

The device talked to us so much along the way...we figured we might as well give it a name!

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The Comforter Has Come

Alan Riley

In the 13th and 14th chapters of John's Gospel, Jesus attends to some important last things before He goes out to the Garden of Gethsemane and from there to the cross. Chapter 13 begins with the statement that Jesus knew the hour had come for him to leave this world and return to His Father. So, in light of that, what He did and said next were of the utmost importance.

The first thing he did was to wash the disciples feet, to reinforce the message to them that He - the Son of God - came as a humble servant and they needed to do and be the same. He then predicted His betrayal by Judas and His denial by Peter. The words from Jesus saying He would be betrayed by one of them, denied by another and put to death were understandably distressing to the disciples. So He reassured them with the beatiful words that begin Chapter 14: "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me." (John 14:1, NLT).

Jesus went on to tell the disciples that they would do even greater works than He had done during His earthly ministry. Then told them that when He went away, He would send the Holy Spirit to them, Who would teach them all things and remind them of what Jesus had told them. He told them He was leaving them a gift - His peace, which is not peace that the world gives but the peace of God.

Some versions of the Bible translate the Greek word Paraclete - used here for the Holy Spirit - as "Comforter." Others translate it as "Helper." Still others as "Counselor" or "Advocate." Which one is correct? All of them. All of these titles describe the ministry of the Holy Spirit to a believer.

Sponsor AdHe is our Comforter. When our hearts are heavy and we don't even know how to pray or what to pray for, the Bible says that the Holy Spirit comes along side us. "If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves." (Romans 8:26-27, The Message)

He is our Helper. In Romans 8:26, Paul says that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. Writing to the Philippians he says, "I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance." (Phil 1:19, NIV) Writing to his beloved son in the ministry, Timothy, Paul said, "Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you - guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us." (2 Tim 1:14, NIV). The Holy Spirit help us to manifest the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives, enabling us to be more like Jesus.

He is our Counselor and Advocate. This word brings to mind a defense attorney who is pleading our case before a judge, or one who strengthens and fortifies us. Or one who guides us and advises us. "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26 NIV)

It is ironic and sad that one of the biggest, if not the biggest rifts in the Body of Christ in our day is over the ministry of the Holy Spirit, specifically over the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit. Whatever your feelings on the subject, you will join me in recognizing that division in the Body of Christ was certainly not God's intention when He sent the Holy Spirit to us.

No matter which side of the theological street you live on, all of us can agree that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to comfort, help, teach and counsel us as we strive to become more like Jesus.

I Have A File

Cindy Beall

I'm realizing every day just how many women need hope.

I have spoken with numbers of women over the last 7 1/2 years about marriage issues and crises they are facing. So many so that I don't even remember who they all are. And that can get embarrassing when you meet them face to face.

I tell you that because a lot of these women are referred to me because they are now "going through" what I "went through". So, I visit with these women, mostly on the phone, sometimes via email, occasionally in person, and try to help them make sense of something that is absolutely senseless. When someone brings up pornography or infidelity around these parts where I live, a lot of my friends say, "You should talk to Cindy Beall."

Because you see, I have a file.

Sponsor AdMy file is 7 1/2 years old. It's got information in there that will make your head spin but will most certainly bring you unspeakable joy. My file is thick and gets thicker by the day with each story I hear and with each step I take. My file is a little tattered but is holding together fairly nicely because of the holy adhesive used to secure the frayed edges.

I've got a file.

My all-time favorite Bible teacher, Beth Moore, was speaking one time about a situation in which she was asked to participate. As she was preparing to go and minister, she told God, "But I don't have a file on this!"Beth Moore had never walked the road of those to whom she was about to minister. She did not have a file.

You may not have a file about something through which your best friend is enduring or what your child is experiencing or what your spouse is going through. But let me tell you what you do have.

The Holy Spirit.

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory. Eph. 1:13-14

If you are a Christ follower, you have the Holy Spirit inside of you ready and willing to lead you down the path that you don't think you have any business traveling.

Ephesians 5:18 tells us, "be filled with the Spirit." As we yield our lives to Him and allow Him to come in, he will become our file.

God allows us to use our past hurts to help others. But, don't sell yourself short on how God can and will use you. And don't forget, my fellow Christ follower, that according to 2 Peter 1:3, His divine power has given you everything you need for life and godliness.

Last time I checked, everything meant everything.