4GIVEN

You don’t have to wait until we celebrate Easter to remember that JESUS CHRIST is risen! He is risen above sickness, finances, ignorance, hatred, division, political systems, governments, heavy hearts, grieving hearts, sin, iniquities, transgressions, hurt, pain, rejection, trials, tribulations, and death! You see, possessing a praise-filled attitude despite your circumstances does not mean that we should never cry out to God in our suffering. However, praising Him and lifting Him up in the midst of our battles should stifle our worries, weeping, and doubts. When praying honestly to God and praising him in suffering we will find that God hears us and He alone will give us joy and peace that surpasses human comprehension. So trust JESUS CHRIST today even with the infinitesimal [smallest] problem because when we are at our worst God is always at His best!!

God never promised that we would live forever on this earth. So why do so many choose to live as if they will never die? Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Death is the destiny of everyone, and the living should take this to heart. Because of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, we do not need to fear the final deadline, but neither should we be nonchalant about it. Jesus said in John 3:36, “The One that God sent speaks God’s words. And don’t think he rations out the Spirit in bits and pieces. The Father loves the Son extravagantly. He turned everything over to him so he could give it away—a lavish distribution of gifts. That is why whoever accepts and trusts the Son gets in on everything, life complete and forever! And that is also why the person who avoids and distrusts the Son is in the dark and doesn’t see life. All he experiences of God is darkness, and an angry darkness at that.”Marcus Aurelius said, “Live not as though there were a thousand years ahead of you. Fate is at your elbow; make yourself good while life and power are still yours.”

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We all know what it feels like to take a loss ( aka “L”) in life and if you’re anything like me you’ve experienced in some shape, form, or fashion hatred, racial profiling, segregation, humiliation, degradation, discrimination, and opposition. However, when I stopped comparing my ‘L’s’ to other people and started comparing my struggle (s) to the struggles that Jesus endured, I quickly learned the power of true humility. Philippians 2:8 of the MSB paraphrase says, “Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life [despite all that He endured] and then died a selfless, obedient death – and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion.” Humility requires vision, strength, and maturity. It’s one of the most difficult beatitudes to being into submission. But, the reward far exceeds the painstaking process in harvesting it’s fruits.

James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” Humility is obedience and obedience is better than sacrifice!

God’s love for you never fails, it never gives up, and it will never go bankrupt! His love for you far surpasses human comprehension ! You are extremely valuable to God and it doesn’t matter what you’ve done, His love for you never changes!! Have a terrific week and don’t forget to relish in God’s indelible loving embrace!!

PS. He is waiting on you!!

I’ve heard it said, “Follow your passion and you will find your purpose.” Well, passion is defined as having an intense desire or enthusiasm to do something and purpose is the reason for which something is done. Ultimately, our main purpose in life is to know Christ and make Him known. However, you must possess the desire to accomplish this purpose in order to fulfill it or see it manifested in your life. According to the MSB, Jesus said in Matthew 28:18-20, “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you……..” You might be thinking Jesus was referring to ‘qualified’ individuals; right? Well, what if I told you Jesus is speaking directly to you and me!! You don’t need a certification!! All you need is desire! So, your ready but don’t know where to start? Prayer and theBible are only the tools you need in your started kit and the Holy Spirit will lead the way to you manifesting your purpose!