Genuine and authentic gratitude for God opens the door to our spiritual eyes. There’s a beautiful cycle in giving God thanks: the more we thank Him, the more we see Him working in us and around us. Gratitude helps us sense God’s presence, His personal care and His perfect timing.

The power of gratitude far outweighs the few minutes it takes to practice it. There are so many reasons to intentionally cultivate gratitude! However, this world, our flesh, and the enemy whispers reasons why we shouldn’t cultivate gratitude. It’s incumbent upon us to silence the noise we hear and see because God (contrary to the junk we are constantly exposed to) is always good; even when we’re not! True gratitude for God and the abundance He gives protects us from caving to the lies and partial truths we hear and the mess we see scrolling through every social media platform.

Therefore, I encourage you to take some time out of your busy day to thank God for all that He has done! You see, the overflow of gratitude (thanksgiving) is joy. Recognizing God’s abundant goodness in the good and even in the hard-pressed times, is our gateway for joy. In Psalm 28 David cried out to God, and praised Him for hearing and answering his prayer(s). In verse 7 he said this, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.”

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#GiveThanksToGod

I don’t typically post on Sundays because I view it as my day off, but the Lord placed this burden on my heart for someone today (including myself).

That being said, if you are harboring any form of resentment, bitterness, hostility, anger, animosity, and/or antipathy towards a person in your past or present forgive them today. I am not going to delve into a lengthy spiritual discussion about the power of forgiveness and the benefits it brings, but I will strongly encourage you to discharge, release, relinquish, and exonerate the offender(s) no matter how big the offense was or is.

Some of you might be thinking that’s impossible and saying to yourself, “I can’t forgive him/her for what they did to me.” Well, the Lord promises that forgiveness is possible. Even when hurt seems too great to repair or restore, God tells us “I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19). We experience a heart of stone when we are too angry, too selfish, or too frozen by the pain others have caused us. A heart of flesh, while it may be vulnerable, it is compassionate. A heart of flesh sees that while we are feeling pain, the other person may also be hurting for that pain they caused us. We can get so caught up in ourselves that we do not even notice another may be equally struggling from the offense. It is true that people need to be held accountable for their actions. But these people should not be bound in your mental prison forever at your expense.

When we forgive others there is a freedom where we are no longer shackled by our own anger. It moves us from our selfish illusions to a beautiful reality. Yes, I know it’s not easy. In fact, it’s hard work! But letting go of the fantasies that we can change the past, that we can change others, or even that we are the ones who can change ourselves opens room for God to help us ward off the resentment, bitterness, hostility, anger, animosity, and antipathy we feel. Each time we forgive, it paves the way for the next time we need to forgive. Practicing the courage and patience, and letting the Lord into the process of forgiveness becomes like exercising a muscle, it grows stronger and stronger. Together with Him we can come to a point where forgiveness is as intuitive to us as it is for God! Application Action:

(If you can’t speak to that person by phone or face-to-face, all you have to do is automatically and wholeheartedly forgive them in your spirit and the deed is complete.)

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#4GiveThem

I don’t typically post on Sundays because I view it as my day off, but the Lord placed this burden on my heart for someone today (including myself).

That being said, if you are harboring any form of resentment, bitterness, hostility, anger, animosity, and/or antipathy towards a person in your past or present forgive them today. I am not going to delve into a lengthy spiritual discussion about the power of forgiveness and the benefits it brings, but I will strongly encourage you to discharge, release, relinquish, and exonerate the offender(s) no matter how big the offense was or is.

Some of you might be thinking that’s impossible and saying to yourself, “I can’t forgive him/her for what they did to me.” Well, the Lord promises that forgiveness is possible. Even when hurt seems too great to repair or restore, God tells us “I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19). We experience a heart of stone when we are too angry, too selfish, or too frozen by the pain others have caused us. A heart of flesh, while it may be vulnerable, it is compassionate. A heart of flesh sees that while we are feeling pain, the other person may also be hurting for that pain they caused us. We can get so caught up in ourselves that we do not even notice another may be equally struggling from the offense. It is true that people need to be held accountable for their actions. But these people should not be bound in your mental prison forever at your expense.

When we forgive others there is a freedom where we are no longer shackled by our own anger. It moves us from our selfish illusions to a beautiful reality. Yes, I know it’s not easy. In fact, it’s hard work! But letting go of the fantasies that we can change the past, that we can change others, or even that we are the ones who can change ourselves opens room for God to help us ward off the resentment, bitterness, hostility, anger, animosity, and antipathy we feel. Each time we forgive, it paves the way for the next time we need to forgive. Practicing the courage and patience, and letting the Lord into the process of forgiveness becomes like exercising a muscle, it grows stronger and stronger. Together with Him we can come to a point where forgiveness is as intuitive to us as it is for God! Application Action:

(If you can’t speak to that person by phone or face-to-face, all you have to do is automatically and wholeheartedly forgive them in your spirit and the deed is complete.)

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#4GiveThem

Everything has an expiration date. If you want to challenge me on this just look in your refrigerator and read the label on the gallon of milk.

Now then, there’s a difference between the sell-by date and an expiration date. The sell-by date is actually use a guide for how long an item should be displayed for sale before quality deterioration. Items sold on or after the sell-by dates (aka) discounted items are generally safe for consumption after this date, but may begin to lose flavor or eye appeal. On the other hand, items that are deemed expired are probably less tasteful for consumption just like that expired gallon of milk in your refrigerator. (Did you check the label?)

Let me lift this up for you!

We’ve all got things in our lives that are way past the expiration date, so to speak. We’ve all felt like there is no hope at times, like the promises of God have expired. You may have prayed for a certain situation for a long time, and nothing seems to be changing. It’s past due.

There are several biblical examples in the Bible where people’s life tasted just like that gallon of expired milk. One account that always come to mind is the story of Abraham and Sarah (Read Geneses 17-18).

Abraham and Sarah had to face this same problem. Hebrews 11:11 says, “By Faith even Sarah herself, when she was barren, received power to conceive an offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the One who had promised was faithful.”

The Bible says that Abraham was as good as dead. That’s sounds like his ability to have children had pretty much expired. Sarah had already gone through the change of life, but God had given her a promise! God’s promises never expire!!! That’s great news. The Bible says “By FAITH Sarah received strength to conceive when she was past the age.” Her womb had physically expired but God’s promise was spiritually alive.

Paul reminds in 1 Corinthians 1:20, “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for His glory.”

Beloved of God don’t just take my word for it! If you can believe, you can give birth to the promise too! God wants to astound you! He wants to blow your mind away!! Therefore, whatever it is that you are believing for… don’t stop. Don’t lose heart or begin to doubt God. He is so ever faithful and He will bring it to pass. Remember He has an appointed time and His promises never expire, even if the milk in your fridg does….

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#HisPromisesNeverExpire

When 500 battle ready Roman soldiers journeyed from the Antonia fortress to arrest One praying Jewish Rabbi who was accompanied by 11 sleeping disciples and 1 betraying disciple they said we come seeking JESUS of Nazareth to which JESUS responded, “I am He!” Right after JESUS confirmed His identity the very same 500 suited for battle Roman soldiers drew back and literally fell to the ground (John 18:6)!

Did you catch that?! 👀

The Bible doesn’t tell us why this happend, but perhaps the righteousness produced by JESUS’ undeniable majesty of His person and by His response which to Jewish ears conveyed the unutterable name, JEHOVAH (I AM) cause these men to drew back and fell to their knees. Another thought perhaps is their guilt echoed and trembled before the calmness of His undeniable innocence!

All I know is these men came to take JESUS by force, but conscience paralyses set in on their ill intentions, and they had no other choice than to fall and lay helpless before a righteous and just JESUS!

That being said, those soldiers didn’t take JESUS by force because they obviously had no authority to do so. Not to mention in John 10:18 JESUS made this powerful declaration prior to His arrest; “No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”

I don’t know who this message is for today, but I do know this message hits my present situation at the center! You may be asking JESUS who is with “me” in “my” present battle and JESUS is saying, “I AM HE!” Beloved of God, trust me when I say, whatever is in front of that declaration will have to draw back and fall in the presence of a Holy and righteous in every way God!

Hallelujah and glory to God; anything that stands before “I AM” will bow and that’s not limited to grief, pain, brokenness, uncertainty, lack, discouragement, depression, betrayal, burdens, debts, marital tension, conflict, disappointment, familial tension, hardships of all kinds, illnesses of all kinds, death, worry, anxiety, division of all kinds, and political/social unrest (Isaiah 46:4).

I can keep going but I need somebody to please join me in giving the great “I AM” the praise, glory, and honor He rightfully and unequivocally deserves!!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#IAmHe

When 500 battle ready Roman soldiers journeyed from the Antonia fortress to arrest One praying Jewish Rabbi who was accompanied by 11 sleeping disciples and 1 betraying disciple they said we come seeking JESUS of Nazareth to which JESUS responded, “I am He!” Right after JESUS confirmed His identity the very same 500 suited for battle Roman soldiers drew back and literally fell to the ground (John 18:6)!

Did you catch that?! 👀

The Bible doesn’t tell us why this happend, but perhaps the righteousness produced by JESUS’ undeniable majesty of His person and by His response which to Jewish ears conveyed the unutterable name, JEHOVAH (I AM) cause these men to drew back and fell to their knees. Another thought perhaps is their guilt echoed and trembled before the calmness of His undeniable innocence!

All I know is these men came to take JESUS by force, but conscience paralyses set in on their ill intentions, and they had no other choice than to fall and lay helpless before a righteous and just JESUS!

That being said, those soldiers didn’t take JESUS by force because they obviously had no authority to do so. Not to mention in John 10:18 JESUS made this powerful declaration prior to His arrest; “No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”

I don’t know who this message is for today, but I do know this message hits my present situation at the center! You may be asking JESUS who is with “me” in “my” present battle and JESUS is saying, “I AM HE!” Beloved of God, trust me when I say, whatever is in front of that declaration will have to draw back and fall in the presence of a Holy and righteous in every way God!

Hallelujah and glory to God; anything that stands before “I AM” will bow and that’s not limited to grief, pain, brokenness, uncertainty, lack, discouragement, depression, betrayal, burdens, debts, marital tension, conflict, disappointment, familial tension, hardships of all kinds, illnesses of all kinds, death, worry, anxiety, division of all kinds, and political/social unrest (Isaiah 46:4).

I can keep going but I need somebody to please join me in giving the great “I AM” the praise, glory, and honor He rightfully and unequivocally deserves!!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#IAmHe

It doesn’t matter what kind of brokenness (financial, mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical) you experience in life because brokenness on all platforms hurts like hell!

It’s of no surprise that brokenness reveals itself in so many ways. However, one definition according to the Cambridge Dictionary kind of hits the universal nail on the head; “Brokenness is a condition in which something is badly damaged and unable to continue or work correctly.”

The reasons for feeling broken vary from person to person. Some people feel broken because of things they experienced in childhood or after the loss of a friend or loved one. Others may feel broken after losing a job or a home, or even after experiencing a serious illness.

Although brokenness may feel isolating, overwhelming, or even frightening, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Everyone deals with feelings of brokenness and pain. Being able to recognize these feelings and knowing when to seek help so that you can heal from the hurt and live an emotionally healthy life is crucial for you long-term wellbeing and happiness.

Personally, I am learning that facing my brokenness leads to healing because my brokenness points me to the cross and to God’s word. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28,“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus understood the weight of brokenness (Matthew 27:45-46, and Hebrews 2:9-18) and He knew that brokenness on all levels can be damaging, but He equally knew that laying our cares and worries before God gives us the support, strength, and stamina we need to get through our storms. Jesus knew that no matter the size, source, or severity of our brokenness, God can repair our wounds. Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

As we continue to press closer to God’s presence and working in our lives, we can find hope in knowing that our brokenness isn’t pointless. On the contrary, it’s worth something of immeasurable value (Romans 8:18). It will drive us further into the heart of the only One who makes us whole and complete (James 1:1-2).

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#BrokeButMending

Romans 3:23 reminds each of us that we have all miss the mark of God’s righteous and in I John 1:9 we are equally reminded that when we confess our sins to He remains faithful to not only forgive us, but He will also cleanse us of all unrighteousness.

Let’s be honest, when we miss God’s bull’s eye of righteousness we still seek out God’s forgiveness, but why is it so challenging to forgive our brothers and sisters when they ‘miss the mark’ within our relationships?

Jesus said we should forgive someone seventy times seven in response to a question from Peter about how many times to forgive a brother who sins against him. Peter asks if forgiving seven times is appropriate, and Jesus responds “not seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). On one level, this number is wordplay—Jesus is taking the number that Peter gave and one-upping it, changing Peter’s expectations.

The parable Jesus tells after giving this instruction highlights what he means by “seventy times seven.” He tells a parable about an unmerciful servant who has amassed an impossibly large debt but is forgiven for it. The servant is described as owing 10,000 talents (Matthew 18:24) – as a footnote in the NIV translation states, a single talent was 20 years of wages for a day laborer. So, this servant owed a debt in the millions, a debt that given his job and status, he couldn’t possibly accumulate in the real world. Even in the modern-day world when some people rack up thousands of dollars of gambling debts, no bookmaker or employer would be stupid enough to lend that much money. Jesus is exaggerating to make a point about how huge the debt is, that it’s impossible to pay back. In the same way, when Jesus says “seventy times seven,” He is creating a number so large that counting it would be ridiculous. You could try to mark every time you’ve forgiven somebody for a while, telling yourself, “Well, seventy times seven is 490, once they’ve hit 491, it’s all over…” However, the work to track your forgiveness for that long would be silly. So, the point is to FORGIVE regardless of the number of offenses because we can’t put a number on forgiveness. We must forgive people always, without putting a limit on it.

I know the argument because I’ve unapologetically defended it before. Are we to forgive and pardon the offender at the same time? Well, read Matthew 18:15:20 because just before Jesus talked about 70×7 he gave a teaching on what to do if a believer sins against another believer.

Obviously, this is an exhaustive topic with many nuisances to factor and even more opinions to debate and with that being said I will close with this; there are still consequences for sin. If a person has not fully repented of their sin, then they should not be fully trusted as if they’re an innocent person. However, you should always forgive them and let go of the resentment towards them because hating them actually steals, kills, and destroys your personal joy and peace! (Sounds familiar, right…..read John 10:10)

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#ForgivenessIsFreedom

God’s general will is birthed from His inherent and indomitable Word. Understanding the divine wisdom of God’s knowledge reveals who He is and what He desires from each of us.

It’s no mystery why we have been taught, abandoning our will to God is not an option for those who seek to be an overcomer for His glory.

Jesus who was and is 100% God and man said prior his arrest and brutal persecution in Luke 22:42, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine be done.”

There’s no doubt that the human will being surrendered to God is the foundation of the Christian life and yet there has never been a more unpopular subject.

In my opinion, the contradiction of wills starts and ends with power of the wills. God’s will is premised on infinite wisdom whereas the human will is prefaced on finite knowledge and with that being said, it’s obvious the former would be greater than the latter.

I could go on, but there’s really no need to pontificate this subject because whatever God set in motion before the foundations of this world will always come to pass. The major prophet Isaiah confirmed this truth in chapter 14 verse 27 and he said, “Nothing can stop God’s plan [will] for your life.”

My beloved brothers and sisters, God does not need our help to be responsible, but by saying ‘But thy will not mine be done’ we express that God is responsible and we declare to God in praise that God is responsible.

Undoubtedly, the most powerful prayers you can ever pray is, “God not my will, but let Your will be done.”

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#NotMyWill