Demanding Explanations

“I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”

Job 42:3

When a person makes demands upon another person, that individual can be very challenging, maybe even difficult. For example, I was reading a story of a Christian man who believed God had led him to take a daring step of faith, and made this remark: “if God doesn’t give me success in this matter, He’ll certainly have a lot of explaining to do!” It’s easy to judge this man’s words, but have you ever said, “When I get to heaven, I expect God to explain to me why some of my prayers were not answered.” This particular man was inferring that God needed to explain why he had experienced some tragedies which according to his thinking and understanding could have been prevented! Has there been occasion for you to take a similar position as such to say “When I get to heaven, I am going to ask God for some answers.”

A little background to Job’s life events is found in Job 1:8 and Job 2:3 Here Satan questions God about the motive for Job’s integrity and twice the Lord gives controlled permission for Satan to test Job’s allegiance. As the events of this permission unfold, Job lost his property, his family, servants and health. He eventually looses the support of his wife who is in the midst of grieving over the great loss of her family, Mrs Job even tells him to forfeit his integrity. Job’s friends come along and try to ease his pain but at some point Job is subjected to their accusations and taunts which further intensified and elevated his sorrow.

You know God is ultimately the only judge to whom the integrity of man must answer, and His verdict is announced to Job’s astonished friends: despite all of Job’s complaints and questions, he is the one who has spoken to the Lord “the things that are right.” Job 42:7-8. God gives instruction to these friends of Job, “go and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering and My servant Job will pray for you. That is quite a turnaround, God heard Job’s pain-filled prayers, He accepted them, God will act on behalf of those who wait for Him!

On a personal level, have you ever confessed that you “Feel” God is far off, that He has “withdrawn” Himself from you? It could be that sin has caused this distance – Job’s friends seemed convinced this was the case with him. But we read in John 9:1-3 where Jesus taught His disciples in the case of a man born blind, sin is not always the cause. I guess the question that begs asking is: How am I responding in the midst of my circumstances or situations? Am I trusting Him or am I looking frantically for a way out of the difficulty without discovering what He wants me to learn? Jesus said that if I seek His Kingdom first, seek His righteousness, He is obligated to meet my needs when I faithfully obey and trust HIM! That means keeping in step with Him, the Lord will assume full responsibility for your needs, your problems, challenges and circumstances of life. BUT God does this according to His will because His will speaks of His purpose for you, His plans for you and His timing for you! Regardless of when the answer comes, it will always be perfect, it will encourage you, as a mater of fact -> it will surpass your expectations.

To sense a separation from God – it means that you first have to have a relationship, to experience that relationship so that you know what separation means. If no relationship, then you have never really known “separation”. We read in Genesis 3 that Adam & Eve fell from relationship due to disobedience. Now they knew what separation was, they had experienced “presence” - but sin cut them off. However, God would continue to pursue them through grace and mercy, He came seeking them. What about the prodigal son who came to his senses and set out to go back to his father’s house – He found his father running to meet his son, Luke 15. Restoration came through grace!

Job was in great pain, grieved beyond what we could possibly understand, God seemed so evidently withdrawn from him without cause. Job 2:3. Yet Job pours out his complaint to the Lord, he questioned Him , bitterly complained, he cried out in his sense of desolation. This patriarch of old struggled to make sense of his bitter experience, that bad things can happen to good people!

But here’s the key: at no point did he blame anyone else, and neither did he cease to reach out toward the Lord – How did he do that? Job knew that the Lord would never cease to be his Redeemer. Job reassures us that questioning God is common to all of humanity, regardless of being a Christian or not. Yet, when Job demanded that God justify His lack of intervention in his trials, God didn’t comply. Instead, He bombarded Job with His own searching questions, read Job 38 to 41. The Almighty does not have to explain Himself or reveal Himself and His plans to us in His way and in His time for our ultimate benefit.

God is capable to meeting your needs, He knows your struggles, He knows the battles that are ensuing around your life. God knew the questions on Job’s heart. However the deeper principle – How we need to focus on our faith when we are under trial. Know that God is committed to meeting your needs, but He wants to know that you are committed to living your life for Him.

Express to the Lord today , tell Him, “Lord, I trust You completely to meet my needs in Your timing and according to Your methods. I lay down my selfish hopes, my dreams and desires. Make them in my life in such a way that they reveal Your will for my life. I will continue to obey You by the Power of Holy Spirit and confessing that you will care for all my needs, You have never failed me. Thank You Lord for your wisdom, power and grace, in Jesus’ name.

Closing comment: In time Job received a new vision of God Job 42:5, the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends, as God had instructed him. God assumed full responsibility for his needs – for our needs when we obey Him. Life will have its highs and lows, there will be times of delight and tragedies. But through it all, God is there – and so are His blessings for faithful obedience. Amen.

“When we trust God’s promises, we won’t demand explanations.”

D.B.

Reflection

Every birthday, much like New Year’s Eve, we pause to reflect on the past year, our successes, and failures, what we did well, and what did not get done. Sometimes we beat ourselves up over the “shoulda, woulda, coulda’s” of this world, not understanding that, according to God’s spiritual laws, we are exactly where we are supposed to be at this time. Imagine what heartache and anxiety we would avoid if we just understood the concept of times and seasons. 

 In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, we are introduced to what is commonly known as the Law of Temporary. 

“There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2     a time to be born and a time to die,  a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3     a time to kill and a time to heal,  a time to tear down and a time to build,
4     a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6     a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7     a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8     a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”

 No matter what situation we are going through right now, it is temporary. Much like it cannot be Summer in Canada, twelve months of the year, our situations change like the four seasons. But we need to have the wisdom to spiritually discern the times and the seasons. Because this will determine our successes or our failures. We must always be conscious of not going ahead of Holy Spirit. Timing is everything. We can be the right person, with the right credentials, the right job, the right connections but we can fail miserably at a task because it is not the right time or the right season. In as much as we will not wear flip flops during a winter storm and a winter jacket in the middle of Summer, we must have the spiritual acuity to discern spiritual times. Hosea says that my people perish because of lack of knowledge, and we must not fall prey to the enemy whose sole mission is to abort our destiny. He knows that we are God’s beloved and have a specific mandate to fulfill. Sometimes, it is too bad that we do not seem to believe that too.

So, we must guard ourselves against complaining about our current situations. God is doing great work in us, and we must trust that He knows best. We can ask Him to reveal the secrets to us according to His will. The Bible is very clear in

“For promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. 7 But God is the judge: he puts down one and sets up another.”

Psalm 75:6-7

 If everyone in your family is gossiping about you, just recognize that you are in the season of gossip. So, you go to your Bible and decree and declare what God says about you in these situations. Do not waste time trying to prove your innocence or fighting back in the flesh. Just recognize the season and allow Holy Spirit to guide you through it, with His knowledge and wisdom. Just be faithful in your walk, continue to look up, do not judge no matter what is going on, and have faith in God (these are all hard to do sometimes). If He says to bless them, do so.

If we change our perspective, we will see the annoying co-workers, the rebellious children, whatever, is God’s way of preparing us for another level, something bigger and better for His kingdom. It could just be to take us higher to a new level of spiritual maturity. Whatever we are going through right now, will be used in the next level. We must fully believe that He knows best. We take it in stride and ask Holy Spirit, “how do I pray during this season?” We must go through the whole assignment, learn the lessons, and pass the test. We do not want to be going around any mountain for 40 years. This is how God will be glorified through our victories, small and big. If God is for us, who can possibly be against us?

You are alive right now, in this time and this season and this is not an accident. God is not surprised that you are still here. Is he shocked that Trudeau is PM of Canada? Is he flustered that Russia and Ukraine are at war? Did Covid-19 take Him completely off-guard? Is he trembling, cowering in a corner at what is coming next? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then He is not God, because our Bible says differently. See Psalm 75:6-7. 

I cannot stress enough that we need to learn how to discern times and seasons. We need to develop a strong relationship with Holy Spirit and ask Him to tell us what our purpose is in these times that we are living in.  What unique thing does he want us to do for Him? When? How? Where? With whom? Why? Do not be scared to ask questions. Do not think that because your sole mission is that God wants you to dance around your bedroom for 20 minutes, it’s insignificant. Do you know that by this simple act of obedience, you probably broke the shackles binding the next Billy Graham? Little you, in Tyendinaga. No TV cameras, no stadium crowds, just you in your bedroom. A willing heart. We must take our positions, but we need to seek Him in earnest so that we will know our mission plainly. And take that step of faith.

Prayer

“Heavenly Father, please give us the anointing to discern times, seasons, and judgments. Help us to walk hand in hand with Jesus and to submit fully to Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth. You, who are the author and finisher of our faith, who knows the beginning from the end, help us to trust you because you want us to have a future and a hope and an expected end. In the midst of the fire, we will continue to give you a sacrifice of praise. Give us a double dose of faith to navigate these times. We thank you that you have ordained us to be alive NOW to impact your kingdom here on earth. Thank you for choosing us and equipping us. Thank you for your mercy and your grace, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”

Laura Wilfred

Harvest Time

The summer has gone by so quickly. It seems like yesterday people were buying plants and seeds getting ready to plant their gardens. Growing a garden takes time and effort, especially keeping the weeds under control and there are the bugs and wild animals whom love the new growth also. Keeping the weeds under control is much easier than the bugs and animals.

When the fruit and vegetables are ripe, it is time to harvest.

There is another harvest so much more important and less are eager to get the ground ready, plant the seed, keep the weeds out and keep watch over it so the enemy doesn't steal the seed.

Then He said to them (His Disciples),The Harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few, therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His Harvest.

Luke 10:2 (NKJV)

Salvation of souls is a priority with the Lord. That is why He paid that terrible price at Calvary that not one would perish.

Prayer must be the foundation on which the harvest is gathered, as well we must remember that it is Jesus Christ who is the Lord of the harvest. If there are no labourers the harvest cannot be gathered.

We believers are His labourers.

Ask the Lord to lay someone upon your heart to pray for. Keep praying and confessing the Word over that individual. We have to watch over that person ,keeping the weeds out and Satan from stealing the seed.. That is done by only prayer and confessing the Word over them. If you know who they are, maybe a phone call or a visit could help. That is not always possible, because it could be someone in another country. Then we pray, there are no distance in prayer. God has open every avenue we need to intercede for the lost.

Yes we all have our daily work to do. Let’s not get so caught up in our daily routine that we lay aside the most important thing on our Fathers heart and that is souls. Keep praying for souls, that will keep us busy until Jesus returns ,the reward will be GREAT.

Do you not say, There are still four months and then comes the harvest? Behold I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!

36. And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.

John 4:35-36 (NKJV)

The harvest is ready now, we do not have to go far to see the need.

He who reaps receives wages.... wages are souls. The salvation of a soul will bring forth fruit forever and will be a credit to the sowers and reapers. That is for eternity what an investment. That alone should make you want to bring in souls for His Kingdom.

Work for the Lord while there is still time, because there will come a time when no man will work.

Remember the fields are white for harvest and the Lord is waiting on you and me. And He is coming soon.

Let’s not forget someone prayed for us when we were away from God.

We have to love everyone and pray that they will not be lost. That is the Lords heartbeat and it should be ours also.

M.B

JESUS MY PEACE

We are living in a world of uncertainty. Nothing is for certain, if you pay attention to the daily news, fear could easily grip your heart. Nearly 90% of people are walking in fear. You do not have to know anyone very long before you know whether they are living in fear or faith. Satan's plan for you is to walk in fear. Fear binds you to the power of the enemy. God's plan  for you is to walk in faith. Faith binds you to the power of God. 

2 Timothy 1:7 tells us that God has not given us a spirit of fear. That tells us that fear is not from God, and whatever is not from God we do not want it. 

Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord, I do not change.

He is our peace and He will always be our peace because He never changes.

John 1:1 tells us the Word was in the beginning and it was with God and it is God.

The Word of God is alive, it is true, it is God Himself and he never changes. The Word brings us comfort, peace  security and all good things comes from Him.

Psalm 91:2...He is or refuge and fortress.

Refuge means....a place to flee too; a place of safety from danger.

Fortress means…a place of defence from the enemy

Proverbs 30:5  Every Word of God is pure. He is  a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

Shield means... to protect or defend: to keep from harm.

Why would we put your trust in something that is full of fear and dread, when we  have  everything we will ever need and that is in Christ Jesus.

He is our peace.

The Lord wants us to rest in Him. In Him  is no fear. Leaning. trusting and being confident in Him gives us peace in knowing that we are safe, secure and never alone.

Hebrews 13:5...I will never leave you, nor forsake you.

What a promise! I stand on that every day knowing whatever takes place I'm covered. He is my security and shield. I know that whatever happens or takes place I'm covered, because He is walking with me. I do not have to try and figure things out. I just give them to the Holy Spirit and He takes care of everything.  That is what I all resting in Him.

Isaiah 40:8 the grass withers, the flowers fade, but the Word of  our God shall stand forever.

Psalm 119:89-90  Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.

90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides

God's word is settled in heaven, it cannot change. These promises tells us that God will never change. His faithfulness will last throughout this life on earth and throughout eternity. His word stands forever and He stands forever because they are one.

All His promises are for everyone who puts their trust in Him. He never changes .The news changes, climate changes, seasons changes , man changes, everything on earth changes but Jesus Christ never changes, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever. He is the only one to put our trust in,  the only one who will never fail you, why settle for something less when He is all we will ever need in this life and eternity.

This sums up my message, from Sarah Young

If you learn to trust Me---really trust Me---with your whole being, then nothing can separate you from My Peace. Everything you endure can be put to good use by allowing it to train you in trusting in Me. This is how you foil the works of evil, growing in grace through the very adversity that was meant to harm you.

Isaiah 26:4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is, the rock eternal

Trust in Him and experience joy unspeakable and full of glory

                                                                                                M B.

                                                                                                                                               .

Keep The Weeds Out

I have been working in my flower beds, getting them ready for their new growth this summer. Pulling out the weeds and adding new soil. Planting and watering the seeds and flowers. Just in a few days weeds were back again, there is no end to the weeds. I really believe they grow faster than the flowers. It seem that is what I do all summer is pull out weeds. If I didn't keep the weeds out, they would choke and take over the flowers.

What about our walk with the Lord, do we spend as much time making sure our heart is free of weeds as we do taking care of our gardens.

Your Word have I hidden in my heart, that I may not sin against You.

Psalms 119:11

Fill your heart with the Word. Believe every word in the Bible. Plant those precious promises of God's Word in your heart and life. As you study and quote them over and over, your faith will grow.

Water the seed everyday with praises and adoration.

I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall be continually in my mouth.

Psalms 34:1

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His Name.

Heb. 13:15

God inhabits the praises of His people. The Word and praise is life to your soul and will help keep the weeds out, but we have to do our part. We have to guard our heart very carefully. You have to keep the weeds out.

The enemy wants your heart full of weeds, some of them are bitterness, anger, blasphemies, hatred, unforgiveness, doubt, fear, unbelief, discouragement, jealousy, gossip, worry, discord with one another, and all other works of the enemy.

If your heart has any weeds in it. They grow fast like the weeds in your garden but more dangerous. They will keep choking out the Word of God until they take over .That is Satan's plan to take over your heart. You are the only one who can stop him.

That's going to take some diligence on your part, no one else can do it for you. You have to weed your own crop. When a little weed springs up, kill it. Pull it by the roots. Spray it with the Word of God over and over until it dies.

Keep your heart with all diligence For out of it springs the issue of life.

Prov. 4:23

M.B

VISIT US

And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of

Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Luke 19:9,10

Jesus is coming into Jericho, the same city that centuries before Joshua and the Israelites had marched around for 7 days; the same city where God’s people were being taught that obedience, expectation andworship would bring the intervention and blessings of God. When Israel obeyed, the walls came tumbling down. Now we fast forward to Luke 18:35, we read that Jesus has arrived in Jericho. His followers are present with Him, a blind beggar on the road side shouts out “Jesus, Son of David, have pity and show me mercy!” The religious try to quieten this man down but Jesus stops suddenly, requests the man be brought to him. Result, the blind man is not only healed but received salvation as well. Jesus said, “your faith in Me has given you sight and new life.” This scene serves as a backdrop to what happens next, the atmosphere is charged with curiosity from the people but Jesus is very intentional in the verses to follow.

Now you could imagine the air of expectation and excitement that is beginning to evolve. A wealthy resident named Zacchaeus caught wind of the fervour of the gathered crowd, heard the news of this visitor and witnessed that everyone was keen to come near this celebrity. Zacchaeus hears the commotion, a very large crowd, standing room only. Zach being short in stature couldn’t see this visitor, so he climbed a blossoming sycamore-fig tree to get a better look. That blossoming tree is an indicator of what is about to happen, harvest is coming! It’s also an indicator of the days in which we live.

Here we have a picture of a man who is rich, yet poor. He is considered a recluse, he was ostracized and despised. People went out of their way to avoid him. Being a short man, he was generally overlooked. However he wasn’t ignored, the state empowered him to be the Chief Revenue Officer and backed up his authority. His only friends were within his profession, and they weren’t much. Loneliness seemed his best companion so you can imagine how he felt when this teacher, needing a place to stay picked him out of the crowd and asked if he could come to his house and stay.

Needless to say, Zach was shocked, finally someone had favoured him; but that ticked the community, people began to sputter and mutter. Like- Is this teacher mad? What is he thinking? Why did Jesus pick this outsider’s place to stay.

However, Zach made the most of it, this encounter changed his entire life! He cashed in 50% of his assets and gave them to the poor. That folks is a changed life. When we turn our finances over to the Lord, we acknowledge and trust that He is our supply. We are called to be stewards of those resources. When we turn our fears and doubts over to Him, the Lord will give us supernatural peace and assurance. Zach learned to overcome many daily obstacles in life his own way, he knew how to survive. Unfortunately it was done out of rejection and loneliness, had no sense of his lostness. But for some reason unknown to him, he wanted to see Jesus so much that he ran ahead, a government official – very undignified. He was trying to see Jesus, that hunger, that desire allowed him to see Jesus. When we drop our expectations and agendas – we can come face to face with Christ and nothing will ever be the same again. What caused him to do this? Did he want change, acceptance, did he want to give his loved ones more than riches and position? Jesus knew his heart, He knew Zach had no peace, joy nor contentment. When called to come down from his resources, Zach responded immediately and walked with Jesus. You know, God knows your need, even as you read this short message, admit it – You may have a void in your life, you have unanswered prayer, maybe relational issues. Maybe struggles with isolation issues, trying to cope by relying on self-preservation initiatives but still not experiencing contentment. Maybe you have stopped going to church because someone said something and it pushed you away. Time for us to get over us! Its all about Jesus! Is He asking you for some space in your heart, He wants you to allow His Presence, His Provision and His power to guide your life. It means change, it means trusting, He wants to stay in your house today. Jesus wants you to admit your need for Him, admit your limitations and turn frustrations and fears over to Him. Isn’t it amazing, Zach surrendered everything he had to Christ, he stopped cheating realizing that only Jesus could give him true purpose and meaning. How much time do we spend looking horizontally at our world and maybe not discerning that our redemption is drawing nigh.

In closing, Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to your household.” This visit affected his entire household. A visit from God is the greatest thing that could ever happen. When He visits, the sick are healed, the weak made strong, sinners saved, saints filled with His glory and society transformed. Time to pray for a flood of God’s love, there are many Zacchaeus’ outside the kingdom, how we all need a visitation like never before. May He be welcomed into our hearts and homes.

Jesus had never been in Jericho before – He came looking for one person, would that be you?

D.B.

World's Economy or Heaven's Economy

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.   John 16:33.

     In our world, in our nation and locally, so many are struggling to experience peace. You turn the news on and all you hear are bad reports, injustice, persecution of innocent people, riots. violent crimes and scandals. Because of Covid many are losing their jobs, many are in depression, the list goes on and on. They have no peace, no rest only turmoil. This is the world's economy. We live in this world but the world does not live in us, we live in Heaven's economy our trust is in the Lord.

     Jesus is saying in John 16:33,  things may look dark, however. despite how they may look, everything is under control, trust what I have said and believe in Me. Yes you will go through tribulation but not alone. Jesus said "I will never leave you nor forsake you". Our trust is in Him.  He said be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

   You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in you.   Isa.26:3

We get that perfect peace by trusting in the Lord and believing what the Word says. All we hear from the world today is fear, gloom and despair. Remember Jesus said I have overcome the world. If we believe Jesus words ,then there is no room for fear, fear will not enter your mind. Satan's plan is to bring fear, to  paralyze you and keep you in torment, that is what fear does. He cannot bring fear to a child of God if our mind is on Christ. We cannot walk in fear and faith at the same time. Fear will bring you torment, faith will bring you peace.

     Depart from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.  Ps.34:14.

Whatever we desire in life we have to pursue it, if we want peace we have to pursue it. How do we go after peace ? We are not to listen to those things that bring us fear. Mostly we need to stay in the Word and pray.  You will not have fear in you as you fellowship with Him.

      Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives do I give to  you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid John 14:27.

This world cannot bring peace because there is no real peace in the world. Jesus is the only one who can give us peace, because He is Peace. Choose to live in Heaven's Economy and you will experience peace, happiness and joy. Your days and nights will be full of peace.

                                                                                                                                                                                                     M.B.

A God Goal

We make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him

2 Corinthians 5:9

Goals can be defined as: objectives, aims, ambitions, purposes, or conclusions.

Goals are a large part of the sports industry be it basketball, hockey, football etc. These teams want to score against their opponents and end up with the greatest number of points to experience a win. Goals are a major influence in the business world in promoting their products with the primary goal of influencing people to consider their product as an alternative to the competition. Again the goal is gain greater market share with the ultimate goal of presenting an impressive bottom line. Goals are part of our daily lives, maybe you want to earn a degree in this field, or seek to finish a project in that area of life. All of us strive to create a certain amount of savings each year, maybe the goal is a vacation, retirement or a long awaited renovation project. All of these priorities are noble endeavours. There are many plans as well in life that can be beneficial to exercise our faith. I believe God wants us to plan, prepare and realize a God Goal has been put into the hearts of all humanity, a goal that helps us to not wander aimlessly about just doing the basics to get by.

However, we know life can be a tad unpredictable. Some families have experienced interruptions where a family member has become ill and unable to work. In that household there is a young person who is looking forward to getting that degree they have dreamed of for so long – however - this unexpected change in household finances puts that goal on hold. Unexpected major repair bills deplete savings! Questions begin to rise like: “what do we do once our goals are capsized by circumstances”? “Do we view as having failed?” Maybe you might say: “Should I just stop planning”?

I would answer that comment with a solid “absolutely not”! We must never stop planning. Remember that our chief objective is clear –its our aim, to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. God will use our plans and schemes, as Topsy-Turvey as they may seem, to reproduce Christ’s divine character in each of us. We are called to imitate Christ that we may duplicate what Jesus said before His Ascension, to every believer: He said “I will send “Another,” the powerful presence and guidance of Holy Spirit to reside in the lives of the redeemed! We are now able to give birth to the purposes of God in and through our own lives. No program, no elevated education will do that regardless of how good they may be. You will not overcome your sinful habits on your own, its impossible no matter how hard you try. Jesus said we would do greater things when Holy Spirit has come upon us, Acts 1:8. The church is to produce offspring, called to share the gospel of truth so as to Glorify and be pleasing to God.

Who is the church anyhow?? It’s a body of followers who believe in the inerrant Word of God from cover to cover, people who are humbled by the truth that God would redeem them from self-centered agendas, our hurts and disappointments, it’s a people who realize that the only answer to life’s dilemmas is to yield to God’s Truth for forgiveness, health, prosperity, etc. How does it work? Well, you express your need of God, ask for His forgiveness and watch how He will fulfill your desires in and through a vibrant relationship with His Son! When we receive a revelation of that truth, we become so humbled yet thankful. Over time the church has been subtly influenced to conform to this world’s ideology, that has resulted in our testimony being compromised and our message losing its effectiveness.

Be encouraged today for the church is about to enter into a time in 2021 of the glorious intervention of God where we are being transformed by a renewed mind (Rms 12:1,2), our thinking is changing even as you read this, our conscience is being compelled to listen and obey God through study, and obedience. You can’t succeed by trying to sin less; trust & experience how Holy Spirit begins to mold you into a person pleasing to the Lord. You discover how awesome God’s plan is for you because now you live in the centre of His will! That’s a God Goal! We rise in the morning as a winner, we rest at night knowing we are pleasing Him. That’s a transformed life. The Spirit of God is our empowerment who stabilizes us in life, makes the Word of God alive that we may believe all things are possible through Christ. This victory causes us to sense a supernatural yet gentle tugging on our heart to come into agreement through His presence, walking in power and authority, speaking truth and freedom into our life experiences, be it health, careers, finances, relationships, etc. God doesn’t work on a point system, Ephesians 1 says we experience God’s generosity, what He has secured for us in heaven where there is no sickness, nothing stolen or damaged but kept for us. Don’t focus on the mechanics of religion, it can draw you into legalism; enjoy the goals of God, lay hold of them by faith.

The disciples marvelled at the great miracles Jesus performed throughout the Gospels. But the greatest display of power was displayed at His resurrection, Jesus triumphed over death, hell and the grave for all eternity, made this victorious life available to anyone through faith in Christ, John 14:6. He can and will help each of us walk through all that concerns us today.

Set your goals, but remember your priority – to allow God to use both success and failure to conform you to the image of Christ. One final thought – Rely on God for your eternal future but live in the abundance of the present, yield to His instruction, enjoy His presence and provision for today.

D.B.

Are you Trusting God for Wings?

 Arise, go over this Jordan...I will not leave you nor forsake you.

 Joshua 1:2,5

John Wesley wrote, “Among the many difficulties of our early ministry, my brother Charles often said, ‘If the Lord would give me wings, I’d fly’. I used to answer, ‘If God bids me fly, I will trust Him for the wings’”. 

The year 2020 may be remembered in days to come as one filled with predictions of failing economies, cities being shut off from the rest of our nations, debates over the defunding of law enforcement and government instability, social distancing.....the list is endless. How discouraging and how hopeless mankind is when we abandon the precepts and presence of God in all areas of life!! Many people are in panic mode, afraid to associate with family members, watching store shelves depleted with food essentials. In the midst of all this and more, we believe the very strength of a nation is the family unit; but even that is facing the challenge of being redefined. Places of worship that bring stability in every society have been shut down, attendees being scheduled as to what service they are allowed to attend. The question that pervades all of this worldwide crisis is: How does one navigate through all these challenges.

After the death of Moses, Joshua was thrust into a position of great responsibility — to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land. The enormity of the challenge made him tremble with fear. But the Lord gave him an assuring promise: “I will not leave you nor forsake you.” Then He said, “Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” vs 9. Such assurances were the backing Joshua needed.  

What assurances do you need today to give you a confidence, a surety that the Lord is present, that He will never forsake (abandon, leave) you in the midst of all the world-wide confusion?

God is committed to each of us, as we journey in the truth of this passage, as we learn from Scripture what it means to be a child of God... We begin to trust more and more in His ability and our surrender to His Will, a confidence arises within us that we hear and know His voice. We can go forward with a greater authority to carry out our assignment, just as Joshua and the Israelites had been commanded to do. The entire assembly of sojourners, who were about to embark on a God revealed - God committed challenge, had to change their confession and posture. The Lord is saying “Arise, come up higher, I have things I want to reveal to you that you have not yet been able to comprehend”. I believe the mysteries God is about to be revealed to those who are hungry and thirsty, even in the midst of an apparent & seemingly uncontrollable pandemic. We will be able to see more clearly, understand to a greater depth and experience the strength and peace of God. Fear will have to bow to the authority and position of the blood bought Believer, it’s a new day and a greater expectation should be rising up within each of us.

Just like Joshua in his newly appointed leadership position having much to be fearful of in his own strength, you and I should view today’s events as an indicator of things to come. We will be fearful as well if we try to sort out the world dilemma in our own strength. However, God is going to show Himself powerful to those who lean not on their own understanding, but acknowledge their need to lean on God. This virus is nothing more than a further reminder of the fall of humanity, the power of sin to throw the world into chaos and how the greed of man for power and money had corrupted and affected everything. But remember, as we long for the return of Jesus Christ who will make all things new , you and I as believers in the resurrected Christ are to occupy until that time. For those who have a steady diet of God’s Word will know that times may be troubling, that many unexpected things continue to happen throughout history such as the influenza in the 1900’s – But there is still the opportunity to share the glorious truths of the Gospel. I’m sure Joshua was somewhat overwhelmed but he leaned on what he learned from Moses, stood on the command of God, allowing the confidence He had that God was able – Joshua arose to a new level of authority. He was to take the land that God had previously promised to Abraham. Now Joshua’s job was to take it. Don’t get distracted by the hearsay or those who are against you, those who persecute. Remember the devil came to steal the word, rob our confidence but Jesus came to shower you with abundance – now just arise! Folks, it’s time to arise. We can’t trust and still walk in fear, we are to observe all that as commanded of the believer, to not look to the right or left, God wants to prosper us wherever you go.

Joshua knew God’s Word, he meditated, he talked, and obeyed God’s Word. God was committed to guide His servant, He would provide for all of Joshua’s needs to lead the people into freedom! Romans 8:31 “if God is for me, who can be against me.” Do you know the depth Jesus went to empower you to be a Kingdom expanded?? Jesus took the keys and gave them to the church, that’s you and I! Will You trust God with a greater confidence in the authority He has given you, step out and get ready for your assignment to be realized?? Its not asking for wings to fly – but to believe that if God orders your steps, if He asks you to fly, you can trust Him for the wings!

DB

Making Your Life Count

Having your conduct honourable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation”

1 Peter 2:12

Many of us know and have experienced the powerful impact of the Media today. It has reached a saturation point in our present age that what is spoken of and shown on the various news channels seems to have more impact on culture, elevating its perceived truth above and beyond the absolute truth of the Word of God. People tune in to these various sources hoping to gain understanding of world conditions, looking for a cause to follow, or a purpose and meaning for existence. Many folks depend on media content to aid in making those all important decisions for life!

There is a great deception that the time in which we live is that a person has to be prominent or visible to be influential. Jesus taught quite the contrary. We read about Jesus standing on a rural hillside with a few thousand farmers, fishermen, carpenters and other men and women of humble background, Jesus pronounced them as the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” Mat 5:13-16.

Jesus is bringing the same message to you and I today. We are valuable and worthy in His eyes, created as His workmanship for a lifetime of good works that will demonstrate the reality of the Kingdom of God to a blind and captive world.

1 Peter 2:4 Jesus Christ is referred to as a “Living Stone”, and Christ-followers are called “living stones”. It seems difficult to imagine a stone as living. Looking at this a little deeper – We grow in the Lord when we ingest His Word, we are challenged each day as we are reminded of our salvation, then to admit that if there is sin in our lives - it needs to be removed, - all of this activity so that we can refocus on the graciousness of God. Peter exhorts us to be intentional and determined in our devotion, coming to the Lord as in worship, coming near is present tense therefore it means I come personally and repeatedly. Jesus invites us to come because we have a tendency to labour, we tend to be laden with life’s challenges –Good News for us: Jesus said “Come to Me, I will give you rest”!

With that thought in mind, our relationship was never meant to stay private even though it is personal. You are called personally but for that to be fruitful, it has to be worked out in community with others. All of us are to do life, not separately but together, to love and lean on each other. I can apply all the promises of God to my life, but if its going to be effective, it has to be fleshed out in my particular community. In other words, “Bloom where God has planted you”! Taking it further, it means we are to be interdependent, many want independence from others, from responsibilities, from interaction, from obligations, etc – BUT that's not your role as a human being, we are meant to support, to encourage each other, to interact, we are living stones, a family with a foundation and called to be a people of purpose and destiny!

A living stone should not be silent, Jesus said in Luke 19 that if the people are contained, or quieted by the religious, He said the stones will cry out, meaning: His Living Stones! The Kingdom of God is built with Living Stones. That means the church is more than an organization, it is a collection of Living Stones, building and supporting one another with Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church. Thinking again of being interdependent, if you pulled a stone out of the foundation of your home, it would be unstable, not complete. As for the church, if the congregants began to “cool of” towards the things of God and began to forsake the assembling of the saints, it would affect the entire structure.

There is a growing divide between the “Church-ed” and the “Church-less”, the result is a shift from faith-based Christ devotion giving way to secularism void of God and truth. The result of this shift is that people do acts of kindness, giving superficial recognition to God when in need but no real sense of connection - certainly no tangible relationship with the Living God. People are self focused at this point in history. However, I believe that an end time church is about to emerge, the WORD states that the Lord will build His Church, His Way, His Timing and with His Living Stones. There may be reams of research conducted as to the status and shifts of the church - but let me say this: God will have a gathering of people who are the church, connected to each other, it will be a place of communion – not a fortified structure that only allows certain people to enter. Anyone who believes they can live a flourishing Christian life without interacting with a Bible Believing Gathering is living a false Church-less so called Christian life!

Jesus Christ as the Living Stone saves lives, takes a stony soul and makes it a Living Stone, transforms and builds you up. The church needs those that serve, not those who believe they deserve! “But for God’s grace...” – we need the reality of that short phrase to impact our heart. Never give into culture nor withdraw from it, hold onto to Biblical instruction, engage and serve the world from that premise. There is a balance to maintain from being secure in Christ and united as a church body – He must be your Cornerstone.

In Closing, Realize your worth in Christ. You were not created or saved by accident but by His design to be used for His purposes, which will have eternal consequences. Whoever you are, whatever you do, wherever you are, Christ can use you today. Accept your worth to Him and your value to others. Your life is a fragrance of the indwelling Christ. Make it count!

DB

Living In God’s Love

Be imitators of God in everything you do, for then you will represent your Father as His beloved sons and daughters. And continue to walk surrendered to the extravagant love of Christ, for He surrendered His life as a sacrifice for us. His great love for us was pleasing to God, like an aroma of adoration – a sweet healing fragrance.”

Ephesians 5:1-2 Passion Bible

I’m sure many of you have been in situations or conversations where you were made very uncomfortable, possibly wishing you could run and escape the interaction taking place. However you knew that wouldn’t be the best plan. You were upset being there – you knew you had to stay... My Question to you is: how did you handle it? Did you show overflowing emotion, maybe inwardly speaking to yourself helped you to force a smile, you told your emotions to get a grip. By now you are gritting your teeth, acting like you are happy. However, deep down inside, you didn’t want to be there, so you acted like you were happy even though in your innermost being it wasn’t what you felt at all. Does this sound somewhat familiar?

There are many scenarios to refer to: like feeling depressed but because you are with other people, you had to smile, act like all is well. Or try this on for size: you are having an emotional discussion with a family member, things are not well – suddenly the phone rings, its your needed interruption so you run to answer! Take note here: your voice changes from gloomy and agitated to one of cheerfully welcoming this call, maybe saying something like: “hello! So glad to hear from you, How are you?” My Point: you were required to act – to disguise (conceal) what you were really feeling. Acting is something every human being possesses. Whether it be children, couples or employees – all of us know how to act.

Paul in this passage calls us to be imitators, or followers of God. The Greek word for follower means we are to mimic what you see someone doing. It not only refers to the professional performing arts, but also the modelling of a parent, teacher, champion or hero. A person with a high moral character is an encouragement to others, - therefore our desire ought to be to emulate or copy them. Paul in 1st Cor. 4:16 was urging others to act like him, “watch what I do and then duplicate in your own life what you see in me”. Again, in 2 Thessalonians 3:7 Paul is saying that as a follower you know how you ought to follow us... paraphrased Paul says “it would behoove you to follow our example....imitate or mimic with the goal of doing, as you observe we are doing”. To put it simply, you need to carefully model your faith after us, doing – saying - acting as you consider their level of maturity and fruit produced by their lives. In Eph 5:1 Paul is telling us as believers, to model our lives after God. An actor captures the emotions, voice, looks and even the appearance of the subject he portrays. You and I as believers in Christ must put our heart and soul into imitating the Lord in every facet of our lives. So lets make a decision to ACT like God, you will display the extravagant love of Christ! The result is that your life will have a confident aroma – a sweet healing fragrance that will influence lives to bring them closer to the reality and understanding of God’s love for them.

My Point is that we must always be in the process of becoming...God has started an action in you – remember that verse that says (we all know it) “He who began a good work in you”.....the Lord started the work but you and I with the Lord’s help, are to embrace the continuing work. You and I haven’t arrived at the goal yet but if you are committed – keep working on it, stay in the process – You are not alone, the Lord began and will complete the work in you that is desired for Kingdom expansion. You are closer than you think! Be encouraged today! Acting like God takes time. If I want to replicate the Lord in my life, it will take my commitment and time! We need to start where we are today, looking forward to tomorrow and doing a little more. Remember He is an ever present help in time of need. If you are faithful, you will begin to think like God, talk like God and sound like God while carrying yourself in the confidence of God.

In closing, think upon this insight – What would happen if we began approaching problems acting as God does when He approaches problems?? Do you think it would make a difference if we acted like God when we have to deal with an “unforgivable person”, or a “difficult to love “person? Remember, Jesus is our model and when I face a challenge, I won’t need to sit wondering what God would say or do. I have His Script before me, His Word is powerful, it is anointed and always available - it will help me to act like Him with the quickening presence of Holy Spirit. Lord help us to see everything from the viewpoint of power and victory as we see as You see, think like You think and ACT like you . May my response be as You would respond in all of life’s challenges.

DB

Compromise

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

Matthew 6:24

A retired politician told a humorous story  dealing with compromise. He said his late father often told this little story  when he met someone on the road of life who didn't know what to do with their future, asking questions like “what is my purpose for being on planet earth”? So the son said, dad would describe a fence-sitter by saying: My daddy told me there isn’t anything in the middle of the road except dead skunks and a yellow line. 

Now I know this little story  may  have a political significance to it but the same principle applies in the spiritual dimension – compromise with worldly fleshly  standards does not please us, nor does it fulfill us but most importantly it does not not please God! 

I believe that the influence to COMPROMISE has a lot to do with us making a choice of trust in order to serve God. Our text gives us a clear picture of fence-sitting, two masters competing for your attention and devotion. We need to realize that we will only  be able to make one happy , the other will lead us into a place of lack. Even if you have much materially , there will be a sense of emptiness for we often pursue the accumulation of things or mammon; let's face it - it's the agenda of the world. It's a strong pull on our heart, a mammon focus tends to pivot on our emotions for self-satisfaction. Believers in Christ are called to loyalty – that speaks of faithfulness and commitment to One master. We are to despise the other for Christ has redeemed us from that former state, made all things new including our desires. So with that being said, it would seem that the choice would be easy  -> right!! But often the influence to compromise is stronger because we look around and see others doing or having what are tempted to do or have. The world elevates compromise, but God is quickening us to understand and embrace the truth that we have been given a new nature, we stand on the truth of a better covenant, He supplies all of our needs – be it spiritual or physical, we are sanctified, consecrated and separated from the world, the Bible says I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His Might. The world cannot give what is already  ours in Christ. If the world looks increasingly  attractive in your season, taking your attention off the Lord, be careful because it is only a copy  of the real thing. It will eventually  disappoint. The carnal Christian finds himself try ing as best he can to walk in spiritual “middle of the road” where he can blend his bent toward self with faith toward God. 

Looking it Revelation 3:15-16 - the Passion Bible says “I know all that you do, and I know that you are neither frozen in apathy nor fervent with passion. How I wish you were either one or the other! But because you are neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm, I am about to spit you from my mouth.” Realize that Compromise doesn't lead to complete rejection for Jesus offers us opportunity  to repent, to turn from a struggling lifestyle, to turn from “a little bit of God and a lot of trusting in our ability  to straddle the middle of the road”-- TO WHAT?? >> to the place of being passionate and zealous for God. The “I am about to...” conveys to us the understanding that God is about to reprimand us, to give us words of correction and rebuke for our looking elsewhere for fulfillment. Mammon will disappoint because it is a temporal worldly  standard that many  are pursuing, always leaving them wanting. Making a choice to trust in God in order to serve Him means you really  believe He will supply  all your needs, that you will reign in this life with Him because you have made Him King of your life. Only in Christ are we made rich 2 Cor 8:9. When you love One Master, you will be loyal to serve Him. That ’s how it works!! 

DB 

“Temptation” - My Best Defence is... Part 4

“Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You”

Ps 119:11 

I would like to present the 4th message in a series dealing with the topic of Temptation. We have discussed what it may look like, what it has done in the past, the people we may have hurt as we have succumbed to it. But most importantly, how has our yielding to temptation touched the heart of God! 

All of us have to deal with temptation, but don’t feel embarrassed, realize you can overcome! All temptation can be beaten, make up your mind that you are going to be the conqueror and not the conquered. 

I think we need to know with certainty there is One defence from today’s passage that is key to overcoming an impending temptation you may be struggling with presently, and then to know that Holy Spirit will give you victory Right Now! 1 Corinthians 10:13 states God will provide a way of escape as you listen and trust His counsel. That word “escape” is made up of 2 words (Greek > ekbasis) “ek'' means OUT, “basis” means “TO WALK”. The Result: you walk out, as to walk out of a difficult place, to walk out of a trap, or to walk out of a place that isn’t good for you! You will come through and experience a new level of confidence for future encounters. For example, Joseph in Gen 39:12 walked out or fled from the presence of Potphar’s wife when she tried to seduce him. He did not stop to negotiate, he just fled, he got out as quickly as he could. Don’t negotiate or consider, or lag behind to see if.......”FLEE” is the word for us today, take flight, 1 Cor 6:18, 1 Cor 10:14, 1 Tim 6:11. If you’ve got into a situation, realize your feet can work in both directions. You make the choice to run through the open door the Lord provides. 

We must not be naive, John 10:10 states the devil comes to rob, kill and destroy – he wants you to be overtaken with guilt because you missed the mark, he is relentless, he doesn’t want you to be encouraged, or to be an over- comer worshipping your Lord, he wants you to walk in silent defeat. But listen to the rest of that passage: Jesus came that ! Repeat those 3 words again! Get it in your spirit, fill your mouth with these authoritative words. It doesn’t matter the level to which the enemy has influenced you, Jesus came to give us abundant victory, hide that in your heart! He was tempted in all ways but remained focused on the Father’s will, on His plan. Jesus was victorious and gave us the keys to be victorious as well and in all situations. The provision for temptation has already been experienced to the fullest, Jesus settled that issue. 

The devil tries to lure you into sin by using your mind and emotions. Thoughts are injected into your mind and emotions, they are like a stimulation that will get you stirred up in a certain area of your life. At that moment you know you can let this pass by or allow it to fester in your mind, t o take root in your emotions and then become a stronghold in your mind to battle and conquer. But refusing to accept these thoughts in the 1st place, you can avoid the whole struggle. Learn to control your thinking, put on the brakes and stop wrong thoughts, look the other way, bring your mind under the control of Holy Spirit enabling it to be almost impossible for the devil to defeat you in any realm of your life. 

Many Christians profess to know the truth of Scriptures but may not have the revelation of the provision and application of that truth. The result is that they have information from the Word of God about being aware of the pitfalls of temptation but may have never discerned the destructive power of temptation in their lives seeing and living it out as only “a part of life.” NO! - wrong thinking results in wrong living. Jesus came that you may know, not just have knowledge of truth but experiential victory over temptation. 

Today our passage celebrates the Word of God as the Word of Life, the author humbly admits the ways of heart and life can be out of alignment with God’s purposes and plans, he knows the PAIN of wrong behaviour but also knows the FRUIT of obedience. When others disregard God’s Word or His precepts, let us not grieve God’s heart or be put to shame, His directive calls for our obedience and His promises call for our faith - both of these are elements of true Godliness. 

Your best defence – wilfully brace yourself daily for its assaults mindful that you are easily conquered when ill-prepared. Spend time with the Father, fellowship with Him in prayer, and feast on His Word. Your devotion will strengthen Your awareness of devilish strategies is heightened and will sensitize you to error and deceit. Maximize the wonderful rewards of obedience, frown on the pleasures of sin – they seem sweet at the outset but it will leave a bitter aftertaste. Resisting temptation may seem difficult, but the fruit of obedience is sweet, lasting and fulfilling. Prepare so that when they come, you are ready & armed because you are convinced of the blessings of obedience. 

DB 

“The Appeal of Temptation” Part 3

“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

John 8:44 

Our passage today has a unique setting where the focus is on the signs of Jesus’ identity and mission. We read of a woman caught in adultery by the teachers of the law, their intent was not so much to punish the woman – even though that was important - but more importantly it was to stage a trap for Jesus and also to make a way of escape for the man who was part of the adulterous incident. Humiliation was aimed at the woman but Jewish laws required witnesses to charge her. So as the religious leaders had no witnesses, the law was altered a little to accommodate their agenda. The Romans did not allow the Jews to carry out the death sentence of this woman, John 18:31. According to the law, it required that both parties be executed. So if Jesus said to stone her – he was in conflict with the Romans and to say “do not stone her,” he was perceived as not supporting the law. Further reading reveals that Jesus gave testimony of being the Light of the world and those who followed would not walk in darkness John 8:12. He spoke of His origin, that He stands with the Father. He addresses the “throwing of stones'' and that anyone without sin may cast the 1st stone. As you read, you witness in your spirit of an intense dispute ensuing as to who Jesus is, claims about Abraham and the freedom found in the Son. In verses 37 & again in 40 Jesus boldly speaks forth of their intention to kill Him as One who spoke the truth He heard from God. Thus Jesus says, “you belong to your father the devil”. They were oriented toward Satan, bent on murder vs 37. and eventually would succeed. The appeal of temptation revealed their parentage,(“from beneath” John 8:23,24) it wasn’t God nor was it Abraham. The appeal of being convinced of their own preconceptions shows they did not really hear and understand what Jesus was saying. (Please read the full account for further insight) 

This is the 3rd study on the topic of “Temptation”. We will examine the thought of how powerful the “Appeal of Temptation” can be. The word “appeal” carries the idea of attracting one’s attention to engage in some form of unholy conduct or a lower level of behaviour. Think of the appeal in this light: Let’s just say you are in court fighting through a case of being charged or sued for a perceived misconduct, etc. Because of being innocent of the alleged charge against you, you make an appeal to a higher court to not only substantiate your innocence but also to move from a lower court mentality. What you are doing is making a request for a reversal of a Lower Court decision by way of a heartfelt request for aid from a higher authority. So that being said, there is 2 ideas of thought being presented here: Our adversary tempts us to consider his appeal, if we choose to engage in wrongful behaviour, we have the results of that decision. However, if we appeal with a heartfelt repentive heart to the Lord, He will release His angels to have charge over you. As well, His Holy Spirit will present the way of escape based on the Word, to actualize the mercy and grace of God, giving you victory over that circumstance. What an awesome God we serve, He is our highest resource, able to cover you with His wings and bring you through The point I want to emphasize is that just because there may be an attraction to adjust your thinking and lifestyle appealing to you in your moment of discouragement, it will carry devastating results if we succumb to lower levels. Take Acton: cry out to the Lord, He will always make a way for you, His Word states that He doesn’t want any to fail, His promises are available to each of us continually. Don’t compare a temporary fix to your situation outside the provision of God. Live your life in the will of God. 

Dr Henry Thiessen taught for many years on the topic of Systematic Theology, writing many informative books and articles on the various struggles and potential victories of the believer. In one instance, he wrote: “the fundamental components of temptation is that Satan's temptation may be summed up as appealing to man in this way: it made man desire what God had forbidden, to know what God has not revealed, and to be what God had not intended for him to be.” 

God establishes boundaries in our personal relationship with Him. He allows us tremendous degrees of personal freedom to think, to act, and speak; but His Word clearly defines when your thoughts, deeds, and words transgress (offend/violate) His boundaries. Temptation always entices, always appeals to us to transcend God’s borders. It seduces you into thinking something or someone else other than God can meet your emotional, physical, or spiritual needs. Temptation is a trap of excess and indulgence, tripped by self-gratification. That trap need not be sprung 

Remember these 3 signs will tell others that our Lord’s Father is our Father: a) we resemble our Father, b) we will give reverence to His Son, & c) we will receive His Word. Jesus gave us freedom, live your best life for Him 

DB

“Temptation” - Who’s to Blame? Part 2

My son, if sinners entice you, Do Not consent

Proverbs 1:10 

Last week we looked at the source of Temptation realizing that God is not the source! Temptation is a tool that Satan our adversary uses to lure us away from our Biblical foundations is an attempt to curb or snuff out our desire to mature in our faith relationship with Christ. 

Every believer will encounter Temptation. or some, it’s when temptation leads to sin that we often explain our conduct by - blaming others, its my temperament (I’ve always been a very emotional being) or it’s my environment (career, geographical location, my situation-you just don’t understand) or some other excuse that we deem as acceptable. Do I recognize that I may have been enticed to think independently of what Scripture instructs therefore not discerning the possibility that I may have opened a door that has removed me from God’s Garden of Blessing. 

Temptation in Greek, means: “an enticement or inducement to evil.” There are times that God will test us in various ways to “enlarge” our faith. However, God never tempts us to do evil! That would contradict His absolute holiness. Tests from God are for your spiritual growth. Temptations cao do harm if we yield to them BUT when we reject them, we will experience a major spiritual advantage. 

Maybe you have noticed in the last few months the increase in advertising, not only on TV but through mail inserts and via personal encounters. Signs and suggestions are posted on street-light poles, put on your windshield, or maybe oo the bulletin boards at stores or workplaces. The point: These invitations can be very persuasive and often create a desire to consider a different way of thinking! Maybe they will cause you to compromise your ethics – you could experience greater personal gain. Maybe you receive counsel from someone who suggests that you strike back at someone who has hurt you, it could be your spouse, a neighbour or even a Christian! Our passage exhorts, even recommends that we consider the source of this attraction before we act. 

Solomon gives sound advice that is ageless, his intention is that we need to be aware of the snares in this world; we need to function in the wisdom of God’s Word. When we walk in our world on a daily basis, there is always the temptation to listen and walk with sinners that have no desire to serve God, they may try to persuade you to walk in step with them. Not everyone will applaud your decision to follow Christ because of their own lack of courage. Maybe it's time to reevaluate friendships that tend to downplay your relationship with God - realize you need to seek other positive associations. Surround yourself with friends who deposit into your life, realize you can't make it on your own. With Bad friends > bad choices > bad results, You begin to act in inappropriate ways, ingesting wrong messages that reduce your sense of worth. 

In Psalms 1:1 we find encouragement and direction: “blessed and prosperous is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down (to relax and rest) where the scornful mockers gather.”(Amp) Solomon was concerned about his son, that he listen and heed, not forsaking his parents teaching. Godly instruction will be as a garland to grace your head, a chain to adorn your neck. Those who entice you to sin, they are not looking for a leader but may have a fear of following God, choosing their plans and path of evil. 

It is important for us to know God’s Word; it reveals to us that much of our understanding of God and our life choices have been influenced by TV, shows that hinge on a hint of goodness but keep us in the shallow end of the Pool of Truth. The world has defined “fear” as abuse or violence. And because of that, when a Christian says: we should “Fear God '', many react as to a Task Master wanting to punish them. That understanding is far from true – God’s desire is to see you whole, healed and set free, you are of great value to the Lord! Proverbs 4:10 says for us to “hear and receive so that our years will be many, our steps will not be hampered, our path will be clear and when we run -we will not stumble.” Proverbs 23 “Do not envy sinners, but worship the Lord, for your hope and expectations will not be cut off, hear aod be wise, direct your mind in the way of the Lord.” 

Folks, associations are so important to the days in which we live, extreme compromise and invitations to water down truth are voiced in all sectors of society, morals become suggestions in the eyes of the beholder and no longer birthed from God’s Word. 

Let me close with Prov. 16:29 “a violent man entices his neighbour and leads him down a path that is not good.” Some people will choose intimacy with God while others will go against God’s divine plan for their lives. Prov 1:15-19 speaks of man’s wayward heart, we see this when Solomon tells his son twice to “not go along...” that some emotions drive some us into sin, so he tells his son to “run away from...”! you are influencers every day but realize we can also be influenced very easily. Who is influencing You? Acknowledge that you don't know what's best for your life, surrender to Jesus and allow Him to transform your heart, His joy and peace will follow. If you succumb to temptation, ask for forgiveness, Do not blame God. He forgives and ensures a fresh start! That’s an invitation with a greater future. 

DB 

Temptation

Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.

Matthew 4:10

There is one area that is common to all of mankind! – that is the reality of “Temptation” It has many faces, it's all around us. Sometimes there is a lack of understanding as to its source. If temptation does not come from God, what is its source? Well, as we understand scripture, it is a tool of our adversary Satan. In recent months, there is a sense that our security with the world is being challenged or threatened. When our world moves away from Biblical foundations, the battle intensifies for the souls of mankind. Temptation has lured many away from truth and find themselves holding on to material possessions, wrong relationships, some even confess their need to find some measure of strength through substance abuse. But let me say this: though many challenges have already been experienced in this year, there is the reality that people are being prepared for the soon return of Christ. Unfortunately, this truth is not fully embraced by the majority of humanity. Nevertheless, Christians take note: you need to settle this truth by giving Christ your life totally! There are some needed adjustments to be made in our hearts! WHY? because we are to have a lifestyle of Kingdom living. We need to examine our posture before the Lord - God is challenging our thoughts, our words and priorities - amazingly, He does it so effectively – HOW? when we remain in His peace and enjoy His grace. Jesus is revealing how to live with purpose in the midst of His unmerited favour upon us. 

In our passage, Jesus has just been baptized in Holy Spirit, the Father has approved of His Son in whom He is well pleased by identifying Jesus as royalty. So Jesus is launched into His mission. Further reading discloses that He will experience a battle, He will face His enemy and it will be based on the reality of temptation. This is a very mysterious and yet powerful confrontation between Jesus and Satan. But what is also mysterious is the fact that no one else is present, Jesus is in the wilderness alone with Satan. Your adversary Satan has a desire – that is to disable your spiritual service, to distract your spiritual attention, and disrupt your spiritual relationship with the Father. Simply stated, Satan has a quest to alter, defeat and break-up our relationship with God through temptation. Have you had some moments where Satan is subtly trying to distract you, or disrupt your alone time with Jesus during these days of social distancing? Realize what is happening in the spiritual atmosphere, discern what is the source of this disturbance. There may be another source of temptation – that could be the power of sin still abiding in many Christians. 

Back to our passage: This is one of the most monumental and mysterious spiritual battles of all time, its a personal confrontation between Jesus Christ and Satan. Look at the setting - Jesus is about to embark on His greatest mission, 40 days fasting, wilderness, alone and hungry – no one present for encouragement or advice. We could know nothing of this experience unless Jesus Himself had told His disciples of it. 

So the baptism of Jesus by John along with Father’s approval established Jesus’ royalty. Now His testing in the wilderness demonstrates that office. When Father said, “this is My Son in whom…….. - this proves Jesus is capable and worthy to receive from the Father and reign over the kingdom His Father would give Him. This wilderness setting speaks of a solitary and lonely place implying a dominion where Satan rules, a place of separation. 

Think on this : Jesus entered into a world held captive under the curse of sin to free you and I from Satan’s grasp. Jesus would purchase freedom for us only by living a sinless life and then dying a sinner’s death! Jesus demonstrated victory as the King, to reject and then to resist Satan, the greatest ruler of this world. But as well, Jesus becomes our example as to how we not only speak about being an overcomer but really resisting the subtlety of temptation and crush Satan's advances - personally, in our relationships and in the church. You and I are called to live victoriously over sin. 

A final comment, the world system is also a source of temptation - the system to which we are influenced each day has a prevailing philosophy of the age that is void of God’s wisdom. That is very evident when we look at the arts, the entertainment industry and our education system – they reveal an underlying value system that is ruled by ungodly appetites and reasoning. It is unfortunate that we have allowed this to creep into society especially when our nation was founded on the truth of God’s Word! Our hearts need to be ruled by the power and presence of God. Proverbs 29:2 says “when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people mourn”. Also, 25:28 “ He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls”. 

Satan wanted Jesus to renounce the way of the Father in this third temptation and of course to be the substitute, referring to Worship and Servitude. What is in your life that might distract your allegiance as we worship the Father? We will continue this study next time, but let me ask you this: What are you devoted to in these days?. Temptations will yield to one thing only – what is that one powerful authority in your life?. Whatever the source of temptation, Jesus Christ can help you overcome it.

DB 

Touching My Neighbour

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.  This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”

 NKJV  Mark 12:30-31  

Let me open with a question:   Prior to this current virus disruption,  how did you love our neighbours on any given day? Or to put it simply, how did  you love them when things were normal?  Now that I have asked that question, how is that former lifestyle being reflected through the fruit of our heart during this pandemic?  Here in this passage, the scribes are asking Jesus a question:  “Which is the First Commandment of All?  

 Jesus answered the Scribes by stating that you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.  Then He adds the second, like it, is this:  love your neighbour as yourself!   Now these 2 commandments aren't optional or conditional.  You shall love, it speaks of a future tense placing strong emphasis on loving God with all your being now! and when you do – you are commanded to carry it over and into our human relationships as well.  

I believe that when we love God with our strength through practical and realistic commitment, we are also enabled to love others in the same way.  Loving God through a renewed mind is accomplished through the study and application of God’s Word and our submission to Holy Spirit.  So, I’m loving God with my renewed mind and my strength, that enables me to have a deeper understanding of the mystery of God’s love.  But also with renewed strength, my love for my neighbour is manifested through my interaction, love and concern for them. The point I would like to emphasis here is that we must first love God with all our soul!  And then - this is  very important - we need to love ourselves before we can interact, love and have concern for our neighbour – that folks  will be authentic when the first commandment is true in our lives.   

This intimate, personal relationship with Jesus empowers us to be passionate about Scripture , it will excite us and we enjoy life on the straight and narrow path.  It not only moves us to serve our Saviour in practical ways but will prompt us to love others as we are loved!

The word soul appears many times in the New Testament.  It points to the inner life of transformation because of your love relationship with Christ.  Matthew 12:18 “....My soul is well pleased” speaks of pleasure whereas Luke  2:35  “a sword will pierce through your own soul....speaks of sorrow.  Many of our experiences reveal that we love God emotionally and also with spontaneity.  Many times believers will try and hold it together when in an atmosphere of worship, trying not to let go,  we don’t want to appear to be too radical.  But God gave us emotions, they need to be released in surroundings such as this, we need to be spontaneous, it brings freedom to your soul, it has great influence on others, people begin to see the passion and joy you have in your life and will want what you have.  

We need to love God with our souls.  One of the concerns of many health providers is the danger of being isolated or quarantines forced upon all facets of society.   The unemployment of many has created added concern on many households,  the possibility of increased number of deaths, and of course the constant reminder that there is “another threat of greater proportion on the horizon”.   All of this negative perspective can be offset with something that 2 Chron 7:14 leads us to, “if My people will humble....pray...seek...turn – you know the rest.  Prayer and humility can calm a soul out of control, prayer can help us be more responsive to truth and less reactive to negative emotions rising in our troubled souls.    Simply stated, prayer is connection with God, it will bring troubled hearts, angry words spoken, worry and fear into perspective - God will hear your cries for His intervention.  Prayer will bring the negative to a standstill when we partner with the Lord, He is an ever-present help at any time.  

I’m sure you want to experience God’s presence today more than ever.  To be empowered is vital in this season.  We have some uninterrupted times each day so lets begin our day like Jesus did – with His Father and end our day with Him.  It is possible to live in an atmosphere of continual prayer each day and there is great benefit is setting aside time to converse with the Lord, to read and study, to listen to Holy Spirit.  Begin to renew your dreams, your hopes and needs, you will find a greater calmness as you grow close to the Lord.

No problem is too great that God cannot address, if you have a decision to make that is weighing heavily on your heart – seek His guidance, always speak with Him, He is waiting for you to stop trying to fix things that He wants to be involved in.  Seek Him in your time of solitude, let it be deliberate.  As you do, you will look forward to walking each day with the Lord, being thankful for wisdom and His guidance.  Jesus has events for you each day, be grateful for your relationship with the Lord, then go through the day touching your neighbour.  Remember Jesus touched you, go and do likewise!  Maybe the Lord has already tilled his/her heart waiting for some display of God’s mercy and grace!  You could be that  display!  

GOOD NEWS ALWAYS REVIVES

 “Like a drink of cool water to a weary, thirsty soul, so hearing Good News revives the spirit.”

(Passion)Proverbs 25:25

In spite of all the upheaval in our world today, I believe that HOPE must never be dismissed nor allowed to be overcome by discouragement. Do not fear nor be dismayed” Deuteronomy 31. There are many changes and adjustments to process today, but God’s Word is still the Lamp (source) unto our feet and the Light (radiance) unto our path! Everyone will have a story to tell of how God has preserved, protected and empowered us to stand in this season! That must be our testimony every day! Yes, we live in uncertain days according to the agenda of this world but God is not found wanting for a solution to the dilemma of man. He is still the source, He is still the Radiance we seek. He has already spoken many times, be it through the shadows of the Old Testament or in the substance of the New Covenant that Jesus has established for us. The blood of Jesus paid the price once and for All! Our faith is anchored by the truth of God’s Word. If No Word > then No truth > therefore No anchor! The Bible says we will then be influenced by every wind of doctrine if we do not know and experience God’s Love and Plans for our lives.

If you are an early riser in the morning, you will often hear birds singing in the darkness as if they are responsible for awakening the day and ushering in the rising of the sun. Well, sometimes it may appear that darkness is overcoming your light, your enthusiasm. But Know this – even though it is darkest in the 4th watch of the night, (which I believe the world is experiencing now) HOPE will keep you holding fast and stabilize you, its time for us to praise, the Son is about to shine as never before. He is going to touch the faithful, the expectant - that’s encouragement people! WHY?... because there is about to be a vast unveiling and understanding of His Glory in the very near future! We are going to be awakened to a new day.

Folks, Jesus prophesied that the Church will be birthed in God’s Image, so church is not about bricks and mortar. He said it and it happened! You and I are the church, we are the temples, vessels of worship, empowered by Holy Spirit displaying His ever increasing Glory. God wants to use us as a conduit to bring HOPE (expectation) and HEALING (health, restoration, prosperity) through our lifestyle and proclamation to a world that is looking for answers. They will experience it as the church awakens to the rising of the Son, our praises are powerful, we are in the 4th watch; His glorious light is about to invade the vast darkness. Church, do not be silent, but as we anticipate our soon coming together, may there be a deeper focus NOT ON our needs so much as our need to praise and worship the King of kings. Some of our praise is more horizontal than vertical, I believe we need GOD’S intervention in our world, but also to take our eyes of “what we think we don’t have” and realize that HE is all we need. God wants to bless us more than we realize in the finest & final hours of creation as we know it. He is coming for a church, a believing expectant radical worshipping community, washed in the blood of the Lamb.

In Genesis, it states that we are created in God’s Image, therefore God has a profound purpose for humanity. We are moving through a process where we read that God has always existed and His work in our world is intended that “none perish but that all come to faith in Christ” and spend eternity with our Lord as His loving sons and daughters. It can be challenging at times, but yet fascinating for us as humans but also an exciting journey for God, to see the works of His heart and His beloved Son!

If one were to ask “what’s the good news today? Asking someone we know as a Christian, they might smilingly reply, “its the same as yesterday, God loves us.” Together we may rejoice that it will be the same tomorrow. But for

  anyone who does not know Christ, they may take the pessimistic position of saying well “If God doesn’t exist and we have no purpose on earth, then its a mighty mean place....I’d like to have a lot better news for everybody but I don’t.” Well - let me add a closing comment - Our God is the same yesterday, today and forever, but there must be some change in depth and height to that revelation, there has to be more vertical if we are going to be effective horizontally. Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ gives you and I a realistic reason for hope. That’s the good news we can proclaim with confidence and boldness. That’s the answer to the riddle of our existence.

DB

Always remember this: “The good news is not that Jesus lived and died, but that He died and lives! Let God hear your praise with that simple yet profound revelation! Thats the cool water that revives the soul today. Hear what the Spirit of God is saying to His children today, we are being prepared for the greatest days of God’s visitation. Spend your time wisely – allow the Word to stir your weary soul.

Messages from Moms

The following short clips are from a few mothers who wanted to encourage the many moms in our world on this special day. You are exceptional people who have touched the lives of so many! Continue and be strong in your unique and blessed role to strengthen the family unit so as to influence our communities for positive change.

Hello, this is Carol LaVecque,

Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful ladies. I was just thinking of some memories we have and found a jar that I had received on Mother’s Day - May 8th, 2005, from my beautiful daughter Krystal. I was going through it and reading some of the things she had put in there – here they are

I like it when you lend me jewellery, I like it when you take me skating, I like it when you choose my clothes, I like it when you help me with my homework, I like it when you watch me do gymnastics, I like it when you take me to Grandmas’, I like it when you do the dishes with me, I like it when you do my hair, I like it when you take me to and from school. It just reminded me oi what it means to be a mother and how we are so blessed to be able to celebrate Mother’s Day.

And now my baby girl is going to have a baby of their own and may be receiving these things. These may be things we don’t think of often but our children get so excited to celebrate Mother’s Day with us. I would just like to say again, Happy Mother’s Day ladies.

Hello, this is Erika Bowbeer,

I would like to wish all the mom’s a very happy Mother’s Day. For this special day – at least for this year, Mother’s day is a little different; there are no hugs and I really miss all those kisses. I can remember how our three boys loved up on me on Mother’s Day. As we raised them I would ask the Lord for wisdom and understanding which He did impart to me, I would do my best to pass this on to our boys. As well, my mom asked the Lord for wisdom as she nurtured and raised me. She was my mom, but also my best friend. What a heritage was passed down from her. Proverbs 2:10 & 11 says, when wisdom enters your heart and knowledge to your soul, discretion will preserve you, understanding will keep you. The wisdom of God is one of the most cherished treasures you will ever receive. God’s wisdom, as a mother is for your every need, it is a valuable scriptural resource, it will enrich your life. The wisdom of God was the most cherished treasure that came from my mom to me, and now to our children. As a mother, I love them dearly. I’m so proud of the men they have become, how they cherish and honour us. They take care oi us with such love and concern. We are so grateful to them and our God for their loving hearts.

Mothers, as you receive the wisdom of God, you will have the most precious riches that will impact you personally but also your entire family.

Mom, you can make a difference in your home, in your family and our communities. May the Lord richly bless you on your day!

Hello from Ella Story,

Good Morning, “Motherhood” is a noble calling, to give you an opportunity to guide your children with a strong hand – but also with lots of love and lots of laughter and lots of prayers. I am grateful to remember my mother “Anna Mae who taught her children to laugh when things were not going as we wanted them to go. I remember home-made biscuits, pies and Sunday dinners after church. She was a delight to many including children in Sunday School. So I say “Happy Mother’s Day” and God bless.

Hello from Wendy Joy Sero,

Hi everyone, I would just like to say “Happy Mother’s Day and congratulations to all those mothers out there, all those special people in our lives who have made us be who we are, all the moms, step moms and nannas who have that mothering spirit in you. We thank God for each of you.

THE WINDOW OF GOD’S PROMISES

"When Abram was ninety nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said,  I am the Almighty God; walk and live habitually before Me and be perfect (blameless, wholehearted,  complete) and I will make My covenant between Me and you and will multiply you  exceedingly."  Amp

Genesis 17:1,2

You may have noticed in these days of limited interaction with the public, that folks have taken up the activity of walking, getting out of the house and being refreshed. You can see folks walking down streets or maybe on some quiet roads, enjoying conversation with a few others or just having conversation with the Lord. Walking - pretty amazing, its good for you, the sunshine and the opportunity to get alone and sort your thoughts, you will enjoy it!

Well in our passage, Abraham walked everywhere. Now in the day, if people had a long distance to travel and were wealthy enough, they may have used a camel or a donkey. But the Bible reveals that Abraham walked a great deal in his life. In Genesis 12:1, we read that God spoke to Abram to leave Haran and go to a land that God would show him. And there God would make him a great nation, blessing him with abundance, his name will be famous, and he would disperse good to others. So, Abraham (vs 4) departed as the Lord had directed him.

Genesis chapter 12 tells us that Abraham and his clan left Ur of the Chaldees and set off for the city of Haran, a 600-mile journey. No chariots, no go-trains, no subway. Off to Egypt they went several times, depending on their route it could be 300 miles or more, so it was commonplace for Abraham and his family to walk everywhere.

You and I are called to walk out our faith, it may take us on a short route today but tomorrow our journey may take us through some rough and tough country, no two trips are ever the same. In the Gen 12:1 passage, God has invited Abraham to go on an uninterrupted walk with Him so that in 17:1 Abraham would enjoy a covenant of multiplied blessing.

We can walk with someone but never have a meaningful connection. However, with the Lord He will walk ahead of you, beside and behind you – it’s a shared relationship! You remember in Genesis that Adam walked with God on a regular basis, it was a daily experience, God walked ahead, beside and behind "Adam in the cool of the day." God was sharing an intimate relationship with Adam. In our text, God wanted Abraham to leave his familiar place and go to another that would be revealed.  All the while God was saying, "I will walk with you." It's an invitation to have an (A) Everlasting walk with Him - God was saying Abraham, I have a place for you to dwell, it will be for your advantage, I will bless you there and will never leave you nor forsake you. God is desirous to have a perpetual and unending walk with us, all that was required was (B) Abraham's obedience that God would guide as promised. The Bible teaches us that Abraham didn't always have mountain-top experiences; he had many struggles. He had established many altars where he would praise and worship God, but when in Egypt, he tried to disguise his wife Sarah as his sister to save his own skin and enjoy special favour.

Reading further in Gen 15:2, Abraham is concerned about having no heir. God responds to Abraham's thinking, telling him to count the stars in the heavens, so shall your descendants be. But Abraham and Sarah take matters into their own hands and manufacture the Promise Child through Sarah’s Egyptian slave Hagar. When we disobey God's directives in life, it is simply called rebellion, it will birth unfavourable unimaginable negative results for God's people. Why would God strive with a man who would deceive, lie, and loose sight of God's direction for his life. Has God asked you to walk with Him, is it a short jog where we get distracted and move onto something more appealing, or is it getting tough and you wonder if it is worth it all! This is for a lifetime, its an eternal thing, God is interested in walking perpetually with each of us. He can handle your disappointments; He doesn't abandon you when you begin to doubt. When we falter and go our own way, He is ever present because He values you, He is committed to you, His Son died to bring you up from the bondage of sin and its consequences. He is patient and loving, He knows what is in our heart and mind. If God was there when Adam and Eve sinned and He walked with them out of the Garden, will He not walk with you - He is faithful! Holy Spirit nudges us to come to the Lord and confess and repent, get back in step with God - You have a God-given purpose and a destiny!

You are invited God likes being with you. He watches us enjoy His good creation, loving one another and reflecting His image and Glory, His Love. Joy Purity and Peace. Creator and creature enjoying one another’s company.

Jesus invites you today to follow Him and experience a whole new life, He will open doors of blessing for you. We become more authentic to the image of God within us when we realize the hope of our heart; there is one Promise Marker, He can be trusted completely and without fear, He keeps His promises. (C) Now that is what I call a walk of blessing. Its progressive, its supernatural, the window is open. Your walk today will affect generations to come.

DB

“The Future always looks bright when viewed through the window of Gods Promises”