Confessions: Diligence

Thanks be to God who gives me the victory through my Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore I am steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that my toil in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:57-58)

I do not cast away my confidence, which has a great reward. I need to persevere, so that when I have done the will of God, I will receive what was promised. (Heb. 10:35-36)

I do not labor in vain for I am of a people blessed by the Lord, I and all of my descendants. I will not gather wealth in vanity. Rather I will gather wealth in labor so that it will increase. (Is. 65:23; Prov. 13:11)

I will therefore stand firm. Nothing will move me because I give myself fully to the work of the Lord. I know that my efforts in the Lord's name are not ever in vain, because He is faithful. (1 Cor. 15:58)

I join in the work of God with all diligence for the plans of the Lord stand forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations. My work is produced by faith, my labors prompted by love, and my endurance is inspired by hope in my Lord Jesus Christ. (Ps. 33:11; 1 Thess. 1:3)

I can work and res with confidence because the Lord Almighty has sworn, "Surely I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen." (Is. 14:24)

I will do what is good and right in the Lord's sight. I do nothing out of selfish ambition but in all humility value every partner in the Gospel above myself. (Deut. 6:18; Phil. 2:3)

I am skillful in my work; I will stand before kings. Therefore, I will be all the more diligent to make my calling and election sure. In practicing these qualities I will never fail. (Prov. 22:29; 2 Peter 1:10)

Whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, I will do it with all diligence, as unto God Himself. (Ezra 7:23)

Whatever my hand finds to do, I will do it with all of my might, for thus says the Lord, "And I, because of what they have planned and done, am about to come and gather the people of all nations and languages, and they will come and see my glory." (Ecc. 9:10; Is. 66:18)

I will be strong and I will not give up. I stand on your promise that my work will be rewarded. All hard work brings profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. So I will do more than simply talk about working but I will actually do the work. (2 Chron. 15:7; Prov. 14:23)

Therefore, since through God's mercy I have this ministry, I will not lose heart. Rather I press on all the more, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching out to those things which are ahead. I press on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (2 Cor. 4:1; Phil. 3:13-14)

You make all grace about to me. I always have everything I need, and I have an abundance for every good deed. You've given me the power to make wealth, that You may confirm Your covenant to me. (2 Cor. 9:8; Deut. 4:31)

Blessings and prosperity will be mine as all my labor will yield fruit. I have been raised up for this purpose, that God might show me His power and to proclaim His name in all the earth. (Ps. 128:2; Exod. 9:16)

100 Day Challenge Confessions on Diligence by Every Nation Ministries

Confessions: Identity | I AM...

I am faithful. I am God's child. I have been justified. I am Christ's friend. I belong to God. I am a member of Christ's body. I am assured all things work together for good. I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. I am confident that God will perfect the work He has begun in me. I am a citizen of heaven. I am hidden with Christ in God. I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. I am blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing. I am chosen before the creation of the world. I am holy and blameless. I am adopted as His child. I am given God's glorious grace lavishly and without restriction. I am in Him. I have redemption. I am forgiven. I have purpose. I have hope. I am included. I am sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. I am a saint. I am the salt and light of the earth. I am chosen and God desires me to bear fruit.

I am a personal witness of Jesus Christ. I am God's coworker. I am a minister of reconciliation. I am alive with Christ. I am raised with Christ. I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm. I have been shown the incomparable riches of God's grace. God has expressed kindness to me. I am God's workmanship. I am been brought near to God through Christ's blood. I have peace. I have access to the Father. I am a member of God's household. I am secure. I am a holy temple. I am a dwelling for the Holy Spirit. I share in the promise of Christ Jesus. God's power works through me. I can approach God with freedom and confidence. I know there is a purpose for my sufferings. I can grasp how wide, long, high, and deep Christ's love is. I am completed by God. I can bring glory to God. I have been called. I can be humble gentle, patient, and lovingly tolerant of others..

I can mature spiritually. I can be certain of God's truths and the lifestyle which He has called me to. I can have a new attitude and a new lifestyle. I can be kind and compassionate to others. I can forgive others. I am a light to others, and can exhibit goodness, righteousness, and truth. I can understand what God's will is. I can give thanks for everything.

I can honor God through marriage. I can parent my children with composure. I can be strong. I have God's power. I can stand strong in the day of evil. I am dead to sin. I am not alone. I am growing. I am His disciple. I am prayed for by Jesus Christ. I am united with other believers. I am not in want. I possess the mind of Christ. I am promised eternal life. I am promised a full life. I am victorious. My heart and mind is protected with God's peace. I am chosen and dearly loved. I am blameless. I am set free. I am crucified with Christ. I am a light in the world. I am more than a conqueror. I am the righteousness of God. I am safe. I am part of God's kingdom. I am healed from sin. I am no longer condemned. I am not helpless. I am overcoming. I am persevering. I am born again. I am a new creation. I am delivered. I am redeemed from the curse of the law. I am qualified to share in His inheritance. I am victorious!

Everything above is straight out of the Bible, and shows us our identity in Christ. I hope this has built your faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Confessions: Faith

Confess the Word of God over your life, and let it build your faith.

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. (Rom. 10:17)

Whatever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that has overcome the world: my faith. (1 John 5:4)

For I trust in the Lord, and through the lovingkindness of the Most High I will not be shaken. (Psalms 21:7)

This is what the Lord says, "Kings will see me and stand up, princes will see and bow down, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen me." (Isaiah 49:7)

I will have faith and not doubt, so when I speak to mountains they move and nothing will be impossible for me. (Matt. 17:20)

I will walk by faith, not by sight. I will listen to the Word of God, for faith comes by hearing. I will believe and all things will be possible for me. (2 Cor. 5:7; Rom. 10:17; Mark 9:23)

The righteous live by faith. I have faith at least the size of a mustard seed, therefore nothing is impossible for me. I am not of those who draw back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul. (Habb. 2:4; Matt. 17:20; Heb. 10:39)

I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me. Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. I can do all things through Christ who makes me strong according to the faith at work within me. (Rom. 8:37; 1 John 4:4; Phil 4:13)

I trust You. I do not waiver in unbelief, but I grow strong in faith, giving glory to You. I am fully persuaded that what You promised You will perform. (Ps. 145:13; Rom. 4:20-21)

For God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7)

I constantly thank God that when I heard the Gospel, I accepted it not as the word of men but for what it really is, the Word of God, which continues to perform its work in me as I believe. (1 Thess. 2:13)

I delight myself in You, and You give me the desires of my heart. No good thing will You withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Prov. 37:4, 84:11)

This is the confidence I have before You, that if I ask anything according to Your will, You hear me. And if I know that You hear me in whatever I ask, I know that I have the requests which I have asked from You. (1 John 5:14-15)

I have faith that You supply all my needs according to Your rich abundance of glory in Christ Jesus, and that You command the blessing upon me in all that I put my hand to. (Phil. 4:19; Deut. 28:8)

I come to You in Faith, knowing that You are and that You reward those who seek You. And by coming to You in faith, I know I've pleased You. (Heb. 11:6)

I put my trust in you God, for You do not forsake those who seek You. In You I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. (Psalm 9:10, 56:3)

Thanks be to God who always leads me in His triumph in Christ and manifests through me the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place I go. (2 Cor. 2:14)

I know that all things work together for good for me because I love God, and am called according to His purpose. I am predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son; I am called; I am justified; I am glorified and God is for me. (Rom. 8:28-31)

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Heb. 10:23)

100 Day Challenge Confession Sheets: Faith by Every Nation Ministries

Confessions: Strategy

I am a child of Abraham by faith, and therefore an heir according to the promises God made to Abraham. I will overcome by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of my testimony and by not loving my own life even unto death. (Gal. 3:27, 29; Rev. 12:11)

May You give me the desire of my heart and make all my plans succeed as I plan what is good, believing to find love and faithfulness. (Is. 20:4; Prov. 14:22)

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. I will not work in haste but I will make wise plans so that those plans will stand. (Prov. 21:5)

Before I move forward, I put on the full armor of God, so that I will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. I stand firm with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod my feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. I take up the shield of faith with which I will extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And I take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph. 6:13-17)

You supply all my needs according to Your rich abundance of glory in Christ Jesus, and You command the blessing upon me in all that I put my hand to. You bless me in the land You have given to me. (Phil. 4:19; Deut. 23:20)

In my heart, I plan my course, but I trust that the Lord is determining my steps. I will be prudent and give thought to my steps. (Prov. 16:9, 14:15)

I trust You that as I write down my strategy and goals, all this I have in writing as a result of the Lord's hand on me, and He enabled me to understand all the details of the plan. (1 Chron. 28:19)

I will plan diligently, for thus says the Lord, and I , because of what they have planned and done, am about to come and gather the people of all nations and languages, and they will come and see my glory. (Is. 66:18)

You make all grace abound to me. I always have everything I need, and an abundance for every good deed. You've given me the power to make wealth, that You may confirm Your covenant to me. (2 Cor. 9:8; Deut. 8:18)

I will be as the wise, who plan well in advance of a thing; taking extra oil along with their lamps, knowing the cost of an endeavor before beginning it and building on the rock of Christ Jesus rather than on sand. (Matt.25; Luke 14:28; Matt.7:25)

Thank you Lord that the righteousness of Christ goes before me and prepares the way for my steps. I choose not to out pace the work of God before me. (Ps. 85:13)

Now therefore I pray, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight. (Exodus 33:13)

I hold fast the confession of my faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Heb. 10:19)

100 Day Challenge Confession Sheet on Strategy by Every Nation Ministries

Confessions: Joy

Need some JOY!!! I hope this confession sheet gets you moving in that direction. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let's rejoice and be glad in it. His word will not return void, and will accomplish the purpose for which is was sent.

Confessions: Joy

I renounce a spirit of heaviness and put on the garment of praise so that He may be glorified. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Jesus bore my grief. This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it it. I rejoice in the Lord always. I do all things without grumbling and complaining. His words were found, and I ate them, and they became unto me a joy and delight to my heart. In spite of trials, I offer sacrifices of joy because I know that all things work together for the good to those who love Him. I will sing, yes, I will sing praise unto the Lord. I have the high praises of God in my mouth and a two-edged sword in my hand.

I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore, my heart is glad and my soul rejoices. My body also dwells secure. You show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. I will rejoice in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. I will wait upon the Lord, and He renews my strength. I will mount up with wings like eagles; I will run and not grow weary; I will walk and not faint. My faith is genuine though it be tested by fire will be found to praise, honor, and glorify Jesus Christ. Though I've never seen Him, I believe. I rejoice with joy inexpressible because He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that I can ask, think, or imagine.

I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth. I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up. I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow my foot to be moved; He who keeps me will not slumber nor sleep. The Lord shall preserve me from all evil. He shall preserve my going out and my coming in forever. Let my soul live, and it shall praise you. My lips shall utter praise. My tongue shall speak of your word, for all Your commandments are righteous. Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

This is the third installment of some confession sheets that I received from my pastor a few years ago. About half of the confessions are scriptures that God gave me this morning, and the rest are from the original confession sheet. (Author Unknown).

Confessions: Health | No Disease

This is a perfect confession for the times we're living in with the very real threat of Ebola, Enterovirus, Flu Season, Cancer, and every kind of sickness, and disease in the world today. Confess this word over your family out loud, and see God build your faith and protect you and all your household.

Health | No Disease

I will bless the Lord with all my heart, for He not only forgives my sins, He heals all my diseases. Because the Lord is my refuge, the Most High my dwelling place, no evil shall befall me, no plague will come near my dwelling place. He gives His angels charge over me to guard me in all my ways. It's His will that I prosper and be in health, even as my soul prospers. Jesus of Nazareth went about doing well and healing all who were oppressed by the devil. He said, "I'll remove sickness from the midst of you." He is the Lord, my Healer. I look not to the healing, but to the Healer-Jesus, my loving Lord. My body is for the Lord, and the Lord is for my body. He bore away my sickness and carried away my diseases and by His stripes, I am healed.

The Son of Righteousness shall rise with healing in His wings. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in my mortal body, giving me life. I expect a miracle. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Is anything too hard for the Lord? For all things are possible to him who believes. I'm not just a hearer of the Word, I'm a doer of the Word. Therefore, I am blessed in my doing, for faith without action is dead. It is done according to my faith. Therefore, I will not only confess the Word, but I will be a doer of the Word!

The Lord is my refuge and fortress. My God, in Him I will trust. He will deliver me from the snare of the trapper. He will cover me with His feathers, and under His wings I shall take refuge. His truth shall be my shield. I will not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noon day. A thousand may fall at my side, and ten thousand at my right hand; But it shall not come near me. Because God has set His love upon me. He will deliver me. He will set me on high because I know His name. When I call upon Him, He will answer me. He will be with me in trouble. He will deliver me and honor me with long life, and He will show me salvation. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. He is the LORD my healer. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the strength of my salvation. my stronghold. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.

The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted! O Lord my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me. Weeping my endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. You have turned my mourning to dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

This is the second installment of some confession sheets that I received from my pastor a few years ago. About half of the confessions are scriptures that God gave me this morning, and the rest are from the original confession sheet. (Author Unknown).

Confessions: Boldness | No Fear

I found some old confession sheets given to us by our pastor several years ago, and I just had to type them out in my blog. I always lose the paper sheets, so what better way to preserve them. All these confessions are based on scripture, and meant to be said out loud to build yourself up in your most holy faith.

Boldness - No Fear

I give no opportunity to the devil. I give no place to fear in my life. That which man fears comes upon him. Fear hath torment. The fear of man brings a snare, but perfect love casts out fear. I sought the Lord, and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears. God has not given me a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. In righteousness I am established, so I'll be far from oppression. I will not fear or be in terror. It shall not come near me. The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore I will not fear. If I were still trying to please men, I should not be a servant of Jesus Christ. But I am a servant of the Most High God. I fear not, for He is with me. I'll not be dismayed, for He is my God. He will strengthen me; He will help me; He will uphold me with His victorious right hand.

I'm not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation to those who believe. I'm a minister of reconciliation. I'm an ambassador for Jesus Christ. The anointing I've received abides in me. The anointing breaks the yoke of the bondage's of sin. I received power when the Holy Spirit came upon me to be His witness. His Word, which comes out of this mouth, will not return void, but will accomplish His purpose and prosper in the thing for which it was sent. I know my God; I am strong; I will do exploits. As He is, so am I in this world.

I am righteous, therefore I am bold as a lion. He will never fail me or forsake me; therefore I can boldly say, "The Lord is my helper; I'll not be afraid." What can man do to me? As a young man, I am strong. The Word of God abides in me. I have overcome the evil one. I am an overcomer. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. I am complete in Him. I am more than a conqueror through Christ who loves me. Grant, Lord, to your servant to speak Your Word with all boldness while You stretch out Your hand to heal and signs and wonders are performed through the name of Your holy servant, Jesus! Amen!

Devil Got Your Tongue

We're all familiar with the phrase "Cat got your tongue?" in reference to someone who is unusually quiet, or they are unresponsive to a question they have been asked. We all know people who the cat has never had their tongue. haha. They just blurt out whatever comes to their mind with no filter or restraint.

The tongue is an interesting part of our body. In fact the Bible says in James 3:8-10, "But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so." It also says in James 3:5-6, "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire by hell." My question to you and me today is does the devil got your tongue?

Are we hopeless against our tongue? Are we just destined to not have any control over our mouth and speech? I would submit to you that some of you think that you will always be negative, and pessimistic. You believe that's just the way I am. You have been this way for far too long, and you believe that you can't change and you may not want to change. I'm not just talking about swearing. I'm talking about gossip, criticism, slander, backbiting, lying, envy, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, self-seeking, lustful speaking, dirty jokes, harmful and hurtful words towards your fellow man. Are we destined to live this way? These things ought not to be so the Bible says. The true source of the unruly evil produced by the tongue is hell. James continues his discussion on the untamable tongue in verse 13-16 of chapter 2, "Who is wise among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there."

The tongue doesn't always speak evil, but it tends to lean that way if we don't do something about it proactively. Luke 6:46 says, "for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." And I say, garbage in garbage out. What we put in our heart affects what comes out of our mouth. I would submit to you that we can control what comes out of our mouth. When James starts off talking about the tongue in Chapter 3:2 he says, "For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body." If you read that and think, "Well I'm never going to be perfect, so I'll never be able to control my tongue it's hopeless." then you'll keep being discouraged and never change. But listen to this, the word "perfect" in the original greek language is teleios. Basically, what this word means when referring to believers is "maturity". I believe that as you mature in your faith, you will have more control over your tongue. Maturity takes work, and if you're not willing to work then you'll always be ruled by your tongue. Which is in turn ruled by hell. We have to monitor what comes out of our mouth, but more importantly we have to monitor what we are putting into our heart and spirit. Check out these scriptures from Proverbs concerning our tongue.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit" Prov. 18:21
"The tongue of the wise promotes health." Prov. 12:18
"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Prov 15:1
"The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours fourth foolishness." Prov. 15:2
"A wholesome 'healing' tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." Prov. 15:4
"The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the heart of a fool does not do so." Prov. 15:7
"The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." Prov. 16:23-24.
"Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles." Prov. 21:23
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Prov. 4:23

When we work to become mature in our faith, we start to bridle our tongue and take control of our life through the power of His Holy Spirit. We begin to look like Christ to others through our speech.

James closes the discussion on the untamable tongue in Ch. 2:17-18, "But wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

The devil has no power except what you give him. That puny devil has not got your tongue any more. We are maturing in our faith, and we are taking back anything he has stolen from us. Speak life over yourself today, and hold onto His word. Quit speaking death, and discouragement. Speak the Word of God over your situation. Walk by faith and not by sight today. I will close with a Psalm from David.

"My lips shall utter praise, For you teach me Your statues. My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all your commandments are righteous." Psalm 119:171-172

Let your tongue utter praise, and speak of His word today!

The following blog posts will be several "Confessions" of God's Word over our life. Let's Speak it OUT LOUD. When we do speak it then the sword of the Spirit is in our mouth to war and win the victory.

Two Crosses

What does "Take up your cross" mean? There is a popular scripture found in Mark 8:34 which reads, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.". I've grown up in church all my life, but have often wondered what Jesus meant by that. Am I supposed to make a cross out of railroad ties, and walk down the side of the road? How am I supposed to take up a cross? What did Jesus mean when He was addressing His disciples? This is a valid question if you're a new christian, or someone who's grown up in church and just let "take up your cross" slip through your spiritual fingers.

I was reading the Purple Book this week, and it gave me a very clear understanding of what it means to take up your cross. It read, "Taking up your cross is the ultimate act of surrender-a conscious choice to deny yourself and live for Christ. It means a willingness to follow and obey Christ to whatever end." I've heard it said that salvation is free, but it will cost you everything. This is so true. We are no longer are our own, but belong to Him. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."

To be a true follower of Christ, we must count the cost of following Him. We don't want to come to Him for a "get out of hell free" card. We are not supposed to come to Jesus on Sunday, and then live the rest of the week like we want then come to Jesus and repent on the following Sunday for the same sins. This is a crazy cycle plagued by so many believers today who don't understand the cost of discipleship and following Christ. Jesus compared being a disciple to building a tower in Luke 14:28, "For which of you intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it." Are you willing to give up your sin, evil desires, pride, way, and selfishness to follow Christ 100%? You can't be straddling the fence on this issue. You have to be all in to be a true disciple. Jesus was speaking to the "Lukewarm Church" in Revelation 3:15-16 when He said, "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth." That's pretty harsh isn't it. Being a lukewarm christian makes Jesus literally sick as you can tell from the scripture. Let's not be lukewarm. Let's make a decision today to take up our cross daily and follow Him.

Let's close this post out with some encouragement that I read in the Purple Book this morning. "There is a difference between the cross of Christ and the cross we pick up when we become His disciples. Because of Christ's victory on the cross, we are freed from sin and made "slaves" of righteousness (Romans 6:17-18). He gives us the power to pick up our cross and follow Him."

What exactly happened at the cross of Christ?

"And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." Colossians 2:13-15

Can you carry a cross? Yes you can! He carried His cross, so we can have the power to carry ours. Apostle Paul put it like this, "I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20

What is a Purple Book? Click Here

Fellowship of the Unashamed

I am a part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed

I have the Holy Spirit Power

The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. 

The decision has been made...I am a disciple of His.

I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. 

I am finished with low living, sight walking, small talking

Chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.

I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded.

I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer and labor by power.

My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow

My way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable and my mission clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy,

Ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, or slow down until I've preached up,

Prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go 'till He comes, give 'till I drop,

Preach 'till all know, and work 'til He stops.

And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. 

My colors will be clear for...

"I am not ashamed of the Gospel,

Because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Rom. 1:16

By Dr. Bob Moorehead

UNWORTHY, UNHOLY, UNLOVABLE, BROKEN...

Have you ever felt so unworthy to be called a child of God? Do you feel that way right now? The enemy wants to kill, steal, and destroy the destiny God has for you. You may feel that he's winning the battle this day. Possibly this day, this week, this month, this year the enemy has won several battles. The good news is that if you're still breathing some battles may have been lost, but the war is far from over. Even on your best day, you are not worthy. The Bible says, "Our righteousness is as filthy rags." Isaiah 64:6. How is that supposed to encourage us? The good news is that know matter what you do, or don't do-God loves you the same.  God's love is unconditional, unchanging, and never failing. Let me be clear that God does not love sin, but He loves you unconditionally. I encourage you to stop whatever you're doing, and come to the cross of Christ. At the cross, we can find healing, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and love. Jesus makes us worthy to be called children of God.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor. 5:17-21

"There is none righteous, no, not one." Rom. 3:10
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Rom. 6:23
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Eph. 2:8-9

Take comfort that no one is righteous, all have sinned, and we all deserve eternal separation from God. How are we supposed to take comfort in that? Take comfort that we can't earn our way into God's favor, but His love is so great towards you that He gave us eternal life. Not just eternal life after we pass away, but He has made a way for us to experience abundant, victorious life on earth-Now, even today! Jesus said, "The thief does does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10

The first step to experience this abundant life is to believe that it's God's highest desire for you. God wants you to have an abundant, prosperous, victorious life. That's what Jesus came to die for. Your worth is the Son of God...Himself. If you're feeling unworthy, unholy, unlovable, and broken let me ask you a question. Why do you feel that way? Why do you...really feel that way? Ask yourself that question at least 5 times to get to the root of it. Let's quote what the Bible says about you, and see if this doesn't pick your spirits up. Say these confessions out loud, and let it build your faith. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." Rom. 10:17

I am faithful. I am God's child. I have been justified. I am Christ's friend. I belong to God. I am a member of Christ's body. I am assured all things work together for good. I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. I am confident that God will perfect the work He has begun in me. I am a citizen of heaven. I am hidden with Christ in God. I have not been given the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. I am holy and blameless. I am adopted as a child of God. I am in Him. I have redemption. I have purpose. I am forgiven. I have hope. I am included. I am sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. I am alive with Christ. I am raised up with Christ. I am secure. I am a holy temple. I can grasp how wide, long, high, and deep Christ's love is towards me. God's power works through me. I have been called. I have been brought near to God through Christ's blood. I have peace. I have access to the Father. I am a member of God's household. I am not helpless. I am overcoming. I am persevering. I am protected. I am born again. I am delivered. I am more than a conqueror. I am blameless. I am set free. I am healed from sin. I am a new creation. I am redeemed from the curse of the law. I am qualified to share in His inheritance. I am VICTORIOUS!

This is what the Word of God says about His children. I don't care what you "feel". Our feelings will lead us astray. We base our faith on the Word of God, and nothing else. Whatever your circumstance look like. Whatever your going through. "Let's walk by faith, and not by sight." 2 Cor. 5:7

You're free. You're already clean. The Holy Spirit is with you, in you, and all around you. You ARE WORTHY, HOLY, LOVABLE, AND HEALED in Jesus name, Amen!

Sharp Dressed Man

In 1983 ZZ TOP released an album called Eliminator. On this album is the famous song, "Sharp Dressed Man." It's now the theme song of the TV show Duck Dynasty. I know you can hear the song in your head right now..."They come running just as fast as they can, 'Cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man."

It's funny how we treat people who are dressed in nice clothes. We all have heard the saying, "It's the clothes that make the man." Our Western Culture is consumed with looking good, buying nice clothes, and making good impressions. We want to be judged, and accepted by our looks without a word coming out of our mouth. There is nothing wrong with looking good and wearing nice clothes. There's nothing wrong with making a good first impression, but we have to be careful if we start to show favoritism in the body of Christ to those who "look good" by appearances only. 

In fact the Bible warns against this kind of favoritism in the book of James. "My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "You stand there,"or, "Sit here at my footstool," have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man." "If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors." James 2:1-6 8-9

The greek word for "show partiality" is prosopolepteo it means to make distinctions among people based on their rank or influence, showing preference to the rich and powerful. I am thankful God did not show partiality on the cross. At the foot of the cross we are all equal. Human worth is the blood of Jesus, and we all became heirs of Christ at that moment regardless of our station here on this planet. We need to regard and respect every person we meet regardless of their wealth, race, or position. If we welcome the wealthy to our churches because we "need" their money, and reject the poor because we feel that can't advance our causes then I believe we've lost the true heart of God. "And the King will answer and say to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to Me." Matt. 25:40 

God is after our heart. He wants us to truly love and see people as He sees them. A person can look great on the outside, but be dying inside. Jesus said, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like white-washed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness." Matt. 23:27 

Let's not look at the outward appearance of man. Let's look at their heart. There are wealthy people who are wonderful godly people, and poor people who want nothing to do with Jesus and vice-versa. All men need Jesus, so let's not be hypocritical like the scribes and Pharisees. At the foot of the cross we are all equal. We're all Sharp Dressed Men when we are clothed in Jesus Christ.

I, Wisdom

What if you had one wish, and it was guaranteed to come true? What would you wish for? Would you wish for more wishes, health, money, fame, beauty, muscles, or long life? There is a story like this in the Bible except instead of a magic genie, Almighty God came to King Solomon in a dream and said, "Ask! What shall I give you?" 1 Kings 3:5.

King David was Solomon's dad. How would you like to have arguably the greatest Warrior King of Israel as your dad? This man has killed lions, bears, giants, and armies single handedly. He has an army of highly trained assassins as his personal body guard. A man after God's own heart, whom God has chosen and loved from a boy. That would be a little intimidating to follow in his footsteps wouldn't it? I believe that put Solomon is a great place to be even greater than David. Listen to King David on his death bed, as he pours into the young King Solomon. 

"I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the LORD your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn;" 1 Kings 2:2-3. King David had a lot of failures as a father, but in the end it got it right with his son Solomon.  

When God appeared to King Solomon in a dream and said, "Ask! What shall I give you?" King Solomon had a blank check from God. He asked God for a wise and understanding heart to judge the people of Israel, and discern between good and evil. 1 Kings 3:9. This pleased the LORD, and God said because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for long life for yourself, nor have asked for riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statues and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days." 1 Kings 3:10-14. King Solomon's reign ended up being one of peace, wealth, and favor from God like no other in the history of Israel because of his request for wisdom. 

How can we apply this to our lives? Proverbs 8:11-13 17-19 32-35 "For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver. For blessed are those who keep my (wisdom) ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.. For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the LORD."

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:5. Proverbs encourages us to desire wisdom, and James encourages us to ask God to give us wisdom. We can learn from King Solomon's example. Let's desire and ask wisdom. "Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice?" Prov. 8:1. Wisdom is crying out for us to answer her. "Wisdom in the principle thing; Therefore get wisdom. An in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you." Prov. 4:7-9

In closing, how do we get wisdom practically? We've asked God to give us wisdom through His Holy Spirit, but we need to balance that with His Word. We primarily get wisdom through His Word, the Holy Bible. We get wisdom by taking heed according to the word of God, and hiding it in our hearts. Psalm:119:9-15

King David's last words to us:

"I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the LORD your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn;" 1 Kings 2:2-3 

King Solomon's last words to us:

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: "Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all." Ecc. 12:13

Let's listen to the two greatest Kings in history. Get wisdom by the fear of the LORD, loving His Word, and obeying His commandments. 

Ebola, Beheadings, Child Paralysis Virus, Wars, and Rumors of Wars...

Are you gripped with fear, worry, and anxiety in the world we're living? Have you been fearful laying down at night afraid somebody may enter your house? Worried you or your children may get Ebola, or the new respiratory virus that is paralyzing children? Is the next World War around the corner, and will the way civilization as we know it be changed forever? Will our religious freedom be taken away with all the persecution of the church going on in the world, and America?

Turn on the news, and you will see all of that in the first 10 minutes. It's a lot to take in, and it's easy to be gripped with fear. I want to offer you some encouragement today through His Word.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Tim 1:7

"For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking for a home yet to come." Heb 13:14

"Friends this world is not our home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it." 1 Peter 2:11 MSG

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the LORD Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." Phil. 3:21

Jesus said, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love it's own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." John 15:18-19

The world hates the Bible, and it hates what Jesus truly is. Oh, the media made, Robert Griffin III, Quarterback for the Washington Redskins turn his shirt on inside out for an interview because it had "Know Jesus Know Peace, No Jesus No Peace. We call that persecution, when thousands of Christians and Jews are being slaughtered across the world. None of this should be surprising to us when it happens. This world is not our home, we're just passing through it on our way to heaven. 

"For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." James 4:15

"All flesh is as grass, and the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever." 1 Peter 1:24

Today could be our last day on earth, and you know what if we have trusted Jesus for salvation...It's ok. Here's what Jesus says, "And do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than the sparrows." Matt. 10:28-31

God can protect us from every evil thing in the world, according to Psalm 91 "He who dwells in the secret place of the most high will abide under the shadow of the almighty. v.1 "No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." v. 9-11. Yes, there is such a thing as Guardian Angels. And they're not some little fat angel sitting on a cloud playing a harp. These are warring angels with flaming swords that are bigger and stronger than we can imagine.

The Bible also says in Matthew 5:45, "For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." So, in other words sometimes good happens to bad people and bad things happen to good people. 

So what does our attitude need to be like in the world we're living? Our attitude needs to be that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, before they were thrown into the fiery furnace. 

""O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter, If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. BUT IF NOT, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up." Daniel 3:16-18

God is able to save you and your house from every evil thing in this world. Put your total and complete trust in Him, and let the peace of God rule your heart and mind. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if ther is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things." Phil 4:6-8

God has not fallen off the throne. He is seated in power, and all authority. He will take care of and protect your family if you trust in Him completely. My word of encouragement to you is this...Repent, turn to God, be baptized, and believe in Him alone for salvation. It's time to get your life under the authority of Jesus and His Holy Word. He will never leave you, nor forsake you. This life is temporary, but we were created for Eternity.