The Reflection of What You Wear

The Reflection Of What You Wear

• Colossians 3:1 (NLT)

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Our culture is influenced greatly by marketing, so our outer appearance can often determine are social status. As a youth I was all into fashion, I wanted my clothes to define what kind of person I was, so once I started working at the age of 14 the majority of my money was spent on that. Growing up in a small town clothing stores was limited so I would drive far three hours to Seattle to find the latest fads. The greatest thrill was wearing a new outfit and being complimented. I was voted best dressed in my class Senior year 1993 and it was actually a big deal to me. How shallow! Yet, that is the culture of America.

Thank God I now understand that character far outweighs outward appearance. Sad thing is some churches still operate like the world and are more like a fashion show than a house of prayer. I still like to dress good at times, not to impress people, but simply because I like what I wear, it is all a matter of the heart. I no longer can afford buying the kind of clothes I use too for I am no longer single and my life can't just be about myself. So my closet isn't piling up, I try to just have enough clothes to fit the different occasions of life and the different seasons, I buy new clothes when the old ones are worn and need to be replaced.

What I desire above anything else is what Colossians chapter 3 explains how to be clothed with more and more of Christ. What we gaze upon is what we absorb and therefore reflect. So to be like Christ is to set my sights on where He dwells. What I think upon is what forms my heart, so what I allow to go into my ear and eye gates will determine what shapes me. So If I am going to look different I must change what I see and hear. I must shift from gazing on the things of earth too the things of Heaven. To know the things of Heaven takes knowing the written word (logos) and experiencing the living Word (rhema).

Change does not come from our ability, it is grace from God through the power of the Holy Spirit. What one sets their affections on they become, so with new desires comes new direction. Since God has given us a heart for Him we naturally begin losing the desire for sin. It is a process and doesn't happen over night, yet at least with me the majority of my sinful activities left when I got saved simply because I lost the desire for them. 

Daily we must choose to worship our Lord for it is in His presence that we are transformed. Just like we usually dress ourselves shortly after we wake up, we need to praise and worship our Lord and as we do so we are clothed from above. We now become spirit beings, no longer distinguished by male/female or ethnicity, Christ is all that matters. The character that comes forth from those whom reflect Christ are: tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, peace, and most importantly love which unites us together (vs. 12-15). From our mouth will come the ability to teach and counsel with wisdom, singing praise and thanksgiving from our mouths. So in all we do and say we become true representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ (vs. 16-18).

Freedom In Christ

I was raised by my grandmother who didn't drive, we lived out in the woods of Washington State where it rained 300 days of the year. I was confound the majority of my childhood to a little trailer, not able to go anywhere or do anything. It would literally drive me crazy, I would scream, throw fits, bored out of my mind. I spent my time dreaming of a day where I traveled all over the world doing great things, not being limited because of transportation or lack of money.

Since I gave my life to Jesus in 1995, I've never been bored, God has fulfilled my dreams, including marrying a beautiful Caribbean girl, traveling throughout the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, South & Central America. I am a person of growing influence, making a positive difference in the world through God's grace. I am totally free to be all that I ever dreamed to be, nothing no longer is holding me back, and oh how I give all glory to God.

Being a Christian is not about conforming oneself to a religious organization and it's practices. It is not about what we can no longer do, it's all about what we can now do through Jesus Christ, whatever we give up cannot compare to what we gain in Him.

We can all be so wishy washy, starting relationships that never last, "we think something of someone, then find out something else, and say forget this I am moving on." We don't give time for a relationship to go deep enough where we truly understand someone and want to make real commitment. People often do this with God, they want a one way relationship, commitment by God but not commitment to Him in return. We want God available only when we need something. People believe because they give financially to the church, God owes them something, this is spiritual prostitution.

Colossians 2:6-23 explain the "now what" factor. Meaning once one commits their life to Jesus what should follow. Verse six says simply now that we have accepted Him we are to follow Him, which goes beyond Sunday morning attendance. To follow someone it takes knowing someone, so relationship with Jesus has to become the center of our life. We are to feed on His Word daily so that the seed of salvation gets roots on it producing ever growing faith, which makes us strong. The more we know the word, the more we are aware of God working in and around us bringing a greater appreciation and thankfulness deepening the relationship even more.

The more we know the truth the more we can recognize lies, the enemy will not stop trying to deceive us just because we are saved. It is like breaking up with someone who cannot let it go, they pretend they don't get it, and keep trying to push their way back into our life, and will go as far as we allow them.

As we grow in the knowledge and experience of Christ we realize He is the one who completes us, we have no need for anything else, one by one we let go of the attachments to this world. Now we begin to know what it means to be free. It's no longer about do's and don'ts but changed hearts and new desires. It's less a struggle to stop sinning for it is just not who we are anymore, we have a new nature.

Now this does not mean it is always easy, for our ex (Satan) is angry and will do everything he knows to win us back. During times of test's and trials which God is using to work His Word into our hearts we can become weak and fall prey to temptation responding to challenges the way we were accustomed too, giving access to Satan to operate in our lives again. Our Father is a jealous God and He will not allow us to cheat on Him for long, He will bring His rod of discipline, which will hopefully turn our hearts back to Him as we recognize our wrong and command Satan to hit the road.

The spirit of religion will try to keep us bound by using condemnation.  If Christ is not the head of one's life, they are not His body, and therefore are open to demonic influence.  Christ did not come into the world to condemn it, so those who use condemnation are an instrument of the enemy.  Freedom from sin comes not through trying to obey the law it is the natural result of relationship with God.

Colossians 2:23 "These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires."

As long as we remain connected to Jesus our head, we His body, are free from sin, filled with love, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit.

D.U.I

D.U.I

• Colossians 1:15 (NLT) 
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R62n3sIRtFM (Message Preached @ Abundant Grace Church - Bishop Hargrove)

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Why do we people like to get drunk? To lighten up, to have fun, be bold, or try to forget about something. I for one was rather timid, afraid of what others thought of me, I needed a few 40's to lose myself and let loose. The problem with drinking is we lose our inhibition, our conscience is seared, it is easy to make decisions that we will later regret. Now it is foolish enough to get drunk it is even more foolish to drink and drive. One time my friend drove up the wrong way on a ramp and we got pulled over, we all got tested, and somehow they all failed but I didn't, so they got hauled off while I drove home, so thank God I don't have a record, but most of all thank God I am delivered.

When I got saved I lost my desire to get drunk for being filled with the Spirit is what now fulfilled my desire to be bold and courageous. Drinking alcohol opens the door to spirits, seeking God opens the door to the Holy Spirit, the one feeds on carnality the other feeds on spirituality.

God desires for us to be His vehicle that He influences others through.  The church was birthed through united prayer, power was released, preaching followed, and thousands were saved.  The lack of power in the church today is because of people being so divided, praying so little, and preaching without the anointing.  The lack of the Holy Spirit has caused churches to reflect more of the systems of the world than the Kingdom of God.

The world is power hungry, people want to control their lives and others, problem is they can't. Everyone serves someone, those whom seem to be at top, the elites, are the ones most controlled by demonic influence, some are even completely possessed. When Satan is done with them, when they finished their assignment, or if they don't do what they are told, they're dead. Thus the reason some significant famous individuals have died suddenly.

We all might seem helpless at times, lacking influence, controlled by our circumstances, but as children of God we have power available to us that is greater than all the powers of this world. It is time to learn how to tap into that power. In the world it is about whom you know and what you can offer. In the Kingdom of God it is about knowing Him and becoming his living offering.

Titles and positions don't rank anyone higher than the other in the kingdom of God. In God's kingdom it has nothing to do with any gift or talent in of itself, God's glory is manifested to the degree one is surrendered to His will, that alone is why some Christians stand out more than others.

Colossians 1:15-20 declares the Supremacy of Christ, He is above the visible and invisible world, everything was created through Him and for Him! Therefore we who submit to His supremacy now are made co-laborers in bringing into subjection His creation that has rebelled. Our authority comes from the one above all, therefore in Christ nothing of this world can oppose us.

You usually can spot out people who have authority for they walk with confidence. Colossians 1:21-23 reminds us that we were once enemies of God but we have been reconciled through Christ, we are now blameless and without fault. We might not feel like it but that is how God sees us, so it's time to believe it ourselves. Let's live unashamed bold courageous lives for Him.

There is a big price to be a person of authority, it means you are the target of everyone's complaints, you are also in the position that others are competing for, this brings heavy pressure and responsibility that few can handle. Walking in God's authority also comes with a price, Christ suffering (Colossians 1:24). The secret we have to handle this pain is simply "Christ lives in us." He gives us the strength to endure and continue to work hard as we depend on His mighty power that works within us.

Intimacy with Christ releases God's authority.  The greatest hindrances to intimacy is ignorance and un-forgiveness.  Obedience is what keeps us united with Christ, but to obey, one must know His will which takes knowing His word.  Our relationship with God is based on our sins being forgiven and it is maintained by forgiving others as well.  If we are growing in our knowledge of God and have no malice in our heart then God is at the wheel and we are His vehicles that His power flows in and through.

God's power will not be used for self seeking gain but for serving others alone:

"You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matt. 20: 25-28, NLT)."

Inspired Prayer

• Colossians 1:1-14 (NLT)

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How often do we pray for others? I can sadly say for myself not near enough. I talk about others, think about others, but pray? The moment I begin praying for others I see things differently, the Holy Spirit gives me inspired words, and I now have a complete different perspective. Do we really want the best for those around us, do we want their situations to turn around, then how we best help is simply to pray.

Paul writes that he and his disciples always pray for the Colossians in 1:3, giving thanks for them. It is hard at times to give thanks for those close to us, they irritate us for we see their flaws, and therefore at times just don't like them. Giving thanks reminds us of the good qualities which we can easily forget, it helps us see people as our Heavenly Father sees them. A parent sees their own kids with a higher regard than other people, we need the Fathers view of his children.

Paul's prayers had commonalities, to grow in the love of God and the knowledge, wisdom and understanding of His will. This reminds me of YWAM's mission statement "to know God, and to make Him known." These two aspects take care of everything else Paul prays in Colossians 1, "that they will honor God and be strengthened to endure all present challenges." You cannot have one without the other, if we are growing in the love of God and are walking in His will then we are honoring God and have His power to overcome.

Prayer is not speaking in agreement what our natural eyes perceive, that is just gossip, it is speaking in agreement with the heart of God, releasing the will of Heaven to supersede the reality present on earth.

"What goes up, must come down," this is true physically, but prayer is a spiritual thing, and for heaven to respond to our prayers they must be spirit led. I can not move God no matter how long I pray, how repetitive I am, if I cry and beg, what moves God is His will. His spirit inspires our heart with His will and we speak forth and then God's kingdom comes, His will is done here on earth as it is in Heaven. 

The Real You

The Real You

• Colossians 3:1 (MSG)
• Colossians 3:2 (MSG)

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I was once a very confused person. I wanted to be one thing, then I wanted to be another, and then another. I followed the latest whim of what I thought would make me successful and bring fulfillment. I was shaped by my ever changing environment. 

We are all products of our environments. Many of us play the chameleon we adapt to whatever environment we are in. This may help us win the game of survivor but will cause identity crisis in the game called life. We play the role of Christian around Christians, we play the role of skeptic around skeptic, or drunk around drunk, etc.

The bible says "a double minded person is unstable in all their ways." An unstable person is up and down, in and out, they seem fine one moment, and suddenly they lose it the next. They start things but don't finish. You cannot expect much from them because of all their uncertainty. Yet I know lot of us Christians that walk this way!

If we are really serious as it says in Colossians 3:1-2 about living a new life in Christ. We need to pursue Him and Him alone. Our life is no longer about mere survival just trying to get though our present circumstances but rather it is about pursuing the will of God, seeing how our circumstances are part of His great big plan.

We need to see from above! Our perspective means everything! As long as we are grounded our present circumstances limit what we can see and therefore do. You see how weather can so change things. So can we change our environment when we dwell in Heavenly places. We have something to offer that the world cannot give, we are change agents. 

Yes we are all born into sin, but we have been born-again, we have the Holy Spirit now who is recreating us into are true identity, stripping away lies replacing them with truth. Each day we have a choice how we see the world, we can see through our human eyes which is bound to an earthly limited deception or we can see through spiritual eyes from a heavenly unlimited reality. 

The story of Mephibosheth is our story, Lo-Debar means "not-having", or no pasture, it was a place set apart for outcasts, rejects, people were put there not because of their own wrong but because of life's misfortunes. Some of us though we are saved still don't feel like we have any worth, we are victims of what others have done to us, molested, raped, abused, ignored, neglected, but God rich in kindness sent His servant Jesus Christ to redeem us, to take us out of Lo-Debar and bring us to the King's palace, we are no longer a dead dog, we are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, set apart for the glory of God. Though we still may feel crippled from our past, God still calls us to eat with Him at His table as He nourishes our soul, heals our bodies, and transforms our lives into His image. 

The Real You is who God is. Our Identity is now in Christ, so let us allow Him to clothe us in the robe of His righteousness, to put on the full armor of God so that we can stand against the wiles of the enemy.

Who You Working For?

Who You Working For?

• Ephesians 6:5 (NLT)

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Those who are in charge are the biggest target for criticism, they get the blame for everything. People have their opinions of how things should be done, but no one knows the difficulty of someone else unless they have stepped into there shoes. It is easy to point out flaws from a distant but I bet if we were placed in the same position things would not be as easy as they appear. Organizations are complex, every decision has many angles to consider, none of us should think decision making is an easy thing to do. Some decisions don't seem to make sense immediately but in the long run it will, that is why leaders are not those who let small minded, narrow visioned individuals move them.

Now that we are in Christ what behavior modification should take place regarding the work force?

Ephesians 6:5-9 is our living instructions concerning this:

1. Obey authority giving them utmost respect as unto the Lord (vs.5) 2. Please them even when they are not looking, with a sincere heart, understanding it is the will of God. 3. Work with enthusiasm for we are working for the Lord not just for people. 4. Look to the Lord for reward. 5. For us who are in authority, we are not to threaten or treat employees as less than.

In the kingdom of God as the body of Christ we are all equal, no matter what title and amount of authority has been given us, it is only through the grace of God. God can take away what He has given at any time. Our strength, wisdom, gifting, talent, life comes from Him, He alone deserves all the glory. No matter how insignificant one's calling may seem it is part of the big picture and each part is significant to the other doing there part.

Our jobs are our ministry, whether it be in a church setting, home environment, or on the work force, they are all equally valuable in the kingdom of God and in fulfilling the promise that God's glory would fill the earth.  So let us not be moved by man regarding our jobs but rather put our trust in God who is our ultimate boss.

Do You Want To Live Long?

Obedience is the response of love, not out of fear but out of trust. Relationship is built on trust, so believing that the person you love has at their heart your best interest brings forth faithfulness. If I am faithful to God then I honor Him by following His ways.

God brought us into this world through our parents and despite their shortcomings they are to be honored. Whoever is responsible to raise us whether they be our biological parents or not is ordained by God. So as God's children if we love Him, we love the parents He has given us, and trust that they know what is best, and therefore obey them as unto God. If our parents do not honor God then we pray for them and believe God will change their hearts. Only when forced to break the law do we have the right to disobey them.

Do we obey our parents even when we know they are making a wrong decision?

Yes, trust God to correct them and work in their hearts. No one is perfect but God, let us not have false expectations, much of what is learned comes through failure. We are all a work in progress, so we will have to suffer along with our parents when they do wrong, as well as they suffer with us when we do wrong. What it comes down to, is do we trust God, who is Lord over all, or not?

Do you have kids that make life real difficult for you? What we sow is what we reap! What we did to our parents is what our kids will do to us. Some negative characteristics I no longer struggle with I see developing in them. Thank God for discernment we can catch things before it is too late, confess His Word, and break generational curses. In Christ we no longer have to live under the guilt of our past, though the enemy will not just bow out of the fight, all we have to do is know His word, confess His word and through the power of the Holy Spirit Satan has to flee.

Why do so many die young? Ephesians 6:3 says if we honor our parents, things will go well for you, and long life will be given. Does this mean that when one dies young, it is because they are in rebellion, not always, all I know is I would encourage youth to not test God's mercy on this. I did not always honor my Grandma who raised me, but since I was saved at 20 and given a new heart I have tried. My Grandmother had a stroke April 2010, and since that time I have moved her into my home and made sure she has a peaceful, loving environment to spend the rest of her days on earth. I can say that my life is going real well! I have an amazing family, a satisfying job, my dreams are being fulfilled, one by one. God is so good!!!!

I look at my kids in awe, they get to grow up from the moment of conception in a home saturated with the presence of God. They are doing so well, in academics, at church, with their attitude and character. They are not perfect, but they are sure off to a good start. The sky is the limit with them, they don't have near the shortcomings that I had to deal with. There was a season though that I was very impatient with my sons, which caused them to be very rude with me. Ephesians 6:4 says not to provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Any quality that I share with my kids that is ungodly will bring an ungodly response. Being impatient will not produce anything in return that is good. If I want godly children I must treat them godly. The rest of 6:4 says says to raise them with the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Even if I am right the manner that I speak to my kids means everything, I could be quoting scripture but if I am full of rage, it will do no good. The Word must be taught through the Holy Spirit for it to transform.

I use to be so spiritual at church and so natural at home. My focus was off kilter!  There is no separation of church and state.  God is in us and therefore should be taken with us everywhere we go, especially in our homes, which are a reflection of the kingdom of Heaven here on earth.  God doesn't just want to save individuals for He is all about community, which is made up of families.  The enemies goal therefore is to divide families so therefore we must understand we don't take our spiritual armor off either at home or at work, it must daily be put on, for us to walk in victory and have healthy God honoring families.