"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil."1 Peter 3:12

I came across a short illustration that I believe will bless you. "Teacher", said a young boy, "why is it that so many prayers are unanswered? I do not understand. The Bible says, ‘Ask, and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find; knock and the door shall be opened unto you.’ But it seems to me a great many knock and are not admitted. The teacher answered, "Did you ever sit by your fireplace on some dark evening and hear a loud knocking at the door? Going to answer the knock, have you not sometimes looked out in the darkness, seeing nothing, but hearing the pattering feet of some mischievous boy, who knocked but did not wish to enter, and therefore ran away? It is often so with us. We ask for blessings but do not really expect them. We knock but do not mean to enter. We fear that Jesus will not hear us, will not fulfill His promises, will not admit us. And so we go way." "Ah I see," said the boy, his eyes shining with the new light dawning in his soul. "Jesus can’t be expected to answer runaway knocks. He has never promised it. I mean to keep knocking and knocking until He can’t help opening the door." Brothers & Sisters, let's become persistent in our prayer life and expect God to open the door! ARE YOU KNOCKING?

"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."Luke 10:19

Have you ever thought about how much power God releasing in our midst right now? Is it 20%... 50%... 100% of His great power?? I would venture to say that God is not even releasing a fraction of 1% of His power today. That might sound crazy to you, but think about it. If He were to release all His power on this earth, don't you think that sin would be completely destroyed and righteousness and holiness would abound? God is an all-powerful, all-encompassing God, and there is no limit to what He can do. He chooses to release His power through His saints -- through sinners that have been washed by the blood of the Lamb! We have access to amazing power from on high -- but we have to be open vessels, allowing the anointing of God to flow through us! Brothers & Sisters, the power to tread upon serpents, scorpions and every power of darkness has been given to us! Let's pray like we've never prayed before! And allow the Lord to use us as vessels through which His power can be released! ACCESS THE POWER FROM ON HIGH!

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance (aphesis) to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty (aphesis) them that are bruised,"Luke 4:18

The Greek word 'aphesis' means forgiveness. But in this particular verse it’s translated as both deliverance and liberty. Isn’t it interesting that deliverance and liberty are directly tied together with forgiveness? One of the most effective tools the enemy uses to steal our joy is unforgiveness. With just a little foothold of unforgiveness in our lives, we can easily become bound with chains of bitterness, resentment, anger and rage. If we let that foothold linger without dealing with it, eventually it will lead to our own self-destruction. Brothers & Sisters, let's not let the unrighteous actions of others toward us become a stumbling block in our walk. We have been forgiven much and in the same way, we must release those who've hurt us to the Lord. But when we release them, I think we'll find that the person we'll really be releasing is ourselves! AND LIBERTY AND DELIVERANCE FOR ALL!

"For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith."1 John 5:4

In 2nd Samuel Chapter 9 we read of the story of King David and Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and the grandson of the first king of Israel, King Saul. After Jonathan's death, David went forth to show kindness to Saul's house. Mephibosheth had become lame at the young age of five -- he had lived his entire life as a cripple. When David calls him forth, Mephibosheth replies "What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?" His identity was completely based on his disability, when in fact he was the grandson of a king! He had forgotton his royal lineage and was wallowing in self pity. Yet David looked beyond his disability and recognizing who he was, offered him a place at the King's table. How much time do we spend wallowing in our own self pity, groaning about things with which we struggle daily...so much so that it becomes who we are! The enemy would love nothing more than to keep us focused on our disabilities so that we are distracted from the calling of God on our lives. He wants us to have a "victim mentality". But let's not lose focus of the reality of who we are. In Jesus we are a chosen generation, part of a royal priesthood, and the King has offered us a place at His table! We are heirs of His great throne!! Brothers & Sisters, in Him, we should have a victor mentality! Press forward -- know who you are in Him and take your rightful seat at the King's Table. HAVE A VICTOR MENTALITY!

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a re-warder of them that diligently seek him."Hebrews 11:6

One of the greatest stories of the Bible is David and Goliath. It's such a good story, in fact, that the world has come to make common use of it! A prime example of this is when the underdog faces an invincible champion in just about any sport on national television, commentators always seem to make mention of David and Goliath. Imagine the scene at the time of David. The children of Israel were small compared to the Philistines (incidentally, they are still small today -- there are very few tall people in Israel!). And here they are faced with this enormously frightening giant, Goliath, champion of the Philistines. Brothers & Sisters, we all have some scary Goliaths to face in our lives. You may be facing one right now. Have faith, my friend! In our greatest distresses God wants to show Himself powerful! Let's walk in faith for His victory! HAVE ABUNDANT FAITH!

“The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!”Psalm 16:3

In the midst of a psalm focusing on God’s faithfulness, David paused to reflect on particular people whom he admired, who had been a blessing in his life. These were his “true heroes.” He knew that some appeared to prosper by chasing “after other gods.” But David was not fooled: “I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods.” Instead, he focused on pleasing and obeying God. David realized that he could trust God and commit everything to Him, confident that He would “guard all that is mine.” He remembered the many ways He had blessed and provided for him, giving him “a wonderful inheritance!” Through every experience, David sought to serve God: “I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.” He knew that God always was with Him. Because He was “right beside me,” David knew he would “not be shaken.” He could rejoice, be glad, and rest in safety. In fact, he knew that God would show him “the way of life” and grant him the joy of His presence. He would experience “the pleasures of living with you forever.” How interesting that, in the context of this focus on God, David interjected comments about his “true heroes.” These were the people in whom he took pleasure, who provided examples for him to follow. People God used in his life. Brother & Sisters as you think about your life, have there been people who have been particularly important to you? People who have modeled what it means to serve God? Who have been positive examples for you? Make sure to show appreciation for these “heroes” of the faith. And seek to be a hero to others. Live in such a way that others see Jesus in you and want to follow your example.

" A man has joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!"Proverbs 15:23

A modern parable has been written about the tools of the enemy that I believe we can really learn from. "Some time ago, an advertisement appeared in which the devil was putting all his tools up for sale. On the day of public inspection, each one of his tools was marked with its selling price: Hatred, Envy, Jealousy, Doubt, Lying, Pride, and so on, were each on the block. Set apart, however, from all the rest of the pile, was a harmless-looking tool, well-worn, but priced very high -- it was discouragement!" Someone asked the devil, 'why is that one priced so high?' He replied, 'Ah, that one is more useful to me than all the rest. With it I can pry open a man's heart and enter, when I cannot get near him with any other tools. Once inside, I can lead him any way I choose. The tool is very worn because I use it on almost everyone, since few people know it belongs to me.' The enemy loves to sow discouragement -- but believers have a tool much more powerful -- encouragement! We can speak a word into the lives of those who desperately need to hear it: to the college student adjusting to his new environment; to the missionary who may feel alone in the harvest field; to the disillusioned newlywed young couple; to the forgotten servants of God who labor in an obscure and difficult ministry; to the orphans and the widows; to all those who need to hear a word in due season! Brothers & Sisters, we have the power in our lips to rekindle a discouraged soul. Let's inspire one another with words of encouragement! It costs nothing, and reaps an eternal reward...encourage one another daily, as you see the Day draw near. [Hebrews 10:25] DISARM DISCOURAGEMENT!

"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."Isaiah 43:19

It is among popular "Christian" belief that an abundance of material and other blessings follow those whose hearts are truly after God and that those who seem to consistently struggle to that end, cannot possibly be in God's perfect will. I want to submit to you a realization I had about this very thing. I think we might have it all backwards. Almost all the great men of faith I've read about in the Bible had to spend some time in the wilderness. Abraham, Moses, John the Baptist, just to name a few. God had to make them desperate. He had to cause them to be quiet and undistracted enough to hear His still, small voice. He had to make them hungry and thirsty enough to cry out for a miracle. Some of us are walking through the desert right now. It's hot by day -- there is only rugged, thorny, sandy terrain for miles and miles and there seems no end. By night, the wind is unbearably cold and we stumble over things we can barely see. Snakes and scorpions live here. It seems like a lonely place. But this is actually a place of blessing! It is for our growth, and ultimately for our prosperity that God has brought us here! Like it or not, the wilderness is where He can speak to us most effectively. It is the place He can most easily get our attention. It is the place we will cry out to God and truly listen for His voice Brothers & Sisters, know that God is with you today! He is walking along with us through this wilderness and longing to comfort us! If we would only cry out to Him and heed His voice! The promised land awaits! EXCUSE ME, COULD YOU DIRECT ME TO THE PROMISED LAND?

"And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."Revelation 21:3-4

As the world celebrates the end of 2014 and enters into 2015, it looks toward the conclusion of yet another year. However, God has not been working his plan according to your own calendar -- but rather according to His own calendar. For example, when Jesus was crucified, and became the Lamb of God slain for the world, it was on the Biblical feast of Passover. When He rose again from the dead, His resurrection was precisely on the feast of first fruits. Fifty days later, the Holy Spirit was poured out at the Pentecost. While the world focuses on life now -- on youth, beauty, health and ability -- these things fade away and according to the world, in the autumn of life -- life goes downhill. However, we as believers realize that it's completely the opposite in God. The best is yet to come for those of us who are believers! God is saving the best for last! While things of the world get worse, become old and fade away. The things of God only get better! Rejoice and look toward the day when there is no more death, no more sorrow, and no more pain because in Him all these things will pass away. Make 2015 your best year yet in the Lord! Throw away all the worldly pursuits and pursue God like you've never done before -- because the greatest celebration awaits us! Brothers & Sisters, with another year under our belts as we close out 2014 -- let's go into 2015 remembering that the best is yet to come -- soon enough we'll enter a time where "every chapter is better than the one before!" IT ONLY GETS BETTER IN GOD!

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."Ephesians 6:10-12

It ought to be obvious to all of us believers that we are in a spiritual war that is taking place all over the earth -- and that we are called to fight in this battle. In the world's armies, soldiers are not sent into battle before receiving many months of serious training. They need to get physically in shape first and then to learn how to handle different wartime situations and tactics of the enemy. For us, the moment we are saved, the Lord begins our training for the ongoing spiritual battle in this world. It begins with learning to trust Him for protection as young believers, and progresses through many phases even to the place where we may enter strenuous wrestling with principalities and powers, as the apostle Paul describes in these verses. Are you struggling in your walk with God? If so, realize that He is training you. Born into war, you are both protected and also necessarily engaged in the battle. Thank God for His protection and His preparation. We need both as we mature and become more involved and useful soldiers for Him against the diverse strategies and tactics of the enemy. The Lord's weapons are spiritual; they include a knowledge of the scriptures, the anointing of the Holy Spirit which increases with a devoted prayer life, the courage which comes only with deep trust, and His divine wisdom which reveals His strategy for our present situation. Realizing that we are in a battle, we ought to reflect on and discover where our weaknesses are. We may already be aware of some of them, but the Lord will show us if we ask Him for more insight. Our part is to cooperate with His development and sharpening of our spiritual weapons. If we cooperate with Him He will always lead us in triumph. Our present trial is the battle-ground for our next victory. So, Brothers & Sisters, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. With His armor you will stand, and with His weapons you will win. PREPARE FOR BATTLE!

“Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle…David stayed at Jerusalem. Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king’s house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance.”2 Samuel 11:1-2

After spending most of his life faithfully serving God, David committed a wave of sins: Adultery. Murder. Lying. Manipulating. He was willing to do anything to hide his sin and protect his reputation. The Bible points to two events that were key turning points. First, David abandoned his post at the head of the army. Instead of going into battle as he had in the past, David for some reason decided to stay in Jerusalem. There, while he was at ease, he let down his guard and became vulnerable to temptation. Second, he saw Bathsheba. As Jesus taught, David actually was committing adultery when he looked at her with lust in his heart (Matthew 5:27-28). How did David react to this moment of temptation? There is no evidence he prayed or turned to God. No. He seemed bent on allowing the desires of his flesh to overcome him. He chose to enjoy a moment of pleasure, not thinking about the consequences. Yet David paid for his indiscretion for the rest of his life. David’s fall demonstrates how easily we can be lured into temptation. What happened to him can happen to anyone—to you. Brothers & Sisters stay vigilant in serving God. Remain focused on His calling. Don’t let down your guard. Remember, you will face temptations. But if you turn to Him, God will help you overcome. He is with you, all the time. Develop a more intimate relationship with Him. Fill your life with His Word. And be careful what you allow into your heart and mind.

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”2 Corinthians 13:5

In our younger years, parents and family members provide standards and rules for our lives. They correct and teach us. Later, this role is fulfilled by teachers, coaches, employers, and others. As adults, we realize that God is the ultimate Judge. We can be sure that all of us will stand before Him. We can read His Word and learn His standards. We also can know that the Holy Spirit is present in our lives to convict us of sin and show us of our need to change. But correction also is a part of church life. As Paul prepared to visit Corinth, he declared that he was ready to confront some and correct others, warning that he would “not spare them.” He wanted them to know that he was not exercising his own opinions but acting with the authority he had been given by Jesus. He hoped that the Corinthians would embrace this opportunity and recognize the need to make changes. They did not need to wait for his visit, or God’s judgment. They could examine themselves! While hoping they would take personal initiative, he also wanted them to understand his sense of his own personal responsibility for their actions—that his own ministry would be tested based on the degree to which the Corinthians changed: “I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.” Brothers & Sisters today, we can imagine that Paul might ask us the same questions. Are you satisfied with your life? Are you open to the transforming work of the Spirit? Are you listening, ready to change, as He directs? Let God speak to your heart. Let the Spirit search your thoughts, your actions, and your motives.

“In the LORD I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, ‘Flee as a bird to your mountain.’”Psalm 11:1

David certainly knew what it was like to feel hopeless and discouraged. When there seemed to be no realistic solution to his problems, some counseled him to “flee as a bird to your mountain.” They thought it best for him simply to run away, escaping to somewhere his problems did not to exist. David had every reason to feel this way. He had been “upright in heart” and did not deserve these attacks. In this environment, it didn’t seem to matter what he had done. He might have acted in the right spirit. He might have been pleasing to God and “upright in heart.” Yet he still was vulnerable, and there still did not seem to be any solutions. On the surface, the idea of running away probably seemed attractive. But David realized that even though this might temporarily avoid the problems, they still would linger. For David, the answer was to turn his heart toward the Lord. No matter what anyone else said or did, God had not changed. He still was “in His holy temple.” His throne still was in Heaven. He knew what was going on, and He was watching to see how David and others would respond. In fact, God was testing everyone, both “the righteous and the wicked.” David realized that God could be trusted to judge everyone perfectly, and that everyone would be rewarded according to His perfect standards. Yet, in the midst of problems, we can feel overwhelmed and want to escape. We can be tempted to ignore the problem or simply to run away. Brothers & Sisters, Do you ever feel like running away? In every situation you face, remember that God has not forgotten you. He still knows your circumstances, and He never changes. Don’t run away or give up. Refuse to give in to doubt, worry, or fear. Instead, like David, turn to God. Trust in Him!

“Even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either…Now such persons we command…to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.”2 Thessalonians 3:10-13

During his life, Paul experienced the power of God to do extraordinary things. He became a Believer after a supernatural encounter with Jesus. Many miraculous things took place throughout his ministry. But he also knew the importance of our practical choices. Some Believers in Thessalonica were defying God’s principle of industriousness, neglecting the gifts He had given them. Instead of putting their resources to use, they were “doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.” Knowing that some had been “leading an undisciplined life,” he stressed the importance of being disciplined. He used disciplined word with a military root. This referred to the response of soldiers to a commander and the importance of putting things in order and completing tasks. Brothers & Sisters as Believers, we are to recognize God as our ultimate authority, readily obeying Him as soldiers obey their commander. We are to recognize that we have been given assignments and resources. God looks to see how we respond, seeking those who are faithful stewards. We also are called to live disciplined lives. We should realize that we determine the fruit of our lives when we put our faith into action. Even after we are “born again” we still need to “work in quiet fashion” and eat our “own bread.” Paul knew how easily hard work and discipline can become boring. Rather than “grow weary of doing good,” he urged us to keep doing the right things. To be faithful and good stewards of the resources God gives us. To live disciplined lives, pleasing Him with our choices.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”John 1:1-4

The beginning of a new year provides an opportunity to think about our past, and our future. As we think back, what brings us joy? And what do we regret? What would we like to do differently? The Bible has a great deal to say about beginnings. John declares simply that “in the beginning was the Word.” The Bible also makes clear that this Word was Jesus. He was the logos, God’s revealed Word. Through these truths, the Bible reveals a pattern that can apply to any situation: The key is to start with Jesus. To start with the Word. With this focus, we can know that our hearts and minds are in tune with God. That we are building a strong foundation. That He will lead and guide us, and correct us if necessary. Many people say they are Christians, but fail to live according to the Bible. Yet, they wonder why they do not have the joy, peace, love, and power that God promises. How different their lives would be if they truly focused on the Word, and make it their foundation! This year, make a commitment to read and study the Bible every day. In your life, make sure that you begin every day with the Word. As you have difficult decisions to make, fill your mind with the Word. Let it provide your standards. Brothers & Sisters, the Word will give you wisdom, and will help shape your mind and heart, and give you discernment and a victorious lifestyle. And it will prepare you to receive more of God’s blessings, today, and every day.

“All the prophets were prophesying before them. Then Zedekiah…said, ‘Thus says the LORD, “With these you will gore the Arameans until they are consumed.”’ All the prophets were prophesying thus.”1 Kings 22:11-12

Zedekiah understood what it meant to be a prophet. He knew the vocabulary and the phrases, the gestures and how to deliver a prophecy. And he had contemporaries who also were thought to be prophets of God. When Zedekiah spoke to the kings of Israel and Judah, he did all the expected things, appearing to be a genuine prophet. But King Jehoshaphat wasn’t convinced, and he decided to summon another prophet, Micaiah. Micaiah revealed that he had seen a vision of “the LORD sitting on His throne.” He asked, “Who will entice Ahab to go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?” One spirit offered to entice the king by being “a deceiving spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.” Zedekiah reacted angrily, but Micaiah knew he had heard from God. His words were proven to be true, and Zedekiah was proven to be a false prophet. Today, many people claim to understand the issues of our time and know the answers. The opinions of celebrities and politicians can seem so convincing! Many people simply believe what they read in books or are persuaded by the standards presented on TV programs and films. If we don’t have discernment, we easily can be deceived. This is why we must have God’s wisdom, which comes from having our lives grounded in His Word. Brothers & Sisters today, make sure you don’t believe everything you hear, even if it sounds convincing. Instead, live according to God’s timeless Word. Let it be your guide and standard. Be filled with the Holy Spirit, and become more sensitive to His guidance. In everything, commit your decisions to God. Let Him show you what is genuine and what is just an imitation.

"Then he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a shofar into every man's hand,with empty pitchers, and torches inside the pitchers. And he said to them, "Look at me and do likewise; watch, and when I come to the edge of the camp you shall do as I do: When I blow the shofar, I and all who are with me, then you also blow the shofars on every side of the whole camp, and say, 'The sword of the LORD and of Gideon!' " So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outpost of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just as they had posted the watch; and they blew the shofars and broke the pitchers that were in their hands."Judges 7:16-19

When God called Gideon to lead Israel against their enemies, He wanted to show that a small army empowered by God was more effective than the largest armies. But notice how they fought – without weapons that an army would normally use. They fought with shofars and lamps! They fought with weapons that the world would consider ineffective, yet triumphed mightily over their enemies. They shouted as loud as they could, sounded the shofar, and broke the vessels that held the fire so that their lamps burst through with brightness. This breaking of the lamps of clay holds a powerful metaphor for us. If we too are "earthen vessels" holding the fire of God – the Spirit of God within us, then a "breaking" of the outer man is necessary for His inner light to burst through. Victory can come out of brokenness. Our old life of self, often called the "old man", when truly crucified and broken, will give way to the release of the Lord's Spirit of God in our lives. The death of our Lord has broken the power of our self-life, since we were crucified with Him. Walking in that awareness brings light and victory. Brothers & Sisters, let the love, peace, joy, and all the fruit of the Spirit break through in your life. Your old life of Self has been and is being broken, as Jesus' victorious light shines through your earthen vessel. LET THE LIGHT BREAK THROUGH!

“It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. Nevertheless I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes had seen it…Blessed be the LORD your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel.”1 Kings 10:6-9

The Queen of Sheba heard astonishing reports about Solomon’s reign. Unbelievable! She felt compelled to visit Israel herself to see if the reports about this nation and its leader were true. When she finally saw everything firsthand, she was convinced and overwhelmed. The queen blessed God that He had put Solomon on the throne, and she knew He must have loved Israel greatly to give them a king like Solomon. She also assumed the people must have been grateful: “How blessed are your men, how blessed are these your servants who stand before you continually and hear your wisdom” (v. 8). Yes, everything looked wonderful. But, as latter events proved, everyone was not as positive as she imagined, and Solomon’s heart gradually turned away from God. Divisions began forming, and many were unhappy with the king’s leadership. We see this after Solomon’s death, when some leaders—perhaps those whom the Queen of Sheba imagined to be so blessed—told Solomon’s son, “Your father made our yoke hard” (1 Kings 12:4). They decided to form their own nation. As we look at people in the world, we need to realize that things aren’t always how they appear. Troubling things may be going on beneath the surface or behind the scenes. What is going on “beneath the surface” of your life? What are your secret thoughts? Do you have any hidden sins you need to deal with? God knew the truth about Solomon’s life, and He knows the truth about you. Brothers & Sisters make sure you’ve confessed your sins. Seek to live according to God’s Word. Be faithful to His call in everything you do.

"So then ;faith ;comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."Romans 10:17

I spent many hours praying for faith. If all the time I have spent praying for faith was put together, it would be months. I thought that someday faith was going to come down and strike me like lightening. But faith did not come. Then one day I read in the 10th chapter of Romans, "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." I now opened my Bible and began to read God's Word and faith has been growing ever since." Much of what believers describe as 'faith' has nothing to do with Biblical faith. Our faith must not be based on emotion, or want, and not on the latest Christian seminar. But it must be centered on God's Word, on Messiah, His death and resurrection, His salvation. The Living Word is the eternal, everlasting love of God which has been poured out upon our lives. Brothers & Sisters, read, hear, apply and live the Word, and you will grow strong in faith. GROW IN FAITH!

"But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man comes at an hour when you think not."Luke 12:39-40

When I first became a believer, I thought by simply dealing with my outward sins that I could live a state of sinlessness. But it wasn't long before the Lord began revealing and dealing with my inward sins and attitudes. Now, and the longer I walk with Him, I understand more and more the meaning of daily repentance! If we truly want to be free and walk in His liberty, we cannot avoid this crucial requirement for freedom. Because we cannot receive His forgiveness without it, repentance must be a way of life for us [1 John 1:9]. Brothers & Sisters, staying close to the Lord is His heart's desire for us...but one of the main conditions for it is walking in regular repentance. When we walk in humility and truthfulness about our sin -- we are walking in the light, and the blood of Jesus keeps cleansing us from sin. In that condition we are so much more able to love the Lord and those around us -- with Him, touching one life at a time. So, let's lay down our pride and turn to Him every day....with genuine repentance! REPENTNTANCE IS A LIFESTYLE; BE READY!