“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 (KJV)
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:6 (KJV)
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Revelation 22:13 (KJV)
My husband and I are members of the American Automotive Association (AAA) Club and recently received our new cards for the New Year. We have our membership automatically renewed and the old cards expire on December 31, 2011. The new cards begin with January 1st, 2012 and end again on December 31, 2012. This process will continue until we no longer pay our membership dues. We can keep the old cards forever but, they mean nothing if we have need of the service. We must present the current cards to be able to receive AAA services and discounts. The old cards stand for something that is over and the new cards represent a continuing relationship with this company and the privileges that go along with it. AAA services clearly have a beginning and an ending. God also is the God of beginnings and endings. In Revelation, God declares that He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and last. In my opinion, He is everything in between but, He didn’t ask me. I digress. As Alpha and Omega, God has declared that He is going to consistent. He will be there in the beginning and end of anything that happens in your life. Secondly, He can also start something in your life and if it turns out to be unpleasant, He can end it as well. Finally, it may feel like God is taking too long to get something done but, in Philippians 1:6, Paul declares that God will complete that work that He started in you. God doesn’t leave anything undone. God is the author and the finisher. He starts it; He does all of the work and then He finishes it. Isn’t that comforting to know that unlike some contractors, He doesn’t leave His work unfinished? So no matter whether you see circumstances at the beginning, middle or end, God can handle it and finish it. God is the God of the beginning and the end.
Prayer: Father we thank you that you are our God and King. You love us no matter what. You have great plans in store for our lives. You know how it will start and how it will end. Our job is to obey and trust your process. Give us faith and strength to say yes to your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Challenge: As we come to the close of 2011, what do you need to end in 2011 or begin in your life consistently in 2012? What relationships do you need to end or begin? What habits do you need to end and begin that could hinder or help you spiritually? Finally, we normally do this in the spring but, in spite of the cooler or cold weather and act of faith, open the front door of your house, condo, trailer or hut. With the door still opened, speak removal of any unwanted spirits of hindrance, evil, discord or division from your house in Jesus’ name.
Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption
2 Timothy 2:19
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
You’re Sealed
Since 1909, the Good Housekeeping Institute has tested, given recommendations and placed the seal of approval on hundreds of household items. The seal was a way for families to make informed decisions about the household items they purchased. Even today you can find a Good Housekeeping seal on products. Yet another seal may be found under the container top. This seal is applied to keep the product fresh and/or warn the consumer against using a product that could have been contaminated. The maker of Tylenol experienced major damage when an evil person contaminated bottles of Tylenol with cyanide. Seven people died as a result of the incident. Tylenol was recalled. From that time forward the company has begun packaging the product with a triple seal guard against this happening again. Additionally, there is a warning on Tylenol and other products that if the seal has been broken or manipulated in anyway, do not use. More than the Good Housekeeping seal or the triple seal of Johnson and Johnson Tylenol, we who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, are sealed by the Father Himself. He has sealed us with His love, the blood of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit until He returns again. We have God’s seal of approval, no matter who else doesn’t approve or want us. We have God’s seal against invasion, intrusion and contamination of the enemy by His power and authority. You may not be able to see it on the outside but, know that you are sealed on the inside. Thank God for being sealed.
What is Left?
“..and this great amount is left over.” 2 Chronicles 31:10 (NIV)
“Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” John 6:12 (NIV)
The mathematical operation of subtraction is performed by taking a starting number then taking away a portion of that number and then determine what you have left. A typical subtraction word problem is “Johnny had 15 marbles and he gave Bobbie 3 marbles and Ricky 6 marbles. How many marbles does Johnny have left?” He originally had 15 marbles and gave away 9 marbles and he has 6 left. The marbles that Johnny has left will be what Johnny will play with and enjoy until he gets some new marbles.
In the bible, there were people who found themselves living with little left. There was a lady with two sons that just had a little oil and a little meal left in her barrel but, God through the prophet caused she and her sons to eat many days. There was a little boy with a little lunch of five fish and five loaves of bread. When he gave the lunch to Jesus, it multiplied and after the crowd of 5,000 ate, there were 12 baskets of food left. So what do you have left? As with Johnny, what you started with is now, no more. You can no longer dwell on what once was but, what you have left. Don’t worry about who left but, focus on who you have left. Don’t complain and cry about what left but, what do you have left? God is able to work with what you have left. He knew what you were about to lose in the first place. He knows what it is going to take for you to move forward. God would not ask you to complete a task without giving you what you need to complete it. Moses, what’s in your hand? David, did you bring your slingshot? Samson, pick up the jaw bone of a donkey and let’s defeat the enemy that you face.
David once had gathered an army of men that were in debt, distressed and discontented. It wasn’t the most desirable group to fight with but, that’s what David was left to work with. A motley crew for certain but, God used what David had left and defeated his enemies. God will always use what you have left. Your job is to hear God’s voice, say yes to God’s will, carry out God’s plan and watch God give you the victory. So what do you have left?
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Where is Your Baby?
…….“With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” Genesis 4:1 (NIV)
Throughout the bible, women prayed, fasted and pleaded with God to open up their womb to give birth to a child. Their prayer was usually for a man child or boy to carry on the name and heritage of the husband. Sarah thought she was too old to have a child but, God said, Sarah will have a child. Hannah prayed and petitioned God for a child and though she went through much struggle and heartache, God granted her request. God wants to impregnate each of us with plans, projects and purpose with the right people. Our job is to receive the impartation, guard it and then deliver it. We don’t need any more abnormal or aborted spiritual babies but, they need to come to full-term, healthy and whole babies. Therefore, training, tools and time need to occur so that these babies can grow, flourish and reproduce themselves. It is the ninth month of the year. What are you impregnated with? There is a saying “that’s your baby.” This phrase means that that project, product or person is your responsibility. We should be seeing you about to burst with that dream, plan or proposal. There should be no question in anyone’s mind that you are carrying a seed of hope, vision and purpose. In the third trimester, the mothers usually are talking about getting their baby delivered, the planning and purchases they have made for the baby. Your baby should be about to be delivered as well. We should hear it in your conversation, see it in your walk, notice it by how you are spending your money and know it by your preparation. What is your baby? Have you named your baby yet? What great plans do you have for your baby? What does your baby’s future look like? Where is your baby? I can’t wait to see your baby.
Prayer: We thank you that you love us and have great plans for us. Help us to carry the babies of purpose that you have placed in our heart and lives. We ask for your guidance and power to do your will. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Special Guests:
Tiffani Miller, Synthia Shelby
Tiffiany Collier and
LeShawn Daniels
Save the Dates: October 21-22, 2011
Frontline Worshipper Conference
5th Street Baptist Church, Louisville, KY
Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
What’s Up Next?
Mark 4:9 – And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
John 4:35 – Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
Isaiah 54:2 – Enlarge the place of thy tent
My husband keeps up with the latest technology. He gets magazines, updates on his phone, emails, Facebook updates and tweets about technology. He knows when the latest and supposedly, the greatest will be available. He knows immediately if there are bugs in the software, problems with the hardware, what the best price is and where to buy this technology. God has given him this gift to work with and love technology. He also transfers this gift and ability to our ministry as well. He strategically knows when we need to upgrade, learn a new skill or research about some new product or service that will enhance and improve our ministry. There are new ways to deliver the message, music and materials throughout the world. It is amazing that he starts researching new services and products before I express a need. I greatly appreciate him for that. You might say that is great for you but, what does that have to do with me? I am glad that you asked. The older saints in my church used to say, I knew it down in my knower. The knower was the spirit on the inside that gave them a heads up, inside knowledge or preview of what is to come. Consider this an email, immediate bulletin, post and update that have come to you through your computer, iPad or iPhone. There are some things on the horizon or upcoming in your life. Are you prepared? First, make sure you have latest, greatest and best thing in your life for these new things or events and that is God. Second, Isaiah the prophet said enlarge the place of your tent which means to enlarge your ability to receive. Jesus said in John that there is a harvest of souls out there that need to be ministered to. Can you see them? If you are sight impaired, open your spiritual eyes. In Mark, Jesus said that he that hath an ear to hear, let him hear. God is calling, do you hear him? My husband likes to prepare for increase, new opportunities and position us for the next move of God. Can you see the new things coming in your life? Do you hear down in your knower what I am trying to tell you? Is God telling you to prepare but, you are ignoring Him? Don’t ignore Him any longer. Get yourself and your life ready for what’s up next.
Motives, Motivation and Motivator
All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Proverbs 16:2 (NIV)
As an independent author and artist, I have seen how the economy has affected people’s ability to buy projects and books. People are being very selective when they make purchases today. In the past, people had more luxury or entertainment money to spend. They would buy your project just to support you whether they really wanted or liked the book or music or not. That is not so in the last year to eighteen months. There are still people with money who could support but, have chosen to spend their money other places. So I submit to you as an artist or author to examine your motivation for doing what you do. Are you motivated by money or do you have a true passion to do what you do no matter what? Do you feel that you are called of God to do what you do? If you didn’t make any money, which I have done on some events, would you hang up your hat and stop? Will you keep moving forward no matter what? Your motives will be tested. Your motivation will be tested. Your endurance will be tested. Wrong motives will be successful for a while but, when the desired results don’t keep recurring, what do you do then? Over the years, I have spent a lot of time, money and effort doing what I do. My desire is to please God and then bless the people of God. My motivation is tried a lot and at times, I admit I want to quit. But, I keep going because God is going to reward me for obeying His will and fulfilling His purpose for my life. At the end of the day, God has to be my true motivation, motivator and motive. Even when I don’t think I made an impact at all, He whispers in my ear that He was pleased and that I did a good job. That’s all the motivation I need. What is motivating you?
For the Kingdom Ministries, Frontline Worshipper Blog and Queenie’s Soul Cuisine is pleased to announce Second Sundays at Queenie’s Soul Cuisine with Singing, Spoken Word and Soul Food. Queenie’s is located at 2956 Richland Ave., Louisville, KY in the heart of the Suburban Louisville. Queenie’s is the place to be for great soul food, wonderful atmosphere and now, great live music and inspiring spoken word. Second Sundays begins on July 10th from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. There is no cover charge but, come hungry and try a delicious entree or sinful dessert. Bring your friends and family to Queenie’s on July 10th. There will be no better place to be than Queenie’s at 3!
Calling on Frontline Worshippers! The next Conference is scheduled for October 21-22nd, 2011 at Fifth Street Baptist Church, Louisville, KY. On Friday, there will be registration, re-tooling, re-training, rehearsals and refreshments. On Saturday, there will be registration with a continental breakfast, workshops in the morning, a light lunch, rehearsals and then presentations from guest Frontline Worshippers! Mark it on your calendars, tell a friend, invite your entire music department and prepare to be educated, empowered and enlightened for Frontline Worshippers Conference 2011! Be There! Are you ready for the Frontline??
What’s Your Vision?
Habakkuk 2:2 – And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
A recent advertisement slogan for a vision care center states that “Your progress in life is only as good as the quality of your vision.” As an eye glass wearer for nearly 40 years, I appreciated that slogan for my natural eyes but, what about my spiritual eyes? Are you not making progress in your life because there could be something wrong with your vision? Vision is defined as the ability to see or sensing with the eye. But, another definition of vision is “the stated aims or objectives of a business or organization.” (www.dictionary.reference.com) Do you have a vision? What do you see? What is the objective, goal or vision for your life? In which direction will you head to reach that goal? What will be the indicator that you accomplished your goal? How will you know that you’ve arrived at your destination? Many of you may say, “I don’t know and I don’t have a clue”. Well now is the time to get a clue. Find out from God what that vision is for your life. Some people live a lifetime without a vision. Sure they work, take care of themselves, have children, go to church and go to heaven. That is wonderful and a goal accomplished unto itself. But, what if you arrived in heaven and realized there was more for you while you still lived here on earth? Because of your limited sight, you didn’t live the abundant life down here but, was waiting on heaven. What’s your vision? What do you see? Go to the ultimate eye doctor and ask Him to clear your vision and receive His vision today.
Do you have any of these vision problems?
Colorblind Vision – You only see in black, white or gray but, no color. You miss or don’t appreciate the diversity of people.
Double Vision – You see double everything. You double the amount of problems, concerns or cares ignoring the possibilities for victory.
Blurred Vision – You don’t see clearly. Your vision is blurred. You can’t distinguish between an animal, plant or person. Everything is blurry so you are paralyzed and can’t move forward because you can’t see your way clearly.
Far Sighted vision – You only see far away. You see that things will only happen in the future. You can’t see act on anything in the present. These people constantly say, one day I’ll do this or that. One day in the sweet by and by, I will do this or that.
Near sighted Vision – You only see things in the short term. You don’t plan for the future. You only prepare for that that can come right away. What happens to your future?
20/20 Vision – You see clearly but, the danger of clear vision is if you don’t act on the clear vision that God has given you. With 20/20 vision, these people should run with the vision.
Corrected Vision – These people once had clear or 20/20 vision and developed astigmatism
No Vision – These people are not physically blind but, still have no vision. Other people can see potential, gifts and opportunities but, they still see nothing for themselves. Often these same people complain about their lives and how they desire more but, cannot see a way. To others who look at the same situation, it is as clear as the nose on your face. If I could, I would give these people vision. Instead, I just pray that an illumination, vision or light bulb will turn on and they will be able to see.
Lord, give us your vision for our lives. Help us to see what you see. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Challenge: “A vision statement is sometimes called a picture of your company in the future but it’s so much more than that. Your vision statement is your inspiration, the framework for all your strategic planning.” (http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/businessplanning/g/visionstatement.htm). Prepare a vision statement for your life, ministry or organization.