Psalm 4 What does it mean to be “godly”? David said in Psalm 4 “Jehovah had set apart for himself him that is godly.” If we look at the story of David, we see David’s commitment and dependence on God. He made his share of mistakes, he fell into things like many of us. What set David apart is his understanding of what it means to repent — to repent is to change or go another direction. When David acknowledged his wrong, he asked the Lord for forgiveness and then lived his life anew from that point on. David did not return to the sin that he asked to be forgiven of. David learned from his mistakes and did not return to them. This complete change in David’s heart allowed him to reconnect with God’s blessings on his life. Brothers and Sisters, we pray that you are able to ask the Lord for forgiveness and truly repent. Never to return to the same sin. Reading from John 5:14—Jesus told the man that he healed, “Sin no more, lest something worse happen to you.” Once we repent we should not return to that sin. That would be the equivalent of someone getting saved from a burning building only to run back into the building…! Godliness is the constant pursuit of the things of God. Once you are forgiven of your sins, you have been made new. To remain new we must continue to seek God. We must remain committed to our new commitment not to return to what God has delivered us from. Doing this causes us to live a godly life. by Jr Dawkins Website: http://www.mtolivehop.org Twitter: @mtolivehop
KNEE BONE SCHOOL
Dan. 6:10- Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
What type of legacy are you leaving behind? I have great concerns for the next generations after us. The neglect of so many when it comes to prayer is devastatingly shocking. If the younger generation sees the generation before them neglect prayer, aren’t they going to do the same thing? Have a musical concert or play, and everyone with their momma shows up. Call a prayer service on the same day and everyone will begin to make excuses. But let the same people fall on hard times, and they will call everyone and momma to pray! Saints! Why is there no urgency to pray? Crime is rising, along with gas and the prices on everything; foreclosures and repossessions are up, companies are folding; layoffs are common; war looms like the foreboding presence of an evil entity, and there is no word or even a projection of when these things will ease! Is it not time to enter “knee bone” school and not graduate until Jesus comes?
Daniel prayed three times a day. Even when his life was in danger, this did not deter Daniel from what he believed was his duty. Daniel was in captivity, removed far from his native land. The decree said that anyone caught seeking counsel or help from any except for king Darius, they would be thrown in the lions den. The jesters of this law purposely sought to ensnare Daniel. And Daniel walked right into the trap! Not to tempt God, but to remain consistent in prayer. Daniel refused to neglect his communication with the God of all the earth. THE NEED TO PRAY TOOK PRECEDENCE OVER SELF-PRESERVATION! Daniel received from God a supernatural deliverance. He was saved from the lion’s den. Take heed! Daniel’s deliverance was directly tied to his determination to pray without ceasing (Luke 18:1; I Thess. 5:17). Let us enter knee bone school everyday. The same God that delivered Daniel we now serve through His Son, Jesus Christ.
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A PATIENT ATTITUDE
Ps 40:1-2: I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
Living in a progressively modern thinking world has caused many to believe that everything we want is to be readily available to us. We can sit at home and shop, pay our bills, order takeout food, and even work from the luxury of our beds. This has produced a lazy—I will get it when I want it mentality in many that will prove to be fatal. Some folk have forsaken the assembling of themselves with the saints of God, for watching church on TV (Heb. 10:25)! What’s wrong with these things? Some of us believe that God should move on our behalf, as it is convenient for us. So we give God the attitude, which says, “What’s taking You so long”? But, you can’t hurry God. You just have to wait! Thank God He does not move according to our schedule.
Patience is the highest order of discipline. The Bible tells us that the one who has patience possesses his soul (Luke 21:19). Society-at-large has even spoiled Christians! Are the children of God mad with God because he does not move when we find it convenient? God forbid! If this is what the world is doing to us, then we need to go buy a farm and livestock. Hopefully, sowing and reaping will teach us to wait patiently on God. lol. Seriously though, believers, we cannot allow the ways of the world to corrupt our good manners (I Cor. 15:33). If we, like David, believe God has heard our prayer, now let us live a godly life and rejoice (Phil. 4:4) while patiently waiting for God. He will bring what we have prayed for to pass if we have the attitude of patience.
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CHECK MY ATTITUDE
Gen 50:19-20: And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
An attitude is a mental position that one takes on any subject. Whether ours is good, wrong, bad, indifferent, or sad, our attitude is based on our viewpoint. As Christians we must be careful of the type of attitude we carry. We are representatives of Christ in this world. The people of Jesus days on earth were hostile, mean, very attitudinal, etc… towards Him, but He never returned their ill-attitudes towards Him. However, He remained consistent in His attitude towards a world full of sinful people whose thoughts were on murdering Him; even while His plan and purpose was to give them life, and this more abundantly.
The brothers of Joseph robbed him of thirteen years. Their wrong attitude towards Joseph caused him years in slavery and prison. They were sure that Joseph would have his revenge after their father, Jacob, died. Unbeknown to them, Joseph had no intention on getting some payback. His attitude was one which revealed the godly character of a man who could have had all of them killed. In the end, Joseph proved to be the one God chose to save his family.
What about your attitude? Although things are not going your way, you do not have everything you want, or your situation has not change in some time, how has your attitude been? Maybe it is time to check your attitude. It may need to be put in check!
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IT’S A NEW DAY
Luke 2:11- For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
We will start our day depending on how we ended our night. Our mornings are the continuation of the following day. Like the heart, the brain never ceases from its labor. Sleeping is a fancy way of saying, “To be continued.” Even our dreams could be a product of what happened the day before. There is a good reason why the Holy Spirit told Paul to write, “Be angry, and sin not let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” If we go to sleep while angry, or any other of our negative emotions, we will awake with the same. So if I go to sleep while having godly thoughts, I will awake to the same. And once again, my dreams can be greatly affected by my state of mind before I lay me down to go to sleep.
Make it a habit of meditating on a scripture or verse before you go to sleep. While banks shut their doors early, the workers in them are still there closing all the business transactions of the day. So, settle all open accounts at the end of the day: forgive, say your sorry, make up with your spouse, etc. Each day come with the troubles of its own, why bring yesterday’s unfinished business to add to it?
While the world was sleeping (spiritually speaking), Christ was born! It was a New Day! God came to dwell among men. Well, this same Jesus is in every believer. And every day with Jesus is a New Day. If you are a believer remember this and you will have less days, until there is none, waking up moody, with an attitude, or depressed. Everyday Jesus did something new. Shouldn’t we? It’s a New Day, enjoy it!
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TRUST AND OBEY
1 Cor 14:8- For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
In the Days of Israel, after the exodus from Egypt, the people understood the sound of the trumpet. Depending on the sound the people knew exactly what to do. There was a certain sound to move, or to stop, or to prepare for war. The trumpeter knew how vital it was for him to blast the right sound. Truthfully, the sound of the trumpet could mean the different between life and death. Moreover, everyone had the responsibility of responding to what they heard. All violators would be subject to an untimely death. You were not to question the sound of the trumpet, but to answer it by doing what the sound relayed.
The trumpet is merely a type of God’s Word. The Word speaks loud and clear. By His Word has God kept the earth from its birth (Ps. 90:2; Heb. 11:3). Its instructions are for the good of all mankind. And if His written Word was hard to believe God sent His Word wrapped in flesh to prove that salvation is available through His Word alone, Jesus Christ (John 1:1-2,12). Why do we question what needs to be done, when the Bible has a uniquely distinguishing sound? God sent the Word to give us life, and to guide us through life. His only begotten Son proved His Word is the truth (John 14:6)! God’s Book of books is the only of its kind! In it is His plan on how to overcome the struggles of the mind. Obeying God’s Word means everlasting life. Rebellion to it will grant a one way ticket to eternal damnation in hell: “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” God’s Word is our trumpet! Therefore, trust and obey it.
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ONLY BELIEVE
Mark 9:23- Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
With good reason does the enemy seek to bombard our minds with all types of things. Like a stranger in the house of a hoarder, we will not find anything because nothing is where it’s suppose to be. The forces of darkness knows all too well how bombarded minds find it difficult to believe God! Their intent is to keep us mentally preoccupied, or even mentally checked out. An overwhelmed mind will find itself drowning in a pool filled with thoughts. Without the help of the Holy Spirit, who responds according to our faith in the Word of God, it is humanly impossible to bring the mind peace, rest, and stability. So without divine intervention—what we believe is buried under the rubble of doubt, fear, and the box marked unknown!
It is not our business to search God’s Ways. Our part is to believe that He will make a way! How He chooses to bless, heal, deliver, or manifest Himself is strictly according to His sovereign Will. We must surrender our right to worry, and humbly submit ourselves to God’s loving care. Let’s start by believing what God has said in His Word: “Fear thou not: for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Tired of the headaches? Would you like to rest? Are your burdens heavy? Well. If you can believe God, all things are possible to those who believe.
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Twitter - @mtolivehop
Self Evaluation
“For if any man be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholds himself, and goes his way, and straightway forgets what manner of man he was. But whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1: 23-25
Instructions: Please answer the following questions in honesty, and meditate upon the Scriptures.
1. How often do you pray and read the Word during the week? (Psalm 119:11, I Thessalonians 5:17)
2. What has God called you to do within the body of Christ? (II Peter 1: 1-10)
Have you answered the call?
If not, Why?
3. Do you praise and worship God only on Sundays? (Psalm 34:1, John 4:20-24)
If so, why not during the week?
4. When was the last time that you have shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with someone? (Mark 1:17)
5. Is God first in your life? (Matthew 6:33)
6. When troubles come or things don’t go your way, what is your first response? (Rom. 8: 26-49)
7. Are you led by the Spirit of God? (Romans 8:14)
If not, what or whom is guiding you? And why not?
Brother Mark Johnson
Website - http://www.mtolivehop.org
Twitter - @mtolivehop
Faith cometh by Hearing
Faith (confidence in God) cometh by hearing, and hearing, by the Word (manifested will of God.) of God (Romans 10:15-17).
Without faith (confidence in God), it is impossible to please (worship in Spirit and truth: John 4:21-24)) God. (Hebrews 11:1-6) The conclusion, the foundation of our faith is solely based on what we have heard. What are you hearing? Whose voice are you listening to?
Adam and Eve gave audience to the wrong voice (the serpent), and it plunged the earth into a state of sin and death. In application, when the Word of God does not take preeminence (priority) in our lives, our ability to hear God’s voice becomes diminished by the many voices, including our own (in our mind), that Satan (our enemy) will use to prevent us from embracing the power (kingdom authority) of God within us. In short, Satan does not want us to know who we are (kings and priests: Rev 1:6), so he seeks to gain control of our most precious sense, our hearing. Be encouraged saints, for we are no longer ignorant of Satan’s devices (II Cor. 2: 9-11). Therefore, if we hear right, then we will walk right; and our word will be governed by God’s word (sword of the spirit: (Eph. 6:17, Heb. 4:12 and Rev. 2:12-16); and we will have power and authority to resist the enemy, destroy strongholds, and speak life into any dead situation that confronts us.
Meditate on the following Scriptures:
Genesis 3:17-19
James 1:17-25
Deuteronomy 5:1-29
Brother Mark Johnson
@mtolivehop
God is good! He is great and worthy to be praised!!! Our church has just found out that the offer we put forth for the building pictured above has been accepted! We are now moving forward to closing/signing the contract of sale.
Brothers and sisters there is more great news. The bank (TD Bank) has told us all they need is $20,000 more from us to cover a down payment! So not only has our offer been accepted, the bank has lowered the down payment amount by $10,000!!! Correction : We have raised $10,000 so far.
If you have not already done so please search your hearts, we pray you count it not robbery to sow a seed towards our cause. If you can only bless us with a financial gift of $1 we ask that you do so. Every dollar counts!
Please pass this message on as you bless us. You can donate directly from our website via Pay Pal or mail a check made out to the : ERF Found to our P.O. Box 5216, Jersey City, NJ, 07305
Thank you and God bless you! http://www.mtolivehop.org/help-us-grow