|Values of God's Gentlemen|

By Andrey Kuropatko

What drives men today? What makes them get up today or tomorrow and go on their daily endeavors? Think of modern society… What is the innermost thought on most men’s mind? What distinguishes boys from men today? These questions may be some of the deepest fears or most vociferous statements among middle aged or older generations; in a way fearing for the future of our country, our daughters, our Christian congregations and etc. However, if one is to take a look in our Bible, we have the answers to what a man is. Since seeking God and waiting on Him is the primary responsibility of growth into manhood, as well as having the values of a leader, and Character of God in developing a family mindset. The following is a shall for what a godly man is; a guide to women looking for a man of God, and for a man to develop himself into a God’s Gentlemen.

Our first look at God’s intent in creating mankind is taken from Genesis 1:26-30. “Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

So God created mankind in His own image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.  And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.”. 

The likeness of God corresponds with His character, traits, His Knowledge and Wisdom, as well as similarities of His being. Thus, we are to imitate God, in order to fulfill our Father’s objective; to be His children while walking in the authority given us to dominate the world. Jesus said that He only does what He has seen His Father do, consequently showing us an example in imitating our Father. God has placed all the essential elements of character and values into us from the beginning. Albeit, even though we have it in us, we do not have the experience to use it. One needs to have the discipline to establish the pattern of character and the habit of practicing a lifestyle. Many years ago someone has said to me “One action leads to a habit, while a habit leads to a character”. Thus the belief that in order to break necessary patterns and habits of character, discipline sets new routines and wonts. 

Apart from discipline, a man is to be loyal. Deuteronomy 7:9 states “Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments”. In imitating our Father, we are to be Loyal as He is, primarily been Loyal to Him and His Kingdom. Correspondingly, lovingkindness is an attribute with Gods faithfulness, as well as His faithfulness. Thus, Discipline of Loyalty, leads to love, kindness and faithfulness regardless of what goes on in culture, which attribute of the world stands out as “in”. 

A man of God is a prince in the Kingdom, and as a prince, he is a leader. True Leaders do not conform to tidal thoughts but swim against the current, and in principle stand like a rock. John F. Kennedy ones said, “Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth”. 

The Bible says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will” Romans 12:2. 

So God’s Gentlemen bears true faith and allegiance to God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Kingdom, and other Christians

Duty is the following attribute of Godly values. “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:5. 

The shall is the command, thus it becomes duty. Duty to God first; to mankind next; “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8. Likewise, the duty to your home, the congregation and the church, which is the body of Christ and is spelled out in 1 Chronicles 23:28 "The duty of the Levites was to help Aaron's descendants in the service of the temple of the LORD: to be in charge of the courtyards, the side rooms, the purification of all sacred things and the performance of other duties at the house of God." 

Thus the value, God’s Gentlemen fulfills all his obligations in the Kingdom, Church, family (whether immediate, future or extended) and to mankind. Likewise, accepts responsibility for his own actions and those entrusted to his care. And finally finds opportunities to improve oneself for the good of the Kingdom and his family.

Out of duty to God and Mankind, flows Respect; 

“Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” Mathew 7:12. 

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” Philippians 2:3. 

The last verse also denotes humility, meekness and tenderheartedness. Also consider Titus 2:7 - "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine [shewing] incorruptness, gravity, sincerity."

A good way to remember respect, is how we consider others or the Kingdom will always reflect upon each of us, both personally and as a citizenship of the Kingdom.

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Philippians 2:4 

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath  forgiven you." Ephesians 4:29-32 

These are some of the verses which speak Selfless Service, the strongest in a manner of command. Jesus displayed the greatest example of Selfless Service, by sacrificing Himself for His fathers will, and our own sake. Thus, we are to put the welfare of the Kingdom, the Church, and your family before your own. In serving God, a man is doing his duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain. The basic building block of selfless service is the commitment for men to go a little further, endure a little longer, and look a little closer to see how he can add to the effort of the Kingdom. Selfless service leads to congregational teamwork and encompasses discipline, self-control and faith in God and in the Bible.

In addition to Loyalty, Duty, Respect and Selfless service, Honor is the mortar between the said values and the values to be mentioned. Honor is to live up the Character of God, the Values of a Godly man. To honor those who are in our lives, as well as anyone we may encounter on a daily basis. Honor is not to be walking around boasting that we are men of honor, but one will know that he may have achieved Honor by being called an honorable man when he least expects it. But true Honor comes in to the life of a man who seeks the Lords face, by giving the Honor to the one who is to be honored. 

“And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."” Revelation 5:13 

When we humble ourselves before the Lord, He lifts us up, and gives us His Honor.

As I mentioned before, Honor is the tie in between Loyalty, Duty, Respect and Selfless Service and the values to be mentioned. So, Integrity is the following value after Honor. The Basic understanding of integrity is to do what is right, Spiritually, morally to include legally (caution: there may be instances when one will have to follow the law of God before the law of men). A man of God has to be willing to do what is right even when no one is looking. In a way integrity is the "moral compass" that The Holy Spirit uses to speak to us. In Proverbs 11:3 King Solomon says “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” 

“Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse”. Proverbs 28:6 

Peter reminds us the reason to keep our integrity clear with the next statement; “keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." 1 Peter 3:16.

The final value I want to make mention of is Personal Courage. It is to face fear, danger or adversity (physical, spiritual or moral). Personal courage has long been associated with the heroes from the Bible and God’s generals. With physical courage, it is a matter of enduring physical duress and at times risking personal safety. Facing moral fear or adversity may be a long, slow process of continuing forward on the right path, particularly if taking those actions is not popular among others. You can build your personal courage by daily standing up for and acting upon the things that you know are honorable. 

Paul writes to Timothy “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” 2 Tim. 1:7. Likewise, in 1 Cor. 16:13 “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong”.

Accordingly, men (and women) who decide to discipline themselves in a Godly character, those who choose to use the values to become men of Character, gentlemen of God will face adversity along the way. At times, they will face moral danger, threat of peril, the enemy will attempt to torment one through tribulation. Likewise, God will allow tests, not even for Himself to see if you can; He knows what you can and cannot do. He will never allow a test beyond one’s capability. But He will allow you to go through a test to sustain your knowledge, experiences and faith in yourself as much as in God.

Finally, a man with God’s Character, understands that he is not a dictator, but a servant of God. Just as our public leaders are called public servants; the same with us.  A leader is one who serves his community and lives as an example. He is a steward of the community. God gave us authority and a name, but He also teaches us to be stewards; the same applies to family. Men are stewards. God made Eve out of the side of Adam. As Adam cares for his flesh and body, he is to care for his wife. Adam was first, Eve was second. Adam was to serve his wife as a leader who received firsthand knowledge from God. An interesting allegory happens in the Hebrew word for man and woman. 

The Hebrew word for man is ish. Spelled aleph, yod shin. The yod is the first letter of God’s name, YHWH. Remove the yod and you will have the word for fire, aleph shin pronounced “esh”. The same is with woman, Ishah; spelled aleph, shin hey. The hey is the second letter in YHWH’s name. Remove the hey, and you again will have esh, fire. From this we learn, as Yod is first in God’s name, so is a man to look to God as the first in the family and to lead the family in worship, celebration and work. The woman is to follow looking for the grace of God through the Holy spirit. If the yod and the hey is taken out of their lives, then they will consume each other as fire consumes fire.

As I close this monologue, I would like to summarize what has been said. Gentlemen (and Ladies) are to imitate God, in order to fulfill our Fathers objective. Likewise, Gentlemen imitate and seek the Character of God. One is to be disciplined in following the values of Jesus as a leader. The primary values are Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. If one takes the values and makes them into an acronym LDRSHIP, you will see that it spells out Leadership. There is nothing which can so assist you to walk towards heaven with good speed, as wearing the image of Jesus on your heart to rule all its motions. It is when, by the power of the Holy Spirit, you are enabled to walk with Jesus in His very footsteps, that you are happiest, and most known to be the sons of God. What drives you today? What makes you get up today or tomorrow and go on your daily endeavors? Is it the love for your Savior? Is His name precious to you? Is His cause dear to you? Wouldst you see the kingdoms of the world become His? Is it your desire that He should be glorified? Are you longing that souls should be won to Him? If so, imitate Jesus; be an "epistle of Christ, known and read of all men." 

Are you a lady who is seeking a Godly man? Then look to God first, and through His eyes look at a man who imitates Jesus. Are you a man desiring to become better than what you already have achieved? Than look to God, and imitate Him. The above, it is only a guideline, but a shall nevertheless.

Father, bless them and keep them, and make Your face to shine upon them. Be gracious unto them and give them Your peace. Let a revival of righteousness begin in our living rooms and become our congregations that; we may build families that churches withstand upon, that can change this nation and bring it back to God. Let every man who reads this, leave endowed with the strength of our Savior to lead, to guide, to love and provide all that their families need. Let these men follow you and imitate you. This I ask, in Jesus' name. God, now I ask that You bless and keep them; that You make Your face to shine upon them that Your goodness and Your mercy and Your favor shower them today.  Let them know, that this week, this month, and this year they are grafted into the everlasting, almighty vine of the Son of the living God and that You, Jehovah, are watching over them; that You care for them; and that their potential is unlimited so long as they are abiding in You. Lord, I ask that this blessing become a reality in their lives; that the fruit it produces would bring glory to God our Father in heaven. In Jesus’ name, I pray and ask, Amen.

|Shut the Door to Sin|

By Melody Mohnhaupt

     Do you remember getting into fights with your siblings when you were younger? A quarrel would break out, and before you knew it, you were running for your life! You would bolt into the nearest room for safety, race in the doorway as fast as possible, and slam the door behind you. But, if you had fast siblings (like I did), I’m sure, a time or two, they slid their foot in the frame RIGHT as you were attempting to shut them out. At that point, you knew you were in trouble. Once they got their foot in the door, and had that opening, they had the opportunity to fight their way in. 

     What does this have to do with sin? Well, we all go through situations that involve us battling sin at some point or another. Some sin is more difficult to battle against. When we finally come to that place where we make the choice to repent and shut the door to sin, we need to ACTUALLY shut the door completely! Even though it may hurt like crazy, and some might not understand fully, unless that door is sealed and bolted, the enemy can find his way back in. He will look for any crack that might let him in; and boy is she sneaky. 

     For example, one thing that I’ve struggled with through the years is boys. Shocker. Like most girls, I enjoy attention every once in a while. I’d love to find my significant other and who doesn't want to be adored? So, I had engaged in a few relationships. Because I was raised as a Christian, and genuinely wanted God’s will (in the long run), my soul and spirit constantly battled with each other. My soul would tell me how nice, funny, attractive, and caring these guys were. My spirit would line them, as well as our relationship, up with the Bible, and each time, I knew I wasn't measuring up to God’s standards for me. 

     Realizing that these relationships were not God’s will for me, and in some cases, even causing me to compromise my walk, scared me. Because of this, a time or two, I broke things off. I told myself I wanted God’s will, and tried to move on, but I never shut the door completely. I ran away from the problem thinking I was fine, but I left the door open just enough for the enemy to get his foot in. 

     Let me give you an even more specific example. Once, I broke off a relationship with a guy that I knew deep down in my heart was not God’s will for me. I felt that nagging reminder all throughout the relationship, but ignored it. Once I finally broke things off, I thought all was well. However, I told him that if he ever needed me, he was free to contact me. I wanted to remain friends. But I didn't realize I was keeping that door open. He would contact me every now and then telling me he missed me, asking to see me, and would express his feelings toward me. This was SO difficult to stand against. Not because I still had feelings, or wanted those things in return, but I was so afraid to hurt him more than I already did. 

     Because I was weak, I gave in. And before I even realized it, we were back together. The second time around our relationship lasted a few years. By accepting something for myself that was out of God’s will for me, I had opened a door that brought the enemy straight into my life. I learned how to completely ignore the voice of the Holy Spirit to the point that I didn't even hear Him anymore. That is a place I never want to be again. Thankfully, the Lord rescued me from that relationship (even though I had no desire, at the time, of being rescued).

     Fast forward a few years, and lo and behold, I found myself nearly in the exact same situation. I thought I had learned by lesson, but apparently I hadn’t. It’s true what they say; history really does repeat itself. But only if you allow it to. I was tired of fighting and allowing Satan to get his foot in. No more.

     I finally made the decision not to let that happen again. I slammed the door in the enemy’s face, locked it, and gave the key to Jesus. I realized that God has so much for me, but if I kept messing around, I would never see those promises. I had to discipline myself to wait for His perfect will. Which meant closing the door to the things that we not God’s perfect will. Thank God for His mercy, because that is exactly what I am now doing. 

     God has doors lined up for you to walk though and receive the blessings He has waiting for you on the other sides, but He will never allow you to open them, until you completely shut the doors to sin. It hurts sometimes. I get it. But, if you don’t, your spiritual destiny could be at risk. You could abort all the plans He has for you. Why keep the door open to something that is keeping you from the fullness of God’s abundant favor in your life?  

     Whatever your door is, whether it’s something similar to what I faced, or it’s forgiving other, drugs, alcohol, anxiety, worry, immoral thoughts or behavior of any sort; don't be afraid to shut it. And when you do, keep it shut! Give your key to Jesus too. He is asking you to trust in him. Have courage and know that He has another door with something so much better waiting for you on the other side.

|Be Bold, Princess|

By Caitlin Hunt

​Luke 7: 37 & 39 ESV “And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.”

There I was at 15 years old, on my knees, completely sobbing inside of a grave. I had finally reached my breaking point; I could no longer handle living my life listening to the constant whispering of lies from The Enemy. Ever since my 13th birthday, when one of my classmates told me that I was fat, ugly, & only had friends because they felt sorry for me, I hated myself & the way I looked. From that day forward, Satan crept in & continually whispered lies into my ear.

“You are so ugly.” “No man will ever love you” “God can’t use you; you’re just a number to Him.” “Your life will never have eternal significance.” “You’ll never be pretty if you don’t lose weight.”

I believed every word. I let his whispers consume me & pierce my heart. I hated those words so I decided the only way to get them to stop was to lose weight & fast. The quickest way to accomplish that? Not eat. But I couldn’t just not eat, my friends would notice at lunch and my parents would notice when we ate dinner together. I decided that I would eat to keep up appearances but I would go to the bathroom during class & sneak away after dinner to throw up. It worked! When I returned to school in the fall, people started to notice. The popular girls commented on how great I looked and for a moment, it made me happy. But, the whispers didn’t stop, they only grew worse. Fast forward 2.5 years to summer camp where we had dug a huge “grave” where we were to go down in it individually to pray & ask the Lord what we needed to “die” to, what we needed to give up to Him, or if we needed to offer our life in dedication back to Him.

Mary offered her precious flask of alabaster to Jesus & anointed his feet with it using her tears and her hair. What Mary did was an act of love. She gave her best- a gift of great value & cost to her. It was also a heart-felt act of humility & reverence. Jesus knew that Mary loved Him, she could have kept the flask for herself. She would have still been a follower of Jesus, but imagine what heavenly gifts could she have given up by holding onto her earthy treasure?

I had to ask myself if I could be as selfless and devoted as Mary. Could I give up my precious possession, my image of my self-worth, and lay it at Jesus’ feet as an act of devotion and surrender to the Lord? 

What about you, Princess? Are you bold enough to give up that which is treasured to you to honor God & to be an example to those around you? Is it a dream? A selfish desire? Is it a relationship with another person? Really take some time to pray about it and ask the Lord to speak to your heart about what is keeping you form fully surrendering your life to Him.

You may have noticed that in verse 39 Mary was judged by a religious Pharisee. The sad truth is that once we have become dedicated to Christ, willing to offer our life & possession to Him, a lot of people will not understand; even Christians. They could be jealous, they may not understand, or they could be “self-righteous” & condescending. Don’t let them make you doubt the value of your offering! Don’t be afraid to step out boldly for Christ, no matter what the outcome may be.

My prayer for you, beautiful one, is that you will take the little treasures locked inside your heart and lavish them on the Lord. That you won’t hold back and that you would worship Him with extravagant, unashamed praise! That you will dedicate your life in ministry to Him & to bless those around you. BE BOLD, dear Princess! Don’t let anyone stop you from your God given calling.

And finally, if you are like me, struggling to see your beauty; please keep these scriptures written upon your heart. 

Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is in your midst,  a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness;  he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” And Psalms 45:11 “and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him.” 

The King of kings created you just as you are. He delights in who you are & in your beauty! Never forget what a treasure you are to Him, YOU are his precious daughter! You make His heart sing!

|Guarding Our Spiritual Gates|

By Kenya Gossett 

“Oh be careful little ears what you hear, for the Father up above is looking down with love. Oh be careful little ears what you hear. Oh be careful little eyes what you see, for the Father up above is looking down with love. Oh be careful little eyes what you see.”

Sound familiar? That is a shortened version of the Sunday school song that we all grew up listening to. It’s simple and light-hearted, but in all reality it’s still a warning that we should adhere to. Our Father up above hears all, sees all, and knows all.  

We need to realize that our eyes and ears, are a gateway that leads either to life or destruction. Whatever we download and save into the hard drive of our mind, will flow out of our mouth and be evident in our walk on this earth. 

In a world filled with deep darkness, perversion, foul language and lust, it can be difficult for a Christian to walk untainted. There is temptation around every corner. There are attacks coming against the church, trying to take down leaders with sin. TV and movies have no shame in flaunting homosexuality, adultery, fornication, witchcraft and sorcery. Music has become so demon possessed and twisted, from what God originally wanted it to be. It’s the norm, but it comes from satan himself. He has crept into all of these situations making it look so innocent, and sadly people have become numb to it. They can sit in a movie and listen to actors curse their God, or they could watch TV shows with fornication and vulgarity in every scene. They can put earphones in and listen to explicit lyrics with a "cool beat", not realizing that it is opening doors for the enemy to come in and pollute their thoughts. The enemy is so subtle! It may seem harmless at first but the Word says that satan comes as an angel of light. He'll make it look innocent, but over time, it will kill you. Your conviction and fear of God will be gone. 

It is a dangerous game that we as Christians should not play. It breaks the heart of God when we entertain such things and let me tell you, it is not worth it!

Romans 12:2 AMP

“And do not be conformed to this world (any longer with its superficial values and customs) but be transformed and progressively changed (as you mature spiritually) by the renewing of your mind (focusing on Godly values and ethical attitudes), so that you may prove (for yourselves) what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (in His plan and purpose for you.)”

The hard drive that we have is a powerful device. but hallelujah, it is not too powerful for the Holy Spirit to come and press the delete button. It’s because of the blood of Jesus, that we can have a clean slate. But we still have a responsibility to guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

We still have a choice to make. Are we going to renew our mind and press that delete button or are we going to let ourselves be enticed by the flesh? 

1 Corinthians 10:13 AMP

“No temptation (regardless of its source) has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience (nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance) but God is faithful (to His word- He is compassionate and trustworthy), and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability (to resist), but along with the temptation He (has in the past and is now and) will always provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it (without yielding) and will overcome temptation with joy.”

You see, God gives us a choice. When temptation arises, He provides a way out. It’s in that moment that we need to crucify the flesh, and walk in the Spirit. I love the end of that verse “you will be able to endure it, without yielding and will overcome temptation with joy.” 

When you choose right, it produces JOY. It’s the best feeling in the world when you not only get a victory but when you know that you just shut the door in satans face! 

You take ground in the Spirit and the enemy hates that. Even recently, I was able to overcome a few things and immediately the enemy came right back in with the same battle. I had to rise up and say “NO. I have been delivered, I have been covered in the blood. Jesus conquered the grave, so that I could conquer this.” and Praise God, it lifted. 

but I’ve learned how important it is to keep a heavy guard in front of my spiritual gates. The enemy is relentless in his pursuit to bring us down- he will go through every avenue and will use every little thing to trigger something in our mind that is not of God. 

I want to protect my anointing. I want to stay pure and holy before a Holy God. I want to keep His light in my eyes. I want to continually hear His Word. and most importantly, I want to speak words of life over myself and over the body of Christ. 

Luke 11:34 AMP

“The eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is clear (spiritually perspective, focused on God), your whole body also is full of light (benefiting from Gods precepts) But when it is bad (spiritually blind) your body is full of darkness (devoid of Gods word).”

So I want to encourage you, if you are struggling with anything listed above- it is time to call down the hosts of Heaven to guard every gate. I guarantee you that the Lord will not deny that request, nor will He withhold His blood from covering you. 

It’s not easy to take away things that the flesh loves, but in the end it produces a beautiful, victorious life. So I challenge you to make an effort in setting yourself apart. Only you know the things that the Lord is calling you out from, and that’s between you and Him. We all have to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12) But you can do it! I know this because God has delivered me from SO much. It IS possible. It may be a process but it can be done. 

When unwanted thoughts come flooding in or when a temptation starts dangling right in front of you, think on “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by Gods word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things. (center your mind on them and IMPLANT them in your heart.)” Philippians 4:8 AMP

and if you battle condemnation over past mistakes or current battles that you feel like you can’t overcome, you need to know that you are not too far gone. There is nothing that Jesus can not fix or cover. 

I want you to pray Psalms 51:7 and Psalms 51:10-12 over yourself.

vs. 7 “Purify me with hyssop, and I WILL be clean. Wash me, and I WILL be whiter than snow.”

vs. 10-12 “Create in me a CLEAN heart, O God, and RENEW a right and steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.”

God is going to do just that for you when you come with a repentant heart. Amen!

My last encouragement is simple and I will end with this. 

Just be careful, precious ones :)

|Satan Doesn't Have My Number Anymore|

By Melody Mohnhaupt

Do you ever feel crippled? Like you want to push past a hurdle or change an unwanted area in your life, but get overcome by oppression or fear? Do you feel incapable? Do you feel like you have big dreams, but get told they are “too big” or “not realistic”? Is it hard to keep your joy and focus on the Lord? Do you find yourself doubting?

If you answered ‘yes’ to some of these questions, let me tell you this. Satan is working overtime on you. His whole mission is to steal, kill and destroy. He wants to steal your hope, kill you joy, and destroy God’s vision for your life. 

I was speaking with someone a few days ago who was stuck in a rut. She was telling me how sometimes she gets so inspired by the Lord and He gives her visions and dreams that she desires to fulfill for His glory. She knows God has more in store for her, and that she is not bound to the life of poverty that she has come to know so well. And yet, she feels paralyzed by fear. She explained how she knows God’s goodness because she’s seen Him come through for her time and time again, but sometimes still can’t bring herself to take that step of faith into the unknown. 

The grip over her soul is so strong. That voice in her head repeatedly tells her, “You’re not good enough, smart enough, Christian enough, wealthy enough, and so on. People won’t take you seriously. How will you get there? What do you have to offer? A better life is just out of the question”. Just like the serpent in the garden that brought doubt into Eve’s heart with his, “Hath God said?”, causing her to be blinded and deceived; ultimately leading to the fall of man. When over and over again in the word God PROMISES to take care of us! He assures us, “I did say! You, my child, just ask and I will give! Knock, and I will open! Seek, and you will find! I will never forsake you or leave you. You will never beg bread! You are my child and I adore you and I want the very best for you.”

Unfortunately, a lot of the time, we don't really believe it. If we did, we would see His goodness overflowing and overwhelming our lives. We are too afraid to take those steps, expecting Him to come through for us. So, instead, we wait around in our comfort zones. We never take steps of faith big enough that would require God’s divine intervention. We never pursue those passions in our hearts, because, well, “What if He didn't come through and I turn into a laughing stock? Or lose my house? Or my job? Or turn into a bum on the side of the road?” (Don’t act like those thoughts have never crossed your mind! We all know they have!)

Now, don't get me wrong! I’m not saying you should make foolish decisions! God expects us to use His wisdom and seek Him diligently before any decision in life to assure that it is in accordance to His will. But, He also wants us to walk by faith. He wants His people to be a people who live outside the norm. He wants people in the world to look at us and know that the only way our life turned out so greatly, (when many expected us to crash and burn) was because God was the one orchestrating it all! 

Just look at God’s example in the Bible. It wasn't the Pharisees (the sophisticated, wealthy, knowledgeable scholars of the word) that God used to do His work! It was the smelly old fishermen and despised tax collector! That way, God would get the glory. You see, if Jesus chose the Pharisees as His disciples, many might have thought that what they accomplished (and why there were worthy of being chosen) was because of their social and status. Instead, God used the most unlikely people, so that when others saw them, they knew it was only God that could have moved before them.

I’m sure even the disciples of Jesus thought, “This guy must be crazy! Have you seen the bunch He picked to be His followers?” And maybe that’s how you're feeling about yourself too. “What? God must be crazy! How could he use me? There are many better people to choose! My “dreams” were probably stupid anyway!”

Believe it or not, every dream, passion, interest and talent you have was given to you by God for a reason. He put that in you to fulfill His purpose through you. He was intensional in every detail of your design. 

Maybe you’re sixteen and you are seeking God’s purpose, but have no clear sense of direction. Maybe you're pushing sixty and you feel like your time to be used by God is long passed expired. No matter your situation, God still wants to use you. You can’t lose hope! If He has called you, He will equip you! And, my darling, HE HAS CALLED YOU!!! 

So if you have negative thoughts about your life or even about yourself, I encourage you to speak out against those lies! Satan is a low down, dirty liar. He will convince you that your biggest fears, doubts, and insecurities are the most stable realities. 

It’s time to stand up and say, “NO! Satan doesn't have my number anymore!” You know why? Because you aren't going to give him that power over you anymore. As soon as he tries to plant his deceitful words into your mind, you CAST DOWN those vain imaginations; those thoughts that only bring you down, keep you from your vision, and steal your joy. Say, “Na-uh Satan. I don't think so! You're a liar! But you know whose words I WILL believe? The words of my Father!”

When Satan tries again, (because believe me, he will!) just laugh and say “Satan, what is it that you don't understand? I took your phone, went through your contacts and deleted my number. You have no way of contacting me anymore! I will not even receive your words anymore! That hold you once has on me is broken! I’m not afraid! I am capable, I am loved, and I need you and every negative thought to get far, far away from me, because I’m done with you!”

“… you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one”. 1 John 2:14

Amen and Amen!

|He Took The Sword|

By Kenya Gossett

Recently, I watched a powerful 1959 film called, “Ben-Hur”, that has left me pondering on it ever since. Now, I’m not the best at story telling, so please bear with me: but the story follows Judah Ben-Hur, a wealthy Palestinian prince and merchant in Jerusalem, battling the Roman Empire at the time of Christ.

The trials he faced, seemed to be endless. He was betrayed by his closest friend. He was condemned as a slave to the galleys for 3 years. He lost his wealth. His mother and sister were stricken with leprosy while in prison. and he almost lost the woman he loved over the bitterness in his heart. 

It’s a beautiful story of redemption and healing, because ultimately he finds salvation at the foot of the cross and realizes that Jesus was the man who showed so much love and compassion to him in his times of need. It was amazing to see how all through out the movie, Jesus was always there. He was tied into everything.

As the movie ends with the crucifixion; it was seeing the power that occurred after Jesus took His last breath that inspired me to write this. The next scene was so perfect for the place I was in because the week prior to watching this film, the Lord was already speaking to my heart about redemption and the beauty of His blood. 

As Judah stood at the cross, beholding His Savior: his mother and sister, Miriam and Tirzah, were hiding in the caves not too far from the cross of Calvary. There was complete and utter darkness that surrounded them until the moment Jesus said “It Is Finished”. When it was close to His final moment, the thunder and lightning started to rumble and crack- the rain began to pour- and the wind was blowing every object in its path. Then, it suddenly stopped. The fear that gripped them was gone. The sun started to come out, and the precious blood of Jesus began to flow from a stream that the rain created, past the cave. Miriam and Tirzah were unaware of the miracle that just took place, until they looked at each other and saw nothing but faces that were healed. The blood that covered the earth and passed by, cleansed them from their leprosy. 

The simplicity in this was so powerful to me. I was in tears as I saw how the blood changed the lives of every individual. The ending scene shows Judah coming home with a totally different light in his eyes. It’s like he could barely walk over his excitement of being Born Again. The first and last words that came out of his mouth, pierced me. He told Esther (his love interest) of his experience at the foot of the cross and said “His voice took the sword from my hand.”

The blood of The King on the Old Rugged Cross, not only washed away the infirmities of his family, but the voice of the Messiah, took away the sword of anger- bitterness- and the desire for revenge against Rome that he so tightly held on to. Wow.

All of that would have killed the man he was destined to be!

This made me examine my own self. What sword do I carry in my hand? What could potentially kill me?

I’ll be honest, the biggest sword I have held, is the sword of fear. Fear over what will happen next in my life. Fear over what people think of me. Fear of death and fear of losing those that I am closest to. It has gripped me for so many years. It’s even been an uphill battle to truly be confident in who I am and what I am called to do. But I can now confidently proclaim that because of the blood of Jesus, every fear is gone. He took it from my hand, so that I can face tomorrow. 

Every fear of people, every past mistake, and every failure in my way of thinking, is GONE. I can be what I’ve been destined to be because of a sacrifice that was made for every human being. 

The only sword that I carry now, is truth, hope, love and a pure confidence. Towards myself and towards others. Hallelujah!

So I want to ask you. What sword do you carry? Is it Anger? Bitterness? Lust? Lack of self confidence? Jealousy? Sickness? Shame of your past? You too can overcome because JESUS LIVES! His blood washed it all away. You have been redeemed! BE FREE.

He died and rose again, so that we wouldn’t kill ourselves and abort who we are supposed to be in His Kingdom. He died and rose again, so that we could have a Heavenly way of thinking and truly walk in the victory that was given us. 

So to whoever is reading this: He took the sword. All you got to do now is BELIEVE IT.