A Pure Religion - The Answer to My Prayer

 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

The poking and prodding of the Holy Spirit is more than a push but a leading. Last night I openly confess my sins to my friend and brother. I expressed a desire to find a balance between my faith and my disciplined expression. Lo and behold there it is right in James.

Religion has become a VERY VERY dirty word but I am learning it really on means diligence accord to the command of the word. A line of heart involvement must be tote properly that at any point  religion becomes defiled and falling short.

One of the things that I have been hear and ruminating on is this idea of rampant Fatherlessness and single mothers. Very plainly the brokenness of our community is found right hear that our faith in Jesus should lead us to speak directly to those issues that faces us daily. I am aware of the cultural difference that place into James but I am also uniquely aware of how that so perfect speaks into our situation. A double lining is placed in this scripture that for which is a goal for pure religion and practice. To keep ones self unspotted from the world.

That part stands out all the more because it seems to indicate not allow the passions of our own hearts or of this world to get into and mix with the desires of this world which I am reminded of in John where is says " love not the world, nor the things of the world, for all that is in the world is the lust of the eye, lust of the flesh and pride of life."

Not an insult in James but an admonition to fully embrace the life God has given you.

Prayer

Thank you for the gift for your holy spirit that leads me and guides me into all truth. You have been a God of your word where you said you will never leave me nor forsake me. You have once again proven your self to be Emmanuel and that you yourself would come and save me. Your promises have been ever true regardless of my lack of attention and my disregard for your law. Here again I am come to repent , to turn away from that which is not your will and to die to myself.  Lead me holy spirit by your word and your truth that I might live.

LFCC - The Work

 In my drafting document of Life Fellowship Community Center I wrote something called the list and the needs. The context of those ids is that it become the constant source of both ministry and income. For that reason the aspect of the ministry needs to be primary so there must be a cash cow that we can use to not only provide income for ministry but its fellow ministers. But why stop at one.

The concept given to me is to try to use every aspect of the function of the center to produce independent income which can be funneled back into the center to pay for cost at minimum and turn a reasonable profit a maximum. Ideally the employees are part time where feasible but if the business is lucrative enough they can be full time.

The primary goal is the service to pay for itself which would include insurances, employees and overhead. Net 0 which would me there is not addition profit to be given and the Fellowship Center is able to function without paying for these services.

Secondary goal is to turn a profit providing essential services to community members at the reasonable price. Best in class service and lower than average prices.

How to price services: Your 6-step guide ( https://www.patriotsoftware.com/blog/accounting/how-pricing-services-strategies-models-formula/)

Because there is not a set-in-stone method for pricing services, you have some flexibility. Use the following six steps to learn how to price a service:

1. Calculate your costs
2. Look at the market
3. Know your customers
4. Consider time invested
5. Come up with a fair profit margin
6. Charge an hourly or per-project rate

Day 20 - Relive!

 

WORD CHOICE

Proverbs 15:1–15

Recommended Reading: Psalm 34:13–14; James 3:1–12

The ability to master our mouths, watch our words and tame our tongues demonstrates a level of spiritual and emotional maturity. The opposite is true as well. An inability to control our speech shows immaturity, and it can inflict great harm on our relationships.

Solomon addresses the importance of controlling our words by contrasting positive and negative speech. In each case, the effects end up as opposites: peacefulness or wrath, knowledge or folly, healing or a crushed spirit. In other words, when we fail to control our tongue, we don’t just fail to give, or be, a blessing. We also cause a wound that can rupture a relationship.

Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, author of Words That Hurt, Words That Heal, states that he asks audiences whether they can go 24 hours without saying any unkind words about or to anyone. Invariably, a few people answer “yes,” but most call out “no!” He responds, “Those who can’t answer ‘yes’ have a serious problem. If you can’t go 24 hours without drinking liquor, you’re addicted to alcohol. If you can’t last 24 hours without smoking, you’re addicted to nicotine. And if you can’t make it 24 hours without saying unkind words about others, you’ve lost control of your tongue.”

How can you tell whether your tongue is under control? You won’t say anything about an individual that you can’t say directly to that person. You resist the urge to exaggerate. You consciously examine your thoughts and remove gossip and rumors from your conversations. You keep in confidence a personal matter that someone else shares with you. Further, you learn to speak positive words. Appropriate words communicate affirmation, comfort and healing.

When was the last time you said something to another person that you instantly regretted? Maybe it was something intended as a joke that was instead taken as an offense, or perhaps it was a sharp word spoken in anger that you wish you could have taken back. Think of a specific situation, and then challenge yourself to rectify the hurt. While you may not be able to take back the words themselves, you can humbly submit yourself to that person and begin to rebuild the relationship.

TO TAKE AWAY

• Do you think most men struggle with controlling their words? Why or why not?
• I think so, I think it comes with the nature of what we are called to do. We often called to give an answer for things that go on and much rather speak to a thing and ensure that is right and allow the emotions of the moment to drive us into a hole from which could have come out. This however is not always healthy because sometimes the difference between or promotion and removal is our perception which we must be aware of.

• How would others evaluate your speech? Would they say that your words more frequently heal or wound?
• I think it bit of both I think the others around me would lean more towards healing rather than wounding. Of course that what I think I can see how sometimes my word are sharp.
• What steps can you take to gain tighter control over your tongue?
• The word of God and meditation.

Prayer

Lord forgive me you told me that I was mixing something into meditation that didnt belong and I didnt respond. Forgive me I will do this now.

MEDITATION

Mindfulness was a rage that swept the nation for a season and is being incorporated into every aspect of life. The value of things true is always good, but a line must be drawn in the sand. There is no need to mix these two do one or other. Both once you know what they are truly cannot be done.

So then the word must be on you mind and in your heart when you meditate as you breathe...the murmur and the sign. which makes up meditate.

Day 19 - True Freedom

The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. Psalms 25:14-15

31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Thought - Only HIS truth makes ME free.

The entanglements of this is world are in fact strong and do present a sizeable challenge to not only the things of God but the very natural and simple things. The lust of the eye, lust of the flesh and the pride of life accord to John is all that is in the world. Processing life without God will lead you down one of these thing into these three places.

The entrapments of the lust are so fierce and consistent until Jesus makes us a deal that requires bondage, to keep you and I free. The idea that our free will gives us freedom is misnomer. What grants us is bondage to the life we desire. Nay we get to choose our bondage.

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 6:16

Notice how Paul in Romans leave absolutely no gray. Our occasion of freedom present us with a choice of how to live and which way to live. The way of life, light and truth like any other way has a specified path, process and purpose in the hand of the creator.

Comparatively in sin you get what you want at the cost of your life for a price not worth it in the end. In Christ you get what he gives you at the cost of your life for a price worth it in the end.

This life Jesus gives on His terms is very costly but the investment triples. You are in no way diminished.

My wife stirred me last night I think of purpose but I dont think she thought about how much she stirred me. I fight ensued last night to which I fell but not lost. For the breath of God is my body and He is still my light. My eyes moving and heart yet beating is the Almighty God giving me yet another shot to get it right.  I am not throwing away my shot.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, here am I again. Waiting on you to show your will. I see a know what I need to do your call is simple one, not easy however. I bring to you the broken mess I call my total self. I bring to your my offense and my offenses and ask for your forgiveness. My offense of doubt and fear and my offenses of lust and pornography and disobedience. I continually bring them to Lord because you are the only one that can free. My efforts to free myself are like struggling in quick sand every thrust to move makes me sink faster until I am in it and or burn of energy to get out. Only you can save me. So then Lord I cry out, save me from myself, save me from my sins, save me from my pride, save me from fears and doubts.....Save me to be like you.

Only you can make IT right and ME right. I choose contentment with your measure of my life even if it means that other people dont understand it. I choose to find satisfaction in the fact that you placed me where I am. I choose be satisfied in you and you alone. Empty of me of any ambition that thrusts me into the love of money, the lust of the eye, lust of the flesh and the pride of life.

You have very specific plan for me and I know it by how you open doors and close others. And rather than focusing on the plan, i choose to focus on your hand. Lead me where you will. Take me where you wont, Guide how you wish. My trust is in you. in what you say.in what you do.

DAY 18 - Light Meditation

  Take My Hand, Lets Take A Walk

The warmest feeling that I can remember as child was holding my father hand while we walked down the street. It is and was an endearing feeling where have an opportunity to spend time journeying in this life.

The image I get in my mind as I mediate on the light is Jesus outstretched hand. And me as child reaching up... The hardest part of this whole process is reaching up and looking back and realizing that when I take his hand this walk it is into eternity. There then is this betrayal and abandonment and a forsaking of this world and its ways.

As I reach of His hand, I willful continue my gaze on him like I was as child upon his father as we walk, not worrying about where he is leading but on focused that HE is leading me.

Prayer

Lord Jesus let me see your light and see hand that I might hold on to you. Let me walk with you humbly that I might be yours completely. Let me walk with you on this earth and same way i will walk with you. Let me like a child fall willing into your arms and into your peace. I need you and I trust you. Give me your word and truth that I might be cleaned out my ambition, motives and intent. I want sqaure one.

Day 17 - The Holy Stay

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.

--- 

Take good counsel and accept correction— that’s the way to live wisely and well. We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.

Journal

This day has been a bit of weird one for me. I woke up with mind to do some work and prepare for this launch out. I was given some marching order by the holy spirit in preparation for the things that God is about to do in my life, for me and through me. As I was doing my planning and pulling my stuff out for presentation to my pastor I felt some resistance by God. He didnt tell me why he was resisting me but I felt it and it was very strong. I have learned over these few year in ministry that when God moves like that its time to be still.

It is kind of conflictual because after my conversation documented in my iPhone it was like God gave me the ok to go hard and fast. I have surmised that what God is calling me to do is to stay on track with where I am and hold my peace as it concerns my next steps.

Its awkward to say the least because this was the moment I was waiting for and it seems like all the steam around what I wanted has left the building and I am demotivated, which I honestly think has been coming from my lack of consistency and failing into sin.

The stay however seems to be deeper than that.....

Not too many moment after holy pause I found myself remembering God's word to me. There is cost associated with following me, you will have to give up things and sacrifice things that other wont care to. You will have to choose to lose things but this is what it cost to follow me.

Not many more days later he said that he is going to provide for me in the manner that I have never experienced. He is said he is going to cause me to increase in areas that I have not asked and he is going to show me how to maintain. There then is a certain level of intensity that has been in an around you as it pertains to the things of God, fasting, praying, worship, word and fellowship plays a key role how attuned one can be to God and the flow of his spirit.

Today as I was challenged not to engage my leisurely activities and choose him and the scripture psalms 1 came to mind.

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

My attention to the word in my scripture was on delight in the light of preference. Just choosing him instead of me, choosing his way instead of mine.

As got on to look up this psalms one to full turn my attention it I came to this scripture at the beginning of my blog. I immediately began to remember my fathers words he said to me a few days ago.

" Don't be afraid to go out and experience what God has for you. If you have arrived to something by revelation that the people dont get dont be afraid to keep moving and allow the people around you be confused and certainly dont allow them to stop you from living out that revelation because you will often walk in the blessing that God has for you and even greater because you went further in."

The truth is that I have been regretting be alone, the first to see a things and say a thing and be misunderstood. The page that Jesus had me on is making my moves in silence and peace with him.

Appeal

A word to the wise is sufficient

Day 16 - The Coming of the Kingdom

 There is song that I have been singing all week that has been touching my heart. Spirit Break Out. Besides learning to sing again and sing within the given range that I have it says something that I never thought about.

King Jesus / Your the name were lifting high

Your Glory/ Shaking up thee earth and sky

Revival / We want to see your kingdom here!

The last lyric is what caught me.

Matt 6:9-13
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

The prevailing thought that shot across my spirit was this.  God kingdom is not established in the earth just because he is God, the establishment of his kingdom in the earth is in the heart of those who trust in him. Those same people become his church and establish his kingdom in earth by way of the preaching of the gospel.

In this instance the Lord spake again.

" The Church is my work in you, The kingdom is your work in the earth."

Alignment in this instance repositions us his inner work in us and the outer work his grace is manifesting in us as people.

To Step back - The kingdom comes because we ask for it, we actually have to ask for it. If assume that prayer is a request then can safely the manner of prayer that Jesus teaches is a formula for how we should request things.

The reign of God kingdom starts in the hearts of his people and gradually begins to change.

At one moment we are cut off from the kingdom of darkness and thrust into the light, but the immediacy of the death we come through to come to God is gradual. When you cut a flower the moment you do, its dead. It takes time for that thing to die. But its own death become fertilizer for something greater and because are who we are he plants seeds in our hearts / spirits and used the our sacrifices of our body as fertilizer to grow his plant of righteousness in our hearts.

ITS TIME

With the new move God is doing Pastor Terrance Curtain he has finally released me to go full throttle and do what he has called me to do.

THUS SAITH THE LORD

As my people harken to my voice I will do a move among them in the place they have consecrated to me. The abiding presence of God will remain on the people of God who seek me with their whole heart and I will do a new thing among my people. I will shone my glory among the surrendered , submitted  and sanctified. See not that you seek after the manifestation of these words but the disposition of spirit before me. Obedience will suffice . EXPECT REVIVAL.

Things To Do

1. Read Unstuck Church 
• Do Activity on pg188
2. Organize Services
• Sunday School/ Bible Study / Prayer Call / Saturday Fellowship Night
• Canvas - Date and Times
3. Mark and Maintain Commitment to Inner Work/ Outer Work and Collective Work. 

Dream

 We were sitting at Generation Church at tables face to face and I was given the mic to do some part of the service. I began to sing and good number of people in the building began to sing with me as led the songs. I felt good because I was singing the way I wanted to I didn't since any of my limitations vocally but I knew where my range was. As I winded down I sang another song and end on Love you forever by Tasha Cobbs and I hand the mic over and clapped my hands.

I clapped them some more and took off running, I buried my head in my shirt and ran across the front and began to cry out . " I do love you Jesus,  I do."

In my dreams I begin to cry and i started in my sleep.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus I am no good at keeping promises. I cannot be trusted neither can I trust anything I say beyond how I feel some times. But this I want to say is thank you. You have been a limitless provider, a keeper beyond my stupid decisions, a hope beyond my unfaithfulness and God above my circumstances.

The inclining that I have is to sit down before you and play to just worship you until I am in the place of worship like I was in my dream. You have been calling me and I have not being answering. I want to you to forgive me for not hearing but draw me to you once again. Touch that which is not like you a cover it so that I can engage you freely in worship. That my hands can find chords and my songs can find your heart.

I want your song....to sing your praises .... to offer your worship that breaks chains and opens eyes to your greatness.

THE BEST POLICY

Psalm 130:1–8

Recommended Reading: Psalm 89:1–52; 123:1–4; Colossians 1:15–23

Have you ever noticed the boldness of David and of other composers of psalms? They courageously questioned God (see Psalm 89:46) and went so far as to boldly outline for him what in their view he needed to do (see Psalm 123:3). As people well versed in Israel’s history, the songwriters, we might expect, would have kept silent when it came to questioning God’s ways.

However, the psalmists “got away” with what they said because they expressed their feelings with honesty. They knew their own weaknesses and limitations and understood God’s strength and power and majesty. They knew who they were and where they were. But they also knew God.

Here, the songwriter acknowledges his own state as being in “the depths” (Psalm 130:1). Whether this refers to a physical, emotional or spiritual place doesn’t matter. He’s honest enough to recognize his desperate situation and to cry out to God for help. Simply acknowledging our need is the first step down the pathway of redemption.

But what does the songwriter need? He realizes that if God were to keep a record of sin, the psalmist would certainly be lost. With his rhetorical question “Who could stand?” (Psalm 130:3), he anticipates the words of the New Testament: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). In almost the same breath as his admission of sinfulness, the songwriter honestly expresses who God is. With God “there is forgiveness … unfailing love … full redemption” (Psalm 130:4,7). Finally, the songwriter acknowledges God’s promise that “he himself will redeem Israel from all their sins” (verse 8).

Perhaps the apostle Paul had the words of Psalm 130 in mind hundreds of years later when he wrote to the church at Colosse, “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in [Jesus], and through him to reconcile to himself all things” (Colossians 1:19–20).

Because of Christ we can be honest with ourselves: God comes to where we are to redeem who we are because of who he is.

TO TAKE AWAY

• Do you think you’re honest about where you are, who you are and who God is? How can you be sure?
• The breathe in my lung proves that I am still sure that I am where I am before God. My opinion about where I am before, who I am and who God is subservient to his great works in my life. Its a great work to wake me up every morning and keep this heart beating because he didn't have to.
• When was the last time you thanked God for his forgiveness?
• I few minutes ago. He was and is a blessed hope and help to me. He is all my strength.
• In what ways does your life show that you are forgiven and accepted by God?
• Here is where my conundrum begins I want this to be the strongest point of my lifestyle is that I am reflection of his goodness. I try to allow his gift flow through me to others can connect with the savior that loves him...and this is what I want more than anything.

 

THE BEST POLICY

Psalm 130:1–8

Recommended Reading: Psalm 89:1–52; 123:1–4; Colossians 1:15–23

Have you ever noticed the boldness of David and of other composers of psalms? They courageously questioned God (see Psalm 89:46) and went so far as to boldly outline for him what in their view he needed to do (see Psalm 123:3). As people well versed in Israel’s history, the songwriters, we might expect, would have kept silent when it came to questioning God’s ways.

However, the psalmists “got away” with what they said because they expressed their feelings with honesty. They knew their own weaknesses and limitations and understood God’s strength and power and majesty. They knew who they were and where they were. But they also knew God.

Here, the songwriter acknowledges his own state as being in “the depths” (Psalm 130:1). Whether this refers to a physical, emotional or spiritual place doesn’t matter. He’s honest enough to recognize his desperate situation and to cry out to God for help. Simply acknowledging our need is the first step down the pathway of redemption.

But what does the songwriter need? He realizes that if God were to keep a record of sin, the psalmist would certainly be lost. With his rhetorical question “Who could stand?” (Psalm 130:3), he anticipates the words of the New Testament: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). In almost the same breath as his admission of sinfulness, the songwriter honestly expresses who God is. With God “there is forgiveness … unfailing love … full redemption” (Psalm 130:4,7). Finally, the songwriter acknowledges God’s promise that “he himself will redeem Israel from all their sins” (verse 8).

Perhaps the apostle Paul had the words of Psalm 130 in mind hundreds of years later when he wrote to the church at Colosse, “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in [Jesus], and through him to reconcile to himself all things” (Colossians 1:19–20).

Because of Christ we can be honest with ourselves: God comes to where we are to redeem who we are because of who he is.

TO TAKE AWAY

• Do you think you’re honest about where you are, who you are and who God is? How can you be sure?
• No. There is really no hiding from God, its just hiding from me. His eyes see everything and he knows what I am aware of and what I am missing. His provision is usually a dead giveaway that I am in or out of his will or aware of my position.
• When was the last time you thanked God for his forgiveness?
• In what ways does your life show that you are forgiven and accepted by God?