Encouraging Notes

One of the most valuable revelations that you will ever grow in is that of the recognition of God’s ever-present reality. To help illustrate this thought, I want to look at John chapter 3, where the story of a prominent Pharisee named Nicodemus came to Jesus at night needing wisdom. He said to Jesus, “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Jn 3:2-3 (NLT)

Jesus declared that to “see” or recognize the kingdom of God, a person would have to be born again. Comprehending God’s ever-present reality is not possible without the Holy Spirit. This revelation is the beginning of true worship and a life of spiritual breakthrough! The ability to grow in the revelation of God’s presence is a gift from God and must be received by faith. Speaking of the Jews, God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah and said, “I will give them hearts that recognize me as the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me wholeheartedly.” Jeremiah 24:7 (NLT)

Only those who come to God wholeheartedly will be able to recognize God’s reality. God does not give what priceless revelation to those who don’t pursue him. The anointing to perceive the kingdom of God is reserved for those who make Jesus the Lord of their life. This is why the apostle James wrote, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 2:8.

The beginning of genuine Christianity is living sacrificial life for God and his kingdom. Apostle Paul stated, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1 (NIV)

As I pray for you today, I ask God to give you the grace to fully surrender to his love and great purpose for your life! May he be the complete answer for all that you need and all that you are! My dear partner in Christ, I believe this is your season to grow in and become intimate with…

GOD’S EVER-PRESENT REALITY

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I believe God’s greatest pain is man’s unbelief and his greatest pleasure is when we trust him! In Matthew chapter 8, we read of a prominent military commander who came to Jesus, asking for Jesus to heal his servant who was suffering. Jesus offered to go to his house, but the centurion told Jesus, “just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Take a look.

Matthew 8:5-13 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.” 7 Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.” 8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that very hour.

You can know what you truly believe by what you are consistently thinking! Do you spend your mental energies thinking about how God’s favor and blessing are yours or, do you meditate on the devil’s lies that tell you how you will fail in life? The most important effort you will ever make in your life will be the effort of changing your thinking to line up with God’s grace, his undeserved kindness, and favor and power for you! You must choose to think the right thoughts! Consider these weighty words of apostle Paul in his admonition to the church at Philippi.

Phil 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

What are your most dominant thoughts? Have you chosen to take control of what goes on in your mind? Jesus Said, “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 (ESV) Proverbs 18:21 tells us that, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Your thoughts determine what your tongue says and what you say will end up becoming your reality. Therefore, what you consistently meditate on will determine your future! This well-known quote lines up with the word of God: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t--you’re right.” ― Henry Ford

Do you see it? Your life will naturally gravitate towards what you have been consistently thinking. I believe there is great wisdom in taking the time to think about what you’re thinking about! God has given you the authority to control what you allow in your mind! Apostle Paul said, “whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Phil 4:8 If it’s excellent or praiseworthy, you can think about that as much as you want!

My dear friend, what pleases God the most and brings him the greatest joy is when his love for you rules your mind! I want to strongly urge you to utilize the authority God gave you to take control over your thought life! Your future depends on it! Make no mistake; your life will turn out…

JUST LIKE YOU THOUGHT

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If you haven’t read the story of Jacob in Genesis, it would be worth your time to read it. It is a wild soap opera! When you consider all the craziness that goes on in his life and the fact that he is still included amongst the forefathers of our faith is most reassuring! While reading about Jacob’s life in Genesis 28, I noticed that he had a powerful experience with God one night while using a rock for a pillow.

“Genesis 28:10-11 Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep.”

In multiple places in the Bible, the word of God is likened to a rock or stone. The picture you get from the Bible is that God and his Word are inseparable and immovable and therefore wholly reliable.

1 Peter 2:6 For thus it stands in Scripture: Behold, I am laying in Zion a chosen (honored), precious chief Cornerstone, and he who believes in Him [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] shall never be disappointed or put to shame. (AMP)

The Bible also says that Jesus is God and that he is the word.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory as of the only begotten son of God full of grace and truth.

1 Peter 2:6, when speaking of this Chosen and Honored Stone, uses the pronoun him. When we trust the word of God, we are resting on the Rock, Jesus Christ. He alone is the stabilizing factor for all of life, the chief and most honored Cornerstone. When we rest in what God has said, he shows us great and mighty things that we’ve never yet known! Jer 33:3 What Jacob laid his head on that night wasn’t anything like my Tempur-Pedic pillow. No! He put his head on a rock that typified the word of God, which is unmovable and has the power to bring forth life! That night, the word God spoke to Jacob and changed his life and forged his future, bringing peace and clarity to his path. This is precisely what happens when someone chooses to rest their life upon the truth of the word of God!

I’m praying today that you would rest your life upon the unmovable, safe and reassuring rock of God’s truth! The word of God is your source for finding out what to do, how to do it, and how to obtain the strength to make it happen! I pray that, like Jacob, you will have a life-changing breakthrough as you rest upon the precious promises of the rock of truth! I pray that as you rest upon God’s promises, your future will also be forged and clarified! Oh yes! May you be encouraged as never before to rest your mind, will, and emotions upon Jesus, the word of God, the…

IMMOVABLE ROCK

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Have you ever heard the term “The power of association?” Understanding that term can make or break your life! When you surround yourself with great people, great things begin to happen in your life. Unfortunately, the contrary is also true. Have you ever been around someone who can’t stop talking? You know the drill; pretty soon, they’re talking about someone behind their back and even betraying close friends. Whenever a person talks too much, they will end up saying things that shouldn’t be said. King Solomon said, “In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19

Usually, when someone talks too much, they end up spreading gossip. Remember, when a person listens to gossip, they become an accomplice and become as guilty of betrayal as the one who is speaking. Run! That’s a dangerous person to be around!

Prov 20:19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.

Prov 16:28 A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

Prov 11:13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.

One of the most significant game-changers in life is the decision of who you choose to be your closest friends! It is remarkable how a person’s life can be forever altered based on who they associate with. Apostle Paul knew the power of association and said, “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 The wisest man that ever lived, King Solomon, said, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17

It is worth taking special note of the truth that a person ends up going in the same direction in life as those they choose as their closest friends! Someone once said, “Show me your five closest friends, and I will show you your future.” I want to challenge you to make friends with people who are going great places because, I assure you, their greatness will rub off on you! The word of God is clear–if you want to soar with eagles, don’t hang out with turkeys! Choose friends with wisdom, those who know enough to watch what they say and think before they talk. May God’s wisdom be upon you today to make wise choices regarding…

WHO YOU’RE HANGING WITH

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People are often evaluated based on the fruit of their life (what their life is producing), but do you know that it is the root that determines the fruit? Listen to the words of Jesus regarding this subject.

Matthew 7:16-20 By their fruit, you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit, you will recognize them.

Matthew 12:33 “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad.” NLT

Good fruit is the byproduct of a good root or a good tree. Therefore, what your life is connected to will determine your outcome. Again, listen to Jesus’ words.

John 15:4-8 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Too often, people are trying to deal with the fruit of their life, not recognizing that the only way to deal with their fruit is to deal with the root. When you focus all your energies on believing right, then doing right will be the natural byproduct. As Colossians chapter 3 says, we must set our mind, heart, and affections on things above. When we stay connected to the truth of God in our minds and hearts, right living will come naturally for us. What a great day to live a life connected to and focused on God! I pray that this Encouraging Note helps you understand the secret to having more of God flowing through your life. I can assure you that God’s life will flow through you when you know and implement this principle…

THE ROOT DETERMINES THE FRUIT

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Here is an excellent Scripture for you to meditate on this morning. 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him, who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Everything we need! Oh that we would recognize that God is everything we need! How many times have we reasoned that our intense prayer or exhaustive Bible reading would procure the favor of God and release His blessing or even bring about revival? I admit, in my life, I have relied upon my efforts way too much! The secret of God lies within, humble trust and rest in him. Consider this following Scripture, for it is profound in light of the fullness of the complete word of God.

Romans 11:32 For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

Do you comprehend what this verse is saying? The law, which Adam and Eve chose, is what God has used to bind all men over to disobedience. It was not God’s will that Adam and Eve chose this, but God in his wisdom had the power to use it to bring about his ultimate purpose of love! He has bound all men over the sin so he can have mercy on us all! No one is excluded! Can you fathom the incredible heart of God towards you? Can you see that God longs to be gracious to you?

Isa 30:18 says, “Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”

Romans 3:23-24 tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Wow! This is so exciting! You are included in God’s amazing gift of salvation! Our efforts to be righteous or right with God by our works alienates us from intimacy with God and from his presence and power. God in his wisdom has made it so that from him and through him and to him are all things.

Romans 11:33-36 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and his paths beyond tracing out! 34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Who has ever given to God that God should repay him?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (NIV1984)

Colossians 2:6, 7 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (NLT)

whatever you do, don’t allow yourself to get sucked up into the trap of trying to be righteous in God’s sight by your works. Everything you need, God is and has already provided! When we understand that he is everything, literally everything that we need, we will grow strong through all that we know and live lives that overflow with gratitude and thankfulness to God! I pray that your heart and mind are being saturated with the truth that true life is…

ALL ABOUT HIM!

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