Home base

Playing laser tag the name of the game was domination. The object was to get to the box and make it illuminate (light up) corresponding with the color of the team that you were on. You had to get close enough to the box to make it shine the color that your representing. Even though you had places to hide, room to run, places to lay down if you got shot and your light was blinking you had to go back to what was called home base. At home base we looked at it as apart of the game that we had to follow just so we could get back out there. We often times didn’t follow the rules and we didn’t go back to home base as instructed but what we did was try to stay out there to keep playing. What we didn’t take into consideration that home base was not just a rule that we didn’t follow but it was actually a time to catch our breath, at time to regroup with other members of the team, we able to rest, and allow us cover while doing that…

HERE IT IS…

In life everyday we have the opportunity to come back to home base. This is what God says

If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.
Psalms 91:9‭-‬10 NLT

All you have to do while your going out everyday is go back to home base. Your home base is not a physical location but it’s within you. All you have to do is pray. God is your home base. God is your refuge. Everyday we have to go out and sometimes we are presented with things that cause us to fall prey to them. But if you get back to home base and let God revive you you will be made new everyday.

He is able

On the third day of their journey, Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. “Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told the servants. “The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.”
Genesis 22:4‭-‬5 NLT

I love how God does things and how he strategically places things in our path. When you get a chance read the rest of the chapter and 23. Look at what God does for Abraham. God set it up in such a way that Abraham didn’t have to sacrafice his son, and God sent an angel to Abraham to tell him to use the ram that was caught in the bush. You missed it, God placed the ram out of Abraham’s vision and he had to be directed to the ram to use it as the sacrafice by the angel. Often times we can be so focused on the thing God told us to do that we miss what he brought us there for. The ram was caught in the bush. Which says to me that the very thing that God was blessing you with God will put a hold on it so that it won’t move on until you get there.

HERE IT IS…

Just as he held the ram there for Abraham not to use Isaac he also gave us a depiction of Jesus all the way in genesis. How Rev. B? It says that on the 3rd (third) day Abraham looked up and saw the place where he was to go. On the third day Jesus got up. Abraham told the servants that was with him to stay here while he and the son went to worship. Jesus told us to stay here on earth and to spread the word of God while he went to prepare a place for us. Abraham said that afyer he worshipped they would come right back. Jesus said when the time comes he will come back and receive us unto himself. All I’m trying to tell you this morning and this week is that of you just listen and act on his word, even though it may seem a little crazy, and do what he asked that he will provide for you a blessing that he has held for you. As he promised he said that because you were faithful on that day he will see us again and we will hear, well done…

Keep going

On the third day of their journey, Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. “Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told the servants. “The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.”
Genesis 22:4‭-‬5 NLT

I moved to Virginia in 2003 and when I did we had to live with my sister’s for a few weeks until our apartment was ready. It was tough so when I went to look for our apartment and as I was looking for it, i knew where it was but I hadn’t really traveled the road I was on that much. I was lost, at least I thought I was. I knew where it was but the looks of the surroundings was not looking familiar to me. I kept turning around and going up and down the same road multiple times only to realize I didn’t go far enough down the road to go to my destination.

HERE IT IS…

Abraham got to the place where God told him to go. He saw the place where go’s told him to go, but if he had stopped there he would have missed out on the ram in the bush and sacrafice his son. Sometimes we miss our blessing because get to where God told us to go bit we don’t go into where God told us to go. We can’t just go to the place, but sometimes God needs you to go into it to get what he has for you. Don’t stop just because you arrived at the place, go in.

Move

The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had told him about.
Genesis 22:3 NLT

As a parent when I ask my kids to do something I am expecting to hear or see them get to do what I asked. Not a few minutes after, or for them to tell me that they are about to. When I ask them to do something I am expecting them to move. Do what I asked them to do with no issue, back talk or discussion. This is what we are missing with God. We often times take God’s instruction as a option and not a command.

HERE IT IS…

Abraham heard God’s voice speak to him with an instruction and the bible says that he got up the next morning to follow through. Even though it was his son he waited on for years and the only one from his wife. He didn’t groan about it. He didn’t try to reason with God. He didn’t tell God he would do it in a little bit. He didn’t say to God, why or wonder and think on it. Abraham got up the next morning and started out on the instruction God gave him. We should be able to be in a place where when God speaks, we know his voice and fear him so much that we do it when he ask. No mumbling or issues with it. We do just what he asked, and watch God move on our behalf.

Heaven

““I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A couple of years of go I had to go to the SSI office to do some paperwork. As I’m sitting in the SSI office I see all these people waiting in line to see someine to give them what they are asking for or need to know. You have to come into the office put into the computer why your here and put in your social get a number based ON why your here. Then when you get to the window if you don’t have all you need you will have to go and get what they ask for and come back to see if you got everything they need to get what you requested.

HERE IT IS…

When you die you won’t have to worry about what color, sex or belief. When your number is called will you have all that you need to get where you need to go. Because you won’t have a chance to leave and come back. You won’t have a chance to try and go and get it right. Do it NOW, love right, speak right, treat each other right. You have one chance to live this life. God is watching and waiting so make sure you got and did what you were called and suppose to do before your number is called.

Back to the basics

“I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:1-2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yesterday I had the opportunity to hear some great ministers give their initial sermon. On top of that the month prior I experienced my pastor preaching on going back to the basics. Going back to read a scripture, say a prayer, and to sing a song. It reminds me of how I felt when I gave my initial sermon. While trying to make sure I don’t mess up and make a fool of God, it helps me to get back to the basics. The nervousness of it all. The desire to make God proud. The research and digging deeper into his word. The countless times I prayed. The moments of solidarity with him. The long walks to clear my mind.

HERE IT IS…

Getting back to the basics doesn’t just mean starting from the beginning. It means getting back to that place where the fear of God was prevalent everyday. Where the word resonated in everything I did. Where the thought of God made you cry. It’s not just society that we have become desensitized to, I believe we have become desensitized to God as well. Where the word convicted is before we did something and not after. Where the thought of God made us think of others and not just ourselves. Where his word meant more than the world. His presence wasn’t just a saying but a place. It’s not just preaching but our lives with Christ that we ALL have to get back to the basics. Read a scripture. Say a prayer. Sing a song. Give him worship.

Back to the basics

“I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:1-2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yesterday I had the opportunity to hear some great ministers give their initial sermon. On top of that the month prior I experienced my pastor preaching on going back to the basics. Going back to read a scripture, say a prayer, and to sing a song. It reminds me of how I felt when I gave my initial sermon. While trying to make sure I don’t mess up and make a fool of God, it helps me to get back to the basics. The nervousness of it all. The desire to make God proud. The research and digging deeper into his word. The countless times I prayed. The moments of solidarity with him. The long walks to clear my mind.

HERE IT IS…

Getting back to the basics doesn’t just mean starting from the beginning. It means getting back to that place where the fear of God was prevalent everyday. Where the word resonated in everything I did. Where the thought of God made you cry. It’s not just society that we have become desensitized to, I believe we have become desensitized to God as well. Where the word convicted is before we did something and not after. Where the thought of God made us think of others and not just ourselves. Where his word meant more than the world. His presence wasn’t just a saying but a place. It’s not just preaching but our lives with Christ that we ALL have to get back to the basics. Read a scripture. Say a prayer. Sing a song. Give him worship.

Order

Pray – the prayers of the righteous availeth much james 5:16

Expect – for the earnest expectations of the creature wait for the manifestation of the sons of God. Rom 8:19

Mature- But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2peter 3:18

Deliverance- When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalms 34:17

Addition- But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt 6:33

SALVATION- Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24

HERE IT IS…

Sometimes we have a hard time following the way things have been setup. We want to go out of order or want to mix up the order in what we make sense of it. From my experience when ever things get out of order, chaos is not far behind. These listed are in a specific order. However, I know the one that can put them in order for you. Reading these are reminders for me of what I am supposed to do first, pray. With my prayer I know I can expect God to move, 2. 3. With expectation comes growth and maturity. Which will then help me be delivered from the things I used to do that was childish, 4. I am reminded at 5 that he will add things to my life. Which is why I know my salvation is the best choice I could have ever made. What’s your order?

Jesus said

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.
Matthew 16:24 NLT

During this time that Jesus is talking to them and having a Q and A session Jesus goes on to tell them what’s about to happen. He is telling them what he is about to endure for their sake. He is letting them know that what you believe about me is is about to be shown through my death and resurrection. If you look at it they just told him who they believe he is to them, and in the same breath tried to prevent Jesus from the showing of God’s power. Jesus said okay, bow that you believe in who I am, I have to go and display that very same thing you said I am. Peter tries to pull him to the side and the NLT version said he reprimanded Jesus for what he said.

HERE IT IS…

People will say they have faith in you. People will say they believe in your ability. People will say they will support you in everything that you do. As soon as you prepare to do it. As soon as you let them know what your about to do. As soon as you prepare to act on the very thing that God revealed to you, they try and stop you. Everyone may not understand just what it is God has planned for you, but you don’t let them stop you. They won’t be able to comprehend what it is your headed for, but don’t let them stop you. They won’t understand as to why you feel you need to do it, but as long as you follow God it will all work for the good of those that love the Lord.

Face it

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.””
‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Last week at work I had to do this job the was in an awkward position. When I was doing the job I tried to do it in many different positions and postures. Well as I was doing it I was trying to find a position where I could do it and try not to have all the dust and debris come down on me. My problem was that I had to reach way up and grab stuff and pull it down while I was on a ladder. As I am trying to do it from the side I had to keep moving and repositioning myself in order to get more done. What I realized is that I could get the job done a lot faster and easier if I sat down on my butt and FACED IT… I was able to use both hands reach to places I couldn’t otherwise, and finished quicker than I would have all because I faced it…

HERE IT IS…

If you stop trying to go around the issues or making excuses about the issue and face it, things can be over and done with. We will try to put ourselves and others in postures and positions that we think will keep things from getting out of control or just falling down. We try to do things so that we can try to prevent things from happening. We try to do some stuff to prevent from getting to involved and the problem ends up dragging itself out.
Stop wasting time, FACE IT
stop avoiding it, FACE IT
stop not talking about it, FACE IT

DON’T STAY IN THE WRONG POSTURE WHEN ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS FACE IT…