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Happy Father’s Day!

16 Jun

Happy Father's Day!Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.—Ephesians 6:4 (MSG)

Happy Father’s Day to every one you…who are fathers!

Being a father is the most important responsibility we have, and one of the hardest jobs we will ever do. To truly be effective as a Godly father, we must submit ourselves to God first and lead our children in His Way and His Word; this way we will leave a greater legacy that any trust fund! Place your trust in God to help you to do it well!

Have a blessed day!

A Father’s Love

A father is respected because
He gives his children leadership…
Appreciated because
He gives his children care…
Valued because
He gives his children time…
Loved because
He gives his children the one thing
they treasure most – himself.

—Unkown

 

Have Faith1st
©2013 Faith1st Ministries
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Posted by on June 16, 2013 in Family, Today's Word

 

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Believing the Word Can Change Your World

14 Jun

Change Your WorldThen Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Then the angel left her.—Luke 1:38 (Common English Bible)

Let me ask you a question. Can you honestly take God at His Word?

Well, it is time, my friend, for every Believer in God to live up to and practice the meaning of the word believer…as one who receives the Gospel as truth and Christ as Savior with the determination to live in obedience to God and His Word.  As Believers, it is imperative that we take a stand for God and His Word! This is the only way we will see the changes we desire in our lives and the world at large.

Regardless of what you may think, it is not just going to happen. What is it, you may ask? It is any and everything God has promised His children in His Word. It is any and everything He has promised you and me by His Spirit. Do you think God wants things to remain as they are? I will answer that…NO!!! However, the change has to come from us enforcing the power of His Word daily.

There is more to this life of faith than most, and virtually all of us have experienced. God wants more for us and for this world, but it is up to us to receive it by faith and place a demand upon it when necessary. This is no different from writing a check or making a withdrawal from your bank account. When you know the money is there, you expect it to be released for your use.

It is the same with the promises of God. When we receive them as our own, we can call on them when we need them in our lives. I understand that the circumstances of this world can be overwhelming sometimes, but this is why we must constantly saturate ourselves in and with God’s Word so that our spirit-man will not be depleted!

20 My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen to my words. 21 Never let them get away from you. Remember them and keep them in your heart. 22 They will give life and health to anyone who understands them. 23 Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.—Proverbs 4:20-23 (Good News)

When we spend time in the Word and take it as life for us, we build a resistance to the things that come to wear us down, discourage us, make us ineffective, and ultimately destroy us. Jesus told us in John 10:10, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)” (Amplified). Do not let the thief be successful in your life, take God at His Word and hold on to it for dear life…because it is life!

Jesus said, “What gives life is God’s Spirit; human power is of no use at all. The words I have spoken to you bring God’s life-giving Spirit.”—John 6:63 (GNT). It is the Spirit of God through the spoken or written Word of God, when received, believed, and acted upon, that breaks the chains of frustration and bondage that so often plagues us. We have to rely on the power of God’s Word in our daily lives. We cannot afford the ‘luxury’ of believing we know better. Look at Mary’s example…

Mary did not allow the potential for embarrassment or even persecution; stop her from receiving the Blessing of God into her life. Rather, she willingly received it (His blessing by His Word). This Blessing for her was the ability to conceive and give birth to our Lord and Savior. What could the Lord impregnate us with, if we only believe and act on His Word for us? Our lives would be drastically different if we stop looking to the world for answers and look to God! He should be the source of our lives. The scripture declares: “he gives us the power to live, to move, and to be who we are…”—Acts 17:28 (CEB).

So, let’s follow Mary’s example and take God at His Word because He is good for it. He can take care of any problem we may face…now or in the future!

Have Faith1st
©2013 Faith1st Ministries
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Posted by on June 14, 2013 in Believing, Change

 

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A Word about Marriage

12 Jun

One Flesh Rings30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.—Ephesians 5:30-32 (KJV)

A marriage is the foundation of the family and it represents the relationship between Christ and His Church. If we can grasp God’s intent of the marital relationship, then we should be able to start to grasp the depth of God’s love for us. Don’t miss the significance of this or take it for granted.

“He that hath an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church“.—Rev. 2:29

Have Faith1st
©2013 Faith1st Ministries
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Posted by on June 12, 2013 in Family, Marriage, Relationship Notes, Today's Word

 

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We Have Been Made Free

06 Jun

Set Free (Hands)There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.—Romans 8:1-2 (KJV)

This is a follow-up to my post on Guilt-Free Living.

Make no mistake; if you are in Christ, you have been made free. It is important to understand, believe, and receive this for your life.

Life is full of mess, and all of it is designed to keep you and I from reaching our God-given potential. It really does not matter if it is past abuse, poor habits, low self-esteem, addictions, or anything else. There is a purpose in it all, and that is to keep us down and thereby hinder the growth of the Kingdom of God…first in us and then in the whole world.

But I am here to tell you that whatever is holding you back and keeping you down, really don’t have the power to hold us unless we allow it. Seriously, we have to take responsibility for our lives. Sure, these things are factual and may have happened to you, but they don’t have the final say…the Word of God does!

However, the Word can only do for you what you allow. This is important to note because far too many are still waiting for the Lord to do what He has already done. For instance, what if you or I have worked and now it is payday and the employer has deposited our pay into our account; would we stand there waiting for another deposit? If we did, we would be standing for a long time because the employer will not purposely pay us again for the same work. Likewise, Jesus has already paid the price to make us free…now and forever!

So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.—John 8:36 (Amplified)

I know that may be simplistic but I want you to understand that God has already—through Christ—forgiven us, loved us, freed us, healed us, prospered us, and so much more! We have to stop giving mental assent to this and accept it as truth in and for our lives. Failure to do so opens the door to disappointment, disillusion, and defeat, on a daily basis. This is not God’s Will for us…EVER!

Consequently, my point is to say: whatever you are facing, regardless of what it is, you have been made free already. Seek the Lord; ask His guidance as to what you may need to do next, and then do it—without delay. Your life and the lives of those around you may depend on your obedience to this word from God!

30 As he spake these words, many believed on him. 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.—John 8:30-32 (KJV)

Father, enlighten our minds and hearts to the Truth that we have been made free from the ills of this life already…through the precious, sacrificial, blood of Jesus. Thank you for this in Jesus’ name…Amen!

Have Faith1st
©2013 Faith1st Ministries
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Posted by on June 6, 2013 in Believing, Change, Today's Word, Word of Encouragement

 

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Guilt-Free Living

03 Jun

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.—Romans 8:1-2 (KJV)

What have you done that is holding you captive? What is there as a constant reminder of your life’s mistakes? As hard as it may seem, if you are in Christ, you hNo Guiltve been made free from the spirit of condemnation—if you follow after the Spirit of God rather than the dictates of the flesh.

Satan and your human nature want you to feel the weight of your mistakes. But those mistakes can hold you captive only if you let them. As Believers, we are forgiven for every sin and mistake of our life. Take control of your life and believe God and His Word. We are no longer condemned…Jesus has paid the price for all eternity.

God wants us to know that His love and the sacrifice of Jesus have provided the means to live a guilt-free life. All we have to do, is ask for and receive the forgiveness of sins that God has provided by the blood of Jesus…the choice is ours.

Father, help us to trust you and your Word. Help us to believe that we are free from all guilt and that you are not holding things over our head. Now Lord, for everyone who has not received you into their hearts, I ask that you make yourself real to them…in Jesus’ name, Amen!

Have Faith1st
©2013 Faith1st Ministries
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Posted by on June 3, 2013 in Believing, Devotional, Today's Word

 

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The Gospel Changes Everything

01 Jun

14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.—Mark 1:14-15 (KJV)

Believe people…believe! That is my clarion call and rallying cry from now on! We must believe the Gospel of God. Paul stated that the Gospel is God’s power in our lives (see Romans 1:16). It is the link or connection to the power of God. No, it is more than that…IT IS THE POWER OF GOD!

If we say it is the link or connection to God’s power, we are left looking past the Gospel for something greater. But the Word tells us, “…it is the power of God…” There is no need to look any further for any answer you need for your life and for the circumstances around you…trust in the Gospel of God.

I have complete confidence in the gospel; it is God’s power to save all who believe, first the Jews and also the Gentiles.—Romans 1:16 (Good News Translation)

Far too many Christians are waiting on the Lord to do something about the ills of our lives and our surroundings, but He already has…He sent us Jesus! Jesus came preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. He came to present to us, not just eternal life, but the power of God working in our daily lives.

There is work to do, right here, right now. We have allowed the devil to wreak havoc in our lives, the lives of our loved ones, and in our communities; all because we either do not understand or do not believe in the power of the Gospel—which is the Word of God!

So, let’s forget what we have not done (there’s nothing we can do about it anyway), and make up our minds to pick up our mantle today; and move forward, as bold as lions, to make a difference wherever we are and wherever we may go. Our families and the world need us and God is depending on us to carry out His plan in this world.

We can do it because…The Gospel Changes Everything!

Have Faith1st
©2013 Faith1st Ministries
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Posted by on June 1, 2013 in Believing, Kingdom of God, The Gospel, Today's Word

 

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Don’t Jump Too Quickly

28 May

(Photo Credit)

By your steadfastness and patient endurance you [a]shall win the [b]true life of your souls.—Luke 21:19 (Amplified)

While in the grocery checkout line yesterday, I noticed the lane next to me was empty. So I jumped over to discover it was for ‘10 items or less’…I had more. So I moved back to my original lane to discover someone had taken my place. I ended up waiting a lot longer than I would have, had I stayed put.

What is it you believe God to bring to pass? Is it a job, a ministry, financial deliverance, healing in your body, or peace in your home and marriage? Whatever it is, one thing is necessary, you have to add patience to your faith.

Without patience, you may miss your blessing while you are jumping lines. Hold on, believe God for the right timing and don’t let go. If you must move, God will let you know when.

Lord, help us to be patient in our walk with you, help us understand this is for our benefit…Amen.

Have Faith1st

©2013 Faith1st Ministries

 
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Posted by on May 28, 2013 in Today's Word

 

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