“Put Off . . . Put On”
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” Ephesians 4:22
“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Romans 13:14

“Put Off” Scriptural Insight “Put On”
1. Lack of love . . . . . . . . . . . . I John 4:7,8,20 • John 15:12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Love
2. Judging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew 7:1,2 • John 8:9;15:22 . . . . Let God search my heart
3. Bitterness . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hebrews 12:15 • Ephesians 4:32 . Tenderhearted and forgiving
4. Unforgiving spirit . . . . . . . . . Mark 11:26 • Colossians 3:13 . . . . . . . . . . . Forgiving spirit
5. Selfishness . . . . . . . . . . . Philippians 2:21 • John 12:24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self denial
6. Pride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 16:5 • James 4:6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Humility
7. Boasting (conceit) . . . . . I Corinthians 4:7 • Philippians 2:3 . . . . . . . . . . Esteeming others
8. Stubbornness . . . . . . . . . . I Samuel 15:23 • Romans 6:13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brokenness
9. Disrespect for authority . . . . . . . Acts 23:5 • Hebrews 13:17 . . . . . . . . . . . Honor authority
10. Rebellion . . . . . . . . . . . . . I Samuel 15:23 • Hebrews 13:17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Submission
11. Disobedience . . . . . . . . . . . I Samuel 12:15 • Deuteronomy 11:27 . . . . . . . . . . . . Obedience
12. Impatience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James 1:2-4 • Hebrews 10:36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patience
13. Ungratefulness . . . . . . . . . . Romans 1:21 • Ephesians 5:20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gratefulness
14. Covetousness . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke 12:15 • Hebrews 13:5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contentment
15. Discontent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hebrews 13:5 • I Timothy 6:8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contentment
16. Murmuring/complaining . Philippians 2:14 • Hebrews 13:15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Praise
17. Irritation to others . . . . . . Galatians 5:26 • Philippians 2:3,4 . . . . . . . . Preferring in love
18. Jealousy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Galatians 5:26 • I Corinthians 13:4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trust
19. Strife/contention . . . . . . . . Proverbs 13:10 • James 3:17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peace
20. Retaliation (getting even) . Proverbs 24:29 • Romans 12:19,20 . . . . . . Return good for evil
21. Losing temper . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 25:28 • Proverbs 16:32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self-control
22. Anger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 29:22 • Galatians 5:22,23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self-control
23. Wrath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James 1:19,20 • Proverbs 15:1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soft answer
24. Easily irritated . . . . . . I Corinthians 13:5 • Proverbs 19:11 . . . . . . . . Not easily provoked
25. Hatred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew 5:21,22 • I Corinthians 13:3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Love
26. Murder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exodus 20:13 • Romans 13:10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Love
27. Gossip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I Timothy 5:13 • Ephesians 4:29 . . . . . . . . . . . Edifying speech
28. Evil speaking . . . . . . . . . . . . . James 4:11 • Proverbs 15:30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Good report
29. Critical spirit . . . . . . . . . . Galatians 5:15 • Colossians 3:12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kindness
30. Lying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ephesians 4:25 • Zechariah 8:16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Speak truth
31. Profanity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 4:24 • Proverbs 15:4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pure speech
32. Idle words . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew 12:36 • Proverbs 21:23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bridle tongue
33. Wrong motives . . . . . . . . . . I Samuel 16:7 • Philippians 4:8 . . . . . . . . . . . . Pure thoughts
35. Complacency . . . . . . . . . . Revelation 3:15 • Revelation 3:19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zeal
36. Laziness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 20:4 • Proverbs 6:6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diligence
37. Slothfulness (not doing best) Proverbs 18:9 • Colossians 3:23 . . . . . . . . . Wholeheartedness
38. Hypocrisy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Job 8:13 • I Thessalonians 2:3 . . . . . . . . . . Sincerity
39. Idolatry . . . . . . . . . . . Deuteronomy 11:16 • Colossians 1:18 . . . . . . . Worship God only
40. Left first love . . . . . . . . . . . Revelation 2:4 • Revelation 2:5 . . . . . . . . Fervent devotion
41. Lack of rejoicing always . . Philippians 4:4 • I Thessalonians 5:18 . . . . . . . . . . . Rejoice
42. Worry/fear . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew 6:25-32 • I Peter 5:7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trust
43. Unbelief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hebrews 3:12 • Hebrews 11:1,6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faith
44. Unfaithfulness . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 25:19 • Luke 16:10-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . Faithfulness
45. Neglect of Bible study . II Timothy 3:14-17 • Psalm 1:2 . . . . . . . Bible study/meditation
46. Prayerlessness . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke 18:1 • Matthew 26:41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Praying
47. No burden for the lost . . Matthew 9:36-38 • Acts 1:8 . . . . . . . . Compassion/witnessing
48. Burying talents . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke 12:48 • I Corinthians 4:2 . . . . Developing abilities
49. Irresponsibility (family/work) . Luke 16:12 • Luke 16:10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Responsibility
50. Procrastination . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 10:5 • Proverbs 27:1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diligence
51. Irreverence in church . . . Ecclesiastes 5:1 • Psalm 89:7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverence
52. Inhospitable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I Peter 4:9 • Romans 12:13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hospitable
53. Cheating . . . . . . . . . . . II Corinthians 4:2 • II Corinthians 8:21 . . . . . . . . . . . Honesty
54. Stealing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 29:24 • Ephesians 4:28 . . . . . . . . . Working/giving
55. Lack of moderation . . . . . . . Proverbs 11:1 • I Corinthians 9:25 . . . . . . . . . Temperance
56. Gluttony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 23:21 • I Corinthians 9:27 . . . . . . . . . . Discipline
57. Wrong friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 1:1 • Proverbs 13:20 . . . . . . . . . . Godly friends
58. Temporal values . . . . . . Matthew 6:19-21 • II Corinthians 4:18 . . . . . . Eternal values
59. Love of money/greed . . . I Timothy 6:9,10 • Matthew 6:33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Love God
60. Stinginess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I John 3:17 • Proverbs 11:24,25 . . . . . . . . . . Generosity
61. Moral impurity . . . . . I Thessalonians 4:7 • I Thessalonians 4:4 . . . . . . . Moral purity
62. Fornication . . . . . . . . . I Corinthians 6:18 • I Thessalonians 4:3 . . . . . . . . . Abstinence
63. Lust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I Peter 2:11 • Titus 2:12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pure desires
64. Adultery . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew 5:27,28 • Proverbs 5:14-19 . . . . . . . Marital fidelity
65. Homosexuality . . . . . . . . . Leviticus 18:22 • I Thessalonians 4:4,5 . . . . . . Moral purity
66. Incest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leviticus 18:6 • I Corinthians 7:2,5 . . . . . . . . Moral purity
67. Pornography . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 101:3 • Philippians 4:8 . . . . . . . . . . Pure thoughts
68. Immodest dress . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 7:10 • I Timothy 2:9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modesty
69. Flirtation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 7:21 • I Peter 3:4 . . . . . . . . . . Gentle, quiet spirit
70. Worldly entertainment . . . Proverbs 21:17 • Galatians 5:16 . . . . . . . Spiritual pursuits
71. Fleshly music . . . . . . . Ephesians 4:29, 30 • Ephesians 5:19 . . . . . . . . . Edifying music
72. Bodily harm . . . . . . I Corinthians 3:16, 17 • I Corinthians 6:19, 20 . Glorify God in body
73. Alcoholism . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 20:1 • Proverbs 23:30 . . . . . . . . . . . . Abstinence
74. Following the crowd . . . . . . Proverbs 1:10 • Proverbs 3:7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . God-fearing
75. Witchcraft/astrology/horoscopes. Deuteronomy 18:10, 11 • Deuteronomy 6:5 . . . . . . . Worship of God
76. Gambling . . . . . . . . . . . Proverbs 28:20,22 • Luke 16:11 . . . . . . . . . . Good stewardship
77. Preferential treatment . . . . . James 2:1-9 • Luke 6:31 . . . . . . . . Love neighbor as self
78. Presumption on the future . Proverbs 27:1 • James 4:14-16 . . . . . . . . . Trust God’s will

“But there is forgiveness with Thee . . . .” Psalm 130:4

BIBLICAL RHETORIC VS BIBLICAL TRUTH

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I've always believed that the sounding brass and the tinkling cymbals of biblical rhetoric feed our senses while biblical truth feeds our spirit. Eventually the choir, the charismatic preacher, the crowd, and the sweet sound of those who speak with the tongues of men and of angels will feed those who are satisfied with just milk for the moment, while the Rhema Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever feeds with the meat that would satisfy for a lifetime. In other words, they came to feed and needed no music. I say, let the preacher give his people food, and they will flock around him, even if the sounding brass of rhetoric and the tinkling cymbals of oratory are silent. No human explanation or interpretation of God’s Word should be elevated to the same authority as the text itself. The choir, the charismatic preacher, the crowd, and the sweet sound of those who speak with the tongues of men and of angels can never truly give us faith as you and I know, without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6) and faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Therefore we must realize that there surely is a difference between biblical rhetoric and biblical truth.

Birthdays!

This is the day that the Creator chose for you to come to this earth and grace us with your presence.

If you weren't here, it would not feel right. Something would be missing. You!

Make your birthdays about 'the celebration of self'.

Do only the things that you truly want to do.

Sleep in or get up early, whatever you want.

Eat only the things you want. Savour each bite! Enhale the lushious smell of something loved and appreciated! Close your eyes often! Delight in your senses being saturated by the foods you love! Push all thoughts of guilt and judgement out of your mind. Enjoy!

Be around others or be alone. Either way - celebrate. If you are going to be with others, let them know that it's your birthday. Maybe throw yourself a party.

On this day, be the one standing in your corner with the poms-poms cheering yourself on.

Sing your praises. All day long remind yourself just how wonderful you are.

Treat yourself like you would your best friend.

If you have a sweet tooth, maybe some bonbons are in order. Whatever it is you love, give it freely to yourself today.

Remember the relationship you have with yourself is reflective of all other relationships. If you seek love and happiness - give it to yourself. Walk in gratitude and appreciation of yourself.

Chances are if you can't give yourself one day a year of guilt free self indulgence and celebration, you aren't very happy. Who could be happy with someone who treats them like that? It all starts with you.

Take the time to write a list of all the things you have accomplished since your last birthday. Write of anything, big or small that has enhanced the quality of your life. Do not entertain thoughts of anything that didn't work out or that is still unfinished. This is the day of celebration of your success!

Happy, happy, happy birthday!

Thoughts to Live By

Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

Marry a person you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

Don’t believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

When you say, “I love you,” mean it.

When you say, “I’m sorry,” look the person in the eye.

Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

Believe in love at first sight.

Never laugh at anyone’s dreams. People who don’t have dreams don’t have much.

Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it’s the only way to live life completely.

In disagreements, fight fairly. No name-calling.

Don’t judge people by their relatives.

Talk slowly but think quickly.

When someone asks you a question you don’t want to answer smile and ask, “Why do you want to know?”.

Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

Say, “Bless you” when you hear someone sneezes.

When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

Remember the three R’s: Respect for self; Respect for others and Responsibility for all your actions.

Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

Spend some time alone.

Letter from the Creator

This is the Creator,

Today I will be handling all of your problems for you. I do not need your help. So, have a nice day. I love you.

Remember...If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it yourself !! Kindly put it in the SFTCTD (something for the Creator to do) box. I will get to it in 'my time'. All situations will be resolved.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!

Now have a nice day, the Creator.

SPIRITUAL VITAMINS

We work hard to keep our outward appearance attractive, but what is in our hearts is even more important. The way we are deep down (where others can’t see) matters much to God. What are you like inside? When people become Christians, God makes them different on the inside. He will continue the process of change inside them if they only ask. God wants us to seek healthy thoughts and motives, not just healthy food and exercise.

Anxious? Take Vitamin A. "And we know that All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Blue? Take Vitamin B. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name." (Psalms 103:1)

Crushed? Take Vitamin C. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

Depressed? Take Vitamin D. "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." (James 4:8)

Empty? Take Vitamin E. "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." (Psalms 100:4)

Fearful? Take Vitamin F. "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10)

Greedy? Take Vitamin G. "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38)

Hesitant? Take Vitamin H. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" (Isaiah 52:7)

Insecure? Take Vitamin I. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13)

Jittery? Take Vitamin J. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8)

Know nothing? Take Vitamin K. "Know this that the Lord is God, it is He that made us and not we ourselves." (Psalms 100:3)

Lonely? Take Vitamin L. "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:20)

Mortgaged? Take Vitamin M. "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Nervous? Take Vitamin N. "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)

Overwhelmed? Take Vitamin O. "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)

Perplexed or puzzled? Take Vitamin P. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

Quitting? Take Vitamin Q. "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13)

Restless? Take Vitamin R. "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass." (Psalms 37:7)

Scared? Take Vitamin S. "Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard." (1 Samuel 22:23)

Tired? Take Vitamin T. "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

Uncertain? Take Vitamin U. "Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me." (Isaiah 43:10)

Vain? Take Vitamin V. "There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one." (Acts 5:16)

Wondering what to do? Take Vitamin W. "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8)

eXhausted? Take Vitamin X. "But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7)

Yearning for hope? Take Vitamin Y. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalms 23:4)

Zapped? Take Vitamin Z. "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:14)

The Word of God provides a pattern for physically, spiritually, and morally healthy living. We may not always understand the wisdom of God’s Word, but if we obey them, we will thrive.

Who is Elder Dre? (My Confessions)

I represent the One Whose Name is, "I Am the Lord Who heals." (Exodus 15:26)

God sends me with His Word and heals people, and delivers them from destruction. (Psalm 107:20)

Death and life are in the power of my tongue. (Proverbs 18:21)

Surely Jesus has borne all people's sicknesses and carried all people's pains. He was wounded for all people's transgressions, He was bruised for all people's iniquities, the chastisement for all people's peace was upon Him, and by His stripes all people are healed. (Isaiah 53:4,5)

As I go about, I teach the Word of God, preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23)

Jesus already took all people's infirmities and bare all people's sicknesses away. (Matthew 8:17)

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. He gave me power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. As I go, I preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' I heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons. Freely I have received, so I freely give. (Matthew 10:1,7-8)

He who receives me receives Jesus, and he who receives Jesus receives God. (Matthew 10:40)

I am a believer. All things are possible to me. (Mark 9:23)

And these signs follow me because I believe: In Jesus' name I cast out demons; I speak with new tongues; I remove serpents; and if I drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt me; I lay hands on the sick, and they recover. (Mark 16:17-18)

Everywhere I go the Lord is working with me, confirming His Word that I speak, through the accompanying signs. Amen. (Mark 16:20)

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18-19)

With authority and power I command the unclean spirits, and they come out. (Luke 4:36)

As I am teaching, the power of the Lord is present to heal people. (Luke 5:17)

"The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them." (Luke 7:22)

Jesus gave me power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent me to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (Luke 9:1-2)

Jesus gave me authority over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt me. (Luke 10:19)

I believe in Jesus, so the works that He did I will do also; and greater works than those I will do, because Jesus went to our Father. (John 14:12)

Whatever I ask in Jesus' name, that He will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If I ask anything in Jesus' name, He will do it. (John 14:13-14)

I am a branch in Jesus. I abide in Him and bear much fruit. Without Jesus I can do nothing. (John 15:5)

As the Father has sent Jesus, Jesus also sent me. (John 20:21)

I received power when the Holy Spirit came upon me; and I shall be a witness to Jesus in my city, and in my country, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

I am a man attested by God by miracles, wonders, and signs which God does through me. (Acts 2:22)

"What I do have I give you: In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." (Acts 3:6)

I am filled with the Holy Spirit, and I speak the word of God with boldness. And with great power I will give witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 4:31,33)

God anointed me with the Holy Spirit and with power, so I go about doing good and healing all who are oppressed by the devil, for God is with me. (Acts 10:38)

I speak boldly in the Lord, Who is bearing witness to the Word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by my hands. (Acts 14:3)

I am the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in me. (1 Corinthians 3:16)

And my speech and my preaching are not just with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that people's faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:4-5)

Not that I am sufficient of myself to think of anything as being from myself, but my sufficiency is from God, Who also made me sufficient as a minister of the New Covenant. (2 Corinthians 3:5-6)

For I do not preach myself, but Christ Jesus the Lord. (2 Corinthians 4:5)

I'm not moved by what I feel. I'm not moved by what I see. For I "walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7) I'm moved only by what I believe. I believe the Word of God.

God has given me a ministry of reconciliation, and has committed to me the word of reconciliation that God is not imputing people's trespasses to them. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

I am an ambassador for Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

I am a worker together with God. (2 Corinthians 6:1)

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (deliverance & healing)." (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Jesus has the name which is above every name. At the Name of Jesus every knee must bow, in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth. (Philippians 2:9-10)

"I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

God has not given me a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

God also bears witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will. (Hebrews 2:4)

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

I am submitted to God. I resist the devil and he flees from me. (James 4:7)

"And the prayer of faith will (heal) the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." (James 5:15)

"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." I am righteous in Christ Jesus according to Romans 5:19, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 5:21, and other verses. (James 5:16)

Christ left me an example that I should follow His steps. (1 Peter 2:21)

Greater is He that is in me than any sickness that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

I overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word in my mouth. (Revelation 12:11)

Words of Wisdom

The best way to get even is to forget.


Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death.


God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.


Some folks wear their halos much too tight.


Some marriages are made in heaven, but they ALL have to be maintained on earth.


Unless you can create the WHOLE universe in 5 days, then perhaps giving "advice" to God isn't such a good idea!


Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, and faith looks up.


Standing in the middle of the road is dangerous. You will get knocked down by the traffic from both ways.


Words are windows to the heart.


A skeptic is a person who, when he sees the handwriting on the wall, claims that it's a forgery.


It isn't difficult to make a mountain out of a molehill - just add a little dirt.


A successful marriage isn't finding the right person - it's being the right person.


The mighty oak tree was once a little nut that held its ground.


Too many people offer God prayers with claw marks all over them.


The tongue must be heavy indeed, because so few people can hold it.


To forgive is to set the prisoner free, and then discover the prisoner was you.


You have to wonder about humans - they think God is dead and Elvis is alive!


It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are

done.


You'll notice that a turtle only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.


If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, you can bet the water bill is higher.


God gave the angels Wings, and He gave humans CHOCOLATE.


The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.

YOU"RE ALWAYS WITH ME

Mama, you’re always with me... You’re the whisper of the leaves as I walk down the street.

You’re the smell of bleach in my freshly laundered socks.

You’re the cool hand on my brow when I’m not well.

Mama, you live inside my laughter. You are crystallized in every tear drop... even these, as I write this for you.

You’re the place I came from, my first home... You’re the map I follow with every step that I take.

You are my first love and my first heart break....and nothing on earth can separate us.

Not time… Not space... Not even death.... will ever separate me from you....

You carried me inside of you for nine months,

Mama, now I carry you inside of me forever....

You’re always with me

Mama, no, it’s not Mothers Day and your birthday was the 22nd of February therefore it’s not your birthday. Today is not even a holiday. Mama, it’s been a little over three years since…well, I know I didn't lose you...God has reminded me that I can't lose something when I know where it is. Mama, I miss you!

Thank You Lord God for adding another flower to Your heavenly bouquet!

The Bell

I, Elder Dre

KNOW WHO I AM

I am God's child (John 1:12)

I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)

I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)

I am bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:19-20)

I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)

I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8)

I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt. 5:13-14)

I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)

I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)

I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil.3:20)

I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34)

I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor.5:17-21)

I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph 2:18)

I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)

I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom.8:35-39)

I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)

I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8: 28)

I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16)

I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)

I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)

I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)

I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)

I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)

I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil. 1: 5)

I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)

I belong to God

Do you know

who you are!?

777

And the Lord said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place. Judges 7:7

It’s amazing that on this rare “7-7-7” day (07 July 2007) in history God’s message in the 7th book of the Bible, the 7th chapter and 7th verse we see that by those 300 men (not the movie) who lapped like a dog and did not lay their weapons down to drink, God would use mightily. Their first thought was being ready to fight the good fight. Their own personal needs were not that important to them. A good soldier of the cross never lays his weapon {Bible} down. The Bible is God’s word to us, “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12), but we cannot know what God wants us to do if we do not read it. And even reading God’s Word is not enough; we must be willing to do what it says. There is not much difference between the book hidden in the temple and the Bible hidden on the bookshelf. An unread Bible is as useless as a lost one. So, pick up your Weapon soldier!

Yours because of Calvary,
In service of the King,
Elder J. Andrés Vázquez

THE WILL OF GOD...ACCORDING TO HIS WORD

The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Everything happens for a purpose. We may not see the wisdom of it all now,
but trust and believe in the Lord that everything is for the best.

CYBERLISTIC RELATIONSHIPS

Why are they so popular? Are men honestly the sole blame for cyberlistic relationships that turn into nightmares? What are the advantages and disadvantages of such relationships?

It all truly and honestly depends on what the person is looking for. To some has been a game. To others it has been a blessing. Some may agree and some will disagree. I’m sure everyone has a testimony on their pros and cons experience in it.

The only way that someone can take advantage of another in cyber relationships is if they allow it to happen. We have to realize that it’s a risk indeed to meet and trust people you’ve met through an exchange of words and maybe an occasional phone call. Anyone can sound legit in a cyber way.

Let me break it down just a bit…e-mail and other cyber communications may be the most important, unique method for communicating and developing relationships since the telephone. First of all, it is easy to use. People also find it familiar and safe because it is similar in many respects to writing letters - minus the annoyances of addressing envelopes, licking stamps, and trips to the mail box or post office.

Of all the methods for developing relationships on the Internet, it is the most common - and perhaps the most powerful.

Although friendships and romances may indeed begin in chat rooms, instant messaging, assemblages such as Yahoo 360, Ebony Voices, Black Planet communities, and, or blogs, or other environments, these relationships almost always expand into e-mail as a way to deepen the communication. It is a more private, more reliable, less chaotic way to talk.

E-mail is not just electronic mail sent via the Internet. E-mail communication creates a psychological space in which pairs of people - or groups of people - interact. It creates a context and boundary in which human relationships can unfold.

Now it depends on what relationship the seeker is seeking. In all fairness, there are women out there as well who are just as capable of becoming a nightmare to men, and other women. So the game can go both ways…it all depends on who’s playing, who’s played and who wants to play.

My fellow cyber brothers and sisters in Christ, we have to decide whether we will obey the Lord, who has proven His trustworthiness, or imitate the world. It's easy to slip into a quiet rebellion-going about life in our own way. However the time comes when we have to choose who, or what will control us. The choice is ours. Will it be God, our own limited personality, or another imperfect substitute? Once we have chosen to be controlled by God's Spirit, let us reaffirm our choice every day. And because God gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, I beseech you elders, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, preachers, ministers, and spiritual leaders, in taking a definite stand for the Lord, we must display His spiritual leadership. Regardless of what others decided, as men and women of God we must display a commitment to God, and be willing to set the example of living by that decision. The way we correspond cyberlistically displays to others who are reading and judging what we write the strength of our commitment to serving God.

In other words, "choose you this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Let's have a fruit fest (Are you ripe and ready)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Notice the word *fruit* is singular, yet it list nine.

So there is only one fruit of the Spirit. That fruit is love. The others...

Joy - love smiling

Peace - love resting

Patience - love waiting Kindness - love showing itself sensitive to others' feelings

Goodness - love making allowances Faithfulness - love proving constant

Gentleness - love yielding

Self-control - love triumphing over selfish inclinations

Forgiveness

Forgive your brothers and sisters and you will set yourself free. You will set yourself free from all you thought they did to you. They need not ask for forgiveness to be forgiven. They might even believe that there is nothing for which they need to be forgiven. That is fine. Do not concern yourself with how they choose to experience reality, for it has no effect on you, unless you allow it to. For something or someone to affect you, you must first allow it to affect you.

You can also choose not to forgive your brother. But what good has such behavior ever brought to your life? You might be trying to consciously or unconsciously punish a brother by not forgiving him. But who are you really punishing? Who carries that judgment with him wherever he goes? My friend, you might not consciously recall that you are carrying this judgment with you, but it does simmer below the surface, coloring everything and everyone with whom you interact. Little by little, these judgments add up and weigh you down. You’re quick to anger, feel tired and stressed, and do not understand why. Comments to other brothers and sisters may become nasty and your patience fades. All this is due to your attempt to punish your brother by not forgiving him. My brother and sister, again I ask you, who are you really punishing?

Do you realize what anger can do to you?

Thank you brother James Blanchard Cisneros

"A Phone Call From GOD"

Rick volunteers with prison ministries, and in his work has become friends with a pastor of a store front church. The pastor's church is called Almighty God Tabernacle. On a Saturday night several weeks ago, this pastor was working late, and decided to call his wife before he left for home. It was about 10:00 PM, but his wife didn't answer the phone.

The pastor let it ring many times. He thought it was odd that she didn't answer, but decided to wrap up a few things and try again in a few minutes. When he tried again she answered right away. He asked her why she hadn't answered before, and she said that it hadn't rung at their house. They brushed it off as a fluke and went on their merry ways.

The following Monday, the pastor received a call at the church office, which was the phone that he'd used that Saturday night. The man that he spoke with wanted to know why he'd called on Saturday night. The pastor couldn't figure out what the guy was talking about. Then the guy said, "It rang and rang, but I didn't answer." The pastor remembered his miss-dial and apologized for then disturbing him, explaining that he'd intended to call his wife.

The man said, "That's OK. Let me tell you my story. You see, I was planning to commit suicide on Saturday night, but before I did, I prayed, 'God if you're there and you do not want me to do this, give me a sign now.' At that point my phone started ringing. I looked at the caller ID, and it said, . . . . . 'Almighty God'."

"I was just too afraid to answer!"

Is there such thing as a soul-mate?

The union of true soul-mates merges two persons in such a way that little can affect one without also affecting the other. True soul-mates equal a special oneness that is unmatched. This does not mean losing your personality in the personality of the other. Instead, it means caring for your soul-mate as you care for yourself, learning to anticipate his or her needs, helping the other person become all he or she can be.

I can only answer how I, (a man) would treat my soul-mate. How should a man love his soul-mate?

(1) He should be willing to sacrifice everything for her.

(2) He should make her well-being of primary importance.

(3) He should care for her as he cares for his own body.

No soul-mate needs to fear submitting to a man who treats her in this way.

Most likely, before one becomes a soul-mate, they must first be friends. It's all a matter of the heart, therefore a woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her. That's when a man truly knows wholeheartedly that he's found his soul mate.

Inspired by Queen Corey N. Harvey

What if ...

What if GOD couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?

What if GOD decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?

What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when GOD sent the rain?

What if GOD didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?

What if GOD took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger?

What if GOD didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin?

What if the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?

What if GOD stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?

What if GOD would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him yesterday?

What if GOD answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?

What if GOD met our needs the way we give Him our lives?

Lord? Liar? Lunatic?

This man, Jesus ... some say he was a liar, others say he was a lunatic, and still others claim He is Lord. Which do you think he is?

Some say He was just a good teacher,
but good teachers don't claim to be God.
Some say He was merely a good example,
but good examples don't mingle with prostitutes and sinners.

Some say He was a madman,
but madmen don't speak the way He spoke.

Some say He was a crazed fanatic,
but crazed fanatics don't draw children to themselves or attract men of intellect like Paul or Luke to be their followers.

Some say He was a religious phony,
but phonies don't rise from the dead.

Some say He was only a phantom,
but phantoms can't give their flesh and blood to be crucified.

Some say He was only a myth,
but myths don't set the calendar for history.

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!

Three Things

Three things in life that,once gone, never come back -

Time

Words

Opportunity

Three things in life that may never be lost -

Peace

Hope

Honesty

Three things in life that are most valuable -

Love

Self-confidence

Friends

Three things in life that are never certain -

Dreams

Success

Fortune

Three things that make a man -

Hard work

Sincerity

Commitment

Three things in life that can destroy a man -

Wine

Pride

Anger

Three things that are truly constant -

Father

Son

Holy Ghost

I ask the Lord to bless you, as I pray for you today; to guide you and protect you, as you go along your way. His love is always with you, His promises are true. And when you give Him all your cares, you know He'll see you through.