Tag: #Jesus

EPISODE 9 –EDIFYING WORDS

Hello my friends

The title of today’s episode EDIFYING WORDS

Yesterday, I talked about how our words can delay our blessing. Today, I am going to talk about edifying words. I want to start with the definition of edify. It means to establish, build up, or construct. If we apply it to the word of God. We are to build up or encourage one another.

EPH 4:29-32 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour,(yelling or outcry) and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

We often think corrupt communications are cursing and saying bad words. That is just the beginning. Maybe we have an opinion that would hurt someone’s feelings. Maybe it is a lie that we have been told by someone else that we believe. We need to build each other up with our words and actions. I am sure everyone has had a moment when they doubt themselves. Someone came along and spoke just the right words that gave them the courage to carry on. The world is too full of people wanting to tear each other down. It is time we build each other up.

Romans 14:19 – 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

I was recently watching a video about decluttering your home. It gave some of the best advice I have heard to date, and I have read many articles and watched many videos about being organized. The woman said when decluttering, she picks an item and asks, “Does this add value to my life?” If the answer is yes, she keeps it and finds a place for it. If the answer is no, then it goes in a box for charity, in the trash, or in a bin for a yard sale.

I was thinking about how people often say things that would have been better to have left unsaid. Social media is full of people who thrive on causing chaos or trashing someone they don’t even know. Words are powerful and cannot be taken back once they are said; I think it would be a good idea to slow down and pause before we speak and ask, “Does that comment add to the value of the conversation or someone’s life. If yes, then say it. If not, then keep it to yourself. Take the thought captive and then forget it.

2 Cor 10:5 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

We can take those negative thoughts into captivity and not say them. By holding them back, we bring them into captivity.

We have all been the recipients of a kind word or compliment at just the right moment. It actually lifted our outlook on our day. At the same time, we have all been recipients of words that cut to the bone and left us wounded.

We need to speak the truth of God in Love. Trying to encourage and edify one another. Words cost us nothing but can be more valuable than gold to the recipient.

Proverbs 21:23(KJV) Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Something to think about as you start your day.

Thanks for watching

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BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

NEW ADVENTURES

I am excited about what God is doing in my life and those around me. That is why, from now on, I am combining my blog and my video ministry. Each blog post will be in the written form of the video for those of you who would rather read it. At the top will be the video of the day. God Focus This Morning is the title of my daily videos. The posts will be Monday thru Friday.

Hello my friends

The title of today’s episode is: “Made Up Mind”

We used to attend church with a man who was constantly reminding us that we have to have a made-up mind. He would say that the enemy will send all sorts of things to get us to give up. We cannot allow the enemy to get us to falter in our faith. We cannot take a step backwards. We have to hold the line.

Troubles may press in from every angle, but if we have a made up mind, nothing will phase us. Nothing we go through will cause us to waiver.

Psalm 1:3 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. We are in a battle for the soul of our nation. We cannot be moved by the enemy or what he tries to do. We need to have deep roots and be planted. Can you see a tree get up and walk away, because it didn’t like the angle of the wind? No, a tree digs deep. The stronger the winds blow the more need the tree has to dig deeper.

As warriors in God’s army, we must be determined to do our duty and honor the wishes of our King (Jesus). As warriors we need to have loyalty to the cause of Christ and be determined that we will not be bribed by the flashy things of the enemy to cause us to back up or sin.

We need to dig in and hold the line, saying, Satan, I will not back up, I will not back down. I am going through with Jesus guiding me. Many brave soldiers down through time won battles that seemed impossible because they were determined to not back down, but to hold their ground.

Lines are being drawn in the sand. We have to be determined to stand up for what is right. I will not be moved, I will not back up, I will not back down, I will stand for Jesus even if I have to stand alone. Gideon started with a huge army of men. But God needed that number paired down to the ones who believed him. With 300 men, God defeated the enemy.

Phil 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”

I believe we are going through a season in which God is separating the wheat and tares to an extent. Many who have been lukewarm and call themselves Christian will be separated. God wants a strong army of determined men and women who will have a made-up mind to stand for him. There is not a battle we cannot win as long as we believe that he will go before us and fight our battles. We have to be determined to stand for the truth.

We cannot waiver in our beliefs, even when things don’t look like they line up with our beliefs. Ephesians Chapter Six is all about putting in the whole armor of God. Warriors of God are equipped with God’s armor. All of this armor was designed for meeting an enemy head-on. There was no covering for a retreat. If you turn around to run, the enemy can easily get you from behind. So we have to stand strong.

Romans 12:2 says, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God….

We have to stand strong and allow our minds to be renewed with the word of God. If we keep our spiritual mind strong, we will be determined and always have a made-up mind.

Thanks for listening.

Until next time, BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

PRESS ON

Php 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Php 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

In this life, we have many troubles and trials. Many situations arise that we worry about that are nothing. We allow the day-to-day routine to rob us of our focus. The main thing for us is to press on, closer to the goal. Our main goal should be seeing Jesus face to face.

The things in this life that we pay so much attention to will all fade away. Our stresses and disappointments will be a thing of the past. So I want to encourage you to keep your eye on the prize. Press on toward the goal. Never look back. We have nothing to look back to, if we had been satisfied where we were, we would have stayed there. But the life of sin was misery. Why would we want to go back? If we aren’t going back, we have no choice but to press on and go forward.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

DRY LAND

Psa 63:1 A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; Psa 63:2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Psa 63:3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

We have all walked through spiritual deserts in which we feel like we are alone. We feel like God is not there. But he is walking silently by our side while we work out our issues. Being in the desert gave David a good perspective. It was during the time he was running from Saul that God used to grow him. It was in the solace that God taught him to be king.

Our bodies desire water; we cannot function without it. But just as our flesh needs water, our soul needs God’s living water. I want to take time to remind those who feel like they are in a spiritual desert that God is there and will not leave you. He has promised he will never leave us or forsake us. Just when we think we cannot go one more step, he sends a refresh to our soul. We feel like we can begin to take one more step. O Lord, how our souls thirst for your presence. Help us when we find ourselves in a desert place. Remind us that you are with us and doing a good work within us by preparing us for the next level in our Christian walk. Fill us up, Lord.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

REFLECTION

Often the last day of the year, we reflect on the past 12 months. We think about the good and the bad. Some have regrets and fears over things that have happened. This year’s end I want to ask a question: Do you know anyone who is true to their word? The truth is a dying courtesy. Very few people today are true to their word.

God is always true to his word; if he says it is going to rain, get your umbrella. If He says He is going to come again for His people, He will. Learning to depend upon His word is part of our walk as Christians. I think this was easier in ways for generations gone by because most men were true to their word, unlike today, when few people are honest and walk with integrity.

I try to take a few minutes to reflect on the lessons I have learned over the past year. I try to think about where I fell short of doing what God asked of me. I spend some time praying that the year ahead will bring me to a deeper walk in Christ. I don’t make resolutions like most people because I have found that they are normally broken by February. This is why I chose to reflect. This year, I included a flip through my prayer/ bible study journal to help me reflect.

As you reflect on this year’s end, remember what God has brought you through. Remember how much he loves you. Look to the new year with hope that no matter what happens in this life, God is true to his word. He will save, heal and deliver his people. 2024 is a year to expect great things from God. Remember that it doesn’t matter how scary things look, we walk by faith. There is nothing we face that God cannot see us through.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

SYMPTOM OR CAUSE?

We often see people and we judge them by how they appear to be. We see their actions and judge them to be evil. In reality, they have let Satan move in and guide their life. Often, what we see is the symptoms and not the cause. We try to change people’s symptoms, instead of introducing them to the one who can cure them.

Look at Mark Chapter 5. There is a story about a man that had a legion of evil spirits (sent by Satan). People judged this man by his actions. He was naked, he cut himself with stones. He had great strength because he had broken chains and fetters. The people were afraid of him.

Mark 5:15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

Then they were afraid because Jesus had the power to get rid of the unclean spirits. They knew he was different because he was clothed and in his right mind, sitting calmly. Often, people try to get others to change the way they dress, speak or act. But when someone truly meets Jesus, the change that comes on the inside will show on the outside.

All the people around knew that this man was different. The big question on their minds was why and how? Once people learn how and why we are different, they will want to follow Christ, too. But we have to allow Christ to work in us to make us different from the world.

When you look at someone who needs Jesus, who is not living a moral life, don’t look at them with judgment. Look at them with compassion, knowing what you see is a symptom and not a cause. Everyone grows at their own pace, none of us are perfect. We have to allow God to do a work in us. We have to allow him to do a work in others. Be encouraged, if you have lost loved ones. Jesus can still change the cause of their symptoms.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS.

COMING JAN 1, 2024 I am launching my YouTube channel. There will be short daily devotional videos and longer teachings as God leads. Follow the link to subscribe to my channel. https://www.youtube.com/@AngelaDempsey-xy9ny

MERRY HEART

Pro 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

God wants us to be happy and enjoy our lives. He knows there will be days of happiness and days of pain. When things are bad, he wants us to lean on him. When they are good, he wants us to acknowledge him.

This verse makes me think about attitude. An attitude of gratitude leads to a merry heart. Sadness and depression will suck the life out of you. We get depressed when our circumstances are bigger to us than God. But showing God how much we appreciate him and love him will lift our spirits. Lean on him, be grateful and allow him to give you a merry heart.

During the Christmas season, we sometimes get sidetracked about the reason we celebrate. The obvious reason is ofcourse Jesus our saviour. Christmas is also a time to spend with those we love. I appreciate all of those who read my blog. I want to take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful Christmas. May you have a merry heart today and all through the year. May your blessings be many and your burdens be few.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

SUBMISSIVE CLAY

Jer 18:5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Jer 18:6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

As long as we are submissive clay in the potter’s hand, he will form and shape us into a vessel of use. Sometimes, we feel like we are being put through a long, painful process of changing into what God wants us to become. Have you ever watched a potter work the clay? First, he has to beat out all the air bubbles, not because he loves to pound on the clay. If he doesn’t, it will explode in the fire.

There is much to be learned about our relationship with God by studying the process of pottery making. The thing that sticks with me most is a fine porcelain cup is fired hotter than an earthenware mug. God wants to use us to be examples to others. But sometimes, he also puts us on a shelf, so to speak. Earthenware mugs are used every day, but often, fine porcelain cups are kept for special occasions. Maybe during the waiting process, God is saving us for a special assignment. One that he has created us specifically to carry out.

We are not to waste the time that we are on the shelf…waiting. No one wants to be in a holding pattern. One of the worst things we can hear from God is wait. But there are things to be learned in the waiting. Sometimes, He is just wanting us to sit quietly with him and get to know Him. Don’t ever waste the quiet time of waiting.

I Peter 4:12-13 (12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (13)But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

This process is a long one, to take clay from the ground and form it into a vessel of use. Being submissive clay will allow God to form and shape us. We will become a beautiful (vessel) pitcher that can pour out water on a dry and weary soul. The life of a Christian who is sold out to God will have fiery trials. We need to remember that the things we endure are not only for our benefit, but also for the benefit of others.

Once we have been through a trial, we have power over it. That puts us in a place in which we can help others overcome that trial when they are faced with it. We will not overcome unless we are pliable clay in the hand of the master potter. Ask HIM to help you to be submissive clay in his hands.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

PAINTING

John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

In the hand of a master artist a paint brush can be an amazing tool. It carefully and creatively applies paint to just the right spot. But a painting is only as good as the skill of the artist. God created the heavens and the earth. He constantly changes the sky like a huge canvas. The beauty of all creation is ours to enjoy. God gave us life and he wants to make it beautiful. He wants us to have an abundant life.

But we have to be like paint, willing to go where the hand of God leads us.

John 16:13 -“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

Just like a brush would guide the paint, his Spirit is our guide into all truth and righteousness. He can turn our lives into beautiful masterpieces if we will allow Him to work on us until we are complete.

Ask God to make your life a masterpiece.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

THE ACCUSATION

John 19:19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

It was customary that the accusations or crimes of the person being crucified were placed on the cross with them for all the world to see. Pilate did everything he could to release Jesus. He tried to reason with the leaders of the Jews. He even told them to judge Jesus according to their laws. But they had let hatred for Jesus to build up in their hearts. The religious people were afraid of Jesus. They wanted him dead and that went against their customs. They thought they could stop the people from believing in him if he was dead. They were afraid of losing their position in the community. Jesus kept gaining in popularity. They knew it wouldn’t be long until his message of love would replace their long list of religious rules.

The people were given a choice of one to set free. The Jews filled the crowd with people who would ask for Barabas to be set free. When Pilate asked what to do with Jesus, they shouted crucify. Pilate said he could not find any fault with Jesus and washed his hands of the whole thing before the crowd. Then Pilate wrote the title JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS, as Jesus’ accusation. When the Jews saw his accusation, they pleaded with Pilate to change it to say, “He says he is the King of the Jews.” Pilate said, I wrote it like it needed to be and I will not change it. It makes me wonder how many Jews and Gentiles believed because of the accusation.

I can guarantee that if we try to do the right thing and walk with God, the enemy will not like it. He will do what he can to see that we fall under offense, accusation or both. We have to be strong in the Lord and walk in the anointing He has given us. Jesus could have justified himself, but he didn’t say a word. He was our example, when we fall under accusation we need to not feel like we have to justify ourselves. We know the truth and God does too. He will fight our battles and will elevate us in spite of people’s opinions. We have no reason to fret or allow people to stand in the way of us doing what we know is right.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS