Stay Focused

You can always lose your possessions, but not your God-given qualities and salvation. Focus on enriching your life spiritually rather than with material things and man-made titles.

#stayfocused

Signs posted in areas serve a purpose. They are designed to let us know that something is taking place or getting ready to happen.

Miriam Webster defines “out of order” as not working properly; not able to be used. Not following the formal rules of a meeting, court session, etc.

Under construction: being built

Both of these terms have been seen and heard - but have we always followed the warning?

While reading “switch on your brain”, one of the chapters talked about task positive network and default mode network. As I continued my studies, the topic of being under construction (a work in progress) and (out of order) came to mind.

Often times we do things ourselves or quick to say that someone is out of order. We are not a vending machine but a human being. We do not operate with batteries in our backs or plug into electrical outlets to gain power, strength, wisdom or understanding. We can’t press a button to respond a certain way, even though it’s been said that people can do this...hmmm. We don’t have an item number on our chest to select from but we do need to be held accountable for the things that we say and do. After all we made a decision to respond rather it be positive or negative.

Self control serves a purpose and has a direct impact on the outcome of a thing. If you feel that someone is “power tripping” and you can’t grasp what’s actually going on with them because of your agenda...try tapping into the POWER SOURCE for instructions on what to say or do. God is a God of order and balance, and he has fashioned our mind, body and spirit this way. So when we decide that we want to do things our way and not follow His will and His way we are “out of order” and there will be consequences.

James 3:16 says For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. NIV

So, if you find yourself in an “out of order” state be sure to check the “under construction site” YOU!

When we know better, we do better.

#stayfocused

How many of us remember hearing people say: "Children should be seen and not heard"......?

While I was driving to work this morning, I thought about this cliché and the affect that it may have had on those who it was spoken over. Back in the day, if this was said to a child, it meant to be quiet, you don't know what you're talking about, you're just a kid, or hush up, grown folks are talking....

As I researched this statement further; I stumbled across this: Out of the mouths of babes (and sucklings). (literary)

something that you say when a small child says something that surprises you because it shows an adult's wisdom and understanding of a situation

Often times people don't take the time to listen to what a child has to say. I want to encourage you and even challenge you to make the time to stop and listen to your children, grand children, niece, nephew, student, godchild, mentee, whoever the young person is, no matter the age if they want to talk, need to talk, please take the time to listen. Who knows, there may be a blessing attached to that conversation.

Matthew 21:16

"Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, "'From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise'?"

Psalm 8:2

Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants

You have ordained strength,

Because of Your enemies,

That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.

Psalm 127:3

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.

"Young and inexperienced persons often can be remarkably wise!!!"

PRAYER

Heavenly Father we come to you today realizing that we may have said things that caused harm. Please forgive us. We realize that our young people have a purpose, we understand Jesus that we should lead by example. Help us to be mindful of what we say and how we say it. Your word tells us in Proverbs 22:6 to train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Thank you God for your constant reminders in your word. Strengthen us and give us patience to listen, to teach, to love, to encourage our young people. Speak to our hearts so we will know when to be quiet and pray. Dear Lord equip us to be the vessel that you can use to lead your children. We thank you for every child, we speak your word over their lives, we release them now back to you in Jesus name we pray. Amen

Peace & Blessings to you and your family!

Min. V

#stayfocused

James 1:23-25

Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.

But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action.

Min.V

#stayfocused

Keep Praying

Matthew 5:44

"But I say unto you, love your enemies,

bless those who curse you,

do good to those who hate you,

and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."

Min. V

#stayfocused

Proverbs 3:25-26

"Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared."

Min.V

#stayfocused

The dictionary defines the word "Transformation" as a complete or major change in someone's or something's appearance, form, etc

The bible says: transformation means “change or renewal from a life that no longer conforms to the ways of the world to one that pleases God” (Romans 12:2). This is accomplished by the renewing of our minds, an inward spiritual transformation that will manifest itself in outward actions. The Bible presents the transformed life in Christ as demonstrated through our “bearing fruit in every good work [and] growing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). Transformation involves those who were once far from God being “drawn near” to Him through the blood of Christ           (Ephesians 2:13).

Moreover, evidence of transformation within us is seen in the way we increasingly reflect the likeness and glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:1. For as the apostle Paul said, “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ” (Romans 8:9). To be considered as children of God, we must be led by the Spirit of God. And it is through the power of God’s Spirit that Christ lives within us. The transformed life mirrors the attitude of the apostle Paul: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

This power of transformation comes from one source!!!

So as we prepare ourselves for the remainder of the week - be sure not to confuse what God is doing in your life through the process of transformation verses the animated story of the Transformers. This film was produced in 2007 about a teenager who was caught up in a war....between the heroic Autobots and the Decepticons who can disguise themselves. Deception is real, don't settle for the counterfeit....

Now we know there is a war going on in this world today and a song by Walter Hawkins says

There's a war going on and if you're gonna win, you better make sure that you have Jesus deep down within.This battle cannot be won with bullets and guns, 'cause the enemy you cannot see with human faculties.

And the BIBLE declares in Ephesians 6:12

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

So family please be sure to equip yourselves in the word of God. Remember that we do not have to operate like the transformers did because when they changed shape and form they changed back.......

We need to "Stay Focused" and be led by the Holy Spirit. We are not robots, we do not have batteries in our back. We should not take on the form of the world. Keep moving forward! Remember to "be ye transformed".

Peace & Blessings to You and Your Family

Min. V

Do The Thing You Fear and The Death of Fear is Certain

Deuteronomy 31:6

"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or terrified because of them,

for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never

leave you nor forsake you.

Min. V

#stayfocused

The company you keep will determine the trouble you meet.

Proverbs 22:24-24

"Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their

ways and get yourself ensnared."

Min.V

#stayfocused

Min.V

#stayfocused