Outcast 4 Christ

Quit keeping score and Forgive them today!

1 Corinthians 13:5
5 It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured.

Love doesn’t keep a record book of offenses from others, nor is it easily offended or heartbroken. Love is tough. True genuine love is the hardest thing in this world you can do. For true love will cause you to put that loved one above yourself even when you feel hurt or wronged by them. Who are you holding that grudge against? Who are you keeping a record of wrongs for? We must not continue to replay these scenes over and over in our hearts and minds, But rather let us Love as Christ and then forgiveness will come easier to us!

Colossians 3:13

13 bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive.

Today instead of submitting to yet another excuse of why you can’t meet your goals…. Rise above it and take just one step in that direction! Repeat that process daily!!!!

You Can’t Please Everyone!!!
People pleasing is a horrible thing to do it’ll leave you drained and totally discouraged. The best thing to do is follow Christ this is where true wisdom can be found!

Matthew 11:16-19. Amplified Bible
16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like little children sitting in the market places, who call to the others, 17 and say ‘We piped the flute for you [playing wedding], and you did not dance; we wailed sad dirges [playing funeral], and you did not mourn and cry aloud.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking [with others], and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking [with others], and they say, ‘Look! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners [including non-observant Jews]!’ Yet wisdom is justified and vindicated by her deeds [in the lives of those who respond to Me].”

Hearing stories from people who give their heart to God at a young age and lived a good moral life all of their lives is a tremendous awesome testimony… if that’s you tell it. But it nearly brings me to tears in joy when I hear about or see someone go to the lowest of all gutters broken and God reaches down in the muck to rescue them!!!!!

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER!!!!
How long has it been since you prayed? Really prayed????

The disciples could’ve asked Christ to teach them miracles, to give them healing powers, to teach them to read minds, and so much more that they had witness Christ do. But it was far more important to learn to pray as Christ prayed. Your prayer life will reflect your relationship with The Lord. How long has it been? Let today set the new standard for your life a life full of PRAYER!!!!

Luke 11:1-4
King James Version
11 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Proverbs 22:6 KJV

Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.
This may be unpopular but it’s truth! Don’t raise them kids to be Pentecostal. You better not raise them to be Baptist. Quit trying to mold that child into being Methodist. You better focus on leading them to Christ! Pay attention to how you’re raising them to treat others instead of raising them to be part of a religious faction that rivals with any other!!!! Any specific denomination will not get to heaven only the born again followers of Christ! You will not get in with a better than thou attitude that loyalty to a denomination breeds! Raising them in the way they should go means raising them in the discipline and instruction of The LORD! Not rules of man made denominations! Ephesians 6:4.

Finding Peace among the Chaos!
John 16:33
King James Version
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

These are the words Jesus speaks to his disciples just after letting them know of the persecution that was to come and how he’d be crucified. His disciples would scatter and abandon Christ, then they’ll be thrown out of the synagogues and killed for their faith! After going over in gruesome detail of all the tribulation they were about to face, Christ says “I’m telling you this so you’ll have peace” “be of good cheer”! What!!!???!? Where is the peace among all this chaos and confusion? Vs 6-16 Christ shows the peace. The peace comes from the fact that He will send the comforter (Holy Spirit) to be with us! We can have peace knowing we’re not alone! We also find peace in what the comforter does for us. He teaches us and leads us in all truth and shows us things to come! We can be at peace due to His guidance! Also, we see that Christ tells them this life is temporary, He says in just a little while we will meet again! We can be at peace knowing we have heaven to gain! Lastly in vs 33 we find peace knowing Christ has given us victory through His own victory. We are more than conquerors through Christ!!!! The peace in the middle of your chaos is found in Christ alone!

Philippians 4:5-7
Amplified Bible
5 Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

Don’t quit!

Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

It never seems to be that we find regrets when we give it our all and fail. Failure doesn’t bring regret it brings knowledge, experience, understanding, and the wisdom to succeed in that area next time. Failure is merely a learning curve to those that’ll take advantage of the lessons it provides. However, I’ve never quit anything without the regret of wondering… What if? What if I would’ve kept going? What if I had waited one more day? What if I would’ve took one more step? What if I’d taken one more risk? Quitting brings no lesson other than the lesson that it’s full of unknown possibilities. Regret is a hard place to live. Failure not so much. Atleast with failure you find knowledge to succeed! It’s the scripture before Phil 4:13 that really ties it all together for us
Philippians 4:12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.
Notice the word learned… Paul learned this lesson by staying the course and being content throughout all circumstances of life. What is the lesson? Refer back to vs.13

Don’t quit now you’ve come too far to lay down! Trust in God to give you strength to succeed even after you may fail!!!

“God will put you back together infront of those who broke you!”

I recently heard this quote and I automatically questioned if it was biblically sound as I do with any bit of theology I hear. As we always should! My mind went to the Bible to see if I could find examples. First to mind was Joseph. Joseph’s own brothers conspired to kill him, eventually sold him into slavery, just when he finds favor with Potiphar his wife in anger gets Potiphar to throw him in prison, in prison after assisting and uplifting the chief cupbearer the cupbearer didn’t remember Joseph leaving him there to rot, finally Joseph interprets Pharaohs dream and he’s made 2nd in command to Egypt! Fast forward Joseph’s brother are starving and they’re on their knees in Egypt begging for food infront of the very one they broke, Joseph! Then I thought of Daniel how his conspirators had him thrown in the lions den only to end up there themselves as Daniel is safe and sound! You can continue on and on with people God put back together infront of those who tore them apart. Then I remembered this verse from Psalm 23…. Vs 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:! And lastly even Christ Himself! He told the religious leaders if you tear down this temple He would rebuild it back in three days!

Isaiah 53:5
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

They broke our savior but on the third day He rose!!!!
Are we any better than any of these? Especially Jesus Christ? We’re no greater than our master. People hated Christ and broke him… who says we’re above this?
So they broke you! So they tore you apart! So they despitefully used you! So they said all manner of evil against you! Let God have His vengeance. Let God handle the situation. Let Him prepare your table and put you back together before those who broke you! We can’t control the actions of others but we can control our own actions.

Romans 12:21
King James Version
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Just Take One More Step!

God calls us to trust not understand.
It’s a difficult path when you can’t see the end game. When all you see is enough light for the next step and you’re in the valley of death it’s scary, nerve rattling, and even down right disheartening! The questions arise… Why me? Where we going? Is the pain even worth it? How long will this last? How much further is the journey? It’s not a fun process to be seemingly all alone in the dark and lost. However understanding isn’t what we’re lacking in this moment. We’re lacking trust in God! Thank God for His Grace in these times that Christ reaches his hand down and has empathy on us! What we need in these times is the courage to take the next step. This courage comes only from the grace of God! (2Timothy 1:7) When you’ve reached your limit and don’t think you can go on. The Holy Spirit says “Just take 1 more step!”

Proverbs 3:5-6
Amplified Bible
5 Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.6 In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,
And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

James 3:9-10
Amplified Bible
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God. 10 Out of the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. These things, my brothers, should not be this way [for we have a moral obligation to speak in a manner that reflects our fear of God and profound respect for His precepts].

You don’t have to speak every word that comes to mind!
Three things we must keep in mind when it comes to our speech!
#1. You’ll never be able to unsay what you said. It’s better to be thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt. Rash speaking will play out in your mind and haunt you and though you wish you could you’ll never take it back. This type of speech has the potential of ruining your reputation and relationships! When in doubt stay silent!
#2. Words can hurt worse than any weapon. Your words can destroy reputations by gossiping about a person, and also destroy a person’s self worth by belittling them. Though it may be unintentional your words have the potential of ruining a person! When there’s nothing kind to say…. Stay silent!
#3. Lastly yet most importantly (Matthew 12:36) your words will be used against you on judgement day! You’ll one day stand before God and give an account of every word that has ever proceeded out of your mouth! If you’re not prepared to answer to God for what you’re about to say…. STAY SILENT!

Proverbs 18:6-8
Amplified Bible
6 A fool’s lips bring contention and strife,
And his mouth invites a beating.
7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a whisperer (gossip) are like dainty morsels [to be greedily eaten];
They go down into the innermost chambers of the body [to be remembered and mused upon].

Worrying and overthinking will kill your confidence, ambition, and peace of mind. Find peace in knowing you don’t have to carry the burden alone! When Christ said “take my yoke upon you” he was essentially telling us that we didn’t have to carry the weight of this world alone. Rather if we yoke together with Him He would alleviate the stress and teach us to navigate through life in a better and peaceful way!
1 Peter 5:7
Amplified Bible
7 casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].

Matthew 11:29
Amplified Bible
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls.

Never devalue yourself!
People will tell you what you’re worth to them if not by words then by actions. 3 rules for dealing with these people. #1 don’t cheapen your value God has placed on your life over their opinion.
#2 Don’t make them tell you twice that you’re no value to them by wasting your time trying to prove yourself!
#3 Don’t allow them to stop your progress!!!
It’s ok to not give everyone your time and energy in life.

Luke 13:31-32
Amplified Bible
31 At that very hour some Pharisees came up and said to Him, “Leave and go away from here, because Herod [Antipas] wants to kill You.” 32 And He said to them, “Go and tell that fox [that sly, cowardly man], ‘Listen carefully: I cast out demons and perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I reach My goal.’

Faith over Fear!

Matthew 14:28
King James Version
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

Faith over fear is a concept that’s easily spoken but often times hard to apply. As you’re watching the storm around you and feel the affects of the deadly wind as you’re being tossed around like a piece of debri, It’s not so easy to claim faith! But Christ is always on time to work all things out for your good. (Romans 8:28). The storms of life that The Lord places you in the middle of, is to build you up, not destroy. Put your faith over fear knowing that the same God that led you into the storm will lead you out. You’ll be stronger, wiser, and full of more faith! And the story and testimony youll have is a tool to lift others above the fear!

When I read the book of Job I understand that when satan can’t simply just take you out… he will do everything he can to wear you out! Don’t grow weary!!!!

Jesus’ first act in Jerusalem after Palm Sunday was the cleansing of the temple. They used the temple in a way to benefit their own life’s instead of treating it with reverence in honor of God. This begs the question of the wise to self. What is my intentions of church? What are my intentions of my Christian walk? Most importantly. What’s my intention in serving Christ? You should with the same righteous anger drive out of your heart any self centered intentions as it relates to your relationship with Christ! Also remember this the truth will always attract anger and hatred due to the inconvenience it brings to those blinded by lies! Keep your head up despite those that hate you. But stay humble knowing that we need Christ! God without man is still God, man without God is nothing!
Mark 11:15-18
Amplified
15 Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple [grounds] and began driving out [with force] the people who were [a]selling and buying [animals for sacrifice] in the temple area, and overturned the tables of the moneychangers [who made a profit exchanging foreign money for temple coinage] and the seats of those who were selling doves; 16 and He would not permit anyone to carry [b]merchandise or household wares through the temple [grounds, using the temple area irreverently as a shortcut]. 17 He began to teach and say to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a robbers’ den.” 18 The chief priests and the scribes heard this and began searching for a way to destroy Him; for they were afraid of Him, since the entire crowd was struck with astonishment at His teaching.

God begs us to come just as we are. Bring the good,bad, and ugly! Bring the deep dark secrets nobody knows about. Bring your hate, bring your anger, bring your abominable sins! All that you are bring it to him! He will do the rest!!!! Do not fall for the religious trap of cleaning yourself up to reason together with man! Reason together with your creator instead!

Isaiah 1:18
Amplified Bible
“Let Us Reason”

18
“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord.
“[a]Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be like wool.

Will you have an awful day or an awesome day?

This question can only be answered with 1 piece of information. No its not information about the circumstances the day may hold, nor is it based off of the news you receive, and it has nothing to do with the way you feel. The information needed to determine how your day will turn out is the mindset you have! The mind is the battleground for your soul and spirit. Dont lose that battle to satan today. Fix your mind on Christ where our victory is found and praise God for you’re alive! Rejoice and be GLAD! For you have lived to fight another day!!!!

Psalm 118:24
24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Proverbs 20:24
Amplified Bible
24
Man’s steps are ordered and ordained by the Lord.
How then can a man [fully] understand his way?

What about Dec 26th?

Psalm 68:19
English Standard Version
19 Blessed be the Lord,
who daily bears us up;
God is our salvation. Selah

Psalms 95:6
“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.”

I’ve never made a huge fuss about the 25th of Dec not being an accurate date for the birth of Christ. In reality christian leaders originally marked this date to celebrate the birth of Christ in defiance of pagan holidays. We should celebrate the birth, ministry, death, and the resurrection of Christ everyday. I’m sure yesterday you gathered around the tree opening gifts and spending much needed time with family. And as a Christian you probably reminded the children that Christ is the reason for the season. But what about today? Let’s not forget him on the 26th. After all he hasn’t forgotten us! He bears us up DAILY!

This could be your angel!

Hebrews 13:2 KJV
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Sometimes people come in your path and you see a need in their life that you have both the means and experience to help. Should you? Absolutely! This could be your angel. I mean this in 2 ways. #1. This could be a literal angel whom God himself has sent directly to you. #2. This could be a non angelic human that could be the very one coming to your rescue one day! Either way The Lord is watching and paying attention to how you treat others. Don’t disappoint. You’d be amazed at what could be accomplished in others if you’d be willing to show a small amount of grace and compassion. Who knows, maybe tomorrow you’ll be the one needing compassion. What if this angel treats you in the same manner you treated them? Be careful how you treat others, THIS COULD BE YOUR ANGEL!

Something God must break you to remake you! Be proud of that limp!

Genesis 32:31
Amplified Bible
31 Now the sun rose on him as he passed Penuel (Peniel), and he was limping because of his hip

Proverbs 24:16
Amplified Bible
16
For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again,
But the wicked stumble in time of disaster and collapse.

When you’ve been through the very depths of evil this world has to offer and find your self still standing there’s a sense of pride that arises. You take inventory of the scars of old and the fresh wounds that have yet to heal. You recall the mistakes that were made during the battles you’ve endured. You live with the pain of what was lost yet glory in the strength that was gained. You remember the times you’ve failed and thought surely you were defeated. However you’re still standing. It’s in these moments you must be very careful to not forget. It wasn’t you alone that won the victory. It was The Lord that carried you through the trenches of war and brought you safely to the other side. Thank Him for His faithfulness!

Find out who your friends are!

Proverbs 27:6
King James Version
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Pay attention when you get corrected by a friend out of love and concern. That’s what true friends do. It’s very rare to find a friend with enough love for you that they’ll take the courage to correct. Hang on to them friends. And aspire to be this friend to others. But watch out for those that cheer you on no matter how immoral you’re being. These types of friends will be there only until the fun runs out! Ditch those friends. And be sure to never be that person. Show me your friends I’ll show you your future! Find out who your true friends are!

John 19:15


“But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.”

It’s strange to realize the same people screaming for the death of Christ are the same people that earlier in the chapter were praising his name!

The same people rooting for you and cheering you on today may be the same that will tear you down tomorrow. Some that are hating on you today could be your biggest supporters tomorrow. Point is people will be people. If your motivation comes from encouragement from others you will never stay motivated. If you fall because someone criticizes you then you’ll forever be stumbling. Don’t allow others to dictate your attitude toward life they’re just people! Press forward in your calling!

ONE DAY AT A TIME!!!!

Matthew 6:34
Amplified Bible
34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Are you living in the past reliving all your mistakes? Do the bad days of old haunt your memory day after day never letting your mind out of the prison of sorrow? You were never meant to live this way. Learn from the past mistakes and grow stronger from the past traumas and press forward!
Are you constantly full of anxiety dreading what tomorrow may bring? Worried that there’s not going to be enough money, time, or resources to make it through the future? This will bog you down to a point that your too scared to live life now. Do what you can today to prepare for the future and let tomorrow worry about tomorrow.
We’re meant to live life 1 day at a time and lean on God to get us through. Living in the past or the future will totally destroy our present and make us miserable. Trust that Christ has forgiven your past. Trust that God will take care of the future. And live your best life now looking to The Lord who can and will supply all your needs and then some! Live your life in this present day filled with joy that God will be with you if you trust in him!

A PASTOR SILENTLY HURTS BUT OPENLY PRAISES!
Most will never experience let alone understand the sacrifice of a pastor. Your pastor often sacrifices sleep, their personal goals and ambitions, time with family, even sometimes neglects their personal mental, physical, and emotional health to serve you. They do this with their hearts being both heavy and full of joy. It’s heavy because they know they’ll never get those moments they sacrificed back. They know the family vacations put on hold, the anniversary day celebration being postponed, the last minute dropping of plans, the sleepless nights, countless hours spent studying and meditating instead of playing video games with their children will be gone forever. They’re oftentimes stressed and overwhelmed with the hard fought task of balancing family, work, and pastoral duties. They wrestle daily with thoughts of not being enough, and not making a difference. They fight battles you’ll never know about. And while fighting their own battles they still have you and your struggles in mind. Being Superman weighs heavily on a pastors heart. OH BUT THE JOY! The joy of being a living sacrifice for The Lord is unmatched to anything else. Most say I’d never drop what I’m doing and leave my plans for them and go thru the stress. Most say I’d tell them no and walk away! Understand, this is a calling and a pastor does not simply say no! They call on the Lord for strength and guidance and with a smile they show up and serve! When you see your pastor with a smile on their face and shake their hands remember their sacrifice, remember their struggle. Encourage their heavy heart, and show appreciation for the joy they take in serving you! A HUGE THANKS TO THE PASTORS THAT SERVED ME!

A positive attitude wins out against adversity everytime… while negativity keeps you defeated. Don’t let adversity win choose positivity instead! This too shall pass!!!!

When you decide to attack a child of God, before you talk about them, before you spread ugly rumors, before you try to use them, before you try to deceive them, before you conspire against them, before you swindle them, before you fight them! Before you decide to harm God’s child in any way! First think about who you’re getting in the ring with!!!!!!
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Psalm 105:14-15
14 He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;
15 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

Romans 12:19
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord