Imagine this. No really go into your deepest and realest visualization. Block out everything and focus on what I am about to say. Are you ready?….

 Jesus is visiting your neighborhood. He is going from house to house and will be at YOUR house in FIVE minutes!

1. How will you feel when He knocks on your door?
2. Will you let Him in?
3. Are there any rooms in your house that you do not want Jesus to see?
4. Are there any closets, text messages, dresser drawers, photos, social media pages you deleted or will hide from Him? 
5. Is there someone living in your house that should not be their and you’re hiding them or asked them to leave immediately?
6. What will Jesus ask you?
7. What will you ask Him?

The truth is, Jesus has been asking to visit  for quite some time. He is knocking at the door of your heart everyday. Somehow, someway, He reveals to you that He is real and you choose to ignore His invitation. Why would we ignore Jesus?

For those who have yet to accept Jesus’ visit, it’s likely that you know that the things being  hid and swept under the rug, or thrown in the closet or pushed down in the dresser drawer, is the very thing that you will have to give up because it goes against the word of God. And so, we choose that “thing” over love…until that “thing” hurts us and all but destroys us. 

Your body is your temple- your house. The Holy Spirit would like to dwell there to bring you so close to God that He hears your heart beating and the breath of life moving throughout your body. But instead of becoming clean (through the word of God) you try to hide your mess, putting on an outward mask to convince yourself  that everything is okay. 

The good news is that Jesus doesn’t give up because He knows the gifts that have been placed inside of you for the glory of God to be revealed. He is used to being rejected. And although it hurts, He will not give up on you.

 I don’t know about you, but I made up in my mind that I wanted Him to come over. In fact, I decided to let The Holy Spirit move in. I perform daily spring cleanings to keep my house clean. As long as you are breathing, you have the same opportunity. 

So, come on! What are you waiting on? Our Savior is here and He wants to meet you. Will you let Him in?

“Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”‭‭John‬ ‭14:23‬ ‭NKJV‬

Have you ever shared or heard others share their struggles with being obedient to the Word of God? You know- something that was done that you or that person have never done before? After telling the story or describing the incident, the phrase is most commonly stated as: “the devil made me do it!” I’ve then read/heard rebuttal against this statement. The response is usually something like: “Naw it wasn’t the devil, it was you. It was your ‘inner me’ not the enemy.” 

My reply isn’t for or against either argument. In fact I choose not to argue. But here is what I know. 

It is what is IN us that drives every decision, behavior, action and reaction that we make. 

Our daily efforts either uplift the kingdom of God or the work of the enemy. Whether admitted or not, it’s just that simple. 

If we live according to your fleshly desires, you’re not operating in the Spirit.

“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John‬ ‭8:44‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

If we live by the Spirit of Truth, we allow Him to lead and guide us in everything. 

“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” ‭‭John‬ ‭16:13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The “inner me” is what drives you. 

“So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:17, 19-21, 23-25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Do you ever feel like you don’t measure up to those around you? Join the club. I bet we all have struggled  with this at some point in time. From relationships, job capabilities, and even with our physical appearance, we have used some form of measurement to feel good about ourselves. 

The good news is that God doesn’t view us  as we view ourselves. He sees potential, when we see failure. He sees victor when we see victim. He gave us enough of what He desired for us to have, in order to perform the purpose that He has for us. 

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” Psalms‬ ‭139:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

• You ARE enough.
• You CAN fulfill the vision He placed in you (you know the one that you have pushed to the back of your mind because of your own personal measuring stick).  
• You DO matter and you do measure up. 

We cannot hate ourselves into a version that we can love. Think about what you’re beating yourself up over. Now consider this: Does it really matter? If you reach this “level of standard,” that you’re placing  yourself up against, is it going to transition you into this wonderful life of no worries and cares?  I can guarantee that the people you compare yourself to also compare themselves to someone else. Don’t get me wrong. It’s wonderful to celebrate a person’s positive changes in their lives and how they’ve moved forward. But now it’s your turn. There’s no respect of person with God. His word works for all those who believe and apply it to their lives…daily! That SAME God can change your life as well. 

If we’re not trying to measure up to God’s word, the standard is insignificant. 

If we learn to focus on the progress rather than the perfection, we will allow ourselves growth in wisdom in our spiritual walk. 

“As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.” Psalms‬ ‭17:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.”‭‭John‬ ‭6:5-6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Jesus had a divine purpose for everything that He did. He always sought His Father for guidance, He always had a planned direction for travel, and He always gave spiritual tests to teach His disciples how to become spiritual leaders. 

Being deliberate means that you’re doing or saying something with intent and on purpose. 

Since we ought to have the mind of Christ, I think it’s time for us to stop performing and be deliberate. 

• Deliberately serve the Lord.
• Deliberately turn from sin. 
• Deliberately live on purpose. 
• Deliberately believe. 
• Deliberately bless the lord at all times. 
• Deliberately speak life and not death.
• Deliberately be compassionate. 
• Deliberately get someone saved. 

And while you’re doing that, have a deliberate praise. 
Be deliberate! 

You spoke to the wind to be still…
You spoke to sickness to heal the man of leprosy…
You spoke to death to raise Lazarus…
You spoke to me and told me to live on…
You spoke to Satan to get behind you…

Luke 10:19 (NKJV)
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

So, since you have given us the power, I made some adjustments:

I evicted doubt.
I kicked out worry.
I served fear notice.
I moved out depression.

Huntay, I made room for Jesus to move in a few things in my life:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness – you know, the results of having His character – yes, the intangible things that prove I have changed (Galatians 5:22).

Jesus talked to things. We can and should also.

Luke 17:6 (NKJV)
So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

Have you ever said this: “Why me?”

Well, I have. I graduated from high school with honors at age 16, started college at 17, majored in Business Management and Information Systems, took a year off before starting a Master’s program. Completed the program with a degree in Telecommunications.  I met my husband after giving my life to the Lord and we remained abstinent until we wed. Please understand this. I’m no saint and there is a lot of testimony missing. In fact, there were issues with men that brought me back to my foundation and first love which is Jesus Christ. Having done everything “by the book,” the real tests began.

• Our first child was delivered through C-section because her heart rate decelerated.
• 2nd child had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck three times. It was so tight that when I would contract, her head would snap back. I was planning for a natural birth, but at that point, it was not about me: “Get my baby out! I screamed.”
• After 2 C-sections, I miscarried and wondered if I had sinned or made the Lord angry. Was He punishing me for something I did or did not do? “Lord what did I do? Did I upset you?”
• 3 months later, pregnant again. After 2 C-sections, a 3rd C-section is inevitable.
• 4 girls later, not planning to have any more children, the boy comes – with another C-section.

Here comes more “whys”…

• “Lord why can’t I have children the way you designed? I did it the right way?”
• “How come I can’t “pop” one out and then be back on my feet a week later?”
• “Am I supposed to be having children?”
• “Why won’t my hips adjust for natural child birth? It’s folks clubbing and everything, they get around as if nothing happened and I’m on bed rest for 6 weeks.”
• “Why my children have to suffer IN the womb?”

My family and I were beyond excited about a son but…another C-section? At this point risks with my age (37 at the time) and the number of C-sections I have had, are on my mind. My son’s life was at stake (and so was mine). I’m at a crossroad emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I had to somehow put my faith in check and determine if I would trust the Lord or not. My son was delivered fine and we both survived but my son’s life laid in the balance immediately after delivery. He was born with severe wet lungs. This meant he swallowed too much fluid in my womb. It was so bad, he was whisked away to the NICU, not knowing if he would survive. Great…just great! The one thing I truly desired – to give my husband a son – his name sake, he may not even live. 9 months of all-day sickness and fears from the last C-sections (the epidural would not take so I was put to sleep), what will happen this time? I wondered if the umbilical cord would be around his neck as it was Asia’s. Lord this was the prophesied child – the son…my boy… by the Apostle before He passed…and this may be it? That’s all? Just a glimpse of him? It was truly 9 months of mental torment with my son’s pregnancy.

What do you do when you have faith and you know that it was because of Jesus that you have made it this far? But now…there’s new situations and circumstances. What do you do? Well, I can tell you what I did. First, I had to have a talk with Kim Lock. Next, I began to thank the Lord for all that He had done (reverence). Then I began to pray by His word and to let Him know that I know what He has said and bae baeee…I believe Him. Finally, I needed some additional ammunition, so I had my husband to pray with me.

It wasn’t until my husband became a Pastor that I began to understand my purpose. I soon realized what was being accomplished through me.

PURPOSE was being fulfilled. Faith was growing. Spiritual character was being developed.

My trials had absolutely NOTHING to do with me but everything to do with who the Lord desired for me to be, to reach, and to compel.

Through ridicule, persecution, exile and mockery, Jesus did everything to ensure that the words of God, our Father, were fulfilled as was written, even to death.

Could your worst trial be Jesus’ desire to fulfill His purpose through you?

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty. – John 19:28 NIV

Definition: “A message that is uncertain because multiple interpretations are being conveyed at one time.”

Who we say we represent on the inside, must be demonstrated on the outside. Jesus never said one thing and did another. His actions and verbiage were in agreement with one another. His appearance connected with His character to convey a clear message.

1. Do the words and visible expression of anger on your brow agree with God’s word to be loving and kind? The wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God (James 1:20).
2. Does your conversation associated with gossip and judgment agree with God’s word of going to your brother or sister and strengthening them once you’ve been strengthened and converted (Romans 2:1)?
3. Does your undeniable God-given talent attract others to inquire about who and what Jesus means to you or does your attire distract others from seeing the Holy Spirit (Matthew 5:16)?

Whatever happened to denying ourselves for the greater good? You do realize that sacrificing births an “exceeding-abundantly-beyond -what-you-can-imagine” blessing, right? Let me be clear:

• Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son and became the father of many nations, because of his faith.
• Daniel was willing to eat vegetables to prove that the God he served is God above all. Daniel would not eat anything offered to idols and became the King’s adviser.
• Jesus was willing to leave Heaven, just to get you there, and now all power and authority has been given to Jesus. Nobody can get to God without going through Jesus first.

We were not called into salvation to demonstrate our “own” righteousness. If we could place ourselves in right-standing with our Father, by our own deeds, there would be no need for a Savior.

I Corinthians 1:30 (NLT)
God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.

Be honest. You know when your character, attitude, attire and conversation are not in alignment with the word. No one should have to tell us when we are out-of-order. The Holy Spirit is intelligent enough to convict you. He will not force you, but He will gently tell you. The question is are we willing to listen?

John 16:13 (NKJV)
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…

Luke 18:11  (NKJV)
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector…

Have you ever heard about a tragic story that hurt you to the core? Maybe someone loss their life violently, an innocent child violated, or there was a horrible accident? Stories of this magnitude are hurtful and piercing to the heart. Oftentimes we think of the victim and we have compassion for them (as we should) and then we judge the criminal. We begin to investigate the background of the person with cruel intentions and if we are not careful – we compare their issue to ours:

“I’ve done this but I’m glad I’m not like that.”

While that may bring some comfort to our minds and makes us grateful because we could have been in a “worse” way, the Bible says we all have sinned. We may have not stolen, or taken advantage of the innocent or murdered anyone but we ALL have fallen short. If we could do it on our own, what need would there be for a savior?

Romans 3:23 (KJV)
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God

One thing we all have done is lied. Out of all sins (outside of blasphemy, which is a form of deception) God HATES a liar and rightfully so. Lying is the exact opposite of Godly principles of truth.

John 8:44 (NKJV)
You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

John 14:6 (NKJV)
 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

What’s the point: We all have come short. Somehow we have become judges and not motivators, encouragers, life-drawers, light-shiners. So, let’s not judge someone because their sin is different than what ours was (or still may be). The blessing of it all is that there is salvation for us all.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.