Hope's Fuel

It’s Wednesday and only two days until Friday. I pray all has had a successful week so far. Don’t forget about “The Morning Show.” Click here for more information. Romans 14:17 (King James Version) For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Today is the last day of the month. Are you ready for the next month? Many people are entering the last quarter. How are you expecting to end this year? I pray that it is strong. The Bible states in Nehemiah 8:10: Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Joy is what will enable us to continue. It’s hope’s fuel. What keeps you hoping is joy. It’s the fuel that causes hope to back up your faith. It was joy that helped Jesus endure the cross. You and I can finish everything with the joy of the Lord, which is the Christian’s strength. This will allow us to finish, and finish strong. Now, Happenstance is where happiness comes from, because it is based on our circumstances. Joy is what gives you strength when things are not good. God wants us to celebrate life and not just endure it. The only way to accomplish this is by taping into the joy of the Lord. We do this in 3 ways. Not complaining Staying focused on Him (Jesus) Rehearsing what God has done and will do Complaining will only get you to consider quitting. Not growing. We are to vent up, not out. Remember joy is hope's fuel. God Bless, Pastor Mark

Expectation of Creation

WOW! What an Awesome Service. If you missed, you have to go back and see it. It was awesome! Click here. Also, don’t forget “The Morning Show” –tell your friends, co-workers, and family. Click here for the link.

Romans 8:19-25 (King James Version)

For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Have you ever been expecting something? It might be the night before Christmas or maybe you are wanting something for your birthday. You knew something big was about to happen, but had to wait for it. I want you to know God sees all the potential in your life and is waiting for you to move toward it.

It’s like having a trust fund for your child. When they reach a certain age, the child is released the funds. The reason is because of their maturity. They need to mature before they can receive the funds. Are the funds not there? No, it’s just not available unto they reach a certain point in their life. So, it is with us. God is excited and expecting us to reach the place where He can release every promise He has for us.

The perquisite is that we don’t settle. Don’t settle for anything, but God’s best. We settle when we respond with a sarcastic remark, or when we make a decision based upon pride instead of seeking God’s will for that decision. We settle when we start gossiping about others. We settle when we decide not to forgive. Then, we hold up our blessing from God. Don’t cut off the air supply that God has given you by speaking negative thoughts.

Truth overrides facts. Rehearse what God is doing and an open door of faith will happen. Remember God is expecting you and I to finish strong and He will help us as long as we ask Him.

God Bless,

Pastor Mark

Go After It

WOW! It's Friday! If you have not already, plan to worship with us this Sunday. Click here for the link. Also, don't forget "The Morning Show." Click here for more information.

Matthew 11:12 (King James Version)

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

In life we are to fight the good fight of faith. Not looking back, to the left, or to the right, but staying focused on Jesus and enjoying every moment. Without faith it's impossible to please God. We take it by force by speaking the word of God. Confession of the Word of God will cause that which you have prayed and are walking out in faith to happen.

One of the definitions of the word violence in the Greek is to force. One of the Greek definitions for the word force is to take back, pull, or catch. The enemy likes to push on you in different ways. It could be with your spouse, or maybe it's at your job. Maybe you're a person that cannot stand people that are lazy and you get mad when they don't do their part. Maybe it's something simply like not putting something away after use. The enemy will use this to push or force you out of God's will by speaking something or doing something that is not God's will.

So, Jesus said, that the violent take it by force. As we said earlier that word means to take back, pull, or catch. When the enemy pushes on you, you can catch him by speaking the word of God. You might have to step away from the situation or take a deep breath, but don't allow him to push you into his level.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (King James Version)

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Whatever you are facing, don't back up from what God has spoken for you to do. You were born for a reason and for this season. Go after it. Pursue God and see good success in your life.

God Bless,

Pastor Mark

Under the Influence

Wow! What an awesome week so far. The best is yet to come. I want to encourage all of you to come out to our Bible study tonight. You will not be let down. Click here for more information. Don’t forget about “The Morning Show." Click here to watch the show.     Matthew 4:19 (King James Version) And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. When you are under the influence of God’s presence and protection, nothing is able to move you out of the confidence you have in Christ. Jesus said greater works will we do because He goes to the father. Let me expound on three points of influence. Giving. Everything we do in life is about giving. What we say, how we say what we say, the way we act, and react. Everything is a seed. We are giving life or death into every area of our lives. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive. Another words be a person that is under the influence of heaven by giving. Giving can open and not giving can hold up things in our lives that we have been asking God for. Growing. It’s imperative in life that we continue to grow. Faith without works is dead. If we are not moving, then we are retracting. Jesus said follow me and I will make you. If we are to be under God’s influence and place His influence in our everyday life, then we must be following and growing. Gathering. Matthew 6:33 Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added. If we are not gathering people to be following Christ, then we are not releasing the influence of God in others. Influence is the greatest tool that can change a pattern or cause someone to do something for the good or the bad. Today, take the time and make sure in your giving, growth, and gathering, that you are under the influence of God’s presence and causing people to come be influenced by Him.

Seeing is Believing

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Ezekiel 37:1-4 (King James Version)

1The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,

2And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.

3And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.

4Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.

It's Monday, are you ready for an awesome work week? You know it can be hard at times to see what you want to see. It might be a broken marriage that you want to be healed, or maybe a shattered dream. Maybe you reached the top and accomplished the goal you set out to obtain and can't see past that. Whatever it is God is asking the question what do you see? 

Do you see yourself with that promotion? The answer is yes. Ezekiel said only you know. Ezekiel knew with God all things are possible, He makes those things that are impossible, possible. Things that are unbearable, He makes bearable. 

Now, God told Ezekiel to say hear the Word of the Lord to the dry bones. It's God's Word that changes our situation. It's His Word that brings strength and restoration into our life. His Word will never fail us. 

Today, say to your situation "Hear the Word of the Lord" and see what happens when you believe according to his Word. You're only a step away from the promise. Don't allow doubt, unbelief, failure, rejection, or fear to stop you from saying "Hear the Word of the Lord". 

God Bless,

Pastor Mark 

Your Self-worth

It’s Friday!!! I hope everyone has an awesome weekend and plan to come out to Breath Of Life on Sunday. If you are passing through Austin/ Central Texas area we welcome you to come out. Let us know if you're coming. Send us an email (connect this email to info@breathoflifechurch.com ) and one of our greeters will assist you.  If you don’t live in the area, you can view our services Live on Sunday! Click here.

 

Also, don’t forget about “The Morning Show with the Pastors.” Click here.

 

 

Matthew 10:31 (King James Version) Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

In life we can place value on things predicated upon it’s supply and demand. For instance if you own a rare piece of jewelry, it would be considered valuable. Predicated upon what it’s made of. Every one of us are valuable to God and those around us.

 

There are no little I’s and big U’s.We are all valuable to God and to others. The issue comes into play when we don’t value ourselves or see our self-worth. Your self-worth is not predicated upon what you wear, who you are associated with, or what your education is. God values you and I so much that He sent His only son, Jesus to die on the cross to eradicate every devaluing circumstance that would hinder us from committing our life to Him. The blood was shed for our sins.

 

WOW! Is that awesome or what. God valued you so much that He would send someone that you never met before in your life to save you. Next you must know God sees your potential in life and does not focus on your failures.

 

Every mistake a person makes, whether someone knows or does not know, the enemy attempts to use that against you and make you feel that you are not valuable. That is the opposite in our life when it comes to our self-worth in Christ. You’re more valuable than you think you are. Those who know their self-worth know it because someone told them they could do it, or someone coached them along the way.

 

In everyone’s life there is a corner man telling you that you can do it. Don’t allow the past success and failures determine your self-worth. Your life is worth more than all the money in the world. That’s why the enemy gets people to settle and compromise. They do not know their self-worth. It’s not how much money you have, the material possessions, what you look like, your social network, or your background.

 

Released to Rise

It's Wednesday! Come out for our Mid Week Bible Study.

Zechariah 3:4 (New Living Translation)

So the angel said to the others standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And turning to Joshua he said, “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.”

There's nothing like putting fresh clothes. In our life we have areas that are clothed with old, antiquated ideas, and self-centered ambitions. When we hear the word of God, whether it's at church or on a daily basis we our washing our mind and causing the clothes in areas that need to exchanged for fresh and new clothes.

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

God creates a clean heart through the blood of Jesus. And then he renews our spirit. Every individual has the ability to reach their full potential in life with Christ, but the only perquisite is to make a exchange in our clothing(figuratively speaking). It's not how close you can get to something that is not right, but how far you stay away.

Today, take time and make a spiritual exchange of clothes. God has a way of custom designing our wardrobe and it's the best. Then you will be released to rise.


God Bless,

Pastor Mark

The Underlying Issue

WOW! What an awesome service we had! If you missed it, you can go back and view it on our website. I talked about being contagious; starting a Spiritual Outbreak. Don't forget about our Morning Show, every weekday from 6:00 a.m. - 6:30 a.m. Click here for more info.

Proverbs 4:7 (King James Version)

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Have you ever seen the movie "Get Smarts"? These two guys in the movie were geniuses; but they lacked understanding. As smart as they were, they were also, unsocial and lacked understanding. They could tell you how something came together, but didn't have the understanding on why they did what they did. Wisdom gives you the answer, but understanding gets the job done. 

Many times in our life it's the underlying issues of life that cause us to stop moving forward in our walk with Christ. Jesus knew that with wisdom, you had to have an understanding heart. A heart that is teachable, pliable, and available. 

Galatians 5:6 talks about making a careful exploration of yourself. We are to make a careful exploration of ourselves. Not to compare yourself to someone else. Don't base your success on the success rate of someone else. You have a specific race to run and only you can fulfill it. 

God Bless, 

Pastor Mark

When Faith makes Sense

Wow! What an awesome and busy week. The weekend is finally here. I look forward to see all of you out this Sunday.

Galatians 6:4 (The Message) 4-5Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

We must all do our creative best in every area of our life. With our giving of our time, talents, and treasurers. The first step in doing our creative best is making an inner exploration of who we are verses what we do. We do this by not looking at where we are at, but what God has placed in our hearts.

Let me say it like this, faith and sense is not the same thing. It is an anatomy. An anatomy is two things that seem to contradict one another but in a real sense both are true in their own right. Faith is not sense and sense is not faith. When faith makes sense it is because you have the revelation of Jesus Christ. As the Captain of the Lords Host. As the leader and commander of His people. In John 2:1-10 Mary says whatever he instructs you do, do it! Jesus says, fill the water pots. The servants fill the water pots with water – that makes sense. Jesus says, draw the water out. The servants draw the water out – that makes sense. Now Jesus says, go and take it to the governor - now wait a minute, that doesn’t make sense. Why? Because the governor did not ask for water, he asked for wine. They received a miracle when they did it by faith, even when it didn’t make sense. When faith makes sense is when you do it by command.

It is not where you are going but who are you following. The steps of a good man or woman are ordered by the Lord. In every command of God (He never suggests anything) you have a capsule of the promise of success. What we need is for God to give us a command to do something. And what is inside of that command of the Lord Jesus Christ is a promise of success.

Today, take time out and make sure you are doing your creative best. Don't compare yourself to others or set your goals to others, No let your goals and visions be breathed on by God and see Him come through for you.

God Bless,

Pastor Mark

State of Your Union.

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Psalm 133:1-3 (King James Version)

¹Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

²It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;

³As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore

Every January the President gives what is called the State of the Union Address to Congress. He tells them what that adimistration believes the conidion the United States is in and what they are planing to do. God wants us to be in a spiritual unity that causes His will to be done in our lives.

There are 10 componets that make this up.

1.  Speak the same thing … 1 Corinthians 1:10a Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you.....

Our words reflect what we believe and see. In essence, what is being said is, believe the same thing then we can speak the same thing. That way there will be no divisions amongst us. If we don't believe what is being said there will be no unity or harmony.

2.  Be perfectly joined together in the same mind … 1 Corinthians 1:10b. ......but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

The mind is the organ of mental perception and apprehension. 1Corinthians 2:16, we have the mind of Christ. Therefore, we can all operate in the same mind, purpose, and Council of God.

3.  Be perfectly joined together in the same judgment (decision or discernment which determines conduct) … 1 Corinthians 1:10b.

Having the same judgment refers to decisions and discernment, which determines conduct. In simple terms, it is submission to the word of God and to leadership. The New Living Translation sums up the concept this way: “I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

4. Have the same love…Philippians 2:1-3.

According to Romans 5:5, the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by His Spirit. Therefore, we have the ability to see others through the Father’s loving eyes, and to love others just as He loves others.

5. Have the same care...“But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you” (2Corinthians 8:16). Having the same care is having the same concern, earnestness, and diligence about everyone. There should never be a disrespect of persons in the body of Christ. We must dare to care for them in the faith and ensure that those around us in our inner circle have the same diligence as we do.

6. “There are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:4).

Our common denominator is the Spirit of God. God has given us all the same Spirit to witness and testify of the truth of God’s word. Having the same Spirit gives us the ability to identify with God and with one another. However, we can have the same Spirit and still not walk by the same Spirit. We must allow the Holy Spirit to have ascendancy or oversight of our lives. For He is our common denominator.

7. “… Walked we not in the same spirit? Walked we not in the same steps?”

(2 Corinthians 12:18) In order to walk in the same steps we must do things the same way. In essence, follow the example of love and commitment already set before you. Jesus set the pattern on how to love those that reject love and how to be patient with those in our lives that cause us to loose our testimony.

8. “We having the same spirit of faith, …” (2 Corinthians 4:13).

The spirit of faith always Says before it Sees in the natural. According to Hebrews 11:2, things around us were spoken before they came into existence. Therefore, we must believe God’s report and say what God says. Let us have the same spirit of faith to bring what is in the spiritual realm to the natural realm. You and I have what we say.

9. Philippians 3:16 tells us that we should live by the same rule. Living by the same rule is continuing in the things we have learned and know according to God's will, way, and wisdom. The only way God can show us a better way is by continuing to live the way He has shown us. The Word of God does not change. It will always be a lamp to our feet and a light unto our path.

10. Hebrews 6:11 tell us that we should show the same diligence. Have the spirit of a finisher. Having the same diligence is making the same effort every time. Let us not be weary in well doing but fervent in spirit. By the Holy Spirit, we can reach our full potential in Christ. Whatever we do, do it heartily as unto the Lord.You were born with greatness in you and with God nothing will be impossible.

God Bless,

Pastor Mark

Not forgotten

Happy Labor Day! We had an Awesome service on Sunday. If you missed our morning show. click here to go to it.

1 Thessalonians 1:3 (New International Version)

We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

In life we have the Worship of Faith, the Walk of faith, and the Work of faith. In everything we do we should do it for God's glory, other people's benefit, and for our growth.

The Worship of Faith deals with our sacrifice of worship unto the Lord. Heb. 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. Abel offered his worship without fear of what others would say. He did it with his whole heart.

The Walk of faith deals with daily devotion with God. Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Enoch spent so much time with God that God took him home. Make sure your fellowship and social networking involves time with God.

The Work of faith with continuing exercise of the Word of God. Faith without Works is dead. Noah worked his faith. What God instructed him to do he did not allow his fear, doubt, unbelief, or failures of the past to prevent him of accomplishing what God had instructed for him to do. He was courageous.

These men accomplished all these goals without regret or looking back. Just as their work and labor of love was not forgotten, know what you have done for Christ, is not forgotten. People may forget or not recognize it, but God sees your work and labor of love and great is your reward.

God Bless,

Pastor Mark

Relentless Faith

It's been a productive and successful week. One thing is for sure with God all things are possible. Don't forget the Morning Show with the Pastors starts this Monday. Click here for more information.  

Luke 18:1 (New Living Translation)

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.

As I have said before, our success in life is predicated upon our obedience of the Word of God. What He instructs us to do and say will be the pivotal point of decision of whether life or death will come into that situation.

In life there are obstacles that come our way, but are only an opportunity of development and growth. Jesus instructed His disciples to continue and to launch out into the deep.

Luke 5:4-6 (King James Version)

⁴Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

⁵And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

⁶And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

Peter began to tell him why they could not follow through on the request. Then finally, he listened and showed one of the greatest breakthroughs in his career. God wants you and I to know that even though life may get hard at times, it's not the place to quit or give in. You may be dealing with a problem in your marriage. Don't quit. Let God work it out. Maybe it's a dream or a goal and it seems you may never be able to reach. Continue what God has said. You might need to make some mid-term adjustments, but know God will come through and you will see it come to pass.

Today, don't throw in the towel, but stretch yourself and see how this place is only a place of opportunity for growth and development for success in your life.

God Bless,

Pastor Mark

Inner Circle

I hope all of you have had a successful week so far. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Monday September 07, 2009 at 6:00 AM. Wake Up With the Pastors is live on the Internet. Click here for more info.

When I was growing up my parents never allowed me to associate with certain people. These individuals where people that were not conducive to the development of my life. So it is with our life. Are the people in your inner circle helping or hurting you? If you want to grow in your life, you must allow God to place you with people that will enlarge you and that tell you the truth. Many times we associate with people that like us and we like them, but are really not healthy for our life.

2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

When we connect with people on simply the basis of the flesh and not the spirit then we gain a carnal relationship built upon the philosophy of the world instead of the theology of God’s Word.

Today, allow God to connect you with people that will be your inner circle. My prayer is Lord use me and expand me.

God Bless,

Pastor Mark