When Faith Speaks

Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. By faith Noah built an ark even though it had not rain in years. By faith Abraham acquired all that God said was his. By faith Gideon over came an army of thousands with only 300 men. By faith Peter walked on the water toward Jesus. By faith 3 Hebrews refused to compromise and was thrown into the fire, but came out unharmed. By faith Daniel stayed faithful to God and God delivered him from the lions. By faith we walk by faith. Don't limit the faith you have in Christ. If God before you who can be against you. You are worth more than the world.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark

Protected

You have been gifted to live a life that is effective and changing the world. Don't let go of what God has said, instead speak what He has already spoken. Relax your best days are still ahead of you.

In the book Psalms chapter 91 verse 16 it tells us "with long life God will satisfy us." He is in the business of protecting us for life. He is our spiritual protector.

We can go aside from His protection by not following His lead. When someone comes onto you, don't allow yourself to get flattered, stop the feeling by refusing to allow it to seduce you. Walk away, call someone, but don't stay there. If you get temped to settle, or lie about a situation, refuse to move toward it, the reason is you are leading yourself outside God's protect.

1. Leaders lead with God's protection in every area of your life. The bible tells us in the Book of first John chapter 2 verse 27 the Holy Spirit will teach us all truths. It's the strategy to accomplish what God has spoken for us to do.

The strategy is the road map you and I need to define and accomplish the vision/goals in our life.

2. The strategy we use is not just about the end, but it is the means to the end.

3. The protection God has for each of us will allow us to move beyond our boundaries, but stay within His protection. It's not ignorance or foolishness, but faith in His plan.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark

The drought has ended

It's raining. It has come. When Elijah was ready to pray, he told the servant what do you see? It was not until the seventh time the servant saw a cloud the size of a man's hand. It's was the sign the rain was coming.

I know there has been a draught, but I declare to you today, the draught has ended. Just like Elijah, when we see what God is saying, the draught has ended. It was not raining yet, but the cloud was indicative the rain was coming.

Today, know the draught in your life has ended. It's over and the victory is yours.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark

Before you Get There

Did you know "the place" God has called you to, He has already prepared for you? Yes, that is right, God knows the end from the beginning. The strategy he has placed in your heart to accomplish his will may seem complex, but He will provide resources as fuel for your vision and God given destiny.

When God spoke to Abraham telling him to travel to the land of Canaan, little did he know he would be welcomed by a famine. No one wants to follow the will of God into a famine. What do you do when you arrive to a place, directed by God and there is famine in the land?

Crying is not an option. Turning back is not an option. Giving up is not an option. Pressing forward is the only option. Pressing forward is the only solution. As you assess your situation, you may think "what do I have to offer" this land in famine?

Show them a better way of living friend. Show them famine is not the lifestyle God intends for us to live.

Unexpected

Life can bring unexpected situations our way. But when we have a daily communication with God, there is opportunity for God to speak to us about the unexpected.

When things occur in our life, it's not a time to doubt God or feel nothing is going to work out. God is able to do abundantly above we can think or ask according to the power that works in us. This time is a time to speak and confess what His word says.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

God knows the way out and the way in. He knows how to make all things possible.

I don't know where you are currently at, but don't allow fear, regret, and doubt to consume your mind. God has a plan and strategy to accomplish all that He has called you to do.

Here are some points to ponder when the Unexpected happens.

1. Never regret- Regretting only causes us to formulate a solution based upon what we think should of happened, or what could have really happened. Either way. God says in His word the latter will be greater than the formal. God still has God opportunities for us.

2. Always know God is working on your behalf- Romans 8:28 tells us -And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

3. Cast down or throw down every thought that is opposite of God's will. The Message bible says it like this: II Corinthians 10:5.... We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.....

4. Heaven and earth will pass away but God's word will never pass away. What He has said will come to pass.

No matter where you are right now as you read this. When you give what you are going through to God, He will open a door that no man can shut and shut the door that no man can open. Your best life is still ahead.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark

Premium Living

Some measure “premium living” contingent on where they live, what they drive, where their education was acquired, what their current title, position and income are; however, that is not God’s definition.

God intends for us to live a premium life, but it’s more about the internal, not external; more about the essentials vs. the non-essentials. You see, what we wear, where we live, what we do for a living, and how much we make, does not define us.

Our definition of who we are should be what the word says we are. My friend Joel Osteen who pastors Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas has his church family quote this every Sunday. It reminds me of premium living.

“This is my bible. I am what it says I am . I have what it says I have. I can do what it says I can do….”

They have a whole statement about believing the word of God and allowing it to shape and define them. Sometimes in life we can fall prey to believing intrusive thoughts. Thoughts such as, we aren’t going to make it, beginning again is too hard, I have arrived, I’m at the end of my rope.

I’m here to announce today that there is hope at the end of your rope. That God has a plan and purpose for your life. If you are 20, 35, 44, 58 whatever your age, it’s never too late to begin again, dream again and live again. Premium living is living life according to God’s plan. God’s plan is found in His word. His word is our road map in life. It helps us through valleys and mountains. Encourages us through the good, the bad and ugly of life. Following God’s road map does not eliminate obstacles, hard times, and such; but I assure you that while not everything comes from God, He will use it to work for your good. Premium living is in reach. Reach up, allow God to reach in and together live life to the fullest!

Blessings,

Pastor Mark

Hazardous Work

In Matthew 10:16 The Message says it like this: "Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you. You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don't call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.

When I think of serving God, it is hazardous work. We uphold God's standard of living. It's taking His road all the time. It can be dangerous at times.

So, the question is how do you stay connected, committed, and passionate toward God and His calling without constantly being in defense mode?

Here are some points:

1. Stay focused. Many times situations occur simply because of life. Jesus said I send you forth as sheep running through a wolf pack. He was telling us life has wolves; don't be afraid.

2. Be practical. In life we can prevent things from happening, simply by doing the practical.

3. Be not afraid. II Timothy 1:7 God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Psalms 23:5 Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. Psalms 91:7 one thousand will fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but no evil will come near you. God knows how to protect us.

Remember God will never leave you nor forsake you. He knows the ending from the beginning.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark