Keep Your Word

“When you make a vow to the LORD your GOD, you shall not delay to pay it; for the LORD your GOD will surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you. (22)But if you abstain from vowing, it shall not be sin to you. (23)That which is gone from your lips you shall keep and perform, for you voluntarily vowed to the LORD your GOD what you have promised with your mouth." (Deuteronomy 23:21-23) NKJV

We love to shout, and praise and dance on the promises that GOD has made us. As believers, we want to hold GOD accountable for every Word that HE speaks into and over our lives. Yet, we make vows to GOD all the time and don't want HIM to hold us accountable. How many of us have said to GOD, "if YOU get me out of this jam, I will serve you the rest of my life", only to turn our backs on GOD. Deuteronomy 23 verse 21 says that "when you make a vow to the LORD your GOD, you shall not delay to pay it, for the LORD your GOD will surely require it of you." GOD is going to hold all of us to the vows and promises we have made to HIM. If you vowed to be faithful and loving to your spouse, GOD expects you to keep your word. If you vowed to raise the kids GOD blessed you with, GOD expects you to keep your word. Verse 21 says that "it would be sin to you" if you fail to keep the promises you made to GOD. How many of us are sinning in the sight of GOD due to our unwillingness to do what we said we would do for GOD. What really has to be pointed out is what the Word says in verse 23 when it states that "you voluntarily vowed to the LORD your GOD what you have promised with your mouth." GOD didn't force you to promise HIM anything; but if you make a vow to GOD, you should keep your Word.

Change Is A Good Thing

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up.”(Ecclesiastes 3:1-3) NKJV

Change can oftentimes be difficult. Yet, we all know that change is necessary at times. As believers, we know that GOD does not change; but we also must acknowledge that GOD uses change to humble us and make us better. We don't like change becuase it forces us to do things differently. Many times we resist change because we have become accumstomed to certain habits and certain results. It is GOD that will force change on us to remind us that it is HIM we must rely on. GOD will change your income to force you to trust in HIM as provider. GOD will change your location and put you in a foreign land so that you rely on HIS guidance and direction. GOD will change your friendships and relationships so that you will reinforce your relationship with HIM. Ecclesiastes says to everything there is a season. If you are experiencing change in your life, don't get mad or frustrated. Actually, this is a time to celebrate because if GOD is causing the change; HE already knows how you will come out on the other side. GOD wants you to know that HE is forcing change in your life because change is a good thing.

What An Awesome GOD!

We have a tendency to associate the word awesome to just about anything. We declare our favorite team awesome. We describe the size and beauty of a building as awesome. We, at times, will even associate the look and drivability of a particular vehicle as awesome. The word awesome is defined as something that inspires awe or an awesome sight. Deuteronomy 10:21 says that GOD is our praise and that HE is our GOD. Just to know that GOD in heaven loves us and wants to be a part of our lives is awe-inspiring. To know that GOD, who created heaven and earth, loved us enough to send a sacrifice for our sins in awe-inspiring. Deuteronomy 10:21 goes on to say that it was HIM who "has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen." GOD is so good to us, HE allows us to have a front row seat to watch HIM perform miracles in our lives. We get to witness for ourselves HIS incredible salvation, deliverance, healing, and blessings. The next time you use the word awesome, make sure you use it in the right place because we serve an awesome GOD. The next time you think about using the word awesome; make sure you use it to describe the incredible works of GOD. What an awesome GOD!

Change From The Inside Out

There is such a premium put on making sure our outward appearance is the best it can be. As a matter of fact, it is a multi-billion dollar industry that supplies with all that we need to make sure we have the kind of hair style we want, the kind of clothing we want, and the kind of face we desire. GOD desires us, as believers, to put as much effort if not more on the development and beautification of our spirits. Ephesians 4 and 22 says that we should put off our former conduct. If our outer appearance is important, shoud not also our inner appearance be as well? What effort are you putting in to make sure that you love those around you, including your enemies? How much time do you spend acknowledging and changing those habits that GOD isn't pleased with? Verse 24 says that we should put on the new man which was created according to GOD. What are we putting on? We are putting on righteousness. We are putting on holiness. We are putting on a never-ending well of forgivness. Change, real change, comes from the inside out!

A Spoken Word

At a time when so many are desperate for hope and encouragement; it is good when you can see someone demonstrate the kind of faith that produces results. So many look to governments and man for help only to find themselves disappointed when the help doesn't come. This disappointment leads many to turn to GOD as a last resort. What's amazing about GOD is even when we wait to come to HIM about our situation; HE still will bless us with what we desire. The centurion that goes to Jesus on behalf of his servant reveals a tremendous amount of faith that we could all learn from. The centurion pleaded with Jesus to heal his servant; and because of his request, Jesus volunteered to follow him home. What the centurion says to Jesus, to this day, is a great example of faith. The centurion says "but only speak a word." So many of us are looking for GOD to send a sign, when what is really needed is a spoken word. Many are looking for GOD to reach down and touch their situation; when what is really needed is a spoken word. If GOD speaks a Word, it has to happen. If GOD speaks that you are healed, you are healed. If GOD speaks that you will prosper, you will prosper. If GOD speaks that better days are to come, then better days will come. All you need is a spoken word!

One Decision

Every day we make decisions. Each decision that we make is predicated on the choices presented to us. We make decisions on what to wear, what to eat, and what to buy. Some decisions have a tremendous impact on the quality of our lives. Deciding on where to live has a major impact on the quality of life and safety for you and your family. This decision also affects the quality of education your children will receive. The interesting aspect about decision-making is the fact that one good decision has a tendency to lead to a series of good decisions. In the same vain, one bad decision can lead to a series of bad decisions. The Word of GOD says "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life." Every day as believers we have to decide how we are going to live. GOD wants you to make the decision to choose life. When you choose life, you choose to have GOD in your life. When you choose life, you choose to be blessed and not cursed. GOD cannot and will not make you choose. The choice is yours. Just remember, the decision you make will either lead to a series of good decisions or a series of bad decisions. The quality of your life can hinge on one decision. Make the right decision today!

Open Doors

Although it may seem like the current market environment is volatile and shaky; this can really be a great time for opportunity. GOD is looking to see who will trust HIM in the most difficult of environments, so that HE can show YOU HIS provision. In Revelation 3 and 8 GOD says "I know your works." See, GOD is looking to see who remains faithful in the toughest of times. GOD is looking to see who still believes when all the conditions say not to. GOD goes on to say in verse 8 "I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it." What an encouraging Word from GOD to know that HE is the One that opens doors in our lives. It is great to know that it is GOD that shows favor in our lives. GOD, HIMSELF, creates the opportunities that we experience in our lives. Not only does GOD open the doors, HE has promised that "no one can shut it." You know it is a door GOD has opened because no one can shut it but HIM. A door opened by GOD no one can take credit for but HIM. Why does GOD open doors for us? HE tells us in verse 8 when HE said "for you have a little strength, have kept MY word, and have not denied MY name." Because you have been faithful to GOD, HE will open doors for you. When the doors open for you, make sure you have the faith to walk through them!