The Nobody’s Perfect club – Unlimited Excuses Part 2
December 15, 2020 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Christian Living
Seek GOD first before everything!
GOD really is omniscient! I still can’t quite grasp why many really don’t believe. God really does hear all and see all we do. That includes absolutely ALL OF US, everywhere all over the world! If we did, it would eliminate a lot of the charades and manipulations and cliques. GOD IS REAL!
GOD has only ONE CHURCH!
Remember, “seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness… “ will really add all you need in this life. But always know you cannot manipulate God. He is not like a genie. Yes, He is Omnipresent. But He is not at our every beckon call. He does not answer or respond at our command. We are all beneath HIM…. Remember earth is HIS footstool. It should be our desire for His Will to be accomplished within each of us. We are all, at His mercy! And yes, He knows when we are truly seeking Him first.
God is patient loving and kind… He is also a God of wrath. He is giving HIS CHURCH and this world time to get itself together. CHRIST JESUS really is coming back for “HIS CHURCH without spot or wrinkle. We His Church are supposed to live as though we are expecting JESUS to return at any time? In this we can be confident. Many Believers as well as unbelievers are transitioning out of this world daily. You as a believer can be certain of your final destination.
Get right with GOD!
Those of us who still remain when Jesus returns will be caught up to meet Him in the air. “For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, and the voice of the archangel and the trump of GOD and the dead in CHRIST shall rise first. Then we which are alive shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. I Thessalonians 4.
GOD really does have us all and everything under His control. What do you mean? He is our sovereign Lord! Almighty God is omnipotent! Absolutely nothing anywhere in this world gets by Him. Not one miniscule single iota. Remember everything was spoken into existence through Christ Jesus! Above Him is no other. He has given us countless examples.
The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew is a wonderful example. It really does contain a wealth of knowledge. Jesus discusses a multiplicity of issues here. He deals with being Blessed, life, sin, death, persecution, taking oaths, adultery, divorce, enemies and so much more…. You will find that these same issues are prevalent today. Ponder all the marvelous blessings here! “The TRUTH will set you free. “Blessed are…” Take some time and read and digest this in Matthew 5.
Know GOD and HIS WORD for yourself!
The WORD of God contains precious invaluable instructions. We need the valid honest authentic no nonsense spiritual training found in His Word. For His Word gives us marvelous examples to help us from falling prey to non-biblical unspiritual teachings. It even tells how the “Blood of Jesus” can cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God has given us His Holy Spirit as an excellent guide and teacher to lead us to all TRUTH! His Holy Spirit is our Comforter, to lead us to all TRUTH!
The majority in HIS Church are you and Christ Jesus. He is the; “Head of His Church!” If you don’t stand for Jesus, you will fall for anything. Know GOD and HIS WORD for yourself! His WORD will equip you to better discern truth from error. Remember that bank currency I talked about. Jesus stresses the importance of God’s way being the best way.
You can be or become PERFECT in the LORD!
Don’t allow anyone to make withdrawals from your spiritual account. (By the way nobody is perfect in the normal sense.) “For it is in HIM we live and move and have our being…” Acts 17 But don’t forget. The Bible is not talking about flawlessness, it is talking about being PERFECT (meaning COMPLETE) in our LORD & CHRIST JESUS! “Be ye therefore PERFECT, even as YOUR FATHER which is in Heaven is PERFECT!” Matthew 5 God would not tell us to do something that we are unable to do. Learn how to control your tongue! Apostle Peter and all the Apostles all teach adamantly; “We ought to OBEY GOD rather than Man /Woman.” Acts 4
Give God His place within your life. RESET your thinking and REPENT! “PRAY without ceasing” and take PRAISE BREAKS; all throughout your day. This is how you stay connected to the Lord!
THANK YOU, ABBA FATHER, for YOUR MARVELOUS HOLY SPIRIT & COMFORTER. Know that nothing or no one can separate you from the LOVE of GOD unless you allow it.
Becoming perfect in the Lord is possible…” ABBA FATHER, THANK YOU for the making us PERFECT IN YOU! “These are important things to know and holdfast. It is an ever-growing spiritual process. We are, “forever becoming” unto the Lord calls us home. Each day we have the opportunity to grow in GOD’S genuine endless eternal love and grace… The POWER of THE WONDER WORKING BLOOD of CHRIST JESUS yields invaluable spiritual dividends for those who learn to earnestly CALL and TRUST HIM as SAVIOR and LORD.
Oh, what a wonderful SAVIOR!
What’s a Savior? Oh! He helps us from allowing the power of sin to rule within our daily lives. He continuously shapes and molds us in His image. He loves us, forgives us and strengthens us as we faithfully digest, embrace and implement HIS WORD within our lives each day. He walks & talks with us and keeps on the Narrow Path that leads to Eternal Life in Heaven. In the LORD you can be confident.
There is power in being obedient to God. Meekness is power under control. God is omnipotent! And therefore, we access power through His Holy Spirit to do His will. We never become the power. This is why we all need Christ Jesus.
Spend quality one on one time with the Lord in HIS WORD. Your life truly can be transformed through Christ Jesus. You will live and think differently. GOD will never leave nor forsake us. He also keeps all His promises. He can impute His righteousness to you. He can save you by HIS grace!
“WHAT A FRIEND!”
CHRIST JESUS is a FRIEND like no other! None can compare.
Let nothing separate you from HIS LOVE! Get busy discovering that having God in your life is really all about. GOD brings purpose to our lives every day. God is forever faithful! Know without doubt in these perilous last days; “JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY THE TRUH AND THE LIFE!” So, don’t relinquish the spiritual deposits only God can provide, for membership in the “Nobody’s perfect club.” Don’t follow the crowd.
“Finally, brethren farewell, BE PERFECT, Be of good comfort, Be of one mind, live in peace, and the GOD Of PEACE shall be with you…” II Corinthians 14
GOD’S WORD is our necessary essential spiritual food for our mind, body & souls. Each day is a day to get better and be better. Praise and thank God for each day is a precious Gift from HIM. God will never tell us to do anything that goes against HIS WORD. May you rise each morning to hear GOD’S VOICE within your heart!
Strive and thrive daily to become “PERFECT” in the LORD!
ABBA FATHER, WE DAILY RISE TO BLESS & THANK YOUR HOLY & DIVINE NAME. YOUR KINGDOM COME YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN! THANK YOU FOR OUR DAILY BREAD YOUR LIVING WORD!
For this we can rejoice and say, “THANK YOU HALLLLELLLUJAH!!! ”
A Gated Community
May 24, 2019 by Minister/ Elder Randall Ogans Sr.
Filed under Christian Living
Praise the LORD, O my soul. While I live will praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto My GOD while I have My being…” Psalm 146
I recently heard a sermon where the speaker spoke in a negative way about people who live in gated communities. That sermon motivated me to write this article, as I want to point out some things about gated communities, why people desire to live within the confines of a gated community, and why ultimately we all should want to live in a gated community. However, before I expound on the gated community statement, I want to share what I believe is an over-arching issue, that causes statements such as these to be made, and the impact they have on a church congregation.
The picture that is painted is that these un-named individuals think they are “better” than everyone else. So, they are scrutinized and criticized because they have been prosperous. Unfortunately, what this does more often than not is cause those who may not be as prosperous to have “distorted thinking” about those who may have more, causing them to view these individuals in a wrong light. Distorted thinking is when you think things about an individual based on what someone else has caused you to believe, and not based on your own personal interactions with those individuals.
The “gated community” statement is really systemic of a larger issue. This is a pretty typical but sad thing that happens in many congregations, where a Pastor/Preacher has an issue with someone in the congregation who may have acquired wealth, or a certain degree of success. They insert statements in their sermon that have nothing to do with the Word of God, but are designed to place focus on certain individuals in a negative way. I’m sure you’ve heard a many sermons where a pastor/preacher talks about the people who have the fancy cars, a big house on the hill, college education, etc. Sprinkled into the sermon are also statements such as “when you see people who ….…”, which causes some to look around to see if they can identify those individuals within the congregation.
The men/women of God who deliver such messages may not realize it, but they are actually sowing discord among the brethren, causing division in the body, and causing the saints to be judgmental in a wrong kind of way. Usually when this happens in congregations the speaker normally has specific people in the congregation in mind, and there are others in the congregation who also know exactly who they are talking about. You may ask, how do I know this happens? Well I know because we have been in the church continuously (never left) for over 60 years, and have been the target of many such sermons.
It’s really a shame that this occurs, particularly in the church from people who claim to have been called by God to deliver HIS message to HIS people. In spite of all the encouragement and opportunity that is given to people to make something of themselves, and to utilize God given talents, gifts, and abilities, when it actually happens for some, there are those who seem to have an issue with them for succeeding and achieving .
I know these people are not speaking for God because they are making statements that are contrary to His written word. The real problem is not the ones who have succeeded, but the ones who have an issue with others achieving more than themselves. They might have an “inferiority complex”, or are struggling with envy or jealousy. It shouldn’t be an issue, for we all should know that God has told us in His word, that HE is the one that gives man the ability to acquire wealth and to become prosperous, and has provided in His word the prescription to be blessed. Take a look at these scriptures as this is what God has said:
Deuteronomy 8:18
“But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
Psalm 1: 1-3
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Joshua 1:7-8
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
For the past 26 years we have lived in a gated community, which we have thoroughly enjoyed. These communities require a special access code for entry, and if you don’t know the code you can’t get in. Typically there are higher end homes, often have private security patrolling the community, video recording of all who enter and exit, and are normally located in some of the most desirable and prestigious areas. The homes typically have a higher price tag because of the location, and as many know, real estate value is really dependent on location, location, location.
Many believe that those who live in gated communities, are snobbish, think they’re better than others, etc. However, this thinking is normally created in their mind by someone who doesn’t live in a gated community, and for all the reasons I mentioned above. If you actually got to know some who live in those communities up close and personal, you will find that’s not what they think at all. They’ve just been fortunate enough in life to afford that type of living.
We chose to move to these communities because the homes we desired happened to be located in gated communities. Yes it is nice to have all of the amenities mentioned above, but it certainly doesn’t make us think we’re better than others. Just like anybody else, we looked for places to live that we felt we could enjoy and would be conducive in raising our family to be well-rounded, and able to engage with anyone in this world. We also wanted them to be color-blind, and experience that the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. It all belongs to HIM, and as his children, we can go and live anyplace in HIS world. We are entitled.
We enjoy our gated community and all the surroundings. I like the fact that the roads are paved and maintained, there is someone watching out for our well-being, the homes and properties are well maintained.
The more I think about gated communities it makes me think about Heaven. In fact, those of us who profess to be Christians, we should desire and look forward to living in a gated community. Why? If you want to go to Heaven, you will be living forever in a gated community. Heaven is the ultimate gated community. In fact, it has more gates than any gated community I know. My Bible tells me that Heaven has twelve gates. As John the revelator said in Revelations 21:
“And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates:
Oh, and by the way, it has paved roads that are made out of gold.
Wouldn’t you like to live in this gated community, forever? Well you can, but you will need to know the Access Code.
To get in you have to know Jesus, up close and personal.
If you don’t know the Savior, you can’t get in.
Spiritual Food For Thought & Spiritual Growth 6
January 18, 2018 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Christian Living
Spiritual Food For Thought & Spiritual Growth 6
“We as believers cannot follow the ways of this world and live a life that is pleasing to the LORD! It really is not logical. Take a few moments or more of your time daily and meditate upon the WORD of GOD. Be encouraged, convicted if warranted and also inspired to keep continually moving forward growing in HIS Grace.
GOD’S WORD is necessary Spiritual Food for our souls. It refuels, refreshes, revives and also empowers us to live for HIM! Prayer is very important. This is how we communicate with the Lord. Stay connected to the Him and “Pray without ceasing” all throughout your day. I even recommend taking “Praise Breaks” throughout the day. Know that God is Omnipresent. The more you become aware of His presence you will become stronger and securer in your personal relationship with Him.
We the people are HIS Church. The building is not the Church, it is where we assemble together to Worship the Lord. Our bodies as believers who have accepted Christ Jesus into our hearts as Lord and Savior is a Temple where His Holy Spirit dwells. Many come together for many reasons… The Father, His Son the Living Word, Christ Jesus and Holy Spirit should always be the man focus during worship. Therefore pray before, during and after you assemble together to worship.
We as His Church are supposed to be the LIGHT of this world. No doubt there are so many very unusual things going on all about us all around the world. This is true during worship as well. No need for alarm for this all serves to verify and confirm the TRUTH of HIS WORD. Some of everything is going on in these “Last Days.” Simply take time periodically and see if you are on the Narrow Path that leads to Him or traveling or teetering the broad road that leads to destruction… Truly GOD is able to keep us! Whenever necessary; readily REPENT & REFOCUS! Regularly take spiritual baths in HIS WORD. It has amazing miraculous cleansing POWER!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, “Your Kingdom come. Your Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”
Every day is a good day to Worship & Praise our Lord! True worshipers must “WORSHIP HIM in SPIRIT & in TRUTH” whenever or wherever we worship. Remember we are the Ecclesia meaning: His Worldwide Church is a committed congregation of believers. We the collective body of Christian believers who have confessed Christ Jesus, are regarded as actually constituting one Universal Church under God. We are to daily trust the Lord, commit to His Word and “Walk by Faith”
It is in the beginning in Genesis we discover that the world was spoken into existence by the Word which is Christ Jesus. This is confirmed in the Book of John. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.” John 1
“NOW FAITH is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through Faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Hebrews 11
Intimacy With God ~ The Desired Destination Part 2
April 8, 2016 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Society & Culture
Paul was concerned because some of the “Church from Chloe’s household” had informed him that there were quarrels among them. Paul realized the need to address the conflict which hindered their spiritual growth. Listen closely to the rebuke. He adamantly expresses the need for a call for genuine repentance, as well as exhortation. Paul’s sincere intent was to bring them closer to the Lord.
The Church is supposed to cultivate a passion for daily living for the Lord! Not just attending worship services. The Church was meant to stand for righteousness and be the Spiritual Light of the world. God uses whomever He pleases to fulfill the mission of His Church. According to the Word; “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things that are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.” I Corinthians 1; 27-29
Walking with the Lord is not a role to be played but a life to be lived! This is why Paul says “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” God is so worthy of all our praise! It is really by and through the power of His Holy Spirit we can attain a deeper ever growing level of intimacy that will enhance your personal walk with Him.
Due to the mindset of many of the Corinthians it was difficult to break the many strongholds. Carnality and spiritual immaturity permeated their atmosphere. Today as well during a service, although emotions and energy may be high it can still be void of spiritual depth. At times the atmosphere is orchestrated to a degree to get the people to react rather than simply naturally respond. God really does know where each of us are in our personal walk with Him.
Paul had to withstand some very severe personal attacks from the Corinthian Church. Their ritualistic traditions often impeded the move of the Holy Spirt. Paul was troubled to the point he had to defend his beliefs. He had no need to manipulate the people. His desire was to appeal to their conscience. He wanted them to experience the genuine abiding peace of the Lord. Although troubled he remained encouraged and thankful for the Lord’s guidance. Despite the persecution he wanted to “…give the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” II Corinthians 4
Paul’s concerns have been recorded as a permanent record. In His second letter to the Church in Corinth he continues to relay his sincere concerns to the struggling congregation due to both internal and external problems. This is why Paul’s ongoing desire was for their spiritual growth. Spiritual warfare was all about him. As a rebuttal and deterrent Paul’s credibility was questioned. Yet, Paul did not allow this to sidetrack his assignment. We too must remain focused when spiritual warfare presents itself. God in His own time will bring everything to the light. The victory is truly in sincere praise!
Having intimacy in your relationship with the Lord is one of the most important intangible things that you could possibly possess. God knows our place within the body of His Church. This will help you to know that God is a God of all comforts. That nothing comes your way that He is not aware of. God can, and is truly the only one, “who comforts us in all of our troubles, so that we can comfort those who are in trouble, with the comfort we ourselves have been comforted by God….” II Corinthians 1:4.
Paul helps us to know that despite our efforts we can be greatly misunderstood. Sometimes we have to simply show a contrast. Sometimes we just have to simply remain still… Many look for an outer manifestation of the Spirit. Rather than focus on welcoming the indwelling deep inner presence of the Lord. Paul realizes that there is great need for discipline and self control. “Wherefore, we labour, that, whether present, or absent, we may be accepted of HIM. For we must ALL appear before the judgment seat of CHRIST; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, GOOD or bad…” II Corinthians 4
Paul’s writing includes significant teaching on a plethora of issues relating to sin and righteousness. Paul addresses the congregation by stating that he was called by the will of God. This in it self caused much resistance. In I Corinthians he dealt with the diversity of sexual sins and what happens when God’s plan for marriage and family are disobeyed see 7:1-40. He addressed the fact how proper worship flows from us by sincerely acknowledging God’s place in our life see 3:16-23. The pure significance of partaking in the Lord’s Supper see 11:17-34. Paul continues in significant detail a discussion on the effectiveness of exercising spiritual gifts as to when and how they should be properly exercised or not? Harmony and order were desired whenever they assembled. Christ really does deserve to always be the “Mainstay” of all our worship!
God has bestowed upon us the blessing of His Holy Spirit to abide within and to assist us in living a life pleasing in His sight. You must ask for this infilling presence daily. I encourage you to take some time to get to really know the Lord intimately. His Word has cleansing power. Repent of any and all sin before it ferments. Commence to really delve deeply into the meat of His Word. We can be sure and confident that God’s Word is infallible. Exercise your faith and entrust your future to the Lord. I declare, no matter what comes your way God will see you through! Christ birth, life, death and resurrection has taken away the veil. Nothing stands between you and God but you and any unconfessed sin. The Word of God is able to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
God is truly faithful! We can always and forever trust GOD and HIS WORD!
Did You Grow Up in the Church? Part 3
April 8, 2016 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Christian Living, Church
Did You Grow Up in the Church? Part 3
“There really is a difference between being in the Church and the Church being in you? When the Church is in you the Holy Spirit becomes the governor of your soul. You live in the world, you are to be a law abiding citizen but you realize it is in GOD you LIVE and MOVE and have your being. You are convicted whenever wrong. You readily REPENT! You do not desire to be right just for the sake of being right.
The Church is not just a place to go. It is who are! For you it is or should become your daily lifestyle to live to please God!
This is not some unrealistic, legalistic, rigid, mythical, unattainable, cultic way of being. You don’t or shouldn’t just follow someone because they are your friend… You should follow Jesus! Church was never meant to become a mere social club where everyone feels comfortable. You should realize how vitally important it is to live your life before the Lord. As a believer, You should know without a doubt that God is your Heavenly Father. That the devil his imps and no one or nobody can do anything to pluck you out God’s hands. That you truly belong to God and Jesus is your Lord and Savior! You have been adopted into His family and you know that you know that you know without doubting you are His child! Do you know what His Word says about being double minded?
Wait I must caution you!”
(The above was worth repeating just in case you are only reading Part 3)
If you have not been raised in the church DO NOT be discouraged! Read on because the Lord has a place for you as well! You are like a fresh breath of air because of your desire to embark upon a new beginning… ALL the same privileges of becoming a Child of GOD awaits you. ” Our Father, who art in Heaven. Hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven…”
You see, there really is a difference when you are in the Church and the Church is in you. You know that you have been bought with a price. You know that before you were formed in your Mother’s womb God knew and knows who you are. You also know it is not because of anything you have or have not. It is because of who He is! You can praise Him not only in the building; but you praise Him in your home, on your job or at your business in your car, in the midst of trials and persecution. Not just in mere lip service. You Praise the Lord when you are alone!
There is no need to act when you know that the Lord is totally aware of what we all do. Yes express yourself. Don’t be a chameleon and blend right in… Please, don’t be pressured because of a need to be accepted. We ALL will have to answer to Him for our actions. It is important to know that you have a right to not conform for the sake of being momentarily accepted. There are many things that have been integrated into worship and ministry to get others to conform. There is often a desire to generate a high energetic emotional worship & praise time. Many become emotionally charged. Praise & Worship is Great! Many do not realize the power of or behind music… In these latter days there is much more focus placed upon how your are feeling and what you can receive from the Lord. Worship & Praise should be a time devoted to God and who He is and what he has done and will do.
GOD IS A HOLY GOD!
God does not need any of us. Always remember; “…It is in HIM we LIVE and MOVE and have our being…” GOD is infinite and we are finite. This is not about undermining the validity of GOD’S CHURCH! This is about learning to exercise your RIGHTS and the FREEDOM you have wherever you decide to worship in a place that claims; ” HE IS LORD!” There are a plethora of places of worship all over the world. But, GOD has but ONE CHURCH! HE is the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob we serve as Believers.
Pray, Pray & Pray some more. Allow the Spirit of the Lord lead you. Let the Lord lead you what to do or not to do… God really does want to make a difference in your live everyday!
When you do not always respond in the way expected it is highly likely you will be misunderstood. You will also begin to actually better understand why others do not understand you. I always say; “Some things will not be understood on this side of Heaven!” What is always most important is to seek the will of the Lord above everything and everyone. Know that Jesus was grossly misunderstood. It is true God’s people are peculiar! God wants to strengthen your faith and trust in Him. You can stand even when you know others have done everything possible to try to discourage you. Keep Your focus on the Lord. God wants each of us to become the “Best You” in HIM! After all He is our Creator.
God is awesome! Standing for God does not mean resorting to carnality. Your confidence cannot be in you, are anything else. Yes, you can have confidence because you know God as your Father. You know that He knows you as His child. You know and He knows that you have spent some deep intimate time together in His presence. You are growing and so is your understanding of who He is. You know that He has set you free! You know that you have been raised in the church and the church is in you. Or You have come to know that now you are His Church.
God really has a better way for His children. God is not a respecter of persons. It does not matter to Him if you are rich or poor, black, white, red, yellow, tan or brown. He already knows where you live, work, play or “hang out.” He even knows if you have been raised in the church and the church is not in you. He knows if you walk in the flesh or abide in His Spirit. If you truly invite Him into your heart today He will come in your life and make a real difference. If you have not been raised in the church God can place His laws within your heart. It even may give you a different advantage. You see and observe and you wonder why? Know that the Spirit of the Lord is Omniscient and The Lord can teach you whatever you need to know. GOD will never lead you to do anything that goes against HIS WORD! It is important to make spending time in God’s Word a priority. There is and endless wealth of Spiritual Food for our souls in His Word. As you begin to grasp His Word it will wash you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. As a new believer you are not as weighed down with many of the traditions of man. You are should feel free to ask what this or that is so wherever you worship. Ask unto you have an inner peace. Make studying God’s Word your new priority. In His time He will mold and shape you from the inside out. This is a continuous process. He will also teach you how to guard your heart.
There are many wolves among the sheep. Don’t fret God always takes care of His children even in the midst of tests and trials. There are also those who call evil good and good evil. God will and can protect you and keep you from the grasp of wickedness. You must learn to humbly submit to His direction. He will open your spiritual eyes so you can begin to have a deeper understanding about life. No drugs, nicotine or alcohol needed to enlighten you. You don’t want to live always under the influence of some substance. (This is not anti valid prescribed medications) Begin to be more prayerful about how you take care of your body. You want to seek to have better self control in all area of your life. You will not want to see things as they appear. You will desire to see clearly. Your conscious will become sensitive and you will have a deepened desire to do what is right in His sight rather than in the sight of man. Realize that Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly in every way. HIS WORD is necessary SPIRITUAL FOOD for our souls!
God also said in the Book of John to “let not your heart be troubled.” It is very important to trust God and His WORD! The earth truly is the Lord’s. Truly He will take care of you. God already knows what is going on in your life and the life of those around you. Just begin to exercise patience. He will bring what happens in the dark to the light. Did you know you have as much time as you need to do the things that God would have you to do. Time belongs to God.
Study the story of Gideon. (See Judges 6) Gideon was nota likely leader. He prevailed not because of how many he had to help him. As a matter of fact the Lord told him he needed fewer people to help him. Gideon faithfully sought the Lord for direction. The Lord told Gideon; “Peace! Do not be afraid> You will not die!” There are many examples in the Word of God to help us in all areas of life. God will supply the necessary talents and resources for you to do whatever He wants you to do. He will supply the few or many you need to help you. This way He gets the GLORY and the VICTORY always belongs to GOD ALMIGHTY. It is not in the amount, how many are for you or against you. Nor in whoever rises up against you. It is in learning how to obey God.
God will make it evident to you and those about you that it is only by His grace and mercy that you can truly be successful. Spiritual success is not in the numbers. Fewer travel the Narrow Path. God knows when you have been raised in His Church and His Church is in you. He knows when you have not been raised in the church and it is your sincere desire to want to know Him. What matters to HIM is your willingness to allow HIM to mold and be shaped through His Living Word and His Holy Spirit. He wants us all to readily “REPENT!” whenever necessary. He is not a respecter of persons and His Love is extended to everyone all over the world. Through FAITH we learn to believe! This is why we are called “Believers!” Christ Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world and He extends HIS LOVE to ALL! He wants to come live within your hearts through eternity and become your personal Lord & Savior! This world was spoken into existence through Him! As believers we are the sheep of His Pasture. The LORD wants to be your SHEPHERD! Remember this; “He leads me in the Path of Righteousness for His Namesake. Yea though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death I WILL fear NO evil. For THOU art with me. THY ROD & STAFF THEY COMFORT me…” Psalms 23 Grace, Joy, Love & Peace to you in Jesus Name! If you really want to be happier, Live Everyday: “To God be the Glory!”
God wants His Grace to be with us Part 3
September 21, 2015 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Christian Living
God wants His Grace to be with us
Part 3
The Bible is the infallible Word of God. The Bible records the beginning, what is happening in between as well as what will happen whenever life on earth ends as we know it. No one but God actually knows when the end will come. However we are to live each day as though our Lord were going to return! “It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed, on that day no one who is on the roof of his house, with his goods inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot’s wife!” Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left…” Luke 17 We must be spiritually and morally ready whenever our Lord suddenly returns.
The Bible has stood the test of time and contains a wealth of necessary Spiritual Food for our souls. This is why it is so very important to spend time in the Word of God so you can better understand the true meaning of life and the significant importance of His Grace. Jesus is the Light of the world. “Jesus is the way the Truth & the Life!” John 14. God wants us to daily walk in the Light and stay on the narrow path that leads to Him.
God does not promise that life will always be easy. But He does promise that, “He will never leave or forsake us.” Regardless of what is happening or not happening in your life God is always a prayer away. All throughout your day “Pray unceasingly” this is how you stay connected to the Lord.
Listen closely and take heed to what the Spirit is saying to us in His Word; “What shall we then say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He that didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, will he not also give us, with him, all things freely? Who shall bring an accusation against the elect of God? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? It is Christ who died, but, more than that, is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? It is written, ‘For your sake we are killed all the day long, we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ But in all these things we more than overcome through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to be, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39
You must first believe that GOD’S WORD is true in order to be able to understand and embrace its marvelous contents. GOD’S WORD is indeed marvelous and it is alive! It is necessary Spiritual Food for our souls. There is a feast awaiting that will enlighten your soul, regenerate your heart, mind and physical body! It will awaken your spirit and renew and refuel a desire in you to want to rise to higher spiritual heights!
There is nothing more important nor anything or anyone greater than God! “God is Love,” To truly know God is to know love. Remember He is; “The Great I AM!” He is the Alpha & Omega! He is the beginning and the end! Always remember, absolutely nothing can separate you from God unless you let it. It is important to know that you and I will always & forever need God through Eternity! In Him you can discover your purpose and His plan for your life. Everything that you will ever need in life and beyond this life you can discover in the Lord! God does not force you to choose His Will & His Way He allows us the freedom to choose. He allowed His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to die for the sins of the world. When we choose to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior & Lord His Holy Spirit comes into our hearts and abides within us. His Holy Spirit is available 24/7 to lead and guide us us to all truth. God has given us His breath of life that keeps us alive! He invites us as believers to develop an ongoing deep personal life with Him. The Holy Spirit, is His Comforter who resides within us and revives our soul. We are not saved by our works. It is by Grace we are SAVED! His Holy Spirit desires direct and protect us and lead us in the path of righteousness for His Namesake. It is our choice to walk in the Light and embrace the TRUTH of HIS WORD!
Remember that God wants His Grace to be with us! “Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen!” Ephesians 6
Without the grace of God we would all deserve His wrath. It is by His Grace that He allows us to choose Salvation and His gift of Eternal Life. How interesting that the Bible starts in paradise and it ends in paradise. God’s greatest hope for us that believe is that at the appointed time after we have completed this course of life, we will live with Him through Eternity in Heaven. Heaven is indescribable. The Word uses a beautiful plethora of precious gems of this world that adorns Heaven walls. Pearls to emboss its (12) twelve gates and a translucent array of pure gold to pave its streets. How utterly amazing! It is far beyond what our little finite minds can really imagine. There is also no need for the sun or the moon because the Holy City is illuminated by the GLORY of our LORD. We will see the “New Jerusalem” coming down to earth, which has no temple because the Lord Almighty & the Lamb are the temple. What beauty awaits all of us who have accepted Jesus Christ into our hearts as Savior & Lord will be able to behold!
Here is what we learn about God’s grace in Ephesians; “Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the Heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will ~ to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment ~ to bring all things in Heaven and on earth together under One Head, even Christ.”
Ephesians 1 Praise God! & Halllelllujah Amen!
Although we do not know the day or the hour that our Lord will return we are to prepare by spending time in His Word, embracing it within our hearts and implementing it within our daily lives. Then at the appointed time we can look forward to beholding the Glory of our Lord! Praise God & Thank You Lord that we are saved by His marvelous grace! No matter whatever happens here on earth GOD’S promises remain and are ALL TRUE! If you turn to the last book of the Bible which is Revelation, turn to chapter (22) twenty two, scroll down to the very end you will find these words; “The Grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen!” Revelation 22:21 We as believers should daily Thank God for His amazing grace! Lord Bless & Keep You! & Everyday forever more! “TO GOD BE THE GLORY!”
Saved or Safe?
December 28, 2009 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Christian Living, Church
Just say you are saved. You don’t really have to mean it. If you just say it, this will be sufficient. We just say things all of the time. We go through the formality. “Good morning!” “Good evening!” “How are you?” Is it really a good morning or evening? Do you really want to know how the person is doing? We often adopt behaviors that appear to be socially accepted. But they are often quite superficial. No, I’m not saying that every time you see someone just give them an in-depth historical oration of your current list of woes. The point I’m trying to make is that just saying something doesn’t mean it’s so!
When we accept Christ as our personal Savior it means we invite Him into our lives. His presence of light shines on the darkness in our life and allows us the opportunity to draw close to Him or to choose to stay in darkness. Often we establish unhealthy patterns in our lives. We don’t really want to change we just want someone or something to make us feel good.
God can change you for the better. But know, you cannot be everything to everyone… Pray for discernment & know that there are those who will try to take advantage of your generosity. No matter how much or little you give it will not be enough…
“Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save, neither His ear heavy, it cannot hear; But your iniquities (sins) have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.” (Isaiah 59:1-3) Breaking patterns can be painful.
The Lord will teach you how to “guard your heart!” Saying yes to everyone is not loving them. Sometimes it has to be an adamant; NO!
Why do we need a Savior? The world is full of evilness. It wants to pull you in anyway it can. We are in the world but we are not supposed to be of the world. When Jesus Christ is Lord of your life you can access His power. He has the power to save us from the unhealthy patterns and pitfalls of sin that besets us. Let’s get it straight! The Comforter is not to keep us comfortable in sin. It is not a blanket (excuse my pun) to cover any abject behavior. So help me understand why it is socially acceptable within the Christian lifestyle to say anything, do anything and live any kind of way and still say “I’M SAVED?”
Well I am sorry, but the scripture says “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10). Webster says to believe means to have a firm conviction as to the goodness of something. Romans says with the heart man believeth unto righteousness. I guess doing what I think is right is righteousness? WRONG!
We sing that we are soldiers. But what kind of armor does the Lord tell us to wear that you may be able to withstand in the evil day? Your loins are to be girded with truth. No it’s okay to believe anything anybody says especially those who say and do anything anywhere! You are to wear the breastplate of righteousness. But you hold it up with adultery and fornication. Your feet shod with peace. But I will cut you up or punch you out anywhere anytime. But above all that I will take the shield of faith and hide, alcoholism, drug addiction, covetousness……and trust I can quench the fiery darts of the wicked. Then to top it off I’ll put on the helmet of salvation. When I say I have salvation I’m safe. I don’t think so!
This may seem a bit sarcastic but it’s frightening to think one supposes he can prepare for spiritual warfare and not adorn the true spiritual armor. After all just say you are saved. The SWORD of the SPIRIT which is the WORD will clean you up and prepare you for spiritual battle. It is only through a personal relationship with JESUS and He is the WORD wrapped in flesh; that you can overcome sin, anything or anybody that comes against you in the world.
Don’t think for a minute you are not vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy. The enemy in this battle is so clever that he will try to make you comfortable in your sins. It does not matter who you are. He will try to tell you loving you is giving you what you want and making excuses for your shortcomings. This kind of love (which really isn’t love) will kill you. By the way he never takes responsibility for his actions. He always tries to distract you by saying, if you just give me this or if you would just do that I wouldn’t be in this mess. Pray for discernment. Many enable rather than help people to become FREE.There are many casualties that have an erroneous idea of what love really is. The WHEAT and the Tares are growing together. This goes from the pulpit to the door. Spiritual warfare is about taking a stand. But for assured success it must be on the WORD of GOD!
Jeremiah was a prophet who stood amidst some dark days. The Lord told him; “Be not afraid of their faces; for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold I have put my words in thy mouth. See I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:8-10)
IF JESUS CAME BACK TODAY ARE YOU READY?
Did you know Jesus was mistaken for the gardener upon His resurrection? (John 20:15) We must address the garden of sin in our lives. We must root up the things that GOD does not consider righteous. Our belief in Him (according to Romans) should result in righteousness. Jesus is coming back! But we won’t be able to mistake Him for the gardener this time. He has provided us HIS WORD to clean us up. Don’t be safe, or sorry; BE SAVED. He is coming back for HIS church without SPOT OR WRINKLE.
Good News !
December 28, 2009 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Holidays, Jesus Christ
Good News! Good News! Did you know that before you were knitted together in your Mother’s womb that God knew who you were? Did you know that there is absolutely nothing that God does not know? When you know who you are in Christ you will experience much joy! When your faith and trust are in the Lord He will give you an inexpressible inner peace. The joy and peace God provides is not contingent on your circumstance. God does not want you to live your life as a yoyo experience. You cannot change anything that has already happened in your life. But you can start by reaching out to Him right now, anywhere and anytime! God is, can be, and wants to be your constant companion. Don’t wait until something unpleasant happens. Begin today to really get to know God. God wants you to walk with Him. He has left us His Comforter, His precious Holy Spirit to teach, lead, guide and direct us. Begin if you don’t already to take time each day to thank and praise God for who He is. He is worthy of our praise! We really do have a reason to be thankful!
When ever life presents a test or a trial, it is an excellent opportunity for you to strengthen your relationship with the Lord. To be still and know! God wants to be a part of all of your life. God is able to keep you from falling! I Peter says the trials that we experience in life are to test our faith? God wants to refine you. Your faith will be tested in the fire. Fire purifies gold. Gold is refined under fire. A prospector who discovers a rock that bears gold will send it to an assayer for evaluation. The fire will melt the impurities away and eventually yield pure gold. Our faith in God is far more precious than gold. I Peter even tells us that our faith will bring us honor on the day of Jesus Christ return. Trusting in God will bring Salvation to your soul. The power of Jesus’ Christ resurrection is Good News! It has been preached to us by the power of His heaven sent Holy Spirit. We can even look forward soberly and patiently to more of God’s kindness when Jesus returns.
Good News! Good News! Many people all over the world are still waiting for the Messiah to come. We as Christians know that He has already come. We know through faith that Jesus comes in and sets up residence in our hearts when you truly accept Him as your personal Savior. Matthew traces Jesus roots all the way back to Abraham. Abraham was the first to receive the promise. Matthew goes on to record the story of Jesus life on earth. He tells how His Mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph. Many unexplainable things took place surrounding Jesus’ birth. There was a lot of spiritual warfare on the horizon. Before they were even able to come together as husband and wife Mary was found to be with child through the power of the Holy Spirit. God allowed an angel to appear to Joseph who assured Him that he was not to be afraid. He was told that she would give birth to a Son and to name Him Jesus and that this child Jesus would save the world from their sins. Imagine the faith and trust this took. Please take time to read this entire historical event again. Mary and Joseph were obedient to God. We now all benefit from their obedience.
As a child of God He wants us to obey Him as well. He does not want you to slip back and forth into your old ways. God has called us to Holiness. Jesus paved the way back to Him! Holiness is not wearing no makeup, dresses to your ankles, running all over the place and falling out, wearing white or……… Now do not go there. There is nothing wrong with wearing white. I happen to really like white. Yes, and certainly there is nothing wrong with shouting and praising God. We certainly have many reasons to praise Him! The point is spiritual purity goes much deeper than the surface. Yes, white is symbolic of purity. But remember the KKK wore white too. They also ran around and shouted. (A bit of humor is always good) They just wore white to cover up who they really were. God knows who His children really are. He knows everything. The story of Jesus birth is an excellent example that displays just that! God’s Word is so powerful!
Did you know that your body is the temple of God? It was designed as a place for His Holy Spirit to reside. It is as my granddaughter says; an earth suit. Jesus actually lived in His Mother Mary’s body. He came from heaven and humbled Himself to our existence and bore a body of flesh. He lived a sinless life. He conquered sin in the flesh for us! The scriptures tells us that His earthly body did not decay. Jesus restored to us what Adam and Eve relinquished because of their disobedience. God has created a marvelous wonderful thing when He created mankind. We are His workmanship. But we are responsible for what we do with our lives and our bodies. This is why we need a Savior. God wants us to walk in the light of His Word. His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. The Apostle John wrote to people who were already Christians. He wanted to remind them of how one’s faith affects a person’s life. God wants us to walk in the Light not in darkness. Notice how he says if we claim to be……. Well, there should be a difference in your life when you claim to walk with the Lord. Have you ever thought about some of the things you say and do? Have you ever heard the song “Walk in the Light? God knows when and if you are walking with Him!
Although John was thought to be somewhere between 80 and 90 when He wrote the epistles bearing His name, he was still vigorously urging the Church to walk in the light of God’s Word. To have true fellowship with Him. You can have banquets and shake hands all day long. But in order to have true fellowship with Him you must walk in the light! I enjoy taking a relaxing bubble bath each day. But, looking at a tub of bubbles will not clean you. God’s true Church is supposed to be a pillar of Truth. Guess what? When everything but the Truth is allowed to prevail God knows. Living for God is serious business. You must really get into God’s Word. So His Word can really get in you. Getting into His Word will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Guess what your faith will also be strengthened. The Word of God can and will convict you of any wrongdoing. It will bring any impurities to the surface and allow you to truly repent. Let’s not get repeating confused with repentance. Remember that purifying process I talked about?
The Good News is God is the reason for not only the season. But for life! Jesus Christ is the only atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only our sins but the sins of the world. Jesus is the Light of the world. God has given us so much. “Our lives are a gift from Him. What we do with our lives is our gift to Him.” Are you happy with your life? Do you need to give more of your life to Him? Let’s make it personal. Are you really obedient to Him? True fellowship is having a relationship with God. God is the ultimate Father. He gave His only Begotten Son to redeem us! The Good News is there is power in the name Jesus. He has given us the precious gift of eternal life. God is not only there for you; He is everywhere! There is freedom in Christ. Please, remember as I said earlier that your trials come to purify you and make you strong. God is not a surface God. God is really and truly deep. He wants to take us to deeper depths and higher heights. Jesus paid a ransom to save us from the broad road that leads to destruction. This narrow road leads to heaven. The Good News is He paid for our lives and sins with the precious life and blood of His sinless life. It is because of this our trust can be in God who raised Christ from the dead! Now our faith, trust and hope can rest in Him alone.
The Word of God tells us that, “All honor belongs to God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: for it is His boundless mercy that has given us the privilege of being born again, so that we are now members of God’s own family. The good News is we live in eternal hope because we know without a doubt that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. And God Himself has reserved for His children the priceless gift of eternal life. Hallelujah! It is kept in heaven for us, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. Now do you see how very important it is to know who Jesus is! How very important to know what God has done for us! God is powerful. He will and can make sure that whenever that time comes that we will safely get to heaven to receive and continue on in His precious gift of eternal life.
It is very important that you get to know God for who He is and not for just who people say He is. Get to know Him for yourself! Then you will not be tossed to and fro by every different kind of doctrine. Remember that inexpressible joy and peace I talked about? Always remember even when the going gets tuff down here for a while or season; God is always there. All you need to do is keep your focus on the Lord! After all He is the author and finisher of your faith. When you make it a goal in your life to please God you will not have to have a yoyo experience. God can keep you in perfect peace if your mind is stayed on Him! Delight yourself in God’s Word! He will not only give you the desires of your heart but, He will also give you a sound mind! You can be like that tree in Psalms that is planted by the rivers of water. This type of tree roots goes deep! Far beyond what the human eye can see. When your faith is in God He will see to it that any fruit is brought forth in His time. All the Glory belongs to Him. Remember God. is always just a prayer away. Remember that without faith it is impossible to please God.
Good News! Good News! This is the time of the year we set aside to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Joy to the world the Lord has come! Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing! We give gifts to our love ones, friends and neighbors. Let’s remember that every good and perfect Gift comes from God! Let’s remember each and everyday that God gave us the Greatest Gift of all! Let’s remember now and throughout the year to praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above thee heavenly hosts. Praise, Father Son and Holy Ghost!
We’ve Come To Bow Down And Worship HIM!
