God, why would did you create me? Why did you form me? Why do I exist in this sometimes crazy place we call the world? I would always have these questions hidden in my heart. Even before I was saved I knew that it was more to life than just waking up, eating, working, and sleeping. I didn't realize it until I became a follower of Jesus Christ. I was living my own way, doing things that I wanted to do. Before I was introduced to Christ I was attending Montclair State University in Upper Montclair New Jersey thinking I knew what life was all about. But the moment I came to Christ my eyes were opened to a new way of thinking, seeing, and reasoning. Eventually through reading the word of God, He transformed my life by transforming my thought patterns. I loved the game of basketball. This is what I thought I was going to do for the rest of my life. But God! I realized for the 1st time that life was not about fulfilling my dreams but fulfilling the purpose and mission that God had sent me to do. He gave me purpose and it was awesome to know that the God who created me is the same God who works everything out in conformity with His will. I want to be about my Father's business now. Seeking and giving people an opportunity to be SAVED through the power of God. It's not about my mission it's about His mission for my life.
Your Servant
Monday, August 22, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
What runs through my mind on a daily basis?
When I first became a Christian, I mean a real Christian, one that really tries to love God with everything that I am. I used to wonder to myself, "why is it that most people who say that they love Jesus and have been walking with Jesus for a long time, act like they are tired of walking with him? It's as if they ran out of the joy that they 1st had when they 1st came into a relationship with Him. So now, here I was living with that fear in the back of my mind. God, what if I run out of the love and devotion that I had when I 1st came into contact with you? But as I look back, it has been 12 years since I asked Christ to come into my life and I am realizing the longer i follow Christ the more I desire Him. I can truly understand that the depths of His love can not be measured. What runs through my mind on a constant basis is figuring out how can I get even closer to Jesus. I want to know Him so intimately. I desire to walk with Him on a regular basis. Jesus is always telling me to come closer and closer and closer. I just need to keep trusting Him. Sometimes it's not easy because my flesh gets in the way. But the more I die to self I see Christ even more. Lord, in these last days, I do not want to run out of my joy in Christ. Keep me as the apple of your eye.
Your servant,
Jermel
Your servant,
Jermel
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Witnessing
As I am getting ready for my message for a Wednesday Night Service, the Holy Spirit is dealing with me personally in the area of witnessing. Why when I even mention the word, "Witnessing" does it send chills up my spine? For many of us including myself it does not come across naturally. Why? We worry so much about the response of the other person instead of staying focused on the response of our God in Heaven. So many things stop of us from fulfilling the main purpose why Jesus came to earth because of our own insecurities. Is this what Jesus had in mind when he commanded us to "Go into all the World?" How can we begin to enjoy witnessing to others without Christ in their lives?
This is the question that keeps running through my mind. What usually helps me personally is staying forcused on my purpose as a believer, but also their destiny as unbelievers. Does it really bother me that people are on their way to an eternity without Christ? Does it bother you? Do I really believe that people are lost? If I do, there are no excuses!
Pretty soon I have the oppportunity of traveling to Zimbabwe Africa w/ Evangelist Greg Hubbard and Kyler Sederwall(Young guy from my church) with the purpose of preaching the gospel and sharing the good news of Jesus. It's going to be a powerful time, but what about the people around me that I live with and next to? or the neighbor on my block that have been promising me he would come to church, or that single mom who comes to the church only for handouts? Doesn't Jesus care about them too? I know Jesus cares, but the truth is- do I care?
Witnessing. I am a Witness of the saving grace of Christ and I am obligated to tell it to others, full of power and the Holy Spirit!
This is the question that keeps running through my mind. What usually helps me personally is staying forcused on my purpose as a believer, but also their destiny as unbelievers. Does it really bother me that people are on their way to an eternity without Christ? Does it bother you? Do I really believe that people are lost? If I do, there are no excuses!
Pretty soon I have the oppportunity of traveling to Zimbabwe Africa w/ Evangelist Greg Hubbard and Kyler Sederwall(Young guy from my church) with the purpose of preaching the gospel and sharing the good news of Jesus. It's going to be a powerful time, but what about the people around me that I live with and next to? or the neighbor on my block that have been promising me he would come to church, or that single mom who comes to the church only for handouts? Doesn't Jesus care about them too? I know Jesus cares, but the truth is- do I care?
Witnessing. I am a Witness of the saving grace of Christ and I am obligated to tell it to others, full of power and the Holy Spirit!
Friday, March 5, 2010
"When Your World Comes Crashing In"
Psalm 27:2-3, "When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident."
As you may know, David served as the king of Israel. He faced many wars and battles during his reign. There were times when he even had to go against his own son who disrespected him by going after his kingship. Although many of us do not come up against an actual war like David, we do face persecution, hardship, and challenges. I call it, "when your world comes crashing in." What am I referring to? When the pressures and stresses of this life tries to come with the purpose of destroying you.
For King David it came in the form of an actual warfare. For us today, our warfare may come in many different forms. Just becuase it may not be a physical warfare doesn't make it less dangerous, Why? Sometimes we cannot see when it's coming. When an army or enemy was advancing against King David, many times he knew about it, but many times when a storm comes crashing in against us it usually blindsides us without warning. Whether it be through the death of a loved one, sickness, disease, financial hardships, marriage problems, sibling rivalry, or just life beating us up. Through it all, David begins Psalm 27 with an incredible DECLARATION: "The LORD is my LIGHT, and my SALVATION -whom shall I fear? The LORD is the STRONGHOLD of my life -of whom shall I be afraid?" David through praise & Worship was reminding himself of the truth and faithfulness of God! What an incredible declaration. In other words, David said, "Even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death" where is dark and lonely, "You are my light." When it feels like I can go on, "You are my Savior," and when I need a shoulder to lean on, "You are my Stronghold." The Lord is worthy of our Trust!
Today you may feel as though you are losing the battle, but remember that the Lord is your stronghold. He is faithful and Loving! When you read the rest of the Psalm you see that David did not focus on the storm, but he focused on the incredible presence and beauty of God!
God is Good All the Time & All the Time God is Good
As you may know, David served as the king of Israel. He faced many wars and battles during his reign. There were times when he even had to go against his own son who disrespected him by going after his kingship. Although many of us do not come up against an actual war like David, we do face persecution, hardship, and challenges. I call it, "when your world comes crashing in." What am I referring to? When the pressures and stresses of this life tries to come with the purpose of destroying you.
For King David it came in the form of an actual warfare. For us today, our warfare may come in many different forms. Just becuase it may not be a physical warfare doesn't make it less dangerous, Why? Sometimes we cannot see when it's coming. When an army or enemy was advancing against King David, many times he knew about it, but many times when a storm comes crashing in against us it usually blindsides us without warning. Whether it be through the death of a loved one, sickness, disease, financial hardships, marriage problems, sibling rivalry, or just life beating us up. Through it all, David begins Psalm 27 with an incredible DECLARATION: "The LORD is my LIGHT, and my SALVATION -whom shall I fear? The LORD is the STRONGHOLD of my life -of whom shall I be afraid?" David through praise & Worship was reminding himself of the truth and faithfulness of God! What an incredible declaration. In other words, David said, "Even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death" where is dark and lonely, "You are my light." When it feels like I can go on, "You are my Savior," and when I need a shoulder to lean on, "You are my Stronghold." The Lord is worthy of our Trust!
Today you may feel as though you are losing the battle, but remember that the Lord is your stronghold. He is faithful and Loving! When you read the rest of the Psalm you see that David did not focus on the storm, but he focused on the incredible presence and beauty of God!
God is Good All the Time & All the Time God is Good
Monday, March 1, 2010
Monday Mornings
Lamentations 3:21-24, "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
Do you ever wonder why Monday Morning's are so hard? There are a few reasons that come to mind. 1) You absolutely hate what you do, 2) You had a great weekend and you do not want it to end, or 3) Your body, mind, and soul is just worn out from the previous week. Whatever the reason there is a great promise in the Bible found in the scripture stated earlier. His love, mercy, and faithfulness are new every morning. Why is this important?
When Sunday comes around we as believers receive the opportunity of attending a worship service where "hopefully" we are being built up in the faith. It happens in various forms. Such as: Worship in songs, Preaching of the Word, the Offering... yes the OFFERING, and the genuine fellowship of the believers. I don't know about you, but I look forward to seeing the faces of other believers who go through the same trials I go through throughout any given week. It builds me up to know I am not the only ONE. Is this not the purpose of fellowship. To be built up. Why? The Lord knows Monday morning is coming.lol. The Lord knows we need to be built up strong to face that Monday.
Many of us on that Sunday Morning sense the presence of God in a great way. We sense the Spirit of God leading and guiding the entire service. Let me tell you what the enemy would love to keep secret. "The same presence that is guiding that service and filling you with joy is the same Spirit that is with you everyday." The enemy knows that. The author writes, "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope." Sometimes as believers we forget what we possess. We have the presence of God living and dwelling in us. The presence of God throughout the Bible is so powerful that it almost consumed the believers; remember Moses and the Isrealites? But the scripture follows by saying, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." Even on a Monday the Lord is faithful. Remind yourself of the Lord's Love today. Sunday Morning's are there to remind us of this truth, but the Lord wants to do it everyday of our lives. "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." The same God that created Sunday is the same God that created Monday.
Use what God had said on Sunday and put in to practice on Monday. God bless you. "His mercies are new every morning," including Monday Mornings.
"God is Good All the Time & All the Time God is Good"
Do you ever wonder why Monday Morning's are so hard? There are a few reasons that come to mind. 1) You absolutely hate what you do, 2) You had a great weekend and you do not want it to end, or 3) Your body, mind, and soul is just worn out from the previous week. Whatever the reason there is a great promise in the Bible found in the scripture stated earlier. His love, mercy, and faithfulness are new every morning. Why is this important?
When Sunday comes around we as believers receive the opportunity of attending a worship service where "hopefully" we are being built up in the faith. It happens in various forms. Such as: Worship in songs, Preaching of the Word, the Offering... yes the OFFERING, and the genuine fellowship of the believers. I don't know about you, but I look forward to seeing the faces of other believers who go through the same trials I go through throughout any given week. It builds me up to know I am not the only ONE. Is this not the purpose of fellowship. To be built up. Why? The Lord knows Monday morning is coming.lol. The Lord knows we need to be built up strong to face that Monday.
Many of us on that Sunday Morning sense the presence of God in a great way. We sense the Spirit of God leading and guiding the entire service. Let me tell you what the enemy would love to keep secret. "The same presence that is guiding that service and filling you with joy is the same Spirit that is with you everyday." The enemy knows that. The author writes, "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope." Sometimes as believers we forget what we possess. We have the presence of God living and dwelling in us. The presence of God throughout the Bible is so powerful that it almost consumed the believers; remember Moses and the Isrealites? But the scripture follows by saying, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." Even on a Monday the Lord is faithful. Remind yourself of the Lord's Love today. Sunday Morning's are there to remind us of this truth, but the Lord wants to do it everyday of our lives. "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." The same God that created Sunday is the same God that created Monday.
Use what God had said on Sunday and put in to practice on Monday. God bless you. "His mercies are new every morning," including Monday Mornings.
"God is Good All the Time & All the Time God is Good"
Friday, February 26, 2010
Are You Giving God Your Best?
Exodus 23:14-16,19 "Three times a year you are to CELEBRATE a festival to me. CELEBRATE the Feast of Unleavened Bread; for seven days eat bread made witthout yeast, as I commanded you. Do this at the appointed time in the month of Abib, for that month you came out of EGYPT. "NO ONE IS TO APPEAR BEFORE ME EMPTY-HANDED. CELEBRATE the Feast of Harvest with the FIRSTFRUITS of the crops you SOW in your field. CELEBRATE the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field. 19 "Bring the BEST of the FIRSTFRUITS of your soil to the HOUSE OF THE LORD YOUR GOD."
What a power scripture on the fundamentals and JOY of giving to the Lord. Did I use the word joy and giving in the same sentence? Yes I did! This is what the law of sowing and reaping is all about. The neat thing about sowing is that you are in control of how much seed to sow. Like a farmer who goes out sowing seed in his field, the amount of seed he throws out greatly determines his harvest. Even a city boy like myself can understand that.lol. The scriptures says in 2 Corinthians 9:6, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." Keep that in mind as we move forward.
In Exodus 20-23, God begins to lay down some laws for the people of God to follow. They are out of Egypt, which represented the place of slavery and bondage. Now we get to Chapter 23:14-19 and we read about the 3 festivals God required the people to CELEBRATE every year. The first festival the Israelites(People of God) were to celebrate was the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This was CELEBRATED over a period of seven days becuase this represented the time they came out of Egypt. Like I said before, Egypt represented slavery or bondage. This was a dark period in the lives of the Jews. Today as Christians we see it as a bondage to sin. Before you and I come to Christ we are in slavery to sin, but are you not thankful that Jesus Christ rescued you from the power of sin and darkness. Please notice this powerful truth; Before God required the Israelites to give anything He simply deesired their worship. A celebration of what GOD had done. The same is true in ourlives. Before you and I can offer anything acceptable to God we FIRST have to bring ourselves. This is why unbelievers can not understand the power in giving. They are still in bondage.
Secondly, Now that God has saved us, God says something powerful. V:15c, "No one is to appear before me EMPTY-HANDED." Hopefully what I am about to say next doesn't offend anyone but strongly teaches us. Just because we are in tough times financially as a nation let alone as individuals doesn't mean that we short stick God. He still requires our BEST! Whatever your best is! Notice that sacrifices and offerings vary from person to person. God simply wants YOUR best. So many times we allow our circumstances to ROB us of future blessings.
Thirdly, Notice the difference in the next two CELEBRATIONS. The Feast of Harvest was dealing with sowing, but the Feast of Ingathering dealt with gathering. Why? God knows that we can not break His law of sowing and reaping. Before we can reap we have to sow. Nowadays, Christians want to experience the blessing of God w/o first giving God their best! The Bible calls it, ROBBING GOD! When we do not obey God in this area we rob God (Malachi 3). God told the people in Exodus 22:29, "Do not hold back," your offerings. This is exactly what we do. This was supposed to be a time of celebration.
Finally, we are called to put the word of God into practice. Let me encourage you to give God your BEST! Trust Him, the return is unbeleievable! How are you and I suppose to give. V:19, "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God." We do this through our tithes & offerings. Obey God. Giving becomes a CELBRATION when you do it! Dont wait, Do it and watch God pour out His blessings all over you.
God is Good All the Time & All the Time God is Good!
What a power scripture on the fundamentals and JOY of giving to the Lord. Did I use the word joy and giving in the same sentence? Yes I did! This is what the law of sowing and reaping is all about. The neat thing about sowing is that you are in control of how much seed to sow. Like a farmer who goes out sowing seed in his field, the amount of seed he throws out greatly determines his harvest. Even a city boy like myself can understand that.lol. The scriptures says in 2 Corinthians 9:6, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." Keep that in mind as we move forward.
In Exodus 20-23, God begins to lay down some laws for the people of God to follow. They are out of Egypt, which represented the place of slavery and bondage. Now we get to Chapter 23:14-19 and we read about the 3 festivals God required the people to CELEBRATE every year. The first festival the Israelites(People of God) were to celebrate was the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This was CELEBRATED over a period of seven days becuase this represented the time they came out of Egypt. Like I said before, Egypt represented slavery or bondage. This was a dark period in the lives of the Jews. Today as Christians we see it as a bondage to sin. Before you and I come to Christ we are in slavery to sin, but are you not thankful that Jesus Christ rescued you from the power of sin and darkness. Please notice this powerful truth; Before God required the Israelites to give anything He simply deesired their worship. A celebration of what GOD had done. The same is true in ourlives. Before you and I can offer anything acceptable to God we FIRST have to bring ourselves. This is why unbelievers can not understand the power in giving. They are still in bondage.
Secondly, Now that God has saved us, God says something powerful. V:15c, "No one is to appear before me EMPTY-HANDED." Hopefully what I am about to say next doesn't offend anyone but strongly teaches us. Just because we are in tough times financially as a nation let alone as individuals doesn't mean that we short stick God. He still requires our BEST! Whatever your best is! Notice that sacrifices and offerings vary from person to person. God simply wants YOUR best. So many times we allow our circumstances to ROB us of future blessings.
Thirdly, Notice the difference in the next two CELEBRATIONS. The Feast of Harvest was dealing with sowing, but the Feast of Ingathering dealt with gathering. Why? God knows that we can not break His law of sowing and reaping. Before we can reap we have to sow. Nowadays, Christians want to experience the blessing of God w/o first giving God their best! The Bible calls it, ROBBING GOD! When we do not obey God in this area we rob God (Malachi 3). God told the people in Exodus 22:29, "Do not hold back," your offerings. This is exactly what we do. This was supposed to be a time of celebration.
Finally, we are called to put the word of God into practice. Let me encourage you to give God your BEST! Trust Him, the return is unbeleievable! How are you and I suppose to give. V:19, "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God." We do this through our tithes & offerings. Obey God. Giving becomes a CELBRATION when you do it! Dont wait, Do it and watch God pour out His blessings all over you.
God is Good All the Time & All the Time God is Good!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Jesus, I Need You!
These 4 words are so simple, but yet so powerful! As I go about my day I notice that I have the ability of getting off track fairly quickly. Meaning, it's possible for me to go about my day doing so many things, even good things, and still not do the things that God desires me to do. I guess the older I get, not in age, but in Christian maturity, I notice my desire and need of God increases. There are some days when I do not have the words to say, and all I can say are these three words, "Jesus, I need You!" Nowadays, this name JESUS is dragged through the mud. We sometimes hear it in connection with a curse word or when people are just joking around. I am making it a point in my life that whenever I mention the name of Jesus, it will be used to recognize my need of Him. Jesus, I need You! I need you in every area of my life, even in my THOUGHT life. Jesus in you there is joy, peace, and love. Jesus you give me the ability to LIVE, MOVE, & have my being. I believe God loves it when we use these four words. Why? God loves it when we acknowledge our need of Him, even in the simple things. I challenge you, even right now to stop what you are doing and say these four words, "Jesus, I need You." How did it feel? If you have time, tell him again and again. "Jesus, I need you."
God is Good All the Time, & All the Time God is Good!
God is Good All the Time, & All the Time God is Good!
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