MORNING MEDITATIONS AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
1 KINGS 16:31
"And it came to pass, as though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took a wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians; and he went and served Baal and worshiped him."

JEZEBEL

Ahab, the king of Israel, married Jezebel. What a big mistake. She was idolatrous. 
In 1 kings 21, we read about a man named, Naboth. Naboth was a honorable man. King Ahab wanted Naboth's vineyard that was next to his palace. Naboth said that he couldn't give his inheritance away. King Ahab got upset and Jezebel asked what was wrong and he told her. What she does afterward is the clincher.

Jezebel tells her husband to get up and eat and get happy because she was going to see to it that he got that vineyard.
You can read the account for yourself, but she ended up devising an evil plan to have Naboth killed and his vineyard taken. 
Jezebel is self-seeking, vengeful, narcissistic, covetous, full of pride, decisive, no true affection, insensitive, cold, cruel, wicked and evil.

She tells her husband to go get the vineyard that she has secured by having Naboth killed. Wow! Her husband goes and gets the vineyard. The affect she had on her husband was shameful. 
God had a judgement waiting for Ahab and Jezebel which was prophesied by the prophet Elijah (vs. 17-29) and the judgement against Jezebel was fulfilled!

There are some 'Jezebels' that walk this planet today. I've encountered some. They have no respect for men in authority. They don't know how to love. They are narcissistic and only concerned with themselves. They are phony and pretentious. They only be-friend others for what they can get from those persons to further their goals or plans. They go after simple minded, weak and gullible persons whom they can influence and control. It is something to behold when you see them in action. If they are married, they disrespect their husbands and embarrass them publicly and shame them before others. They are pathological liars and volatile.

Today's Jezebel sits in a pew looking for her next victim. She has the ability to charm unsuspecting fellows as she works her wiles and gets them to believe that she is out for the good of the church. She, through manipulations can get people to write her checks to pay her bills. She preys on weak, unsuspecting men in the church. She is a user and an abuser of the Lord's people!

Can you identify 'Jezebel'? She is idolatrous and gets what she wants at everyone's expense, but God, Oh, but God, He gives her enough rope to hang herself. 

Beware! Know who you are looking at! Everybody that warms a church pew isn't saved!!! Don't kid yourself! They may resemble a Christian, but there's always evidence by their fruit and what tree they are really dangling from.

Matt. 13:30 clearly tells us, "Let the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn."

You and I have the Holy Spirit indwelling us and it's a spirit that reveals all that's true and real and authentic! It is for our protection that we submit to Him and follow Him, this way, the devil and all the persons he uses will be powerless against us.

​Satan has planted these individuals in local churches. He only plants them in churches where he sees true growth and productivity for God (vs.26). Satan seeks to keep Christians at odds with one another and create divisive spirits among God's people. Be Aware! Don't get caught in this trap! Stay prayed up and vigilant in the event God puts you in a position to stand up to these 'Jezebel' spirits!

MORNING MEDITATION AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

Mark 4:35; 5:1

They made it over to the other side as Jesus originally said to them to. He emphatically said, “Let us pass over to the other side.”

Jesus gave the assurance by His command that the destination was going to be to the other side of the sea from where they were.

They happily went not anticipating anything other than taking a boat ride to the other side. In their minds it was a simple task, after all, they were accustom to taking boat rides.

They did make it to the other side, but from point A to point B, there was turbulence, danger, fear and stress.
Sometimes in our Christian journey from point A to point B, we will experience hinderances, troubles, fears, doubts and crisis that make us wonder where is the Lord.

The Lord is ever present, just quietly observing us and our responses to the atmospheric conditions (spiritually speaking) around us. He’s waiting patiently near by.

He knows when to say, “Peace Be Still”, to our storms. He’s the master of the sea, winds and waves. 
The length of our trials are determined by Him for the testing of our faith and for the spiritual growth that is needed. It is also His desire that we see His face more clearly and distinctly in every situation. 

The disciples saw him on the boat sleeping calmly and quietly while they were in despair of their lives and questioned if He even cared that they could die in the situation.

Jesus addressed their fears and their lack of faith and then brought an end to the turbulence.

Sometimes we feel stranded by the Lord God in the midst of severe trials and difficulties. The length of time that He chooses to leave us there brings great concern and fear because in our finite minds the prolonging of the situation could only lead to more devastation with a negative end. 

​Faith allows us to take on God’s perspective and hold firm in the midst of hard times. Faith will reminds us that we are not alone no matter how bad things get or how far things go. Faith will carry us through the storm and we will reach the other side, it just may not be via the way we had in mind.

MORNING MEDITATION AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
Mark 5:2-20

​What deliverance was given to the man with the Legion of unclean spirits within him! He knew what he had been delivered from! He couldn't help but 'Go and Tell'!

Each believer bears a powerful seal within him and her that has been given by God. The Holy Spirit is a spirit of Power. It has been placed within us that we might experience the manifestation and power of God daily in our lives.

Over the course of my Christian life I have heard some awesome and powerful testimonies from men, women and young people. We have all heard some heart stopping testimonies of the evidence of God's work in people's lives.

It is great to hear of the testimonies of others, but what about the manifestation of the Holy Spirit's work in our own lives? Are we having powerful encounters and experiences with God week after week or day by day? If not, why not?
The Holy Spirit should not lay dormant within us all week and stirred within us on Sunday. 

When we are daily hearing from God via His word and giving Him our trust followed by obedience We Will experience His presence in powerful ways. It comes in the little things, the things we count as insignificant and it shows up in big ways as well.

​The same power that raised Christ from the dead resides within us! Think about that! That alone gives us reason to rejoice!
Let's be like the man with the Legion of unclean spirits and run and tell all who will listen what great things God has done and is doing in our lives. Don't keep silent!!! Tell It!!! Live it!! Sing It!! Shout it while there is still time!

MORNING MEDITATION AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

Proverbs 18:16

What has God place within your hands to do in service to Him? From the time you and I accepted the Lord as our personal savior, He gave us a Spiritual Gift; at least one. Some may have more than one granted to them according to ability. We get an idea of this from reading Matt. 25:14, 15. 

In 1Cor. 12: 1-11 we are told in so many words, that spiritual gifts are given for spiritual purposes. Spiritual gifts are to benefit the entire body of Christ. In other words, all of the believers we are in contact with: inside our local church, outside our local church, all believers everywhere we come in contact with for any reason, should be benefitting from our spiritual gift/s. 

We each have been given, by God Himself, a special ability that no one else has in that way. No one else can exercise that ability in the way that you or I can. Many may have the same gift, but a different 'spin' on it with a different effect when used under the power of the Holy Spirit.

These gifts have been given to each person for the purpose of meeting particular needs within the body of Christ. None of us possessed these gifts before we were saved. 

We must operate these gifts 'In Love' (1Cor.13:1) or else the gift becomes useless or ineffective.

What is your gift? The Apostle Paul told Timothy to, "stir up the gift of God that is within you," (2 Tim.1:6). Activate your gift, use it, find ways to use it. The more you use it, the more it will become effective and useful and beneficial to others!

Another benefit of these spiritual gifts is that God can use them to benefit the individuals who possess them in ways you cannot imagine. Proverbs 18:16 tells us, "A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men."

If we are diligent, not lazy, but take the pain staking time to develop what God has given to us, that very gift can open doors and give access that other wise wouldn't be granted to us. It also could gain you and I respect and favor among the esteemed. It could also get you out of a situation as well.

​Let us not neglect the gift that is within us! Let's persevere and put every bit of energy into developing more and more, thereby becoming more effective in the service of the Lord for the Kingdom!

MORNING MEDITATION AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

Psalm 139:13-18

"Wear The Shoes God Made To Fit You"!

We all know that 'Shoes' must fit us properly in order to walk comfortably. If a shoe is too tight, we will feel the pain and discomfort as it rubs our toes or heels causing blisters and sores.

If our shoes are too big, they will hinder our stride and slip off and if they are too small, each step we make will result in intense pain.

I liken 'Shoes' to the life that God has ordained for you and I to live out. The life, meaning, the family, the parents, the household or the conditions of such, were ordained by God. He did not order or create the negative circumstances that we may have been subjected to, but He 'Allowed' it for His Honor and glory. Anything God feels He can receive fruit from, He allows!

'Shoes' can also be likened to: disappointments, set backs or the lack of anything that we had to live without. Some have had to live without the affection of a parent, although they were present in the home, some had to deal with the loss or absence of a parent, while others suffered under the bad choices of them. 

'Shoes' can represent for some, a handicap or physical limitation in life. 

We must wear the 'Shoes' God made to fit us. There's always the urge and desire to change our shoes and exchange them for the pair of our choice. It will never work! Those shoes never fit properly allowing us to walk through this life comfortably and securely. 

In the Scripture text I gave, it tells us that from the time we were conceived in the womb, God had us covered. He saw every detail of our physical, and mental state as being formed, before we were ready to be born. He created every aspect of our being with all the specifications down to the minutest detail. You and I were custom made! No duplicates available!

Everything about us was created intentionally by God. Our features, our gait (the way we walk), our physical stature, our tone of voice, our emotional state (melancholic, sanguine, choleric, phlegmatic), etc... There is no coincidence that we are who we are. Now grant it, we do have to work on getting rid of certain things that will impede our progress here below, but other than that, we were given life and the setting it came with for God's purposes.

​So, whatever your 'Shoes' and what came with them, wear them to the glory of God! Heal from past wounds with the help of God and His word and be better because of all your deficits. Reach higher heights despite disappointments and setbacks and shine as a true testimony of God's grace upon your life no matter what!

​And remember this; if there is anyone out there who has caused you pain, disappointment, or hurt, God promises to deal with them and give them what they deserve...even if they are a fellow believer. God has made every provision for us to walk in the 'Shoes' He has designed for our feet and to live out a victorious life For Him!

MORNING MEDITATION AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

Matthew 5:16
"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

I have been told by several people that they wouldn't walk into the doors of a church and all the reasons why. There are some who use this as their excuse, however, there are others who have legitimate reasons to feel the way they feel about attending churches.

Some have said that the hypocrisy was so real that they lumped all so called 'Christians' together as fake and false. Others have said that they have observed how 'Christians' treat each other negatively, and felt that they would be treated the same. There were money collection issues and out right sinful behavior that stumbled them as well.

When I am told these things, I don't turn a deaf ear to it, neither do I challenge the way they feel because I, too, have experienced all of the above, and then some, from so called, 'Christians'. I know the probability of these things happening. I too have been stumbled.

The only reasons I go through any church doors today, is because I have had serious encounters with Christ. In having an intimate, relationship with Him, I am able to sort through hindrances and obstacles and attend church services. I go to worship Him, because He has been the only one to have the answers to my questions and the power to meet my needs. I go to see where I can be of help to His people. Outside of what God has taught me personally, through His son, I wouldn't dare go to church or have anything to do with 'Christians'!

Seeing that some people feel the way they feel about attending churches, I have found that there are other ways to introduce them to God. Over the years, I have been a part of home Bible studies and found them to be of great help. They are intimate and personable and give way to hearing the powerful testimonies of Christ in the lives of people.

I would encourage you to think about having a home Bible study even if it is on a monthly basis. Invite those who other wise wouldn't attend church or religious meetings. You'd be surprise at what God would do for them!

​Rom. 10:17 says, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing through the word of the Lord." Heb. 4:12 says, "The word of God is powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword."

AFTERNOON MEDITATION AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
Hebrews 6:10
"For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His Name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister."
What is the real motive behind our service to God? Why do we do what we do? 
Often, when any area of "Service" can be attached to the Lord's name, we run with it. "God approves, it is for Him, He'll sign off on it", we say. Not necessarily. God is always interested in our hearts and the motivation behind what we say we are doing in His name. Just because the "Service" itself is what "Christians" do, doesn't necessarily make it 'Alright' with God.
We can preach, drive the church bus, visit the sick and shut ins, teach Sunday school, be a part of music ministry or even become a "Leader" simply because we have a hidden agenda of our own or for other selfish reasons.
If your name or my name was excluded by mistake from the church program for a contribution we made, do we become unglued and emotionally charged about it? Do we then insist that our name be put on the program? Do we fight to be known for a particular thing or can we just let it ride, knowing that God keeps an impeccable record of all we do unselfishly for Him.
God has already informed us that our 'Service' can fall within four categories. In 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 it clearly states, that each man's work will be tested by fire to prove what type of work it was. If any man's work endures (because it is work consisting of gold, silver, precious stones), the 'fire' test, he will receive reward, but if it consist of wood, hay, or stubble, it will be burnt up and that man will suffer loss. Whatever we did/do that was for selfish reasons, will be burnt up.
Let us serve God with a pure heart. If any of us suffer from low self-esteem, insecurities, issues from our childhood, lack of attention etc..., let us not use "Service" to God to work out our insufficiencies. Get before God in prayer and make efforts to heal and get healthy mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Let us not rob God or His people of the benefit and blessings attached to "Service" to God.

AFTERNOON MEDITATION AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

"But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Pro. 14:24

FRIENDSHIPS: 

We all need them! I am often impressed with some of the relationships in Scripture. Daniel had three friends: Mishael, Azariah, and Hananiah; better known as Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego.

These three friends of Daniels shared the same depth of faith and belief in Israel's God to the point where they supported Daniel's decision to not eat the king's meat. Now, this could have been the line drawn in the sand for them because they would be giving up a great menu of food everyday.

These four young men took a stand, together, for what would be more pleasing to God (Daniel 1).
David had a friend in Jonathan, King Saul's son (1 Sam 18:1-4). In chapter 19:4, Jonathan makes an appeal to his father, King Saul, to refrain from doing anything wrong against his friend, David. He stands up for David!

What is the spiritual tone in your friendships with others? When the chips are down, do your friends come through for you? How far would they go for you? Would they be willing to sacrifice their comfort to stand in a challenging situation remaining by your side? 

Usually, when it gets too hot in the kitchen, as we say, crowds get thin. People run and hide for self preservation. You could find yourself standing all alone to take the heat. You could experience ostracizing, or abuse, depending on the situation. Don't think that just because you are a 'Christian' that won't happen. Think again! I speak from experience.

There are friends and there are 'FRIENDS'! When I refer to someone as my friend, I speak to some critical period in my life where they helped me or was of good to great support for me. We have many acquaintances, but fewer friends than we think.

​"But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Thank God that when all else fails, God tops the list of faithful and true friends. At the end of the day, He is all I need and want!

MORNING MEDITATIONS AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

HOW WATCHFUL ARE YOU?
Mark 13:35-37

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

We are admonished in Matthew 26: 41 to, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: for the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Also, in 1 Cor. 16:13, we are told to, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, Be strong."

To Watch means to observe attentively over a period of time. We are to pay attention and be on our guard so we won't fall into temptations and sin. We are to be looking for the Lord's coming. If we are distracted by this world and even the good things, like service to the Lord, we will miss the signs. We are so easily distracted and caught up with what we like to do and participate in.

1 Cor. 16:13 tells us to watch against all of our 'Seen and Unseen' enemies and to trust Him who is invisible. Have courage and patience as we do and suffer His will.

​HOW WATCHFUL ARE YOU AND I? This is serious stuff! Let us help one another to be watchful. Let us not engage one another in activities or things that will distract from what is important to God.

MORNING MEDITATIONS AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
Prov. 12:26

"The righteous is a guide to his neighbor."

Who is in your inner circle? Jesus had 12 friends along with Him for the journey, but only three were in His inner circle (Peter, James and John). There were things that these three men were privy to that none of the other nine were.
Are your friends:
1. Spiritually responsible?
2. Trustworthy?
3. Honest?
4. Real vs. Fake?
5. Supportive?
6. Able to rejoice or cry with you?
7. Loyal?

If they are spiritually responsible, they will possess the rest of the six things on the list. These things speak to one's character.

Remember, you really are known by the company you keep! 

From the time  I was 7 years old, my grandmother was always teaching me about 'Character' and I quote her, "Pat, just like those girls sat on your stoop and gossiped about her, they will move down the block to another stoop and gossip about you." She was right!!!! I didn't understand it then, but as I became an adult, I understood. What you hear others negatively say about another, they will undoubtedly speak in the same way about you, given time and opportunity. How you see others treat another, they will do the same to you in time and with opportunity.

One way to determine friendships that God has placed in your circle is when you're facing a tremendous trial or crisis. Look around you and see who has the words of the Lord for you. Also, if and when you are in dire straits, and need a word from the Lord, who do you go to? You are only going to go to the friend that you know is in good company with the Lord.

​Prov. 13:20 tells us, "He who walks with wise men will be wise."