Are you seeking a kind (gracious), loving (loves you so much he already died for you), strong (omnipotent), smart (omniscient), comes from a good family, never changing (immutable), always on time, forgiving, honest, listener, always there/everywhere(omnipresent), available man who wants a long term relationship.
Meet Jesus Christ, born in bethlehem, he lived a sinless life. He performed unheard –of miracles. He died a sacrificial death. He arose from the grave and ascended to heaven. And oh, did I mention he was perfect and that he is the Son of God?

GOD?
So now you ask is all this "God" stuff real, or did something go bang?It's hard to grasp the concept that something or someone or both, has always existed. Life for us is all about beginnings and ends. The bottom line is, SOMETHING has always existed. If you support the "Big Bang' theory, then something had to be there to go 'Bang'. When you look at the world you can see it from two perspectives. You can look into the world we know and see the wonders of life. To mention the animals and plants that are just made for each other is to see the simple beauty of creation. I don't believe for one minute that the intricacies that exist in our world are there as a result of a 'Bang'.The other perspective is to look out into, what seems to be, an endless universe. Could a 'Bang' make all that with everything ticking over year after year, century after century?

Honestly, I find it easier to believe the Biblical account. This is for two reasons. One, because it makes a lot more sense, the other, because I have a personal relationship with God. You can't have a personal relationship with a God who doesn't exist!

God has given each person an inner knowledge which causes them to seek after God. So many people are looking for that missing piece to their lives (perceived as a man, a woman, possessions). There is a void, sometimes a tugging of the heart, a longing for something missing.  You say "If I just had someone to help me with these bills, the kids" or "Im lonely", "I'm tired of doing this alone". God says "I'm here for you" "I can supply all your needs...if you put your trust in me". As hard headed as you are, you call Junebug or that other so and so that you already know is not good for you.  He's already gotten three other women pregnant and is not there for them; what makes you think he will be there for you? Or you look for it in the clubs, out there on the dance floor making it clap, while you're half naked (by the way that man you trying to impress isnt thinking-"I'm gonna make her my wife") and blinded by alcohol or drugs. I'm not judging anyone-therefore I wont be judged. The simple truth is, if you choose to believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for your sin and choose to follow Him, you will have the right to become a child of God and have forgiveness for your sin. He will make you whole! That void will be filled!

John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become the children of God, to those who believe on His name,

I think the hard thing is to just believe. I truly believe that there are alot of women out there who have had really bad experiences with men and that God allowed this to happen to draw them to the real "Man". But he leaves it  up to you to decide. There is usually a battle that goes on between the head and the heart at this stage. The head deals with the logic and says "What about this or What about that?" Whereas the heart says "Yes, this is what I've been looking for!" Believing the heart in this case and choosing to follow Jesus is what is meant by the following scripture:

Luk 18:17 Truly I say to you, Whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no way enter into it.

CONFIRMATION

The beauty of finding Jesus is that the Holy Spirit bears witness with your spirit that you are a child of God 

Rom 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh, you shall die. But if you through the Spirit mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.
Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Rom 8:15 For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption by which we cry, Abba, Father!
Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.
Rom 8:17 And if we are children, then we are heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; so that if we suffer with Him, we may also be glorified together.

BRIDGE THE GAP

We are seperated from God by sin. The simple way to overcome this is to ask for forgiveness.

1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Read the following prayer and if it is what you want to do, then pray this prayer out loud to God:

Father, forgive me for the sin that has separated me from you.
Thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross on my behalf.
Thank you that His sacrifice paid the price for my sin
And that because I believe this I am acceptable to you.
Lord, I give my life to you and choose to follow you from this day on.
Please give me your Holy Spirit to teach me and guide me along the way
Thank you for accepting me into your Kingdom in Jesus name
Amen

Act 2:38 Then Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ to remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The next thing to do is to tell someone about what you have done. By telling someone you have received Jesus and have chosen to follow Him you 'seal' your conversion.

Rom 10:9 Because if you confess the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.

It is really important to find a church somewhere and get to know some Christians who will support you. The enemy (satan) will attempt to discourage you and turn you away from God. Everyone goes through difficult times and everyone needs support and encouragement from time to time.It is also true that worshipping God together with a group of people is very special. It takes you into the presence of God like almost nothing else can.

Do you know what time it is? It is time to give God thanks because He is your Deliverer! In the time of trouble, you have to abound in thanksgiving to God. Thank Him for protection. Thank Him for provision.Thank Him for your food. Thank Him for your job. Thank the Father whether or not it looks like things are working. When you do, you release His ability and power.

When we are in Christ, we don't gauge our future by what the stock market does. We don't gauge our future by what CNN says. We don't gauge our future in what the automakers do. We gauge our standing in this life by the Word of God which lives and abides forever.

So don't look at all the things you are reading in the Macon Telegraph. Instead look to God. You may not see God, but you know He's there. You know He makes a way for you. So begin to thank Him for doing it right now.

In 2 Thessalonians 1:6 it says "it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you." In other words, God is going to trouble your trouble. In 2 Thessalonians 2:2 it says, "That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand."

So, know what time it is and don't be troubled.Don't be frightened. Don't be full of fear. Don't be anxious. Dont be depressed. These things are not of God. "15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship."Romans 8:15

The enemy is attacking on every side, I'm praying but it seems like my prayers are just bouncing right off of heaven. God is saying "Do the Right Thing and I Will Answer Your Call"

Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 58:8–10
Key Verse: : Isaiah 58:9–10

You shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, "Here I am." If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness . . . . . Then your light shall dawn in the darkness.

Why do Christians run around feeling so empty,shallow, discouraged, broken and defeated? It is because we are selfish. We keep asking God, "When will I get my joy back?" God patiently tells us, "You will get your joy when you clothe the naked, break the burden, and do the other things that I ordained you to do. Then your light will break forth like the morning!"

What else? "Your healing shall spring forth speedily, / And your righteousness shall go before you; / The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard" (Isa. 58:8 nkjv). This means you do not have to worry about anybody coming up from behind because the glory of God has you covered.

Do your prayers seem to just bounce off the heavens without getting through? God promised, "You shall call, and the Lord will answer; / You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' / If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness" (emphasis mine). If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy their afflicted souls, then your light shall dawn in the darkness and your darkness shall be as high noon.  So many times we say "I can't afford to help anyone right now.  I've  got problems my self." I say you can't afford not to.  Helping and loving others sometimes consist of something as simple as telling that homeless person that "God loves you".  There has been so many lives saved just by that one phrase.

Guess what--- it's not about you.  If you find yourself praying for yourself more than anything or anybody---my bills, my money, my family, my job, my my my my... Then that's why nothing's happening.  I challenge you to  help others, pray for others, encourage somebody...

You do not have to go to a convention or a preacher's "money line" to get this kind of deliverance. Just be a good steward with the little you have, and God will show up when you call!

Today's Prayer:

 Heavenly Father, all You are asking is for us to do the right thing. You want us to treat people the way we like to be treated. In return, You have promised to answer my call and cause my light to dawn in the darkness. Thank You for planting me in Your kingdom and in Your body. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Watch Where You Sit!

Today's Scripture Reading: Psalm 1
Key Verse: Psalm 1:1

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful.

When God says we should not walk or talk with certain people, He really is referring you to Psalm 1. The first verse describes the progression of damnation. First you walk in the counsel of the ungodly. Then you find yourself standing in the path of the sinner, and finally you end up sitting in the seat of the scornful.

You begin by seeking and following ungodly advice, then you begin to associate with rebellious sinners known for their sinful ways and thinking. Finally, you take your seat as a leader among the jeering, scornful crowd of hecklers who openly ridicule anyone who dares to attempt something new for God. It is a deadly path that leads to destruction.

When God speaks to you and gives you a task or promise from His heart, do not share it with this kind of people. Jesus put it this way, "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces" (Matt. 7:6 nkjv).

Make sure you associate with people who speak and follow godly counsel. If you do not, then you will get some doubt and unbelief mixed in with the advice you receive from others. People who gather their advice from the gossip columns, soap operas, talk shows, and tabloids will quickly contaminate what God told you.

Let me give you a test for your friends. If you try to wallow in a pity party, what do your friends say? Will they join you, or will they remind you who you are and what God has done in your life? Will they say, "Do not quit now. It is too late to turn around and go back to the past now. Keep going and trust God. This pity party only gives the devil credit for his efforts to steal your vision and blessing!"

Who is sitting with you right now?

Today's Prayer:

 Holy Father, Your plan for my life is too important and valuable for me to squander it by following foolish advice and ungodly counsel. Give me wisdom and discernment to know what is in the hearts of those who would be my friends. Lead me to godly friends and counselors who will do all they can to direct me toward the goals You have set for me in the kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Dr JekyllMr Hyde

Romans 7:15(NIV)

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.

In our lives we go through most of our days as people who want to please God and who want to live God's will in our own lives. We look for ways that we can help people and we truly enjoy helping someone out. If we could live simply as Dr. Jekyll we would find the Christian life a whole lot easier. But, a battle rages within us as well, Mr. Hyde shows his face whenever he wishes and ruins the very things that we sought to build. Mr. Hyde crushes relationships, he veers us off the path of righteousness, and he seeks only to fulfill his own desires. It is this battle that shows us that our old nature, our sinful nature is still with us even after we accept Jesus Christ.

Listen to how Paul described his battle with his own flesh:
· (v15 NLT) " I don't understand myself at all!"
· (v16 NLT) "I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong."
· (v17 NLT) " I can't help myself"
· (v18 NLT) " I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned"
· (v18 NLT) " No matter which way I turn – I can't make myself do right"
· (v21 NLT) "When I do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong."
· (v24 NLT) " What a miserable person I am."

Many times when we as Christians encounter Mr. Hyde in our lives we do so full knowing that he is in control. And, yet when Dr. Jekyll returns we are filled with remorse for what he have done. We begin to feel as if we aren't the Christians that we should be and we convince ourselves that something must be wrong with us. Sometimes we doubt our own salvation.

For many of us this battle of natures is waged in secret. Nobody else knows about the terrible fight that goes on within our minds. Nobody else knows the struggle that we face. For many of us we keep Mr. Hyde hidden from view. If you asked my friends some of them would say that I am a nice person who loves the Lord and I am a  really good Christian. If you ask some of my friends they would say "well he used to ...." 

Knowing this leads many of us to feel unworthy of Christ. So many times I have heard from people, "God will never forgive me for the things that I have done." We begin to focus on the things in our life that bring us shame.
"I don't understand myself at all!"
"I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong."
"I can't help myself"
"I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned"
"No matter which way I turn – I can't make myself do right"
"When I do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong."
"What a miserable person I am."
"Surely God must hate me because of the things that I do. Surely he must look on me with shame and horror at the sin in my life. How can I possibly be forgiven of all that I have done? "
We get caught in this web of doubt this web that says, "Look at my life, and you tell me if you think it deserves forgiveness."
But we cannot get caught in this mindset, because this ignores what God has told us through scripture.

1 John 1:8-10
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
The answer is in confessing our sins. In order for us to confess our sins we must acknowledge our sins. We must call them what they are and simply ask God for forgiveness. Jesus died on the cross so that we would be able to do this very thing. This is what his sacrifice was all about. We have this assurance that God will forgive us of our sins, but we must confess our sins to him.
How do we live like Jekyll and forget Hyde?
Hyde will always be with us in some form reminding us of who we were. He will occasionally slip in and ruin something in our lives. But there is hope and that hope lies with Jesus Christ. We must have confidence in the forgiveness that Jesus offers us. We cannot get caught up in the thought that we are so unworthy that God will never forgive us or give up on being a Christian. We must lean on the promise of salvation that we have been given, for when we lean on that promise we can then begin to see that, while we are broken Christ is reaching out to mend our hearts.
We must admit that we are broken and that we cannot fix ourselves. In our hearts we each now that we have done things that are wrong, but we must not rely on ourselves to fix it.
If you hired a plumber to come in and rework the plumbing in your house, and when he was done none of the plumbing worked right and all the joints leaked, would you hire that same plumber back to fix what he messed up? Or would you call someone more qualified to repair the damage, and send the other guy the bill? When we convince ourselves that we can fix our lives we are simply hiring the same person who messed things up to begin with. Personally, I want someone more experienced than me to fix things in my life, and that person is Jesus Christ.
We must submit our lives to God and release our will to him. And when we fail, notice I didn't say if, we have to return to the arms of God. We cannot allow ourselves to begin thinking that God will never forgive us of the things we have done as Mr. Hyde.
We must rely solely upon his grace and mercy for the sins in our lives. This is the only way to silence Mr. Hyde. Only when we fall into the arms of Christ can we begin to forget the other nature that lives within us.

Thanksgiving

Many of us are busy with preparations for the Thanksgiving holidays. Either traveling or we have guests coming, so the house needs to be cleaned from top to bottom. The food preparation is a job in and of itself: Turkey, Dressing(with that giblet gravy stuff),Collard Greens , Macaroni and Cheese, auntie's potato salad, Ham, Black eyed peas,  (why is it I only eat cranberry sauce once a year?) and it just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without momma's chocolate cake. The Falcon's are playing the Cowboys, I'm sure there will be somebody wanting to play spades.

There is ample temptation to make ourselves so busy with the preparations for the holiday, that we fail to celebrate the holiday. Thanksgiving: we are to pause, and give thanks to God for the things in our lives that we're thankful for. 
Sometimes it can be difficult to give thanks on Thanksgiving. If we take a look at the world around us, it can also be difficult to give thanks this Thanksgiving. Within our families, our children are falling victim to the dangers of alcohol, methamphetamines, and other drugs. Within our nation, we see scandal, dishonesty, and Terrorism, War, violence ruling the headlines and the city streets. Within our communities, our families must work harder to make the same living that they earned two or more years ago. Within our churches, an aging population struggles to teach the faith to the younger generation, who all too often seems to be "Just Not Feeling the Faith". As many people struggle with financial hardship and despair, it can be difficult to give thanks this Thanksgiving.

But the word of the Lord breaks into the chaos of our life: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:25, 27, 31-33 NRSV)..

Our task as Christians is not to expect that God will hand everything to us on a platter. Instead, we are to seek out those priceless gifts that we have already received, and to give thanks to our Creator.  Paul tells us to "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NRSV)
Sometimes it can be so difficult for us not to worry. The cares and troubles of this life can seem so overwhelming, that our efforts and labors seem to accomplish little or nothing at all. Some days it seems that all we can do is worry. We wonder, "Where is God when I am suffering so? Doesn't God care about my pain?" And it is in moments like these were Jesus words speak to us most clearly: "Do not worry about your situation. God will provide."

Logically, we can step back and tell ourselves that things are not as bad as they seem. The stress and the emotion of a difficult situation can often get the better of us, and we lose sight of the big picture. There are indeed many blessings in our lives, but we are either too busy or too distracted to see them. I just have one question, "What would happen if God took away all of those things that we neglected to give thanks for? This world would be filled with people with one leg, no arms, and no eyes. There would be no birds, no sky, and no flowers. The world as we know it would cease to exist."

As the people of God, we are called not only to praise the Lord with our voices, but to praise God with our lives as well. When we stop worrying about our own needs and wants, we are free to live for others. When we stop looking at our own wants and desires, we can more clearly see the needs of others around us. We can give freely of our time, talents, and treasures, trusting that the Lord will take care of us as well. Four Jesus tells us, "Indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:32-33 NRSV)

Have a Blessed Thankgiving! And be safe in your travels!

Mama Prayed for me.................

Daniel 9 - 10

For as far back as I can remember, mama has always prayed for me.  I truly believe had it not been for her prayers and God's grace, I would not be here today. Her prayers and intercession with God on my behalf, placed a shield over my life to protect me from the schemes of the enemy........when I was an adolescent and jumped in a swimming pool, but didnt know how to swim.......when I was a teenager hot dogging on a dirt road and ended upside down in a ditch in a convertible(didnt have a scratch)........when I fell asleep driving home late one night with my girlfriend asleep in my lap(hit a guard rail that kept me from going down an enbankment......when in college driving down I-16 at 120mph DUI all the way.....when I got married then divorced..........when I was lost........when I backslid.

Throughout life she has always prayed for me and she would always say "Reggie, you need to pray." I know that little seed planted at a young age really has made a difference in my life.  I didnt realize it then, and I really wasnt feeling it(God and who he is- )until I became much older.  I would go to church for hours on sunday(seemed like half a day back then).  I wouldn't understand a word they were saying and I would fight off sleeping the whole time.

Today, our children, as well as political leaders, friends and loved ones, bosses, coworkers and teachers need our prayers.

James 5:16 says "The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." Righteousness is right standing with God. I'm not righteous because I didnt get drunk last sunday, or because I didnt curse all day. I'm made righteous through my faith in Jesus Christ and His dying for my sins. Through confessing my sins, asking for forgiveness and repenting(sometimes daily, sometimes hourly) I'm made righteous. 

Take a look at this prayer from Daniel 9:4 "I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed"

"O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, 5we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 6We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.

Daniel continues his prayer of repentance for the shameful behavior of his forefathers that resulted in the judgement of God.  He makes no excuses.  He never complains that the hard times were undeserved.  He simply calls upon the Righteous God to now fulfill all of his promises about the future of his people. He concludes his prayer:

17"Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. 18Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. 19O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name."

What happens next is a bold affirmation of the power of prayer and its place in the plan of God:
20While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the LORD my God for his holy hill—21while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22He instructed me and said to me, "Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and under-standing. 23As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed.

The very next verse begins the most remarkable prophecy in the book, the vision of the Weeks which we spoke of earlier! Daniel prayed. God answered. The answer was far more than Daniel had bargained for. It provided a glimpse of the ultimate future God had in mind.

Note verse 23! As soon as Daniel began to pray, God's answer was given. But three weeks had passed between the beginning of Daniel's praying and appearance of Gabriel. Yet the answer was given when he started to pray! A part of the explanation for the timing comes in the next chapter. Daniel explains his praying and fasting as he sought to understand the will and plans of God.

2At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. 3I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.
4On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, 5I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of the finest gold around his waist. 6His body was like chrysolite, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.

The angel explains the twenty-one day delay.

"Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. 13But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes(angel), came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia(demonic being). 14Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come."

Daniel's praying was not just about getting what he wanted when he wanted. He was but one player in a huge spiritual battle being fought in the heavenlies. Somehow in ways we do not fully understand, our prayers are necessary for the completion of the angelic duties and the bringing of the answer that God's intends all along. Far more is at stake when we give up and stop praying than we may realize. 

I think this is what Paul is talking about when he speaks of spiritual battles and the role of prayer Ephesians 6:10-13 

"10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. . . . And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints"

In conclusion pt1........PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY!!!!!!!!!!