DEVOTIONALS
Don’t mix bad words with your bad mood. You’ll have many opportunities to change your mood, but you’ll never get the opportunity to replace the words you spoke. King Solomon, the wisest person to ever have lived (God said so), wrote this for our benefit today...
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Proverbs 18:21 AMPC
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].
Oct 4, 2023
A Patient Person Is Successful
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Hebrews 10:35-36
35 Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward. 36 You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises.
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Most of us have a distorted idea about patience. We think of it as something designed to help us suffer failure gracefully, but according to God’s Word, it will actually put us on the path of success.
Patience (or being consistently constant) is the fuel for your faith, they work together to see to it that the promises of God are fulfilled in your life.
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For example, you need a job. You can go to the Word and see clearly that God promises to provide your needs. You can see He takes pleasure in prospering His servants in all areas of their lives as their soul prospers. Once you see that, faith takes hold and you can say with confidence, “God has the job I need; it’s just a matter of time”.
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But what happens to that faith tomorrow morning when you go to three interviews and get turned down all three times? Then what? That’s when patience has to take over! That’s when you have to make a decision to stay constant, to act and believe as if nothing has changed. The truth is, if you based your confidence on the Word of God, nothing has changed. It says exactly the same thing it said yesterday.
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So, if you’ll put patience to work, what do think you’re going to say after those three unsuccessful job interviews? You’re going to say, “God has the job I need; it’s just a matter of time”. (It just wasn’t those three!) Faith opens the door to God’s promise for you; and patience keeps it open until the promise is fulfilled.
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Do you have your “faith sights” set on a promise from God today? a promise you’ve been waiting on for some time? For your children, spouse, finances, job, directions, relationships? Don’t let the delay discourage you, start putting patience to work and let God fulfill His Promises for the plan He has for you.
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Have a great day as you fast and pray!
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Pastor Grant
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Oct 3, 2023
Are you a person of integrity ? Having integrity means doing the right thing in a reliable way or consistent manner in all areas of your life. From your job, your family, friends...a person of integrity doesn’t pick and choose what area in life integrity will or won’t apply.
Integrity means a person has a moral compass that doesn't waver in any area. It literally means having "wholeness" of character.
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I know it is difficult at times because there will be coworkers, family and friends who lack integrity, but The Bible says, God says, they will be exposed. (1 Peter 3:16)
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God will take care of you, will watch over you, so remember to do your part: Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. - Pastor Grant
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1 Peter 3:16
16 [And see to it that] your conscience is entirely clear (unimpaired), so that, when you are falsely accused as evildoers, those who threaten you abusively and revile your right behavior [as a follower of Christ] may come to be ashamed [of slandering your good lives].
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Oct 1, 2023
“Live in such a way that if anyone speaks bad of you no one would believe it”
1 Peter 3:14-16
14 But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, how happy you are! Do not be afraid of anyone, and do not worry.
15 But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you,
16 but do it with gentleness and respect. Keep your conscience clear, so that when you are insulted, those who speak evil of your good conduct as followers of Christ will become ashamed of what they say.
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Sept 30, 2023
God never uses anyone greatly until He tests them deeply. Make sure you are prepared for the test by always studying God's Word. Start off each morning reading His Word and remember it's not just about obtaining information, it's about the revelation of His Word so there can be transformation in your life. Jesus is coming, the trumpet is getting ready to sound and in one moment, in the twinkling of an eye, we will be Raptured ! Have a blessed week walking in all power and authority that has been given to us by Jesus Christ, the Word - Pastor Grant
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Sept 27, 2023
Be Ready For A Change … Few people enjoy change. We get in a comfort zone and tend to want to remain there. Economist John Galbraith observed, “Faced with the choice between changing one’s mind, and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everybody gets busy on the proof.”
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Mr. Galbraith was right. Great energy has been expended, impassioned speeches delivered, and battle lines drawn all in resistance to change. Growing up as a pastors kid I remember my father narrowly avoiding a church fight over whether to take down paneling during the remodel of our auditorium. The chief opponent of the idea argued that “godly men had put that paneling on the wall, some of whom are deceased.” I thought but never said, “Yes, and godly men will take it down.”
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There are some “changes” that should to be resisted. Change for the sake of change has no merit. Change in the wrong direction is…well, wrong. A change from obedience to God to disobedience or from faith to fear or from honesty to dishonesty should never take place.
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Change can be frightening and uneasy. It is often unsettling because you don’t know what to expect. It is also essential – if you are going to grow. Every new thing you learn, every new idea, every new piece of information from the Word of God changes you in some way.
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The only “thing” that does not change, is the Word of God - it changes us, we do not or can not change His Words. Jesus Christ, who is the Word, is the same yesterday, today, and forever because He is perfect. As you fast and pray today, ask God to help you see where you need to change to become more like the person of Jesus Christ, to have a teachable spirit and may the things we learn for the reading of God’s Word change us for the better.
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Pastor Grant
Sept 26, 2023
One of lifes greatest mistakes you can make is to be continually fearing you will make one....God tells us this in His Word: 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" and in Matthew 19:26 "... but with God all things are possible." If God has told you to do something - Go do it and have no fear! - Pastor Grant
Sept 25, 2023
As you reflect back on your week today, there may have been some "things" you thought were "for sure" but, for some reason that door closed. Remember, when one door closes another door will open; but, we often look so long and so regretfully at the closed door, that we do not see the ones which will open for us. Don't live in the past - live for today! God has and is preparing you to walk through the next open door ( the door that opens could be a door that was once closed ) so don't live in fear, live by Faith...Have a great Weekend! - Pastor Grant
July 15, 2023
Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step in your life...always ask God on what direction you are to take. God sees the whole trip/journey or your life at one time, He sees things down the road that you and I can't see or don't want to see or even think about. Don't let your feelings, emotions, lack of wisdom and lack of knowledge about a situation cause you to go the wrong way - even a little bit. Let God guide you the whole way as you read His WORD - it will light up your path that you are supposed to take ! Have a blessed Tuesday - Pastor Grant
July 11, 2023
Whatever you are doing or about to do based on your own reasoning, your own understanding, or feelings from your frustration, your weariness, your anger - WAIT! Don't be in a hurry - God will and is answering You! Typically, there are 2 types of people: people who make lists and people who don't. I love to make a "to do" list, it keeps me focused and allows me to maximize my time in the office and/or doing errands.
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In an effort to get the most done of what "I" want to get done, I sometimes forget the most important "to do" item - waiting on God. I'm very good at reading my Bible and praying but not as good at waiting for an answer or directions from God. For many of us, we say what we want to say during prayer and when we are done we go to our "to do" list or whatever it is that we are doing that day.
It's so hard to follow the simple command in Psalms 46...
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Psalm 46:10 KJV 10 Be still, and know that I am God:
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Being still is one of the hardest things for a list or a non list person to do - I don't know of one person who likes to hear "be still and wait." The other day I made out "my list" of foods that I wanted and was leaving out the door to the grocery store. I half heartedly asked Kellie if she wanted anything from the store... although I could hear her in the distance as she was listing off what she wanted I was already focused on my list and the time that I had to get it done.
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She ran out of the house after me and said, "hold on, why ask if you're not going to wait for the answer." It got me thinking about Samuel, and how it was during those quiet times, the times of being still, those times of actually wanting to hear and not rushing is when God spoke to him.
1 Samuel 3:10-11 KJV 10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
11 And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
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When we sit still long enough and wait upon the Lord, He will tell us things that make our waiting worth the wait. Why pray if we aren't willing to wait for the answer? God is saying be still, open your ears and I will tell you something that not only will blow you away but it will let you know that "I am GOD".
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Whatever decision you are faced with today: job change, business decision, relationships, raising your children, what is next? or financial - wait for the answer. Once you have heard, act on it with no hesitation knowing "HE IS GOD". Have a great Sunday! - Pastor Grant
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July 9, 2023
Has your life changed in the last year? Are you feeling a little uneasy about what is to come? Will you trust God for the New Season in your life? "Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday" (Psalm 37:5-6).
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Many of us are going through a season of the unknown, unsure how to even think or feel about the present circumstances. It seems we have stepped from sure footing onto shaky ground in a very short period of time. Looking back, we find that everything seemed so certain just a few months ago. But, in the present we feel like someone standing on a log in the middle of a river, frantically moving our feet this way and that, with our arms outstretched and trying to keep our balance.
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I'm sure that's how Peter felt when he got out of the boat. Along with the other disciples, he was in a storm, but as a fisherman, he was used to that and the boat was a place of safety for him. It was familiar and required relatively little faith to stay in the boat. Despite his fear, he could go under his own strength and do what he knew to do in order to save himself. But the minute he stepped over the side of the boat and placed his foot solidly on the top of that first wave, he was in foreign territory. Walking on water isn't something you do halfway.
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In the same way, you either commit totally to the Lord, or you don't. That's where God separates the faithful from the fearful. However unnerving it may be to find yourself standing in the most unlikely, unpredictable circumstances as Peter did, it's really a place of surety. When you put your trust in the Lord and commit to follow Him wherever He leads, you've actually stepped out of the boat and onto the solid rock. God will never allow you to utterly fall when you are living by faith. Verse 6 of Psalm 37 says, "He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light."
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Abraham was counted righteous because of his faith. He left his normal routine in order to follow God's voice. From that day on, his life was changed. When his enemies attacked him, they were destroyed. When people tried to curse him, God cursed them. His life was indelibly etched into the tablets of history. If you are facing a time of uncertainty in your life right now as many of us are, I want to encourage you to spend time alone with Jesus.
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Remember in times past when you knew you would never be alone. You knew you could never fail. Your mind was quiet before the Lord, and He spoke without hindrance into your life. I'm finding more every day how invaluable these regular times with Jesus really are. Reading God's Word (Jesus is the Word), replacing fear with faith. Faith comes by reading and hearing (and acting) on God's Word.
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God's Word brings our focus from looking at the impossible to "all things are possible with God"! I'm able to see past the temporal, frustrating circumstances that I see before me and into God's plan for me. My thoughts are more orderly. There is a peace in my heart that is not shaken by external things.
My prayer for you today as you step into the next phase of your life, into your new season... May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Remember, God is for you and not against you! - Pastor Grant
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July 6, 2023
One of the greatest life lessons I learned from my father (who was a Pastor) when people approached him to say, "do you know what they are saying about you?" his response..."I don't care what they are saying about me, but tell me why do they feel comfortable telling you?"
Lesson is: only care what God says, don't be the gossiper or the one who receives gossip - you are who you hang out with. Remember, "life and death are in the power of the tongue" Proverbs 18:21
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July 5, 2023
There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing...don't let fear of criticism by what others speak stop you from where you're supposed to go and what you're supposed to do. Stop looking back and keep your eyes focused on where you are supposed to go!
-Pastor Grant
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2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
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June 29, 2023
“A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't" - Charles Spurgeon
June 27, 2023
Be disciplined about what you respond and react to (social media, work place, friends, etc.). Not everything deserves your time, energy, or attention... I hope you have a relaxing, peaceful and prosperous weekend!
June 25, 2023
A Patient Person Is Successful
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Hebrews 10:35-36
35 Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward. 36 You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises.
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Most of us have a distorted idea about patience. We think of it as something designed to help us suffer failure gracefully, but according to God's Word, it will actually put us on the path of success.
Patience (or being consistently constant) is the fuel for your faith, they work together to see to it that the Promises of God are fulfilled in your life.
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Say for example you need a job. You can go to the Word and see clearly that God promises to provide your needs. You can see He takes pleasure in prospering His servants in all areas of their lives but not as a detriment to their spiritual life. Once you see that, faith takes hold and you can say with confidence, "God has the job I need; it's just a matter of time".
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But what happens to that faith tomorrow morning when you go to three interviews and get turned down all three times? Then what? That's when patience has to take over! That's when you have to make a decision to stay constant, to act and believe as if nothing has changed. The truth is, if you based your confidence on the Word of God, nothing has changed. It says exactly the same "thing" is said yesterday.
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So, if you'll put patience to work, what do think you're going to say after those three unsuccessful job interviews? You're going to say, "God has the job I need; it's just a matter of time". (It just wasn't those three!) But, you had to go through those three to get to the one. You learned, you sharpened your skills, you gained experience in preparation for what God has next for you.
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Faith opens the door to God's promise for you; and patience keeps it open until the promise if fulfilled.
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Do you have your "faith sights " set on a promise of God today? a promise you've been waiting on for some time? For your children, spouse, finances, job, directions, relationships? Don't let the delay discourage you. Start putting patience to work. Pray God's Word, Pray for HIS WILL to be done and not your will. Remember, God is not prospering people in the way HE want them to go for their purpose but for HIS.
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God know the end from the beginning and HIS desire is that we would all choose to follow Him in our obedience and not get sidetracked by the temporary things of this life.
Have a great weekend being patient on the Promises of God- Pastor Grant
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2 Corinthians 4:17-18 AMPC
17 For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!],
18 Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting.
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June 22, 2023
The ultimate measure of a individual is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy. Choose to be obedient to God's Word even when it seems that the promised results are impossible. Choose God’s Word even when the anti god culture and the winds of liberal change (or liberated from God's Truth) are quickly sweeping across the church.
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Remember, nothing is impossible for God, He's waiting for you to take action on His Word. Stand against what is evil and as my father told me on his death bed: “I would rather have you be holy and lonely than ungodly with many friends”.
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People change, God does not, Jesus (the Word) is the same yesterday, today and forever! (Hebrews 13:8) Have a peaceful Thursday knowing God is in control, His Word is truth and these "things" that were prophesied that are happening in the world must occur as a sign of Jesus return. - Pastor Grant
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Hebrew 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
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Malachi 3:6 6 For I am the Lord, I change not
June15, 2023
God Is Doing A New Thing - Be Patient... Do you talk to yourself? How about talking to yourself so others hear you? Have you ever said - things will never change, I need to do something different or new? The #2 reason people quit their jobs is "they had a bad day", people throw away a career, stability, relationships, future because they had a bad day?
As a follower of Jesus Christ don't be so quick to move on, start new from where God has placed you. Don't get caught up in how a handful of others are acting or reacting or what you are hearing about the temporary circumstances. "They" are stuck in the old ways or the old natural mindset. Listen to the prophet Isaiah and the Word that was given to him from God...
Isaiah 43:19 KJV
19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Remember, "thing" in the Bible means; Word, Gods Promises, His Blessing...
So, look for that "New Thing", that new life, that fresh water that God is, and will give to you when you open up your spiritual eyes to His "New Thing". Don't run, but stay firm and grow in all that God has for you.
Be Blessed today - Pastor Grant
June 9, 2023
Let me encourage you this morning…Don’t Give Up When You Hit The Wall! What a great feeling when life is good, right? You're running the race (life) set before you, moving full speed ahead with God's blessing overtaking you at every step. Everything seems to be going perfect... Those are the times when we speak God's word fearlessly like "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Then suddenly, wham! You hit the wall. It may be a wall of sickness or financial trouble, of spiritual failure or family problems. But, regardless of the form it takes, the effect of "the wall" is always the same. It stops you cold. The question is, once you hit a wall like that, what will you do? You'll be tempted to quit, to turn back in defeat. But don't do it. Because God will enable you to break through that wall and keep right on going.
I'm not going to tell you it's easy. The truth is, it's tough. But you have to push on through the tough times if you're ever going to have a breakthrough. Ask any athlete and they will tell you that! Because if they're a winner, they've been there. They've pushed their body to what seems to be the maximum. Their sides have hurt. Their lungs have ached. They've had cramps in their legs and thighs. And just when they felt like they couldn't go on, they hear their coach yell, "Come on! Move it!”
Athletes call that "hitting the wall." It's a time when the body says, "That's it. That's all I can do. I can't go any further. I can't go any faster. I quit." But the seasoned athlete knows that "the wall" isn't the end. It's a signal that they are on the verge of a breakthrough. If they will toughen up and push a little more, they will get a second wind. Suddenly, they will go faster than before. They will reach a level of excellence they couldn't have reached any other way.
When you feel the worst, when failure is breathing down your neck, press into God's Word as never before. You may meditate on a particular scripture for days and even weeks sometimes, trying to get a revelation of it, seemingly without success. Then suddenly, like the dawn of the morning, light will come pouring in. You'll see the way to break through. All you have to do is punch one little hole in that wall of problems, dig one tiny hole in it with your faith and with the Word of God.
Then keep tearing away at that hole. Don't quit! And, before long, through obedience and faith, the Word of God will come bursting through, demolishing every obstacle in your path! Once that happens you'll never be the same again. You'll be hooked. It will only take one breakthrough like that to make a never-dying, never-quitting fighter out of you.
Philippians 3:13-14 AMPC
13 ...but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.
Have a victorious Thursday! - Pastor Grant
June 1, 2023
Worry and reasoning are two of Satan's most successful tools. He'll get us started with one negative thought and then sit back and watch us finish ourselves off. God's Word commands us to “fear not”, worry not, cast all your worries on Him. Believe, trust and act on the promises in God's Word to take care of you. Don't let "But what if" come into your mind or out of your mouth. Those 3 words are the badge of unbelief and the reasoning away of the promises in God’s Word. - Pastor Grant
May 31, 2023
Wherever God has placed you, don't complain. That is where He needs you to be for His purpose and to prepare you for the next place He will need you to go. Remember, the Israelites wasted forty years murmuring and complaining in the wilderness, when they could have just obeyed God and entered into their Promised Land. God has got a plan and in due season, when the time is right and you are ready, the next step in God's plan for your life will happen.
Have a blessed holiday weekend and please remember to honor our military members and families who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces this Memorial Day weekend.
- Pastor Grant
Galatians 6:9
So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.
May 25, 2023
At different times in your life, you will be faced with decisions regarding what steps to take or not to take, that will greatly impact your future. I remember back in 2005, Steve Jobs who was the chairman, chief executive officer, and co-founder of Apple Inc. gave a commencement address at Stanford where he said "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” You may be asking yourself that very same question today and most of us, if we are truthful with ourselves know the answer.
So, why don’t we do something about it? Fear. Fear paralyzes us to not changing that which we know needs to be changed. The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one. If you know what to do then do it! A year from now you will wish you had started today. Nothing diminishes anxiety or fear faster than taking action. Take a step in faith today and get rid of the fear that is stopping you from making that decision, that step, which you know needs to happen.
Fear is not from God, Faith is what pleases God. Fear tolerated is Faith contaminated ! Don’t fear making that decision that has been keeping you up at night, that dominates your thoughts, consumes what you speak about. Take a step out in Faith where God is leading you! - Pastor Grant
May 23, 2023
Have you ever trained, studied or worked for something and it seemed to be in vain? The success you thought would happen didn't, so you think, what a waste of time. The worst thing you can do is stop preparing, stop training because in one moment in time, it can all change - God's Word promises it will - will you be ready? Keep preparing for that Kairos moment (Kairos defined: a time when conditions are right for the accomplishment of a crucial action: the opportune and decisive moment) ... Have a blessed week. - Pastor Grant
Isaiah 43:19 Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
April 25, 2023
Recently, I read a quote about friendship or calling someone “friend” that has caused me to take inventory of my life. This is the quote… “Surround yourself with people who fight for you in rooms you are not in”.
Calling someone “Friend” has become very common… it’s almost, at this point a throwaway term. We use it to talk about acquaintances we have casual relationships with – many whom we’ve never spent much time with but share some common affinity with. But isn’t there more to it than that? Isn’t there a longing inside of us for something more? Better? Deeper?
King Solomon, the wisest person ever (God said so) wrote…
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times and are there for times of trouble”
What is your definition of true friendship? Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Happy is the house that shelters a friend,” and “A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere and before him I may think aloud; the only way to have a friend is to be one.”
Walter Winchell defines a friend as “one who walks in when others walk out.”
Someone else has said a friend is “a man who laughs at your funny stories, even when they ain’t so good, and sympathizes with your misfortunes, even when they ain’t so bad.”
So, who are your friends? Do you have a true friend? Or casual relationships with acquaintances with common interests…
God cares about your friends, He knows the importance of godly friends who can encourage you, be there in difficult times, for the purpose of: iron sharpening iron and “who will fight for you in rooms you are not in”. If you need a close friend, be a friend who cares deeply about the ups and downs of others and pray, asking God for someone who is closer than a brother. - Pastor Grant
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April 20, 2023
(A Powerful Preacher of the Gospel) Charles H. Spurgeon wrote, “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” Just as Charles wrote the importance of reading the Word, I don't know of anyone who ever got nourished/filled up on remembering what a steak and baked potato taste like. Don't just memorize or try and remember something about God's Word, feed on it daily by tangibly picking it up - read and feed on His Word - it is Life, it is your spiritual food that is needed to make it through the day triumphantly! - Pastor Grant​
April 19, 2023
A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at them. So, don't let "things" that have happened in your past (disappointments, betrayal, false accusations) intentionally or unintentionally done by others stop you from obtaining the prize God has waiting for you. Keep pressing on regardless of the hurt and don't allow the past to paralyze you from the incredible future God has for you starting today! - Pastor Grant
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April 18, 2023
How many of you have ever taken care of a garden? Growing up, I had to take care of one (and I don’t even like vegetables). My brother, sisters and I along with my Dad and Mom prepared the soil every spring, planted the seeds, watered them, weeded the garden and monitored it daily. We would refer back to the package from the manufacturer to see if they were growing properly and would make the necessary changes along the way so we could have a harvest when the seeds matured.
Luke 13:19 AMPC
19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his own garden; and it grew and became a tree, and the wild birds found shelter and roosted and nested in its branches.
If you’re going to grow/mature in your relationship with Jesus or the Word and become like Him you’re going to do it just like a seed that’s been planted in the ground. How does a seed grow? All at once? No, it grows constantly 24 hours per day, a little all the time until it accomplishes what it was created to do.
Many of us don’t operate that way spiritually. At different times in our lives we make a commitment to really study, be obedient to His Commands (if you love ME keep my commands) and pray but after only a few days we quit. Then, when some disaster comes, we make a mad attempt to pray and stand on the Word (like a college student cramming all night for tomorrow’s exam). Then there’s that moment when we realize, we just aren’t strong as we out to be, we aren’t prepared and we often blame God.
There’s no such thing as an overnight success in the kingdom of God! Real strength, real growth comes as you consistently and constantly keep the Word before your eyes, in your ears, and in your heart. Not just when you want to or when you feel like it, but constantly, like a seed, a little at a time. Watering, weeding and reviewing your instructions for growth.
When you see successful people - it didn't happen overnight. To often we get caught up in the success and not the process of how the results were achieved. When you see a couple who has been married for a long time with a strong, healthy, loving relationship – that’s not luck. That’s years and years of hard work, with ups and down and struggles. The give and the take, the sacrifices, the love and respect that has grown from reading the Word, obeying the Word and praying. It’s with steady growth, and a steadfastness and a decision not to quit (you choose to do it) that they can stand and be a witness to others.
When you see a thriving business that seems to be blessed beyond measure, that’s the extent of your knowledge of that company and the owner. You may see the owner taking off on a Thursday and going on 4 day vacation and think how lucky they are. What you don’t know is how hard they’ve worked for years paying attention to every detail. They have made excellence, integrity and character a priority and have given their company over to God and have asked Him for direction every step of the way.
Every day make up your mind to begin the daily process of constant growth. Put the Word of God in your mind and heart every day. Every day a chapter here and chapter there. Be habitually obedient to His Word, ask for forgiveness when you sin, pray, give everything over to God in Word and Deed and it will grow. Eventually, your faith will be bigger than you ever dreamed it could be.
I Pray you have a relaxing and prosperous weekend!
- Pastor Grant
April 15, 2023
At different times in our lives we will be at a place where there are multiple directions or doors that we can go through. It can feel paralyzing not knowing which way to go or how long to wait as we desire to know what God wants us to do, not wanting to miss HIS plan. Often times God gives us direction and ultimately HIS Protection by closing door(s)... So, when one door closes it gives direction to the door that HE wants you and I to go through, that Is the door that HE opens.
Be thankful that God goes before you and is clearing the path, opening doors, putting up stop signs and even closing doors along the way to direct your steps. God is watching over you, HE knows the end from the beginning and has put "things" in motion that you can't see and "things" that are right in front of you so we need to open up our Spiritual Eyes to identify HIS plan and walk through that door.
Have a great week living by faith and speaking life and not death.
- Pastor Grant
April 14, 2023
Ten years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do... stop being held back by fear and live by faith!
- Pastor Grant
2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV
7 For we walk by faith, not by sight
April 13, 2023
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It's the weekend, so....what are your plans? who are YOUR FRIENDS? The friends you keep have a great influence on your spiritual life. Friendship (close associations) with godly people will help you on to victory, while friends (close associations) with those who are ungodly will drag you down to defeat.
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That's why God, through His Word (the Bible) has some things to say about your friends. That's why HE tells you and I to separate ourselves from the world. Because evil companions (close associations) will corrupt you.
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Now, I'm not talking about ministry or witnessing. Jesus Himself ministered to sinners. You have to reach those who don't know Jesus to witness to them and pray for them. What I'm talking about here are the people you choose for friends.
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If you want to walk in the things of the WORD don't choose friends who walk in the things of the world. People who talk and act ungodly, who don't give God any place in their lives. They will pull you down, as you rub shoulders with them you'll expose yourself to temptation. You'll get so familiar with sin, it will start to appear less repulsive to you and sooner or later, you'll fall into it.
So choose your friends wisely! Your close companionship should be with those who call on the Name of the Lord out of a pure heart in their actions and deeds. (2 Timothy 2:22). Don't be fearful of separating yourself from long time friendships that aren't good for you. God is a rewarder of obedience and will bring other like minded people into your life. Be patient, be wise and understand who you are in close association with matters for eternity- God says so!
- Pastor Grant
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1 Corinthians 5:9-11 GNT
9 In the letter that I wrote you I told you not to associate with immoral people. 10 Now I did not mean pagans who are immoral or greedy or are thieves, or who worship idols. To avoid them you would have to get out of the world completely. 11 What I meant was that you should not associate with a person who calls himself a believer but is immoral or greedy or worships idols or is a slanderer or a drunkard or a thief. Don't even sit down to eat with such a person.
April 12, 2023
"One Step At A Time" ... God's Will is to lead you on a day by day basis. He's given His Spirit to guide you every day. Most believers don't know that. They expect God to reveal His complete will for their lives in one big revelation. Don't make that mistake, don't just sit around and wait for God to show you whether or not He wants you to go to Africa for the rest of your life.
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First, let Him begin to lead you in the little things first, to tell you what you need to do about this situation or that one. He'll show you what you need to change. As He does, you'll change one thing at a time.
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The truth is, you probably already know one thing God wants you to do. You might not know why He wants you to do it, you may not know where it's leading, but you've heard His voice in your heart which will always be in alignment with His Word.
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If you want to keep on hearing Him, you'll have to set aside your own ambitions and desires. Spending time in prayer and in the Word. Tune your ear to the voice of His Spirit.
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Learn to trust Him. Remember that He's smarter than you are so be willing to do what He says whether you can understand it with your mind or not. Obey even His smallest instruction. If you do, He'll eventually change your whole life…one little step at a time.
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Be Blessed today. - Pastor Grant
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Psalm 37:23-25 AMPC
23 The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step].
24 Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him.
25 I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the [uncompromisingly] righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread.
April 8, 2023
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If you really believe what you're doing is what God is telling you to do then: work hard, take nothing personally (don't get offended) and if something or someone blocks one route, let God find you another. Never give up! God will always point you in the right direction even if it seems like a detour (an alternate route)... Remember God knows the end from the beginning and the wisest man that ever lived (King Solomon) said:
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Ecclesiastes 7:8-11
8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning of it, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
9 Do not be quick in spirit to be angry or vexed, for anger and vexation lodge in the bosom of fools.
10 Do not say, Why were the old days better than these? For it is not wise or because of wisdom that you ask this.
11 Wisdom is as good as an inheritance, yes, more excellent it is for those [the living] who see the sun.
12 For wisdom is a defense even as money is a defense, but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom shields and preserves the life of him who has it.
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Don't give up, be patient and the alternate route, the delay, the different way then what you would have done is God's way of protecting you from an accident ahead and preparing you for His desired plan for you. Let perseverance fuel your faith and remember the words that the Paul told the church: "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7) Have a peaceful Sunday confident that God is working on a plan for you for His Purpose for His desired outcome.
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- Pastor Grant
April 6, 2023
When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it...
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- Pastor Grant
April 4, 2023
A "dead thing" can only go with the stream, but a "living thing" can go against it. You're "alive in Christ" and "can do all things", so against the world's way of speaking and acting. God's Word says that: "life and death are in the power of your tongue", " I can do all things through Christ who is my strength" and "with God nothing is ever impossible". Continuously read, believe and have faith in what God is telling you in His Word... "faith comes from hearing and believing His Word" and "Faith without acts of obedience leads to Death".
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Don't live in fear like the world is doing right now - go against the flow of passivity, fear, doubt, lack of hope. You can do "all things" that God's Word says you can do!
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I pray over your thoughts today, that you will take captive of anything that is contrary to God's Word and believe and act on what He is telling you who you are, an overcomer, the head and not the tail, powerful, conquerer. Be obedient to God's Word and He will bless you in ways you can't imagine.
- Pastor Grant
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Proverbs 18:21 AMPC 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].
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Philippians 4:13 NKJV 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
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Luke 1:37 AMPC 37 For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.
April 2, 2023
Don't Be In A Hurry - God Is Answering You ! Typically, there are 2 types of people: people who make lists and people who don't. I love to make a "to do" list, it keeps me focused and allows me to maximize my time in the office and/or doing errands.
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In an effort to get the most done of what "I" want to get done, I sometimes forget the most important "to do" item - waiting on God. I'm very good at reading my Bible and praying but not as good at waiting for an answer or directions from God.
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For many of us, we say what we want to say during prayer and when we are done we go to our "to do" list or whatever it is that we are doing that day. It's so hard to follow the simple command in Psalms 46...
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Psalm 46:10 KJV
10 Be still, and know that I am God:
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Being still is one of the hardest things for a list or a non list person to do - I don't know of one person who likes to hear "be still and wait."
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The other day I made out "my list" of foods that I wanted and was leaving out the door to the grocery store. I half heartedly asked Kellie if she wanted anything from the store... although I could hear her in the distance as she was listing off what she wanted I was already focused on my list and the time that I had to get it done. Well, she ran out of the house after me and said, "hold on, why ask if you're not going to wait for the answer."
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It got me to thinking about Samuel, and how it was during those quiet times, the times of being still, those times of actually wanting to hear and not rushing is when God spoke to him.
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1 Samuel 3:10-11 KJV
10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
11 And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
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When we sit still long enough and wait upon the Lord He will tell us things that make our waiting worth the wait. Why pray if we aren't willing to wait for the answer? God is saying be still, open your ears and I will tell you something that not only will blow you away but it will let you know that "I am GOD".
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Whatever decision you are faced with today: job change, business decision, raising your children or financial - wait for the answer. Once you have heard, act on it with no hesitation knowing "HE IS GOD".
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Have a great week - PG
March 31, 2023
Have you ever noticed that people who are late are usually happier than the ones who are waiting for them? On a more serious note...Arriving habitually late is a way of saying that your own time is more valuable than the time of the person who waited for you. (Romans 12:3 - don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought to think.) Don't be known for always being late - (not even fashionably late) change your way of thinking and stop being late... Note: it really is ok to be early. - Pastor Grant
March 26, 2023
Change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts. The dilemma is that we hate change and love it at the same time; what we really want is for things to remain the same but get better. Don't be afraid to change...in order to move forward, change is required by you! - Pastor Grant
March 21, 2023
There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing...don't let fear of criticism by what others speak stop you from where you're supposed to go and what you're supposed to do. Stop looking back and keep your eyes focused on where you are supposed to go!
- Pastor Grant
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2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
March19, 2023
There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing...don't let fear of criticism by what others speak stop you from where you're supposed to go and what you're supposed to do. Stop looking back and keep your eyes focused on where you are supposed to go! - Pastor Grant
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2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
March 8, 2023
Has God spoken to you about the next step(s) in your life? Is He speaking to you right now about a change or changes that would take you out of your routine, your schedule and your place of comfort? Why haven't you acted on "it"? Why are you hesitating? Why are you doubting? ... is it fear? have you settled and no longer wanting to change? This is what fear does:
Fear stifles our thinking and actions. It creates indecisiveness that results in stagnation. There are many people God has given talents/abilities/resources to and people that God has revealed a next step for the direction He wants them to go who procrastinate indefinitely rather than risk failure. Lost opportunities cause erosion of confidence, and the downward spiral begins. Stop the fear and start living by faith. - Pastor Grant
1 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
2 Timothy 1:7 AMPC
7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
March 5, 2023
Where ever you find yourself today, God knows what you're going through. You might be thinking or feeling you can't go on, something needs to change...let me encourage you, you're not stuck, you're positioned! You might think nothing is happening in the natural but you need to open up your spiritual eyes.
God is speaking through the Prophet Isaiah for you and I today...
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Isaiah 43:19
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
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Meditate on this passage from the "Never Wrong" Prophet Isaiah today. The plans that God has for you is already under way, be patient and in due season you will see the full manifestation of God’s glory and His plan for you. - PG
March 2, 2023
Remember, you are not a product of your circumstances, You are a product of your decisions... Ask God for wisdom, He's ready and willing to give it in abundance. Once you know God's answer (found in His Word) do not hesitate, by faith, do "it" (be obedient to His Word) and be confident in God's Promises. Nothing is impossible for God regardless of what His Word is telling you to do! Have an incredible Tuesday, not double minded but speaking and living by faith! - Pastor Grant
James 1:5-8 AMPC
5 If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of [a]the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.
6 Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.
7 For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord,
8 [For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides].
February 28, 2023
The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith. - Billy Graham
February 26, 2023
King Solomon (God considered him the wisest in the land) said in Proverbs 12:16 "When a fool is annoyed, he quickly lets it be known. Smart people will ignore an insult"
God's Word commands us to be disciplined about what we respond and react too. Not everything deserves our time, energy or attention! - Pastor Grant
February 24, 2023
Tests in our life make us bitter or better. Every problem comes to break us or make us, the choice is ours whether we become victims or Victor... be Victorious today! - Pastor Grant
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Philippians 4:13 KJV
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
February 20, 2023
Sometimes people rejecting you is God's way of separating you from people who would keep you from fulfilling your Greatest Potential - God's Plan for your life. Their rejection will actually release you and propel you into greater heights than you ever imagined. Don’t allow one person(s) to stop you, accept it (God has a different way) and get ready to move into your destiny that God has for you! Have an incredible week speaking and living by faith in God's Word and His Promises for what is next.
- Pastor Grant
February 19, 2023
Live in such a way that if anyone speaks bad of you no one would believe it...
- Pastor Grant
February 18, 2023
One of the greatest life lessons I learned from my father (who was a Pastor) when people approached him to say, "do you know what they are saying about you?" his response.."I don't care what they are saying about me, but tell me why do they feel comfortable telling you?
Lesson is: only care what God says, don't be the gossiper or the one who receives gossip - you are who you hang out with. Remember, "life and death are in the power of the tongue" Proverbs 18:21
February 17, 2023
One of the greatest life lessons I learned from my father (who was a Pastor) when people approached him to say, "do you know what they are saying about you?" his response.."I don't care what they are saying about me, but tell me why do they feel comfortable telling you?
February 15, 2023
God's Blessing(s) often comes with change… We all experience changes in our lives and from day to day we need God to help us get through whatever may come our way. Some days we may be shouting, "Praise God!" while other times we may be crying out, "I need a miracle!" Whatever the day may bring, changes will come and we need to have a godly mindset in order to handle them.
One of my favorite songs growing up in church and to this day is "It Is Well With My Soul". I was singing that song this past week in the car as I was thinking about all the changes that were going on in my life. Between the daily challenges I have as a husband and a father. Giving guidance to my 2 adult age children, the constant transitions/changes taking place in our state and country and the world around us in general - they all speak of changes.
With all that is happening in your life as well, it may seem like you're staring out the window of a car and seeing "things" or moments that God wants to Bless you with just fly by in a blur. We can get so consumed about where we have to go or want to go next that we fail to receive God's Blessing which is our strength, provision, everything we need right where we are at in that very moment.
Each moment contains a gift from God if we want to look for it. It can be in a smile from someone at work, an encouraging word from a friend, God's Word speaking to our hearts, or a pat on the back from our bosses. The list is endless. God is so good to us, but often we fail to realize it because we get caught up in the next "thing". We often dread change because we don't look for God's Blessing in it.
In Malachi 3:6 God says, "For I am the Lord, I change not." Isn't that comforting? With all the changes, there is one thing that cannot change -- GOD. This includes His great love for us.
He also says in His Word,
"So God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence"Hebrews 6:18
What has God promised you? He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you, no matter what.
"For the Lord will not cast off His people, neither will He forsake His inheritance" Psalm 94:14
"...for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" Hebrews 13:5
So let the changes come. We will not walk in fear, but in faith! We will trust God with all the changes, and know that He is more than able to help us and that He even has plans to bless us. Don't miss out on the blessing that He gives us daily which is what we need to do His plan.
Live and speak by faith, speak faith filled Words, life and death are in the power of the tongue because the righteous person flings forth that which is stored in their heart. Remember, Gods Blessing(s) don’t stop the closer we get to the Rapture, Jesus has asked the Father “not to remove us for this time of the end but to watch over us and protect us” (John 17).
Walk in all power and authority that God has given you and I in Jesus name! - Pastor Grant
February 12, 2023
No matter what has happened to you in the past or what is going on in your life right now, it has no power to keep you from having an incredible future if you will walk in obedience to and by faith in God (His Word). God loves you! Remember what the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:13 “Christ will give you the strength to do anything that He has called you to do” God wants you to live with victory over sin, fear, doubts, anxiousness, hopelessness so you can possess His Promises for your life today!
- Pastor Grant
February 11, 2023
Unfortunately, what is too often happening is when there’s something in the Bible that churches and their leaders don’t like, they call it ‘legalism’. Don't a la carte God’s Word, it’s all true, we need to change to line up with THE TRUTH, not God’s Word changing to line up with ours. Humble yourself before God today and let His Word change your way of thinking, speaking and living!
- Pastor Grant
Hebrews 13:8 KJV
8 Jesus Christ (the Word) the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Malachi 3:6 AMPC
6 For I am the Lord, I do not change;
John 1:1 AMPC
1 In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.
February 10, 2023
One generations small compromises become the next generation's lifestyle...don’t justify people’s actions/lifestyle or your own that are contrary to God’s Word by saying “but they are good people”. As a follower of Christ (The Word) we are to be “Godly” people that believe that the whole Bible is true and it has not and will not ever change.
- Pastor Grant
Deuteronomy 5:32 KJV
32 Ye shall observe to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
February 8, 2023
Smith Wigglesworth was a plumber until he was in his 50's before he got serious about pursuing God's call on his life. He went on to become one of the most influential preachers of his generation. God has a position, an assignment for you, for such a time as this. From career, job, friends, church, a passion or purpose in order for you to point people to Christ at The Time of the End. God can, has and will redeem things in your life in order for His Plans to be fulfilled.
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Redeem defined from God's Word: To rescue; to recover; to deliver from, to regain possession of a thing...
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God can redeem time and "things" needed for the next assignment in your life, for the next period of time. Don't ever believe the lie that it's too late to pursue your calling from God - where ever God is opening the door for you He will provide. If you are reading this, there's still time! Walk by faith in confidence that God is a redeemer - He is for you and not against you! Have a blessed Monday.
- Pastor Grant
February 7, 2023
Do you have trouble Believing God’s Word? Not just agreeing with it mentally, but really believing what it says, the promises of God to you? I do. There are times when the Promises in the Word stagger my mind. There have been times when I’ve felt so defeated and the circumstances around me looked so bad that it was tough for me to believe I was “more than a conqueror” even though I knew God said I was.
Genesis 15:5-6 AMPC
5 And the Lord brought Abram outside [his tent into the night] and said, “Look now toward the heavens and count the stars—if you are able to count them.” Then He said to him, “So [numerous] shall your descendants be.”
6 Then Abram believed in (affirmed, trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord; and He counted (credited) it to him as righteousness (doing right in regard to God and man).
What do you do when your mind staggers like that at the Promise of God? You meditate on that Promise. Scriptural meditation simply means thinking about and reflecting on the Word of God. It means pondering a particular scripture and mentally applying it to your own circumstances again and again until that scripture permanently marks your consciousness. That kind of meditation can affect your life in a way that almost nothing else can. It can, quite literally, alter your mind (we are commanded to renew are minds). That’s what happened to Abram.
When God first told him that he was going to father a nation, he was an old man. His wife, Sarai, was also old and had been barren all her life. How could an aging, childless couple have even one child—much less a nation full of them? Abram couldn’t even imagine such a thing. It contradicted his entire mindset.
But God knew the mental struggle Abram would have, so He didn’t just make him a verbal promise and leave it at that. He gave Abram a picture of that promise to meditate on. He took him out into the starry night, turned his eyes to the sky and said, “So [numerous] shall your descendants be.”
Can’t you just see Abram staring out at the stars, trying to count them? Filling the eyes of his heart with the promise of God? All of us need to take the time to envision the promise of God until it becomes a reality inside you. It’s tremendously powerful, and by focusing on the scriptural promises God has given you, you can put it to work in your life by changing your thoughts just as Abram put it to work in his.
Don’t just read the Word. Meditate on it today and believe what it says! - Pastor Grant
February 5, 2023
A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at them. Remember, for those who believe in, rely on, and have made Jesus Lord of their Life (Jesus is the Word) admit you need a savior..... then your past failures are gone, a clean slate is yours! Remember, as a follower of Jesus Christ, He said, if you love me the Word (The Bible) obey His commands and HE will take you places you can even imagine! - Pastor Grant
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2 Corinthians 5:17 AMPC
17 Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!
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Philippians 3:13-14 AMPC
13 but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
February 3, 2023