Reaping What You Sow

In this spiritual journey, you need to sow goodness, happiness, wisdom, and empowerment into the lives of people you know and meet. I can't stop there. You need to sow money into businesses/organizations that value you as a person and are willing to give back to your community. In addition to all of this, you need to sow time into your relationship with God. Here's a hint - the more you sow into God, the more you'll be able to reap from the fruits of your labor. I like this because when you sow into God, you learn how to deal with people and situations that won't bring you down, but lift you up. Making excuses as to why you can't sow will only keep you getting thorns while those around you are blowing up. It's up to you. What are you going to do? Will you sow goodness or corruption? Remember, you reap what you sow.

Finding Good In A Bad Predicament

Do you ever wonder why people are happy and blessed and you're struggling to make things right? Do you feel as though you've dug yourself a hole that no one can get you out of? Often times, people experience drama and trauma in their lives when things aren't going well. One of the first things people do is fall into a depressive mood. Depressed because things didn't turn out the way they wanted. Depressed because they feel like a failure. And depressed because they can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. For people who feel like this, it's hard for them to find any good in a bad predicament. If I'm speaking to you, read on and get ready for your shout.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity of ministering to a person finding all kinds of good in a 'hellish' situation. While we were talking, I learned that physical illness had resulted in multiple surgeries and constant rehabilitation struggles. To the average person, they would feel as though life isn't worth living. However, for this elderly man who was crippled physically, he refused to be crippled emotionally and spiritually. Can we be honest for a moment and say that situations and circumstances have a way of making you enjoy life or complain about the life you have. How you feel about yourself will prevent anyone or anything from stealing your joy. Remember, true joy comes from the inside and isn't dictated by what's happening on the outside. When you understand who you are and whose you are, you'll start finding good in bad predicaments. 

In this spiritual journey, we can learn a few lessons about finding good in a bad predicament. The first lesson learned is you can't prevent problems from happening, but you can control how you deal with them. As I was ministering to this elderly man, he told me, 'the discomforts of life should never define your self-worth.' Let me say it this way. If you rely on things to make you happy, you'll always be confined by people and things. The second lesson learned is that the good that has happened in your life definitely outweighs the bad. When you look back over your life, you'll have to conclude that God has blessed you with so much. In fact, there's still some blessings you've yet to receive; but it's on the way. Anytime you allow God to order your steps, you'll find the good in life. Some situations will appear unpleasant, but if you allow God to be in control, you'll utter the slang, 'it's all good.'

The Psalmist declared these words, "Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Please don't miss this last lesson. Praising God for what He's done for you will elevate you from that which is bad to that which is good. When I finished talking to the elderly man, he left me with the words, 'I refuse to complain because the more I complain, the less I appear grateful to the life that God has given me.' I want you to get into your spirit everyday can be a good one - if you choose. That's my word for you. When you feel attacked, in pain, and/or uncertain, start praising God and think about His love, grace, and mercy poured into your life. 

Rev. Grey

Remove Your Stone

Do you ever feel like something's holding you back whenever you decide to move ahead? No matter what you're trying to accomplish, there's something in your past that reminds you of what you can't do and what you can't achieve. In this life, we've all experienced something dramatic. Whether it was losing a loved one, failing a grade, ending a relationship, or walking out when you were most needed, the truth of the matter is that life continues. I know it may be difficult hearing this, but life waits for no one. You either live or die. The choice is yours. You can make the decision to live in victory or wallow in defeat.

Every year, we hear stories of people who've crossed the shores of danger and enter the United States to become successful in business and school. Their story inspires people of all ethnicities to do the impossible. In fact, their commitment to achieving what others deemed complicated helps to add a spark of hope to the bucket of possibility that lies within us. That's right; if you want to blow up, you need to remove the stone(s) of can't and impossible. Stones of negativity can destroy hopes and dreams. Stones of insecurity can cripple self-confidence and self-worth. These stone(s) need to be removed in order to break free.

In this spiritual journey, we can learn a few things about stone(s) in your life. The first lesson is that stones block you from being all the you that God has called you to be. The stone of regret and disappointment. The stone of feeling rejected and dejected by others. Whenever the stone is removed, you'll be able to see what lies ahead of you. The second lesson is that your stone is Satan's way of blocking your blessing. Anytime you blame the enemy for what you can't accomplish, you're giving unnecessary credit to an adversary that wants to kill and destroy you. Instead of blaming others for what you can't do, look in the mirror at what you can do. God's Word tells us, "For with God, nothing will be impossible."

The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is very familiar to us. However, what's often overlooked is that Lazarus' sisters (Mary and Martha) wanted to keep him in the tomb because of his death odor. Jesus came to raise a dead (sleeping) man, but they (his sisters) were concerned about the stench. The stone covering the grave kept Lazarus in death and stench. But the good news is that Jesus commanded the people to remove the stone. The next thing Jesus did was that He called Lazarus by name. I like this because God is able to remove your stone and call you out by name so that you can walk out free. The Bible says, "And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go." That's my word for you. The same God who was able to remove Lazarus' stone is able to remove your stone. Not only will He cause your stone to be removed, but He'll cause you to be loosed in the process. I want you to know God's ready to do it in your life, - all you have to do is turn it over to Him.

Rev. Grey

Addressing Matters from a Spiritual Perspective

Working with people isn't easy. I don't care who you are or what you do, the truth of the matter is that people can get on your nerves and cause you to lose your mind. I've come to discover there are some people in this world whose job is to cause you to act up and act out contrary to who God called you to be. Falling into their trap allows you to play their game and next thing you know, you're messed up, cracked up, and tripping on the dumbest things. Why? Because you've allowed the negative energy of a few people dictate as well as determine your behavior toward others. As my mentor would say, 'don't give people control over who you are and whose you are.'
  
 In this life, I want you to know how you react to people will determine how far you'll go in life. Let me say that again. When people can influence you to act a fool, you need to check who's in control of your emotional well-being. The more you allow others to determine your happiness and/or worth, the more power they have over you. On the other hand, when you learn how to react to people, you'll have the upper hand in the situation. Simply put - when you remain in control, you'll keep yourself focused and committed to doing what God has called you to do. 
  
 In this spiritual journey, you need to know that God expects all of His children to love one another. That's right; you've got to exhibit love to those who can't stand you and are jealous of you. In a real sense, you've got to have the Spirit of God that's on the inside continuously manifesting itself on the outside. Failure to do so will you keep you from experiencing all that God has for you. With God on the inside, you can handle anything on the outside. Just remember, you have the victory and no demon in hell can mess you up. The enemy can try to destroy you with people, but he's already defeated. When you understand the battle, you'll know how to fight it.
  
 In writing to the people of Ephesus, the apostle Paul penned these words, "Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Please don't miss this. When people are tripping on you, understand it's not the person, but the spirit in the person. (Oops, I said something) To deal with a spiritual problem, you need a spiritual solution. You can't address a spiritual issue with a fleshly solution. It won't work. That's my word for you. The next time you have to deal with someone who's trying to get on your nerves, look at it from a spiritual perspective and address it from that arena. Allow God to order your steps and everything will work out fine.

Rev. Grey

Turn Can't into Can

Do you know people who are stuck on the word, 'can't?' In other words, their mind has been trained to think of the limited instead of the unlimited. Whenever people go through life operating in can't, they will never experience the can. Let me say that again. Unless you believe in you and the One who created you, how do you expect to receive anything? That may sound somewhat harsh, but it's my task to push you and stretch you to become all the you that God has called you to become. Can't people aren't destined to go far in life.

For the next few moments, I want you to reflect on the many times people told you that you couldn't do something, but you did it anyway. Think back to the times you doubted yourself and later found out you had more strength than you imagined. Transitioning from can't to can starts in your mind. Here's a hint -whatever you feed your mind will manifest itself through your actions. As my formed seminary professor dropped in my spirit years ago, 'you have power within you, but it's up to you to see beyond the natural and grab hold of the spiritual.' Here's the Sinclair remix - 'greater is He that's within you than he that's in the world.' If you begin your transition today, you'll have to leave some people behind and you'll have to shut your eyes and ears to the drama at your door. I must warn you - people will get upset with you, and to that I say, let them get upset because you're destined to go places.

In this spiritual journey, you need to know that God didn't create you with can't in mind. Simply put - you were created in the image of God and because of your created nature and your divine purpose, you should never limit yourself. Too many times people allow past hurts and failures to determine as well as dictate their present. The time to snap out of the funk is now. The time to tap into your inner strength is today. The time to trust that God can do anything and everything in your life is here. Remember, doubtful people produce doubtful results. Here's a question for you - are you sure of yourself or are you doubtful? You're the only person that can answer the question.

In the birth story of John, the Baptist, we're told that Elizabeth, the mother of John, the Baptist was old and barren. In a real sense, it wasn't possible for her to become pregnant, but God in His own supernatural divine purpose caused that which was impossible to become possible. In describing the omnipotence of God, the Bible says, 'With God all things are possible." Please don't miss this. The same God who performed miracles throughout the Bible is the same God who can transition you from can't to can. Do you believe it? Do you want to see God move in your life in greater fashion? Can you say, 'no weapon formed against me shall prosper? Will you declare, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me?' If you can say yes to all of this, you're ready for your transition. Don't let people or things stop what God has for you.

Rev. Grey

Without Love

Without Love, what would we have? Without Love, who would we be? Without Love, what would know? Without Love, what would be?

Amanada Emily Reed

A Battle You Can Win

"Excuses are tools of incompetence which builds monuments of nothingness and those who specialize in using them, seldom amount to anything." Food for Thought

Paying Homage

 I  would like to say THANK YOU to all of our African-American pioneers that made a stand and fought for our rights. I am truly thankful for your dedication and hard work as well as giving up your lives to make it better for my generation and the generations to come.

Don't Lose Faith

 When God calls you, His deposits courage, boldness, and victory inside of you. That's shouting material because God placed His Spirit in you from the very beginning and the enemy can't steal it. That's my word for you. When you remain faithful in what appears to be a hopeless and helpless situation, God steps in and does something awesome. Remember, God is bigger than your problem and He's your Great Comforter. Lean on Him; He won't let you go.