Hebrews 12:1-2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,…” (NIVUK)
As Believers, we need to take off the shackles of sin. Tell me, what is that one sinful thing in your life that you just can’t seem to shake. Over and and over you keep asking God for His forgivenes, but you keep going back. All that we need to do is “fix our eyes on Jesus.” I know that it is not always easy. God knows that there are many distractions in this world to keep our eyes fixed on other things. However, if we call on Him to help us, go to Him in prayer and supplication, and study His word then He guarantees our success against sin and Satan. So, come on and just fix your eyes on Jesus. Remember, nothing is impossible with God — nothing. ~Luke 1:37
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.
But none is greater than my quest for a spiritual revival,
Oh where are the days when God walked among men?
Could they be gone forever?
In the beginning, yes! The beginning, God sat and talked in the company of his beloved
The heaven doors once opened to men and they ascended even before Jacobs’ ladder
Oh where are the days when God walked among men?
Shall it be like that in the end as is written in Revelation?
Shall all God’s children hold his hands as they “walk in fields of gold”?
Or is heaven spread upon the earth, but my temporal being forbids me to see it!
Like Saul, I don’t see Him in my Dreams nor hear a word from his prophets
21st Century, the age that debunk the prophets with scientific theories of atoms and quantum physics, mapping the chart of human history in a Petri dish
I beseech you to remember when you once walked with God before coming into being
Like an enfant to his mother’s breast, I long to remember, so I baptized myself again in the Word hoping that my tabula rosa recalls the days when I walked with God
Someday I will walk with Him again; someday I will walk beside Him and Him by my side in “fields of gold”.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Before I became a born-again Believer, I remember feeling that I didn’t want to be “saved” until I was finished having my fun, or when I was “clean” enough to present myself to God. Yes, I was wrong. First, I didn’t know that it was not me who chose Him, but rather, He chose me. As it says in His word, “…many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). You see, I didn’t feel in my heart that I could stop sinning, but I didn’t realize that He sent His only son to save me from sin. The Word describes Him as the second Adam sent to redeem the world from sin: “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). Also: ”The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45).
I thank God for all He has done. He sent His only Son – The Great Redeemer – to save us from sin. It is because of Him that we are able to have eternal life long after this world has passed away. So, don’t worry about how you look right now, what you’ve done, or how bad your life seems. He will take you just as you are. If you’re serious about getting to know Jesus Christ as your personal savior, then He will start by forgetting all that you’ve ever done. Yes, you will fall short of His glory again – we all do, but remember that it is your old nature that desires sin, and not the new man who has been cleansed from all unrighteousness. The word says that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 ).
So, it is important to study the word of God (Bible) and keep your mind on Jesus: “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” (Romans 8:5 — New International version). You can do this by saturating your mind with His word and pray without ceasing. Furthermore, whether you have never given your life to Christ or you are a backslider returning to Him remember that He is waiting for you with open arms. Peace~
I was on the subway train this morning thinking about the compassion of Christ. In Matthew 9:36, the Bible describes a scene where Jesus looks upon the crowd and is filled with compassion: “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” However, there are times when I look at people and my feelings are either indifferent or I’m offended by their very presense.
I pray that God will correct this in me and fill me with His compassion. I want to feel that same compassion as Christ felt when He walked the Earth as a man. I want His compassion because He said that we should all love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34). As Christians, our goal in life should be to be and walk as Christ walked. In other words, we should strive for holiness: 1 Peter 1:16 “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for Iamholy.” No, this is no easy task, but remember that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). Well, enjoy your day and tell somebody…anyone about the good things He has done. Peace~
“…nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting: but rather giving of thanks.”
God gave me this verse after joking with my wife yesterday and this morning. God teaches us in so many ways through our marriage partner. My wife and I always refer to each other as “Bess” friends, but that doesn’t mean that I should joke with her in a coarse manner or say something that could be taken the wrong way. We should be slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19). Our words should be chosen carefully because remember, “The tongue has the power of life and death…” (Proverbs 18:12).
So, even if we are saying something in a joking way, God is telling us that it still has the power to do damage. All the Devil needs is a foot hold (Eph 4:27) and he can do major damage. May God be with us and may His protection forever surround us. In Jesus’ name~ Amen.
Psalm 19:14~Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
This verse has been on my heart for the last couple of days. As a matter of fact, it is always on my mind. Please hear my prayer Oh Lord. My only hope is to live a life that is pleasing to you; a life that makes you smile when you look down on me. I pray this for all your people. I pray that we will live a life that is pleasing to you. This I pray in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
Come join BessFriends International for the first annaul Beracah Ball! It will be a night of praise, worship, friends and food. It’s a ball so come in your finest gown and tuxedo as you present your best to the Lord in fellowship, praise, and worship. We encourage you to invite your friends, coworkers, and family to this praise and fun filled evening that will prove to bring you and yours “Joy beyond Sadness” (2 Chronicles 20:1-26). Ticket sales will go to Lesoles Dance Project “Back-to-School Supplies” effort which will benefit students in Sebokeng, South Africa.
This is a young man at my home church in Williamston, NC. My wife and I always enjoy attending service whenever we make that trip to North Carolina. I always look forward to hearing him sing. He takes me back to when church was CHURCH; so, let the church say…Amen!
Today, a school collapsed in Haiti trapping and an undetermined amount of children and adults. Reports say that there were roughly 500 people inside the building at the time it collapsed. The current death toll is 30 and climbing. Emergency personnel are not able to get to possible survivors as quickly as they would like because they do not have the proper equipment to dig them out — they are using their hands. Dear Lord hear the prayers of your people. Please say a prayer for the children who are still trapped in the rubble.
Baba Notes has just it’s first blog award! This is exciting! The Award is called The Faithful Servant Award; that’s beautiful because that is what I strive to be everday — a faithful servant. I was just tagged by my new blog friend, Minister Diane L. Harris. She has been very supportive and I truly thank her. May God continue to do great things in her ministry. Now, I have the task of naming 7 or 8 things I love about me (in no particular order):
1. I love that loving is not difficult for me. It hasn’t always been easy (in my past dating life) in the romantic sense of the word, but just loving someone comes easy.
2. I love that I love my family. Once I find out that we are family (biologically or in Christ) I get excited and I genuinely want to know more about you as a person.
3. I love that I am a man of my word. If I tell you that I’m going to do something then I do it. If I don’t then call me on it.
4. I love that I can easily express my feelings.
5. I love that people generally see me as a person who loves peace. I also love that it’s not a facade.
6. I love my appreciation for the arts. This includes: music (classic soul, Jazz, Gospel, etc.), spoken word, art (painting, sculpture, etc.), and plays.
7. I love my desire to fellowship, understand, and share the word of God. It’s growing and expanding. I hope that God will allow me to carry His message to the world.
8. Finally, I love that “…I have decided to follow Jesus — no turning back, no turning back.” Peace~
This meme is open to all. I need to reach out to new friends. I have some over from Morphological Confetti, so it’s a start. Are you up for it? Also, I can’t forget my family at Preach the Gospel 2 All. Thanks again for this award. Peace~
During the period of my late 20s and early 30s, I had turned my back on the God. No, it’s not that I denounced God or cursed His name, but I stopped going to church, prayed only in times of need or trouble, and did whatever my flesh so desired. As a matter of fact, one of my favorite answers to the question of my salvation was, “I’m not religious…I’m spiritual.” In other words, I didn’t like the structured tradition of a church environment. Also, I felt that those in the church were not behaving in a “Christian” like way. Otherwise, I felt that God generally watched over me and heard my prayers; plus, I was a nice guy – a good person; I was “spiritual.” Now, this was coming from a preacher’s son who grew up in the church. I had some nerve, huh?
As I reflect on those days when I was living for my own pleasure and running away from the Holy Spirit, I now realize that I didn’t know the true meaning of the word, “spiritual.” Webster’s dictionary describes it as: being concerned with religious values. Hah! There goes my argument right there; how can I claim to have nothing to do with religion if I am so called “spiritual?” It’s not possible. In other words, we are either born of the Spirit, or we are of this world; we can’t be both. Jesus states in John 3:5, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.”
I now realize that our walk with Jesus Christ is personal, and it has nothing to do with what others are saying or doing. If we base our decision to follow Christ on what man or the church is doing, then we will never follow Him. By Grace, His Holy Spirit has allowed us to have a personal relationship with the Father. So, are you “born of the water and Spirit?” Have you given your life over to Christ, or are you just “spiritual?” If you have any doubts then please say this prayer:
“Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”
Now, if you prayed this and believe it, then you are saved. That was easy, huh? He has made true Salvation so easy for us, yet there are so many who won’t accept it. I’m glad you did, and I’m definitely glad that I did. Now, the Holy Spirit lives in you; therefore, you have been made clean and are truly “Spiritual.” To God be the glory.
Isn’t it nice to have a relationship with Jesus? We love to spend time in His word and sometimes we whisper sweet words back to our savior to show how much we love Him. The lyrics in the Soul music of the 70s were all about love. Back then, I remember when my uncles would sing these songs to their girlfriends. It’s natural to hear a song and think of your loved one. I grew up and whipered some of these same songs to girls just as my uncles did. Now, I often think of Jesus when I hear love lyrics. I’ve come to realize that the love professed in some of those songs were sometimes humanly impossible to achieve; however, I know that the author of love, Jesus Christ, can love beyond anything man can write down on a piece of paper. For instance, take a look at the lyrics from the Commodores hit song, Zoom. In my mind, nearly every line of this song is applicable to a passage in the Bible:
Zoom (Commodores)
I may be just a foolish dreamer (I Cor. 2:14 — What the world thinks of Christians)
But I don’t care
‘Cause I know my happiness is waiting out there somewhere (John 6:47 — God’s promise)
I’m searching for that silver lining
Horizons that I’ve never seen
Oh I’d like to take just a moment and dream my dream
Ohhh… Dream my dream (1 Cor. 2:9 “No eye has seen,..)
(Chorus)
Ohhh…Zoom
I’d like to fly far away from here (Rev. 1:7 — Holy Rapture)
Where my mind is fresh and clear (Proverbs 16:7 -Peace)
And I’d find the love that I long to see (Rev. 21:9 — Jesus Christ)
Where everybody can be what they want to be (Hebrews 8:12 — Away from Sin)
Now, it’s up to you to look up those Bible verses, and maybe the next time you hear a love song that expresses sincere and unconditional love you’ll think of Him who died for you. As my Pastor says, The Bible is God’s love letter to us. Open it up and you will see…He is the Greatest Love of All.
P.S. Please share with us other Bible verses that express His love and promise to those who love Him. Peace~
…spread the word of Truth. He’s coming back.Are you ready?Please call on Him for more information or visit:John 6:40. This is a once in a lifetime chance. Please act now!
Jesus is number1= Itani Madima = www.itanimadima.net
This song has a nice melody and a great message. I’ve grown to love South African music since I’ve been married to a South African woman. She has introduced me to so much. I hope you enjoy this. Remember, Jesus is number 1! *Smile*
I pray that my entire being will continue to reach out to You like a seedling that has found its husband and light from the sun. Daily, may I feed on Your manna as it nourishes my body and soul — coating my tongue with the sweetness of your Word. May I share Your sweetness with the world as I kiss the very consciousness of man with Your Love and everlasting Truth.Selah.
Today, a man came up to me in the coffee shop and asked if I could do him a favor.I responded by asking him what I can do for him.Usually, this usually means money, and I was right.Well, he laid it all on the table for me.He informed me that he wanted a rotisserie chicken dinner, and then he would like to take the bus across town afterwards.He said that all of this would cost him or me about $10.Now, this has happened to me before in the past and I always felt that the person was arrogant or bold to ask for this ridiculous amount of free money.Free!Well, now I have come to realize that this is not a large amount of money.For many of us, it is a small sacrifice.Therefore, I gave him what he asked for.Now, if all he asked for was spare change, then I would have given him my pocket change or maybe a dollar; however, he was specific. The Holy Spirit commanded me, and I obeyed giving him $10.I am not sharing this to get any glory; no, glory be to God for His revelation.He said in His word, “…You do not have, because you do not ask God” (James 4:2).We should all take a lesson from the stranger and be specific.Tell God exactly what you want him to know and do.Just as the man who approached me, approach God with humility and respect.In the end and in His time, he will give you exactly what you have asked for in faith.Also, always treat anyone you meet on the street with kindness and respect.Remember, there are many of us who have entertained angels without knowing.Amen.
A second chance. Haven’t we all asked for this at some point in our lives? We asked as children when we wanted to convince our parents that we could make mature decisions; we’ve asked the police officer on duty after he or she has pulled us over for a traffic violation; Finally, some of us asked our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for that second chance when we gave our lives over to Him on that faithful day — The day that we acknowledged that He died for us on Calvary for our sins.
Joseph DeGraft-Amanfu, Pastor of the Maryland based Anointed Church of God, and President of the web-based Preach the Gospel 2 All, knows this too well. For over twenty years, he has worked as a missionary in the United States, Europe, and Africa telling all about the goodness of God. Pastor DeGraft has now taking his missionary work to the next level. In 2008, Pastor DeGraft published his first book, A Second Chance.A Second Chancegives readers a scriptural, step-by-step guide on how to achieve everlasting life. It starts by explaining the origins of sin and why the world is in the state that it is in; again, this is all according to the scripture. Then, Pastor DeGraft explains how we can be saved and how all of our sins can be washed away. God is so good.
Photo source: S.Bess
A Second Chance is a great book for anyone who desires or has considered giving their life to Christ. It’s also great for the more mature Christian who wants to share the word of God in his or her community or the mission field. For more information on this book and upcoming books by Pastor Joseph DeGraft-Amanfu, please visit the website: Preach the Gospel 2 All. Please help us spread the word of Truth.
Hebrews 12:1-2 
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Stephen Bess
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