There are Christians who live as if there is no standard of living for them after they have received Christ. Each of these groups of people are not prepared for their date with destiny; that is, the moment that they will stand before the judgment seat of God and of Christ.

Because of the sure promises of scripture, we must all prepare (watch) to meet Christ at His return or at our departure from this life. Therefore, we want to give three things that we can do to be prepared for our entrance into eternity.

1. Clothe Ourselves - In the scriptures, righteousness and good morals are likened unto clothing. We must make sure we are clothed with the attributes of proper Christian character and conduct.

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke. Isaiah 59:17 (KJV)

2. Clean Ourselves – We must make sure that we are open with God about our weakness so that He can forgive us and cleanse us. Then, with His help, we must turn from thoughts and deeds that do not please Him.

Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil. Isaiah 1:16 (KJV)

3. Clock Ourselves - To clock means to keep track of time. In order for us to be prepared for our eternal destination, we must be aware of the times that we are living in. In addition, we must know that we will only live for a specified length of time on this earth. Therefore, we must live with this in mind, which should help us to prepare ourselves continually.

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Romans 13:11 (KJV)

The Christian can be assured of His eternal salvation, but he must not take it for granted. Christ came to save us from our sins, which enables us to overcome them while we live. This prepares us for eternal life in the kingdom. Live  in expectation of the kingdom. Are you watching?

Well, there you have it. For more topics of interest, I have included this and more information in my inspirational series entitled, “Is There A Word From the Lord? – Book III” which is available at Kingdom Builders Publishing.

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

Every Christian is commanded to grow. There must be spiritual progress. Jesus taught that every branch (person) in Him is expected to produce fruit. This is a sign of growth. Spiritual growth is challenging process, but has eternal rewards. In striving for personal development, the Christian has to overcome faulty self-perception, the opinions of others, and the lies that the enemy may bring to the mind. Therefore, we want to offer four keys that Christians can employ to stimulate personal growth in their lives and in their walk with Christ.

Respect the Lord – If you do not respect the Lord, you will not follow His commands, frustrating your growth. Wisdom precedes growth and wisdom is achieved through the fear of the Lord. If you want to grow, you have to have a respect and reverence for God, His Word, and His Standards. Without these, you will not have the proper perspective and passion for personal growth.

Rely on the Bible – The Bible reveals God’s eternal plans and purposes. As we rely on it as our standard for living, growth is a direct by-product. If you want to grow, it has to be done through applying the principles of scripture to daily living.

Rehearse Your Needs in Prayer – Personal growth will not be achieved without consistency in prayer. In prayer, you can express to Christ your concerns and areas of weakness. In prayer, you can receive strength to overcome obstacles; including self-imposed obstacles. Prayer raises your sensitivity to Christ. Hence, your heart will be open to change which leads to growth. Jesus said that men should always pray and not faint. Do not give up on prayer because you do not see immediate results, for it will have eternal rewards.

Redirect Your Desires – When we hear the word “desires,” we usually think of fleshly lusts. Though it is a part of desire, desires also include wanting things to go a certain way or feeling we are right in our opinions. If your desires are not redirected, you will not be open to correction and discipline. Every Christian has to be disciplined in their lifestyle and manner. In doing so, you will overcome the desire to please yourself. In turn, your desires will be redirected towards pleasing God. This will definitely lead to growth.

Personal growth does require persistence. However, it can be a consistent element in your life because we can do all things through Jesus. God wants the Christian to mature in Him. So, if you want to grow, you will receive strength and support. He will help you. Understand you have no excuse: be determined – Don’t Stop Growing.

Well there you have it. Until next time, continue in Him who is faithful. If you would like more inspirational materials, this and more is included in my book, “Is there a Word from the Lord? (Book II),” which can be found at Kingdom Builders Publishing.

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Everything created has a beginning and an end. We expect things at some point in time to stop. However, as Christians, there is something that we cannot ever stop doing; that is, we cannot stop believing in our God. Foundational to the Christian life is the ability to have faith; that is, believe. Without a belief in the work of God through Jesus Christ, one cannot enter into salvation. Moreover, the obtained salvation cannot be maintained without an ever growing faith, hope, and belief in God.

Our belief in God has to go beyond a general belief in His existence. It has to expand to a solid belief in His power and ability to move on our behalf. Why do Christians stop believing that God is willing to move on their behalf? Even after He has done so many things apparently, it can still be difficult to trust Him. Many are double-minded: they swing between believing and not believing. Yet, it is time now to strengthen our faith in Christ again. We have to have a daily, active faith in our Christian walk.

Christians may not wrestle with belief in His existence, but they do wrestle with belief in His willingness to intervene in their life affairs. In this state, spiritual development is frustrated. This type of erroneous thinking frustrates many. Causes for this thinking vary from individual to individual. Some do not believe because they do not think they deserve anything from God. Others feel that they have done so much wrong that God could not possibly hear their requests. Yet, others feel that if they are not a “called” person then God is not concerned about them. All of these thoughts are inconsistent with sound biblical doctrine. Here are 3 reasons why a Christian must not stop believing in God (through prayers) who will walk with them daily:

1. We are instructed to pray. Jesus taught on numerous occasions concerning prayer. He said that we are to always pray and not faint. The parable He used demonstrated that even though we may have to pray about a situation more than once, it does not mean we will not get our request. We should come to Him in prayer, again, because He said so. He gives an open invitation. Why not receive it?

2. We are instructed to pray in expectation. He told us to ask in faith, believing we will receive from Him. Though there are times when our requests are rejected (for our benefit nonetheless), we can never stop believing that He will give us what we have asked for. He said that everyone that asks will receive. Jesus said that if our earthly fathers knew how to give good things, how much more our heavenly Father. If you are bold enough to make the supplication, He is God enough to perform it.

3. We are instructed to pray so that God would receive glory. When we pray and God answers accordingly, He receives glory. How? We bring glory to His name personally and as tell others of His good works towards us. God receives no glory in unanswered prayers. Trust that He will do it for you. Develop your times of prayer before Christ. Do not doubt His presence and power to perform your requests. If it is not in His will, He will give you peace in the midst of it. Remember, never accept defeat in faith: Don’t Stop Believing.

Well there you have it. Until next time, continue in Him who is faithful.

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From the beginning, God used death in order to produce life. After Adam and Eve sinned, God killed animals in order to provide clothing for their nakedness. When the Israelites were in Egyptian captivity, the blood of lambs was used so that their lives would be spared as the Lord slew the firstborn of the Egyptians.

After the inauguration of the Law, animals were slain and their blood used, not only for consecration, but also for the preservation of the lives of those who needed atonement for sin. When the Law failed, God sent Jesus into the world.

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. (Romans 8:3)

However, He was not sent to live, but to deny Himself and give His life for many. The Jews rejected Him and did not know Him, even though Caiaphas (the High Priest during the days of Christ) prophesied that a man (Jesus) should die for the nation. Paul said that in Adam, many were made sinners, but through Christ (and His death) many were made righteous.

For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. (Romans 5:19)

His self-denial and death gave us the opportunity to live again, as children of God. It took Christ’s death on the cross for us to be made alive again under the New Covenant. His death and self-denial gave us access to the Kingdom of God. If we are to, presently, live and walk properly in the Kingdom of God, we must meet the demand of the kingdom.

The demand of the kingdom is self-denial. Self-denial was required to make us partakers of the kingdom, and death is required for us to maintain our place in the kingdom.

It is hard for us to deny ourselves for many reasons. The first reason is that we are born with inherent self-preservation instincts. Our natural bodies go through changes daily, so that it can live. When the body needs nutrients, it experiences hunger. When the body needs water, it experiences thirst.

Other natural defenses are also in the body. When the body is sick, symptoms are experienced. This is the body’s way of notifying you of where the problem is. When there is a cut or scratch, the body automatically mends it. When there is an infection, the body becomes feverish in an attempt to destroy the problem. All of these things occur for the sake of self-preservation.

In addition to the body’s natural drive for self-preservation, cultural influences teach us to fight for a place in society, to make a name for ourselves, and lay hold of your own identity. With all of these influences in our lives, God’s call for self-denial then becomes a call to change our approach to life. However, as partakers of salvation, it is not only our responsibility, but it is also the command of God. It is a prerequisite for living in victory in the Kingdom of God, both now and forever.

We can learn to deny ourselves and fulfill the will of God and respond to the demand of the kingdom by:

1) Surrendering to the will of God. (Romans 8:29)

2) Submitting to the authority of the word of God. (II Timothy 3:16-17)

3) Selling out completely to Him. (I John 2:15)

All of these things are not always easy, but through the power of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence, they can become a reality in the Christian life and experience.

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Life does not stop. As long as one lives, there will always be things to do, places to go, and people to see. Aside from fulfilling the demands that come with living, Christians yet have to maintain their personal relationships with the Lord. In addition, they have to fulfill any religious functions, obligations, and attend services. However, in the midst of all of these things, Christians have to be able to take time to rest.

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. Gen 2:2 (KJV)

We know that God rested upon the seventh day as a sign to us that we should take time to rest. Rest has to become a part of your daily schedule. It will help with stress reduction and improve your quality of living so that you will be able to be effective even in your walk with the Lord.

Rest from your labors. You cannot do everything all time. You must take time to give your body the rest that it needs to regenerate and recuperate. Oftentimes, we would read of Jesus separating from His disciples in order to rest and pray.

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. Matt 14:23 (KJV)

Rest from your responsibilities. You cannot process and figure out everything at once. In addition, you cannot solve everyone’s problems either. You need to step back from the many cares of this life so you can get a proper perspective.

Do not allow anything, including religious service to send you into a place of burnout. Force yourself to turn off phones and computers. Remember, God rested to show us that we should rest. Take time to rest. Make it a priority. It will bless your life. Do not allow your fervor for personal purity and progress cause spiritual burnout. The scriptures declare that we must be temperate in all things, let us remember to rest.

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God is the author of life. His very words contain creative power. When He created the earth, He did it through the power of His famous words, “Let there be…” Until this present day, all things that were set in motion remain by the power of His word. From other scriptures, we discover that aside from the power of His words, God’s thoughts and intents will certainly happen. In the book of Isaiah, God declares,

The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand (Isaiah 14:24)

Whatever the will of the Lord is shall surely happen. Without even speaking, if God thinks or purposes to do something, it will happen. Thus, we understand that God possesses all power.

Because of the awesome power of God, He can turn around the unclean things of our lives. The Book of Job asks, “Who can bring a clean out of an unclean?” – God can. God brings impossible things to fruition. The Bible abounds with accounts of God doing the impossible in the midst of man’s impossible situations. Jesus reminded the disciples that with God, all things are possible.

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)

Though men readily accept the awesomeness of God’s power, some do not believe that this power is available in times of personal failures. If God is able to do all things, then our failures in life do not frustrate His work.  He is able to turn them around. This is assured if we desire His will for our lives.

Whatever God has purposed for your life will come to pass if you continue to follow Him. However, many members in the Body of Christ become complacent in their relationship with the Lord because they believe they have made too many mistakes. This leads to self-doubt, regrets, depression, and frustration. These things will bring death to one’s relationship with Christ.

The Bible is full of stories describing man’s failure and God’s restoration. Even God’s choicest servants failed. Yet, they were able to recover and receive what God had for them in their lives. From Genesis to Revelation, the cycle of failure to redemption to destiny is repeated. This cycle is repeated in the lives of believers today. However, understand that God is willing to restore and renew.

Allow Him to turn around the past contraventions, your present’s contentions, and your future concerns. Develop fervor in allowing Him to transform your life. God can turn it around.

1.Passion – We have determined that sin may not always determine a negative response. However, if we ask only to satisfy our carnal and selfish passions (lusts or desires), God will reject our requests. (James 4:2-3)

It is true that God will grant us the desires of our heart. Yet, some requests that we make are only to satisfy the flesh. Therefore, God may say “No” to certain requests because they are to make our lives convenient, rather than being a necessity.

2. Proper Time – Another reason for God saying “No” is timing. You may have the right request, but the wrong timing. In this instance, God’s No is only for the moment. Yet, it becomes difficult to accept this when the situations are dire.

When bills are due, appointments are set, and illnesses worsen, we feel that God should do something immediately. Since God sits outside of time, He knows all things and the outcome. He knows how to deliver and answer in a timely manner(Galatians 4:4). However, the  time of the answer or deliverance is determined of the Father. God will give certain requests when it is “time.”  Until then, we have to accept God’s “No”.

3. Purpose – God is a God of purpose. If God says “No”to us because of it, we must discover what purpose is and why is it important.

Purpose: Something set up as an object or end to be attained. Something that is proposed. An Intent or will. In terms of the Lord, purpose is the predestined plan and will of God.

As we consider some truths concerning purpose, we will understand why God says “No” to us at times. We have to remember that Purpose comes with Permanence. When our requests will take us off the path of our purpose in God, He will deny our request. We must understand that God’s purpose for our lives is more than the fulfilling of an assignment. Therefore, if our request will affect His predestined plan for our lives and ministries, He will say “No.”

Also, Purpose Demands Patience. Because of purpose, God is patient with us. Even when we are disobedient to Him, He knows what we will become in Him (2 Timothy 1:9). Purpose causes God to be patient with us. Moreover, purpose demands patience from us. We have to be patient with the Lord as His plan for our lives unfolds. (Hebrews 6:12)

In addition, Purpose comes with Promise. If we submit to God’s purpose, which includes His “No,” we have the promise of success in Him (Romans 8:28). It is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18). If we pursue God’s purpose for our lives, it comes with the promise of His presence, power, and peace. However, in order for us to fulfill purpose, God will say “No” to us. Jesus had to endure God’s “No,” when He wanted to be delivered from the crucifixion. Jesus endured it because of the promise of His Father (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus knew His acceptance of God’s “No” resulted in the fulfillment of purpose. This was His joy because men would be saved. We should remember His example.

There you have it! Three reasons why God may say “No” to certain requests. We can stand in faith in prayer trusting that God does hear us. However, if His response is “No,” it is only to bless us and prosper us.

Until next time, remain faithful to Him who has called you, who will bring all things to pass. I have addressed this topic in detail in my book, “When God Says “No” – Understanding the Fatherhood of God, which can be found at Amazon.com.

The most common way that God speaks to the Christian is the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. God will speak to our minds and hearts through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will speak to us what God is saying. Jesus said that this is a sign of His coming.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:13)

Other common ways for God to speak to us is through dreams and visions. These are usually grouped together because each of these communicate God’s words through images. There are believers that consistently have dreams and visions.

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see VISIONS, and your old men shall DREAM dreams. (Joel 2:28 Emphasis mine)

Under the New Covenant, it is common for God to speak to believers in dreams and visions. Scripture shows us that God used dreams and visions to communicate with His people. Visions can be internal (in our spirits) and open (in clear view).

One of the best ways to hear from God is during  prayer. Believers are instructed to be consistent in prayer. However, there are believers who receive things by the Spirit during prayer. Prayer is common because  attention and focus is placed solely on the Lord. In the scriptures, Daniel serves as an excellent example of God speaking in prayer. He and the three Hebrew boys (men) prayed that Daniel would receive Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.

Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation. Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. (Daniel 2:16-18)

Angels are sent by God to aid the believer. Both Testaments agree to the fact that God used angels to speak to His people. God used Gabriel in the New Testament to reveal to Mary of her purpose. While he communicated with her, he revealed prophetic information concerning her cousin.

And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. (Luke 1:36)

Some believe this occurrence is rare, but God is the one who chooses how to deliver His word to His people for ministry.

The safest way that God speaks to us is through the Scriptures. Inspiration that contain scriptures prove to be rich and powerful. The word of God is a more sure word of prophecy. It will not change or alter.

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts.(2 Peter 1:19)

God will bring to mind passages of scripture to provide edification and insight for Christians. There are times when scriptures will come to mind for Christians to share with others also.

Well there you have it. Until next time, remain faith to Christ who is above all. If you would like more information concerning how God speaks, I have addressed it in detail in my book, “Prophetic Ministry, Misery, and Mishaps – Rediscovering the Purpose of the Prophetic Gift” at Amazon.com.