Weakness

1 Corinthians 10:11-13
Now all^[a] these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
¹² Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. ¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

     This week we talked about restoration, independence, freedom and our emotional state being like fireworks.  Today, the scripture talks about no temptations has overtaken you but what is common to man.  Whatever your issue is or whatever you want to improve about yourself, know that you are not alone and God  has already provided a way of escape for you with whatever you might be dealing with.

     Here are some examples of great men in the bible but they also had weaknesses just like we do.

Weaknesses of Great Men in the Bible

Moses weakness was anger.  He killed a man and stuttered  but lead the people of Israel out of Egypt after 400 years of bondage and slavery.

Elijah’s weakness was depression. He prayed flesh on dry bones.

Samson’s weakness was women but he had super natural strength.

Peter was impulsiveness and over confidence but he was a disciple of Christ and walked on water.

Judas struggled with greed and stealing but he was a chosen disciple of Christ.

Noah weakness was getting drunk but he built the ark.

Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines but he pleased God when he only asked for wisdom to rule his kingdom. 

Abraham was old but he was able to have relations to conceive the child that was promised to him and Sarah. He had no Viagra!

We all have weaknesses but our weaknesses should not be an excuse.  God has something for all of us to achieve.  In our weakness is where God is stronger if we trust Him.

Have a Blessed Weekend!

Brother Clarence

Author and Family Strategist

www.godlyking.co

www.godlykings.blogspot.com

Fireworks

     Hoping everyone had a great 4^th of July and a great day off.  Before the break, we talked about your independence and your freedom.    I made the statement that your freedom is just as important as your salvation.  That statement  was brought back to my attention this morning.   So, when the fireworks went off did you let go of some things or did you just enjoy the celebration of our country?   

     Watching fireworks remind me of a lot of our life situations.  Fireworks go up fast, make a lot of noise, then explode and disappear. Many of us handle life situations like fireworks and some behave like fireworks.. They come  on  us fast, make a lot of confusion and noise but soon explode and evaporate.  The sad thing,  we live a “fireworks” kind of life.  The way we communicate to people when we are mad are like fireworks.  The way we make love is like fireworks.  Yes , our society just displays this image of fireworks in the bed and not meaningful long lasting relationships. The way we handle loss and disappointments are like fireworks.  This is not God’s best.

       Fireworks are an annual event.  They were not meant to be a lifestyle habit.  With the issues of life,  we  often operate just like a firework event.   Now, we have been challenged to change and not let our personal fireworks control how we respond to life. If you are like fireworks, you can change.  If your relationships are like fireworks , you can change.  If your attitude is like fireworks you too can change.  The only power fireworks has  is when  I  light the  fuse.  If I don’t light the fuse, it will not be a show.   You can  adjust  yourself and make a difference in your own life.

Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

   

Brother Clarence

Author and Family Strategist

www.godlyking.com     

www.godlykings.blogspot.com

Your Independence is Freedom

     Tomorrow is Independence Day where we as Americans celebrate  the  independence of The United States of America.  I sure hope everyone has a great day.  With this celebration, so many of us will spend it with friends and loved ones.  It’s a tradition that we look forward to every year.  This year,  I want to bring this question to mind, “What about your independence?” Isn’t it  time for you to be free? Free from what?  It’s time to be free from anything that is hindering your happiness and emotional stability and walk with the Lord.  Your independence is just as important as the celebration of our nations freedom.  Your independence is just as vital as the battles our military fight for our freedom .  Your freedom is just as important to God as your salvation.  Don’t believe me? 

John 10:10

¹⁰ The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
The word abundance in the scripture is not a reference to heaven but a reference to your freedom on this earth. He did not say I came only to give life but to give it more abundantly.  That’s your freedom!

  Free yourself from the hurt that you have been carrying.  Free yourself from past bad relationships.  Free yourself  from unfulfilled dreams. Free yourself from lust and perversions.  Free yourself from emotional scars resulting  from  tumultuous  relationships.  Free yourself from jealousy.  Free yourself  from disappointments.  Free yourself  from grief.  Free yourself……..

     Freedom means to liberate from slavery or restraint.  What are you a slave to?  What is restraining you?

How do we do this?

Romans 6:14

“For sin shall not have dominion over you:  for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”

 Whatever the sin is place it in a confession and pray it to God and say it out of your mouth daily. Use His Word!

For lust  shall not have dominion over me…

For grief shall not have dominion over me…

For jealousy  shall not have dominion over me…

For  disappointments shall not have dominion over me….

For bitterness shall not have dominion over me….

For  loneliness shall not have dominion over me….

Whatever it is, put your issue in this text, pray it out to God and claim your freedom!!!!!!! 

    Today you can prepare to free yourself.    Today God is giving you an opportunity to regain control of your freedom. This 4^th of July celebrate your freedom too. It can be the beginning of a new you.  We talked yesterday about restoration.  Freedom is the 1^st cousin to restoration.    As the fireworks go off tomorrow night, see yourself liberated and free from all your issues . Free yourself;  live and celebrate your  independence!  God is challenging you through me this morning to free yourself!

Much Love,

Brother Clarence

Author and Family Strategist

www.godlyking.com

www.godlykings.blogspot.com

Recovering From Loss

     Last night my family and I watched the BET Music Awards.  Actually, I thought this was one of their best shows because it was not all about Hip Hop.  One moment that stands out for me is the Whitney Houston tribute that featured R& B singers but more importantly the brother and mother of Whitney Houston.  It is still very evident that the family is still dealing with their loss.

      If you  have ever lost someone or something important,  feelings of loss are very overwhelming.  It can be a very stressful time and can be dangerous if we never recover.  But this thought for today is not highlighting our losses.  It is finding our recovery.     

     What is recovery?  Recovery means

1. the act or process of recovering, esp. from sickness, a shock, or a setback; recuperation

2. restoration to a former or better condition

3. the regaining of something lost

My point is no matter what you have lost, expect recovery from your loss.  God is a God of restoration and He wants to restore you emotionally, physically, relationally and financially.  He is concerned with every area of our lives but we must put the pressure on God through His Holy Word and expect recovery in every area of our lives.  He is our Daddy!  

Joel 2:25-26

²⁵ “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,
The crawling locust,
The consuming locust,
And the chewing locust,^[a]
My great army which I sent among you.
²⁶ You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,
And praise the name of the Lord your God,
Who has dealt wondrously with you;
And My people shall never be put to shame.

Stay Encouraged!

Brother Clarence

Author and Family Strategist