Don't Give Up

     We are in the beginning of a new year 2018.  I personally do not know everything that happened to you in 2017 or before that.  I do not know if it was bad or good.  I do know that God is leading me today to tell you... "Don't Give Up!

Isaiah 53

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

⁵ But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

      Let's look at this scripture today.  The Bible says that Jesus was wounded for OUR transgressions.  He was bruised for our iniquities.  The chastisement of OUR peace was upon 

HIM.  

Transgressions

Transgressions are  OUR sins. Transgressions or an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offense. So , lets be clear about this .  We all have transgressed  from what we were suppose to do or knew to do that was right.  I should have gone left but I went right.  We all have transgressions.

Iniquities

  

     Jesus was also bruised for OUR iniquities.  Iniquities are immoral or grossly unfair behavior. Iniquities are any sin, crime, transgression, wrongdoing, wrong, violation, offense, vice that you have ever committed.  We all have committed sins. We all have iniquities.

     The good news today is that we  do not have to be bound or stuck living in our sin.  We do not have to be condemned for habits  or bad relationships we are currently engaged in.  We do not have to be tormented by our past mistakes.  Jesus took all of that for me and you On the cross.  That is why we can claim freedom and start living!

     Don't Give UP!   Don't give up on yourself and don't give up on your spouse, children or siblings. .  Sometimes you might find yourself or your loved one in a bad place.  They might have done some horrible thing or experiencing quilt from something they have done, Tell them, "Don't Give Up! 

    The power of The Blood of Jesus is always greater than any sin, habit or relationship. We must claim it !  Believe  it , confess it! Stand on it.  God's grace is sufficient!  Don't Give up! 

     

Not Just A Weekend - It's Father's Day!

                A few years ago, I wrote a book that exposed a lot of things about my personal life.  I talked in detail about my struggles as a man, as a husband and a father.  My past was consuming my now.  My past had affected my happily ever after.   My past struggles were now trying to coincide and exist with my now.  I had issues!  I had issues with myself and I had issues with my father.  I loved him but did not like him.  I resented him for the example he was in front of me.  I resented the way he treated my mother and my sisters.  I did not like him. I did not like being around him.   I had real daddy issues.

                This weekend is Fathers’ Day.  For some, it might be a great family time to express love and appreciation for someone who has been a great leader , provider and support for the family.  For some, they might be grieving the loss of a great man they called Dad.   For some, they might be like how I was and resent this day because it reminds you of the pain that you experienced as a child because your Dad was not the man he should have been. 

                My point this morning is this, it is time to be free.  Free from the hurt and free from the past.  Most people do not realize that pain transfers and if you don’t deal with it , your pain;  hurts and  mindsets transfer to the ones you love the most- your children.  You respond to your spouse out of your hurt.(arguments, contention, strife)  In so many ways, you become what you resent and your  character reflects or  mirrors the person that you resent. 

                So how do you move on.  Here are a few steps to help you enjoy your life the way God intended you to do so.

 

1.       Be honest with yourself about your feelings.

2.       Repent of your sins. (Attitudes, mindsets and actions that you know are wrong)

3.       Forgive the person that hurt you. (Let it go and don’t relive the pain or bad times)

4.       Move Forward. ( Don’t transfer your hurt and pain to your children or spouse)

5.       Proclaim your freedom and peace.  Live in your today!

 

6.     Cherish the good in your life. (  family ,friends, co-workers, church members)

 

Galatians 5:1

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

 

Have a great Father’s  Day Weekend!  Do better, be better! Enjoy your family and enjoy your life!

 

Brother Clarence

Love is Bigger than Our Problems

            After the events of yesterday’s shooting of the republican congressmen, I know that we must guard our hearts with the truth of God’s Word.  We will not always agree but we have to respond the right way.  Praying  for all the families involved. God’s love is bigger than any problem, dispute, or political party. God’s love never fails….

 

1 Corinthians 13
⁴ Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; ⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; ⁶ does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
⁸ Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part. ¹⁰ But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. ¹² For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
¹³ And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Brother Clarence

You are Able To Make It

Philippians 4:6-8New King James Version

⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

                There are so many things going on in our society, communities and country today.  If you take the time to digest it all it can be overwhelming.  Life is not always easy and at times it can be very challenging. The good news is whatever you are faced with, You are able to make it.

  The enemy is attacking the minds of people.  He is determined to convince you that there is no hope. I believe Christians and believers are not exempt but are targeted.  How do we deal with life, trials, tests, loss and disappointment- without losing hope and doing things that are regrettable?

 

3 Tips for the Believer to Make It

1.        Pray without ceasing. Be specific with your request.

2.       Guard your Hearts.  Don’t digest and meditate on negative events, mess and strife.

3.       Meditate on good things. (This action protects your heart)

Meditate on These Things

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things

 

I believe this will not only help us, it will keep us alive in challenging times.  This is how we not lose our minds. 

 

Brother Clarence

Way of Escape

^{1 Corinthians 10}

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.

 

 

                My son is home from college completing his first year .  I am very proud of him and his grades.  Over the weekend, my son asked could he go to a party.  I asked who and where the party was .  He informed me that it was a classmate from High School and  he assumed he lived in Irondale.  I gave him permission to go.  Well at this party, there was a fight that started among two females.  The females male friends jumped into it and they begin shooting at each other at the party.

Before he left to go to the party , my wife and I called him into the bedroom and prayed over him.   I did not know what was going to happen.  I did not know all the details of  where the party was and who was going to be there.  I did  know that I can call On Jesus  and Plead the Blood of Jesus and claim divine protection, provision and deliverance for my son.   I understand my son is young and have desires to be with his friends but I also know that he , me and you;  have an enemy whose purpose is to steal , kill and destroy.

We do not know the test, trials and tribulations we may face today or tomorrow but the Holy Spirit reminded me of this scripture.  Regardless of what the enemy puts in your way, regardless of the test or the trial, God has already prepared your Way of Escape.  He already has your Way Out! What we must do is believe it! Stand On It ! Confess It, and see the salvation of Our Lord!

 

Brother Clarence

                               

Can You Be a Better You?

Today is the first full work week of the New Year.  A lot of us took time off from work and enjoyed the holidays surrounded by friends and family.  I pray and hope that your holiday season was blessed full of love and great times.  However your holiday, we are now in a new time and a new day.  

     I do not know the challenges that may face us in 2017 but I do know that we can be better at being who we were created to be; ourselves.  This year I encourage each of us to love and appreciate the gift that God gave in You.  I believe that if every person took the time out to evaluate and work on themselves, our entire world would be better.  Friendships and relationships would be better because the focus is not on the faults of others but the improving of being who God made us to be.

2017 can’t and won’t  change people; but You can change yourself for the better.    You Can Be a Better You!

 

  Galatians 5:1

 

5 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage

 

 

Be of Good Cheer

 

John 16:33

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

 

Matthew 9:22

But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour

Authority and Agreement
Matthew 18:18-19
¹⁸ “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

¹⁹ “Again I say^[a] to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

 

Protection

Isaiah 54:17-18

No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the Lord

 

Earlier this week, I asked God what to share.  All I heard was,” Be of Good Cheer!”  I then began to look up scriptures that had that saying.  It is my belief today that God is telling us, You  and me; to be of good cheer. i believe he was saying that not because you or I or not going through challenges.  i am going through a challenge as we speak but regardless of the test, regardless of the trial, we should be of good cheer due to the fact that he offers us peace and declares to us that he has overcome all the world has put on him.  Christ is our example.  i hope god’s word bring you peace and know that god will deliver you. stand on his word!

have a great weekend and be Blessed in God!

Brother Clarence

The Same Jesus

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

 

            So many people in our country today are disturbed and upset about the Presidential election. I have seen this election bring out racism, anger, strife, and  divisions among friends .  I have seen arguments on social media and I myself have had to comment at times when I felt I had to address certain issues. People are very angry and relationships that were amicable are now stressed or nonexistent.

 Not many people are  happy about the choice whether Democratic or Republican.  Regardless of your choice, November 8^th we will be electing  the 45^th President of the United States,  Today it reminds me even more to consider the only true hope we have.  That  true Hope is Jesus.   He has never changed and He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

We serve a Living, True  God that is the same!  That is something to meditate on and get excited about! The world has changed.  Our leaders will change.  People will change but Our God is the Same!

 

Be Blessed

Brother Clarence

Time to Pray and Use Our Authority

          Yesterday, I watched a family grieve the loss of their loved one.  Yesterday, I watched a video that I believe was murder.  I do not have the answer to black on black crime.  I do not have the answer for why Alton Sterling was killed instead of being arrested or detained for questioning.  I do not know why the homicide rate in the city I live in is increasing.  I do not know the answer. 

          What I do know is that this world is in a horrible state and we need help.  We need help to live peacefully on this earth.  As a Christian, a Believer, the ONLY way things can change if we (God’s People)  INVITE GOD into our life situations.  The only way we can INVITE GOD is through prayer. Prayer changes things.

          So today, if you believe in the power of prayer.  Today, if you want things to change for the better of mankind, let’s all repent and ask God; through prayer; to intervene and heal our land!

2Chronicles 7:14 “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land”

                “Father In Jesus Name, We come interceding on behalf of the family that is grieving today.  WE come interceding on behalf of  our cities, our communities , and our nation.  Lord God, we need you!   We need you in our lives and we need your guidance and direction.  Father God, we repent of our all our sins and we seek your face.  We need your Spirit to heal, set free , deliver, and make us whole.  SO we thank you Father for deliverance, guidance, and wholeness.  Now, we stand with the full authority of Your Name and we declare Healing to flow through our land.  We declare that justice will prevail and our neighborhoods and communities will not be terrorized by violence, police brutality and crime. We loose  your excellent Angels to protect your people.  We come against every demonic stronghold of poverty, lack, addictions, prejudice, murder, suicide, depression and worry.  We loose the FRUITS of the Spirit TO REIGN IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS. (LOVE , JOY, PEACE, KINDNESS, PATIENCE, GOODNESS AND FAITHFULNESS.)  Today, we stand against fear but we thank you for your Power, Your love and Soundness of Mind.  Today, we use our authority to stand against the devil, his tactics and strategies.  Our cities and nations will not be divided.  We speak peace! We speak Healing and we receive it now , IN JESUS NAME!”

The Good News of Salvation

61 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
² To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
³ To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

Addicted Christians Recap and Challenge

Scriptures and Key points this week

Monday ( Prayer for understanding)

Eph. 3

¹⁷ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— ¹⁹ to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

 

Tuesday (Addicted Christians)

 

Romans 7

¹⁴ For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. ¹⁵ For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. ¹⁶ If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. ¹⁷ But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. ¹⁸ For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. ¹⁹ For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. ²⁰ Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

 

                Most Christians will not  admit to being  addicted.  Addicted is defined:

 

adjective: addicted

1.    physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance, and unable to stop taking it without incurring adverse effects.

o    enthusiastically devoted to a particular thing or activity.

Wednesday (True Identity)

 

You are Not Your Sin!  Sin will rename you and give you a new name and identity.  Sin will destroy you! Sin will use you and drop you like a $2.00 whore.  Sin is not your friend .   Anything that God reveals to you as an addiction, sin or whatever, "Let it go!"  Let go and let God give you freely his righteousness!
 

 2 Corinthians 5:21
²¹ For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

 

Thursday (Connections)

^{Matthew 17} Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” ¹⁸ And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.

¹⁹ Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”

²⁰ So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief;^[d] for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. ²¹ However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”^[e]

 

                The scripture text gives us the key and breaks down connections.  Jesus answered and said, “  O faithless  and perverse generation”  Faithless tell us of our unbelief. (Not being connected to God enough)  Perverse generation tells us that we are (Too connected to the world).  If we are honest, we all can think of things in the world we might be too connected to which creates strongholds which become addictions. 

 

Friday (Challenge)

            I hope and pray that this week you were pierced. You were able to look at yourself and look into your own heart.   I know the Holy Spirit spoke to me and spoke through me.  The question is,” what will you do next?”

 

Who are what is your addiction? Addictions can be things or people.

 Will you continue to accept (the enemies ) identity of yourself? Sin has a name and identity with your name on it.

 Who  or what  are you connected to that hinders your freedom?  Anything/anyone can hinder your relationship with  God.

Will you only make more resolutions to change behavior or will you allow God to change your heart?  There is a difference.  Knowing that difference,  will set YOU free….

 

Have a blessed week!

 

Brother Clarence

www.godlykings.blogspot.com

Addicted Christians "Connections"

Romans 7

¹⁴ For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. ¹⁵ For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. ¹⁶ If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. ¹⁷ But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. ¹⁸ For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. ¹⁹ For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. ²⁰ Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

                How do you overcome addictions?  I believe the first step  is to be honest enough and admit what you are truly dealing with but also to not make the mistake of defining yourself as the sin or the sin activity.  Secondly, we must look at  who and what we are connected to and who we are not connected to.  I believe that many Christians are connected to people and activities that feed their carnal nature therefore resulting in strongholds that lead to addiction and keep you bound.  How do you break free?

^{Matthew 17} Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” ¹⁸ And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.

¹⁹ Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”

²⁰ So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief;^[d] for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. ²¹ However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”^[e]

 

                The scripture text gives us the key and breaks down connections.  Jesus answered and said, “  O faithless  and perverse generation”  Faithless tell us of our unbelief. (Not being connected to God enough)  Perverse generation tells us that we are (Too connected to the world).  If we are honest, we all can think of things in the world we might be too connected to which creates strongholds that become addictions. 

                Thank God for good news!  We do not have to stay addicted.  We can be free!   Jesus tells us how to break any addiction- by prayer and fasting!  Prayer connects us to God and fasting helps us disconnect from the world ( the sin activity or addiction).  Let the Holy Spirit Guide you to the right connections in your life.  If you have to disconnect from people, places or things, your freedom is worth it.  It is your choice- to stay bound and addicted or free and living.   Be Blessed!

 

Brother Clarence

www.godlykings.blogspot.com

 

Addicted Christians "True Identity"

Romans 7

¹⁴ For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. ¹⁵ For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. ¹⁶ If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. ¹⁷ But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. ¹⁸ For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. ¹⁹ For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. ²⁰ Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

     I can remember a time when I let my sin define who I was.  The world teaches that if I do it and I like it , it must be me.  Yes it was me.  I engaged in the activity.  I was addicted but the sin activity was not who I am. 
 Sometimes, we can battle so long with something  or someone that we forget that our sin or sin activity  should never define who we are.  The Apostle Paul says it best, "If I do what I don't want to do it is no longer me that does it but sin that dwells in me.  He realized that he was not his sin and his sin did not define who he was; even though he engaged in sin activity.
     Today, know that whatever your truth is ; whatever your addiction may be, you are not the sin.  Your sin does not define who you are. It  only exposes what the sin is and what you need to work on within yourself to overcome.  Your "True Identity" should always be In Christ.  

     Hello, my Name is Clarence Threatt III,  I am more than a Conqueror!   My sin activity was pornography and lust.  Yes, I still deal with it.  Yes, I sometimes still have the desire to engage but I am now free.  I no longer live by the constant pull everyday to sin.  I have the victory.  I have been made righteous the day I accepted Jesus Christ as My Lord and Savior.  I exchanged with Him (Christ) my sin and HE gave me his righteousness freely.  A free gift.  I accept it and I choose to keep it . 
     How about you?  Will you accept the righteousness that Christ freely gives?  Will you continue to see yourself as a fornicator, adulterer, weed head, alcoholic, abuser, crack head, bitter  and angry, lustful, gay and bisexual, mean and unforgiving, emotionally dependent, lost, helpless, worrier, messy and troublesome or whatever the enemy named you?  You are Not Your Sin!  Sin will rename you and give you a new name and identity.  Sin will destroy you! Sin will use you and drop you like a $2.00 whore.  Sin is not your friend .   Anything that God reveals to you as an addiction, sin or whatever, "Let it go!"  Let go and let God give you freely his righteousness!
 

 2 Corinthians 5:21
²¹ For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Brother Clarence
www.godlykings.blogspot.com

Addicted Christians

Romans 7

¹⁴ For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. ¹⁵ For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. ¹⁶ If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. ¹⁷ But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. ¹⁸ For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. ¹⁹ For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. ²⁰ Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

 

                Most Christians will not  admit to being  addicted.  When you first hear the word you automatically think of drug addicts, alcoholics or sex addicts. I submit to you today that addictions can be anything that we devote attention to that when we try to stop , we continue to do. Addicted is defined:

 

adjective: addicted

1.    physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance, and unable to stop taking it without incurring adverse effects.

o    enthusiastically devoted to a particular thing or activity.

"he's addicted to computers"

synonyms:

devoted to, obsessed with, fixated on, dedicated to, fanatical about, passionate about, enamored of, a slave to; More

 

                One thing I  like about being a Christian is we have the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit teaches us all things.  The question of thought is, ”What are you enthusiastically devoted to that you want to stop or need to stop but can’t?" The answer to that question is your addiction.  I submit we all have them..  Your Pastors, first lady, the deacons, trustees, the choir members, the ushers and the Sunday School teacher.  We all do. 

                The good news is news is there is hope and the answer has been given to us through God’s Word.  More to come…..

 

Brother Clarence

How Will You Fight

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." Proverbs 26:28

 

                I have recently started watching an original show on the history channel called Vikings.  The Vikings are pagan people who prey on the innocent and they rob, steal and kill.  One episode the Vikings were inspiring to  attack and conquer Paris.  The main and only obstacle  for the Vikings was to penetrate the walls that surrounded the city.   They realized that if their raid was to be a success, it must  penetrate the wall around the city  to take the spoils and riches that belonged to the  King and people of France.

Whatever area in your life that is” without control” whether it is a habit, your tongue, or attitude; it is leaving you vulnerable.  The enemy is planning and calculating an attack.  He (satan) wants to  take all that you have and leave you with nothing.   So the question today is, “How is your House (spiritual)? “ “ Can you survive an attack? “ “Are you prepared to do battle with the pagans? “(the devil) .  

Take the time today to evaluate your defense.  What is your defense?  Are you using the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God  or cussing people out?  Do you have on the breastplate of righteousness or you see yourself through the eyes of your past habit or addiction?   Are your feet shod  with the preparation of the gospel or your quoting rap songs?     Do you have the shield of faith or are you speaking what you see? Are you praying with supplication or are you praying in doubt and fear?  Eph. 6:14

The enemy will attack!  How will you fight?  The scripture states, he that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down without walls.  Subject to attack!  Take this time to get ready and build your defense in God.  You might lose some battles but You will be victorious and win the war.  Let’s continue to work on those areas we know we need to improve .

               

Brother Clarence

 

Even the best, must still grow and learn!

^{2 Corinthians 4:16} 
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, ¹⁸ while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

 I was one of millions last night that watched the super bowl.  For me, I have always been a Peyton Manning fan since he was with the Indianapolis Colts. I was happy for him although I was rooting for Cam Newton and the Panthers.
  In the game, Denver's defense hit Cam Newton so many times last night that it had to be very frustrating for a team that had only lost one game all season.  The frustration showed in the press conference with Cam Newton last night. Some are already saying he could have handled it better.  Well, none of us walk in his shoes. What can we learn from last night?

     Even when you're  the best of the best, there is still time to grow and learn.   A true leader leads in the bad and leads when your winning.  The greatest athletes all have failed but the failure only defines the athlete if he or she allows it to do so.
    Such is life, there will be people talking about you.  There will be frustrating circumstances that might temporarily keep you from reaching your goal.   The only thing that really matters for us is that we never give up and we never quit.  The key is to keep our eyes on the prize and our hope in Gods Word.  We win.  Your goal might not be attained at the first shot but keep dreaming.  Keep pursuing and eventually, you will win!

Brother Clarence
www.godlykings.blogspot.com

Do You Believe

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

John 8:12 NKJV

 

                I, along with my family, watched the Wiz live last night.  It was special to us because it was one of the movies I introduced to them as children.  Last night, they all came into my bedroom and watched the movie with us.  My kids are teenagers now and it was truly a nice family moment.

                If you know the story of the Wiz,  the lead character Dorothy wants to go back home and all she has to do to get there is believe.  Believe!  My question for us this morning is , “What do you believe?”  Do you believe in Santa Claus?  Do you believe in your Job?    Do you believe in the City Council? Do you believe in the Mayor?  Do you Believe in the Governor?  Do you believe in state and federal representatives and senators?  Do you believe in the President?  Let’s make it more personal, “Do you believe in your paycheck?”       

                However you answer this question is your answer.  I am not trying to persuade your answer one bit.  You can believe in whatever you want to although I know that all of the above are subject to change. They all are subject to man, position and power.  The main question is, “ Do you believe IN Christ?

  Do you believe that He is the Light of the World?  Do you believe that He came to give us Life and not only life but life more abundantly?  Do you believe that HE is a healer? Do you believe that He is a Protector?  Do you believe that HE is Peace?  Do you believe that HE is a deliverer?  Do you believe that HE is a provider? 

 Do You Believe In Christ?  His Power? His Love? His redemption? His Cleansing? His Strength? His Way? His Truth? His Life?

 

Jesus, I do believe! Santa Claus ain’t got nothing on you!

 

Brother Clarence

www.godlykings.blogspot.com

The Gift

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 

               We are now entering into one of the most joyous and happy seasons of the year.  I love Christmas! I love the gifts , the fellowship and I love all the Christmas décor. So many people focus on those things and for some people that is what Christmas is about.

  The most important thing about Christmas is Christ.  HE is the reason for the season and HE is the reason for the gift.  Have you taken the time to thank God for the gift of HIS ONLY SON?

This month let’s not forget Christ.  So many want to make it about Santa Claus and what you have under the tree but Christmas is about the gift of Christ to the world.  If you really think about it, nothing good could ever happen in your life if it was not for Christ.  I thank you God for the Gift of your Son!

 

Brother Clarence

www.godlykings.blogspot.com

Our Issues

Proverbs 14:12Amplified Bible (AMP)

¹² 
There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him,
But its end is the way of death.

 

 

I turned on the television this morning and the first thing I heard was there was a shooting at Miles College.  One student is now dead.  I know everyone who reads this is not African American but this is addressed to all who have a heart and mind to hear.

 

At some point, we have to address some serious issues in the African American community and acknowledge our participation in creating these issues.  Some, not all but far too many of our young men are violent.  Some, not all of our young men have no self-worth.  They lack a God -consciousness.  Some, but not all of young men live their daily existence like savages.  They have no respect for other people's property.  They have no respect for themselves and they do not respect Human life. 

 

Something is wrong and it's time we start addressing it. Unfortunately, this savage like behavior or mentality exists even when some of our students go off to school to better their lives. They are unable to separate their "hood experience" from their "now experience."  It should be a difference!

 

Today, lets all pray for the victims family and pray for Miles College and all HBCU's . It is now a phenomena that they have to address.  It's happening to frequent without a true end to senseless  acts of crime in our community.  Today, we pray.  Today,  we ask God for guidance and direction.  Today , we mourn another loss but tomorrow we must address "Our Issues" and demand better of our children.

 

My heartfelt condolences go to the family and the students who lives have been drastically changed as the result of another black on black crime.

 

Brother Clarence
www.godlykings.blogspot.com