"" I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live." Duet. 30:19
I am going to be honest today and say that I have not always made the best decisions. I had a history of doing impulsive and in the moment things. How many can now say, that's not the way to make decisions? I sure can. I have learned and is still learning, that your decisions affect you and those who you are connected to. The text today tells us the vision that God has for us and gives a lifeline to how we can measure all our current and future decisions. I do believe that none of us want to repeat our bad decisions and we now want our current decisions to be good ones. Today, using the scripture, lets look at some keys that can help all of us make our decisions count.
Keys to Making Good Decisions
1. Always judge your decision from the Word of God. (If what you are thinking of doing is contrary to God's Word it will not benefit you in the long run of life.)
2. Seek Godly Counsel. ( Finding someone who is knowledgeable and stable minded always should validate your conscious.)
3. Listen to the Voice of your Spirit ( That inner voice On the Inside is the Spirit of God. It always lines up with the Word and never leads you astray. The other voice is your flesh it will be contrary to the Word of God.)
4. Don't go against your peace ( God has given every christian peace. Peace is supernatural. Peace guides and comforts in times of trouble and contention. The peace of God is our weapon to help us make good decisions.)
"Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusted in thee." Isaiah 26:3
This final thought is mainly for the men. "Just because she is fine does not mean she is mine." That will help you if you apply this principle.
Brother Clarence
Author and Family Strategist
http://www.godlyking.com/
http://www.godlykings.blogspot.com/
clarence@godlyking.com
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Ruling Your Own Spirit
" He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." Proverbs 26:28
This past week I was on vacation with my family. It was really nice to be at the beach most of the week and witness the wonder and amazement of the creation of Our Lord. When we came in at night and turned on the television to see what was going on in the world, I was saddened to learn of the events surrounding the death of this young man in Florida and the apparently "no investigation" done by the Sanford police department. Regardless of where you stand on the issues involved in this case, a young man has died and another is presumed to be the killer. There is no good end to this story.
I watched the President of the United States of America say, " If I had a son, he would look like Trayvon." There is no escaping the problems we face in America. At some point in the life of an African American male, we all will face prejudice or injustice due to the color of our skin and due to the stereotypes of how some of our African American males behave. (like wild fools) Some people put all African American males in a category and say we all are the same or we all act and live the same type of lives. This is certainly a falsehood but the reality of too many men who only speak from the injustices of our society and the grave.
I have no quick antidote for this problem but we have the "Word of God." If we can control our own spirits we can save lives and the lives of so may other young men. I do know, we must learn to diffuse situations differently even when we are confronted or accused falsely. The real enemy is the enemy and satan will use every opportunity he can to destroy you. I look at the real enemy (satan) who set this whole situation up to kill, steal, and destroy. If you are mad, get mad at the real enemy and start teaching our kids the Word of God. We all get mad. We all get angry but we all don't survive the consequences of anger when it leads to sin.
We do not know what happened in Sanford, Florida but we do know that the Word of God can teach and save our lives if we apply it to our everyday life situations. We all will be confronted. We all will be accused falsely but how we handle it is a matter of life and death. Food for a prospering soul..........
"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." Proverbs 26:28
Brother Clarence
www.godlyking.com
www.godlykings.blogspot.com
clarence@godlyking.com
This past week I was on vacation with my family. It was really nice to be at the beach most of the week and witness the wonder and amazement of the creation of Our Lord. When we came in at night and turned on the television to see what was going on in the world, I was saddened to learn of the events surrounding the death of this young man in Florida and the apparently "no investigation" done by the Sanford police department. Regardless of where you stand on the issues involved in this case, a young man has died and another is presumed to be the killer. There is no good end to this story.
I watched the President of the United States of America say, " If I had a son, he would look like Trayvon." There is no escaping the problems we face in America. At some point in the life of an African American male, we all will face prejudice or injustice due to the color of our skin and due to the stereotypes of how some of our African American males behave. (like wild fools) Some people put all African American males in a category and say we all are the same or we all act and live the same type of lives. This is certainly a falsehood but the reality of too many men who only speak from the injustices of our society and the grave.
I have no quick antidote for this problem but we have the "Word of God." If we can control our own spirits we can save lives and the lives of so may other young men. I do know, we must learn to diffuse situations differently even when we are confronted or accused falsely. The real enemy is the enemy and satan will use every opportunity he can to destroy you. I look at the real enemy (satan) who set this whole situation up to kill, steal, and destroy. If you are mad, get mad at the real enemy and start teaching our kids the Word of God. We all get mad. We all get angry but we all don't survive the consequences of anger when it leads to sin.
We do not know what happened in Sanford, Florida but we do know that the Word of God can teach and save our lives if we apply it to our everyday life situations. We all will be confronted. We all will be accused falsely but how we handle it is a matter of life and death. Food for a prospering soul..........
"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." Proverbs 26:28
Brother Clarence
www.godlyking.com
www.godlykings.blogspot.com
clarence@godlyking.com
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Battle Is In The Mind "Recap of the Week"
Happy Friday everyone! Today I am just recapping what was brought to our attention this week. Here are the scriptural references and some key points of the week.
Scriptures
Here are 5 areas that satan uses to gain influence over our minds.
1. Eye gate
2. Ear gate
3. Relationships/ Associations
4. Environment
5. Emotions
Whomever you habitually hang around, will influence your behavior. satan is not coming up to you and speaking directly in your face. satan uses people and relationships to influence you away from God and HIS way of living. Don't be fooled. It is nothing wrong with cutting relationships off if they are not a blessing to you. Here's a simple test you need to do with all your relationships. Ask yourself, is this person a blessing or a curse to me? Do they ask me to participate in things contrary to God's word? After hanging out with this person, am I always in trouble or in the middle of some controversy?
Scriptures
1 Thessalonians 5:15-23
15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
Blessing and Admonition
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew 15:18“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile a man.”
1 Peter 5:8New King James Version (NKJV)
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because[a] your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because[a] your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Proverbs 13:20 "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."
3 Keys to Managing Your Thought Life1. If you control your thought life you can control your behavior. (The body is the servant of the mind)
2. Thoughts effect our emotions. Thoughts and emotions create desires. Our decisions are based on our desires.
3. Satan uses the eye gate, the ear gate, and your relationships to affect your thought life. His goals are to desensitize you spiritually and rob you of your appetite for God and the things of God.
There are three sources for thoughts.
1. Man-Human reasoning/logic
2. God-Will always lead to life, wellness, and productivity
3. Satan-always lead to death or some form of destruction
One key thing we all must do is Control our Thought life.. It is up to us to identify and eliminate the access to the enemy. (satan)
2. Thoughts effect our emotions. Thoughts and emotions create desires. Our decisions are based on our desires.
3. Satan uses the eye gate, the ear gate, and your relationships to affect your thought life. His goals are to desensitize you spiritually and rob you of your appetite for God and the things of God.
There are three sources for thoughts.
1. Man-Human reasoning/logic
2. God-Will always lead to life, wellness, and productivity
3. Satan-always lead to death or some form of destruction
One key thing we all must do is Control our Thought life.. It is up to us to identify and eliminate the access to the enemy. (satan)
Here are 5 areas that satan uses to gain influence over our minds.
1. Eye gate
2. Ear gate
3. Relationships/ Associations
4. Environment
5. Emotions
Whomever you habitually hang around, will influence your behavior. satan is not coming up to you and speaking directly in your face. satan uses people and relationships to influence you away from God and HIS way of living. Don't be fooled. It is nothing wrong with cutting relationships off if they are not a blessing to you. Here's a simple test you need to do with all your relationships. Ask yourself, is this person a blessing or a curse to me? Do they ask me to participate in things contrary to God's word? After hanging out with this person, am I always in trouble or in the middle of some controversy?
Have a Blessed and Happy Weekend!
Brother Clarence
Author and Family Strategist
The Battle Is In The Mind "Relationships"
In Birmingham, Alabama we had a horrific crime to take place. Five people were killed execution style. To everyone surprise, the people that were arrested for the murders were all teenagers. In this situation, there truly are no winners because 5 people were killed and 3 young teenagers lives have been lost. How important are our relationships?
My 13 year old son started a new school this year. All teenagers want to be liked and popular. The last month or so we have had alot conversations a about who he chooses to hang around. He admitted some of those guys were in gangs that live in our new community. I was glad he told me because I have found myself telling him almost every week, "I don't like those boys." I am constantly telling him to not hang around this person and that person without knowing the kids. I just have that feeling that these kids are bad influences on him. As a parent, I pray everyday for my son. The Holy Spirit tells you things that you don't know. My point, parents if you feel uncomfortable about some of the friends of your children, don't ignore that warning. Its the Holy Spirit on the inside of you alerting you that something is not right or these are people that your child should not be around.
Whomever you habitually hang around, will influence your behavior. satan is not coming up to you and speaking directly in your face. satan uses people and relationships to influence you away from God and HIS way of living. Don't be fooled. It is nothing wrong with cutting relationships off if they are not a blessing to you. Here's a simple test you need to do with all your relationships. Ask yourself, is this person a blessing or a curse to me? Do they ask me to participate in things contrary to God's word? After hanging out with this person, am I always in trouble or in the middle of some controversy?
Proverbs 13:20
"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."
Christians have to be selective with our relationships. If you want to live victoriously as a Christian, we have to monitor and control our relationships.
Please share this blog with your teens and children becasue it does matter who their friends are. Your destiny in life might be on the other side of that bad relationship!
Brother Clarence
Author and Family Strategist
www.godlyking.com
www.godlykings.blogspot.com
clarence@godlyking.com
Celebrating over 1,000 views on the blog. Check it out!
My 13 year old son started a new school this year. All teenagers want to be liked and popular. The last month or so we have had alot conversations a about who he chooses to hang around. He admitted some of those guys were in gangs that live in our new community. I was glad he told me because I have found myself telling him almost every week, "I don't like those boys." I am constantly telling him to not hang around this person and that person without knowing the kids. I just have that feeling that these kids are bad influences on him. As a parent, I pray everyday for my son. The Holy Spirit tells you things that you don't know. My point, parents if you feel uncomfortable about some of the friends of your children, don't ignore that warning. Its the Holy Spirit on the inside of you alerting you that something is not right or these are people that your child should not be around.
Whomever you habitually hang around, will influence your behavior. satan is not coming up to you and speaking directly in your face. satan uses people and relationships to influence you away from God and HIS way of living. Don't be fooled. It is nothing wrong with cutting relationships off if they are not a blessing to you. Here's a simple test you need to do with all your relationships. Ask yourself, is this person a blessing or a curse to me? Do they ask me to participate in things contrary to God's word? After hanging out with this person, am I always in trouble or in the middle of some controversy?
Proverbs 13:20
"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."
Christians have to be selective with our relationships. If you want to live victoriously as a Christian, we have to monitor and control our relationships.
Please share this blog with your teens and children becasue it does matter who their friends are. Your destiny in life might be on the other side of that bad relationship!
Brother Clarence
Author and Family Strategist
www.godlyking.com
www.godlykings.blogspot.com
clarence@godlyking.com
Celebrating over 1,000 views on the blog. Check it out!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Battle Is In The Mind "Influence"
The Battle Is In the Mind “Influence”
Being a Christian is not always easy especially when we have so many things to distract and tempt us. All of us have a battle to fight and the main fight is the fight for your mind. Why does satan want control of your mind? Influence.
1 Peter 5:8
New King James Version (NKJV)
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because[a] your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Influence means -To control or move by power, physical or moral; to affect by gentle action; to exert an influence upon.
satan wants to influence you to control you or make you an ineffective Christian. If I can influence you; I can control you. If I can control you; I can own you. Nobody wants to be owned by the devil. The reality is that some Christians are influenced by satan and some Christians are controlled by satan. How many great men and women have fallen due to being influenced by the wrong people? How many people try drugs and sex by being influenced by the people they associate with? How many people commit crimes because they were influenced? (Just something to think about.)
Here are 5 areas that satan uses to gain influence over our minds.
1. Eye gate
2. Ear gate
3. Relationships/ Associations
4. Environment
5. Emotions
If we take the time to really evaluate these 5 things we will find some type of influence. You should be able to determine if the influences in your life are positive or negative.
Brother Clarence
Website: www.godlyking,com
Blog: www.godlykings.blogspot.com
Check it out! Celebrating a small milestone! Over 1,000 views of the blog!
Being a Christian is not always easy especially when we have so many things to distract and tempt us. All of us have a battle to fight and the main fight is the fight for your mind. Why does satan want control of your mind? Influence.
1 Peter 5:8
New King James Version (NKJV)
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because[a] your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Influence means -To control or move by power, physical or moral; to affect by gentle action; to exert an influence upon.
satan wants to influence you to control you or make you an ineffective Christian. If I can influence you; I can control you. If I can control you; I can own you. Nobody wants to be owned by the devil. The reality is that some Christians are influenced by satan and some Christians are controlled by satan. How many great men and women have fallen due to being influenced by the wrong people? How many people try drugs and sex by being influenced by the people they associate with? How many people commit crimes because they were influenced? (Just something to think about.)
Here are 5 areas that satan uses to gain influence over our minds.
1. Eye gate
2. Ear gate
3. Relationships/ Associations
4. Environment
5. Emotions
If we take the time to really evaluate these 5 things we will find some type of influence. You should be able to determine if the influences in your life are positive or negative.
Brother Clarence
Website: www.godlyking,com
Blog: www.godlykings.blogspot.com
Check it out! Celebrating a small milestone! Over 1,000 views of the blog!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The Battle Is In The Mind "Controlling Your Thought Life"
The Battle Is In the Mind –“Controlling Your ThoughtLife”
Remember at the beginning of the year everyone had New Year Resolutions. Well we are almost three months into the New Year 2012 and how many have already given up? How many of us have wandered away from what we said we would not do? How many of us or right on track with what we were planning at the beginning of the year? It really doesn’t matter how you answered these questions but it is important that you understand how your goals or either achieved or unachieved. The Battle Is In The Mind.”
If you want to understand the battle for your mind you must understand that your thought life is always under attack. We have to learn to discern where the thought comes from. Whatever we consistently think on, we will act out. What does satan want you to act out?
Matthew 15:18
“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile a man.”
3 Keys to Managing Your Thought Life
1. If you control your thought life you can control your behavior. (The body is the servant of the mind)
2. Thoughts effect our emotions. Thoughts and emotions create desires. Our decisions are based on our desires.
3. Satan uses the eye gate, the ear gate, and your relationships to affect your thought life. His goals are to desensitize you spiritually and rob you of your appetite for God and the things of God.
There are three sources for thoughts.
1. Man-Human reasoning/logic
2. God-Will always lead to life, wellness, and productivity
3. Satan-always lead to death or some form of destruction
One key thing we all must do is Control our Thought life.. It is up to us to identify and eliminate the access to the enemy. (satan)
Brother Clarence
Author and Family Strategist
Website:www.godlyking.com
Blog: www.godlykings.blogspot.com
Remember at the beginning of the year everyone had New Year Resolutions. Well we are almost three months into the New Year 2012 and how many have already given up? How many of us have wandered away from what we said we would not do? How many of us or right on track with what we were planning at the beginning of the year? It really doesn’t matter how you answered these questions but it is important that you understand how your goals or either achieved or unachieved. The Battle Is In The Mind.”
If you want to understand the battle for your mind you must understand that your thought life is always under attack. We have to learn to discern where the thought comes from. Whatever we consistently think on, we will act out. What does satan want you to act out?
Matthew 15:18
“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile a man.”
3 Keys to Managing Your Thought Life
1. If you control your thought life you can control your behavior. (The body is the servant of the mind)
2. Thoughts effect our emotions. Thoughts and emotions create desires. Our decisions are based on our desires.
3. Satan uses the eye gate, the ear gate, and your relationships to affect your thought life. His goals are to desensitize you spiritually and rob you of your appetite for God and the things of God.
There are three sources for thoughts.
1. Man-Human reasoning/logic
2. God-Will always lead to life, wellness, and productivity
3. Satan-always lead to death or some form of destruction
One key thing we all must do is Control our Thought life.. It is up to us to identify and eliminate the access to the enemy. (satan)
Brother Clarence
Author and Family Strategist
Website:www.godlyking.com
Blog: www.godlykings.blogspot.com
Monday, February 20, 2012
Thought For Today "In Everything Give Thanks"
I was very sad to hear about the loss of Whitney Houston. If you were like me, I was glued to the television set watching all the interviews and trying to hear the latest information about what happened. Then my interest shifted from shock to acceptance and from acceptance to closure. As I watched the funeral, I am here today reflecting on what we can learn form all of this as believers and Christians. I became even more certain this morning as the Lord led me to this scripture of what I can learn and my position when faced with difficult and challenging moments.
Be Grateful for your Blessings and what God has done for you!
Brother Clarence
http://www.godlyking.com/
blog: http://www.godlykings.blogspot.com/
Be Grateful!
1 Thessalonians 5:15-23
New King James Version (NKJV)
15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
I underlined what jumped off the page for me. In everything give thanks. So this morning I am leaving you with the lyrics to a song that was sang by the choir at Whitney Houston's funeral. This song was also quickened to me after a classmate of mine had an early death. Be grateful to God who is the giver of everything good! We might not understand. We might have unanswered questions but the Grace of God can and will keep you. Our part is to do what it says in verse 23 to ask God to sanctify us completely so that our whole spirit, soul and body be preserves blameless at the Coming of our Lord.
I am
Grateful for the things
That you have done
Yes, I'm grateful for the vic-tories we've won
I could go on and on and on
About your works
Because I'm grateful, grateful, so grateful
Just to praise you lord
Flowing from my heart
Are the issues of my heart
It's Gratefulness
By Hezekiah Walker
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
Blessing and Admonition
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.I underlined what jumped off the page for me. In everything give thanks. So this morning I am leaving you with the lyrics to a song that was sang by the choir at Whitney Houston's funeral. This song was also quickened to me after a classmate of mine had an early death. Be grateful to God who is the giver of everything good! We might not understand. We might have unanswered questions but the Grace of God can and will keep you. Our part is to do what it says in verse 23 to ask God to sanctify us completely so that our whole spirit, soul and body be preserves blameless at the Coming of our Lord.
I am
Grateful for the things
That you have done
Yes, I'm grateful for the vic-tories we've won
I could go on and on and on
About your works
Because I'm grateful, grateful, so grateful
Just to praise you lord
Flowing from my heart
Are the issues of my heart
It's Gratefulness
By Hezekiah Walker
Be Grateful for your Blessings and what God has done for you!
Brother Clarence
http://www.godlyking.com/
blog: http://www.godlykings.blogspot.com/
Be Grateful!
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