A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: But a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Proverbs 17:22
It's always good to laugh. I love to be around people who don't mind sharing a good laugh. The scripture today is not talking about laughter, it speaks of a merry heart. I can remember times in my life where I was laughing but my heart was not merry. I remember when my laughter was just a cover up for my pain and discontentment. M spirit was broken from life and the shortfalls and pitfalls of life. When I was in this state, it was good indication that I was "Loving On Empty."
Beyonce has a song called , "Love On Top". When you listen to it, it goes on and on about how the person she loves finally put her first and she seems so happy about it. I believe as Christians, if we put our love and interest in God, He has a way of filling us up when we are down. Life is unpredictable and sometimes not all of it is good but God has the capacity to help us through tough times if we allow Him.
We talked yesterday about loving out of your own need and necessity. If we continue, we will dry up and become stagnant. We become irritated and tired and feel like we have nothing else to give.We love how we want to be loved but not how that person or persons need to be loved. It's real easy to get there too.
How do we overcome this? We as Christians must continue to read the bible, have quiet time and listen to Christian songs that uplift your spirit and reflect on His goodness. This is how we win, this is how we refuel and that's how we make it. If you are fighting depression, fight back with God. Remember, laughter is good but a merry heart does good like a medicine.
Brother Clarence
Author and Family Strategist
www.godlyking.com
www.godlykings.blogspot.com
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
Dying to Self "A Daily Decision"
Luke 9:23-25New International Version (NIV)23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?
On yesterday, we talked about taking our own cross and what that means to us as Christians. Today, I want to focus on the part of the scripture that talks about taking up your cross daily. If you notice, the scripture did not change this week. It did not change because I could not get past it. I believe this scripture is the key to life after we confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. You never really know who you are until you lose yourself in Christ and find yourself IN Christ.
My biggest struggles now are when I want to resurrect the “old me” and start living like I want to live. The problem with that statement is , How I want to live. In contrast, the happiest I have ever been in my life is when I am doing the will of God. Yes, I am tempted to sin everyday. I remember how sweet it was to be “knocking the boots.” Oh yeah, I went there. I remember how fun sin is and while your in it; it feels like the best thing on this side of heaven but then reality always shows up. There is always a quick high and long hard crash. Feelings of emptiness and loneliness. Feelings of unworthiness and regret. Depression and jealousy. What happens when we open the door to sin, we open the door to satans world. satan is all about depression, quilt, hopelessness, lack, loneliness, anger, resentment, bitterness, uncontentment, jealousy, hate and envy. All the negative feelings you experience are a result of what you allow in your life. Sin comes with a price. I have come to really appreciate and value my peace-that only comes from God.
One key thing to understanding all of this is; it is a daily decision. You have to set your mind daily to overcome. Everyday you have to build up your spirit so you can deny the cravings and yearnings of the flesh. What is temptation? Something your flesh wants. How do you overcome temptation? By denying the flesh. How do you overcome the flesh? By crucifying the flesh. How do you crucify the flesh? By controlling and monitoring your appetites and cravings and desires. How do you control your appetites and desires? By spending time in the Word of God. Listen to CD’s and messages concerning what you are dealing with. You have to strengthen yourself against the temptation , test or trial. How do I strengthen myself? Daily!
There is no other way. We are to daily deny ourselves to live the victorious life as Christians. This message is one I have to keep before me. I have to because I know my flesh. I know its passions and I know its desires. Daily!
Brother Clarence
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Dying to Self "Our Cross"
(Taken from Facebook last night)
"Driving down the street I see this male teen beating a female teen. She's on the hood of the car. Hair flying. He's punching. Her under garments exposed. I just put caution to the wind, stopped, and shouted to him to stop beating her. They're both about 14. Older female in the yard grinning says its' ok, that's his sister. I was angrier. Unbelievable. Well I gave him another mouth full until he let her go. She ran inside. Didn't see a parent. A wife beater in the making." :( Written by a female facebook friend)
Luke 9:23-25New International Version (NIV)23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?
This story really disturbed me. It prompted me to have a discussion with my kids and made me reinforce some values with my kids. The world is really really losing it's moral backbone and if we are not careful, Christians can become apart of the problem instead of being the solution.
There are things in my life that need changing. There are things that I need to do to improve myself as a Christian, as a husband, as a father, as a brother, and as a friend. Everything about me is not acceptable in the sight of God. I realize that. I also understand that if I do not heed to the scriptures and take the time to deal with myself by spending time in the Word of God, I can easily become apart of the problem.
Every Christian has something God is dealing with you about. It does not matter what it is. If it is not addressed or continued to be ignored, it will negatively affect you and the people you love some way. Have you ever heard the expression, "A rotten apple can spoil the whole bunch.?" One thing about your character can be your downfall. It's the little foxes or the little things that destroy us.
Have you ever had a crack or a dent on your windshield? The crack starts small but after time it can spread and go across the entire windshield. The same happens with us spiritually, if we ignore the cracks in our character, personality or flesh, if not dealt with, it can cause major damage.
Whether your issue is forgiveness, pride, selfishness, depression, anger, lust, jealousy, gossip, backbiting, loneliness, resentment and bitterness, unable to trust, nostalgic living in the past, over eating, or whatever it is, we can no longer ignore it. Just like the scripture says, "It's time to take up your cross and die to self."
These are the things that plague Christians today. This is why Christians have affairs, this is why Christians do drugs, this is why Christians fight, this is why Christians can't forgive, this is why Christians are depressed. We do have a choice or we can be like "the world" portrays Christians as judgemental and hypocritical. We can do better and it starts by simply saying, "Lord help Me!"
Brother Clarence
www.godlyking.com
www.godlyukings.blogspot.com
"Driving down the street I see this male teen beating a female teen. She's on the hood of the car. Hair flying. He's punching. Her under garments exposed. I just put caution to the wind, stopped, and shouted to him to stop beating her. They're both about 14. Older female in the yard grinning says its' ok, that's his sister. I was angrier. Unbelievable. Well I gave him another mouth full until he let her go. She ran inside. Didn't see a parent. A wife beater in the making." :( Written by a female facebook friend)
Luke 9:23-25New International Version (NIV)23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?
This story really disturbed me. It prompted me to have a discussion with my kids and made me reinforce some values with my kids. The world is really really losing it's moral backbone and if we are not careful, Christians can become apart of the problem instead of being the solution.
There are things in my life that need changing. There are things that I need to do to improve myself as a Christian, as a husband, as a father, as a brother, and as a friend. Everything about me is not acceptable in the sight of God. I realize that. I also understand that if I do not heed to the scriptures and take the time to deal with myself by spending time in the Word of God, I can easily become apart of the problem.
Every Christian has something God is dealing with you about. It does not matter what it is. If it is not addressed or continued to be ignored, it will negatively affect you and the people you love some way. Have you ever heard the expression, "A rotten apple can spoil the whole bunch.?" One thing about your character can be your downfall. It's the little foxes or the little things that destroy us.
Have you ever had a crack or a dent on your windshield? The crack starts small but after time it can spread and go across the entire windshield. The same happens with us spiritually, if we ignore the cracks in our character, personality or flesh, if not dealt with, it can cause major damage.
Whether your issue is forgiveness, pride, selfishness, depression, anger, lust, jealousy, gossip, backbiting, loneliness, resentment and bitterness, unable to trust, nostalgic living in the past, over eating, or whatever it is, we can no longer ignore it. Just like the scripture says, "It's time to take up your cross and die to self."
These are the things that plague Christians today. This is why Christians have affairs, this is why Christians do drugs, this is why Christians fight, this is why Christians can't forgive, this is why Christians are depressed. We do have a choice or we can be like "the world" portrays Christians as judgemental and hypocritical. We can do better and it starts by simply saying, "Lord help Me!"
Brother Clarence
www.godlyking.com
www.godlyukings.blogspot.com
Monday, April 30, 2012
Dying to Self
Luke 9:23-25
New International Version (NIV)
23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?
Why is it that God instructs us to deny ourselves? What is the scripture really saying to us? This week we will discuss why Christians should deny themselves and why God admonishes us through scripture to deny yourself? I will be honest, this message is really jabbing at my flesh.
What is denying yourself? To deny yourself is to deny the feelings, the emotions, and desires that are contrary to God or HIS Word. To deny yourself is not being dishonest about your feelings but acknowledging that you do feel certain ways and sometimes what I want and feel is not the plan of God for my life.
Everyday there are temptations and thoughts that we all have that are contrary to God. Everyday we have a choice to make. We can put our feelings and desires above what God commands through His Word or we can deny ourselves and agree with God. It is up to us to decide. Obedience is always better than sacrifice.
Brother Clarence
www.godlyking.com
www.godlykings.blogspot.com
Why is it that God instructs us to deny ourselves? What is the scripture really saying to us? This week we will discuss why Christians should deny themselves and why God admonishes us through scripture to deny yourself? I will be honest, this message is really jabbing at my flesh.
What is denying yourself? To deny yourself is to deny the feelings, the emotions, and desires that are contrary to God or HIS Word. To deny yourself is not being dishonest about your feelings but acknowledging that you do feel certain ways and sometimes what I want and feel is not the plan of God for my life.
Everyday there are temptations and thoughts that we all have that are contrary to God. Everyday we have a choice to make. We can put our feelings and desires above what God commands through His Word or we can deny ourselves and agree with God. It is up to us to decide. Obedience is always better than sacrifice.
Brother Clarence
www.godlyking.com
www.godlykings.blogspot.com
Friday, March 30, 2012
An Amazing Grace for Amazing Women
Proverbs 31:10
Amplified Bible (AMP)
10A capable, intelligent, and [a]virtuous woman--who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.
This day I wanted to take a moment and do something a little different. Today, I am saluting women. I have been blessed to have a wonderful loving Mom and Wife. I had the fortune to have three older sisters who were all blessings in my life. Today it is all about saluting the women. Without you loving and caring and being the moms that you are, so many of us would not have made it. I believe God wanted to take this time out to pay tribute to you. For all the men in your life that you feel like they take you fro granted, God is telling you thank you. You can love us because God loves you. If you are ever to tired to love go and refuel from the love machine. What God has given you is something I can never have. He graced and loved you to be an amazing woman.
Today, God is encouraging you and saying today, "thank you" for all the things that you do. For all the wonderful meals you cook or provide. For all the little things you do that seem to go unnoticed. For all the times you take care of us when we are sick. For all the times you submitted but did not want to. Your Heavenly Father had you on his mind tooday. Brothers, lets' take a lesson from our God today and thank the women in our lives for all that they do.
Thank You Ladies and God Bless!
Brother Clarence
Author and Family Strategist
http://www.godlyking.com/
http://www.godlykings.blogspot.com/
clarence@godlyking.com
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Fight
11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:11-12)
Yesterday, I had to leave work early. My sister was rushed to the hospital in a very critical state. When I arrived at the hospital, I witnessed my sister fighting for her life. Every breathe she took seemed like it could be her last. As I consoled my mother, and wiped tears away, it was a feeling of hopelessness and a feeling of loss and despair. I literally did not know what was going to happen and I did not know what this day would hold.
For those who do not know, my sister Dr. Velda Threatt was in an almost fatal car accident in 1994 in Roswell, Ga. This accident left her with severe brain damage and was in a comma for months. She truly never recovered from her injuries. That brilliant mind was reduced to recognizing childhood songs and her family. She never forgot her family. Never again able to articulate a conversation. Never again to retain the relationships professionally or personally. A lot was lost.
When and if you ever visit Dr. Velda Threatt, you leave her with a sense of how strong her spirit is. Once her eyes were able to focus on you, she would do a “shake in the bed” with a huge big smile. Take in mind, she has lost the use of her hands and legs, is unable to feed her self, or express audibly how she feels but can sing the fool out of “Yes Jesus Loves Me, “He got the whole world in his hands’ and songs like that from her childhood. The nurses at her Nursing Home where she lives would put her radio on and she will do a “shake in the bed” for you! I’m not talking to Christian music, they put in on the blues station and she will boogie down her ”shake in the bed” till you have to make her stop. A true amazing spirit!
Yesterday, I witnessed someone fighting for every breath to the point that she was lifting her legs that she has not had any control over. I saw someone “fight”. The nurses gave her a sedative to settle her down. She was not responsive until she heard my mother’s voice. She let us know that she knew my mom was there. Once she was sedated, they cleaned her up and said they are going to try and move her to intensive care. The doctors and nurses asked the family to leave and they would prepare her to be moved. My mom , aunt and her close friend waited outside while they moved her. I decided to go across the street to get something to eat and we waited to see her again.
When I came back to the hospital, my aunt came down to take me to Dr. Velda’s room. I walked in and my mother says, let your sister know that you are here. Before I could turn around to walk towards her bed, she gave me a small “shake in the bed” with a smile on her face. All I can say was that was the best feeling to see her saying to us she is still here. Her eyes never opened but her spirit said I am here.
I shared all of this because so many people are going through things right now. Co- workers and friends are going through challenging times unlike anything they have ever experienced. Just remember, to Fight the good fight of faith and continue to be strong. God is with you and no matter what it looks like, God can do it. He is still a healer! God is still a peace giver! God is love! Blessings!
Brother Clarence
Author and Family Strategist
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The Illusion of Success
What is Success? Is it different from fame? Do we live in a society that shows success as being rich and famous? Is being rich and famous a bad thing? Well, I will let you answer these questions this morning for yourself. I was taught something about success that the Lord shared with me years ago in my quest for some satisfaction of that "rich and famous" thing. This is what God shared with me and I included it in the book, "A Struggle Not Meant For A King." I pray it helps bring clarity to your definition of success.
"To the degree that we put our trust in our own abilities or our own intellect, it is to that degree that we will eventually fall. Success, or should I say godly success, is based upon stewardship. Being a good steward over whatever the Lord has placed into your care. The Lord shared with me a definition of godly success: It is alignment with the Father. It is totally surrendering your will for His will and exchanging your life for the life He has for you. Godly success is not the house, car or clothes. The fruit you see( the cars, houses, clothes, etc) is the result of consistency in being aligned with the Father."
In essence, if you are measuring your success on your degree, your job title or status and not on your relationship with Christ, your success is worldly and will eventually cause you to stumble or compromise your character because you are trying to keep something that you were only the steward over.
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Joshua 1:8
Brother Clarence
Author and Family Strategist
www.godlyking.com
www.godlykings.blogspot.com
clarence@godlyking.com
"To the degree that we put our trust in our own abilities or our own intellect, it is to that degree that we will eventually fall. Success, or should I say godly success, is based upon stewardship. Being a good steward over whatever the Lord has placed into your care. The Lord shared with me a definition of godly success: It is alignment with the Father. It is totally surrendering your will for His will and exchanging your life for the life He has for you. Godly success is not the house, car or clothes. The fruit you see( the cars, houses, clothes, etc) is the result of consistency in being aligned with the Father."
In essence, if you are measuring your success on your degree, your job title or status and not on your relationship with Christ, your success is worldly and will eventually cause you to stumble or compromise your character because you are trying to keep something that you were only the steward over.
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Joshua 1:8
Brother Clarence
Author and Family Strategist
www.godlyking.com
www.godlykings.blogspot.com
clarence@godlyking.com
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