This week I am grateful to you dear God for breathing your breath of life into your Holy Son that by his blessed birth into the world I am redeemed unto your Throne, forgiven of my sins, delivered from the pit of hell and saved by grace. Heavenly Father I am grateful that by the birth of your son my Lord and Savior, I now know the way, the truth and the life that leads to you in the Kingdom of everlasting life. Isaiah 9:6...for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Matthew 1:23...Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel which being interpreted God is with us. Luke 1:31-33...And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Luke 2:10-11...And the angel said unto them, fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is called Christ the Lord. John 1:1-18...(Read it in the bible) Revelation 1:8...I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending.

This week for meditation let’s take time to smile, smiling is good for the soul. Caring for oneself is not always taking time to be silent and reflect or being alone. Sometimes caring for oneself is allowing ourself to be happy despite all. Finding a reason to smile and be filled with joy is just as important as having one on one time with God. Not only let your smile be a facial expression but smile from your heart for by the heart the issues of life come forth. Let your issues of life be overwhelmed by the joy you hold, not your joy be darkened and weighted down by the cares of the world. Proverbs 15:13…A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of the heart is the spirit broken. Proverbs 15:25…All the days of the afflicted are evil; but he that is of a merry heart has a continual feast. Monday God today send forth your Holy Spirit into my heart to fill the voided areas, cover the pain and suffering, comfort the grief and fill all these areas with the warmth of your glory, in Jesus the Christ name, Amen. Today God when the cloud of dark emotions begins to fester, I will think of how wonderful you are, how righteous your Kingdom is, and I will smile because of your awesomeness blessed upon my life. Tuesday Lord Jehovah today send forth your Holy Spirit to guide me in the ways of you, be a light unto my path and a lamp of glory that forever shines bright on the road that leads to your Holy Kingdom, in the name of your Heavenly Son, Amen. Today God where the devil sends his demons to hinder and deter my walk on a righteous road I will smile in joy because I know you are walking right beside me keeping my foot planted on a solid foundation built on your word of truth. Wednesday Father today send forth your Holy Spirit and your army of angels to surround me and protect me from the fiery demons of the kingdom of hell as they come forth to kill, steal and destroy the anointing of your glory within me, in the name of the Wonderful Counselor, Amen. Today God as the wiles of the devil spring up from the depths of hell I will smile because I know there is a mighty army encamped around me suited in the armor of Heaven prepared to contend against our enemy until your Throne of Righteousness claims the victory over my soul. Thursday Almighty God today send forth your Holy Spirit to heal all that ales my flesh, let your healing hand touch my body and send forth sickness and dis-ease back to the pit of hell from which it came forth that it shall have no bearing over my life in the name of your son my Messiah, Amen. Today Lord as the devil seeks to weary my body and break me down, I will smile because I know that by the blood of your son that was shed on the cross I am healed, restored and made whole. Just one touch Lord, just one touch and I am healed. Friday The Great I Am today send forth your Holy Spirit to clear my mind and transform my thoughts to those of positivity and righteousness in the name of your son the Prince of Peace, Amen. Today God as satan tries to bombard my mind with doubt, clutter and the cares of the world I will smile because I know that you are the creator of my life and from beginning to end you have established my life to be a reflection of your divine goodness that I shall live abundant in the tranquility of your Throne. Saturday (Merry Christmas) Dear Lord today as we celebrate the birth of your son Jesus the Christ I will smile all day knowing that because you love me so much you have birthed into this world Salvation, Redemption, Deliverance and a blessed way into the Kingdom of your dwelling, in the name of Alpha and Omega, Amen. Today my God dear God I smile because I have a Lord and Savior that is, that was and is to come. Today my Lord I smile in greatly because there is a divine presence that sits at your right hand in glory and honor awaiting the time appointed by you to come down and draw up your chosen into his righteous arms. Sunday Most Heavenly God today send forth your Holy Spirit to bring me into remembrance of your love, compassion and mercy for me when the devil tries hard to make me feel unwanted, unloved and unforgiven, in the name of my Lord and Savior, Amen. Today God as satan wants me to believe that I am bound to the gates of hell I will smile having faith in the belief that in your eye I am adored, loved and cherish all the days of my life.

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You are the King above all kings, your word is true and a light unto my path. Most Blessed Father pull out of me the righteousness you placed in my heart when you created my spirit in the depths pf your mind and use me in this world as a service for your divine will in truth and in spirit. God, I know there is more to me than meets the eye and it is that part of who I am in you that I want to learn and display unto all you place on my path. Bless me Dear God with the presence of your Holy Spirit that all who stand before me receives the goodness of your Holy Spirit that lives within me. Continue to rebuke the devil on my behalf and remove the pride of self that he uses against me in the moments of temptation. Teach me how to be selfless, loving, kind, merciful, compassion and just, just as you are. Adhere all of who I am to your anointed word of righteousness that towards your throne my face, my heart, my mind, my soul and my spirit is always turned that I may forever be a light unto those who are in to need of being guided to your Holy Kingdom of Heaven, in the name of Jesus the Christ your Holy Son I pray, Amen

This week Most Heavenly Father I will be grateful for… The good and the bad that is in my past, present and future, for by your word of truth I can rest assure knowing that all that was and is, is part of your great and awesome plan to use my life as a blessing to others that through me they too may come to know the glory of your majesty. God in the midst of the light and dark there is a line of division where one begins and the other ends, where I cannot see the path that lies ahead and when I am in the moment of transition remaining in faith having no clue as to where the next step will lead until it is taken, I am grateful for having the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven all around me comforting me, guiding me and keeping me strong along the way. Lord Jehovah I am in gratitude for the fact that your name is written across my heart and in your book of life is my name so sealed by the blood of your son Jesus the Christ. How awesome a blessing it is for me to know that when the divine purpose you call my life is accomplished there is a place of peace and of goodness for my spirit to return when the time comes. And for this my Dear God, my most blessed Father and Almighty King, I am ever so thankful to you. From the depths of the earth and the sea have you provided nourishment for my physical body and to this I am grateful, yet it is the mana that comes from the Kingdom of Heaven that you provide as nourishment to my heart, mind and soul that I most grateful for, for I know that mankind does not live off of the sustenance of the earth alone but by every holy word of truth and light that comes forth from you, God you are an ever quenching God and I thank you for speaking into my life all that is righteously fulfilling. You are a miracle working God, a God of power whose depth of understanding is so unfathomable, and just as you have created the wonders of the earth for all mankind to gaze upon and witness the extent of your power and greatness, thank you oh Righteous Lord for the miracle that is your son Jesus the Christ who you formed out of the image of all that is holy in you, to come down in the light of your glory unto mankind, that by him the truth of who you are may be known unto all, reconciliation and redemption unto the Kingdom of Heaven may be offered unto all, and by his blood shed and resurrection our hearts and minds may be forever yours. I am a precious gem in your majestic crown and oh what a blessing it is to be placed on the head of the one who is far above all. Grateful to you I am indeed, the great and holy I AM for having fashioned me in your splendiferous image, commanding all the elements that make up my life to be a reflection of your radiance, your dignity, your beauty and all that is sacred in you. In gratitude I stand before your Throne, thankful for each day I am able to be used by you to replenish those who are void of your glory and goodness upon all the earth. And on the seventh day you looked down upon all creation and blessed it and ordained all that you had done holy. God, oh most blessed Lord Jehovah I thank you for the many blessings you have and continue to speak over my life, I thank you for your anointing of holiness upon my head and to you I am most grateful for your word of life that sustains me in the world of both the living and the dead.

QUESTION How do I believe in a God that I’ve never seen, how do I know God is real? ANSWER Romans 1:19-20…Because that which may be known of God is manifest (clearly apparent to the sight or understanding; to reveal; to appear in visible form) in them; for God hath shewed (showed) it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. Believing in God is a feeling first, an innate wisdom and knowledge that God is because he is where we come from. The life cycle of the human being is this, spirit to human, human back to spirit. Before our earthly existence we were thoughts in the mind of God, then those thoughts of God took shape in the form of a spirit being, once the spirit being becomes developed and ready to serve the will of God on earth then comes the process of conception to birth of the spirit to human form. Now with this explained, it is over the course of time, experiences, teachings, learning, pursuit and studying does the development of that innate understanding God put in us to know that he is real widens and causes our belief in him to deepen and strengthen. It is by faith we believe, by looking around and having an understanding that all things I am seeing has been created by the Thone of God. (Innate understanding = the origin of belief that God anointed in the hearts and minds of all human beings when he shaped the image of our spirit and flesh in the depths of his mind.) If I have not answered your question sufficiently then I urge you to pray. Pray first for a Godly understanding then pray for God to send his Holy Spirit into you to show you the presence of God in your life. Pray and ask God to open your eyes to see him, ears to hear his voice, a heart to receive him and the ability to feel his almighty presence around and within you. And after you pray become active in seeking the truth for yourself, read your Bible diligently with the intent to learn all that is in God. Start paying attention to everything. God is not just the thought of an omnipotent being sitting on a throne in the Kingdom of Heaven, God is a blessed feeling within ourselves, God is the piece of us that tells us there is someone greater than all that the mind could ever imagine. God is not just a voice of distinction you are blessed to hear but a movement within your essence that guides you towards all that is righteousness and true in a world filled with sin. God is that inkling of thought that gave way to you even wondering if he even exists. He is the awakening force behind your question that he has designed to guide you to him. Let me end with this… Colossians 1:15…Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. The presence of Jesus the Christ who we know to be the son of God is indeed all the proof you need to know that God is real. Why Jesus the Christ you might ask? Because Jesus is the earthly image of who God is in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus was the first to be created by God in his image and when he saw that mankind was in serious trouble and in need of his holy redeeming presence, he sent his son down from Heaven on his behalf to be a human reflection of his spirit image. One last thing… Read Galatians 5:22-23, the fruits of the Holy Spirit then take stock of yourself and list all the fruits of the Spirit that reside in you. Next read Genesis 1:26-27 telling us God made each of us in his image. Lastly read Genesis 2:7, the breath of life God breathed into man that man may be made alive. Now look at yourself in the mirror, you alone are proof that God is real. Your spirit is his spirit, your image is his image and it is the breath of the Throne of Heaven that keeps your body and soul alive each and every day. You are God, God is you, you and God are one. God is real.

Dictionary Meaning n. The object (that which is of importance; the focus of desire) toward (precise direction) which one strives (to put forth great energy). Has the thought of why God created you ever crossed your mind? Have you ever had a moment where you thought to yourself, why am I here, to what purpose do I serve, is this really what I am suppose to be doing with my life? Well, I believe this is the reason why God chose this word to be the word of the week. He sees so many people living their lives chasing after the unobtainable (that which God did not assign), following after the wrong reasons (selfish, worldly treasures) and seeking to fulfill some view of what they or someone in their life believes is the right way to go. I mean how many people do you know living unhappy, unsatisfied and/or unfulfilled lives in some way, shape or form? God sees there is a need for change, a need for people to come into an understanding of their true and meaningful existence, an existence based on spirit living and not worldly desires. So, let’s explore the meaning of PURPOSE…Biblical Context The object, what is the focus of your desire, that which you deem of great importance? In terms of seeking self-awareness, we must first ask ourselves what is the object that God created for mankind to deem important, what did God create to be the focus of mankind? Genesis tells us in the beginning the first thing God created was Heaven, and we know Heaven to be the dwelling place of all that is righteous and glorious in the Lord Jehovah. Throughout the Bible the consistent theme from the beginning to end is the desire for mankind to receive the glory of God and obtain everlasting life in the Kingdom of Heaven. God created the Garden of Eden mimicking the image of Heaven for all creation to live in and ever since the fall of Adam and Eve, the Lord by way of his Prophets, son Jesus the Christ and numerous Disciples has been working diligently to keep the focus of the minds and hearts of mankind on the object of his importance, the Kingdom of Heaven, all that righteous, true and filled with the light of his glory. We need to ask ourselves this question daily, is the object of my devotion that which I give my focus to aligned with the will of God? Does that which we hold important in some way, shape or form lead mankind back to the Kingdom of Heaven? Exercise: Write down your object of focus, underneath it list at least five ways in which God can use your answer to benefit his will. If you came up with any answers in the positive, meaning toward God let your next step be to implement those answers in your everyday living, if you are already doing so then all praise to Jehovah. However, if your answers haven’t quite reached a Godly level that’s ok, take a moment to contemplate your answers in spirit and truth then ask the Lord to help you reassess and get into alignment with his purpose for your life. Continue to partake in this exercise frequently until a Godly answer is achieved and when achieved incorporate your answers into your everyday living. Toward, is that which is important to you moving you in a precise direction to fulfill God’s ultimate purpose? Precise direction in finding and serving our Godly purpose is an important factor, why you might ask? Not having any sense of direction allows satan the opportunity to come into our life and create blockages that in turn affords him the ability to fulfill his evil purpose of producing sin across the masses, destroying the glory of God and ultimately having the souls of mankind burning in the depths of hell right along with him. Let’s use the story of Noah’s ark as an example. Noah had clear direction from God to build and stay the course, yet the people choosing to live in oblivion and not follow after Godly direction and purpose suffered the ultimate consequence, death. See how Godly purpose comes with exact direction, building and staying the course led Noah on the path to live life anew under the wonderful covenant of God that we in this modern day still reap the rewards of. Noah having precise direction toward the object of his desire was not only beneficial for himself but for all mankind in the long run. A person whose purpose is in accord with the word of God has no other option but to move in the precise direction towards the Kingdom of Heaven whichever way life may turn. Exercise: Write down what you believe your purpose in life is then underneath that write down in thorough the directions in which it leads. Does the directions lead forward to the Kingdom of Heaven for not only yourself but others or do they lead in a direction which is filled with self, vain glory and/or sinful living? Remember God is a selfless God and everything he has created is for the purpose of something else. Use the book of Genesis as a reference, read and understand how each step God took to complete the process of creation was built on the purpose of the previous element created and fulfilled a need for the future element to be created. Day one through six from Heaven to man and all in between serves a purpose of vitality one for the other. Strives, is your purpose worth exerting great energy towards? Is what you are devoting your energy to making a positive impact and difference in the lives of your fellow human beings? Let’s look to God as an example of answer to these questions. Look at the effort God continuously put forth to make sure mankind was in constant reminder of that which he deemed important. From beginning to end the stories of the Bible one by one literary and figuratively tell how God used all things to keep the minds and souls of mankind focused on his Kingdom of Heaven. God’s purpose of Heaven though it is his place of dwelling was also created for mankind. God in all his infinite wisdom knew that at some point during the cycle of life mankind was going to need a sanctuary of glory to focus on during the highs and lows of this earthly life, would need a great motivating factor to help with the process of opposing the snares of the devil and remain faithful to him, and would also need an ultimate reward to look forward to when the time came to pass on from earth. Question, is the purpose you have chosen for yourself, that which you are exerting so much energy to achieve parallel to that which is of God? Let me take this moment to say this, I’m not against working hard to obtain things like a house, a car, a business or any other earthly necessity, no not all, what I’m saying is this, let the focus and effort you’re putting forth to fulfill your purpose be selfless and not selfish. To be a bit more specific when the time comes are you willing to allow God the opportunity to use that which you have or are putting forth the greatest energy to obtain as a blessing of his glory for someone else should he see the need? Exercise: Write down one thing you value the most then underneath that write down one way in which you can use your object of value to fulfill the purpose of God in someone else’s life. Next pray to the God and ask him to bless you with the opportunities to actively live out your answer. Sum it all up… Ephesians 2:10…For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them. Created by the hand of God with a distinct purpose in mind, our individual and universal reason for being is to model the life of Jesus the Christ, the Son of God. Matthew 28:18-20…And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, know that I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen Our life’s purpose is to teach the nations about the word of the Lord, cleanse them of their sins in the name of all that is absolute in the Kingdom of Heaven and help them to live a life of holiness according to the way in which he has instructed life to be to lived. Genesis 1:28…And God blessed them, and God said to them be fruitful, and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it. Now, I know this verse speaks to the purpose God gave man and woman in its’ literal term, however, God enlightened me to another meaning of purpose in regard to this verse, his glory. God wants mankind to be fruitful in the glory of his Holy Kingdom. He wants us to take the glory that dwells within us when he fashioned us in his image and multiply that glory amongst each other always. Where the devil has managed to set up darkness and create a void, God wants us to go unto/into those places and replenish those areas of emptiness with the light of all that is glorious in him.

Matthew 6:33...But seek you first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Morning Prep 1) Upon waking up let the first words out of your mouth be a praise and worship to the Most High God, call out the name of Jehovah and establish the order of authority for your day. Let the spiritual elements of the day understand by whose Kingship they are under command and by whose Righteous Throne all in your life is submitted unto. Calling out the Name of Jehovah invites the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven to come down upon you. 2) First ask God to lead you to the scripture of the day, then open your Bible and read the word God wants you to ponder over. Take a moment after reading and allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with understanding as to how this verse applies to your life. Placing the word of God on your mind before anything else centers the brain, lays the mental foundation of strength for the day and creates a protective covering of holiness over the element that fuels and motivates the rest of the body. So as the mind thinks will the rest of the body follow. Aligning the mind with the word of God sends message to the rest of the body that it is the Lord Jehovah by whom it moves. 3) As you get out of the bed and place your feet on solid ground say to the Lord, God order my steps today. This is submission to the will of God and establishes in spiritual and earthly realm the path you are choosing to walk. Remember what I said in the video stream last week, we live in two realms that are both parallel and perpendicular to one another, the spirit and the flesh. We may not see into the spirit world but our words indeed motivate the unseen. 4) Now that you are up and moving around utilize this time to have an open and unfiltered out loud conversation with God, a conversation where you are not afraid to speak and respond as if the Lord is physically in the room with you. Two things will happen in this moment of conversing, first you are allowing the voice of God that is being poured into your heart and mind to come forth out of you and take root to produce. And secondly you are intentionally keeping yourself in the presence of righteousness which in turn creates a divine shield that blocks out the voices of the devil and his demons as you are prepping for the day. Side note, allowing yourself to speak in an uninhibited out loud conversation with God pulls out more from within and hearing out loud rather then internally brings about a different perspective of understanding, I don’t know what it is but hearing the words spoken out loud penetrates the level of understanding much more differently. 5) After you’ve finished prepping and are ready to start your day working, taking care of the homelife or whatever it is that you do take a moment to pause, pray and exchange sentiments of love with you and the Lord. It is factual that a person who is loved and has a heart filled with love (especially the greatest love of all) will tend to have a better day than most (for some if you allow yourself to). John 3:16 and Matthew 22:37-40 are examples of hoe love is indeed the greatest notion/act a person can give and receive. 6) Seal up your morning prep with an Amen and actively choose to have a wonderfully blessed day in the name of Jesus. Evening Prep 1) As you begin to unwind and settle down for the evening speak out loud a word of thanks to God for giving you his strength and grace to get through the day. 2) Sit down in a moment of quietness and allow the Spirit of God to calm the sou, to me this is one of the most important keys to having a peaceful night's rest. There is a tranquility that comes with submitting the dealings of the day to the Throne of God. 3) Once your mind and soul are aligned in the serenity of God take a moment to pray, honor and worship the Almighty. After communing with the Lord, seal the day with an Amen in Jesus name and allow yourself to rest in comfort knowing that the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven is around and within you.

SCRIPTURE 1) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed (awareness; range of understanding; comprehension; perception; to surround) about with so great a cloud (a visible body/mass of particles; a large moving body of something) of witnesses (someone/thing that provides evidence or/and can give first-hand account of someone/thing that is seen, heard or experienced; one called to testify), let us lay aside every weight (measurement of heaviness; object used to hold down; oppressive), and sin (any deed or thought that is opposite of righteousness; wickedness/evil notions or acts that are produced by the devil) which doth so easily (without complication) beset ( to attack from all sides; trouble persistently; surround; dangers, temptations, difficulties) us, and let us run (move at a speed faster than walking) with patience (fruit of the Holy Spirit; the ability to endure provoking, annoyance, opposition, delay, difficult/challenging situations without getting upset, angry or responding harshly; calmness; tolerance; restraint; bearing; one who is able to persevere with an even-temper) the race (pursuit; quest; course; trail; course) that is set (placed) before (in front of) us. Key point: I know that this verse talks about the people of the faith life but to me choosing to see the testament of God in your life is sometimes as simple as looking around and seeing the blessings of his goodness, the big and the small. The love of family, food to eat, shelter from living homeless on the street, the life spared, the kindness/mercy/compassion shown, his healing hand, the very breathe you breathe and so forth. The witnesses of God in our life have no specificity, God can witness himself to us using any/everything. Thought to Ponder: What are you overlooking in your life that God is trying to use as a witness of his presence? That person, place or thing you may not believe the presence of God is in. Let's skip ahead in the breakdown of this verse and discuss the race that is set before us. Key Point: What is scripture talking about when it refers to the word race? The word race in this context means the course of life, the trail, the path God has assigned for you to run that serves out his need in the world. Your individual life's path. Key Point: There are many paths in life to take, however it is our own individual course of life we are to focus on completing, that which God has specifically tailored our spiritual, mental and physical makeup to handle. Stepping over into someone else's path subjects us to the experiences of life that God may very well be setting out to protect us from, those moments in life where all that is entailed may be more of a hinderance than a help. Key Point: The key to running life's race is to focus on what God has called you to do and do it the way he has instructed. Not to pay attention to the life others, no comparison, no competition. Key Point: The word race is synonymous with running against someone to win a prize, there is no special prize different from the next, we all receive when the time comes the same prize from God which we know to be everlasting life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Thought to Ponder: What are you running after to win, and who’s the one handing out the prize? Thought to Ponder: What race or you running today, is it the path placed at your feet by God or the one you've been guided to run by the voice of the world? Now let’s back up. Key Point: The weights and the sins, what does this mean? The weights and sins are the entities satan uses to deter, distract and destroy us from even getting to the point of coming to the path of life God has created for us to run. The weights keep us bogged down with the cares of the world, the sins keep us in opposition to the Kingdom of Heaven Key Point: Notice how God spoke about the race after the laying down of weights and sins. Could it be God knew that before we could even get to the point of starting to run we need to first release that which has the ability of affecting us the most. weights and sins = blockers of the finish line. Key Point: Notice how God uses the word easily to describe how simple it is for sin and the problems of the world to weigh us down, attack us and seek to destroy our mental, spiritual and physical stamina. How easy it is for satan to be satan in our life. Key Point: On every path of life laid out by God there are devils all around creating obstacles and hardships to destroy our motivation, determination and ability. A godly course is not free from the presence of the devil. Thought to Ponder: The path God creates to be ran is not hard it’s the weight and sins of the devil and demons that make it hard. God’s way of living is easy, it’s satan’s plan of attack that brings about the pains and sufferings. Apply this thought to the path of life you walk today and see if it doesn’t give you a better understanding as to the why’s you asked/asks God about. Key Point: Patience, why does God want us to move about our individualized plan of life’s pursuit with patience? We are not in competition with anyone. God is not concerned about who is the fastest, who’s in first place. God is a God of effectiveness and the desires of his heart being fulfilled accurately. Rushing causes mistakes and the less mistakes we make the better off we all are in the long run. Key Point: Moving about on the path of life God choose is a long and steady course, being patient allows the opportunity pacing so that when the obstacles and hardships of the devil and his demons arise, Godly endurance can be maintained without falling out of Godly stride. Thought to Ponder: Stay diligent with intention, the more we continue on with God the greater the devil and demons that are around doing their best to break us down before we get to the finish line. Run your path of life with intention. Thought to Ponder: When running your race pay attention to what satan throws your way, the sin/temptation that he confronts you with is usually the part(s) of your flesh he knows is the weakest against him. 2) Looking (focused on; turn one's attention to) unto Jesus (the Son, the Word, the presence of God in human form) the author (writer; the establisher; originator, creator; constructor) and finisher (the end of; the person who finishes) of our faith (that which is believed in; complete trust and confidence in someone/thing); who for the joy (the feeling of great pleasure; intense happiness/satisfaction) that was set (placed) before (in front of) him endured (to suffer patiently through something without stopping; to continue on in spite of hardships) the cross (crucifix; an apparatus used for execution; to intersect; a religious symbol used for the bearing of burdens), despising (to dislike strongly; loathe; the feeling/belief that someone/thing is worthless or beneath consideration) the shame (disgrace; painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by a person, action, situation or the deed of wrong/foolish behavior), and is set (placed) down at the right hand of the Throne (a chair occupied by a sovereign or exalted person as a mark of authority, rank or distinction) of God (Supreme being of authority). Key Point: Jesus is the example of what a divine path of life looks like from start to finish in all the glory and gloomy parts. The life of Jesus in its' entire context (word and deed) is the answer to verse one. The race (Godly path), the plight (satan and his demons), the patience (how to run). Thought to ponder: The life of Jesus was to deliver the word of God and save humanity from the depths of hell by bringing them into reconciliation and redemption with the Kingdom of Heaven. Preach, Teach, Baptize, Repentance, Deliverance and Salvation. Is the path of life you now run aligned with the teachings and actions of Jesus the Christ? Key Point: Faith, double context. Faith meaning the religious beliefs we are to follow, the doctrine of the Lord Jehovah. Faith also meaning the confidence needed within to accomplish the path of life created for us to run. It's both as one, the set of religious beliefs we are to follow created by God so that we can harbor inside the confidence in him we need to accomplish the course of life he has placed before. Side Note: Why do people say I'm spiritual but not religious or I don't follow religion, like being religious or religion is some sort of a bad thing. I mean Jesus was religious in that he believed in his father as being the God Almighty. And we definitely know he followed religion because he lived his life by the commandments of God and gave command on how to live. And how is being spiritual different from being religious or having religion. All three are one in the same. What if trying to separate one's self from religion or from being religious is the very thing that satan is using to separate you from the presence of God. To me separation seems to be about not having to follow a set of rules or regulations laid out, not having to adhere to a certain set of standards and practices. But isn't that what the commandments of God and Jesus are, a set of rules and regulations laid out so that mankind would live a life in accord and harmony with their Kingdom of Heaven. I am spiritual because I follow the spirit of God that lives within me connecting me to God, I practice religion because I follow the doctrine of principles commanded by God and Jesus, and lastly I am religious because I believe and have reverence for a higher power named Jehovah, God, Lord Almighty, the great I AM who is king over all. Stop trying to be so philosophical, sometimes it's just about simplicity of understanding. I am a Christain because I follow Jesus the Christ, and being a Christian means I apply the life of Christ as my way of living, just as simple as that. I am a God-fearing person because I love God and chose to hold him above all that is in my life, just as simple as that. Stop trying to remove God out of things because you want to make it ok to live a certain way and partake in certain activities. There are all kinds of spirits around and it would be most beneficial to know which spirit you are following. Okay, lets get back on track... Key Point: You notice how Jesus was able to make it through? He saw the joy that was to come. Jesus knew that though I suffer now there is a great joy waiting for me at the finish line, a joy that makes what I now am going through endurable, a joy that supersedes all pains and suffering. The joy was the motivating factor Jesus used to continue on in faith in spite of all the devil threw his way. This is how we are to make it through ourselves, keeping our eye on the Godly reward that lies ahead and not the entities satan uses against us. Thought to Ponder: How different would my life be right now if I actively choose to focus on the joyful aspects instead of the negative, if I choose to see God in everything, the bad as well as the good. Could a joyful outlook be the key to experiencing a Heavenly filled life on earth? Key Point: Just as the path of life is already created when you were a thought in God’s mind so was the reward. God created the race you are to run with the reward of Heaven in mind first. Thought to Ponder: There is something about God's thinking, choosing to see the overall or the end first. Run the race with the bigger picture in mind, with the knowledge of Heaven is the reward waiting for me at the finish line. Key Point: The cross a symbol of Jesus death. The place where we hang all that is a burden, the cares and weights of the earthly world. The cross, the point of intersection, the moment where the flesh and the Spirit of God become one, the point in one’s life where a choice needs to be made, do I continue living as the world lives or do I submit to the Throne of God and live righteous in him? Key Point: What was the shame Jesus despised? Hanging on the cross in Jesus's day was viewed as a shameful place to be, the place where criminals were set before the generations of people and allowed to be scolded and ridiculed as they died. Jesus being a Prince in Heaven had to endure the disdain, condemnation, humiliation and the disrespect of being treated like a criminal because he lived and spoke a life of truth. Key Point: Running a Godly race is not always a glorious thing, Jesus choosing to despise the shame is called intentional running. Jesus looked past that which was before him to see that which he knew awaited him on the other side of the finish line. Shame is a weapon of the devil used to weaken the faith of those whose eyes are kept on the Kingdom in hope that they will tire, give up and never reach the light of God's glory. Thought to Ponder: As followers of Christ and those who choose to live righteous before the worldly, shame comes with living for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven, it is inevitable. The worldly will always have a skewed disposition against the righteous because all that is righteous goes against the kingdom in which it serves. Key Point: Jesus placed at the right hand of the Throne of God tells us the magnitude of his status and position. The magnitude of his life's work was so deserving of the highest rank in all the Kingdom of Heaven a child of God could have. Thought to Ponder: What is the status of Jesus in your life? 3) For consider (to think about carefully; ponder; contemplate) him that endured such contradiction (direct opposition between two conflicting forces; to deny the truth by asserting the opposite of; going against) of sinners (those who sin/commit wrong doings; those who commit acts of immorality against the divine law) against himself, lest (with the intent of preventing; to avoid the risk of) ye (you) be wearied (mentally or physically tired; exhausted) and faint (feeble; weak; little strength; close to losing consciousness) in your minds (the element of a person that causes them to think, feel, perceive, remember, desire and be aware). Key Point: The mind is the key to finishing the path of life God placed for us to accomplish. At some point on our path if we find ourselves becoming weak and feeble, feeling like we are unable to make it through and are ready to give up, it is at this point we should really think about the life of Jesus and all that he went through from the beginning to end. Jesus experienced the temptations, obstacles and hardships brought about by the devil just as we do today and he still made it through to see the glory of God. Jesus’s life is proof that having the right perspective is key to crossing the finish line to see the reward God has awaiting us. Thought to Ponder: The mind is powerful tool, what is focused on is what has the capability of being manifested. Focus on the Kingdom of Heaven and the presence of God in your life and that is what will be made real to you. 4) Ye (you) have not yet (at this time; up to the present) resisted (to take action in opposition to; fight against; take a stand against; refuse) unto (to the point of) blood (symbol of intensity) striving (to devote much energy to achieve a goal or to obtain; to struggle or fight forcefully) against sin (that which is opposite of righteousness; wrong doing; wickedness). Key Point: It is a fact that God does not allow us to be provoked by the devil beyond our ability. However, we must first understand that our strength and ability to withstand the provocations of the devil comes from the Throne of God. The Lord Jehovah and the righteousness that dwells within him is where we are to draw the authority of our power. The reason why most people break from the temptations and hardships satan throws their way is because the strength they are pulling is from the flesh/world instead of God. I will say it again like I said last week, we cannot fight the spirit world with that of the flesh, the spirit world must be fought in the spirit by the Spirit of God. Key Point: God says there is not anything the devil can throw our way that he has not given us the strength to overcome. As long as we keep ourselves rooted in the Kingdom of Heaven, all we need to be victorious in the Lord will be provided. Thank Lord Jehovah for the studying, teach and learning of your word, may all of what you poured out through me be a blessing to those who eyes read, ears hear and hearts receive in the name of your Holy Son Jesus the Christ, Amen.

Available on Amazon, clink the link below to be redirected to the author's amazon page to purchase now. http://amazon.com/author/rashawnataylor Book Synopsis After tragically losing her husband the young widowed Bailey decides to leave the broken pieces of her life behind to start life anew in the hometown of her mother-in-law where an unexpected romance awaits. However, the path to love and happiness is no easy road traveled. But staying true to her faith and willing to hold firm to the word of God in her life, Bailey by the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit manages to make her way through the pains and sorrows of yesterday's TRAGEDY to the healing and glory of today's TRIUMPH.

PAINT THE PICTURE Jesus and the Disciples are going about their way in the will of God, Jesus being the head of the group is walking ahead of the Disciples paying attention to all. As the Disciples are walking distantly behind Jesus in conversation an issue of who they believe is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven arises amongst them, and in the midst of comparing their notes and exchanging their beliefs the Disciples not wanting Jesus to hear them debating widens the distance between themselves and Jesus. Jesus being who he is and whose he is aware of all that is going on leads the Disciples into a house in the city of Capernaum where he decides to teach and impart Godly wisdom upon them. (A quick side note, see how as the Disciples distanced themselves from Jesus the sin of the devil grew great amongst them. Key word being distance, this is something to ponder. The farther apart we are from God the greater the opportunity for Satan to move right on in. And notice how they lowered their voices to a volume they assumed only they could hear. By the secrecy and separation we can tell the conversation taking place amongst the Disciples is from a place of self-involvement, and in self-involvement is the root of pride and behind the presence of pride stands the devil ready to make his move against God.) Back to the lesson... SCRIPTURE 33) And he came to Capernaum and being in the house (a dwelling place for a family; a place of shelter) Jesus asked the 12 disciples, "What was it you disputed (discord; strife; arguing) among yourselves by the way?" Key Point: Jesus saw the area where satan had an opportunity to plant his seed of sin amongst the Disciples (his brothers) and he brought them into a family style environment to call out the issue that lingered in their hearts and minds before it had a chance to destroy their calling (purpose of creation, God's will for their life). Key Point: The house is a representation of intimate shelter with Jesus. A family moment. Key Point: Even though we walk with Jesus there will be moments where satan has a chance to come in and try to lead us astray, walking with Christ does not absolve us from trying times with the devil. The devil is always around eager and ready to attack the "family" of Christ. Walking with Jesus means we have the presence of the Almighty with us at all times and with the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven comes all that we need to remain in righteousness when we come in contact with the devil unknowingly and knowingly. Key Point: Jesus knows what are disputes (arguments; upsets; contentions) are with the devil even when it's an internal issue. What is the meaning of internal issue? Just like the Disciples at this point in their journey, the internal issues can be seen as those things that we deal with within are immediate space, the close to home per say. The issues we are dealing with that we may not be aware the devil is in the midst of systematically using them to bring us into separation from righteousness. Key Point: Sin of the Disciple's dispute = division amongst the righteous = devil's opportunity to divide and conquer. What did God say the motto of the devil was, to kill, steal and destroy. What is the devil seeking to eradicate, the glory of God. And in this instance with the Disciples the devil was using their moment of disputing to bring them into a spirit of contention against the righteousness that dwelled in the midst of their inner circle of brotherhood. Key Point: Jesus questioning the 12 Disciples was a 2-fold question. 1) Jesus was letting the Disciples know he is aware of all and there is nothing that they can hide from him, and 2) Jesus was opening the door for the Disciples to come to him and resolve their issue of sin in a place of togetherness with him in righteousness. Thought to ponder: Jesus already knew the answer to the question asked, when he asked the question it was for the Disciples not him. If God came to you in the midst of your issue and asked you to explain the sin hidden within your heart and mind (internal issue), that which you think he does not know about could you be vulnerable enough to answer truthfully? 34) But they held their peace (remained calmy silent in shock and fear); for by the way (the divine path they walked with Jesus) they had disputed (seed of sin) among themselves (in distance to the Lord; apart from their righteous leader), who should be the greatest (superior to all in quality, character, power, magnitude; exponentially large in size compared to others; outstanding significance). Key Point: The questioning of the greatest = sin of pride = #1 sin amongst the Body of Christ. In the house of God when the individuals that make up the body desire to be esteemed over the next instead of focusing on their individual task that serves a distinct purpose to the overall plan of God, then does the walls of the house begin to weaken and break apart. In the eyes of God we are all equal in his will, it's not about the person it's about our responsibility to God and then our responsibility to help each other be the best we can be for God and what he has called us to do in and for him. In serving God there is no "I" there is only God and God's desires alone. Key Point: Pride was the downfall of the devil. satan thought he was better than all, even better then his father/his creator. satan was not content in standing beside God his selfish desire was to take the place of the Almighty. satan can only use what is in him to bring us in dispute with ourselves and the Kingdom of Heaven. satan is the opposite of righteousness and his use of pride (self-involvement) is one of his greatest weapons against the fleshly (worldly) part of us. Though to Ponder: When approached by God this is not the time for "Holding peace" this is the opportunity for us to seek Godly wisdom to the issue God is bring into our awareness so that he can purge it out of us justly. There is indeed a time to be quiet, pay attention and learn, then there is a time for us to speak up and inquire of God. Never be afraid to engage with God, God wants us to communicate with him on a real level. Communication with God is not always prayer, it is conversation. Depending on the situation you can converse with God on any level, rather it be as God your friend, parent, teacher, comforter, etc/whatever you need at the moment of communication. God is a multifaceted being, he is able to be who and what we need him to be at all times. 35) And he sat down and called the 12, and said to them, "If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant (a person who is employed to perform domestic services; a person in service to another especially in a household) of all." Key Point: The act of sitting was Jesus's way of soothing the fears of the Disciples. He placed himself at a level of equaling comfort. This was his way of providing a moment of loving correction, a moment of saying to the Disciples, yes I am your master, your teacher, however I am also your brother, your friend who loves you. In verse 33 as Jesus and the Disciples were moving about the house in interaction with the people, Jesus's first questioning of the Disciples was him acting in a leadership position, but now in this verse once Jesus got the Disciples undivided attention, he relaxed the environment and made it comfortable and conducive for the lesson he needed to teach and the learning opportunity for all. Key Point: Jesus knew the fragility of the moment he was in with his Disciples, his family. This was not a moment for them to fear him and be chastise before all, but an opportunity for Jesus to be an example of loving correction. It's about knowing how to deal with every situation correctly, where the devil used disputing amongst the Disciples, Jesus counteracted with love. This is an example of how to strategically and effectively battle the opposing issues in our lives, you don't fight the sins of the devil with the sins of the devil and expect to win, sin only begets more sin. We fight the sins of the devil with the righteousness of God, the light of God is always stronger than the darkness of sin (an example of this is the life of Jesus, he was the ultimate light and look at how powerful his life was from the moment of his creation to today and forever. I mean Jesus's life was the ultimate sacrifice that saves all generations for infinity). Thought to Ponder: Just like Jesus we are to assess all situations of correction with our family and address them accordingly. We are beings of many emotions, and because our emotions have the power to rule our judgement by the fruits of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (positive and negative) we must always remain diligent in the word of God and open to follow the Holy Spirit within our hearts that guides us on how to deal with the issues of our lives according to the divine knowledge and wisdom of God. Thought to Ponder: It is not only in the harsh moments are we called to come to Christ but in the moments of peace. At the time of God's calling when he wants it to be just you and him will you be willing to hold your peace and block out all the disturbances of the world so that he can speak his word of truth into your heart and soul. Key Point: In the eyes of world the greatest is seen as the smartest, the richest, the famous, the one who sits high on the hill with the best the world has to offer. However, in the eyes of God this is not so, to him the greatest is the one who is willing to put aside the worldly so that they can take what is blessed upon them to serve mankind. The one who is willing to be least in the world is the one who is willingly to serve God in truth. Jesus was the greatest amongst all human beings yet with his knowledge of who he was in the Kingdom of Heaven he never let that go to his head. Jesus knew he was a Prince in Heaven but in his willingness to serve his Father and serve as a redeemer to mankind he came down from Heaven into earth to perform the duties of servitude assigned to him, Jesus's life was the greatest example of a servant. Jesus healed the sick, feed the hungry, taught the unlearned, gave up his freedom and ultimately sacrificed his life for all of us to have the opportunity to see and live in the glory of God in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus lived the years of his human life not about self but about pure unprofane selflessness. No ulterior motive, no hidden agenda, no secrets. Jesus spoke the truth about his existence on earth from the beginning when he was a child in the temple of the elders where he told his earthly parents (Mary and Joseph) he was about his Father's business. A SERVANT OF GOD, THAT THROUGH US GOD CAN BE OF SERVICE TO HIS PEOPLE. Key Point: Servant = a person (you and me) who is employed (chosen by God) to perform (to be active) domestic (of or relating to family/home life affairs) services (responsibilities helpful to others) to another (someone other than self/selflessness) especially in a household (house of God/body of Christ/people of God). Thought to Ponder: Are you ready to be selflessly submissive to God in the totality of who you are that by your servitude others may be blessed by the goodness and glory of God that dwells within and around you. All that you pray to God for, the prosperity of self and material goods would you be willing to use what God has blessed upon you to be of service to someone else? Nine times out of ten that which God blesses upon us is not only for self but to be a blessing to others. Do you really understand what comes attached to that which you ask of God? 36) And he took a child (representation of simplicity, pure innocence.), and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Key Point: The child represents a state of being, God calls to him those who hearts are pure and humble, God's focus is on the heart. Children in the eyes of God are the essence of simplicity and innocence, to be childlike is a quality of virtue, meaning a stage in life where we are the most loving, unconditional and void of the sophistications and sins of the world. Key Point: Set him (child = purity, innocence) in the midst (core/center/heart of) of them and when he (Jesus = Kingdom of Heaven/God's human presence on earth) had taken (hold possession of) him in his arms (act of embracing) = (Metaphor) = In the center of the Kingdom of Heaven dwells the pure and humble of heart who the presence of God not only claims as his own but also holds dear. 37) "Whosoever (anyone, not specific) will receive one of such children (innocent, humble, meek) in my name (title, identifying word by which someone is called, classified or distinguished from others) receive me (Son of God): and whosoever will receive me, receive not me, but him (Lord Jehovah) that sent me." Key Point: Name of Jesus = Word of God = All that is called righteous and holy in the Kingdom of Heaven. Key Point: Jesus is the connection between us and God, therefore if Jesus and God are one and we allow the totality of Jesus to inhabit all of who we are then what we are essentially doing is submitting ourselves to the Kingdom of Heaven and allowing ourselves to be a vessel for the presence of God that through us the essence of who the Lord Jehovah is in truth, righteousness and glory may be made visible in the world. Key Point: Now let's reference in parallel the book of Matthew 18:3-5. Matthew 18:3 Jesus says, "Verily (in truth) I say unto you, except (unless) you be converted (changed, transformed) and become (state of being) as little children (humble, pure, innocent) (little children = low level of the family dynamic, early stages of growth) you will not enter (come into) into the Kingdom (the territory ruled by a supreme authority) of Heaven (God's righteous kingdom, home, place of eternal dwelling), (Kingdom of Heaven is a representation of the presence of God)." Key Point: Let's look at how Jesus started the verse he says in truth, telling us this is indeed a fact, an actuality that we must be changed/transformed back to the state of being when we were free from sin, moral perverseness or guilt, when our minds were ignorant of the concept of sin. You see before the devil came to Adam and Eve this was the state of mankind, pure and innocent, humble and loving to all the creation of God like that of a child. This is the natural state of mankind, we were created to be the children of God living in his paradise all the days of our life. Jesus tells us here that in order to be seen as something great in the eyes of God we must revert our hearts back to our natural state of being, the stage of our human existence when we were free from fruits of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Now, if we look even closer in the book of Mark the questioning of the Disciples was who is the greatest but here in reference to Matthew, Jesus bypasses the questioning and redirects the tone of the conversation to who will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. So according to Jesus the importance is not who is the greatest but rather how do we enter into presence of God first. Matthew 18:4 Jesus says, "Whosoever (gives no particular person, anyone) will humble (not arrogant or filled with pride, behaviorally modest, meek) himself as this little child (the example of what is pure and innocent as defined by God), the same (alikeness) is the greatest (most outstanding/remarkable, highest in quality) in the Kingdom of Heaven (The dwelling place of God, God's presence)." Key Point: Once Jesus stated what was of real importance he then addressed the original dispute of the Disciples by telling them to be humble as the pure and innocent. Notice how the devil brought the sin of pride and Jesus spoke the opposite. Pride = Self absorption; vanity; arrogance; excessive self-esteem of self (Vs.) Humble = Meekness; modest in behavior, attitude or spirit; simple; reserved; unpretentious; to not think highly of oneself. Jesus is telling us that we must shed the worldly self, all of what we learned as we grew into adults experiencing life and return to being children of the Father, obedient and loving, kind and humble, peaceful and innocent, devoted to God and only God. Matthew 18:5 Jesus says, "And whoso (anyone) will receive (take in) one such little child (pureness, innocence) in my name receives (takes in) me." Key Point: Jesus says it's first about entering into the Kingdom of Heaven, then secondly being the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, and now he goes a step further in his teaching and addresses a third point of how to receive the presence of God/have God dwell within us. The first and the third are the same yet different. Both deal with being in the presence of God, however the first (to enter) deals with us coming into God and the third (to receive) deals with God coming into us. Just as God the father, the son and the Holy Ghost are one in the same so is it possible for the presence of God to dwell within mankind, making mankind a Kingdom of Heaven within themselves. Key Point: We have the right by the name of Jesus the Christ to enter (to come or go into; to cross the threshold of) and to receive (to be given; to get possession of) the Kingdom of Heaven/the presence of God. Thought to Ponder: For all who may be looking for a reason to believe in Jesus the Christ, look at what blessings come with accepting him. Not only does Jesus give you the authority to go before God whenever you want but also gives your existence the authority to take hold of God and all the glory that comes along with him. How marvelous is that, I mean how wonderful a blessing. At anytime during my human life I can be in the presence of and feel the splendidness of the Kingdom of God within and around me. And there is no big price to pay, no major requirements, no underlying clause, All I have to do is be as humble as a child, receiving and believing Jesus the Christ who is the word of God. TO GOD THE ALMIGHTY BE THE GLORY, ALLELUIA. Thought to Ponder: So if God be in the child like, the humble, the pure, the innocent, and if we are created in the image of God then God's presence is closer than we think it is. It's in the righteous parts of us. Thought to Ponder: Through the word of his son, God tells us how to be one with him on all levels, how awesome is this. God hides nothing from us, the truth of the Kingdom of Heaven is always made available to us. SUMMARY It's all about the Lord Jehovah and the reason he created each and every one of us. Not to be the greatest, but to be of service to the Kingdom of Heaven that through our existence the glory of his Throne may forever be shone across the depths of the earth from generations to generations to generations. To God Almighty be the glory for the reading, studying and edification of his word in the name of Jesus the Christ, Amen.