Keeping up with the Jones? Staying in the clique? Let’s be fair now! Look at them! God’s not fair! Why do they get to do that? What’s it to you? What’s it to me? Everything!

John 21:17-22 “Jesus said (to Peter), ‘Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.’ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, ‘Follow me!’ Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, ‘Lord, who is going to betray you?’) When Peter saw him, he asked, ‘Lord, what about him?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.’” NIV

The truth is that God is fair. He treats each one of us individually. We don’t need to be treated like someone else. He knows what I need and He knows what you need. I am so glad that we are not just a number with Him. He knows our deepest and darkest secrets. He knows how much we can take and He knows how to protect us. He knows the kind of discipline and training each of us needs and He does it personally. He knows which areas are our strengths and which are our weaknesses. We each have different talents and abilities. We were created for a specific purpose and destiny. He knows exactly where we fit in His plan. When we are doing what we were created to do, we are the happiest and fulfilled people around. If we allow Him, He will help us to find and fulfill His purpose and destiny in our lives.

Is our destiny like someone else’s? No, but it is ours. Is God fair when He treats us different from others? Yes, even if it seems like someone else is getting the better deal. Everyone has their share of heartaches, brokenness, trials and tribulations. Each individual must deal with their own thoughts and choices as well as their rewards and consequences.

Is life fair? No, it isn’t in the least. Some people get hurt, killed, die before their time, abused and cheated, while others seem to live the good life. What is fair? Are we talking about this time on earth or are we considering eternity also? When we stop and consider eternity, this time on earth takes on a new meaning. An 80 year lifetime suddenly seems small in comparison to eternity and forever. In fact, eternity is hard to comprehend when everything we know has a beginning and an end.

Why not just live life for the moment? That’s all great and good if there isn’t an eternity. Why not return hurt for hurt and just live for the pleasure? I mean, if there isn’t an eternity, why not just indulge? We could, but then again, even if there isn’t an eternity I prefer to help, encourage and love others. It makes me feel good to help someone else. Do I like everyone or want to help everyone? No, and I don’t. I help those I believe I am supposed to help. I know that I can’t help everyone so I won’t even go there. There are others who have different abilities and they can help in other ways. I simply want to do what I need to do every day. When I have done what I know to do, then I am at peace and rest. I can sleep at night. My conscience is clear and I go on to walk in another day. Everything that happens has a purpose, just like every weight I lift increases my natural strength. In every situation I have a choice to respond or react. I choose to respond. If for no other reason than this, I choose to live my life this way.

I choose to be thoughtful of others and what they might have gone through. A person, who has no fear of heights, can work up high on the edge of a skyscraper, but that same person might have a fear of close relationships. Someone who is too timid to walk into a dark room, might be great with close relationships. We all have our fears. We all have our ghosts. We have those secret places that loom in the dark and when we are alone. I have seen a lot of signs that say, “No Fear!” I don’t believe them for a moment. Everyone has something they fear. I believe that someone who tells me they have no fear, are simply living in an illusion.

I would like to share a story to illustrate a point. This is somewhat graphic, but it needs to be to illustrate the point. Suppose you and a group of people are on a mountain and close to the edge of a cliff. Now let’s say that your close friend starts walking towards the edge oblivious that they are in danger. Here’s the question. What extent would you go to keep your friend safe? Would you yell? And if that doesn’t work would you run over and hold them back? What if they still walk on? Would you grab the nearest board and knock them out and then pull them to safety? What would you do in that situation? Would you simply let them walk over the edge? What is fair in this situation? Would it be fair for you to hit them over the head and possibly seriously injure them to save their life? What would that person say after you saved them? Would they be grateful? This is how the Lord sees us. He sees the end from the beginning. We can’t see what’s fair from our side of eternity, but He can. Isaiah 55:9 His way is greater than our way. His thoughts are higher than ours. He already knows the end from the beginning and He knows how to save, heal and deliver us. He cares and He knows us each by name. He not only died to save us, but He lives on to walk with us and be our friend. So what’s it to you if someone else has a different path? Keep your focus on yours, it is the one that is good and fair for you.

I hope this encourages you to find your God-given purpose and destiny. I hope you don’t compare your life to others. I hope you don’t even judge how things are going. We can’t see the outcome, but we do have a choice to trust in the One Who can and has our best interest in His plan for us. Get to know Him if you don’t know Him and get to know Him better each and every day if you do know Him. May you see others in a better way from this day on. Reach out and touch someone today. Share in their life and be touched in yours. Choose carefully, and let your choices carve the paths for you to walk.

Go for the Greater Things! Don’t settle for less. You are welcome to use this image as a wallpaper. Just click on the image to go to our wallpapers page.

If you would like to use our free online Questionnaire to see if you can discover your talents, gifts and abilities just click here.

Joseph

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In the beginning . . . WHAT? What was in the beginning? There are a lot of people with a lot of theories. The big bang! I believe there was a big bang, but not like some teach it. Sooner or later the truth will come out. Science is proving it more and more every day. In The Beginning . . .

(This image is available to use as a wallpaper on your computer. Simply click on the image and then follow the instructions.)

“IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was present originally with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].” John 1:1-5 Amp

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.” Genesis 1:1-5 NIV

The Big Bang. I believe that this really did happen. What about you? The universe was void. Even scientists think this. God spoke and all of a sudden it came into being. Maybe there was a loud clash. According to science, it is still happening. The universe is still growing. What power there is in words. It wasn’t random. There was a purpose and design to it. The universe is so intricate and perfect that it had to be by design. Look at the atom. Some say that it happened by coincidence or random action? Give me a break. I am not that dense. It would take more faith than I could ever attain to believe something so ludicrous as that. We don’t have to believe someone or group of people simply because they have a bunch of degrees. People with degrees also said that “whatever goes up, must come down.” Now we send spacecraft into space. And of course, it goes on and on. Who do we believe?

Spoken by design! These words still happen today. We hear the stories. To every good story there is an, “in the beginning.” In the beginning someone had an idea or dream. They wrote it down. They went after it. Then somewhere down the line it came into being. It was created by design. Only a fool says in his heart, “there is no God!” Psalm 14:1 and Psalm 53:1 Look at the evidence.

In 2004, I wanted to create this web site, but I didn’t know much about the computer or the internet. I knew how to surf a little and I knew how to send and receive emails. I also didn’t have the money to pay someone to do it. The job I had went away. What was I going to do? It was time to change careers. Within two weeks I was back in school for the first time in many years. It was a school I couldn’t afford to go to financially, yet the Lord made a way. There were times during my time in school I questioned whether this was the right choice. A little over two years later I graduated with honors with an Associate of Applied Science in Multimedia and Web Design from the Art Institute of Dallas and all of this with a family. I felt so honored. The Lord is so good. What an understatement.

In the beginning there wasn’t even a chance for this site, only a vision. Now, in less than three years, it had become a reality. Then it started growing. The vision continues to grow. It’s more than just encouraging others. It is about building the kingdom His way. It is about helping His people, even those who don’t know they are His yet. It is about walking the walk and demonstrating His plan and purpose on this earth. It’s not about perfection, but about grace. How will they know? How will they see? Someone must not only tell them, but also show them. It’s not about us talking about the love. It is about us being the love and then sharing the love. Jesus said, “Greater things will you do than this, because I go to the Father.” Greater Things!

Jesus made a profound statement. He simply said, “I Am.” He didn’t preach a lot of empty words. He was what He spoke. We must become that which we speak. As He is, I am. If He is in us, we are. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. They were called that because they were Christlike. Let others call us Christians because of our love. Let us stop judging and start living and being the example. Let us be like the early church who became a model and the Lord added daily to their number. Be who you are and stop acting. If you aren’t there yet, that is okay, but admit it. I’m not there, and I don’t think I will attain it this side of eternity. This life is a journey. It is a growing process. A blossom on a tree isn’t a ripe peach until it grows and matures. Above all, be true to yourself. Don’t live a lie.

I have found that one of the most profound things in life is a smile and a kind word. It changes lives. That person across from us or standing next to us needs to be encouraged. Life is hard. Can we smile? Are they worth it? You are worth it. You are loved. You need to know that and so do I. I need to know that He loves me. We need to encourage each other, everyday. Yes, in the beginning! What is your, In The Beginning? What is it that beats with every breath you take? What is your passion? In the beginning . . . to where it becomes reality. You can get there. The Lord will make a way where there seems to be none. Be encouraged! Journey on!

Joseph

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Have you ever wondered what your future looks like? If we look at the past, it is almost like a movie up to the present day and then it stops. What will the rest of today look like? Who will I meet and how will my life change? What choices will I make that will affect the rest of my life? Destiny Awaits!

“Destiny Awaits — No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (NIV) Click on the image to see more photomontages.

What a wonderful way to look at our future? If we haven’t liked the past, we simply make new and different choices and it is created. Of course, there are some choices we have already made that might have set us on a certain course, but that can be subject to change. What kind of future do we want? It’s not too late to find out from the Lord what His purpose and destiny is for our life. Everything can change and become brand new. Think about it. What would we like to see?

Have we made some wrong choices? Are we in a dead end space? Is all hope lost? No matter where we are today, the next few moments can redirect our lives. Make the choice to follow Him. Dare to see where this new path will lead. Has our way gotten us anywhere, anyway? What do we have to lose, or better yet, what do we have to gain?

I have created four photomontages now. After I created the first one, I shared it with a friend who was so encouraged that I decided to send it to others I knew to encourage them. The responses were great and it felt really good to be able to share this with others. I sent one to my publisher in Colorado and she asked me to create three more so that we can make posters out of them. So this is the story of the wallpapers. The rest is history and a new destiny has been created. I have this travel mug that has a paper insert behind clear plastic. Yesterday, I took the “New Thing” photomontage and printed it out and put it behind the plastic. We went to our local cafe hangout and others asked where they could get one. So I guess we’ll be offering these soon, too. The Lord is so good. When we start sharing encouragement and love with others, we don’t know what will happen next.

If you would like to see all four wallpapers just click on the image. You are welcome to copy and paste them to your computer and use as a wallpaper. If you like, you can also send the link to others you know. Maybe it will brighten their day and help them focus on the goodness of the Lord. I love the old saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

As I am sitting here writing, I feel the love of the Lord pouring all over me. I can see people who are reading this and I see their lives being touched by Him. It feels so good to be able to touch others who I have never met and may never see in this lifetime. You are worth it. Your life has meaning. You are the reason I make the time to write in this blog twice a week. You are the reason this web site exists. That is another story in itself and Lord willing I may share it in my next post. I want you to know that your life matters not only to the Lord, but also to me. God doesn’t create throw-aways. Each of us has been created for a purpose and a destiny. I pray that you find the courage to stand up to the things that would try to keep you down and find yours. No one and nothing can keep you from your destiny except you. The Lord will move mountains to help you. He will even change the course of history. Just one of us can impact history, how much more a bunch of us. Feel free to comment on this post or use the contact page on this site to send me an email.

May you be blessed today. May the Lord pour out His love upon you today and may this be the start of a brand new future for you. It is never too late and the Lord is always on time. What does your future hold? Destiny Awaits!

Joseph

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Who was the cupbearer? In Genesis 40-41, he was cupbearer to Pharoah. What does this have to do with us, plenty. Do you feel like you are in a prison and might have been put there and you didn’t do anything wrong, but you are stuck? Join the crowd. At some point in our lives we can feel trapped and sometimes this is more than once.

These are usually low periods of times in our lives. Sometimes we feel loneliness, despair, grief and depression. In these times it is hard for us to even focus on helping someone else. This was where Joseph found himself. He was in prison, trapped, lonely, and away from his family, yet he still managed to reach out and help those around him. No matter where he was in this desperate journey of his, he didn’t stop being himself or sharing his gift. In fact, it was this particular time that was going to get him out of his prison.

If you go back and read the section about his life, you will find that the Lord gave him a dream. The dream was of his family bowing down to him. Now, he had been thrown in prison and it seemed like his dream would never be fulfilled. He was in a dead end place. How would his destiny ever be fulfilled? He was going backwards, not forwards. Why didn’t he just give up and be like everyone else? I believe it was the dream that compelled him on. He could sense his destiny and wouldn’t let anything or anyone keep him from obtaining it.

He learned patience and understanding while he was in prison. He began to see things from the Lord’s perspective. This was his training ground. He preparation for being second in command was complete by the time he was raised to rule alongside of Pharaoh of Egypt. He knew how to trust the Lord in every situation no matter how long it took.

In everything you do, give it your best. Keep sharing and loving. Don’t react to problems and things that don’t go your way, but rather search for understanding and wisdom. Relationships and problems can help us strengthen our spirit and soul. They can be like the weights in a fitness center. As we struggle through each one, we can get stronger. As we gain understanding, we gain patience. When we begin to understand the ways of God, we can rest from our own struggles. We begin to realize that He can see the whole picture and trust that He has our timing down to the perfect moment. He hasn’t forgotten us. He has a special place for us and it is greater than we can ever imagine. Read the story of Esther. Be encouraged today and may the presence of the Lord fill you with everything you need. Laugh at your problems, because they are in the process of being solved. Is there a cup bearer in your life? Reach out and touch someone.

Joseph

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What kind of house are we building? Where are we building it? We wouldn’t just build it anywhere, right? Have we considered our spiritual house? How are we building it? What kind is it? What kind of foundation does it have? Since our spiritual house will last for eternity, surely we are giving it more thought and preparation, aren’t we?

In the natural realm we live in, we have to make certain choices about our homes before we build them. If we are going to be safe in them, we must make sure of the ground we build on that it will provide a secure foundation. A foundation that is built on shifting ground has a limited time of existence before the whole thing collapses. If you’ve seen any of the homes that have fallen into swollen rivers or landslides off of cliffs, you might have a better understanding of what I am talking about. One thing that’s for sure is no matter where we build, we will encounter storms of some kind. They are simply everywhere. Now, some areas have more than others, but everyone goes through them.

Okay, so we are sure about the foundation and the ground isn’t going to swallow us up. Now, what kind of material are we going to build with. The first thing we need to do is understand the climate where we are building. Is it prone to hurricanes? Is it prone to earthquakes? Is it prone to snow storms? Is it a moist or dry climate? All of these things will factor in to the materials we use for the walls and roof. If we are getting someone else to build it for us, we will make sure we have someone who is trustworthy and knows what they are doing.

Now, having said all of this I hope you can see where we are going with this analogy. There are two scriptures that come to my mind as I am writing. As I found the first I noticed two more that will help also. They are: Matthew 7:24-27 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

In the above passage, Jesus is talking about the foundation of our spiritual home. He is the Rock. He is the Word. His Word is Truth. When the foundation of our life is built upon this truth, our spiritual home can be built upon an immovable rock that can withstand the fiercest of storms.

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 “If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.”

Here Paul is talking about the materials we use on top of our foundation. Are we building with our own fleshly standards and our own strength, hence the wood, hay and straw or are we building with the materials that have been tested in the fire. Have we given Him our ways to let Him help us do things His way. Are we building in grace, peace, love, joy, mercy or are we building out of pride, fear, lust, perfection, greed, power, etc? What does our house look like? Is it made of gold, silver and costly stones, or is it simply something we have built with our own hands and understanding? Will it stand the test of fires and the storms that come our way or will it be reduced to ashes?

Matthew 7:15-23 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

1 Corinthians 3:1-4 “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men?”

Who do we get to help us build our house? Jesus talks about false prophets and how to know them. Paul talks about jealousy and quarreling among the believers. Which denomination or preacher do you follow? Is there pride and jealousy among the group, person or ourselves? We must listen to Holy Spirit and He will guide us to the truth in everything. No matter how great a person follows the Lord, always remember they are human. Don’t put anyone upon a pedestal, we are only setting them up to fall. Rather, walk with others as they will walk with us. If they are going down a different path, we should bless them in their journey. There are others whose paths will cross ours. Some we are to meet briefly while others will walk with us for a lifetime. Let us not hold on so tightly to relationships, but like the dove, set it free. There is enough love to go around.

Someone reading this has gotten themselves into a relationship that isn’t right. You are bound and have lost your freedom. You have lost your joy and have considered other alternatives. Jesus sees and is preparing a way for you to get free. Trust Him now. When you see the opening, go. Spend time with Him and make sure you hear His voice. If this is for you, you will feel His peace. May you feel His presence as you read this. May you find the strength to walk with Him and change your course. Walk towards the light. Find the truth and never let it go. You can do it. You are not alone.

Joseph

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The Fellowship of the Believers

Acts 2:42-47 - They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

What an awesome way to live. What a prototype of the Lord’s Kingdom. In our day they might call this a cult, how sad! So how do we live as the body of Christ in our present day? I think we can by using a great amount of wisdom and of course His anointing.

I believe that we can start by working together in areas of our influence. The shift that needs to take place is one from the standards of modern day business. Corporate business practices do not line up to the Lord’s way of doing business. A corporation’s main goal is to be profitable, while the goal of kingdom business is to make a difference. Someone has to stand up and provide the prototype. Jesus is our example, who is going to let Him be the example through them?

Do you have a business idea or invention from the Lord? Is it going to take more money and people than you have? Maybe, just maybe there is a different way to do it. The Lord gives dreams and visions and He also has a way to bring them forth. Find the people He would have you work with. Don’t sell His ideas to the highest bidder for your own personal gain. His businesses and inventions are for His people. He wants us to prosper. He wants us to reach out to a lost and dying world so that they might have hope. He might want you to stand before kings and rulers to share His love. No one else has the answers. Deep inside they are hoping that maybe someone might be able to help even if they aren’t voicing it.

People are not only starving for food, they are starving for His Word. Where is the encouragement? Where is the help in a time of need? Why do business owners jump off of their buildings when they go bankrupt instead of bowing their knees in surrender to their loving Lord who only wants to see them healed and loved? They don’t know. They haven’t seen. They haven’t heard.

Here am I, Lord, send me. Can you say this to Him? Will you choose to lay down your dreams and desires and let Him live through you. The harvest is everywhere you look. People are hungry for the truth and they are dying without it. You don’t need to preach, simply live. Share your smiles with everyone and take the time to see if there might be an opening for more. Does the person respond, if so, maybe they are open to feel His love. Seeing someone hungry for tenderness and not giving it is the same as seeing someone starving for food and not giving it. The disciples of Jesus were first called Christians by the Ephesians because they were Christ-like. They didn’t call themselves Christians. They were known by their love and life. We would do well to do the same.

We have the ability to make a difference. We can farm land organically and the way scripture dictates. We can sell good food that helps heal the body, make a profit and distribute it at a more than fair price. We can operate businesses without all the stress and unfairness to employees. People will be knocking down the doors to want to work for us. They will want to do business with us because we can do what we say we can and they know that they matter to us. We can do it. We are not alone and we are anointed. We can get healed of past experiences, join together and change the world. Love, peace, joy, grace, mercy, loving kindness can be extended to others. How do you think they will respond? Don’t you think it might just make a difference? Don’t you think it might be important?

My friends, I have chosen to walk down this path of life. I am sure there will be bumps in the road. If you would like to to go this way, let me know. I don’t know how it will all come together but we are taking the first steps. I see the first part of the vision and I see a prototype, but there are many steps in between. Here’s to the journey. May you have a wonderful day today. Please use the form on the contact page to contact us.

Joseph

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Floods! I keep having recurring dreams of floods in different places. I have been meditating on this for a while now and believe that now is a good time to share. In the last week I have heard some disturbing prophecies about a coming collapse or at a minimum hard times for America.

As I lay awake in bed about 2:00 o’clock this morning after this last dream, all of these things started coming into my thoughts. The dream this morning was different in that it was an angel walking with me to scope out the flood situation. What did it mean? Is there any relevance to present events in the world? These were my thoughts and it was a long time before I was able to get back to sleep. Here are some of my thoughts concerning this:

Floods can be in the physical world and/or they can be emotional and spiritual. I have looked at our economy lately and as I have been in and around corporate America, I have noticed that we are in an extreme situation. There are a lot of our people who do not want to work. Some have become so entertainment conscious that they simply just don’t care. Others have gone after the almighty dollar in any way they can and are literally crushing people under their schemes. As a whole, we no longer have the desire to overcome the things that are eating at this nation. Not only have we lost sight of who we are, but through the media we no longer know what’s true. This leads to lawlessness and everyone doing what is right in their own eyes.

I have heard a lot of preaching on hell, fire, and brimstone. Some have tried to instill fear to try to change others. This is not the way of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am not saying that there isn’t truth to these preachings, however I am saying that preaching fear is not the best way to go about it. Think about the story of the man wearing a coat, the wind and the sun. The sun and wind tried to prove who was the strongest. The wind tried to blow the coat off of the man, but the man only held on tighter. The sun simply came out from behind the clouds, warmed things up and the man took off his coat. Love or Fear! (I also have another post I recently wrote concerning this subject. Check it out for more in depth study.)

In the floods in my dreams I was walking around and helping others when I could. I noticed the flood didn’t have any impact on my life and neither was there any fear. I believe that this is how it will be for those who have a relationship with the Lord and walk with Him everyday. The floods are coming. There is going to be more turmoil in the marketplace. Things people have trusted in simply won’t work anymore. All the marketing skills and trends won’t overcome this. Companies are going to vanish during this time and some of them are very large. Our economy is being absorbed by the world economy. No one knows how this is going to affect them. Jobs are being lost overseas to other countries. There is a quaking going on in the financial world and who knows how things will end. So what do we do here? Does anyone know the answer?

I do know the One who knows everything and others know Him too. He didn’t come into the world to condemn us, we were already condemned, but rather He came to save us. He cares about you. He saw you while He was on the cross and He did it for you. He loves you and He would like you to get to know Him. He is Love, true Love, not a human definition of love. There are many who would like to give Him a bad name to keep you away from Him.

Love! How do you get to know someone intimately? Think about dating someone you really like. How do you do it? You have a starting point and if all goes well, you continue on. It is a relationship based on love and not fear. Who is this other person? What are they really like? I know what others have said about this person, but I really need to know myself, especially if I plan on spending a lot of time with this person and giving them a portion of my heart.

This is the way it is with the Lord Jesus Christ, one step at a time. You’ll find yourself on a journey you never thought possible. The troubles of this world simply vanish in His presence. You will find a new way to live, high above the stress and worries you now have. He has the answers for you. He knows you by name and he has seen everything you have been through.

Now, imagine yourself walking with Him in the coming days. Imagine knowing what to do with your life everyday, knowing who to talk too, what is important and what is a distraction. What if you could make every moment count and you could see lives changed for the good? How would that make you feel? What if the rest of the world were stressed but His people weren’t? What if His ways became the new way and all of a sudden His people were being sought for the answers to the world’s problems? The world could change and peace could come. Jesus will come again and set up His Kingdom on the earth. How will He do it? Lots of people have their opinions. They had figured out how He was going to come the first time and they missed it. All I know is that if we are ready and walking with Him, we will be in on what He is doing.

I will continue with this as I get more. My prayer for you is that you have a relationship with Him. I desire for you to find the reason you are here and to live your life to its full. Bless you today and may you experience His presence, peace, love, grace, mercy, tenderness and loving kindness. Have a great and wonderful day and remember to pass it on.

Joseph

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Are you at a crossroad? Are you finding yourself unsatisfied where you are? Have you had enough of the status quo and want to do something new? Are you in a place of necessity and need to make a change? Whatever the reason, now is a good time to refresh your compass.

Take some time and spend it with the Lord. You don’t have to necessarily say much at all. Sometimes simply being in His presence can refresh you. I love to sing to Him and of course it helps that I can play instruments to help me sing. It helps me to get my whole being involved in being near Him. This helps to lift my spirit and energize me as well as bring peace to my soul. The thoughts that were plaguing me before are now either long forgotten or they don’t have the power they once had. I am now more focused and my priorities are much clearer.

But what about that crossroad? Sometimes we get to walking along a path and become oblivious to the changes that are happening around us. Some relationships change over a period of time and it becomes time to move on. It is the same with locations and jobs. I believe that we can get lulled to sleep if there is too much repetition. We need to wake up. We need to smell the flowers, listen to the birds, see the sunrises and sunsets. Sometimes the next part of our journey takes a different path from those around us. The journey becomes lonely for a while and it may be uncomfortable, but it is necessary for us to get to the next place.

One thing that helps me in this time is wondering who I will get to meet next. What kind of relationships will form? Will I find some more friends? Maybe something exciting will happen and I will have the privilege to be a part of it. What place in history will I have the chance to be a part of? Who might I be able to help and conversely, who might help me?

Every once in a while it is good to have our compass refreshed. Comfort can be like a magnet and make it function incorrectly. Be encouraged today. Get up and get back on course if you are off course. Dare to journey again. Dare to be a pioneer. Dare to be a part of the new thing the Lord is doing today. Take time to hear and then obey. A fork in the road, take the road you need to take.

Joseph

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Business and ministry together, what a thought. But I’ve always heard that business is business and you can’t run a business and ministry together. Why not? Why is business allowed to deal according to the standards of the world system and not the standards of scripture? Why must one keep ministry out of business? It’s because of the lies of the enemy.

Don’t touch the sacred cow? I will indeed and I’ll go further than that. I am so fed up with hearing that it was just a business decision. What about you? Let them stand before Jesus and tell Him that and rest assured, one day they will. Corporate America will not let the ministry into its unethical, treacherous, greedy and power hungry structure. In fact, if it did, that structure would crumple in a heart beat. Who knows, we might even make a new name for ourselves world-wide. Can American business really care about and take care of its clients and customers without hurting anyone? If you mention this now, people wonder what potato cart you fell off. How did we fall so far?

It is interesting that David was a king and a priest before God. In everything he did, he wanted to honor God. He danced in front of the whole city giving praise to his God for their victories. He was the king, so why would he strip off his royal robes and demean himself like that? These were the thoughts of his lovely wife, in fact she thought he made a fool of himself. That would surely be the thoughts of some people if a business owner did that, how much more corporate executives. Perish the thought that they would ever give Him His due.

What about Jesus? He is also king and priest. What about us. Scripture says we are also kings and priests. There is no separation, yet most people don’t even give it any thought. Go to a church building on Sunday and then go and do business the same old worldly way during the week. Hypocrites! No wonder the world has mixed messages about Christians. Did you know the disciples were first called Christians by the Ephesians because they noticed that they were Christ-like. It’s so interesting that we have to promote ourselves as Christians. Why don’t we let others call us Christians instead of touting it so loudly that we totally disturb their peace. We’re probably afraid they wouldn’t see the resemblance.

As I have experienced Corporate America and its dealings with its employees, clients, customers, and the environment we live in, I have acquired a really bad taste in my mouth. It’s all about money, greed and power. Woe to anyone who stands in their way to success. What is more amazing is that we are so willing to put up with it and let them have their way. We have a voice and it’s our pocket book and the legal system. We can say no. We can make a difference. Oh how the mighty are falling. Enron and Worldcom are just the beginning. The veil of secrecy is coming off and many will be surprised at what is going to be revealed. Secrets long hidden will soon be shouted from the housetops. Remember, this is only the beginning.

I have been meditating on something for a long time and now is the time to share it. Christians are selling their souls to the devil. They are selling marketing strategies and inventions given to them by the Lord to the highest bidder and then selfishly living off of the rewards. If that is not bad enough, they are also using the same tactics as their worldly counterpart in their marketing and business dealings. Judgment day is here.

No longer will the old ways of business continue to work. There are new businesses springing up that are solid and ethical. There are new inventions on the way. There is a remnant who will not bow their knee to the god of this world. As the Lord raises up His businesses there won’t be any competition. These businesses will minister to their own, others, and will help to change the environment. These businesses will bring a new meaning to the marketplace. They will bring change. Get ready for the King to take His rightful place. He has heard the cries of the destitute, the hurt, and the broken.

Don’t get left out. Stand up and take your place. Watch for the change, listen to His voice and go for it. You’ve weathered the storms. Now is your time. Simply listen and obey. Be the person you were meant to be and not what someone else wants you to be. Join with those He shows you. Link yourselves together and rise victorious.

Joseph

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Some dreams are more than dreams. They are prophetic and they can warn us, encourage us and some can give us insight. How can you tell the difference?

Some dreams are simply an outworking of the previous day. Stress can have a great effect on dreams. Watching a show or movie can initiate a dream. A new relationship or the desire to have one with a particular person can also initiate a dream. But what about those dreams that are beyond this? Let’s explore.

The second type of dreams are angelic or demonic visitations. I am not talking about the ones that happen when you are awake. These are the ones that seem so real, there is an actual spiritual manifestation and you remember them vividly when you awake. They have a particular message and are usually very emotional.

The third type of dreams are the ones that are meant to relay a revelation or warning about a particular individual or situation. Dreams use imagery and are sometimes very difficult to decipher. So how does anyone decipher a dream? Well, the best way I know is to ask the Lord for the interpretation. I had a dream about someone this morning and it was a very important dream. The first thing I did was start praying. Next, I asked a series of questions. Do I need to contact the person and share the dream or just pray for the person? More often than not, I simply pray for the person. This morning’s dream, however, involved a deadly accident. Furthermore, I was instructed to contact the person and share it. Was the accident a physical one or was it something that was going to happen in the spirit? When was it going to happen? This dream involved the spirit, but the attack was going to cause major damage to the person emotionally if there wasn’t any intervention.

These types of dreams are the hardest and most difficult to me. I have to be sure I heard the interpretation correctly and that I didn’t use my own understanding. I also have to relay the dream in the same way. Ultimately it is up to the receiver and how they respond to it. I believe the Lord gives us dreams to warn us of danger and then shows us what to do to avoid it or how to go through it. He also gives us dreams to encourage us.

There are some good books available on the imagery used in dreams but please use caution. In the book of Daniel 2: 21-23, Daniel always acknowledged that dreams come from the Lord and only He can interpret them. In every case, make sure you hear His interpretation. God speaks to us in ways we can understand. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist. It simply takes listening. Weigh each dream and its revelation according to the scriptures. If it doesn’t make any sense or if you don’t have any peace about it, put it on a shelf. If this changes later great, if not, let it go.

May the Lord also give you wisdom as you walk with Him and discover His ways. Walk deeper and deeper with Him. Let His river carry you. Let go, spread your spiritual wings and fly above the things that have held you down. Experience His majesty and greatness. Rise above mediocrity. Dare to dream again. The only way you can fail is if you give up and quit.

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Joseph

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