To live as an over-comer we must first understand and believe that we have already overcome.

1John 5:4 says, “ For whatsoever is born of God over-cometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith.” 

Now, we know that faith cometh by hearing the word of God. So to live as an over-comer it is important that we hear what the Lord has already said concerning our victory. Jesus said. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer I have over-come the world (John 16:33).

What temptations, test or trials face you today?

Where do these temptations come from?

How can I successfully pass every test and over-come ever trial?

Temptation defined:

• To entice to commit an unwise or immoral act.

Mark 1:13

And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

James 1:12-14

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

It is very clear according to the above scriptures who the tempter really is. God is not playing games with us. He loves us and want to see us live a life of continual victory. God is not a bad God but rather a GOOD GOD! Many times people have the wrong perception of God because of what they see people do and say under the disguise of His Name. God is not trying to destroy people. It is Satan who hates and seeks to steal, kill and destroy the lives of anyone who will allow him to.

1Corinthians 10:13 (AMP)

For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.

You are an over-comer.  It’s time to forget about the past. Forget and let go of all the mistakes and various temptations you have yielded to in the past. It’s a New Day. Things are different now, you know the truth and the truth has set you free. Free from the worry and fear of ever doing the things you were once ashamed of ever again. You are no longer a slave to whatever temptation the devil brings your way. You have authority and power in Christ to win everytime. Say no to the temptations of your past even before that knock at the door of your future. Determine in your heart today that you will never go that way again. God has given you everything you need to be victorious over temptation.

God is not the author of our temptations; He is our Deliverer, our Redeemer.

You are an over-comer, rejoice and be glad. God is on your side and that makes you a member of the winning team !

Visit our website www.harrisministriesint.com, www.detoxifyingthesoul.com www.nurturingnuggets.net, www.themarriagemanual.net, www.beyondyourweight.com, and www.fellasofgod.com

The Lord Jesus Christ loves you so much. No matter what you maybe going through He will never leave you nor forsake you. God is faithful to be with you and provide whatever you need; strength, courage, wisdom, protection, etc.

Meditate on His goodness today and allow the 23rd Psalms to refresh and renew your trust and dependence on our Lord, today.

Psalms 23 (amplified)

THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack

He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.

He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him–not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.

Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with [a]oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.

Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

Visit our website www.harrisministriesint.com, www.detoxifyingthesoul.com www.nurturingnuggets.net, www.themarriagemanual.net, www.beyondyourweight.com, and www.fellasofgod.com

We have been granted access!

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19

Most often times when someone gives you a key, there is a security device present, and the key locks or unlocks that device. Keys for instance open doors, safety deposit boxes, car doors and ignitions just to name a few things. But customarily when something has a lock, what is being locked is of great value to someone. When you have keys you are in a position of ownership. God has given every born again believer the keys to the Kingdom of God, no one has been locked out. The keys to God’s kingdom are revelation knowledge in the word of God. It’s time that we take those keys off the shelf, find them at the bottom of our purses and begin to use them for the glory of God.

Visit our website www.harrisministriesint.com, www.detoxifyingthesoul.com www.nurturingnuggets.net, www.themarriagemanual.net, www.beyondyourweight.com, and www.fellasofgod.com

1 Corinthians 13:11

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 

I love the verse of scripture that we are meditating on today. Oh my I teach/preach on it a lot.

Putting away childish things is a great indicator of spiritual growth and development. As we read this verse of scripture one can see the progression and procession of growth, from a child to a man/adult. You can clearly see how this doesn’t happen overnight. Our natural bodies were created by God. We were fearfully and wonderfully made by His Mighty Meticulous Hand. God “showed out” so to speak when He made man, wonderful are the works of His hand and that my soul knows quite well. He is truly an awesome Creator.

Children are precious; they are so full of life and energy. They are innocent little spirits waiting to be filled. They love to learn and try new things, always watching and downloading information from their surroundings. A child reaching full maturity one day, has a lot to do with the different influences in their live’s. Sometimes people are stunted in the growth process because of disease or abuse/neglect. They had the potential and genetic make up to be 6’5” but only reached 4’10 because of improper nutrition or being exposed or coming in contact with toxic agents in their environment. Potential doesn’t always produce the whole package of goods. Children are miniature adults who have not grown into their potential. It is always a horrific sight to see a person with growth retardation. Their lives just seem to be frozen or suspended in one phase of life. Spiritual retardation is very similar. Have you ever seen a person who has been a Christian for 20 plus years but yet spiritually their lives emulate someone who is just a babe in Christ?

They talk like a child, they think like a child, and they act like a child. In their own eyes they think they are mature because of the years but in reality somewhere along the way their spiritual growth and development was interrupted and corrupted. Our spiritual diet has a lot to do with our growth and development. If you feed on the wrong things it will produce wrong results. If you feed on right things you get right results.

The scripture tells us, “Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation, (1Peter 2:2 AMP).

I like that, don’t you? The word unadulterated means: not mixed or diluted with something else, untainted, untouched, and unmodified.

Can you imagine the harm a mother would bring to her newborn baby if she diluted the milk or mixed it with alcohol or other toxic substance? The baby would have devastating physical consequences. How much more if we receive diluted or tainted spiritual food? God’s will for every believer is that we grow and flourish. The Father wants us all to experience the proper growth and development so that we can reach full maturity and finish our Divine Destinies.

If you examined the words that come forth from your mouth on a daily bases do they sound like the spiritual vocabulary of a 2 year old? Now if you are a baby Christian that’s fine, you are where you are by the grace of God and as you continue to hunger and thirst after God you will be filled so that you can be nurtured and grow. However, if you have been saved and living a Christian life for many years you should have made some notable progress by now. What do your thoughts sound like? If we were to put a spiritual microphone up to your mind, what would we hear? How do you act when under pressure or persecution? Do you throw spiritual temper tantrums or do you display the love and peace of God? Are the works of the flesh still more a part of your life than the fruit of the spirit?

My friend, if this describes your current spiritual condition please don’t get offended and run and hide. God loves you and desires to see you enjoy the abundant life. Many times the only thing we need to do to get back on track is make a few adjustments in our daily walk with God. Once you get in the flow again you will begin to see supernatural growth spurts in no time. Don’t allow Satan to frustrate your purpose by getting up-set every time you hear a word of correction or instruction for your life. It’s time to man-up/woman-up… you know what I mean :).

When I was a child certain behavior was tolerated and expected but when I became an adult the same behavior became repulsive. There’s nothing wrong about being a baby, actually babies are a joy to any life both spiritually and naturally but there comes a time when we all must grow up.

Romans 8:19

For [even the whole] creation (all nature) waits expectantly and longs earnestly for God’s sons to be made known [waits for the revealing, the disclosing of their sonship].

Visit our website www.harrisministriesint.com, www.detoxifyingthesoul.com www.nurturingnuggets.net, www.themarriagemanual.net, www.beyondyourweight.com, and www.fellasofgod.com

Have you ever had a pitcher of Kool-Aid sit in the fridge for a day or so, and all the sugar settles to the bottom of the pitcher? The sugar never left the container, but it was not an active part of the solution. It was there and it was available, but not particularly in use. This goes to prove that sometimes, things have to be stirred to reactivate their flavor.

Romans 5:3 

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 

The love of God is indeed in every Christian’s heart, but is it an active ingredient in every situation of our daily lives? Can others taste the sweet flavor of love in our speech or in our response in various circumstances? Or do they get a bland sip, similar to unsweetened Kool-Aide?

When love has lain dormant for awhile, we have to get out our big wooden spiritual spoon and stir it up again. Love will never leave us nor forsake us, but our lives must be thoroughly permeated with this love. Let us stir up the love of God today and everyday by speaking to ourselves of love, reminding ourselves of scriptures on love, and saying them out loud. Let us stir ourselves up on the plans and purposes of Love. Love must become so thoroughly mixed in our lives that we overflow everywhere, wetting the atmosphere with love that affects anyone present far or near. We are born of love, therefore we overcome the world. Come on now, stir it up! The world and those around you need a sweet taste of freedom and victory!

Visit our website www.harrisministriesint.com, www.detoxifyingthesoul.com www.nurturingnuggets.net, www.themarriagemanual.net, www.beyondyourweight.com, and www.fellasofgod.com

Luke 4: 16-22

And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 

And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 

 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 

 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 

 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. 

 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?

Have you ever went back to the place where you were brought up after you had left and started a new life?

It’s not always easy to confront or face our past or what it represented. The past has passed, whether good or bad it is over. Whatever remains from our yesterdays is only what we’ve cultivated and/or nursed in our today. Whatever you feed will breed and multiply into a greater supply than you and I can sometimes handle.

Breed defined:

• To produce (offspring) by hatching or gestation.

The offspring’s from our past can either promote failure or success. They can be the root of  either positive or negative thinking. They can be the reason for a strong vibrant happy marriage or a failing marriage. Influences from your up-bringing whether directly from the house and people you lived with or from the influences in your neighborhood, school and/or extended family, they all play a strategic part in the attitudes, mindsets and behaviors we exhibit today. Things produce after their own kind, this is a law that we read in the book of Genesis that God established from the beginning of time. Apples produce apples, fish produce fish, flowers produce flowers, evil produces evil and good produces good. In Matthew 7:18, Jesus spoke and said, “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.”

The truth of the matter is whatever was planted in us in the place where we were brought up has  had a major impact and influence in our lives.

In the account written in Luke chapter 4, we see Jesus going back to the place where he was brought up. There Jesus had to face possibly some of His worst critics, seen and unseen. These were the people who felt like they knew Him better than anybody else because of their association with His past.

The place where we were brought up is the place where we took our first steps, the place where we attended our first school, the place where we experience our first crush and/or friendship (relationships), the place where we worked our first job, the place where we were most known by others. The place where we learned to manipulate, steal, lie and betray. The place where we learned to say please and thank you, I’m sorry and God bless you.  For these reasons along with many others this is why the place where you were brought up can be your greatest roadblock on the highway to your Divine Destiny or your greatest tool for future success. It can produce and/or breed many detours and distractions that are designed to shipwreck your course and cause divorce and separation from God’s perfect will for your life or produce tremendous favor and promotion to come your way.

Jesus knew when He went to the place where He was brought up that he would be confronted with rejection and persecution from those who claimed to know Him most however this did not stop Him. Jesus faced the tradition, culture and influences of His past and overcame the temptation to just settle and cave in to things familiar. He chose not to conform to this world but rather to stay in-line with the Father’s Kingdom principles and live victoriously. He knew that the poisonous arrow of rejection was being directed towards His heart to try to initiate spiritual palpitations. Naturally speaking a palpitation is an abnormal condition of the heart, in which the heart begins to beat extremely fast. This sudden onset of rapid beating of the heart can generally cause a great deal of anxiety and panic from the person experiencing the attack. However, Jesus resisted the attack and stood victorious in the presence of His enemies. If you are facing a situation in life that causes you to panic or be extremely anxious know that it was not sent to you by God Almighty. You can resist the attack of the enemy and stand strong just like Jesus did. God tells us in His Word, “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 AMP)

Rejections painful sting was sent to bring Jesus to a place of compromise and defeat. However the scripture records that when Jesus faced this stressful situation He did something that always brought Him victory when confronted with opposition – “And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written…”

This is God’s answer to us when we are facing seemingly impossible situations and/or crises in our lives. We need to open the Book (the Bible) and find out what God has written. When those familiar patterns of negative thinking and destructive behavior from your past life-style prior to knowing Christ resurface in your mind you need to… Open the Book and find where it is written, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

When those seemingly harmless old habits and vices that produced death and defeat in your past come and try to get you to yield, you need to … open the Book and find out where it is written, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

Don’t let the familiarity of where you were brought up cause you to stumble and miss where you are going in God. God’s written Word is one of the strongest defenses against our enemy, it has been proven time and time again to be undefeatable.

Continue to study and meditate on God’s Word on a regular bases, find out what He has written about you and use His Word to stand victorious in every battle!
Visit our website www.harrisministriesint.com, www.detoxifyingthesoul.com www.nurturingnuggets.net, www.themarriagemanual.net, www.beyondyourweight.com, and www.fellasofgod.com