When I was a child we would sing a nursery rhyme that went like this;

Are you sleeping, Are you sleeping, 

Brother John? Brother John?

Morning bells are ringing, Morning bells are ringing.

Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong.

It is a French children’s song called Frère Jacques. Some of you may remember its tune, okay……….. I’m sorry, now it will be stuck in your memory and you’ll be humming it all day.

Well, in this nursery rhyme the question is posed, “Are you sleeping? With the intent of making it known it was morning and time to wake up. Natural sleep is necessary if we want to keep our bodies and souls refreshed and healthy, but spiritual sleeping is a no, no. Natural sleep helps the body to rest and recuperate from a hard day’s work of efficiently keeping all its systems functioning properly while you eat, work and play all day. It is good wisdom to give your body proper rest and not to run it down and abuse it. On the other hand a person can sleep too much; becoming lazy and slothful, thus jeopardizing their destiny and future, of course this kind of lifestyle is unacceptable and detrimental for any Christian life. “Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger (Proverbs 19:15).

Sleep defined:

A state of partial or full unconsciousness in people and animals, during which voluntary functions are suspended and the body rests and restores itself, or a period spent in this state.

When someone is sleeping they are somewhat vulnerable because they become unaware of their surroundings and totally oblivious to any threat of danger that maybe lurking about.

In the book of Thessalonians the writer warned Christians about spiritual sleeping.

For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we do not belong either to the night or to darkness. Accordingly then, let us not sleep, as the rest do, but let us keep wide awake (alert, watchful, cautious, and on our guard) and let us be sober (calm, collected, and circumspect). For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk, get drunk at night. But we belong to the day; therefore, let us be sober and put on the breastplate (corslet) of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not appointed us to [incur His] wrath [He did not select us to condemn us], but [that we might] obtain [His] salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who died for us so that whether we are still alive or are dead [at Christ’s appearing], we might live together with Him and share His life (1Thessalonians 5:5-10 (AMP).

It is imperative that we remain spiritually alert and watchful in the day and hour that we live. We must maintain spiritual insight and be keen in our discernment so that we will not fall prey to our enemy’s devices and strategies to try to defeat us. We must guard ourselves against the temptation to take a spiritual nap or drift away into daydreaming when we should be wide awake and focused. In a natural war, nodding off when you are on guard duty can get your head cut right off. Your lack of perception and insight can cost you and others their lives.

Spiritual drowsiness is a sign of weakness. It is a breech in commitment and responsibility and must be dealt with if the soldier is to remain in active combat. In the natural when people over indulge in carbohydrates they become very sluggish and sleepy rendering them virtually physically useless. In like manner with your spirit, if you are taking in loads of cares and worries you become weighed down, spiritually sluggish and sleepy, which renders you useless in a battle. So get detoxified of all those spiritual carbs and get active and be sober so that you can be useful to the Master. Stay spiritually alert!

Are YOU sleeping, Are YOU sleeping, Brother/Sister _______________?

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Enjoy this Message translation interpretation of Psalms 119, I think he says it much better than I ever could.

Psalms 119:9-16 (Message)

How can a young person live a clean life? 

By carefully reading the map of your Word. 

I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; 

don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. 

I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart 

so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. 

Be blessed, God; 

train me in your ways of wise living. 

I’ll transfer to my lips 

all the counsel that comes from your mouth; 

I delight far more in what you tell me about living 

than in gathering a pile of riches. 

I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, 

I attentively watch how you’ve done it. 

I relish everything you’ve told me of life, 

I won’t forget a word of it. 

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James 1:19

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 

The Word of God is our answer in every situation of life. God’s word provides the instruction we need on a daily bases to live and maintain a life of true victory. Proverbs 4:13 tells us, “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. God is a speaking spirit and He never fails to speak to us a word in due season. He will always provide us with daily bread but we must be those who will come to the table, take a seat, put up your feet and begin to eat.

This scripture in James says we must be quick to hear. Now, he was not saying be quick to hear any and everything that is being said by just anybody. We must be selective with what we hear and flee from things like gossiping lips and slanderous tongues, these things defile precious souls and shipwreck destinies. When we prioritize hearing from God, His word will keep us clean and strong, help us to live long and guard us against pollutants. Be quick to hear what the Spirit of God is saying to the church of God and also what He is saying to you as an individual. The Holy Spirit is here in the earth to guide us in all truth, to help us.

James says be slow to speak, this takes spiritual discipline. Discipline is a fruit of the Spirit which flows out of love. Spiritual discipline helps us to maintain control and order our soul and body. We are to control our own mouths and words, God will not do that for us. We have to honor the Word of God and obey its commands, it is for our benefit.

James says be slow to wrath or anger. Being a hot-head is not cute but rather an ugly display of an un-crucified flesh. There is nothing commendable about uncontrolled anger. Many times people pat themselves on the back after going off in a childish rage, feeling as if they had a right to act in such an ungodly manner because they were mistreated. Even in the event a Christian is mistreated or wronged that does not give us the ok to step outside the Word of God and take things into our own hands. When we can control our actions and respond in a way that honors God and His Word we are growing up.

Let us practice this awesome life changing word given to us by God through His written Word. It will bring strength and stability to our spirit, soul and body helping us to fulfill our God given destiny with joy.

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1Corinthians 4:5 (AMP)

So do not make any hasty or premature judgments before the time when the Lord comes [again], for He will both bring to light the secret things that are [now hidden] in darkness and disclose and expose the [secret] aims (motives and purposes) of hearts. Then every man will receive his [due] commendation from God.

Have you ever prematurely judged someone or hastily made an assumption in a situation? Of course you have, we all have at some point in time in our lives.

Judge defined:

• To measure by guesswork, using the eye or some other sense as a rough guide.

The bible tells us that it is unwise to make premature judgments in situations that you don’t have all the facts or truth. There are things that are not obvious to the natural senses or known to human understanding. Many times people judge according to their past experiences with similar situations or people. They allow their past to be the standard for their present and future. We size up people and situations even before hearing the complete truth. We assume that our feelings and human reasoning will not fail us in our judging. However, our feelings and limited human understanding are incapable of judging hidden things. Without God’s help we are unable to know secret things, God is the revealer of secrets. Without God’s help we don’t even know our own hearts. Only God knows the true intent of a man’s heart and mind. Only God knows if a person’s motives are pure and sincere.

This is not to say that God will allow people to plot evil against you, with the intent to harm you and He will not warn and protect you in that situation. God will always provide protection and deliverance for His family from the plots and strategies of the enemy.

We must be those who trust God with all our heart and not depend on our own natural understanding but in all our day to day living acknowledge and depend on Him to instruct and guide us.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths.

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Revelations 21:21-27

And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

God has prepared for us a new heaven and a new earth. It will be a wonderful place to spend eternity with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we can become so earthly focused that we forget to take time to just sit and meditate on the things God has prepared for those who love Him. Yes, God has supplied us with every spiritual and earthly blessing here on the earth, but that’s only a mere fraction of the whole in which God has in store for us. I know that we must stay focused on the assignment and mission that God has called us to here on the earth. However, there is a part of me that just can’t wait to go home and be with the Lord. Heaven is a wonderful place. A place where there is no evil and no darkness at all. Heaven is a place where sorrow is forever washed from our memories. Heaven is a joyful place with no tears or envious peers. Heaven is a place where every race shall dwell together in the glory and love of God. Heaven is a place where there is no night only the splendor of day. Heaven is a place of eternal reward for those who love God and endure to the end in Him. Heaven is a place worth waiting for.

It is not morbid to think about heaven because heaven is my home.

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The word mission:

• A special task given to a person or group to carry out

• An objective or task that somebody believes it is his or her duty to carry out or to which he or she attaches special importance and devotes special care.

Synonyms: assignment, task, job, work, charge, undertaking, duty, operation, exercise,calling, vocation, purpose, goal, aim, objective.

Mark 10:27

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men [it is] impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

The word mission expresses passion for something. When someone has a passion for something they spend countless hours thinking and meditating about it. They get really excited when they talk about it; as a matter of fact they talk about it all the time. When they get up in the morning it’s not long before they are thinking about their passion or seeking about ways to fulfill it. They have great zeal and enthusiasm about this obsession of their heart and mind. They are generally very defensive about their passion never taking sides against it. The excitement in their smile, the twinkle in their eye, and the pep in their steps are all visible evidence of their love for it.

Every mission of the heart is not necessarily from God. People can have all sorts of missions in life that will never amount to anything. Some people spent their whole life chasing vain fantasies. A person’s own imagination can create fantasy. A fantasy is an exaggerated mental image in response to an ungratified need. Fantasy can be a dangerous hindrance to a person’s Divine Destiny. God never said He would lead our lives through fantasy. He said the Holy Spirit would lead us in all truth. If your mission in life is rooted in fantasy you are off course and in danger of spiritual shipwreck. We sometimes create task or missions in our minds and then give them great significance and devotion. We attach special importance to these self-created missions and devote our lives on making sure it is fulfilled. Depending on the possibility of the fantasy, sheer human determination, fortitude and desire help them come to pass. We become so devoted that we began to cause this false mission to evolve.

When God is the author of our mission it will be root in the truth, His Word.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:7-8

When the seed that is sown comes from the old nature of fallen man, the mission of that seed will reap corruption.

The seed that is sown from God’s Word will always produce life and blessing. No seed or word from God is impossible of fulfillment. God’s word does not create fantasy but rather spiritual reality.

No mission from God is Impossible. A true mission or assignment from God always has an impartation of grace with it. An assignment should always be fortified in peace. God will never assign something that He does not expect to be fulfilled. Nothing is too hard for God. There are no impossibilities with Him. We must learn to trust God with our lives and not resort to fantasy. God will withhold no good thing from you. He does not set unreachable goals in our lives in an effort to try to frustrate us. God is on our side and He will cause good things to come your way. No Mission is impossible with Him!

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Proverbs 15:4

In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. 

Integrity defined

• The quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles or professional standards.

Boundaries are established through integrity. If a person’s word is no good then the boundaries and standards they set up in their lives will always be compromised. Sometimes we fail to see the long term problems that come with not keeping our word even to ourselves. We tell ourselves we are not going to do such and such or that we are not going to go here or there and before the sun sets we have compromise or faltered on what we have spoken. We reason that it is okay because it was a personal promise and did not involve anyone else but little do we realize we our establishing a pattern of mistrust and lying to ourselves and eventually others.

Christians should be people of their word regardless of who the word was spoken to.

The scripture above states that we should be will to keep our word even if it hurts. Temporary inconveniences are a small thing compared to the consequences of a broken promise. When we likely esteem our own words we devalue the importance of words thereby opening the door to deception. Words are very important. We must remember the power of life and death is in our words. Lets us all endeavor to come up a little higher in our integrity by keeping our word even if it to our own hurt. If you don’t plan on doing it then don’t say it.

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Destiny defined:

• someone’s preordained future

Preordain defined

• :to decide in advance that something will happen.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [a]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

God has a specific plan for your life. He did not carbon copy someone else’s life for you, no; He designed a specific plan and purpose with you in mind. God sees us as individuals not just as a crowd. God knows your end from your beginning because He created and orchestrated the plan. Nobody knows you like He does, He knows you inside and out.

The plan that God ordained for your life was designed to be fulfilled. God did not create a future for you that was impossible for Him to fulfill. However in order for God to fulfill His will in your life you must agree and cooperate with Him. God’s plan no matter how wonderful it maybe will not just magically happen in our lives. Many people live and die yet they never once lived any part of God’s perfect will for their lives. People assume whatever will be will be and that they have no say as to what happens in their lives. The Garden of Eden episode proves that thought process to be a big fat lie, straight from the kingdom of darkness. God had a wonderful blessed plan for Adam and Eve but they chose to disregard God’s plans and go with their own plan and now we see the results of that tragedy. You and I are not robots we have a choice, God made it that way, we must choose to follow His plans.

People like to wiggle out of their responsibilities blaming their current circumstances on God. They say, “Well this must be what God wanted, so who am I to argue with God.” How pitiful an excuse is that, blaming God for your bad decisions in life?

God created us spirits with the ability, granted by God, to make certain choices. That’s right certain choices because what is written is written. If you live a sin filled life here on the earth you cannot just up an choose to go to Heaven when you die, no you already made your choice for hell according to what is written.

God’s plan for your life is worth seeking out and fulfilling. It is the only thing that will satisfy your soul. It’s not the will of man, not the will of the flesh but God’s will. Who or what can separate you from the perfect will of God…………..only you can by choosing your own will. Jesus said, “Not my will but yours be done”……..talking to the Father. God’s will is the only way.

Being in the perfect will of God is……. perfect!

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Proverbs 18:9    He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

Procrastinate

• to postpone doing something, especially as a regular practice

• synonyms: put- off, delay, drag your feet, postpone, dally, defer

Procrastination and hesitation will oftentimes rob you of your destination.

When we put off the things God has asked us to do we dishonor Him. Many people are quick to say, “Oh yes, I love the Lord” but then don’t do or put off doing what He has asked them to do. Jesus said, “the person who has My commands and keeps them is the one who (really) loves Me …” John 14:21 (AMP)

It is not flattering to God for you and I to verbalized fluffy excuses as to why we put off doing His business. Procrastination is a close relative of neglect. While we have those who put off doing God’s business we also have those who do start the work and don’t finish but rather allow the work to sit in a corner and rot,  decay and /or deteriorate. The quality of the work becomes inferior to that which is customary of the Kingdom of God.

The word neglect means to give little attention or respect to.

We become so busy doing our own thing that we give no attention to our God given assignments. We drag are feet when it comes to pursuing and doing God’s will in our lives, ther is always tomorrow to do that we proclaim with no shame or remorse. We accept and practice procrastination as if it is the new normal of the Kingdom of God.

Procrastination is a viper that strikes at the heart of our God given destiny. It will not let up until it pulls you down to the ground of unfulfilled dreams and fruitless visions. However, we don’t have to let it fulfill its course in our lives we can fight back.

The bible says, “for the weapons of our warfare are not physical weapons of flesh and blood but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, … 2 Corithians 10:4 (AMP)

God has given us every tool and strategy we would ever need to have victory over the destructive devices of darkness. We can destroy the strong hold of procrastination with the mighty weaponry of God. Psalms 107:20 reveals to us that, “God sent His word and healed them and delivered them from all their destruction.” God’s word can set you free from the enemy of procrastination.

We must effectively arm ourselves with the Word of God and keep ourselves pure from thoughts and ways that would cause us to put off doing God’s will.

The plans and purposes that God has for your live are not a joke, they are not insignificant. Every assignment giving to you from God is vital to His over all plan for humanity. A delay from you today could be life or death to someone’s tomorrow.

God loves you so very much and He needs every member of His body to be in its place and actively participating in His plan.

God has the plan all mapped out, all we have to do is follow Him. God wants you to complete your journey successfully. Our end in Christ is and always will be good, that will never change. So stay on course, focus, pick back up those things you have dragged your feet in. Determine today that you will not live a shabby Christian life but you will pursue and do all that God has entrusted to you with excellence and joy.

Jeremiah 29:11 declares, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. The scripture says there is an expected end.

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Get Your Focus Back (continued)

I remember during that time of seeking the Lord the urgency and deep desire I felt to want to know what God wanted me to do with my life. I wanted to know specific things like; was I on the right track and if not I was desperately wanting to make adjustments so that I could begin to do the will of God. I had read where God told Jeremiah specific things about his life and calling and now I wanted to know about my life as well.

In the book of Romans chapter 12:4- 8, the writer speaks concerning the entire body of Christ. Please read the following:

4. Just as in one [physical] body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same function or special use, 

5. So we, who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, and individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other].

6. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if [someone has the gift of] prophecy, [let him speak a new message from God to His people] in proportion to the faith possessed;

7. If service, in the act of serving; or he who teaches, in the act of teaching;

8. Or he who encourages, in the act of encouragement; he who gives, with generosity; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy [in caring for others], with cheerfulness

He speaks here of us having different gifts according to the grace of God given to us and that we should use them accordingly. Well, I wanted to know what God had given me and then what I was supposed to do with it. I believe that God gives us gifts to compliment our calling. Paul prayed for the church at Ephesus that God would grant them a spirit of wisdom and revelation and that their eyes (spiritual eyes) would be flooded with light so that they could know and understand the hope for which God had called them (Ephesians 1:17-18 Amplified Bible). When we pray in faith according to God’s will He hears us and grants us the request we ask of Him(1John 5:14-15). It is God’s will for us to know His plan for our lives.

God is always faithful to His Word and I can say that he truly revealed to me some of the things I am currently still doing to this day. Also, as I continue to seek and inquire of the Lord He continues to reveal things to me so that I can continue to follow His plan for my life.

Jesus said,

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Luke 11:9-10

It is the will of God that we know His general and specific plans and purposes but we must continue to seek Him and then once we receive direction, instruction, and insight we must stay focused.

Listen to the following scripture with your spiritual ears and receive what the Apostle Peter had to say about focus.

The end and culmination of all things is near. Therefore, be sound-minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer [staying balanced and focused on the things of God so that your communication will be clear, reasonable, specific and pleasing to Him.] 1 Peter 4:7

As we focus on the thoughts, plans and purposes of God our Father our thoughts will remain unspotted/untainted by the world. This will keep us clean from the filthy suggestions and advice of the wicked and our minds will stay uncluttered and clear.

And this is how we know [daily, by experience] that we have come to know Him [to understand Him and be more deeply acquainted with Him]: if we habitually keep [focused on His precepts and obey] His commandments (teachings).

Whoever says, “I have come to know Him,” but does not habitually keep [focused on His precepts and obey] His commandments (teachings), is a liar, and the truth [of the divine word] is not in him. 1 John 2:3-4

Hearing from God should be a normal occurrence for every Christian. God doesn’t just reveal His will to certain members of the body of Christ and then just leave others to figure things out on their own. The bible says that the Holy Spirit, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26)

But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth – giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message (on His own authority); but He will tell whatsoever He hears (from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him), and He will announce and declare to you things that are to come (that will happen in the future).

(John 16:13 Amplified Bible)

So, I encourage you today to seek after the full complete will of God for your life and then be obedient to plan and stay focused – you’ll not regret the journey.

For the [true] love of God is this: that we habitually keep His commandments and remain focused on His precepts. And His commandments and His precepts are not difficult [to obey]. 1 John 5:3

Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. Colossians 3:2

Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

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