How to Live a Victorious Life (Part 3)

The third step in living a victorious life is to make God the foundation of everything you do. 1 Peter 2:4-8 refers to Jesus as the living cornerstone of God. In construction, a block or brick layer begins laying stones at a corner. These “corner” stones represent the beginning of the whole building. Jesus is the beginning, or the foundation of our existence. Therefore, He should be the foundation of everything we do. We should not focus on Him only in church, or during other periods of worship. He should shape our thoughts, words and actions Monday through Sunday. We should live our lives to please Him and Him alone. In order for a building to be able to withstand storms, it must be built on a solid foundation. In order for you and me to survive, our foundation must be in Christ.

How to Live a Victorious Life (Part 2)

The second step in living a victorious life is to constantly seek the Lord. 1 Peter 2:2-3 (NLT) says, “You must crave pure spiritual milk so that you can grow into the fullness of your salvation. Cry out for this nourishment as a baby cries for milk, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.” Most of us know how to seek the Lord when we need something from Him. Whenever we seek Him for something, He eventually provides. We’ve all “tasted of the Lord’s kindness.” But the question is – why settle for a “taste” of his goodness, when you can have the full course? If you seek Him all the time, you won’t have to settle for a taste during the time of a crisis. Have you ever watched babies drink milk? They don’t want to take a break for burping or even breathing. The bible says that’s how our desire should be for God and His word. Seek him not just when you’re in need. Seek Him 24/7.

How to Live a Victorious Life (Part 1)

Recently, I taught from the subject "How to Live a Victorious Life," based on 1 Peter 2:1-10. Through God's word, we learned that a victorious life is not based on material things, status, degrees or accomplishments. All of these things are good, but they won't give you true victory. A victorious life is based on what's within, not what is on the outside. Through this teaching, we learned that in order to have a victorious life, there are some things we must do.

First, we must perform what I refer to as "Spring Cleaning." 1 Peter 2:1 (NLT) says, "So get rid of all malicious behavior and deceit. Don’t just pretend to be good! Be done with hypocrisy and jealousy and backstabbing." We must clean up and clean out any behavior that is not pleasing to God. We must do away with false pretense. It's time for God's people to be real. That's the beginning of a victorious life. Stay tuned for Part 2.

Thanks to Buffalo Soldiers

I want to thank the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Jacksonville for agreeing to become a part of our mentoring program. I had the opportunity to speak with them at their recent monthly meeting. I was so impressed with this group of men and women, who do a lot more than just ride motorcycles. Their commitment to the history and ideals of the original Buffalo Soldiers who fought in wars for our freedom, and their commitment to giving back to their community is remarkable. I hope more organizations will follow the lead of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club by getting involved in community causes. I look forward to the partnership between our organizations.

Yes You Can!!!

President Barack Obama's campaign chant was "Yes We Can!" This simple statement energized the country and even the world to believe, even during times of recession and despair. Long before President Obama uttered those words, God's Word told me that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13 NKJV) When you are tempted to slip into a personal recession or even depression, know that if you can believe, you can achieve. Although things may appear to be too hard for you, nothing is too hard for God. You don't have to go around looking for Him - He is always with you. He is the greater one who lives inside of you. Don't let people or problems convince you that you cannot make it. Yes, you can, and yes, you will!

For the Little Things

The older I get, the more I find myself thanking God for things such as eyes that can see, legs that can walk, and a voice that can talk. Of course, I thank Him for all things, including the big ones (house, cars, money, etc.), but where would we be if it wasn't for the blessings we so often take for granted? Who says you have to be able to see? Why were you so blessed when others who are just as special to God have to rely on others to guide them around? We often fail to thank God for the "basics" of life. We take shoes for granted, when others have no feet. We get angry with our children, while others are trying desperately to conceive. We complain about the cost of car repairs, while others wait in the rain to catch the bus. We stress out when our spouse or roommate pays the mortgage or rent late. Try living under a rent-free bridge like so many have to do. I guess I've come to realize that nothing should be taken for granted. I've learned to thank God for everything, especially what we call the little things.

Thanks to Our Volunteers

I want to thank our volunteers who participated in our FCAT Camp. Since Christmas, we have held a Saturday camp for our students at Wayman Academy of the Arts to help them prepare for the FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test). We were very pleased that our parents allowed and transported as many as 70 kids on Saturday mornings to take advantage of this opportunity. I thank my awesome members for your support. I also would like to thank Pastor Gary L. Williams and the wonderful members of First Baptist Church of Mandarin who also volunteered their time. Our students have been testing all this week, and we are confident that they will do well, thanks to you.

Give Back to Your Community

I am thankful for a recent post from a parent whose children are a part of our mentoring program. The purpose of our ministry is to make a difference in the lives of people God allows us to serve. Each of us, regardless of church affiliation, are called on by God to let our lights so shine before men that they will see our good works and glorify God. What good works are you doing? You have been blessed with so much. What are you doing to give back? Find a way to become a mentor or a tutor. There are so many young people who would be blessed by your involvement in your life. If you are in Jacksonville and are interested in becoming a mentor, please give us a call at (904) 693-1503. If you do not live in Jacksonville, find a worthwhile cause in your city, and volunteer some of your time.

Do What He Tells You To Do

I apologize for the delay in a new posting. I was having internet problems at my home office. After many hours trying to fix the problem I created, I finally swallowed my pride and called technical support. I was on hold for many minutes before a technician finally came on the line. He instructed me to do things to my computer that I did not understand. After following his detailed instructions, my internet connection was eventually restored.

There is a powerful lesson in this true story. In life, many of the problems we incur are self-inflicted. Nevertheless, all we need to do is swallow our pride and call the Master Technician. He may not answer as soon as we want Him to, but He's always on time. Follow His instructions, even when they don't seem to make sense, and you will be completed restored. May God bless you and yours.

The Power of Words

Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." Your words can build up or tear down. There's an old saying that "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me." Even though many of us were taught this saying in an attempt to keep us from over-reacting to hurtful comments by others, it is a saying that really is not true. Words can hurt. Harmful words affect self-esteem, while helpful words build. Let's choose to be builders - builders of people. Someone needs a kind word from you - a word of encouragement, a word of endearment. Let's release words of life into the atmosphere, and withhold words that will kill or destroy. You have the power. Be careful to use it in the right way.

You are Unique & Special

Have you ever wondered why God made you? In bad times, do you ever ask the question "why was I born?" The answer is very simple. God made you because He needed and wanted a you. No one else that He had ever made was like you, and no one else ever will be. Psalm 139:14 (New Century Version) says, "I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well." No one walks the way you walk, no one has your smile. You have a unique sense of humor. You have a style that is distinctly yours. You don't have to be like anyone else. Take time today to celebrate you. Don't let the negative words of others distort your self-impression. Regardless of what others may say, God says you're wonderful. If God said it, that settles it! Don't expect anyone to love you if you don't first love yourself.

Too Close to Turn Around

What have you been waiting on God to do in your life? Help you finish your degree? Restore your marriage? Save your children? Start a new business? Get a new job? Whatever it is, you must know that you are close to completing the task. Sometimes it seems as if we take one step forward and two steps back. It appears that everytime we make a little progress, some negative circumstance comes along to derail all of our efforts. But you can't give up. You've come too far to turn around. Romans 13:11 tells us that our salvation is closer now than when we first believed. Whatever you are believing God for right now, know that it shall come to pass if you keep pressing forward. You've made a lot of progress and come a long way. Even though you are not perfect, you are a lot better than you used to be. You've cleaned up your language; kicked some bad habits; you're praying more; reading your bible; you're going to church. Look at you - you're on your way! You may say "I still have a long way to go," but God says "You're Too Close to Turn Around Now." Press on my brother, press on my sister. You're almost there!