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Do you judge people by their behavior? Even if you can avoid this temptation, others will judge you by your behavior, both individually and corporately. Have you heard criticism of Christians generally and by specific example that seemed to have a valid basis? If you were staffing a company or a team, wouldn’t you want to be selective in whom you chose? Yet the gospel message is offered to whosoever will accept it. Does it seem that those who respond are from the lower strata? Not many noble or wise are called. Yet my work in those I do call is not finished. My goal is not to make them wise in the wisdom of this world, but to change them into my likeness. Watch this divine transformation take place and glorify me for it. 

“I am here, Lord! What is it You want to speak to me about, what is it You want to show me today?”

I hear: “Let it rain. Let it rain. Open the floodgates of heaven …”

I stopped journaling to send an electronic message to [individual] and pray for [individual]. I encouraged [individual] to bind the spirits of fear, anger and rage so [individual] can move in the opposite spirit. Help [individual] choose You, Lord. Choose life.

From Pastor Lackson Banda, South Africa – For the first two years of my older children’s lives I was an absent father due to ministry work. I have 3 kids, 2 boys and 1 girl. The first one is son 11 years, the second girl 8 years and the 3rd is boy 4 years old. They all have different personalities. Each one provides their own specific challenges to my wife and me.

I quiet myself: “I am here, Lord. I watch for You and listen. I fix my eyes on You, Lord. What do You want to show me today? What do You want to speak to me about today? I missed our time together on Saturday and Sunday. But I know speaking with [individual] is what You would’ve done.”

Your culture makes a strong distinction between winners and losers. My word tells you to lay down your life and pick up your cross, to be a servant to all, to be humble and lowly. Which category does this sound like to you? Yet my word also carries a strong theme of triumph and victory. The means to achieve this are not according to the wisdom of this world in which you win by your own efforts, climbing over others as necessary to attain it. Yet I promise to oppose the proud and give grace to the humble. If you humbly trust and obey me you will see me intervene to give you victory. 

Do you engage in violence? My word tells you to turn the other cheek to those who would strike you. Yet it would be easy to examine yourself casually on this matter and find no fault. There is a level of violence that does not involve striking. Harsh words can be just as cruel, as I said in my Sermon on the Mount, and I also said that you would give an account for every idle word. Therefore set a guard on your mouth that you consider your words with purpose. Realize the power you have in what you say, for good or for evil, and craft your words to conform to my will, that you may speak life and blessing into the lives of all who hear you.

What is the Johnson Amendment?
Can the IRS take away my church's 501c3 status if I speak freely from the pulpit?

Do Bible teachers tell you that the study of the Bible is the most important feature of the Christian life? The Bible itself does not say this. Study is beneficial for all believers, but it comes easily for some and with difficulty for others. In an age of widespread literacy it is easy to assume that everyone is an academic or has an aptitude for study, but this is not so. Is literacy a prerequisite for godliness? If your aptitude for singing is greater than your aptitude for study then it is acceptable for you to put more emphasis on singing praise to me than in Bible scholarship. Do your bible scholars put an equal amount of time in worship? I know what talents I gave you and it honors and pleases me for you to fully employ them.

This is an exciting occasion: Bekah and Jasmine, our 5 and 7-year-old granddaughters, have begun journaling! What a joy for grandparents! So of course, I need to post their first entries so you all can celebrate with me. Bekah's is first, followed by Jasmine's.

Jesus, what would You say to Your people today?

Hear My voice. Hear Me. Spend time with Me! Do not be so involved in all of your daily
activities that you do not set aside time to come into My presence. When you do come
into My presence, I am enabled to share My love and My thoughts into you, into your heart.
Know that as you spend time with Me, I am also enabled to bring healing into the
wounded areas of your heart. I truly am the answer to all of your needs and your wants,