My New Website - www.draperwright.com

Hello everyone,

It has been a while! I've been quite busy on several projects lately. Guess what, though, I'm back...

Please visit my new author website at www.draperwright.com for details on what I've been working on.

We'll be connecting very soon!

Regards,
DsW

A Busybody, An Electronic One

Good people, I pray that all is going well with each of you. 

In this script segment, I'd like to highlight a Biblical topic which usually doesn't gain a lot of attention. I call it, "The Electronic Busybody." In an age where people put such disdaining emphasis on sins that are easily identifiable such as adultery, fornication, violence, witchcraft, etc. this topic is often overlooked. Interestingly enough, busybodies are not overlooked by God in the Scripture.

2 Thessalonians 3:11 - For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

1 Timothy 5:13 - And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

1 Peter 4:15 - But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

As many of us know, this is the age of innovation and technology which has undoubtedly been a great benefit to all humanity. We are now able to get work done and plan activities faster and more efficient than in previous decades. Many of the previous decades' ways of communicating and handling business have now faded into distant memory, making way for the Internet, email, texting, mobile apps, and other ways to communicate with others in real-time. We now also have social media forums such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest, and others which let us establish personal pages to connect with our family, friends, peers, and organizations. These are great tools that help us interact and stay in touch with those we care for, especially where there is great physical distance.

Unfortunately, some, even among Christians have perverted the use of these media. Many have chosen to use them as tools to secretly snoop around and investigate what's going on in the lives of others. This of course, is the wrong use of these media, particularly for the Christian. Such a person is actually an "electronic busybody."

But, what specifically is a busybody? formal dictionaries define it as: (a) a person who meddles or pries into the affairs of others; a messy person (b) an officious or meddling investigative person; a gossiper, (c) a person that snoops in or examines the affairs of others, (d) a nosy person who seeks or searches for information on another person's life, and (e) a person who eavesdrops solely for information about others.

Biblical Greek defines it as:

(a) Strongs 244: allotrioepiskopos; from allotrios, meaning a meddler, a pryer into others' affairs.

(b) Strongs 4021: periergos; denoting one "taken up with trifles," or trivial matters which concern another, wicked curiosity

(c) Strongs 4020: periergazomai, lit., "to be working round about, instead of at one's own business" (peri, "around," ergon, "work"), signifies to take more pains than enough about a thing, to waste one's labor, to be meddling with, or bustling about, other people's matters. This may be produced in a free rendering: "some who are not busied in their own business, but are overbusied in that of others."

What foolishness! That may be fine for unbelievers and those who are against our faith...but certainly not for Christians. We should be focusing on INspiring people, not INvestigating people.

Honestly ask yourself the following questions:

• Can I truly say that I am not a busybody...not even an electronic one?
• Is it important for me to know other people's business or to keep up with what's going on in their lives?
• Am I so aware of what God is up to in my own daily life that I have sufficient time to investigate another's life?
• Do I often talk foolishly or negatively about other people or what's happening in their lives?
• Do I seek or snoop around on other people's social media pages?
• Do I have any relationships (e.g. friends, family, etc.) that help feed my appetite to know the affairs of other people? Do I feed others' appetite in the same way?
• What are my conversations USUALLY about - other people, myself, God, etc.?
• Can I go a day, week, or month without looking at another's social media page SOLELY for information about them?
• Do I become sensitive, excited, and really interested when someone is negatively talking about someone else?
• Do I feel good or feel a sense of control when I know something personal about someone else, of which they don't "know that I know"?

If anything in that list even remotely reflects you; do whatever it takes to change it, today! God needs more of your attention. Going forward, aim to mind (put your mind on) your own business because you ARE missing out on what God is up to in your own life!

Don't be guilty of always seeing someone else's life clearer than you see your own.

As a final note, consider our Savior, Jesus Christ. He never sought, snooped around in, investigated, or gossiped about other people. He never even talked negatively about others unless it was the religious leaders (e.g. Pharisees, Sadducees, etc.) of His day. Even then, His speech was exclusive to their doctrine and false religiosity. Jesus is who we are to be like and re-present accordingly.

 

Be sure to share this script with others. As Christians we have too much work to do for the Kingdom of God to be involved in any busybody activities.

Peace be with you!

Don't Make him Proud!

The devil is full of sin and pride and has been since the beginning. The Bible makes it clear that it was his pride that caused him to become antagonistic toward the God of creation (Ezekiel 28:17). That said, there is nothing that he'd like more than to continue to show off his pride in utter rebellion towards God. But get this...since he's been evicted from staying in Heaven, now he uses humans to disrespect God.

Yes, all sin is disrespectful towards God.

We must remember that the real battle is between good and evil, righteousness and unrighteousness, the Kingdom of God or Light and the kingdom of Satan or darkness. So today, begin a journey and lifestyle of greater prayer and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. This will help you stay in the will of God more often in your behavior and words. Whatever you do, don't make the devil proud!

Begin asking yourself? - Who will this action, inaction, word, or silence impress - God or the devil?

God Will Reward The Good You Do

Hebrews 6:10 - For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Things to consider from this scripture

- God keeps track of ALL the good you do and will reward it, particularly what you do in His name.

- The good you do will produce positive fruit in the lives of others.

- Your fruit will outlast you. Others will benefit for years to come from the good you do. They may not remember what you did but God will!

- God designed it so that you wouldn't get all your accolades on this side of Heaven - God is not going to let man celebrate you better than He will.

- When you're dealing with God, uncommon faithfulness will always get you uncommon blessings.

- If you take care of what touches the heart of God he’ll take care of what touches your heart.

All, be encouraged and continue doing good.

Prayer for the Unreached Nations

Good people,

I mentioned late last year that this year I would be praying all year long for the unreached nations and lands around the world. The Gospel of Jesus Christ still has yet to reach thousands of people. Please join me in this prayer effort.

Right below you'll find two organization's websites that I've subscribed to in order to receive detailed information about a different unreached nation every day. Please subscribe at your earliest convenience. Additionally, if your church or ministry has a missionary group please support it.

Joshua Project
http://www.joshuaproject.net/

Operation World
http://www.operationworld.org/

Additionally, here's a quick sample prayer for you to use. You can print it out and to have it with you.

Father God,

Thank you for the awesome privilege to pray, hear, and receive from you. You are a great God and Father and I appreciate you. Right now, I pray for the unreached nations and lands across the world. I pray that you would send spiritual laborers along their path to begin sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them. I also pray that you would sensitize the people's hearts and cause them to become receptive to the truth of Jesus Christ. Provide whatever tools and resources (e.g. Bibles, audio, video, etc.) necessary for them to hear, receive, and continue following Jesus Christ. Additionally, I pray that you would meet any physical or national needs they have. Abundantly help and protect them. Also, bless and keep those laborers, missionaries, and their families who are doing this great work of evangelism. Cause them to never be without.

In the name of Jesus Christ I pray,

Amen.

If God Was Like You...

"You cannot love God and hate people at the same time. If you truly desire a heavenly experience with God here on earth, provide others with a heavenly experience."

Folks, may we never become weary of working with God to become better representatives of Him. He is counting on us to continually reveal what He is like to others.

Think with me for a moment...

If God Was Like You...would you love Him?

Consider the following:

• If God only gave to you as you give to others, would you love Him?
• If God's job/career was to take care of you and He did it the same way you take care of your job/career, would you love Him?
• If God was a parent to you like you are to your children, would you love Him?
• If God withheld forgiveness from you as you do others, would you love Him?
• If God retaliated against you in the ways (subtle or direct) that you do others, would you love Him?
• If God stopped talking to you or acted funny every time He wasn't pleased with your actions, would you love Him?
• If God failed to respond to your needs in the same way you fail to respond to the needs of others, would you love Him?
• If God avoided you like you avoid others, would you love Him?
• If God was hard to deal with as you are sometimes, would you love Him?
• If God gossiped about you behind your back like you do others, would you love Him?
• If God was as unreliable as you are at times, would you love Him?
• If God didn't support you as you don't others, would you love Him?
• If God forgot you as you do the things done for you by others, would you love Him?
• If God didn't protect you or your character as you don't others, would you love Him?
• If God knew He could help you but purposely chose not to as you do others, would you love Him?
• If God was as critical of you as you are of others, would you love Him?
• If God was as impatient with you as you are with others, would you love Him?
• If God was dishonest with you like you are with others, would you love Him?
• If God disrespected you as you do with others, would you love Him?
• If God was quickly angered with you as you are with others, would you love Him?
• If God was as ______ as you, would you love? You fill in the blank

Now I know reading some of those bullets may have been challenging if you really stopped and considered them (and you should have). Nevertheless, don't despair. Yes, Biblical self-examination must go deep in order to be effective but God really wants to help you be all that you should.

Remember Philippians 4:13 - is a promise from God to help us achieve our very best.

So people of God, the message is simple: If you wouldn't love God if He acted like you, why not start changing to act like Him?

Today, challenge yourself to grow up in a way that you wouldn't yesterday. You, God, and ultimately others will be glad you did!

Peace

Let God Testify!

Being good or exemplary at anything is always based on the standard by which that thing should be done. For the Christian, we should be known by our good works so that our Father God in Heaven can be glorified in the earth (Matthew 5:16). Although we're imperfect our aim should be towards perfection (Colossians 3:23).

Moreover, our Father God is the only one who can truly and righteously judge whether we're doing well on the things we're suppose to. He is our Father and also our Lord- owner. As our owner, He has the right to evaluate our Christian performance on the earth. Remember, He's ready and willing to help us carry out His will at all times. Just as employers do performance evaluations on their employees periodically, God is also looking at how well we're carrying out His words. He's not just waiting until we get to Heaven to tell us.

Go ahead, ask God today about how well you're doing at what He's placed in your hands or jurisdiction. He's ready and willing to graciously guide you. I asked Him myself a couple of weeks back and got an answer and His guidance almost immediately. Praise God! He helped me.

Now, consider with me how God periodically communicated the result of His oversight of Jesus' life and work while He was still on earth. If you review the scriptures, you can also find others who received God's report about how they were doing with His plans.

Matthew 3:17 - And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
John 5:37 - And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face.
1 John 5:9 - We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.
2 Peter 1:17 - For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.

You see, we really can't just go around giving ourselves a ton of rewards, trophies, and pats on the back if God wouldn't testify to our assessments. Sometimes we overstate things in our personal evaluations while at other times we understate them. The point is that our personal evaluations of ourselves can't be fully relied on. The only assessment that matters is God's. Believe what God believes about you and get to know what God knows about you. God's love for you is great and will never change- No matter what! His being pleased with your life and work is a completely different subject. Therefore, this is worth some of our focus. We are alive to please Him.

Today, just simply ask God. He wants to help you please Him. Isn't that wonderful?! He's not out to criticize, kill, or destroy you but wants the best for you in every way. If you ask Him, He'll tell you the truth and provide you with the guidance you need. Praise God!

So what about the roles you play in this life?

ARE YOU A...

Child (living at home): Today, as He did with Jesus, would God testify that you're a good or obedient child based on what He's told you and on what your parent/guardian(s) have rightly told you? Ask God and he'll help you today.

Employee: Today, as He did with Jesus, would God testify that you're a good employee based on what He's told you and on what your supervisor/employee rightly expects of you? Ask God and he'll help you today.

Church Member: Today, as He did with Jesus, would God testify that you're a good church member based on what He's told you and on what your pastor/church leaders have rightly asked of you? Ask God and he'll help you today.

Spouse: Today, as He did with Jesus, would God testify that you're a good husband or a good wife based on what He's told you and on what your wife or husband has rightly asked of you? Ask God and he'll help you today.

Friend: Today, as He did with Jesus, would God testify that you're a good friend based on what He's told you and on what your friend(s) have rightly asked of you? Ask God and he'll help you today.

Your Overall Christian Life: Today, as He did with Jesus, would God testify that you're on track to complete what He placed you on earth to accomplish? Ask God and he'll help you today.

So folks, let's cut the personal reward programs out and allow God to judge how well we're doing and help us be able to say at the end of our lives what both Jesus and the Apostle Paul were able to say - "I have finished my course." -  John 19:30, 2 Timothy 4:7

God bless.

Straight Biblical Talk in a Crooked World

Greetings everyone,

I mentioned in a scheduled tweet earlier today that I'll soon be beginning a blog series that will run concurrent with my other regular topical posts. These new blog posts will speak directly to the heart of many issues that are often overlooked. Unfortunately, sometimes what is continually overlooked comes back to haunt.

For those reading this who are Christians, know that we have inherited victory and blessings from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Now we must contend for the faith and press forward to actualize this victory in our everyday lives. Moreover, these posts will not only seek to uncover some of these issues, but to present direct biblical solutions and considerations to help.

As Jesus did when He walked the dusty streets of Galilee and surrounding areas, we too should always be found sharing the truth of God's Word in an uncompromising way. Straight Biblical talk in a crooked world is necessary. Notwithstanding, we don't have to be brash or harsh in our presentation. We just need to ensure that the truth which liberates (if accepted) is shared IN LOVE.

Look forward to the first post of this series coming soon!

God bless,
DsW

Fault Lines

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. - Galatians 6:1

According to geologists- those who study the elements and makeup of the earth, a fault line is a long crack in the surface of the earth where earthquakes usually occur. It is the intersection between the fault plane and the Earth's surface.

According to Psalm 51:5, mankind was born in sin and shaped in iniquity. He was born a sinner and completely guilty before God. Yes, before we ever spoke a word, took a step, or rode a bike we were guilty of sin, full of faults, inadequacies, and wickedness. Unfortunately, today many people compare their sins to other people's sins. Some think that because they haven't committed certain sins that they're better off or that their sins are somehow less evil than others. Well, God has something to say about these foolish comparisons:

2 Corinthians 10:12b - ...but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 1 John 5:17a - All unrighteousness is sin...

Moreover, an investigation of our keystone verse [Galatians 6:1] above reveals that when a person has fallen into sin (a fault) or made a mistake, Christians (those who are spiritual) should be compassionately forgiving towards that person. The central thought and disposition shouldn't be to condemn, criticize, or mistreat the person. The person, especially if a Christian, is likely already grappling with remorse, frustration, and/or condemnation from the devil. They don't need our attitude and criticism to make matters worse. Although this should be enough of a command from God to get us to be kind to the violator, God takes the command a step further.

Note the latter part of the verse says, "considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." The interpretation is that what caused the person to fall into sin can also cause you to fall into sin. The reason?! - Each of us possess ALL the ingredients to commit ANY and EVERY sin. Romans 7:18a states, "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells NO good thing or nothing good...(emphasis mine). That means that our flesh (unregenerate human nature) is poised to endorse and subscribe to any kind of evil at any time. Yes, ALL sin is already in us. Even as Christians our flesh is still completely evil without remedy. This means, murder, lying, homosexuality, rape, abuse, stealing, envy, jealousy, witchcraft, bestiality, etc. - are all apart of the flesh. We must remember that it is our spirit that is saved, not our flesh!

So in layman's terms what is this whole verse saying? Like the earth, all of us have the SAME fault lines or cracks in our flesh and character where given the right conditions and pressures we'd fall into ANY sin. This is why we can't be critical or condemning of any one's faults. Doing so would be to indirectly suggest that we're incapable of doing the same. Even more, sometimes we're already guilty of having committed the same sin anyway. Just like the right pressure under the surface of the earth causes the fault lines to move; so does the right pressure cause our fault lines to move. Think about this- a moving fault line is called an earthquake. Selah!

Finally, as noted above, mankind was born in sin and shaped in iniquity. He was born a sinner and completely guilty before God, in desperate need of a saviour. That Saviour came in none other than the person Jesus Christ. His death on the cross, burial, and resurrection secured salvation for all who believe in Him by faith (John 3: 16; Romans 10:9-13).

For those of us who do believe and have accepted Jesus Christ as our Saviour we are forever saved and will one day be allowed to enter Heaven free from all guilt (1 Thess. 4:16-17).

May we all finalize this reasoning deep within our spirits: since in our flesh we continue to possess the SAME fault lines as others--- let's be patient, forgiving, merciful, and helpful to others who fall into their fault lines.

God bless,
DsW

WE ARE FROM HEAVEN - 2012

Happy New Year everyone!

I pray God's choice blessings for each of you this year. Just below, I've included some informal notes from a message the Lord gave to me for believers in 2012. Enjoy and have a Heavenly 2012!

WE ARE FROM HEAVEN
You are not as poor as the land you are in, but as rich as the country you are from.

Luke 10:17-20 - 17[And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.] 18[And he said unto them, ] I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

• "Names are written in heaven." The names of citizens of a city or state were accustomed to be written in a book or register, from which they were blotted out when they became unworthy, or forfeited the favour of their country.
• They were as citizens possessing the full privileges and rights of the commonwealth.
• The first time you were born, you were born a citizen of the country in which you were born. When you were born-again you became a citizen of HEAVEN.
• BORN-AGAIN- literally means "born from above".

Colossians 1:9-13 - 9[For this cause we also, since the day we heard ] it[, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;] 10[That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;] 11[Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;] 12[Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:] 13[Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated ] us[ into the kingdom of his dear Son:]

• We were former slaves and peasants in the kingdom of darkness with no rights, privileges, or authority. Now, we've been granted rights, privileges, and authority in another kingdom- HEAVEN.
• A kingdom is a form of government concerned with rights, privileges, and authority for its citizens.
• WE HAVE A: RIGHT TO BE HEALED, DELIVERED, RICH, PROSPEROUS, TO KEEP OUR MINDS, AND TO WHOLENESS

Ephesians 2:19 - 19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.

• We are kingdom of Heaven citizens right NOW!
• Religion teaches people to wait until they get to Heaven to enjoy what they have rights to NOW!

Philippians 3:18-20 - 18[(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, ] that they are[ the enemies of the cross of Christ:] 19[Whose end ] is[ destruction, whose God ] is their[ belly, and ] whose[ glory ] is[ in their shame, who mind earthly things.)] 20For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

• Conversation = Citizenship = rights, privileges, and authority.
• Citizenship is a legal status. It doesn't matter how a person feels about you or how you feel about another person. If their citizenship is in Heaven then they're apart of God Himself.
• Even God can't forsake your citizenship...He'll never leave or forsake you.
• Of course, we have dual-citizenship - Heaven and Earth
• The BIBLE is our Constitution stating all our rights, privileges, and authority AND it includes examples of other citizens applying the principles and executing their rights and privileges.
• It is a legal document and everything it says is ours- LEGALLY...that's why when the enemy takes from you it's called stealing because it doesn't belong to him. He has no right, privilege, or authority to have it.
• The more you know of these rights and privileges, the less you allow to be stolen from you by the enemy. Ignorance will rob you of the abundant life that is freely available to you.
• If you focus on the earth and its resources then you'll always be limited by it!
• You are either limited or unlimited by what you believe!
• Vs. 19 - stop making Earth your first 1st reaction to trouble...Adam & Eve sowing fig leaves
• Set your affections on things above.
• Take your mind off just the Earth...prodigal son's realization = Condition vs. Position
• It is possible to live a Heavenly lifestyle around Earthly conditions.
• On purpose, reject any conditions that's not like your country- HEAVEN!

Ephesians 1:3-4 - 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

• Jesus' ascension re-introduced us to Heaven's blessings.
• These blessings reside in the Lord Himself; whereas we reside also.

Ephesians 2:5-6 - 5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6[And hath raised ] us[ up together, and made ] us[ sit together in heavenly ] places[ in Christ Jesus:]

• If seated, then we are resting in the finished work of Christ.
• We are seated in a position of honor with Him that rescued us.

THINGS TO UNDERSTAND GOING FORWARD ABOUT WHERE YOU'RE FROM

• No lack there.
• No sickness or disease there.
• No defeat talk there..."I can't" and "I doubt".
• Because Christ did, we can overcome the devil everywhere we meet him no matter what the test.
• We have power over all sin. Sinning is a choice not a demand!
• We can [and should] live from a point of authority on Earth.

ROMANS 8:37 - We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us- not only over sin and Satan, but the world, the reproaches, afflictions, disease, and lack.

FROM HEAVEN

TGTTW - World's Most Dangeous Cities

A recent report noted the world's most dangerous cities. Please read the brief article below.

http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/14/9443096-the-most-dangerous-cities-in-the-world

As we are praying for all nations in this Gospel to The World series let us remember these cities and governments in prayer. God is able to turn what's considered the world's most dangerous places to some of the safest places.

FATHER GOD IN HEAVEN, WE PRAY FOR REGIONAL SALVATION FOR THE PEOPLE OF THESE CITIES, WISDOM FOR THEIR LEADERS, PROSPERITY OF THEIR LANDS, PROTECTION FROM THEIR ENEMIES, PEACE AND RESOLUTION FROM CONFLICT, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THAT YOUR PERFECT WILL WOULD PERFORMED THROUGHOUT. WE ASK ALL THIS IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, AMEN.

DsW

TGTTW - Praying For All Nations

Hello fellow Kingdom citizens, a good friend and brother in the Lord mentioned a Christian website to me on yesterday. It's a must see for all Christians. The Gospel of the Kingdom has to go throughout the entire world. Those we can't physically reach we must earnestly pray for. I encourage all of you to visit and support this website and it's mission, which is nothing short of the Great Commission extended to us by Jesus Christ Himself. Here's the website: www.operationworld.org

TGTTW: The Homeless and Hungry

Kingdom Citizens, let us continue to remember the homeless and hungry in prayer and for those we can help nearby, let's help them. My prayer is that God would prick all of our hearts to continually do more for those in need. For this is another way God's compassionate hand can be seen through His people. After all, aren't we His body? Therefore, we are His hands and feet of blessing. It is absolutely more blessed to give than to receive. Helping to make someone else's life better is one of life's greatest experiences. Please join me in prayer for all the homeless and hungry people everywhere. Every city, every state, every nation, and every country! 0% Homelessness and 0% Hunger worldwide!!! Let's pray.

TGTTW: Afghanistan

The Gospel To The World (TGTTW): AFGHANISTAN

Kingdom citizens,

Please take a moment to read this brief article (link below) regarding the suicide bombings which occurred today in Afghanistan. Of course, we are praying for the victim's families and the entire region.

Our God saves and can bring deliverance out of disaster.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/06/world/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

As stated in the introductory blog post to this series, there are 12 primary elements (listed below) that we are including in our prayers for whomever we pray. Upon your time of prayer, please include such in yours as well.

Salvation/Deliverance/Protection
Revelation/Understanding/Wisdom
Healing/Restoration
Prosperity/Resources
Peace/Wholeness

In Faith,
DsW

The Gospel To The World - Praying For All

Prelude: The Gospel to the World - Praying For All People

Kingdom citizens, I greet you in the precious name of our Lord and King - Jesus the Christ. My sincerest prayer is that each of you are experiencing the very best that God has for you. Praise God! It's been a great year. I'm sure many of you have had to pray through some really challenging situations, but you made it. And guess what? With each passing day you're still making it. Give God the glory for your progress!
Now, there are two scriptures I want to put before you concerning this new blog series. Grab your Bible.

Matthew 28:18-20 - And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mark 16:15 - And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

As we approach the final month of this year and embark upon a new one, I'd like to share a few thoughts about what the title of this blog series will mean in the coming months. As noted in the scriptures above, before ending His first earthly ministry Jesus commissioned His followers NOT to preach the gospel exclusively to the Jews and those nearby. His words were simple: The Gospel must go to the entire world. Every human, then and now, would be in need of Christ's message of reconciliation and Kingdom. This is none other than the Great Gospel Commission from the lips of Jesus; fulfilled through the ministry of reconciliation. This ministry is EVERY believers' primary calling or assignment. No matter what role you play in the church; whether you sing, write, teach, preach, usher, etc., this calling is for everyone.

Therefore, it is through this commission that the upcoming posts for this new blog series will derive. They will be called Prayer Posts. The world desperately needs the Gospel which we possess in Christ. For some, we can reach them easily and quickly because of close proximity. For others, the Internet highway and television stretches out and helps us carry the Gospel right into their homes and neighborhoods. However, for some, neither proximity nor the Internet, nor television allows us to reach them. It is only by prayer that the Gospel is heard of them. Through some God-chosen source they come to know the touch and power of God's saving grace and Kingdom. Sadly, it is these precious people who are too often overlooked, disregarded, quickly forgotten, or completely unrecognized. Therefore, I count it an honor and privilege to be reminded by God of such people. Moreover, it will be for these people that we'll be offering up intercessory prayers in these posts.

In the coming weeks I will be posting articles, new releases, or just simply mentioning countries, regions, cities, nations, groups, or individuals mostly outside of the U.S. and minimally mentioned. Some will even be in remote places, far in the backdrop of third-world countries. I invite all of you to join me in prayer for these overlooked, disregarded, forgotten, and likely unrecognized people of our world. They too, need the Lord.

Therefore, there are 12 primary tenets (spiritual & physical) listed below that we'll be praying about concerning them.

Salvation/Deliverance/Protection
Revelation/Understanding/Wisdom
Healing/Restoration
Prosperity/Resources
Peace/Wholeness

Stay tuned as we begin this intercession journey.

In the Service of King Christ,
Min. DsW

Overcome Evil With Good

Title: Overcome Evil With Good
Text: Romans 12:19-21
Themes: Good, goodness, service, help, aid, grace, kindness, love
Format: Brieflet

• Good is the true power that crushes evil.
• The more often you are a source of blessing for someone else the more often you position yourself to be blessed by God.
• Ask God to help you remain sensitive to the good you can do to enrich other people's lives.
• Jesus is our chief example for helping others and doing good.
• Jesus did something good for people everyday.
• Jesus helped those who couldn't do something for themselves very often.
• God has not commissioned one individual to do all the good; only that which is in their power and reach to do.
• Do especially good to other believers, your enemies, and those who have harmed you. Allow for God to take care of them for their deeds. How, when, and to what extent He deals with them is totally His business AND His authority.
• No one has done, does, or will do more good than God. Notwithstanding, you do play an important role in how His goodness is seen by others.
• Doing good is a choice. It's always in your power to do so. No one but you can prevent you from doing good.
• The more good you do the more good you'll receive from others and God in return.
• Doing good to others is an investment in your future and your family's.
• Evil has no power over good. Good is substantially greater than evil.
• Evil is the intentional absence of good as darkness is the absence of light.
• Goodness helps people see other goodness.
• God has given us a mind to think good. He will lead us in good deeds.
• Since we are born again of His goodness we should always be mindful of showing His goodness.

Think Good!

DsW

The Soul of Man

Good people,

Unscripted, I just wanted to share a few quick bulleted thoughts inspired by my pastor's series of messages "As My Soul Prospers".

• The soul comprises the mind, will, emotions, and intellect. Spiritually, it is noted as the flesh.
• The spirit is what was saved upon one's acceptance of Jesus Christ. It is where the Godhead resides inside of the Christian. It was dead, but has been enlightened or made alive by the salvation of Christ. This process is also called being re-created or renewed. Literally, the spirit was re-created or renewed by God upon salvation.
• The soul is not saved. It must be renewed, specifically the mind, by the Word of God. It must be directed and retrained by the re-created spirit.
• Since the soul is not saved it holds on to the memory of wrongs and sins. It will hold on to sins and wrong done to you and by you. If you struggle with remembering wrongs, know that this is the activity of your unsaved soul. Depending on the situation, the soul suppresses the wrongs and sins it has done while magnifying the wrongs and sins done by another.
• The soul is not a friend. It is highly unstable. It is fickle. It changes several times in several ways. It is never constant or consistent. It must be trained stability by the re-created spirit.
• All negative, wordly, or sinful influences help confirm the pressure of the soul. The unsaved world is the witness for the soul, whereas the Word of God is the witness of the re-created spirit.
• Like Jesus Christ, the soul's desires and dictates must be sacrificed and abandoned. This is done on purpose by the spiritual force of the re-created spirit. You must command your soul to be obedient to God.
• You must take charge over the soul everyday and several times a day to maintain obedience to God.
• The soul is aggressive and relentless. However, the spirit is always willing to aid.
• The joy of God is in the spirit whereas happiness comes from the soul.
• Think up and not down because you're in control of what you think. You can think what you want to think.
• The soul must be controlled otherwise it will control you. It is demanding. It desires to have free course and range to do whatever it wants with your body. If you're not watchful, it'll make you feel how it wants and do what it wants.
• The body receives instructions from the spirit or the soul. Actually, either the spirit or soul will control the actions of the body. Which do you allow to control your body most times? You must answer this question to be more like Christ.
• God knows that humans can't be trusted due to the weakness of the soul. If it is too weak to be trusted by God, why would you trust it? Your mind: what you think can't always be trusted. Your will: what you want can't always be trusted. Your emotions: what you feel can't always be trusted. Your intellect: what you think you know can't always be trusted.
• When Adam and Eve fell in the garden the soul replaced the then dead spirit as the authority of the body. Satan's channel of influence for man's body is through the soul. When you do, think, or feel wrong it is happening through the soul.
• The soul wants to be worshipped. It forces worship for itself. The soul is controlling. Controlling people have controlling souls.

God bless,
DsW

Prelude: The Scope of Patience

Greetings folks,

As another character subject, this time let's take a look at patience. Like anger and zeal which we've previously looked at, this too is a matter of the heart. Since believers are ambassadors, literally representatives of Christ, His patience level and ours should readily be in sync. Ultimately, in the end they will be, but now we all must continually examine ourselves.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself: Would you consider yourself to be a patient person? Would your friends, family members, co-workers, etc. agree with you? Most importantly, would God agree with you? How exactly do you judge patience?

Moreover, for now, consider the following thoughts and questions. We'll talk more about some of these later.

• When you demonstrate patience; you are also demonstrating faith. Usually, some level of vision is present too.
• Patience is a natural component of faith (Hebrews 11:1).
• Consider the Prodigal son's request and the timeliness of it. Anything a person receives too soon may support an inner dysfunction.
• Technological advances may have an impact on how we view time.
• Why is patience important to God?
• What does your patience reveal about you?
• When, how, and to whom did Jesus demonstrate His patience when He walked the earth? What about God in the Old Testament?
• Is demonstrating patience a choice? Can it be exhibited by everyone? Can you be patient in one instance and impatient in another?

Stay tuned...

Zealous Towards God: He's Worthy of Our Full Devotion

Good day folks,

I hope all is well.

Let's go ahead and dive into our discussion on being zealous toward or for God. As a reminder, this topic is a matter of your heart and apart of my blog series on character. Stay tuned for more in this series. We have several topics that we'll be exploring. Invite others to join in on the discussions.

Now, let's look at a definition for zeal, then the adjective zealous.

Zeal - [1] fervor for a person, cause, or object; eager desire or endeavor; enthusiastic diligence; ardor, [2] fervent or enthusiastic devotion, or [3] an earnest temper; may be enlightened (Num. 25:11-13; 2 Cor. 7:11; 9:2), or ignorant and misdirected (Rom. 10:2; Phil. 3:6). As a Christian grace, it must be grounded on right principles and directed to right ends (Gal. 4:18). It is sometimes ascribed to God (2 Kings 19:31; Isa. 9:7; 37:32; Ezek. 5:13). Zealous - [1] full of, characterized by, or due to zeal; ardently active, devoted, or diligent, or [2] filled with or inspired by intense enthusiasm or zeal; ardent; fervent.

So, ladies and gentlemen, the questions on the floor are these: What is your true attitude towards God? How long does it remain there- always, often, rarely, etc.? Are you angry or upset at Him about anything? Are you truly grateful to Him?

Right now, begin to search your heart and determine how you really feel about God. In the privacy of your own prayer mode, share with Him how you feel about Him, what your attitude is toward Him and why. He isn't afraid nor will He become upset if your answer is not fully positive. He's not like that. He just wants to hear from you. He wants to listen to you and hear your side. Unlike humans, God won't interrupt but allow you to fully express yourself before He responds. He's all about meeting you where you are and helping you get to where He's calling you. He already knows what's in your heart but desires that you talk to Him about it. He desires truth on the inside. That's where He places His attention and emphasis according to scripture. Psalm 51:6 declares, "Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being..."

So, after truly searching your heart, if you've determined that your zeal or devotion is not where it should be, let's get it there. God is not going to do this for you. Right now, while reading this- begin to consider everything that God has already done for you. Starting thinking about the things He's currently doing for you. Even your ability to read these words are because of His great sensitive power in your life. All that you can do or think or hear or see - is because He wills it to be so. Even when you forget Him, He remembers you and allows you yet another opportunity to receive His blessings. Everyday, God is better to you than you can imagine, than you can request, than you can think. God has done more for your just TODAY than you can understand. Even now, there are battles going on in the spirit realm where the devil and his forces are against you and your family. None of this you can even see! God is protecting you from these unseen dangers even as you read! Glory! If you're a believer you ought to know this - God prevents more things from occurring in your life than you'll ever know or could count. On average, God blesses you over a million times a day- WITHOUT YOUR REQUEST or RECOGNITION. He just does it! That's just what your physical body and mind does so you can function. That's not to count what He does in the spirit realm on your behalf. Folks, if we only knew the things God handles without our request but on our behalf. We'd be even more amazed with Him.

Trust me, I do understand that things in your life may not be perfect or even comfortable at this moment, but God is still being good to you right now. That may be a challenge to see, but just take a moment and consider what you're able to do. Consider the fact that you're still alive. All hope is never lost with God. Reignite your faith and hope in Him. He can change a situation for your good even at the final hour. Sometimes what's last minute to you is first minute to Him! Know that any trouble or problem you're facing (really it's facing you) could be much, much, worse. The devil really wants to do even greater evil. Further, please believe that what you're experiencing is nothing compared to everything that the devil is attempting. However, God is your defence. He has not given up on you, your circumstance, nothing! He loves you. He wants the best for you. He wants your life to turn out glorious. Decide today to repent and begin to be more grateful for the things that God has already brought you through and over. Your inner zeal and attitude toward Him can change in an instant. Develop a greater heart for God out of gratitude for Him and His inexplicable goodness! The best is still yet to come and even coming now if you receive it by faith. Let this post charge you up again in the spirit and increase your zeal, dedication, and focus toward God. He loves you with everything He has.

Now, for those of you that rightly determined your zeal towards God to be great and proper in the first place, then kudos to you! Stay vigilant and remain that way. God is worth it. He deserves our devotion. Our zeal towards Him should indeed be great because He is so great! 

He is the great God our Creator, sustainer, and blesser!

- The most beautiful people in the world are most beautiful inside. Be beautiful!

The Shape of Anger: Part V

For the last post of this series on anger I'd like us to consider the term devil in verse 27 (Ephesians 4:27) - "Neither give place to the devil."

First, allow me to provide some background on who the devil or Satan is.

• He is not a devil, but the chief devilish or evil one. No one and no thing is more evil than him. All evil, wrongs, and humans ills can be traced directly to him.
• He is the great accuser- false accuser of the brethren (i.e. believers) - Rev. 12:10. This is the critical point we'll be discussing in depth later in this post.
• Banished from Heaven due to his pride, Satan has become the archenemy of God and mankind. He knows that He cannot harm God in any way but desperately seeks to hurt God's creation.
• He is intimately jealous of the human condition- being made in the image and likeness of God. He desired this honor for himself.
• As a result of his hatred of God and mankind he pursues their complete destruction on a daily basis. The devil does not sleep on this.

Consequently, he desires to destroy mankind himself, or for God to do it, or for men to destroy each other. Either way, he wants God's image (mankind), which he couldn't have, completely wiped out! One of Satan's most misunderstood approaches to do this is by accusation. The devil is the ACCUSER of all, particularly believers. The great theologian Dr. H.L. Wilmington, in his Guide to the Bible, notes that, "this is one of the most malicious and misunderstood present-day activities of the devil." Further, Wilmington notes that "the Bible informs us of one of Satan's most treacherous hatchet jobs, that of bad-mouthing believers. In fact, this was one of several key reasons why the crucified and resurrected Christ had to ascend back to heaven that he might function as our divine defense attorney." (See Week 6 of Praise: God's Advocacy) So, do you constantly accuse people? Have you been told that you do? Do you know anyone else who does this? The truth is always the truth, but accusations are the devil's handiwork. Any time you hear someone defaming someone else, through only accusations, it is of the devil...period! God doesn't do that.

Now, let's take another look at our keystone scripture. Ephesians 4:27 - "Neither give place to the devil." The Greek present imperative of this verse means: Do not have the habit of giving place to Satan. Uncontrolled or unjust anger is an open door invitation for Satan to enter in to disrupt and corrupt whatever he chooses (See Part IV). Note, the term devil in this verse means a traducer- one who speaks maliciously and falsely of; to slander; to defame: to traduce someone's character. (2) A false accuser, (3) A wicked slanderer in the original language. Further, Fausset's Bible Dictionary surmised the following concerning Satan as an accuser: "The devil slanders God to man, man to God (Genesis 3; Zechariah 3), and man to man (via hatred, jealousy, envy, wrath, etc.). His misrepresentation of God as one arbitrary, selfish, and envious of His creature's happiness, a God to be slavishly-feared lest He should hurt, rather than filially loved, runs through all pagan idolatries. This calumny is refuted by God's not sparing His only begotten Son to save us. His slander of good men, as if serving God only for self's sake, is refuted by the case of "those who lose (in will or deed) their life for Christ's sake."

The central thought here, particularly the man to man part, is that when a person is angry at someone, Satan will continue to slander and defame the offender in one's mind until they're bubbling over in anger. He wants retaliation by any means necessary. This is why it is important that we are not too soon or too long angry with anyone. Satan always seeks to take the offense further than the offense itself! He provide you with false reasons, motives, and conclusions for why the person committed the offense against you. He'll have you trying to connect dots to an offense when no dots really exist. Even if the offender has told you the truth, Satan wants you to accept his ideas as the real ones. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL OF SATAN'S ACTIONS AGAINST MANKIND ARE OUT OF RETALIATION AGAINST GOD. Remember, Satan lost his honored position in Heaven due to his pride. He wanted to be like God as we are. He did not take his expulsion lightly. Although, not visibly angry with God, he does take out his hatred of Him on mankind. 

Now, let's see how the devil accuses someone before God in a familiar Bible example. In the book of Job (Job 1:6-12) we are invited into a heavenly scene where Satan begins accusing Job to God. As you read the story, it is clear that Satan has nothing good to say about Job. Satan falsely accuses Job and seeks to get God to believe that Job's character is reproachable. Further, Satan attempts to explain to God what the real condition of Job's heart was towards Him. Satan claimed to really know that Job only seemed zealous toward God. Ultimately, he accused Job of having non-genuine worship and respect for God. In this way, he claimed to know more about Job than God. NOTE: Like Satan, an accusing person will always claim to know something negative about a person that's unseen or unproven. If you continue to follow Job's story you'll notice that even Job's friends were of no help to him. They too were false accusers under the influence of the devil in their own right. They claimed to have the real reasons for Job's sufferings. Consider this: If Satan was brave enough to falsely accuse Job before God and use his friends against him, are we any different in this age? This is part of what's being conveyed in our keystone verse via the term "devil." The devil wants us to believe the worst about other people so that we treat them negatively. Unfortunately, some of these people may be in God's plan to bless us in some way later in life. This is especially true when we are angry at someone. Whether the anger is just (righteous) or unjust, the devil will always try to accuse the other person further than the act itself. This is one of his deceptive schemes to cause 'just' anger to easily slip over into 'unjust' anger.

Now, although beyond the topic of anger, you must be aware that the devil doesn't only want to accuse people you're angry with. Just hearing something, usually negative, about another person can become grounds for Satanic accusation. Also, think about who and/or how many people you don't like? What are the reasons? Are the reasons right and/or proven? Have you allowed the devil to paint a picture in your heart of someone that is really not true? Has Satan painted you negatively in someone's heart that you know is not true? Either way, your heart condition towards people will determine how far and how fast you progress in this life. God designed our lives to be interconnected. It's the human channel of connectivity, by His design.

Notwithstanding, it is true that sometimes people choose not to like other people because something was done or said that wasn't liked. In this a feeling of justification arises for not liking them, and, in many cases if a wrong was committed then it should indeed be made right. However, sometimes people choose not to like people and have no real proven-basis for it. They allow the devil to subtly accuse others in their minds until they've derived a reason for the dislike. Some believers have even went as far as calling this 'spiritual discernment'; especially when they've chosen not to like someone for a reason that they can't really 'put their finger on'. With this, I must say that there are real times that God will cause us to spiritually discern certain individuals of which we need not associate with. In these cases, they are not scheduled to be a part of God's plan for our lives. However, not liking a person for no real reason, a false reason, or an unproved reason is not sanctioned anywhere in the scripture. We have been commanded to love; dislike and like of others is mankind's behavioral variations from this command. In fact, Jesus hates sin but still loves people that do sin. Moreover, if Jesus could associate with the likes of Judas, knowing the evil he was up to, please know that we're no different. Life will bring about necessary associations with people we feel we have reason to dislike. It's part of the walk of faith and maturity. God, in Jesus name, help us all : >) Besides, it is possible to not like what a person does or says and have no negative feelings about them as a person. This is how Jesus responds to you and your sin.

Psalm 101:5a - "Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour him will I cut off...
I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors... (NLT)

Until next time...peace be unto all of you.
DsW