OHHHH, this episode is different. This episode we will actively go down paths where we have been told lies about ourselves and our faith. These are not lies we have dismissed but rather lies that have shaped us. Lies that look like truth, comfort, or tradition that has actually kept us from living in the promises of God.

What are these lies? Strongholds.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not [a]carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

Strongholds have kept you captive, it has blocked out God's truth because stronghold masks itself as truth, comfort and righteousness.

The promises of God shape us and give us hope. It gives us guidance and the ability to decipher what is truth. But do we know the promises? The Bible is full of God's promises, what He has spoken and we know what God speaks has to come to past.

“God is not a man, that He should lie,Nor a son of man, that He should repent.Has He said, and will He not do?Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good

Numbers 23:19

So if we know that God does not lie or change His mind why do we waver on that He has spoken. We face day distractions that keep from living fulling in Christ. Over the next 3 episodes we will discuss "live in His promises"

Scripture references:

Numbers 23;19

Isaiah 61:1-4

Jeremiah 29:11

John 10:10

Matthew 28:20

Genesis 22:3-8

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

With everything that is going on in the world it is easy for us to forget the goodness of God. It’s easy for us to become overall but life and the worlds problems. As we pray for this world , pray for every leader in power to turn their heart towards God, I want us to keep a heart of praise. As we become more active in our communities, jobs, politics or any area. Let’s keep a heart of praise. Praise is a weapon but that weapon has to be formed in the Goodness of God. Never forget who He is.

There is so much to learn of God. I truly believe that we will never "arrive" in Christ meaning that we know it all. We don't and we won't which is a good thing. We can not handle the pressures that come with knowing every detail about life and this world. I personally love that because it gives me a sense of peace. It allows me to focus on what I am required to know and do. But even in my personal journey I need to gain His knowledge. I can not lean on me understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6) even if it is a well educated one.

God knows the very detail of all things at all times, so why not seek the one who is all knowing. Be curious of God's knowledge which is His wisdom. The bible says in

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him

God desires to give His wisdom to all who ask, not some but all. Have you asked lately of His wisdom? Do you know what the beginning of wisdom?

Let's discuss.

Can Worry Be My Fuel? Unfortunately worrying is a part of our lives, more than what we would like. Christ tells us in Matthew 6:19-34 not to worry, if your father in heaven will take care of the birds in the air, how much will he care for you? While I believe that Christians know this, I also believe it's hard to release worry.

What if we change our perspective and use worry for our benefit. Not allowing us to be consumed or condemned but allow it to make us get closer to God. Maybe the worry will be alleviated by becoming a proactive person. Seeking His wisdom and strategy. Allow this to reveal some areas where you battle unbelief. Mark 9:23-25 ,

23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

We have to cry to our father and say "Lord, I believe but help my unbelief". Worry can move your humility. Voice your unbelief , voice your concerns and watch your Heavenly Father work on your behave.

Scriptures to Study:James 1:1-5, Matthew 6: 19-34, Mark 9:14-25

Matthew 5:14-16

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

It is a privilege and an honor to be a light in darkness but let's be real... it's overwhelming which cause a lot of us to not want to be seen. Trust me a I get it. Step out into the world to let your light shine is a faith walk!! Most of us are fine with impacting those immediately around us but God is calling for more. If you like it or not people are watching you. They are watching how your faith aligns with your actions and words. They watch how you treat others, they watch how courageous you are.

Who's watching you? Here the truth the more you walk in God, there will be more people who will watch you, some to be negative but a lot are drawn to your light. They are drawn to Christ who resides in you, there is freedom in letting your light shine. There is freedom to reveal the spirit of God in all areas. Let's your light shine because you don't know who's watching you.

How can praise be our weapon? For some of us we have heard the story of the Children of Israel and the wall of Jericho.

Josh 6:115-16

15 On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times.c 16 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!

How about Paul and Silas prayer and singing so hard it cause a earthquake and freed them from prison!

Acts 16: 25 says

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.

There are so many examples of praise being more than just a loud noise or fast break praise music. Praise commands and shifts our very atmosphere. Let's talk about it.

Life as a believer is a rewarding life, we have direct access to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. When we accepted Christ as our personal Savior we had gain access to a free and victorious life. Our victory doesn't come by our works but it come through our faith. Believing in what He died for and believing in what He reigns over. Our faith in Christ makes us victorious. God can give you natural strategy on how to live a life of victory. This does not mean you will never experience pain or hardship but it means even if your darker moment you have VICTORY. CHRIST IS VICTORY.

Do you know that when you accepted Christ, you became FREE!! FROM ALL THINGS!!! You don't have to earn it, turn around 3 times.. slap your neighbor 15 times. LOL!!! Christ makes you free. All you have to do accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.

I get it you are a believer but you don't feel free. Trust me I know that feeling, I lived there too long but I had to go beyond what I felt or saw but stand on what He promised. Focus on what God promised but in order to know that, you have to abide in His Word.

John 8: 31-36

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”

34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Live free in Christ and never look back.

Intro song snippet: Jesus Cultural with Kim Walker Smith : Freedom

OOOOHHH! This judgmental spirit has ran rampant for far too long and too far in the body of Christ. I am not saying that we are not to determine what is wrong or right but I am concern by the heart posture of us as believers when we cast opinions.

Let our mouths (words) always reflect the love and the compassion of Christ even when we have to speak uncomfortable truths. Before you say anything , check your heart. Are words going to led to a better relationship with Christ or will it intentionally leave someone wounded and hurt. Who are you judging?

Intro clip is from David Guzik; Sermon "Judging Others" Matthew 7:1-6