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| 09/07/08 | Brandon Bracey's Seed Devotion: Standing Up For Others. # |
Brandon Bracey
 |
Seed Devotion: Standing Up For Others
Scripture NKJV Matthew 25:40," And the King will answer and say to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."
I remember a while back watching a program from an abortion clinic on Christian television. It was one of the most gruesome things I had ever seen. They were showing how the tragedy of abortions were carried out in America. I saw fetuses being destroyed and the tools that were used to destroy them. I saw moms who felt guilty and new lives that were destroyed. Once that seed became a fetus it was a life, but some did not see it that way. Their whole thing was to destroy the fetus as soon as possible, so the potential parents would have to no longer worry about the child. It's a shame that over a quarter million abortions are done in America and people, including some in the government, think it's okay. It breaks my heart to see the apparent disregard for life on public display.
But while it's sad to see, it brings hope to my heart to see people standing up for these babies. It's great to see shows that promote life and fight those who stand up for abortion. It's also wonderful to see people all over the world who stand up for those in need. In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah was persecuted for proclaiming God's message to sinful Judah. For 40 years Jeremiah was faithful to proclaim God's messages. Some of these messages were tough, but had to be because a holy God could not put up with an unholy people. For 40 years Jeremiah received no acclaim, love, or popularity. He was beaten, jailed, and tormented. People today all over the world are still being heavily persecuted for their faith and obedience to God. In Jeremiah 38, Judah was in tormoil. They also had a king who agreed with everybody. Now, if the king doesn't stand for anything than you know the people will live by their own rules. In Jeremiah 38, the people had gotten tired of Jeremiah's prophetic voice because it was not what they wanted to hear. Therefore they put Jeremiah in a cistern to kill him. A cistern was a large hole in the ground lined with rocks to collect water. The bottom was dark, damp, and full of mud. In a cistern, Jeremiah could drown, die of exposure, or starve to death in the cistern.
But there was a palace official by the name of Ebed-Melech who would save Jeremiah. Ebed-Melech was an Ethiopian eunuch in the service of King Zedekiah. The Hebrew to English translation of Ebed-Melech's name is "servant of the king". He truely was out to be obedient to the true king, our Father God. When Ebed-Melech heard of Jeremiah's trouble, he went immediately to deal with the injustice going on. Because Ebed-Melech feared God more than man, he stood up against the murder plot. He could have lost his life, but was instead spared when Jerusalem fell( Jeremiah 39:15). Ebed-Melech and thirty men pulled Jeremiah out of the cistern before he died.
As we speak today, there are children being sexually abused, while people who know about it do nothing. There are businesses cheating employees out of their wages , while people stand around and do nothing. And their are babies being killed everyday, while people stand around and do nothing.
I thank God for the Ebed-Melechs of the world. I thank God for people who stand up for what is right, regardless of popular opinion. Here are some things you can do to make sure you are standing up for what's right:
1) Speak Up For God: The opinions of people can cause you to go astray. If you are a true child of God, the Bible is your final authority. When you gave your life to Jesus, you no longer played by your own rules. Speak up for God today.
2) Don't just talk, take action: Often we have trouble getting up and doing what we say we want to do. Complacency robs you of the reward of being a blessing.
3) Love is the driving force: Love is generousity in action. Without love, this world would crumble. Someone is waiting to experience your love today.
The next child killed in an abortion clinic could have been the next great evangelist, the next president of the United States, or a teacher changing people's lives. Let's stand up for others who cannot help themselves. Let's change this world and restore what's truely pure, noble, and right in Jesus name, Amen.
Heavenly Father,
I repent of not doing my part to be an agent of change. Lord you have commanded me to go out and spread love to a lost and dying world. Holy Spirit use me to fight evil with good. Use me to be generous in what I have to help and bless others. I thank you for those people in my life that have helped me as well. Thank you Lord in Jesus name, Amen.
Permission To Distribute With Full Recognition Given To Author.
Today you can make the most important decision of your life by accepting Jesus as Lord of your life. Please pray this prayer: "Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending your only begotten Son to die on the cross for my sins. Lord I repent of all sin and ask Jesus into my heart. Thank you Lord Jesus for saving my soul and making me whole. Amen." If you have just prayed this prayer, congratulations! You are born again and are now apart of the Family of God! The next step is to get into a good bible based church where the Word of God is proclaimed. Please email me at: brandon_bracey00@yahoo.com so I can assist you in your new beginning!
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| 09/06/08 | Brandon Bracey's Seed Devotion: The Fear Of Failure. # |
Brandon Bracey
|
Seed Devotion: The Fear Of Failure
Scripture NKJV Proverbs 3:5, 6 ," 5Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."
This election year is historic on many different accounts. We could have our first ever African- American President or our first ever female Vice-President. This election year has caused us to examine sex and gender on a much deeper level as a nation. But when I think about Barack Obama, I have often heard things in the African- American community about having a black president. Some say a black president would get killed because race is still an issue in America. Some also say a black person could never win the presidency because people are used to someone white as president.
This to me lends to something that is very prevalent in our society, no matter what race. This sounds to me like a huge fear of failure. Now there may be truths in what people say, but fear is the underlying issue a lot of times. Fear keeps people from stepping out on faith and doing what God wants them to do. Fear of the unknown keeps people from starting a mission to Africa. Fear of being alone keeps people from leaving an abusive relationship. Fear of being judged keeps people from going to church.
But the problem is that where there is fear, there is no faith. The Bible says in Isaiah 41:10, "Fear not, for I am with you..." God is not the author of fear, Satan is. And the reason that Satan wants to get you into fear is because he has literally peaked into your future and seen what God has in store for you! All fear does is steal your joy and complicates your life. But faith causes you to rise like an eagle to the wonderful, abundant living that Jesus died to give you!
Here are some ways never to live in fear again:
1) Know who the author of fear is: Fear never comes from God. Satan is out to destroy your life. Therefore, he wants to keep you in a box of fear, worry, and anxiety. Do not fall for his trap.
2) Know who gives you faith: The Bible says that God has given every man the measure of faith. Why? Because you cannot please God unless you trust and believe he will see you through everything.
3) Stay intimate with God: When you get close to God through prayer, worship, bible study, and fellowship, Satan's influence over your life will diminish.
Whether I agree with Sen. Obama's policies or not, I am inspired by him. I am inspired to reach for my goals, no matter the opposition. Don't let the devil keep you in a box any longer. Break out and fly ahead!
Heavenly Father,
You are so wonderful and I trust you in everything. I bind the spirit of fear and command it to leave my life. I trust you Holy Spirit to help me achieve everything you have in store for me. Thank you Lord for an abundant, wonderful, exciting life in Jesus name, Amen.
Permission To Distribute With Full Recognition Given To Author.
Today you can make the most important decision of your life by accepting Jesus as Lord of your life. Please pray this prayer: "Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending your only begotten Son to die on the cross for my sins. Lord I repent of all sin and ask Jesus into my heart. Thank you Lord Jesus for saving my soul and making me whole. Amen." If you have just prayed this prayer, congratulations! You are born again and are now apart of the Family of God! The next step is to get into a good bible based church where the Word of God is proclaimed. Please email me at: brandon_bracey00@yahoo.com so I can assist you in your new beginning!
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| 09/04/08 | Brandon Bracey's Seed Devotion: Living With Questions. # |
Brandon Bracey
|
Seed Devotion: Living With Questions
Scripture Romans 15:13 NKJV," Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
I always wondered why my professor in college had to pass away so abruptly. She was a good professor and a person who was passionate about her craft. Cancer took her life and it was such a shock to me because it happened during the middle of the school year. I assumed it was her time to go, but why now? Why this way?
There are many people in the world today who live with questions just like me. It's easy when you have the answers, but it is tough to live with questions. If you have a family member who got killed in the war in Iraq you may be saying ," Why Lord?". If you lost your job during the Christmas season and can't buy gifts for the kids you may be wondering,"Why?" If your family members have disowned you because of your faith, you may be wondering,"Why?".
The interesting part is that God does not always give us the answers. Sometimes God will seem silent. Then that really frustrates us because we as human beings like to be in the "know" on everything going on with us!
But I have come to learn something very important: Life will bring answers, but it will also leave questions. You may never find out why your wife was killed in a car crash or why your co-workers stabbed you in the back. You may never know why your parents both died when you were young, which led to you being adopted. But you can have assurance that God has all the answers! See, you do not have to know everything, because God knows EVERYTHING! What good is faith and trust in God if you know just as much as he does! Here are some things to help you live well in a land full of questions:
1) Don't worry , be happy: A lot of times worry comes when you allow circumstances to frustrate you. God is the source of your joy, not your circumstances. The Bible says in Nehemiah 8:10... for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
2) Don't throw a pity party: Pity partys just lead to more sadness and frustration. You do not have time to feel sorry for yourself. God has a great plan for your life.
3) Keep God first in all things: When you put God first, he will fill you with so much peace and joy and hope, that you will be overflowing!
My hope and prayer is that my professor is in a much better place right now. If you know someone who is depressed and living with questions about life, lead them to Christ. Lead them through the sinner's prayer. Let them know that God gives them hope for depression. Psalm 42:5 says when your soul is downcast, hope in God and praise him! Life's questions become so much easier to deal with when the source of all answers is the Lord. Amen!
Heavenly Father,
I have questions, but I do not worry or fear because my trust is in you. As I wait for answers I will fulfill my purpose and do your will. Help me Holy Spirit to keep my hope anchored in you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.
Permission To Distribute With Full Recognition Given To Author
The most important decision you can make is to accept Jesus as Lord of your life. If you would like to do that say this prayer," Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross for my sins. I am a sinner in need of a savior. Jesus I repent of my sin and ask you to come into my heart. I make you Lord of my life. Amen". If you have prayed this prayer, congratulations You are saved and a part of the family of God! The next step is to get into a good bible based church where the Word of God is proclaimed! Please email me at: brandon_bracey00@yahoo.com so I can assist you in your new beginning!
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| 09/03/08 | Brandon Bracey's Seed Devotion: Learning From Experience. # |
Brandon Bracey
|
Seed Devotion: Learning From Experience
Scripture Luke 11:28 NKJV:" But He said," More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep(obey) it!"
Hurricane Gustav has been the biggest news story so far this week. It has even overtaken the Republican National Convention in news coverage. I can only imagine the residents of New Orleans saying to themselves," Here we go again". It was only three years ago that Hurrican Katrina came through and dismantled the city and left a people in outrage. The government came late and was unprepared and many people were left to rebuild their lives after their homes were destroyed and lives changed forever. Now here in the year 2008, it's seems like the government has learned something from the past and so have the residents. From some of the latest reports, although there was huge damage in some areas, the government has been more alert and for the most part the people have evacuated the city. Oftentimes, experience can be the best form of education.
But there are some of us who still never learn. Your husband has been slapping you around for 15 years, but yet you still stay with him because you say he "loves" you. Your paychecks are gone as soon as you get them, but you still refuse to tithe. Your kids are on drugs and stealing your money, and yet you still let them snort it in your home. You have a sickness that keeps getting worse, but yet after five years you still will not confess the Word of God over your life.
This is what I am talking about. When you do not learn from experience, you are bound to repeat the same thing over and over. Only a fool would continue to put his hand on a hot stove if it burned him the first time. But that's the way we often operate in our lives. Actually, the Holy Spirit will often speak to us when we are going through our issues, but we have become so accustomed to doing things "our way" that we block out his voice. But if you will get still before God, focus on him alone, and seek his voice, he will show you the right decision to make.
Here are some ways below to avoid falling into repeat bad experiences over and over again below:
1) Seek God In Prayer: Often we have no idea what to do, but God does. By seeking God about whether or not to take the job, you are acknowledging that he truly is Lord of your life.
2) Block out distractions: Sometimes we just have too many distractions in our live to be sensitive to the voice of the spirit. Sometimes you need to put the kids to bed or turn off the tv and just get alone with God. Not only does it rejuvenate your spirit but also gives you clarity.
3) Do not go off of emotions: It can be hard to tell your child that he can not stay in your house and do drugs at the same time. Our emotions say we love our child. But our emotions can cause more trouble than we ever imagined when we are controlled by them. Instead , allow the Holy Spirit to speak and then simply obey!
The next time you are hit with a Hurricane in your life, think about what you learned in your previous storm. Do not keep going around in circles. Instead break out of the vicious cycle and straight into your victory. Amen!
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all the lessons I have learned through the years. Thank you for your guidance through the Holy Spirit as I have matured to handle life's challenges. There is no challenge too great for me because I have you on my side. I ask that you will help me to always be open to your guidance in Jesus name, Amen.
Permission To Distribute With Full Recognition Given To Author
The most important decision you can make is to accept Jesus as Lord of your life. If you would like to do that say this prayer," Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross for my sins. I am a sinner in need of a savior. Jesus I repent of my sin and ask you to come into my heart. I make you Lord of my life. Amen". If you have prayed this prayer, congratulations You are saved and a part of the family of God! The next step is to get into a good bible based church where the Word of God is proclaimed! Please email me at: brandon_bracey00@yahoo.com so I can assist you in your new beginning!
Brandon Bracey's Seed Devotions On Ryze!
http://brandonbracey-network.ryze.comReply by Private Message (new win) |
| 08/22/08 | Info On Why Tithing Is Important. # |
Brandon Bracey
|
The Old Testament and the New Testament are BOTH for us today.
Jesus came to FULFILL not do away with THE LAW.
Malachi 3:8 asks the question "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have
robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and
offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even
this whole nation."
Malachi 3:10 - "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse that
there may be meat in mine house and prove me now herewith saith the
Lord of hosts if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour
you out a blessing that there shall not be a room enough to receive
it".
Here we see the promise that if we tithe we will be blessed.
Hubby always preached, "THE TITHE IS THE LORD'S", and when you give
to a church you are giving to God.
What is the tithe? It is the "gateway for the believer into the
covenant of blessings." In the Hebrew "maaser" or "maasrah," is
translated tenth, or tenth part, and in Greek "apodekatoo" and in
both, it means a payment or giving or receiving of the tenth.
The tithe is that tenth of our income that we give to God, which
enables Him to move on our behalf in the area of blessings. The
Bible records numerous accounts of man tithing to God. God is the
creator of everything that exists. He owns everything and we are
simply stewards of what we have been entrusted with. The tithe
principle is this; "He gives unto us, we give back to Him one-tenth
of all that He has blessed us with."
Abraham tithed unto Melchizedek, Isaac tithed, His son Jacob and
many others also even before the law was given. Many Christians do
not tithe because they have been taught that they are not under the
law, but under grace. While this is a true statement, God did not
institute the tithe to bring us under the law, but to get blessings
to His children. Abraham tithed before the law, and God blessed him
supernaturally. We're under grace that we might establish the law;
not turn from it. Jesus said that He didn't come to do away with the
law, but to fulfill it. Because He fulfilled it, we are to establish
it. His Words are forever settled in heaven, therefore we establish
His Words upon the earth.
Matthew 5:17-19: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or
the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I
say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle
shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever
therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall
teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven:
but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called
great in the kingdom of heaven."
Tithing According to the Law as Given by Moses
Leviticus 27:30 "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed
of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy
unto the LORD."
This scripture states that all the tithe, whether it be seed of the
land, fruit of the tree, or one tenth of all that you earn, is holy
unto the Lord. Deuteronomy 14:22-29 states that one-tenth of all
that comes into your possession, belongs to God. This was God's plan
to instruct His people as to the way of blessings that He had for
them. God is a multiplier by nature, and He could not multiply that
which was not entrusted to Him. When the children of Israel were
obedient to give back to God that which was His, increase was
guaranteed. Scripture states, It's better to be obedient than to
sacrifice. When the children of Israel were obedient, blessings
came; when they were disobedient, they had to sacrifice. Many
Christians today are wanting God to honor the covenant that He has
with His children, but disobedient children cannot receive the same
reward as the obedient.
1 Samuel 15:22: "And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in
burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the
fat of rams."
The strongest chain is only as strong as its weakest link. When we
fail to tithe, we become that weak link. Statistics show that
approximately 20% of Christians tithe. That means, 80% of
Christendom is not in covenant with their God, but are like beggars
and thieves looking for handouts and what they can steal from Him.
Now we used to TIP a waitress 10%. Then it went up to 15%. Some tip
20@ and even more. Yet we find it hard to give God the 10% He
requires.
We should give more than we are asked to give and see God open up
the windows of the heaven.
My 2 cents worth..........
(forgive the lateness, but I was ill).
Terry Q. (moderator
Not My Will, But God's Will
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| 08/22/08 | Baptism Of The Holy Spirit By Brandon Bracey. # |
Brandon Bracey
|
Hope you are having a great day today! I have been teaching about tongues online for the past few months now. People have emailed me personally about tongues and asked me questions such as,1)" Is tongues for everyone? 2) Is it a gift that just some people get?3) Are you saved if you do not speak in tongues? Here is the answer to these three questions: 1) Yes, every believer has access to tongues as their personal prayer language.,2) the gift of tongues is different from the prayer language of tongues( also better known as "praying in the spirit"). Everyone does not have the gift that Paul was talking about( I will explain more in next paragraphs), 3) Yes, you are still saved if you do not speak in tongues, but you are missing a vitally, important element in operating in the Fullness and Power of God.
Speaking in tongues comes when you receive the " Baptism of the Holy Spirit". Acts 1:5,8 talks about John baptizing with water.. but ye shall receive power when the Holy Ghost comes upon you. When you hear the word power, this is where the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is vital. Operating in power characterized Jesus's ministry on earth. The disciples watached Jesus raise the dead, heal the sick, calm storms, and cast out demons. Jesus operated in power and we can have the same power when we become Baptized in the Holy Ghost! Unfortunately, many churches do not teach about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I did not even know about it until I joined my church here in Virginia. But the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is available to every believer. Some people may believe they have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit when they got saved. But there is nowhere in the Bible where it says you receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit automatically when you get saved. But if you ask for it from the Lord, you will receive it. If you read Acts 2:1-4 it talks about the day of Pentecost and everyone was on one accord, and a mighty rushing wind came, as well as, cloven tongues like fire, and everyone was filled with the Holy Ghost and started speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. When Jesus' followers received the spirit, they began to speak in other tongues. Also in Acts 2:14 Peter stood up and preached and 3, 000 people people were saved that day. It was the first Holy-Ghost annointed sermon preached by a born again man. The promise of the spirit belongs to every person who belongs to Jesus Christ and is saved. Ministry Family this promise is available to you.
Some people say, " Well speaking in tongues is not for everyone. Surely God does not expect everyone to be baptized in the Holy Ghost." Yes he does. Romans 8:9 says, But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." This verse says when you get saved you are born of the spirit of Christ. You have the nature of Christ, and you become a new creature in him. Now, it does not say you receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost just because you're saved.
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is a separate, individual experience. Sometimes people receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost at the same time they receive salvation. Sometimes it happens on another occasion. Either way, salvation and receiving the Baptism of the Holy Ghost are two separate things.
THE EVIDENCE
Now this is the evidence that you have been baptized in the Holy Ghost: First you're going to speak in tongues and magnify God. Second, your life will be filled with power that makes you a witness. In order to be a powerful witness for God you need the baptism of the Holy Ghost. When I first started praying in tongues, it sounded strange but I did it anyway. It's going to sound strange, but that's okay. It's a heavenly language.Third, When you begin praying in tongues, you are prophesying the perfect will of God for your future! Fourth, When you pray in tongues you are building yourself up in your most holy faith( see Jude 1:20). Being edified is like charging a battery. When you pray in tongues you get charged up spiritually and become a strong witness for Jesus.
CLEARING UP CONFUSION
This is where the Body of Christ has gotten confused. I will say this very simple so you can understand it for sure. There is a difference between tongues as a prayer language and the gift of tongues. Although the prayer language is available to every believer, everybody does not have the gift of interpreting tongues in a public assembly. People go to 1 Corinthians and read what Paul says and then think that speaking in tongues is not for them. But Paul was not talking about the prayer language, but the gift of tongues in public assembly( or in church). You can find the Apostle Paul giving instructions on regulating this gift in 1 Corinthians 14:27. So we must understand that the gift of tongues benefits the hearers, whereas the prayer language benefits only the speaker. When the gift of tongues is given in a public assembly, the message needs to be interpreted for the hearers to benefit.
To sum this all up, being filled with the Holy Ghost gives us tremendous power for living the Christian life.
You can receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost now! All you have to do is pray this prayer with me: Lord Jesus, I believe that you are raised from the dead and that You are Lord of all. Thank you for forgiving me of my sin and for cleansing me of all unrighteousness. Lord Jesus, right now I receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and I speak with other tongues as the Spirit gives me utterance. In the name of Jesus, I believe, I receive, and I will speak in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you have prayed this prayer with me you have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues! I encourage you to pray in the spirit( in tongues) today! You will not understand what you are saying, but you have a heavenly language that the devil cannot interrupt! Now you also have access to this power! Have a great day!
Blessings,
Brandon
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| 08/22/08 | Brandon Bracey's Seed Devotion: A Million Dollars # |
Brandon Bracey
|
Seed Devotion: A Million Dollars
Scripture NKJV Luke 1:48," For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed."
Do you know someone in your life that you just cannot give anything to as a gift? When you get something as a gift for them they say," Oh, you did not have to get me that!" Or when they have a need for something and you try to help them they say," Oh, no way can I take that from you." Does that get on your nerves?!
I am going to be honest and say that it does get on my nerves! But I think that it is because I am not only a giver but also a BIG RECEIVER! Do you want to give me something? Ok, no problem! I receive gifts freely and in abundance!
But God has been showing me how to see things from another person's perception who may not want to receive gifts so freely. God has been showing me that often times it is false humility. Some people believe that they have too much already and some believe that the gift could go to better use for someone who may need it more.
Now these things may be true, but I struggle with this. I struggle because I strongly believe in my heart that the more you have, then the more you can give. I was thinking to myself ," If someone was to give me a million dollars would I keep it?" In a split second I said to myself," Heck Yeah!!! I believe that the more I have the more I can give! I am supposed to be a distribution center and a blessing for building the kingdom right? This just puts more money in my hand to build orphanages, do missions trips, and to support the local church! Hallelujah!
In Luke Chapter 1, when Mary was about to give birth to John The Baptist she said," From now on all the generations will call me blessed." She was not saying it to be prideful, she was recognizing and accepting the gift God had given her. If Mary had denied her awesome position, she would have been throwing God's blessing back at him. Pride is refusing to accept God's gifts or taking credit for what God has done, while humility is accepting the gifts and using them to praise and serve God. Don't deny, criticize, or just ignore your gifts, use them to serve God.
Now you may be saying," Brandon receiving from a person is one thing, but from God is another." Look, I am not saying take drugs from a person or something crazy like that. We are talking about things that can bless you, not curse you! And if it can bless you, it can probably bless someone else as well!
False humility is really pride seeping in. People sometimes take so much pride in how well off they are, that they forget that everything they own is God's anyway! Then the get this superiority complex and do not even realize it! And it is so dangerous because the devil has got people thinking this and it actually stops the kingdom of God from advancing. But it's better to take your gifts and use them to be a distribution center and bless people all over the world!
I pray that you get what I am saying today. To be blessed is to be a blessing
Heavenly Father,
I take authority over false humility and the spirit of pride and bind the devil and his traps. I am blessed and I will use what I have to be a blessing to others. As I give Lord, lay it on my heart to be able to receive blessings so I can give even more, in Jesus name, Amen.
Permission To Distribute With Full Recognition Given To Author
The most important decision you can make is to accept Jesus as Lord of your life. If you would like to do that say this prayer," Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross for my sins. I am a sinner in need of a savior. Jesus I repent of my sin and ask you to come into my heart. I make you Lord of my life. Amen". If you have prayed this prayer, congratulations You are saved and a part of the family of God! The next step is to get into a good bible based church where the Word of God is proclaimed! Please email me at: brandon_bracey00@yahoo.com so I can assist you in your new beginning!
Brandon Bracey's Seed Devotions On Ryze!
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| 08/21/08 | Brandon Bracey's Seed Devotion: Vultures. # |
Brandon Bracey
|
Seed Devotion: Vultures
Scripture NKJV Phillippians 3:13," Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead."
Your boyfriend dumped you five years ago, but yet all you do is still gossip and cry about him. You lost your old job two years ago. You have a new job, but you just can't seem to get past how your boss used to treat you. You grew up in a neighborhood that was called the ghetto of your city and you still use that neighborhood as an excuse today as to why you are not successful in life.
The list can go on and on and it's all about the past. For a person who thinks about their past all the time, they are basically still living in it. And as long as they live in the past they can never reach into the bright future God wants to give them.
It's amazing how so many people live like vultures. Vultures are scavenging birds that feed mostly on the carcasses of dead animals. There are so many of us today who just feed on those "dead" issues in our lives. We continue to rehearse those things in our lives that God has closed the door on.Then we start to throw another pity party about how bad our lives are. Then we want people to feel sorry for us and see how we are the victim.
But that victim mentality is not from God. It's because God does not look at your past to determine your present or your future. Instead of dwelling on the past we need to learn from it and move forward. How do you move forward? By focusing on God's plan to give you a great future full of blessings and joy. Yes you may have had a rough upbringing, but your hope is not in your upbringing, it's in the Lord. To glorify your past is to offend God because what you are telling God is that he does not the power to change it. But yet if it was not for God who knows were you would be anyway!
Phillippians 3:13 says to press forward to those things ahead and forget those things that are behind. I feel led by the Holy Spirit to give you ways to do it. Here they are below:
1) Stay Focused On God: Placing God at the center of our lives takes our mind off of unimportant things with no value.
2) Do Not Let Your Circumstances Dictate Your Attitude: Some people's attitudes are based off of feeling, but we need to base our attitudes off the fact that God is good all the time!
3) Praise & Worship God In The Good And Bad Times: Praise and Worship takes our minds off of us and sets the atmosphere for God to work.
4) Give Thanks: Continously thank God for who you are. You may not be where you want to be yet, but thank God you are not where you used to be.
5) Have A Vision And Set Goals: Without A vision and goals for your life you will just go around in circles. Have a vision of what you want for your life and goals To achieve it.
It's time to put the past to rest and focus on a great present and bright future! Let's go from Vultures to Eagles
Heavenly Father,
Help me to let go of my past for good. Thank you for a bright future filled with your great purpose for my life. Holy Spirit help me to focus on those things with value and move forward with the goals I have for my life. My life is in your hands Lord in Jesus name, Amen.
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The most important decision you can make is to accept Jesus as Lord of your life. If you would like to do that say this prayer," Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross for my sins. I am a sinner in need of a savior. Jesus I repent of my sin and ask you to come into my heart. I make you Lord of my life. Amen". If you have prayed this prayer, congratulations You are saved and a part of the family of God! The next step is to get into a good bible based church where the Word of God is proclaimed! Please email me at: brandon_bracey00@yahoo.com so I can assist you in your new beginning!
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| 08/19/08 | Brandon Bracey's Seed Devotion: Padded Crosses. # |
Brandon Bracey
|
Seed Devotion: Padded Crosses
Scripture Hebrews 12:2," looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
I remember when I first got saved and it was all so exciting! I remember walking down the aisle of the Baptist Church with nervous energy in my stomach. It was a wonderful day and I made the most important decision I could ever make in my life.
Ok! Great! My life will now be so easy! I am saved and on my way to heaven! Wait.... Hold up... I am having family problems again. Uh Oh.... I am also having financial hardships. Oh boy... you are also asking me to leave my former life of doing what I want to serve God!!??
Have you experienced this? You were on top of the world when you got saved, but then it seemed like your world started crashing down? That's because when you became saved you made an enemy of a former friend. His name is Satan. Satan wants to destroy your life... plain and simple. You used to work for him, but now you have joined the other team and he can't stand it!
But you also have to realize that God never promised us that working out your salvation would be easy. There is a price for being identified with Jesus. Some first century believers even faced death, and even today in some parts of the world people still face death for following Jesus. To live as Jesus did means to not conform to the world, give up your own rights, and serve others. This my friends, comes with a price.
I do not mean to rain on your parade, but there are no "padded crosses" in Christianity. I would be nice to have a fresh cup of lemonade on a beach everyday, but then there would be no victory. Jesus needs us to be soldiers in this spiritual war. There are souls on the line. People's lives hang in the balance.
Now the wonderful news is that when you endure persecution just like Christ, there is joy and reward in it! Jesus endured the cross because he was doing the Father's will and he knew that no amount of suffering could compare with the joy of fulfilling his purpose. Yes, you may have some trials, but you will also have peace, joy, love, wisdom, and the wonderful fruits of the spirit developed in you! Do not also forget about your eternal reward in heaven.
Do you want to hear God," Well done thou good and faithful servant"?. If you do, take the pads off your cross and follow him
Heavenly Father,
You are mighty, awesome and wonderful. It is a privilege to bring glory to your name Lord. Father I purpose to do your will no matter the cost. From this point on I will take up my cross and follow you in Jesus name, Amen.
Permission To Distribute With Full Recognition Given To Author.
The most important decision you can make is to accept Jesus as Lord of your life. If you would like to do that say this prayer," Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross for my sins. I am a sinner in need of a savior. Jesus I repent of my sin and ask you to come into my heart. I make you Lord of my life. Amen". If you have prayed this prayer, congratulations You are saved and a part of the family of God! The next step is to get into a good bible based church where the Word of God is proclaimed! Please email me at: brandon_bracey00@yahoo.com so I can assist you in your new beginning!
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| 08/09/08 | Women With Issues Series Part 6 FINALE Mary Magdelene By Brandon Bracey. # |
Brandon Bracey
|
Title: Mary Magdelene: Witnessing God's Work In Our Lives
Scripture: NKJV: John 20:18," Mary Magdelene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things to her."
A Microscope can be seen as one of the most amazing instruments ever made. Microscopes are able to magnify objects too small to be seen by the unaided eye. There was something I noticed about myself today. Sometimes I look at a particular circumstance in my life through what seems like a very strong microscope. I remember taking Hebrew at Seminary and there was one particular teaching assistant who always let me know when I was not doing well on my tests. When I would get low grades the teaching assitant would always write remarks on my paper that said something like," Brandon you can do much better than this!" He would say it in what seemed to me like an evil, threatening tone of voice. All of a sudden I would get all bent out of shape, threaten to quit Seminary, and go to my older friend down the hall for personal counseling sessions. The teaching assistant worked in the library so I would not go in the library just so I could avoid this person! This put checking books out of the question! This situation had definitely magnified in my mind! Well, over the course of time I came to realize that the teaching assistant was simply trying to encourage and inspire me to be better in Hebrew and we are now friends. I did not have to go through all I went through. I just made a decision that I would take a simple situation and then look at it through what I call my mind-o-scope and make it big
But this may also be what many people do in the world. When someone hears that they have Cancer, they may cry and panic and assume that the world is coming to the end. They may forget all about divine healing and God's grace. Or someone's child may be acting up in school, and the person may get all upset without even seeing what is the root of the problem. This is what I like to call looking at things through a microscope. Often we can make something so much bigger than it truly is.
Mary Magdelene was a woman who became famous through plays and movies such as Jesus Christ Superstar. Often in these plays she was portrayed as a sensuous woman, and as a reformed prostitute. However, as far as I know the Bible portrays her a little differently. Mary Magdelene came from Magdala, which was a city on the Sea of Galilee. One day Jesus drove seven demons from Mary Magdelene, and after being healed by Jesus she dedicated her life to him. The Bible tells us in the Gospels that a crowd of women left their families to follow Jesus in Matthew 27:55-56. Mary Magdelene was one of the women who helped finance Jesus's Ministry. When Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem, Mary was there. Not only did Mary observe where Jesus was buried, but she also went as soon as she could to care for his body. Mary Magdelene was the first person to see Jesus raised from the dead, and as recorded in Matthew 20:18, the first to spread the word. At the awesome miracle of the ressurrection of Jesus, Mary was priviledged to be the first witness to see it.
I have to wonder what was going through Mary's mind when she witnessed the Resurrection. I would guess excitement, shock, and joy all at the same time! I personally may have even fainted and taken the spotlight away from Jesus! But in all this, Mary was a witness to God's work. I noticed that God works in our lives too, but not necessarily in the way we may expect.
God does not always work in our lives the way we expect because often we humans look at things through circumstances and microscopes. Mary Magdelene witnessed the miracle of the resurrection of Jesus, and if we are not careful we can constantly look for the big miracle without seeing God's wonderful work in our in the issues that we may face daily. We often look at things through circumstances, but God looks at the bigger picture. We are thinking," I need to be healed now", but God is thinking," How can I get the glory out of this situation?" We may be thinking," My kid has gone nuts! God do something!" But God is thinking," How can I mold this child through his experiences to become the person of God that I have called them to be?"
This is really a message of God's grace being sufficient, more so than it is a message of God's work in our lives. If we are not careful we can miss God's work in our lives by magnifying situations. God is truly at work everyday in our lives even when it seems like the road is rough. Yes, God works in our lives when we are sick. It's so wonderful to see how God has used wonderful men and women of God who have been born with some sort of ailment for wonderful things. It's also wonderful to see God move to promote someone on a job when everyone in the office is stabbing them in the back and they dread going to work everyday.
These are acts of grace from God, which can be defined as undeserved acceptance and love received from another. Isn't it wonderful to know that God loves us so much that God works in our lives through good and what we may perceive not-so-good times? It's also very assuring to know that we can call upon the gracious assistance of God in times of need. The Bible says in Psalm 4:1," Hear me when I call, O call of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer!" Praise God for answered prayer! God loves us so much and is so gracious to us that he opens his ear to our sincere prayers.
I would like to add that we can see God's grace through Israel's undeserved love and mercy in getting to the Promised Land as found in the OT through Exodus to Joshua, Jonah's dealings with God's merciful concern to save the wicked Ninevites in the Book of Jonah, and also Hosea powerfully conveying God's undeserved mercy and grace with the image of the prophet's love for the faithless Gomer in the Book of Hosea. God's grace shines through all throughout the Bible.
In the Book Of Romans, Paul was sure to say in Romans 3:23 that no person could earn God's acceptance. A person has to be willing to accept God's acceptance through Jesus Christ, since grace is God's way of salvation, which is completely unearned.
In order to continue receive grace, we must be sure to trust in God. We must trust that God know's what's best for us at all times. Proverbs 3:5-6 says ," Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." We may not understand everything that's going on when God is working in our lives, but when we trust him we can rest assured that everything is going to be alright!
Along with trust you need to have faith in God. In Matthew 14:22-31 there was a situation where Jesus rebuked Peter for his little faith when it came to walking on water. Jesus said in Matthew 14:31," You of little faith... why did you doubt?" God's grace was sufficient for Peter to walk on water and when you have faith in God you have the victory that overcomes the world!
Friends, let's rejoice in the work God as doing, and take time to stop and witness God's work in our lives. As we witness God's work, we should also say Thank You because if it had not been for the grace of God where would we be! Thank you so mch for joining me for this wonderful Women's Series! God has blessed us mightily and to God be the glory! God Bless You All And Amen!
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this wonderful Women's Series and thank you for wonderfully working through my life. Through the good and bad, your grace is truly sufficient. You have always seen me through when I trust in you! You are an awesome God and I truly adore you! In Jesus name I do pray, Amen.
If you would like to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life please pray with me:
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your only begotten Son to die on the cross for my sins. Lord Jesus I ask you to forgive me of all sin and come into my heart. I make you Lord and Savior of my life. Thank you Jesus for saving me. Amen. If you have just prayed this prayer congratulations! Jesus is now Lord and Savior of your life and you have a new beginning! Please email me at: Brandon_Bracey00@yahoo.com so I can assist you in your new beginning!
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| 08/09/08 | Women With Issues Series Part 5: Orpah By Brandon Bracey. # |
Brandon Bracey
|
Topic: Orpah: Knowing God's Purpose For You With No Deviation
Scripture: NKJV: Ruth 1:14," Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her."
There is nothing that turns a man on like a woman who sets a goal and goes about getting it. Well, some men anyway... There is nothing like a woman who is strong enough to go after the vision that God has given her and active enough to pursue it diligently. This woman is like Wonder Woman, who would beat up the bad guys who got in the way of her achieving her way to victory. Do you remember watching Wonder Woman when it came on in the 80's? I am not sure, but it may still come on some stations now. If you have ever seen Wonder Woman you know that woman was bad! She was beautiful too....anyway that's another sermon. But honestly, if you see the Wonder Woman show on television please email me and give me the station! See a real woman knows that she is not limited by her environment,class, or status when it comes to God's purpose for her life. She knows that once she starts operating in her purpose, the blessings are coming down! I realize that my purpose for being in Seminary is to prepare to be a Pastor. Now if someone told me I needed to quit Seminary and start working in a church right now, I would look at them like they have lost their minds! I might even say," Get behind me Satan!" Simply because I know what God has called me to do and where I am supposed to be! I know what my purpose is!
One of the most tragic things in our spiritual journey is never finding out your purpose. For without knowing your purpose, you are a fish out of water which just lays waiting to die. But God has given everyone a purpose. The Bible says in Colossians 1:16," For everything, absolutely everything above and below, visible and invisible;... everything got started in him and finds it's purpose in him." God predestined us with a purpose even before we were born. Isaiah 44:2a states," I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born." Some women have the idea that their purpose in life is to find a man as soon as possible. If that's your purpose in life, then you must have a miserable life. Why in the world would you spend your whole... or even half of your life looking for a man when the Bible says that when a man findeth a wife he findeth a good thing? Okay... I have already gotten two extra sermons going so far...lol. What I am trying to say is that when you operate in God's purpose for your life, no man, job, money, or whatever is going to knock you out of your purpose if you are truly seeking to do God's will!
As you see in the Book of Ruth,Orpah was a woman of Moab and she had a Mother-In-Law named Naomi. Eventually Naomi suffered the death of her husband Elimelech. Her daughters-in-law Ruth and Orpah married her sons, Mahlon and Chilion. Her sons died as well. Naomi was now left with no one,but still had her daughters-in-law Ruth and Naomi. Naomi and her daughters-in-law set off for Moab, but Naomi tryed to persuade them to go back to their own families. Both Ruth and Orpah show concern for Naomi and Ruth's loyalty proved to be unshakable, while Orpah kissed Naomi goodbye and returned home.
What is Orpah thinking! Has she lost her mind! How could she leave her mother-in-law like that! This was a very important transitional moment in Naomi's life! Why could'nt Orpah be more like Ruth, who is the hero? This is so selfish of Orpah... or is it? I can imagine Orpah back at home the next day sipping Country Time Lemonade and constantly asking herself," Did I make the right decision? Ruth stayed , but I didn't. Did I do the right thing?" But you want to know what I would tell Orpah if I was there? I would say," Orpah my name is Brandon Bracey and I stopped by to tell you that you were not wrong for what you did. Yes, Ruth stayed, but you can't compare yourself to Ruth. God has a totally different purpose for Ruth's life and it involves being with Naomi. But, baby God has a totally different plan for you! And that plan is just as wonderful as the one he has for Ruth!" If we are not careful we can get so tied up in what others are doing that we can forget God has a special plan for our lives! You may not be able to evangelize like Billy Graham, but how do you know that Billy Graham can sing like you!
I have come to realize that God has for me is for me! It's not for you, it's for me! I commend Orpah for being strong enough not to deviate from what she felt in her heart she needed to do! I believe that we need more male and female Orpahs in the world! Let me ask you this: If God told you that he wanted you to go do missions in Africa, but that same day someone calls you and offers you a one-million dollar a year job what will you do? See, it's not easy being Orpah. Orpah left and I am not mad at her because some people would have stayed, played around, and missed their destiny!
We must know that we have a purpose for being on earth and we must never deviate from that purpose. I do not know if anyone has not read " The Purpose Driven Life" By Rick Warren, but I recommend it if you are having problems finding out your purpose. I truly believe that the first step to finding out God's purpose for you on this earth is to ask God through prayer. The Bible says in Matthew 6:11," Give us today our daily bread" which shows me that God is ready to supply our needs if we will just ask him. You do not have to wind up in China, when you belong in Africa! God is ready to reveal to you the vision he has for your life!
Also never let anything deviate you from your purpose. This is one of the devil's goals. The devil also has a purpose and goal. That is to steal your vision, kill your hopes, and destroy your future! But the devil is the greast liar this world will ever see! You need to put the devil under your feet by putting on the whole armor of God found in Ephesians 6. Then after that, understand that in order to stay focused on God's purpose for your life, you must have your steps ordered by the Lord and your priorities right which is seeking first the Kingdom of God as found in Matthew 6:33. When you have your priorities right, doing God's purpose for your life will come much easier for you. Doing God's will for your life is really an obidience thing. As it says in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 your primary goal in life must be to fear God and keep his commandments. That's what being obedient is all about. When you are obedient, God can use you in remarkable ways!
One more thing is that in Joshua 2 there was a woman by the name of Rahab who was a prostitute, but hid spies who were coming to spy out the land of Jericho to take Jericho and destroy it.Rahab lived in Jericho, but she choose to hide the spies. Why? Because she had a vision and she saw things differently from anyone else in her community. Rahab concluded that Israel's God was the real God, and choose the other side. When Rahab did this, she was operating in God's purpose. Even though she was a prostitute, she was still blessed because she was operating in purpose. Rahab and her family were spared when Jericho was taken. When you operate in God's purpose for your life, you are setting yourself up to be blessed! I do not care if you are living on the margins of society! I do not care what you have done, repent and choose the Lord's side! Hallelujah!
I hope you have enjoyed Part 5 of this wonderful Women With Issues Series! Join me for the series finale tomorrow! Remember , God has a wonderful plan for you. Stay focused and God will use you mighty! Be Blessed!
Scripture Reference: Ruth 1
Heavenly Father,
I have been like a fish out of water when it comes to knowing the purpose you have for my life. Please reveal your purpose for me. I pray that I will be led by the spirit as I do what you have called me to do. I repent of anything that I have been that goes against your perfect will for my life. In Jesus name I do pray, Amen.
If you would like to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life please pray with me:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for sending your only Son to die on the cross for my sins. Lord Jesus I ask you to forgive me of all sin and come into my heart. I make you Lord and Savior of my life. Thank you Jesus for saving me. Amen. If you have just prayed this prayer congratulations! You are born again and have a new beginning! Please email me at: Brandon_Bracey00@yahoo.com so I can assist you in your new beginning!
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| 08/09/08 | Women With Issues Series Part 4: Bathsheba By Brandon Bracey. # |
Brandon Bracey
|
Topic: Bathsheba: Resisting Sinful Situations
Scripture: NKJV 2 Samuel 11:2," Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king's house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold."
Some would argue that Bathsheba was a woman of wisdom. Bathsheba, being the beautiful woman that she was, could not help her beauty. Her beauty was overwhelming. I can imagine the beautiful Bathsheba walking around the house with beautiful long hair that flowed like spring water out of a fountain. I can imagine her with a face that made men's hearts tatter like marbles when they come together. I can envision Bathsheba in a beautiful silk nightgown and Victoria Secret langerie as she went to prepare take a bath. I must mention that houses did not have bathrooms at the time, so she was very visible. David was obviously smitten with her. Seeing the beautiful Bathsheba from the roof probably made his jar drop and his tongue wag like a dog. David saw this woman and knew that he had to have her. To David's eyes Bathesheba was like a sweet cherry on top of a coconut cake. If you do not like coconut cake please forgive me, but I do. David went on to inquire about Bathsheba, sent messengers to get her, and then he slept with her. This woman was married so adultery was commited. Some may consider Bathsheba to be very wise because if she had not slept with the King, there could have been severe penalties which included death. Some would consider Bathsheba smart to have slept with the King because she would live to see another day. And besides, what better person to find favor with than the King?
On the contrary, others would argue that Bathsheba lacked boldness and strength. Yes she was beautiful, but what is beauty when your as frail as a mouse. There's nothing worse than a frail rose that has not been watered. It would make common sense to sleep with the King in the natural realm, but the consquences of this scenario go beyond the natural. In the spirit realm there would be consequences for Bathsheba's actions that would efffect the natural realm. Bathsheba lost her husband and child for what she did. When Bathsheba told David she was pregnant, 2 Samuel 11: 6-12 shows David bringing Uriah, who was Bathsheba's husband and a soldier,home on furlough in the hope that he would have intercourse with Bathsheba and people would think the child was his. When this plan did not work, David plotted to have Uriah killed and verse 17 says Uriah the Hittite was killed in battle. To make matters worse, even though David fasted and prayed, the child that David had with Bathsheba died as 2 Samuel 12:16 said the Lord struck the child and the child became ill. Bathsheba did go on to bear Solomon, but received no other mention in the Scripture until the very end of David's life when she supported Solomon's bid for the throne. Therefore, Bathesheba's affair with King David was the only really notable thing she accomplished in her life, and it was the wrong thing.
Now David is not off the hook. He takes the most responsibility for this disaster because of his initiation of adultery, murder, and there were many consequences to follow. But for Bathsheba, one night with the King truly did change everything. Beauty had been tarnished, pureness had been violated, and holiness was disqualified. Yet, she was only following orders. But the question is when does following orders become a prerequisite to a treasure being stolen, a rose being upended, or a beautiful eagle who loses her wings? In some ways Bathsheba was a victim, but if she had resisted a sinful situation, David's sin may not have been possible. However, from what we read in Scripture, Bathsheba put up no resistance at all.
Without knowing it we can sometimes go along with sin because of pressure just like Bathsheba. There's often intense pressure to marry that man simply because the sex is good? He slaps you sometime, but the sex is good. There's often pressure to cheat on your income tax to save money. There's often pressure to tell your boss off on the job when he's being a complete jerk. There's often pressure to join that gang, simply because they are considered the coolest group in school. But when we do not resist sinful situations, we can find outselves in situations where we are eventually willing to sin even more, even though we know it's not right.
We must first recognize sin for what it is: separation from God. The Bible says in John 8:34-36 that those who sin are slaves to sin and have no place in the family of God. One of the dangers in not resisting sinful situations is becoming a slave to sin, which makes it a way of life to you. But Jesus died for us to be set free from the curse of sin. Whom the Son sets free, is free indeed! The reason we are set free is so that we may become slaves to righteousness! Being a slave to sin leads to death and disobedience, but being a slave to righteousness leads to obedience and life.
You can tell when someone is pregant with the spirit of God because they will exhibit the fruits of the spirit found in Galatians 5. When we live by the spirit we will exhibit the fruits of the spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentlness, and self-control.When we live by the spirit all fleshly desires and passions are crucified. We must put on the whole armor of God as said in Ephesians 6:10-11. Wear the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God! Never go into a battle without armor, for the Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8-9 that the devil seeks whom he may devour. Well, when you are ready for battle, the devil has no defense!
Ask God to intervene through prayer and give you victory over sinful thoughts and words and deeds. The Psalmist in Psalm 19:12-14 said ,"Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.."
David was seen as a sinful man in this text, but the Bible later says that David was a man after God's own heart. I believe the reason for that is that David had enough sense to continue to trust in God and he repented of his sin. Psalm 32:5 records David being forgiven when he repented and confessed his sin. We must also be repentant and strive to be the the best ambassadors for the Lord that we can possibly be.
Praise the Lord, we refuse to get trapped in sin! We will live righteous for we serve an awesome God who will deliver victory into our hands! Hallelujah! Thank you for joining me for Part 4 of this wonderful series! Please join me on Tuesday as we continue with Part 5! God Bless You and Have a wonderful day!
Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel: 11-12
Heavenly Father,
The devil is constantly whispering things in my ear and my flesh is screaming at me. But I refuse to budge. Your Word says in 1 Corinthians 15:58 to stand firm and let nothing move me. Lord I claim victory right now in the name of Jesus. I am not be a slave to sin, but to righteousness. Holy Spirit lead me and guide me into victory in Jesus name Amen.
If you would like to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior please pray with me:
Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending your only begotten Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for my sins. Jesus I ask you to come into my heart. Please forgive me of all sin and I accept you as Lord and Savior of my life. Thank you Jesus for saving me and in your name I do pray Amen. If you just prayed this prayer cogratulations! You are born again and Jesus is now Lord and Savior of your life! Please email me at: Brandon_Bracey00@yahoo.com so I can assist you in your new beginning!
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| 08/09/08 | Women With Issues Series Part 3: Potiphar's Wife By Brandon Bracey. # |
Brandon Bracey
|
Topic: Potiphar's Wife: Sexual Immorality
Scripture: NKJV: Genesis 39:7," And it cam to pass after these things that his master's wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said," Lie with me."
As you all know, I founded Brandon Bracey Ministries online in January of 2003 and Brandon Bracey's Christian Fellowship Network On Ryze in August of 2004. Also I currently attend Seminary where I just finished two years with one more year to go. I am also on the witnessing Team and the Pastoral Support Team with my church. But with all these things, I have often felt like a phony. When someone who is a minister or in a leadership position is in the public eye you get to see the outward appearance. You see the nice suits and the shiny shoes. But wouldn't you love to see how some of your leaders are at home in private? What are the issues they deal with? Well, I personally have often felt like a phony because God is using me in wonderful ways, but I have had issues that I have had to deal with where I found myself in sin. One of the most recent ones is the issue of lust. My mind seems to go nuts over beautiful women! I mean I can just look at a beautiful woman for days! I love women who have nice hairdos, beautiful features, and carry themselves in a classy manner. But then the devil starts to whisper in my ear," Brandon you can have her tonight". Uh oh... next thing you know my thoughts are meditating on that woman,my mind and my hormones have made a deal, and I am on my way to sin paradise!
Guys am I the only one that has thoughts like these? Ladies do you ever look at a man and say," Praise the Look look at his muscles!" Well, the fact is that we all sin from time to time. As a matter of fact, we all were born into sin. The Bible says in Romans 3:23 that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." However, Jesus died for us so we would not have to live in sin. Romans 5:8 says that while we were still sinners Christ died for us." Jesus died on the cross to set us free from the curse! Therefore, we do not have to continue going around the mountain of sin. If you know the story of the Israelites and their journey into the promised land from the book of Exodus to Joshua, you will see it took fourty years for them to make it to the promised land. Why? They were stubborn, impatient, and continued to sin and they paid the consequences. But if they had lived righteous before the Lord, it would not have taken them that long. The Bible says we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus! We are dead to sin and alive unto righteousness!
Potiphar's wife knew what she wanted. She was a woman of purpose. She knew a handsome man when she saw one. She saw the handsome young Joseph and she started licking her chops. I can just imagine Potiphar's wife looking at Joseph like a kid looks at a toy. Potiphar's wife was ready to play. But Joseph was a righteous man, and favor with God and with men put Joseph as overseer of Potiphar's house. Potiphar's wife looked at Joseph and she wanted him. I noticed that she looked at him with lustful eyes. Our eyes are the window to the soul. If our eyes are defected, then sin can become common. The Bible says in Matthew 5:29 that if your right eye causes you sin, then throw it away. This is showing us how important it is what we look at and meditate on. The things we look at on television or on video games can pollute our souls. Potiphar's wife was ready to commit adultery. There are many reasons why people commit adultery. It can involve loneliness, depression, or other symptoms. It can also involve sexual immorality.
Often times in these situations we find ourselves at the point of destiny: What do I do? Potiphar's wife did not realize she was flirting with greatness as Joseph would rise to ruler of Egypt. But often times we can find ourselves flirting with greatness, but then sin comes along and robs us of our fruit. In the end, the Kingdom of God suffers the conseuqences. But there are things that we can do to make sure that we never find ourselves in sexual immorality like Potiphar's wife.
First, live by the Spirit. The Bible says in Galatians 5:16-18 that when we live by the spirit we will not fulfill the desires of the sinful nature. Often we can end up trying to avoid sin. But instead of just trying to avoid sin, we should walk in the light. As we live by the spirit, the desire to sin will vanish from our lives.
Second,we must know theWord of God and meditate on it. The Bible says in Matthew 5:27-28," You have heard that it was said," Do not commit adultery." But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already commited adultery with her in his heart." Guys I do not care how short the skirt is, what's under it does not belong to you! Get the Word of God in you and meditate on it day and night until it get's so great in you by faith that it transforms your thoughts.
Thirdly, be sure to guard your heart. Matthew 15:19-20 says that out of the heart comes sexual immorality... Your heart is the wellspring of life. If your heart is not pumping you can not live. If your heart if filled with immoral issues, you then need spiritual surgery. Do not let your heart get filled with sin. Keep the life and blood of Christ flowing in your heart.
Fourth, stay busy for the Kingdom. Do not allow yourself to become idle because the devil is seeking whom he may devour. In 2 Samuel 11 David commited adultery with Bathesheba when he was idle. If you read 2 Samuel 11:1-2 you see David sent his officers out to war and went to the couch! Then he got and was walking around and saw Batheshba bathing from the roof. David was not busy at the time, and the devil got into his thoughts. It's good to rest at times, but watch your thoughts in the process.
Finally, purify yourself out of pure reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1," Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."
Online Friends, I hope you have learned from and enjoyed Part 3 of this series! We will continue tomorrow with Part 4! God Bless You and once again come tomorrow expecting another great transformation in your life!
Heavenly Father,
I have gone low into sin, but I refuse to stay there. Jesus you died to set me free from sin. Father I ask for your forgiveness and Holy Spirit please help me to live by the spirit as I do your will Lord. In Jesus name I do pray, Amen.
If you would like to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life please pray with me: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your only begotten Son to die on the cross for my sins. Lord Jesus I ask you to forgive me of all sin and come into my heart. I make you Lord and Savior of my life. Lord Jesus thank you for saving me. Amen. If you just prayed this prayer congratulations! You have just accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life! Your life will never be the same! Please email me at: Brandon_Bracey00@yahoo.com so I can assist you n your new beginning!
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| 08/09/08 | Women With Issues Series Part 2: Rachel By Brandon Bracey. # |
Brandon Bracey
|
Topic: Rachel
Can you hear it? It is the Cry Of The Barren Womb. It is a cry that often comes in the middle of the night. It those pains that never seem to go away, but yet usually lasts for only a season. It rubbing your hands through your hair, shaking your head, and even crying tears as you consider the ramifications of a womb that's barren, but yet has some much potential to produce a miracle. You may be able to hear the Israelite women who often wept bitterly as a result of their barrenness. Jewish women took to heart the covenant between God and Abraham which promised to bless and multiply their seed that would ultimately bring forth the Christ child. Or worse yet I can only imagine having become impregnated, and then aborting the child.
It's a wonderful thing to produce fruit. There's nothing like a frail, fruitless fig tree. Or a woman who has experienced the barren womb. But the barren womb is more universal than what we speak. The barren womb can affect all genders, races, and cultures. The barren womb does not discriminate on the basis of class or status. It is not an issue even of geography, but of production. The barren womb can come to mean that the womb of our soul is barren. It would seem that Rachel would have it all together. Here was a beautiful woman that had a man drooling over her. Have you ever had that feeling guys? You just see a woman and your jar drops? Well, Jacob may have become partially paralyzed when he saw Rachel. In a time when young people waited for parents to arrange their marriages, Jacob fell in love with Rachel. Jacob labored for fourteen years to get this woman. I can not speak for any other guy but I do not know if I would labor fourteen years for love! But on the other hand, if she's worth it than who am I to stand in the way of destiny! To Jacob , Rachel was worth it.
Rachel was loved, but she also felt sorrow. Rachel was sorrowful because more than anything else she wanted children. I can see Rachel just praying and crying her heart out just like Hannah wishing she could have a baby. I can see Rachel wishing more than anything else that she could produce one of her own. Her sister had done it. Leah, who Jacob was tricked into marrying first, produced six sons for Jacob and two servants also bore Jacob children. But Rachel could not figure out what was wrong with herself! Often times, we should ask ourselves the question," Why are we barren?" Rachel had a bitter rivalry with her sister Leah, but went on to have two sons: Joseph her first born and Benjamin her second. These ended up being Jacob's two favorite sons.
How can we hardly blame Rachel for wanting a children? This should be the cry of all believers. Our mission should be to bear much fruit for the building of the Kingdom of God! We should be bearing fruit through preaching, witnessing, evangelising or whatever God has called us to do. However, many have become afraid because of issues of intimacy. Commitment leads to intimacy ,intimacy brings conception, conception brings labor, and labor produces a baby. Some never make it this far because the process looks too tough from far away. Therefore, they about the baby. But what use is the joy of birth without the pains involved in labor. What good would it do to preach if no one is in the room to hear? This just makes the joy more unspeakable. Rachel had the right idea. The Bible says in Genesis 30:1 that Rachel said unto Jacob," Give me children lest I die."
That should be our cry to the Holy Spirit," Give me children, or else I die". To produce no fruit is to live a life without purpose. To go to church and become a pew warmer when there is so much work to do is a waste of a destiny. There must be something that we long for more than anything else. What is it that you long for more than anything else? Is it a spouse? Is it a million dollar a year job? If you long for these things, you will always have a void. But when you long for God and the Kingdom of God you will never hunger or thirst anymore.
Rachel's fierce love for her children became an emblem for Israel. I do not see it as a mere coincidence that Rachel died in childbirth bearing her second son, Benjamin. Even more than a thousand years later the prophet Jeremiah was weeping over the destruction of Israel and mentioned that,"Rachel is weeping for her children". Today the phrase,"Rachel weeping" still serves as the phrase used in shorthand for the sufferings of the Jewish people.
Rachel was a strong woman and her desire for her husband and desire for children outweighed everything else. But I stoped by to tell you that when your desire is to please God more than anything else, everything else will fall into place. The cry of a barren womb is death, but the song of a fruitful womb is life. Amen.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 29-30
Heavenly Father,
I want to produce fruit for the Kingdom. I do not desire to be barren any longer. God I long for you more than anything else. Holy Spirit I yield myself to you as you do a work in me and guide me into purposeful, fruitful living. Father I love you to much to be barren. My soul can not be barren. I pray for a new desire to seek you, draw closer to you, and produce great things for the building of the Kingdom of God on this earth. In Jesus name I do pray, Amen.
If you would like to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior please pray with me," Heavenly Father, you sent your only begotten Son to die on the cross for my sins. Lord Jesus I ask you to come into my life. Cleanse me of all sin. I make you Lord and Savior of my life. Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for my sins and saving me. Amen. If you have just prayed this prayer congratulations! Jesus is Lord and Savior of your life and you have a new beginning! Please email me at Brandon_Bracey00@yahoo.com so I can assist you in your new beginning!
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| 08/09/08 | Women With Issues Series Part 1: Rebekah By Brandon Bracey. # |
Brandon Bracey
|
Topic: Rebekah
Control can often be the most sincerest form of insecurity. Many people have brought the world into their homes and church because they have an issue with control. They have to control their child's every move. They have to control their spouse and get them to change. When they accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior they still had to have some level of control. The reason they have to have control is because if they lose even a little control, they feel that they just could not live with themselves. They believe they would lose much more than they gain. If control is often the most sincerest form of insecurity, then cowardice is often at the core of it.
It reminds me of a woman named Rebekah in the Bible. Rebekah can be found in the book of Genesis as the wife of Issac and the mother of Jacob and Esau. Rebekah was a woman who loved to take initiative. In Genesis 24 we encounter Rebekah drawing water from a well. Earlier in verse 24 there was a setting up of a future betrothal between Rebekah and her soon-to-be husband Issac. In verse 24 we can see the initiative of Rebekah when Abraham's servant asked for a drink of water. In verse 24: 19, Rebekah would draw for his camels. In addition, verse 20 shows Rebekah running to the well. Even when Rebekah was offered marriage to her unknown relative Issac hundreds of miles away across dangerous wilderness, Rebekah jumped at the chance and left the next day. Rebekah had intitiative, but as we will see, too much initiative can cause trouble.
Twenty years later Rebekah would give birth to twins by the name of Jacob and Esau. The youngest, being Jacob, would rule over the older Esau. The youngest would be God's chosen one. However Rebekah had a desire to manage Jacob's success. Rebekah was forceful as she pushed Jacob into deceiving his father and stealing his brother's birthright. Rebekah actually told Jacob to only obey her word in Genesis 27:13. Rebekah did not care if what she did pleased God or not, she simply had to be in control! Do you know anyone like that? It seems that they always have to have things their way or it's the highway? It seems that it is always about them and they have a " me, me, me, mentality?
What this " me, me, me mentality often is a is a sense of insecurity and cowardice. I truly believe that Rebekah had unlying issues in her life that she just had not dealt with. Unfortunately, we often have these same issues with God, at church, and out of church.
Often we see Jesus as being our Savior, but we often deceive ourselves into thinking we really have made him Lord. We deceive ourselves into believing we are following the Lord, when we really have done our best to control him and make him our personal handy man. Often times when we pray we can be just like Rebekah. She pushed Jacob into deceiving his father and stealing his brother's birthright, and often we try to push God into blessing us. We pray and say," Lord , I need this and I need that...", but God is saying ," When are you going to seek me. When are you going to thank me for what I have already done for you? When are you going to say I love you? Because of being in bondage to a spirit of control, we can find ourselves operating in greed. But the Bible says in Matthew 6:33," But seek ye first the knigdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." God is calling us back to him and purposeful living. The world teaches us to get, but God teaches us to give. The thing that God wants you to give most is yourself. He wants you to give your life to him, so he can bless you and give you more than you ever imagined. God wants you to give your time and talents to building the Kingdom Of God on this earth. When you give yourself for the Kingdom, then God can truly bless you.
I also noticed that Rebekah in Genesis 27:16 took the best garments of her elder son Esau and put them on her younger son Jacob to deceive Issac and get Esau's blessing. This is interesting because often we come to church to worship God with someone else's garments on. What I mean is that when we come to church we should have on garments that God likes. God loves the garment of praise! God loves when his people worship and praise him. It's a sweet smelling fragrance to God. However, often we come to church wearing selfishness's garment or greed's garment, and then develop this crazy idea that church is about us. But , as a preacher once said," God has this crazy idea that church is all about him!" God has this absolutely weird idea that when we come to church, we should come with our hearts and minds on him and ready to worship our King in spirit and in truth. Better still, we should be worshiping him every day, for great is his faithfulness everyday and his mercies are new every morning! Praise God!
But watch this, now after all this had happened, Rebekah did not really consider that Esau would be upset. Well Duh! Therefore, she sent Jacob back to her childhood home until Esau calmed. But it never happened as Rebekah died before ever seeing Jacob again. As we can see the plan backfired. But people run away from church just like Jacob ran away on command from Rebekah. Their plan to get what they wanted from God did not pan out or they become scared and insecure because they are giving up so much, so they isolate themselves from the church. Then they say," It's too many hypocrites there", or "I do not need to go to church to worship God." But greed and fear has engulfed them, because what they could not control has got them frustrated. But the Bible tells us in Hebrews 10:25 not to forsake the assembly of believers. We need fellowship and we need each other. God's program is the local church and God needs us to work to build the Kingdom in the local church.
This concludes Part 1 of our series! I hope it has been a blessing to you. What I want to leave you with is to never lose sight of your first love. Many have lost sight of God , while trying to control their lives and get things. All the while God looks with tears in his eyes wondering why his children act the way they do. God loves us so much that he sent his only son to die for us. God wants a wonderful,loving relationship with us. Never allow issues of control and manipulation to keep you from being all that God would have for you to be! God has great things in store for you! God Bless you and Amen!
Scripture Reference: Genesis 24-27
Heavenly Father,
You are a great God! I have been very controlling of things in my life recently, but I am ready to let go. I rebuke the spirit of control, and ask Holy Spirit that you would empower me to step back and let you lead and not try to continue to forcefully do things on my own. It's caused me enough trouble and now I am starting over. Thank you Father for your love in Jesus name Amen.
If you like to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior please pray the following:
Heavenly Father, you sent your only son to die on the cross for my sins. Jesus I ask you to come into my heart. Please forgive me of all sin and give me a fresh start. Jesus I make you Lord and Savior of my life. Amen. If you have just prayed this prayer congratulations! Jesus is now your Lord and Savior and you have a new beginning! Please email me at: Brandon_Bracey00@yahoo.com so I can assist you in your new beginning.
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| 08/09/08 | Women With Issues Series Is Back! # |
Brandon Bracey
|
Online Friends,
We are celebrating five years of excellence in online ministry in Brandon Bracey Ministries! Last month I reached into my archives and posted some of my classic devotions from the past five years! Once again I am reaching into the past to bring you my Women With Issues Series! I will be posting the six-part series all over the internet starting ! I did this series featuring women in the bible around three years ago. It shows woman in the bible and some of the different issues they dealt with and practical steps that show how we can overcome some of these same issues. You will be able to relate to what these women go through, whether male or female, because we have often dealt with these issues in our lives. Be prepared to be blessed by this six-part series as God moves in your life!
With God's Love,
Brandon Bracey
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| 07/12/08 | Classic Brandon Bracey Devotion(6/20/06): What Will People Remember? # |
Brandon Bracey
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Seed Devotion : What Will People Remember?
Scripture: Judges 10:1-2
As I read through the Book Of Judges and read through a commentary, something came to my attention. There were 12 judges of Israel. God appointed these judges to deliver Israel from it's oppressors. There were judges like Deborah who defeated Sisera and the Canannites and later sang a victory song with Barak. There was also Gideon who defeated 135, 000 Midianites with 300 soldiers. Then there was Tola who judged Israel for 23 years.
As I read about Tola, it did not say much else about him. Wow. I did not hear about any accomplishments or anything of the matter. I knew who his dad was and where he lived, but after that it just says he judged Israel for twenty-three years.
You can tell a lot about a person by what is said about them after they die. You can tell a lot about what they acheived and what people thought of them. I often wonder what people will say about me after I leave this earth. I know what I would love to hear them say. I would love to hear them say," Brandon Bracey acheived great things on this earth for the Kingdom Of God".
My question to you is what do you think will be said about you? What are you doing for God that is worth noting? Will people remember more than just the number of years you lived? One of the greatest tragedies in life is living a fruitless life. What are you doing for God today?
Heavenly Father, You have an assignment for me on this earth. Holy Spirit guide me as I do my assigment. Use my gifts and abilities for your glory. I do not want to leave this earth without accomplishing my purpose here. There is too much treasure in the graveyard already. In Jesus name, Amen.
If you would like to receive Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord please pray this prayer," Lord Jesus come into my heart. I am a sinner in need of a savior. Wash me in your precious blood and make me whole. Thank you Jesus for loving me enough to die on the cross for my sins. Amen." If you said this prayer congratulations! You are born again and apart of the Family Of God! The next step is to get into a good bible based church will you can grow spiritually and continue in your new relationship with God. Please email me at: Brandon_Bracey00@yahoo.com so I can assist you in your new beginning!
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| 07/11/08 | Classic Brandon Bracey Devotion(6/24/04): Lifting Up Our Online Ministry Groups. # |
Brandon Bracey
|
Exodus 17:12, " But Moses' hands were heavy and grew weary. So ( the other men) took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one one one side and one on the other side; so his hands were steady until the going down of the sun."
I was thinking this morning about a time when I was a teenager. I went with my brother and cousin to a skating rink. The unfortunate part was that I was no world class skater, but I was holding my own. On the skating rink, everyone was continously skating around the rink in a circle to some music. I kept skating and skating as I enjoyed myself. Suddenly, a little kid came and clipped me! I fell to the ground like a bag of bricks! I was embarrassed, but it was also a lot of fun at the same time. The kid did not mean it and even though I fell, and he did too, he got up and gave me a hand and helped lift me back up to my feet.
That kid was being courteous and kind. I was grateful that he helped me back up. When the Isrealites fought with Amalek , Moses stood on the top of the hill and held up his hand in order to help the Isrealites prevail. Hur and Aaron were with Moses and as Moses hand got weary, Aaron and Hur helped him by holding them up. By doing this on both sides Moses' hands were able to stay steady. This made me think about our on- ministry groups. Let's see there are so many of them aren't they? You have the Yahoo groups, MSN groups, injesus groups, and ryze network. There may possibly be more groups that I have forgotten or do not know of. We have all these online groups, but this is what came up in my spirit. When is the last time we lifted each other up in prayer? You may pray for your group, but how about the others? I had to be completely honest with God and myself and admit I did not always pray for other groups online. So this morning I made up my mind that I would start this morning praying for other ministry groups daily.
Why you ask would I do this? Because you are my brother and sister in Christ and I love you in Christ and I want you to be blessed and used abundantly for the building of the Kingdom of God. It's not enough for me to look out for the interests of my own ministry. The Bible says in Phil. 2:3-5, " Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus..." It's not about my ministry doing or being better than yours. We are all apart of the body of Christ and we all have a role to play and if we are competing against one another, instead of praying for one another, there is no way we can have a attitude of love just like Jesus. Together we can accomplish more than we ever could separated.
Brothers and Sisters I am simply doing the Golden Rule found in Matthrew 7:12 and doing unto you what I would want you doing unto me. I want you praying for me and my ministry daily that we may be used in a mighty way for the glory of God. So, therefore I will pray the same for you in love. This thing is really about walking in love saints. We are often separated by denomination, race, culture, religion, etc. It's about time we bind a strong cord that cannot be broken and is tied together by love.
Saints let's pray for one another daily. Let's pray for our ministries daily, that corporately we can win this whole world for Jesus Christ! And as we lift each other up in pray I am believing by faith that just like Moses's hands, our ministries will be strong and steady. Jesus prays for us so we should be praying for each other. And when you pray do it in faith and have the right heart. This is my challenge to you today and if you answer watch how God moves!
If may be reading this and saying, " I am ready to receive Jesus into my heart." If that is you, this is your opportunity. Please pray with me:
Dear Lord,
I come before you seeking your face. Jesus I need you now. I can't wait another minute or hour. I need you now. Jesus please forgive me of all wrongdoing and come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. I want a fresh start in life and I want to live a life that's pleasing to you. Thank you Jesus. Amen. If you have just prayed this simple prayer, congratulations and welcome to the family! You are born again and have a new beginning! Please email me at: Brandon_Bracey00@yahoo.com so I can continue to assist you in your new beginning!
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| 07/10/08 | Classic Brandon Bracey Devotion(10/21/05): The Power Of Unity, # |
Brandon Bracey
|
The Power Of Unity By Brandon Bracey
Key Verse: Acts 16:25:" About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them."
Hurricane Katrina brought out something that is wonderful about being a child of God. The devastation of Hurricane opened our eyes to those desperate crys of people who really needed our help. Churches from all over the world came together to help out in the tragedy, whether it was through giving of finances, clothing, food, or other forms of charity. It did not matter what denomination, doctrinal viewpoint, or cultural stance you were in or coming from. As children of God made in the image of God, we knew the act of giving was also an act of love. We became a unified body operating in love, and when unified the body of Christ accomplishes great things for the Kingdom of God.
It reminds me of Paul and Silas when they were arrested in Phillippi for their evangelism of the gospel. Paul and Silas were arrested and thrown into prison. While in prison they were put in the inner cell and their feet were fastened in the stocks. But the biggest mistake that the people who threw Paul and Silas into prison made was keeping them together. While Paul and Silas were in prison they were praying and singing hymns to God at midnight. The foundations of the prison were shaken, prison doors flew open, chains came loose, the jailer got saved and his family, and Paul and Silas were released.
This should teach us something about the power of unity. When two or more come together in unity, we can do great things for the kingdom of God. Paul and Silas were in the same prison, and God was with them! They came into agreement and started praying and singing priases, and then their whole situation changed! Also when we come into agreement online and offline, our situations will change as well! Our family members will get saved, we will see the shackles of demonic influence broke off our churches and our families. We will see financial bondage broken off our lives so we can be a channel of blessing to finance the gospel.
The enemy knows that the body of Christ is a dangerous force! The enemy knows that if we get unified we can do great things. Therefore, he trys his best to deceive and influence men's hearts into separation, and he loves to do it in church. He will influence sister bucketmouth to gossip, deacon joe to curse out an usher, and paster Moore to hold illwill towards his staff. However, through Christ we have everything we need to combat the enemy's devices. The enemy loves separation, but God loves unification undergirded by love. Love is the driving force behind unity, and love conquers separation and dissension!When we become unified in love, the enemy has to flee in Jesus name!
Hurricane Katrina brought out unity and compassion among the body of Christ. But we must not stop. Let's not wait for another tragedy to become a unified force that takes back our cities, states, and the nations for Christ! Let's get into agreement today!
Scripture Reference: Acts 16:16-38
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the power of agreement here on earth. It is my prayer that your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Therefore, I come into agreement with my brothers and sisters that your power will be released through us to do great things for your glory. Father we become vessels so that we can be world-changers. We are taking back all that the enemy has stolen in Jesus name Amen!
Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior is the most important and wonderful decision you could ever make in your life. If you would like to accept Jesus as Lord of your life please pray with me: "Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your only begotten Son to die on the cross for my sins. Lord Jesus I ask you to forgive me of all sin. Please come into my heart. I receive you now as my Lord and Savior and give my life to you. I love you Jesus. Amen." If you have just prayed this prayer congratulations! You are saved and have a new beginning! Please email me at brandon_bracey00@yahoo.com so I can assist you in your new beginning!
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| 07/09/08 | Classic Brandon Bracey Devotion(5/27/04): You Did Not Even Say Thank You! # |
Brandon Bracey
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Brandon Bracey's Word Of Devotion:You Did Not Even Say Thank You!
Luke 17: 16-19 Amplified Bible, "16 And he fell prostrate at Jesus feet, thanking Him( over and over). And he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus asked, Were not(all) ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was there no one found to recognize and give thanks and praise to God except this alien. 19 And he said to him, Get up and go on your way. Your faith( your trust and confidence that spring from your belief in God) has restored you to health.
Have you ever watched some children open up presents during Christmas? Man, they are so excited and overjoyed because they are looking forward to those gifts that they have desired. The child opens up the present to find a brand new barbie! She is so happy and focused on the gift that she did not even see her Mom and Dad who brought her the gift sitting right beside her. She runs upstairs and starts playing and getting her other barbies together without ever saying thank you and hugging her parents.
That's often how it is in the Body of Christ. God has healed people, set people free from bondage, and even blessed them with tremendous gifts, but somehow people forget who the giver of the gift is. In this scripture passage the ten unclean lepers called on Jesus to have mercy on them. When the lepers called on Jesus, he healed them and told them to show themselves to the priests. But as they left one of the ten came back to thank and praise God. However, sadly the other nine were more focused on the blessing than seeking the face of God.
When we become so caught up in our gifts and blessings that we do not give glory to God, we have missed the mark. It's good to be happy when you receive a blessing, but never let it become your idol. To be more honest, our gifts and blessings should be flowing out of us to be a blessing to others. I can remember when I was growing up back home in the Baptist Church. Goodness, I thought I was hot stuff! People would always congratulate me and tell me wonderful things about how I spoke when I did the welcome. It ended up that for me church became a " bless me" club. Church became all about me and Jesus was my little sidekick. Fortunately, I learned the lesson early that church was not about me and it was important that I humble myself.
As Tommy Tenney once said, " God has this incredible idea that church is all about him." I believe that not only is church to the glory of God, but also that any gift or blessing we receive is to the glory of God. When you get healed by God, you have a testimony to spread to others. When you get a new car, you have a testimony of God's provision and favor. When you have the gift of prophecy, you have a gift of edification to the body of Christ. If you have the gift of interpretation of tongues, it's for the advancement of the Kingdom! Everything comes back to God and his eternal glory!
God should not have to wave his hands behind us to get our attention. Many of us have been saved for many years, and yet God still has to wave his hands in the air. Take time today to let God know how much you love and appreciate him. God wants to hear from you. If you woke up out of bed this morning, say thank you Lord for a brand new day! If you have been blessed financially, tell God thank you. Also while you are at it praise him for the blessing!
Scripture Passage: Luke 17:11-19
You may have read this and never accepted Jesus into your heart, but are ready to do so now. Well, now is the opportunity you desire. Let us pray:
Dear Lord,
I am ready to make a decision to accept you Jesus as my Lord and Savior. This world has nothing to offer me. Please cleanse me from within and make me whole. I believe that you Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins, was buried, and rose on the third day that I may have eternal life. Jesus I love you and make you my Lord and Savior, Amen.
If yu just prayed this prayer congratulations to you and welcome to the family :) You are now born again! You have been washed clean and your sins are forgiven and erased :) Please email me at: Brandon_Bracey00@yahoo.com so I can assist you in your new life :)
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