1. Holy Spirit’s Presence At Creation

The earth was ‘without form and void’ (Genesis 1:2). It was a waste place, empty, desolate, worthless, chaotic and disorderly but the Holy Spirit was present at creation hovering, moving over the face of the waters. God spoke and creation was formed out of nothing by the power of the Holy Spirit (Job 26:13 and Psalm 33:6-9). When we speak God’s Word, the Holy Spirit is hovering over, ready to perform the miraculous. The power of the Holy Spirit brings resurrection life to everything that is dead. His presence brings life into every situation. Without the Spirit’s presence we have a lifeless existence.

Last Friday an article was reposted about orphan Davion Only.  This is a follow-up on the status of his search for a family - looks like God is answering his prayer to be loved!  

A Florida orphan whose church plea for a family to "love me until I die" has received about 10,000 requests from people asking to adopt him and will "without a doubt" be getting a family, his caseworker said today in an appearance with him on ABC's "The View."

I sinned against you, yet you forgave me

I made mistakes, you corrected me.

I deserved punishment, yet you provided consequences.

I despised you, yet you cherished me 

"Stop bringing God your $1 offering to church! If you bring Him a $1 offering, expect to receive a $1 blessing!"

My pastor recently said this during service, and it really caught my attention.  She was referring to those who have much and give little.  For example when people have abundance and most everything they desire, but only give a small portion to God.  If someone gives God what they have, even though it be small, that is still acceptable to God.  It’s a matter of the heart, such as the widow in Mark 12. 

To think - how much God loves us! All we have to do is be obedient and He unfolds his revelations to us, bit by bit. The moment we obey and walk in obedience, a revelation unfolds and Christ reveals Himself even more!

Kinda how I'm feeling today!  Let's get our worship on!

I work in church operations, which means I spend an inordinate amount of time with young, single volunteers, many of whom are recent converts. When I first started, it quickly became clear that most young Christians have no idea what Christian dating looks like practically. Here are some insights to help Christian men date in a way that honors God.  

Go to this people and say, ''You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.  Acts 28:26-27 (NIV)

Visualize what your (emotional) heart looks like, what do you see?  I saw my heart as layers of colors: the center deep, vibrant; the edges cobalt and ash. I am sharing this with you because I know I am not the only person who has lived a life of hurt, pride, and regrets that therefore built up walls to keep God and others out of certain areas of my life.

In the story of Esther in the Bible, Haman said, "I was invited to a banquet to sit with the King and Queen of Persia, but all of this avails me nothing as long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the King's gate" (Esther 5: 12-13).

Let me tell you something - sometimes church folk who are already in specific positions will become jealous of those who are just happy at sitting at the King's gate. They know that if you are that close to the gate, you just may take their spot! My friends, let the Mordecai in you be happy at the gate and let others hate at the gate!