Don't Forget to Water the Plants

Have you ever cut a stem off a green plant and placed it in vase of water? It’s amazing how the stem will die if you simply cut it off, but grows brand new roots if you simply place it in water. An entire new plant will grow in just a matter of days. Even if all other elements are present (light, dirt, nutrients, carbon dioxide), that plant stem must have water in order to survive. There’s something about the water…

The people of God are the same way. Even if a disjointed (backslidden) Christian has light (the Word of God), nutrients (natural food and water) and carbon dioxide (fellowship), he or she cannot survive without water (the Holy Spirit). In John 7:38-39, the Word says:

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

The Bible clearly teaches us that water is representative of the Holy Spirit and His power in the Scriptures. Now, take a look at Psalm 1:1-3.

Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Isn’t that powerful?! The man who enjoys fellowship with the Word of God is like a tree, or a plant, rooted by the rivers of water. In other words, that person has continual, flowing access to the Holy Spirit and His power. Hallelujah! The Word goes on to say that this person will bring forth fruit in his season. The fruit of the Holy Spirit are described in Galatians 5:22-23, but I also believe this refers to the gifts and callings of God placed on individual believers. The leaf on a tree protects the fruit. Leaves that do not wither let me know that those things which support my ministry will not be weak – Finances, Time, Talents, People – they are present and strong, in Jesus’ name. They are needed to support and cover a ministry. Praise God! Now, God tops it all off and adds the icing to the cake with “whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

What a mighty and awesome God we serve!

As I continued to meditate on this Word, I thought of all the times I’ve been discouraged in the ministry, or even as a Christian. “Lord, why can’t I get my finances straight?” “God, I know you called me, but I just don’t have enough time.” “Father, why doesn’t anyone believe in me.” God is telling me and other men and women of God, “When something isn’t right in your life, it’s because you haven’t exposed that area to the work and power of the Holy Spirit.” In other words, we haven’t allowed God to breathe on that particular area.

Now we all know that breath has a feeling and a scent. When someone breathes on you, you feel the warmth and you smell the breath, whether it be good or bad. Can you smell, or sense, the breath of God in those areas of your life that seem stagnant? My God! The Lord gave me the following scripture along with this revelation:

Job 14:7-9
For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; [Yet] through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.

Hallelujah! We, as Christians, are the tree. If we, or any part of our lives, are cut down (broken, discouraged, inefficient, backslidden), we can be revived again! Hallelujah! The tender branch, which is the heart toward God – that part of you that keeps seeking HIS face, will not cease. Though the root may get old (the doctrine, the habits, the works) and we may get tired and aged in our flesh, through the scent (the mere presence and sense of the Holy Spirit) of water, it will bud. New life shall come forth. That area of your life will be revived and bring forth NEW fruit, in Jesus’ name! O, praise God! I admonish you to get transparent before the Lord, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in those areas that are hindering you. Look for the barren areas in your life to GIVE BIRTH!!! In fact, your fruit will begin to root and bring forth fruit. Even when they are separated from you in the natural, they will birth into new plants in other areas! Hallelujah! Your children will prophesy and dream dreams. Your ministry will birth new ministries. Those who you lead to Christ will bring others into the family of God!

Hallelujah! Don’t forget to water the plants! Yield to the water of God – the Holy Spirit. Make sure His scent, His breath is present in every area of your life. If the Spirit of God is there, something HAS TO CHANGE. If God is in the midst, sickness cannot stay. Poverty cannot dwell. Frustration is not welcome! Not sure how to turn over every aspect of your life to God’s Spirit? PRAISE! The Bible says that He inhabits the praises of His people. If you’re having problems in your marriage, praise Him. If your finances are not adequate, praise Him. God will show up, and CHANGE MUST FOLLOW! Even in the natural, we must turn our lives over to God. PRAISE is a sacrifice. We praise God in song, in speech and in dance, but we must also praise Him through obedience, which is better than sacrifice. We must sweep our lives of sin, even in the small areas! Thank you, God! We must be completely SOLD OUT for Him! Sin is poison. No matter how much you water a plant, if it’s poisoned, it will die.

People of God, let’s get naked before our Father. Let Him breathe on every part of our lives. AMEN?!

Don’t forget to water the plants!

Happy Resurrection Day!

Matthew 28

1)	In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first [day] of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2)	And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3)	His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4)	And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead [men].
5)	And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6)	He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7)	And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8)	And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
9)	And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10)	Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
11)	Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
12)	And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
13)	Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him [away] while we slept.
14)	And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15)	So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
16)	Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17)	And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18)	And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19)	Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20)	Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Make Your Way Prosperous

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.

Joshua 1:8-9



The Bible says that God spoke these words to Joshua after the death of Moses. God encouraged Joshua to meditate on his word and go forth in victory. In fact, this strengthened Joshua so much, that the very next verse declares “Then Joshua commanded…”

Wow! If you are anything like me, you have those days when you wonder, “Lord, what am I doing wrong? Why aren’t things working in my favor? Why is it that when I think I’m doing the right thing, my circumstances work against me?” Perhaps Joshua felt some of these things when Moses died. Perhaps he felt slightly alone or lost. He may have felt intimidated or afraid. Nevertheless, the LORD provided a solution to provide him confidence and set him mind at rest.

1) Listen to God when He speaks (Joshua 1:1)
2) Don’t forget the Word of God.
3) Study and meditate on the Scriptures.
4) Do all that is written and commanded by God.
5) Be strong and courageous.
6) Do not be afraid or discouraged.

Then what? You will be prosperous! You will have good success! Our Father will be with you wherever you go!

What an awesome reminder this is for us when we become discouraged on a daily basis. If we do these things, our faith must increase (Romans 10:17). As we believe on God, He will increase in our lives. My God, we can’t lose. It’s all about obedience and holiness. We must sanctify ourselves. We must be set apart and governed by the Word of God.

What a simple reminder, yet so powerful!

Guard Your Gates!

Years ago, I heard a minister preach about “Guarding Our Gates.” It is so imperative that the people of God learn to carefully select what we see and hear. The human body has many parts and senses, but our sight and ability to hear are very important to the spirit. The eyes and ears are the only physical gates by which the spirit can be directly influenced. My God! That’s powerful. The fact is that everything we see and hear is automatically registered in our spirits. For this reason, we must demand authority over our surroundings. If something sneaks in that is not of God, we must deal with it immediately. Every sight and sound we are exposed to produces a thought, or a series of thoughts. This can be referred to as imagination, which is part of the soul. Man is a three-part being: Spirit, Soul and Body. When the Body is exposed to an outside influence, a message is sent to the soul, where it is exposed to emotions and thought. At that point, we must decide whether or not we will subject the our spirit to the same. 2 Corinthians 10:5 “Casting down imaginations, and ever high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ…” Praise God. In this scripture, we are instructed to bring thoughts [imaginations and feelings] into the obedience of Christ, which also agrees with the Holy Spirit within us. We do this by “casting down” or rebuking those things that exalt themselves against the “knowledge of God” or the Word of God. This is certainly difficult to do. Nevertheless, every believer must learn to control his or her thoughts and seek God at a level where relationship with Him is able to purge those things that are not like Him. It is much easier, though, to simply avoid those things that are not like God – music, television, ungodly conversations, and anything else that do not agree with the Word of God. Not convinced? Take a look at Romans 10:17. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Faith is a spiritual concept. Yet, it is built by “hearing” the Word of God. Faith grows when we expose our ear, or gate, to the thoughts and works of our Father. Hallelujah! If positive information can enter our flesh and produce a positive spiritual change, how much more can negative information enter through the flesh to produce a negative spiritual impact!

Are YOU the Weakest Link?

We have all the seen the British-based game show that swept our nation during the latter part of last year. The title was "The Weakest Link." The object of the game was for each team to answer the maximum number of questions correctly, creating a link of monetary winnings that grew exponentially with each correct answer. Whenever a question was answered incorrectly, the link was broken, and the team had to begin compounding money again. At the end of each round, the team voted off the "weakest link" until one player was declared the winner, or the strongest link. In the church, God has given us all a part of the ministry. We have specific gifts, ministries and callings that help us to serve the Body of Christ. Since we are all a vital part of the ministry work, there is no room for a "weak link." Take an assessment of the Body of Christ today. Would God be pleased? Are we saving souls as we should? Are we caring for the sick and hungry as we should? Are we upholding the law of the Lord as we should? If not, why? Are YOU the weakest link? ----- Are You the Weakest Link? Clichés worth pondering… A team is only as good as its leader. Two heads are better than one. There is power in numbers. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. THE BIBLE SAYS... Ecclesiastes 4:9 - Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. Ecclesiastes 4:12 - And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Amos 3:3 - Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Scriptural Texts: 1 Corinthians 1:10, 11, 13, 26-31 Supporting Texts: Romans 12:3-21 1 Corinthians 12 ----- 10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. ----- CHARACTERISTICS OF A STRONG LINK 1 Corinthians 12:2 2 Corinthians 13:1 James 4:10 Romans 8:14 James 4:6 1. Walk in unity 2. Speak the same things / agree in doctrine 3. Same mind and judgement 4. Joined by the mind of Christ 5. Called of God 6. Exalted by the hand of God 7. Spirit-led 8. Wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, redemption 9. Humility 10. Glory only in God ----- CHARACTERISTICS OF A WEAK LINK Proverbs 17:11 James 4:4 1. Division and strife / rebellion 2. Rumors and negative reports 3. Led by strengths of the flesh rather than strengths of the Spirit (i.e. worldly knowledge, wealth, fame, etc.) 4. Abased by God 5. Glory in fleshly things

Is Your Clothing Out of Style?

Many Christians have problems with changes that need to take place in their lives. We don’t like change because it is uncomfortable and unfamiliar. Unfortunately, the attitudes we carry…the disobedience in which we live…the excuses we make…the traditions we place before God…they are all OUT OF STYLE!

When it comes to the Saints of God, especially those in leadership, God is getting tired of mess. He is tired of seeing us wear old clothes as we try to function according to old things. God is doing a new thing in the Kingdom of God, and we must get BRAND NEW for Him. People of God, it’s time to change our spiritual clothes! Hypocrisy must cease. We must walk in TRUE HOLINESS and seek God like never before. We need to “dress to impress” in the spirit realm.


What Authority Do You Represent?

In our society, we are able to recognize people in authority by their appearance. We are able, for instance, to identify someone in the armed forces by the camouflage they wear. We recognize a police officer because of the uniform he wears. These outfits symbolize something for us. They define the authority and the purpose that person has been called to fulfill.

In the same way, the Bible tells us that we should be known by our fruit. The move of the Holy Spirit in our lives will cause others to recognize the power, authority and purpose that has been placed in us by God. The problem in Christian leadership is that many of us are perpetrating an officer, and that’s a crime! We are dressing ourselves with titles, dead works and responsibilities that God never called us to. In Matthew 21:18-19, we read about Jesus and a fig tree. The Bible says the Lord was hungry, and saw a fig tree with leaves on it, signifying that fruit should have been present as well. When He saw that no fruit was blooming on the tree, He cursed it. Many of us today are just like that tree. We act like we’re sanctified, and we talk like we’re holy, but we fail to produce. We call ourselves prophets, but we never prophesy the word of the Lord. Instead we profess our own ideas and ideologies. We call ourselves preachers, but we preach politics and economics, rather than the word of God. Leaders, this puts the people of God in bondage. We cannot be found guilty and false prophesies. God’s judgment begins at the house of God, so many of us need to repent!

In the 11th chapter of John, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. In Jewish tradition, the dead were wrapped in a shroud, or a grave cloth before they were buried or placed in a tomb. When Jesus tells Lazarus, “come forth,” he realizes that he is bound by this clothing. The Bible says, in verse 44, that Lazarus came forth “bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound with a napkin.” Jesus told the people surrounding him, “Loose him, and let him go.” If Lazarus had stayed in those grave clothes, he would not have been able to function normally. He couldn’t see. He could barely walk. More than likely, he was unable to breathe freely as well. Many of us, as Christian leaders, are wrapped in a shroud called TRADITION. God has called us into ministry, but we are bound by the things we have been taught by the church. We can’t see clearly. We can’t walk freely, and we can’t speak as the Lord leads us. Well, the devil is a liar! He who the Son sets free is free indeed! Some of us need to stop being bound by titles. We need to take off our binding clothes and walk in new life. If you’re called, you’re just called. “Come forth,” as Jesus said to Lazarus. You may walk in the office of an Evangelist, but if the Lord tells you to prophesy, PROPHESY. You may walk in the office of a teacher, but if God tells you to preach, PREACH THE WORD! At some point, we have to stop worrying about what people will think. We may have to forget some of the traditions we were taught. We MUST do as God says. He is speaking in these last days, and we MUST BE OBEDIENT!

Last, but not least, we must begin to see ourselves as God sees us. Many times, we quench the Holy Spirit because of fear. We must get to a place where we realize that God gets all the glory! Therefore, fear has no place in ministry! We must be bold and walk in power according to Acts 1:8. The Lord had plans for us before we were formed in our mother’s wombs (Jeremiah 1:5). We must walk in our destinies. We must realize who we are in Christ Jesus and live according to the power that is in us. We should be able to pray for the sick and see them healed. We should have the power to raise the dead! It’s only a matter of faith. God isn’t falling short, so it must be us. Amen?

In Job 14:13-15, Job asks that God hide him in the grave until his wrath passes. This is exactly where some of us have been. We have been hiding behind religious traditions and false doctrines of the church, using them to make excuses for why we are not fulfilling the callings on our lives. Well, God is saying that our change has come! It is now time to walk in life and liberty, through the Spirit of God.

Be encouraged, saints of God! The Lord wants to use us in these last days, but we must be strong, willing and obedient. We must be in uniform, compliant with the Word of God. People will see our clothing, in the Spirit, and glorify our Father in Heaven. Is your clothing out of style?


Is Your Clothing Out of Style?

Our clothes say so much about us. Our style communicates our occupation, our self-esteem, our purpose, our artistic ability, and so much more. Clothing is a visible display of one’s culture, society, conscious and economic status. Our character, words and works do the same in the spirit realm. They reveal the status of our spiritual walk and relationship with God. Is your clothing out of style? Is it deceiving? Is it too binding? The Lord is calling us change clothes – to represent who we really are in Him on a day to day basis. We must get real before the Lord. For some of us, that may mean standing completely naked before Him.

Is Your Clothing Out of Style? If your walk doesn’t line up with your calling, change your clothes. If your title doesn’t match your calling, change your clothes!


Final thoughts to ponder…

Take off sin and put on holiness (Romans 13:11-14).
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Learn to distinguish between vain tradition and the Word of God (Matthew 15:9).
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Live an honest and transparent life. God’s people must have integrity (Romans 2:20-24).
20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

Let’s watch our mouths. Only GOSSIP THE GOSPEL! We must allow God to touch our lips (Isaiah 6:5-7).
5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.