DO YOU TRULY LOVE GOD MORE THAN THESE?

DO YOU LOVE GOD? DO YOU LOVE GOD MORE THAN THESE? DO YOU TRULY LOVE GOD MORE THAN THESE?

Meditation/Reflection/Inspiration/Motivation

If you love God more than these why do you spend more time eating “food” to sustain the physical than you spend eating “food” to sustain the spiritual/eternal?

If you love God more than these why do you spend more time on the phone with friends than you spend talking with God?

If you love God more than these why do you spend more time reading fantasies, romance and fiction than you spend reading the Word of God?

If you love God more than these why do you spend more time complaining than you spend praising God for His goodness and mercies toward you?

If you love God more than these why do you spend so much time taking care of your outward appearance than you spend addressing the condition of your heart?

If you love God more than these why do you look the other way when you come in contact with someone in need whom God placed in your path as an opportunity to help someone and bring honor to His name?

If you love God more than these why do you neglect going to church when God requires that you do? “Do not neglect/forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; …” (Hebrews 10:25).

If you love God more than these why do you not share your testimony when God provides you with the opportunities to do so which will encourage someone who is “going through”?

If you love God more than these why do you not spend more time in prayer and supplication to God instead of talking endlessly and worrying about your situation?

“Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?” (John 21:15). Jesus asked the same question three times and each time He gave Simon Peter specific instruction following his response to Jesus’ question.

Do you love God? Do you love God more than these? Do you truly love God more than these?

Let us therefore engage in purposeful self examination.

SCHEDULE ALONE TIME WITH GOD!

 www.drgordonministries.org

 

WHERE ARE YOU PLANTED?

1.   Devotion- Where Are You Planted?          

   

          The picture on the right is the head of the stream where the river begins. The water is coming from a cave right there on the hillside which you do not see in the picture. The picture on the left is just a few feet away from the head of the stream. This area is a tourist attraction and is very beautiful. Just looking at how broad the river head is takes your breath away. I took this picture at Roaring River in Westmoreland, Jamaica about four or five years ago.

This morning (June 25, 2013), I was looking at the pictures that I took and as I looked at those taken of the river, right away the Holy Spirit ministered to me. The Scripture that came to mind was, “And you 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” Psalm 1:3. At the time I did not remember where the Scripture was found so I googled and found it. Psalm 42:1-2 “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God.” Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

          As I gazed at the picture of the fresh, clean and beautiful water flowing in abundance, flowing endlessly, I thought of how Jesus asked the Samaritan Woman for water to drink then He told her in John 4:10 “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” In verse 13 Jesus went on to say, “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

          Upon reflection I thought of the symbolic significance of water how it represents Salvation and cleansing. My soul rejoiced in thankfulness to God for forgiving me and cleansing my heart of my own sins. Looking at the water I thought of how Jesus went to John by the River Jordan to be baptized and the events that followed such as the Holy Spirit descending on Him as a dove and how He was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

          I observed the plants by the river banks and they were healthy looking even though it was summer time when I took those pictures.

What is the lesson? God’s abiding and sustaining grace is able to keep us even in the “heat” of battle. Regardless of what we are going through if we faint not God will preserve us and bring honor to His name. We will be better for those trials. We will be strengthened and renewed. Our faith will grow beyond that of a mustard seed and our joy in the Lord will be full. At that time just be reminded that God is preparing you for the next challenge. Can God count on you? Can He use you in such times to bring honor to His name?

May God bless you richly. Please visit my Blog by clicking the link above and leave your thoughts to bless someone else. Sincerely, Dr. Jasmine Gordon

DISCIPLINE: SELF DISCIPLINE! 2 PETER 3:18

DISCIPLINE: SELF DISCIPLINE 6-21-13

Normally when we think of the word discipline the tendency is to think of punishment of some sort. However, self discipline is a good and positive behavior or practice for a child of God. My encouragement is that we discipline ourselves to schedule meaningful and consistent alone time with God. God gives us health, strength and 24 hours in a day. At least, (myself included) we should set aside some time to renew and strengthen the “inner man” our soul. We desire to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus 2 Peter 3:18. For this “growing in grace” to happen we must nourish our souls with the Word of God and spend time in prayer. Some self disciplines for the child of God to engage in are- reading/studying the Word, prayer, meditation, fasting, journaling, and memorizing the Word among other disciplines. We practice these disciplines to be transformed in becoming more like Jesus, that’s the goal. Paul admonishes Timothy to study the Word. Jesus used the Word when Satan approached Him in the wilderness after His baptism. We too must study and know the Word of God for it is our greatest weapon. The Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit, Ephesians 6:17. Whitney & Packer say that “Regardless of how busy we become with all things Christian, we must remember that the most transforming practice available to us is the disciplined intake of Scripture.” Did you make time to read the Scripture today? Did you make time to pray? Did you spend quality time in the presence of God today? It’s not too late. I encourage you to make time now. God bless!

 

PursuExcellence in Ministry Monthly Women's Fellowship

 

PURSUEXCELLENCE IN MINISTRY
Our Monthly Women’s Fellowship on Saturday, June 15th @ 9:00 – 11:00 A.M. THEME: VISION BOARD!
Learn how to create a vision board & realize your dream.

What is a Vision Board?

A vision board is a tool used to help clarify, concentrate and maintain focus on a specific life goal. Literally, a vision board is any sort of board on which you display images and/words that represent whatever you want to be, do, or have in your life. What is the point? Simply put, as humans we tend to be very busy and constantly bombarded by distractions. Making use of vision boards serve several purposes, some of which include helping you to stay focused. PursuExcellence in Ministry focuses on spiritual, personal & professional growth and development. You will enter into a safe place where you will be nurtured, blessed, inspired, motivated, encouraged & have fun.

"IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD"

PURSUEXCELLENCE IN MINISTRY WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP: When God is the “center” (central focus) of what we do it makes ALL the difference. PursuExcellence in Ministry Women’s Fellowship was this morning (5-18-03) and it is an experience that will linger for a long time in our hearts and spirits. It will also be manifested in our lives as we move forward on our Christian journey. My heart is overflowing with joy! The Spirit of God was very strongly felt in our midst and the women shared with liberty and received with open hearts and minds. Minister Victoria Burse, thanks for coming this morning. The Bible speaks of “iron sharpening iron” and your coming this morning did just that. I bless and honor God for you and that we are partners together in Christ. Victoria, eyes have not seen and ears have not heard what God has in store for us to do. I am excited because it is amazing just thinking about how God is getting ready to use us to bless His people. Meditation, Galatians 5:22-26.

Eyes of Faith: Genesis 22

Genesis 22:1-2 & 10-13 “And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.” V10-13 “… And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God,  seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.”

Thoughts: Why did Abraham look? In my spirit I believe that by faith he had an expectancy or hope. “Behind him was a ram.” Why was the ram behind him? The ram was not in front for him to instantly see, but it was there within reach. God's provision for us is always within reach. God promises that if we ask we shall receive. Our faith is the substance or evidence of what we hope for. Notice that after Abraham's act of faith, God revealed His provision for him, the ram.

Right behind you God’s provision is in place. God is waiting on your act of faith to reveal His provision(s) for you. Do you ever stop to think that sometimes we hinder our own blessing(s)? Our blessing is right there 'behind us’ but God is waiting to see if we are willing to do what He is asking of us. Whatever God asks us to do is according to the measure of our faith. So, do what He asks.

Are you willing to give up what God has asked you to? Think of the abundant blessing He has in store for you, and see it by faith. If you can do that, you will let go and let God have His way. Abraham did just that, he did not complain. Instead, he prayed and asked God for a blessing. Listen, God is “taking you through” to show you his favor. Remember, God is always there, even in our darkest moments.

If you search the Scriptures you will see that favor requires a sacrifice. What are you willing to give up (sacrifice) for God’s favor? What has God asked you to give up? What we are asked to give up cannot be compared to what God has in store for us.

As in the case with Abraham, angels are waiting to minister unto you. Remember when Jesus was tempted by the devil after His baptism, angels came and ministered unto Him because He did as God His Father required. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him… (1 Corinthians 2:9 & 10)

As Abraham did, you now go and do likewise! With God’s grace and mercy you can do it!

EYES OF FAITH: GENESIS 22

Eyes of Faith: Genesis  22

 

Genesis 22:1-2 & 10-13 “… God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son I’saac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering …” V10-13 “… And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God,  seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram…”

Thoughts: Why did Abraham look? In my spirit I believe that by faith he had an expectancy or hope. “Behind him was a ram.” Why was the ram behind him? The ram was not in front for him to instantly see, but it was there within reach. Notice that after his act of faith, God revealed His provision for him, the ram.

Right behind you God’s provision is in place. God is waiting on your act of faith to reveal His provision(s) for you. Do you ever stop to think that sometimes we hinder our own blessing(s)? Our blessing is right there “behind us’ but God is waiting to see if we are willing to do what He is asking of us.

Are you willing to give up what God has asked you to? Think of the abundant blessing He has in store for you, and see it by faith. If you can do that, you will let go and let God have His way. Abraham did just that, he did not complain. Instead, he prayed and asked God for a blessing. Listen, God is “taking you through” to show you his favor. Remember, God is always there, even and especially in our darkest moments.

If you search the Scriptures you will see that favor requires a sacrifice. What are you willing to give up (sacrifice) for God’s favor? What has God asked you to give up? What we are asked to give up cannot be compared to what God has in store for us.

As in the case with Abraham, angels are waiting to minister unto you. Remember when Jesus was tempted by the devil after His baptism, angels came and ministered unto Him because He did as God His Father required. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him… (1 Corinthians 2:9 & 10)

Go and do likewise! With God’s grace and mercy you can!