Being Transparent

Key Scripture: Ephesians 5:1

    Good morning Saints : ) As always I pray that everyone had a great weekend! Mine was very busy, and it went by really fast. Saints, I want to just talk to ya'll this afternoon; and just be completely transparent. When I began writing this message, I didn't have an n idea of what to share with ya'll. I wasn't really hearing any specific topic from Father either. Therefore, I just started writing. I want to be transparent with ya'll to be an example for ya'll. Many of you know the reason why I started this group as well as the M.O.W.s…to serve our Father in Heaven. I am not doing this to please man, for that is nearly impossible and worth nothing! Remember this Saints, "Only what you do for Christ will last"; everything else will pass away.

    Now, I am not sharing this with ya'll to boast, brag, or any such foolishness. Again, I want to be completely transparent, that's why I'm telling you this. Sometimes, I do not "feel" like writing the M.O.W.s, or even running the group for that matter. Sometimes I question, "Is it worth it?" But every time, Father reminds me, whether directly or through one of your testimonies, that as long as this is helping at least ONE person come closer to Him, then it is WELL worth it! Saints, when Father reveals such things to me, I then ask myself, "TJ, why are you doing this?" Now this is not the "why" that you may be thinking, but more like, "Who are you doing this for?" My answer is and will always be, GOD!!

    Saints, my point this afternoon is, through my transparency, can you ask yourself that same question, and always get that same answer. In other words, why do you do things for other people? Or why do you do this, and why do you do that? Is your answer always, "To give God the glory?" If not, then saints I urge you to examine yourself. The Bible says that if we would judge ourselves, then we will not be judged. Some of you might say, well I don't have to do EVERYTHING for God do I? Well, HIS word says, "In everything that you do, do it to the glory of the Lord." I hope that answers your question : )

    Saints, I hope that my transparency on today, allowed you to examine yourself and your motives in doing things. Whether you stay in this group or not, my only prayer is that this group has helped your relationship with God grow so much more. I love you all with the love of our Lord! Until next time, take care and God Bless!!

 

His Servant,

TJ (KBTeam – The Kingdom Building Team)

 

"Grace is what He gives; Mercy is what we need. Relationship is what He longs for; Salvation is what we'll receive." ~Terrell D. Jackson

Evangelism…What Satan doesn’t want you to know!!

Key Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7

    Good morning Saints : ) Although I pray that everyone had a blessed weekend, I am not going to tarry this morning. This message has been on my heart for awhile now, and Father has just given me the permission to share it with ya'll. So with that said, let's jump straight into it. Before I begin however, I pray that Father decreases me and increase Himself.

    Picture this: You are in your house, in your bedroom, and you look out your bedroom window and see a bright light. You don't know what it is, so you put on your house shoes and exit out of your front door, just to come and find your neighbor's house is "On Fire"! Now, this neighbor isn't "necessarily" your best friend, but you realize that it doesn't matter right now. What do you do? Do you say to yourself, "Well, I haven't really developed a "relationship" with them? Therefore, I don't think it would be right for me to go bang on their door in an attempt to save their lives." Or, do you, instead of talking, run as fast as you can to their house in an attempt to "Save Their Lives!!" I'm going to say this very humbly, if you are the one that did the first action, then you REALLY need to check your salvation!

    Unfortunately, the sad part about this example is, as Christians we choose the FIRST action EVERY time we choose to NOT witness to either somebody we know, or somebody we don't know. We often feel that we have to develop a "relationship" with that person, before we can witness to them. I say we, because I am guilty of this as well. However, if we "really" cared about their salvation, witnessing to them wouldn't be the "last" thing we did, but the "first". Now, I am NOT saying that every person you see you should run up to them and say, "You're going to HELL, if you don't repent of your sins!!" One, that's NOT the way our Lord Jesus did it, and two, you'll probably scare that person away from God.

    No, there is a way to do it, which is more effective. God has been teaching me this through "The Way of The Master." If you are SERIOUS about winning souls for God, and I hope that EVERYONE in this group is, then check out the link at the bottom of this message. Once you are there, take the "Are you a Good Person" test. I would love to hear back from those who will be obedient; and I will be more than happy to share my testimony after taking it.

    Now, Saints I know this is kind of long. However, I believe that this message is, if not ranked #1, then at least #2 of importance to us. If you have given your life to Christ, and you are TRULY serving Him, and NOT just claiming the title, then listen very closely. Satan's BIGGEST goal is NOT to get you to fall, but instead to KEEP YOU FROM WITNESSING!! Why? Because, if he has lost you, he is upset but he will deal with it. BUT, if you start witnessing then he has the potential to lose even more! Don't give him the victory, by NOT Evangelizing!! Until next time, take care Saints and God Bless!

 

His Servant,

TJ (KBTeam – The Kingdom Building Team)

Website: http://www.thewayofthemaster.com

 

"Grace is what He gives; Mercy is what we need. Relationship is what He longs for; Salvation is what we'll receive!" ~Terrell D. Jackson

The Only Way to Worship God

Key Scripture: St. John 4:24

    Good morning Saints : ) I pray that everyone had an awesome weekend, and that you are continually growing closer and closer to our Father. On last week God was teaching us how we have to be careful of what we feed to our spirit, because Satan will use what you put in you, to destroy you. Therefore, be wise and don't give him any weapons! I pray this morning that Father will help me put this message together, so that everyone will understand what the Word of God is teaching us through this message. This morning I want to talk about, "The Only Way to Worship God." So with that said, let's jump right into it.

    Our key scripture comes from St. John 4:24. "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." Before I explain the context of this scripture, I want to point out the keyword "must", meaning that this is the ONLY way to truly worship God Almighty! Now, in this story there was a woman of Samaria who came to this well to draw water, when she met Jesus. Jesus asked her to give him a drink, and she said why are you asking me when you know that I am a Samaritan and you are a Jew; for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus responded, "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." He later said, "Whosoever drinketh of this water (from the well) 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."

    Now, stay with me because Jesus is not just talking about "natural" water, but "spiritual" water which is "worship". Remember this: just as much "water" is important to the HUMAN body; "worship" is just as important to the SPIRITUAL body. I do not know the actual percentage, but our body is made up of over 60% of water. Therefore, we "need" water to survive! Well, if "worship" is just as important to our spiritual body, then we "need" worship to survive…spiritually. BUT, the only way to "worship" God is in spirit and in truth. Therefore, it must be IN you! This is the "water" that Jesus is speaking of. God is not trying to take us "to" worship; He is trying to put worship "in" us! Anybody can "fake" shouting and dancing, but you cannot fake "true" worship, because the only way to worship God is in spirit and in truth : )

    I pray that this message blessed someone to come closer to Father. I thank Him even now for being so faithful, and helping me put this message together…He deserves ALL of the glory. Until next time Saints, take care and God Bless.

 

His Servant,

TJ (KBTeam – The Kingdom Building Team)

 

"Grace is what He gives; Mercy is what we need. Relationship is what He longs for; Salvation is what we'll receive." ~Terrell D. Jackson

What are you feeding to your spirit?

Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:12

    Good morning Saints : ) Our Father is so AWESOME!! He is awesome not just because of what He has done for us and our ancestors; but He is awesome just because of who He IS!! I just felt that on my spirit, and wanted to share it with ya'll. I pray that everyone had a blessed weekend, and an amazing time in the Lord in service on yesterday. I am really excited about the message for this week, and I pray that everyone will have an open heart to receive it. I had planned to speak about "Sacrifice & Worship", but Father said differently. Therefore, I will be obedient, and let God have His way!

    This morning I want to talk about the things you are feeding to your spirit. Our key scripture comes from 1 Corinthians 6:12. "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." If you have to read that again, please do. In other words, it is saying that it is not a "sin" to do certain things, but it is not "wise" to do them. Again, what are you feeding to your spirit? The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8 to be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. This scripture is not talking about being sober & vigilant in our "flesh", because Ephesians 6:12 says that we do not wrestle against "flesh & blood". Therefore, this scripture is talking about being sober & vigilant in our "spirit". Again, what are you feeding to your spirit?

    Stay with me this morning, because this is VERY important information to know. Remember, His word says that "my people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge" in Hosea 4:6. The things that we listen to, watch, say, and do may be "lawful", but is it expedient; is it wise? Remember this, Satan uses what is "inside" of us to destroy us. If you don't believe me, take a look at Adam & Eve. God told Adam to NOT eat of the forbidden fruit. Well, Satan heard that as well. Therefore, from that point on, his goal was to get Adam to disobey God so that Adam would die. God then put Adam to sleep and took a rib "out" of him to create Eve; so Eve came "out of" Adam. What did Satan do? He turned around and used what was "in" Adam to destroy him. Well Saints, Satan uses the same tricks even today. He will use what you put in you, and feed to your spirit to destroy you; don't give him anything to work with!!

    I thank God so much for His Word. I pray that it blesses someone to grow more in our Lord. Remember Saints, it may be lawful, but is it expedient? Don't equip Satan with the weapons to use against you!! Until next time, take care and God Bless.

 

His Servant,

TJ (KBTeam – The Kingdom Building Team)

 

"Grace is what He gives; Mercy is what we need. Relationship is what He longs for; Salvation is what we'll receive." ~Terrell D. Jackson

Are You Seeking the Blessing or the Blessor?

Key Scripture: St. John 4:14

    Good morning Saints : ) I pray that everyone had a blessed weekend, and is prepared for an awesome week in our Lord. I am really excited about the M.O.W. for this week; I really learned a huge lesson. I can only hope and pray that someone will be blessed by it, and come closer to the Father because of it. With that said, let's jump straight into it!

    I begin this message with a question, "Are you seeking the 'Blessing' or the 'Blessor'?" Before you continue reading this message, REALLY think about that questions AND your answer to it. Our key scripture comes from St. John 4:14. "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." In this scripture we can clearly see "what" the blessing is, and "who" the blessor is. Are you like the Samaritan woman who says in the following scripture, sir, give me this "water"…the "blessing", or are you seeking the person who can give you that water, the "blessor". I use myself as an example. Last week I had received $900 dollars, and because I "thought" that the "blessing" would solve some problems that I was facing, I had a hard time deciding whether or not to give 10% of it to the "blessor" or just an offering. Needless to say, God took that $900 dollars back. At first I didn't understand, and I consistently prayed for an understanding; and to be completely honest, it wasn't until just now that I fully understand why. I was not READY for the "blessing", because I was seeking the "blessing" more than the "blessor". The point that I am trying to make is, I got so caught up and excited about the "blessing" and what I "thought" it could solve, until I found myself putting more value on the "blessing" instead of the "blessor", the one who gave it to me to begin with! His word says to seek HIM first, and everything else will be added unto you. However, many times we, including myself, seek or think that we need the "blessing" so much that we value the "gift" more than the "giver".

    Therefore, again I ask you this morning, "Are you seeking the Blessing or the Blessor?" Learn from my mistake Saints, and don't forget to seek after God first AND always!! Next week, if God says the same we will talk about "Sacrifice & Worship." I pray that this message will help somebody come closer to the Father and grow more in Christ Jesus. Until next time, take care and God Bless!

 

His Servant,

TJ (KBTeam – The Kingdom Building Team)

 

"Grace is what He gives; Mercy is what we need. Relationship is what He longs for; Salvation is what we'll receive." ~Terrell D. Jackson

Where Can You Hide?

Key Scripture: Hebrews 4:12

    Good evening Saints : ) I want to first apologize for not having the M.O.W. on yesterday. There is no excuse; just me being lazy…something that Father is definitely working out of me! I don't mind being transparent with ya'll because I honestly rather ya'll, as my brothers & sisters in Christ, "edify" me, before Father gets a hold of me : ) I thank God so much for ya'll, this group, and especially his Word, because all of it exposes my faults & iniquities, which in-turn helps me come closer to Jesus.

    Have you ever eaten something that was sweet and good at first, but left a terrible after taste? Well, as a Christian, that's the experience you witness when you sin, especially if God is using you as a vessel. The sin probably felt good to your flesh, but afterwards you felt terrible. Sometimes, we know that we are going to feel terrible afterwards but yet we still sin. You know I am so glad that Father doesn't love us, based on our "performance". Because if He did, on a scale of 1 to 10 of how much God loves someone, many of us would be below 5.

    I titled this message, "Where can you hide," because many times we think that just because "man" didn't see us sin, that we are okay. We forget that God is Omni-present, and that He sees Every Single Time we sin!! Our key scripture comes from Hebrews 4:12. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Therefore, whether you want to believe & accept it or not, there is no "Getaway From God" package to go sin : ) Stop deceiving yourself into thinking that just because "man" doesn't see or know about your faults & iniquities that you are "getting away." God's word pierces to the dividing asunder of soul & spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts AND intents of the heart. In other words, He sees what even your eyes can't see…about yourself!!

    I began this message by being transparent with ya'll. The reason why is because Father's word says in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, that we should "edify" one another. It also says in Hebrews 3:13, that we should exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. I pray that this message "edifies" somebody, and helps them remember that even though "man" might not see you sin…God is ALWAYS watching, because He is Omni-present. Where Can You Hid? Until next time, take care Saints and God Bless!!

 

His Servant,

TJ (KBTeam – The Kingdom Building Team)

 

"Grace is what He gives, Mercy is what we need; Relationship is what He longs for, Salvation is what we'll receive." ~Terrell D. Jackson

Do You Have an Understanding?

Key Scripture: St. John 14:15

    Good morning Saints : ) I hope and pray that everyone had a great weekend; and if you were able to make it to the house of the Lord on yesterday, I hope you were blessed. This week's MOW will deal with the second part of last week's MOW on getting an "understanding". For those whom missed last week's MOW you can still read it and comment on it when you get the chance. With that said, let's jump right into it.

    Last week's scripture came from Proverbs 4:7 & Psalm 111:10. I mentioned how both scriptures dealt with "wisdom" and "understanding". Let's see what they are saying about "understanding" and receive the revelation from Father on it. Proverbs 4:7 ends with, "…and with all thy getting get understanding." Then Psalm 111:10 says in the second clause, "…a good understanding have all they that do his commandments…" When reading those scriptures, particular Proverbs 4:7, I am reminded of when someone told me that we, Christians, are not suppose to ask God "why" or questions for that matter. However, when you look at scripture many of God's greatest people/vessels asked him "why" or other questions. For instance, Moses when he appeared before God at the burning bush; Job when he was being stripped of everything; and even our Lord Jesus when on the cross asked God why had he forsaken him. Therefore, I do not believe that we cannot ask God questions when we are trying to get an "understanding". I wanted to share that with you before I gave you the revelation that Father has given me about "understanding" in Psalm 111:10.

    Our key scripture comes from St. John 14:23, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Jesus was telling this to his disciples right before he began to tell them about the promise of the Spirit (Holy Ghost). In Psalm 111:10, the second clause tells us that ALL who DO his commandments have a good understanding. Last week God revealed to us that we have to reverence (fear) him before we can begin to get wisdom. This week He is showing us that in order to get a good "understanding" you must DO his commandments. However, He is also showing us that those who keep or do his commandments are those who "love" him. The point that I am trying to make in all of this is, before you get ANYTHING make sure you get "wisdom". And the only way to get "wisdom" is to fear (reverence) God. Then make sure you get an "understanding". However, to even have a good understanding, you must DO his "commandments". But if you are not willing to DO his commandments, then HOW can you say that you "love" him? Something to think about : )

    I hope and pray that the purpose of this message was fulfilled; and that our Father got the glory out of it. Until next time, take care Saints and God Bless.

 

His Servant,

TJ (KBTeam – The Kingdom Building Team)

 

"Grace is what HE gives; mercy is what WE need. Relationship is what HE longs for; salvation is what WE'LL receive." ~Terrell D. Jackson

Do You Have Wisdom?

Key Scripture: Proverbs 4:7

    Good morning Saints : ) I must begin by saying that it is truly an honor to write the message for this week. Sometimes I get overwhelmed thinking about Father and His amazing power. I know that sounds random, but I was looking at pictures of the planets the other day. I couldn't help but fathom His awesome and infinite power. LOL, I just wanted to share that with ya'll.

    After praying and asking Father for a message for this week, He took me to Proverbs 4:7. "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Immediately after reading that I though of Psalm 111:10, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever." Notice that both scriptures deal with "wisdom" and "understanding". Let's first look at what they are saying about "wisdom".

    Proverbs 4:7 says that wisdom is the "principal" thing. In other words, wisdom is something that you want to get "first". Before anything else, make sure you get wisdom! Then in Psalm 111:10 it says that the fear of the Lord is the "beginning" of wisdom. In other words, before you can even get wisdom, you must fear the Lord. Now, do not misinterpret the definition of "fear" in this context with the definition of it in the scripture dealing with the "spirit" of fear. There is a HUGE difference! The definition of fear in this context is "reverence". So, the "reverence" of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and you must do/have this before you can get wisdom!

    Next Monday we will deal with the second part dealing with "understanding". In the meantime, I pray that this message will penetrate your heart and bless you to come closer to Father at the same time. When you get a chance, read the whole chapter of Proverbs 4; it will truly bless your spirit. Until next time, take care Saints, and God Bless!!

 

His Servant,

TJ (KBTeam – The Kingdom Building Team)

 

"Grace is what HE gives; Mercy is what WE need. Relationship is what HE longs for; Salvation is what WE'LL receive." ~Terrell D. Jackson

How Bad Do You Want It?

    "I would rather listen to somebody who is TRYING to become wealthy; instead of somebody who just COMPLAINS about not being wealthy!" I begin with that quote because I am getting so tired of hearing people around me complain about how "hard" times are. So many people complain about it, but don't want to do anything to change their current situation. Instead, they will take their chances on the lottery, or pray that they will open up their mailboxes to find a huge check. They go to work and do the same things day after day, week after week, month after month, and sometimes year after year, yet hope or expect for things to change for the better. I want to scream so badly and say, "If you want things to change; then make a change. And I'm not just talking about your environment, but your mindsets, attitudes, and actions!"

    The first thing that must change is your "mindset". Never forget this, "If you continue to think the way you've always thought, you're going to continue to get what you've always got!" The majority has been raised and taught to have a "job" mentality. In other words, you believe in exchanging your time for money. I hear so many people with a "job" say things like, "I make such and such" or "How much do you make at your job?" What they do not realize is that neither one is "making" anything; they both are "working" for their money. When you "work" for someone or something, you become subject to that person or thing. You do not own or control what you are subject to. Therefore, you do not "own" your money, your money "owns" you. You do not ultimately decide what to spend your money on; your money tells you where to spend it. Hear me out; stop being deceived by your current mindset thinking that you "make" money at your job, and that you control where you want your money to go. Because, until your money starts working for you, you will always be subject to it, not the other way around. Remember, "You must change your mindset, before you can increase your assets."

    The next thing that you must change is your "attitude", the way you approach your situations. Never forget this, "It's not about the situations you face, it's about how you face those situations!" Every time you attempt to do something positive, negativity will always present itself; I guarantee it. Therefore, now that you know it, how will you react the next time it shows up? Will you get upset or angry, and in turn become negative? Or will you instead be grateful for it, because your mindset is changed and your attitude is focusing on the victory and not the "thought" of being defeated? Some might say, "The 'thought' of being defeated, TJ what are you talking about?" Listen, the Bible says that out of the abundance of the heart a man speaks. Now, in the midst of "it" being in your heart to out of your mouth, "it" becomes a thought. The Bible also says that, if a man should look upon a woman to "lust" after her, then he has committed adultery with her already in his heart. To lust after her, he must first "think" of her in a way or act that is unpleasing to God. Once again, "it" is a thought. The point that I am trying to make is, when negativity presents itself, focus on the victory instead of the "thought" of being defeated. Change your attitude and the way you approach your situations. Because if you don't change your attitude, and stop focusing on the "thought" or fear of being defeated, then you might as well consider yourself defeated already.

    The final thing that you must change is your "actions". Never forget this, "I would rather fail in SUCCEEDING, than to succeed in FAILING!" In other words, I would rather attempt to "do" something positive and come up short, than to attempt to "do" nothing and succeed. I know that sounds cheesy, but notice that I put emphasis on the word "do". Changing your mindset and attitude means a whole lot, but if you do not change your actions, then it was all done in vain. Many people can talk a good talk; but know that talking is not going to take a step for you. If you really want your situations to change, and you are tired of being sick and tired then it is time for you to change your actions. You cannot continue doing the same things that you have been doing and expect different results, I don't care if you've changed your mindset and attitude or not. The only way change is going to take place is if "you" initiate it. It all comes down to, "How Bad Do You Want It?"

I don’t WANT to be wealthy …I CHOOSE to be!

    From the time we are babies up until adult years we are taught to make known what it is we want. For instance, because babies cannot talk they usually cry, or when they are a little older, point at the thing(s) that they want. This can eventually become frustrating to the parents, because children get to that age where they can say what it is that they want, but yet they still point and whine for it. Very soon, the parents stop acknowledging the children when they attempt to get what they want by the way of crying, pointing, or whining for it instead of speaking. This directly teaches the child that in order to get what they want they have to literally say that they "want" it. However, this indirectly teaches the child that just because they say they "want" something, it will result in them always getting it. Unfortunately for the child, this theory is not explained to them fully while they are young. Therefore, they grow into adults with the mindset that saying you "want" something will result in you getting it; we call it, positive thinking.

    I'm reminded of the story in the Bible when Jesus was sleeping during a strong storm while his disciples were fighting to keep the water out of the boat and panicking nonetheless. Immediately, they rush to where Jesus was sleeping and awoke him questioning how he could sleep while the boat was on the verge of sinking. What Jesus did that night still amazes me to this day, but not just because he told the sea to be still. No, it's the lesson that Jesus indirectly taught that night that many people, including myself at one point, miss so often. Jesus not only believed or wanted everything to be okay, but he did something that we forget, or simply just don't know to do, and that is take action! It is because of the theory that we are taught as babies that hinders us from taking action, and has us thinking that things will come to past just because we "want" them to.

    The point that I am trying to make is, many people are always "wanting" instead of taking action by "choosing" what it is that they desire. Therefore, until they change the mindset that they have been raised with and start "choosing" things, they will never receive them. Jesus didn't say, "I want to be the way, the truth…" he said, "I AM the way, the truth…" He did not say, "I want to give you life…" he said, "I CAME to give you life…" In other words, he did not "want" he "choose". Therefore, stop saying you "want" to be wealthy or successful. Instead, start saying I "choose" to be wealthy and successful; and I guarantee you, it will increase your odds by 100%.