Keepin' Tha F8TH Podcast: Recent Episodes
Kelvin Dunn
Keepin’ Tha F8th Podcast is designed for FAITH Partners like you, seeking inspirational & motivational encouragement to help you maintain your FAITH during DIFFICULT TIMES. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/harvest-broadcast/support
As believers who have freely received grace, mercy, redemption, and so much more...we are called to give it to others freely. We share the kingdom. It’s what we do, and it’s who we are! And one of the reasons I can make such a definitive statement is because Jesus gave us a beautiful picture of this in the New Testament. The Parable of the Wedding Banquet.
Matthew 22:1-14
At the very beginning of the parable, Jesus says, “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son”… The illustration describes how the original invitations were rejected and that the king eventually instructs his servants to go and invite anyone they find to the banquet.
I love how Jesus points out that “the banquet is ready,” which evokes images of warm food and all kinds of appetizers in my mind. And side dishes… an elaborate feast fit for a king just waiting for folks to come and enjoy it.
For most of us, the family table is where time is spent with one another. It’s where new friendships are formed, and old friendships are continued.
Essentially, the table is a place where relationships develop. The table is a picture of shared fellowship with others. It’s where we both get to know and allow ourselves to be known. The table is where relationships develop. It’s where we turn away from the disconnected dissonance the world offers and drink deeply of divine fellowship with fellow citizens.
It’s where we are most fully KNOWN.
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Theologian and author J.I. Packer says;
"The Greek word for fellowship comes from a common or shared root. So fellowship means common participation in something either by giving what you have to the other person or receiving what they have. Give and take is the essence of fellowship, and give and take must be the way of fellowship in everyday life of the body of Christ." Christian fellowship is two-dimensional, and it has to be vertical before it can be horizontal.
Knowing and being known are two of our deepest needs as relational beings. The communal nature of our faith wasn't an accident; in fact, it was designed this way with great intention and purpose. We were created for life-giving relationships and fellowship with one another. We are better together, and that's the way God intended it!
Yet we desire to be more connected digitally while being more lonely physically than ever before. Digital personas are just as showy as they are shallow. We're made to thrive in fellowship with others. And yet the world tells us all the time that the best way to live is only for ourselves. Cutting yourself off from others is the safe way to live, the simple way to live, and yet the worldly way to live. Get what's yours, and don't let anyone or anything stand in your way. But this is not Jesus' way of living.
A famous African proverb says, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
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In today's society, we fight the urge to "FIT IN" with the world, and now we desire to be more connected digitally...and more lonely physically than ever before. And in this fast-paced, disconnected digital world we live in, it’s easy to have all the followers, connections, and fans but still feel utterly alone in the physical world. You see, we are designed for more than relational conflict. We are the image & likeness of the triune God; for the community, fellowship, and kingdom-centered relationships. Knowing and being known are two of our deepest needs as relational human beings.
Depending on who you ask or what article you’re reading, America faces an “epidemic of loneliness.” Again, the statistics vary, but about half of the population experiences significant loneliness when surveyed. The numbers are regularly higher among young people and the elderly, and obviously, the global pandemic affected everyone, worsening an ever-increasing problem of loneliness! The good news is that we serve an all-powerful, all-loving, and all-knowing creator God, Elohim, who knows us more deeply than anyone. He created humanity to be and do more, as relational human beings born into families and wired for fellowship.
Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist. So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world? Galatians 4:8-9
Idolatry is a one-way dead-end road. God knows you; Idols don’t know you because Idolatry is a one-way relationship. And you can’t even call it a relationship because a relationship implies reciprocation and interaction. And yet still, all of us choose to see how far down it goes at some point or another. But there comes a moment when we realize just how far gone we are, just how dark the road of idolatry has become, and we turn back to God. We look to re-establish our connection and commit or recommit ourselves to an actual relationship with the creator of the cosmos, God.
When we come to know and understand God, we realize, as Paul identifies in our Galatians passage, that God already knows us. He knew us from the beginning, and He knows everything about our lives… nothing is hidden from Him. (cf. back to Psalm 139) He’s there when we sleep and when we rise. He’s there in the pain and the triumph. He’s always watching over us.
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Knowing and being known are two of our deepest needs as relational beings to know and be known. And in this fast-paced, disconnected digital world we live in, it's easy to have all the followers, connections, and fans but still feel completely alone. In the Chameleon Chapter, we were fighting the urge to "FIT IN" with the world, and now we desire to be more connected digitally...and more lonely physically than ever before. Digital personas are as showy as they are shallow. You see, we are made for more than relational conflict. We are the image & likeness of the triune God; for the community, fellowship, and kingdom-centered relationships.
When was the last time you were called wonderful?
When was the last time you felt deeply - personally known by another?
"You are fully known, loved, and forgiven" can quickly become distorted as it makes its way through life's chaos and distortion. Every day is another opportunity to hear mixed, destructive, and confusing messaging about who you are. There is a genuine enemy who wants nothing more than to steal, kill, and destroy every good thing God has placed in your life. I'd venture to guess that it's been a long time since someone called you extraordinary. It's probably been an even longer time since someone's called you marvelous. These words matter and are worth listening to and believing today because of Jehovah God's sources. Despite anything else you may have heard or come to believe, you are wonderful, marvelous, and beautiful. I love these words because when David wrote Psalm 139, he understood God enough to recognize how God sees His creation. And David further understood that this applied to him personally.
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Your listening to Season 4 of our mini-series WHO R U? Episode 4 of The Chamelon Chapter- Imitate Christ.
Today, we are continuing our mini-series, “Who Are You,” which is all about knowing your identity and standing out among non-believers rather than fitting in with them. As we draw this chapter to a close, we’re going to be talking about one of the most powerful forces, if not the most potent force in the universe; Love. As believers and followers of Christ, we are to imitate Christ, and this includes learning to love as Christ loved.
God’s love is unconditional, unconventional, and unbelievable! His passion and commitment never change. As well, God’s love is intentional, sacrificial, and powerful. And so, these three critical aspects of God’s love cannot be missed and must be implemented and imitated in our daily lives. So, this is why we can trust His love… We know it will be the same tomorrow, next week, and the following year.
John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
- Do you have friends in your life you can trade your life for?
- Do you have people in mind who need to receive the unbelievable love of God?
- Would you be willing to be an ambassador who represents this Kingdom of love?
- Are you willing to imitate Christ? To stand out instead of fitting in with the world?
John 13:35 says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."
Loving others is such a shock to the world and by doing so, people will know you are a disciple of Christ. Or at the very least, they will know you ascribe to the principles and characteristics of a different kingdom. Another way to look at this is to say, If you love others, you will stand out.
Big Idea - The only imitation we should be striving for in our life is to imitate Jesus. This means we look like Him in how He loved others. This love was unbelievable to those on the receiving end. This love was unconditional and not based on performance. This love was self-sacrificial and not selfish. The only urge we should give into is the urge to be more like Jesus.
Be more like Christ and less like you!
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Your listening to Season 4 of our mini-series WHO R U? Episode 3 of The Chamelon Chapter- You Are Gods’ Ambassador.
We have been in this mini-series called “Who Are You?”And in the Chameleon chapter, we have spent some time looking into scripture and learning what it looks like to stand out on behalf of Christ. In the last episode, we discovered that God decided to choose us, call us out of the darkness around us, and bring us into His glorious light so that we could stay there and bask in the radiant glow of Christ all by ourselves, not. Instead, to reach those who are still stuck in the darkness, he has saved us, not just for our benefit but also for the benefit of others that we might be “ambassadors” of the highest King and bring glory to His name.
The website JobHero submits this as the job description of an ambassador:
“Ambassadors represent the policies and interests of their home countries worldwide. And this is the highest-ranking diplomatic position, requiring the ambassador to attend and host events with foreign leaders and representatives while promoting their home nation’s policies abroad. An ambassador typically lives in a foreign country for an extended period and has varied day-to-day duties.”
Faith Partners, if you do not receive anything else God desires to say today on this faith walk, know this: that He has called us to be AMBASSADORS for Christ! We have the highest position on earth. Only for an extended period, representing the interests of the King of kings to all the nations. What a fantastic assignment and calling.
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SERIES INTRODUCTION The chameleon is the master of disguise. No matter what environment you place the reptile in, it will change its color to disguise itself to blend or fit in. One of the fundamental aspects of being a Christian is that we are supposed to be easily identifiable when placed against the backdrop of the world. But many of us are like the chameleon. We blend in and conform than standing out in the crowd.
YOU ARE CHOSEN
Today, we are continuing our mini-series, “Who Are You,” which is all about knowing your identity and transitioning to standing out for Christ, rather than fitting in and conforming to society. We discussed the difference between conforming to the world around us and being transformed as God defines it in the last episode. Once we choose to be transformed by God, we allow God to use us for His purposes.
Within the passage of 1st Peter chapter 2, verses 9 through 12. I believe there are three things in particular that Peter is trying to do:
1) Remind Us
2) Challenge Us
3) Strengthen Us
If we can receive each of these things for ourselves today, we will understand the significance of God choosing to use us. We will be spurred to achieve more extraordinary things in our walk with Christ than ever before.
CONCLUSION Peter makes it clear: God does not simply choose us strictly for our benefit, but ultimately to benefit others around us. Maybe we have been keeping the seed of salvation all to ourselves. Perhaps it’s time to expand our comfort zones a bit and share the good news of redemption with others. The truth is, there are people in your daily life, maybe even in your inner circle, that do not know there is a God who loves them and would choose to use them for a higher purpose than anything this world could offer them. They are watching you as you walk the path of faith. They are observing your responses and your reactions to suffering, adversities, joy, peace, patience, and kindness.
Let your life preach such a powerful message that those close to you have no other option but to praise God in heaven. Who comes to mind when you think of those close to you? Who do you think might need to hear the good news of Christ? What can you do right now, in word or deed, to proclaim the good news to those around you? As you consider this challenge, remember; You are chosen and redeemed.
You are an ambassador of Christ, a messenger of the most fantastic news the cosmos has ever known. And the same God who raised Christ from the dead will raise you in your time of need. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
You Are Chosen!
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Shalom FAITH PARTNERS & welcome back to Keeping’ Tha F8th Podcast and a brand New Season! You’re listening to Season 4 of our new mini-series WHO R U? Episode 1 of the Chameleon Chapter- Do Not Conform.
The chameleon is the master of disguise. No matter what environment it’s placed in, it will change its color to disguise itself and fit in. One of the fundamental aspects of being a Christian is that we are easily identifiable when placed against the backdrop of the world. Today, we will look at an obvious statement from the Bible regarding our topic: Do Not Conform. Romans chapter 12 & verse 2, written by the Apostle Paul.
That tenacious tentmaker from Tarsus. Said, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
In this sentence, Paul shows us the contrast between fitting in vs. standing out. You may have friend groups that know nothing of your faith or who you are in Christ. Yet, just like we experienced in high school (or other places), these are false communities who only like us for who we’re pretending to be. Are you a great pretender? Who are you?
God is calling us as followers of Christ to stand out rather than to fit in. It’s not an easy process, but it’s an important one. Some of the questions we’ll be tackling throughout this chapter of this mini-series are;
What does conforming look like in my life?
What are the patterns that tempt us as humans to conform?
What does true transformation look like in our lives by Christ’s definition?
Then, once we know what transformation looks like, what is the purpose behind it?
We first have to get a grip on what conforming looks like in our world. The word “conform” means “to assume a similar outward form (expression) by following the same pattern (mold, model).
- Confronting Your Conforming
I wonder how many of us have tried to model our behavior after someone we looked up to or admired. As you grow up, it’s almost like you “try on” others’ characteristics to see what “fits.” But what happens when those patterns and behaviors grow with you and become your habits and traits? What if you don’t like them? What if you don’t like who you’ve become? There must be a confrontation. You see, the path to profound transformation has to begin with confronting the hostile, worldly patterns in your life. Maybe Jesus is trying to call out things in your life that bring no eternal value. Perhaps you have been following the ways of those around you because it is much easier to fit in rather than stand out. Maybe you know you can keep friendships if you just fit in and follow others’ lead. Maybe, just maybe, Jesus is offering you the best way of life, here and now. Just like his encounter with the woman at the well, He provides you with living water and abundant life (John 10:10). What will you do with His invitation?
2. Do You Want to Get Well?
In John 5:1-9, Jesus meets a man who has been an invalid for 38 years and is lying at the pool of Bethesda. Actually, to get to this particular man, it appears Jesus must’ve passed by many others who were also sick or handicapped (verse 5:3). So what was so special about this one man, Pastor K? Why didn’t Jesus just heal everyone in the pool that day? I’m not sure I know all the answers to the questions this passage brings up, but I do know it was time for the man to confront his conforming. The World Conforms you; the Bible Transforms you.
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This FEAR NOT series helps you tackle FEAR with practical and divine resources. Learn how the Apostle Paul, Joshua, and even Jesus dealt with FEAR.
In the series finale, the Big Idea of the episode is simply this, Jesus is with you, in every situation and circumstance, until the very end, period. I want you to feel a sense of peace about the future, knowing that no matter how hard and tricky it may be, no one has to do it alone.
Welcome back, Faith Partners! To our final lesson in our podcast mini-series, Fear Not. We covered a lot of ground in a short time and talked through some challenging ideas. Not the least of which is the idea that you can be victorious in the battle against FEAR. The flip side of victory is one that many of us have also experienced. At times we call it defeat. Other times it’s labeled discouragement. Either way, these are realities that we will participate in the long journey of sanctification and growth in faith. Does it mean that we’ve failed and that we’re beyond redemption? Certainly not. It means we’re human. Think and embrace the reality of an ever-present Savior and know that He is always there.
Up to this point, we’ve talked through some efficient ways to deal with FEAR. Recognizing it, giving it back to God through prayer while keeping focused one day at a time are potent habits that can develop. Add to it a spirit of self-discipline, and you’d start to think you’re invincible. So, with Jesus on your team, why do you feel at times that you’re anything but?
That’s when Jesus comes in and reminds you that you’re not alone.
No matter how difficult it gets, no matter how impossible the odds may seem against you, we have a promise from God that is bigger and stronger than any giants we may face and see on the horizon. We stand with the one who has overcome, chooses to stand with us, both now and until the very end of the age.
I might not be able to give you the audible voice of God today as Joshua got at the edge of the promised land and the disciples got from Jesus. Still, I can give you the same encouragement that the Lord has shown throughout the bible to His people. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, FEAR NOT!
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Welcome back, Faith Partners! "Focus on today" is the second lesson in our podcast mini-series, FEAR NOT.
We also learned that FEAR has a proper place. Can you tell me where FEAR, anxiety, worry, doubt, etc., belong? In the hands of Jehovah God, Almighty! Today you are in for a treat as we will look at one of the most important lessons Jesus taught his original followers. This teaching, we cannot miss, and its lifelong importance cannot be understated. Simply put, as followers of Christ, we are called upon to be focused on today.
Let's be honest about something; The opportunities for FEAR anxiety, worry, doubt, etc., are historically high. It's well documented that people are struggling in these areas as much right now as they ever have in the past. The current climate only makes Jesus' words more wonderful to hear when he says, "...do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 One more time, the Saviour of humanity said, "Don't worry about tomorrow."
And with what does that leave us? It leaves us with today at hand. It allows us to be focused on today, present moment and deals appropriately with every circumstance and situation that comes up. I don't know about you, but I find this reality to be incredibly freeing.
How different would your life look, could my life look, if we were genuinely focused on today?
FAITH PARTNERS, I hope you have been MOTIVATED & INSPIRED to maintain your FAITH during DIFFICULT TIMES, both now and before Christ returns! Thank you for taking the time to listen to another episode of Keepin Tha F8th Podcast. I'm your host, Pastor K! And my time with you on this FAITH walk is up for this episode. But don't forget to check me out on social media and stay informed about this Podcast on Facebook and Instagram @keepinthaf8th. Make sure to check out keepinthaf8th.store and get you some merch (Merchandise) and rock your FAITH, among others!
Thank you to all my Podcast Supporters for your generous and faithful monthly support. And if you would like to support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help and partner with me in conducting community outreach projects.
You can do so one of two ways: website- anchor.fm/harvest-broadcast click the Support button; also, you can make donations through Cash App. Cashtag: $keepinthaf8th.
So, until the next episode, always remember, FAITH is EXPECTANCY!
So, what are you EXPECTING from GOD?
SHALOM BARAKAH (PEACE & BLESSINGS)
Please enjoy the SPECIAL BONUS EPISODE: Healthy FEAR vs. Unhealthy FEAR.
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FEAR NOT...Live confidently in an unpredictable world!
The Big Idea for this episode- Fear has a proper place, and that place is in the hands of God.
INTRODUCTION
Many of us don’t ever stop to think about how we hold onto fear (and anxiety) throughout the day instead of immediately giving it all back to God.
Did you know that God “...did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline?” Today we’re going to be hearing from the Apostle Paul as we go a step further in learning how to respond appropriately to unhealthy fear. So, FAITH Partners, I want you to be encouraged by understanding it is possible to live free from fear and anxiety. Also, be aware of your response to challenging or adverse situations and adjust as needed to have a more faithful response.
For many of us, fear and anxiety are ever-ready responses to the troubles of this life. It’s so deeply ingrained in our thinking that you could say fear has become a habit for most of us. The good news is that, like any other habit, you can develop new ones in place of the old.
At the end of his letter to the Philippian church, the Apostle Paul, the tenacious tent-maker from Tarsus, gives numerous exhortations; 2 verses, in particular, are essential today;
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Get Free from FEAR & ANXIETY
Paul has as much experience as any of us with trials and tribulations. He’s had ample opportunity to be scared out of his mind and to work through fear and anxiety.
Give it ALL to Jehovah GOD
THE DIFFICULTY, of course, is developing the habit in which you place those troublesome situations and circumstances in the hands of God INSTEAD OF holding onto them yourself.
Make Your Request Made Known
“...in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.”
Expect Peace
As you pray through fear, trouble, adversity, etc.… make sure that you simultaneously expect that God will come through on His end of the deal. I cannot logically explain “peace that transcends all understanding,” but I can tell you that I know that it’s possible. And I can tell you, it’s incredible.
I know that someone who is reading this has doubts. I understand that some are facing impossible situations, terrifying medical diagnoses, and adversity. I know that a life free from fear and anxiety seems completely ludicrous. All I can ask is that you commit this coming week to develop a more faith-filled response in every circumstance and situation.
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I declare and decree a “NEW SEASON” in your life...your Nay-Sayers have been your Delayers to your “NEW SEASON.”
What the Nay-Sayers have DELAYED in your life, you thought God DENIED it. Jehovah God says to tell you; ACCESS GRANTED into your "NEW SEASON!
Many people are unwilling to experience the new things God is trying to do in their lives because of the BAGGAGE that keeps them longing for the past, and we become “historically” stuck in the past. And our communication is always stuck saying “What if” or “if only I.” And so, we’ve robbed ourselves of the new work of God within us that can take us places we cannot imagine.
Have you ever seen a movie or heard a story, or know someone who constantly references some point in their past? Like the high school football quarterback who relives his state championship-winning touchdown throw every Friday night at the local bar. What is it about the past that keeps our attention - even as time continues marching forward into the future?
And to be fair, haven’t we all talked at some point about wanting things to “go back to how they used to be?” Maybe you like to talk about the good old days when things were more straightforward, and life didn’t seem so chaotic? Even though life has been chaotic here on earth ever since the introduction of sin in the Garden of Eden. And it’s even worst now, these days!
Maybe the past is attractive because it’s safer than the present. There aren’t going to be any painful surprises as we look back and remain in the past. Even if your history was horrible, at least you know what happened. The problem with this mindset is this… “You will never move forward while still living in the past.”
So today, we’re going to talk about leaving the past baggage behind us, for better or for worse, and moving confidently into the present reality of God’s provision for us.
Come on and join me for a brief FAITH walk today as I talk about how…Jehovah God wants to give or better yet do- A New Thing.” in your life!
I hope you have been MOTIVATED & INSPIRED to maintain your FAITH during DIFFICULT TIMES, now and after Christ returns! Thank you for taking the time out to listen to “Keepin Tha F8th” Podcast with me, Pastor K.
And if you would like to support this podcast with a small monthly donation to help and partner with me in conducting community outreach projects. You can do so one of two ways: website- anchor.fm/harvest-broadcast click the Support button; also, you can make donations through Cash App. cash.app/$keepinthaf8th
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Today you’re listening to Season 2-Episode 10.
So, sit back, relax, be blessed, and know this FAITH is EXPECTANCY!
So, what are you EXPECTING from GOD…right now?
So come and join me for a brief FAITH walk today as we prepare to…Flip the Script.
“FLIP THE SCRIPT”- reverse the usual or existing positions in a situation; do something unexpected or revolutionary.
Big Idea: If you want to change your life, you have to change your story.
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is a mystery.
Our job is to Win the Day, that’s it.
I have no idea what goal you’re going after, what problem you’re trying to solve, what habit you’re trying to break or build, but I know the secret to your success. It’s going to happen one day at a time. You have to Win the Day; then you have to get up and do it all over again the next day. Do this two days in a row, and it’s called a winning streak. It’s also called sanctification.
In the science of cybernetics, there are two kinds of change. First-order change is behavioral—it’s doing something more or less. If you’re trying to lose weight, eating less and exercising more are steps in the right direction.
First-order change can facilitate a quick-fix, but second-order change passes the test of time. Second-order change is conceptual—it is mind over matter. Everything is created twice. The first creation is mental, and it’s internal. The second creation is physical, and it’s external. Everything was once a thought, and that includes you and me. You are a unique expression of God’s imagination. You don’t just bear His image, and you are His idea. You are His workmanship. To see yourself as anything less is to believe a lie.
There has never been, nor will there ever be, anyone like you. Not a testament to you. A testament to the God who created you. The significance is this: no one can worship God like you or for you. No one can serve God like you or for you.
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Today you’re listening to Season 2-Episode 9 Increase My Faith.
So, sit back, relax, be blessed, and know this FAITH is EXPECTANCY!
So, what are you EXPECTING from GOD…right now?
Come on and join me for a brief FAITH walk today as I talk about…the importance of increasing our faith.
Have you ever wished you had more faith? I think most of us have struggled with this at some point in our lives. If we are completely real with ourselves today, at some point, we have thought it or better yet said to ourselves, “If I just had more faith, I wouldn’t have so many questions or doubts. If I just had more faith, God would answer my prayers.
If I just had more faith, he wouldn’t have died; she would have recovered. If I just had more faith, I would be more involved in the church. If I had more confidence, I would be a better person, a better parent, a better spouse. If I had more faith, I would know what to do and handle things much better. If I just had more faith, life would be different.”
Faith brings into reality what you hope for; and provides evidence of what you couldn’t see until it becomes tangible.
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Today you’re listening to Season 2-Episode 8 Fear Not.
So, sit back, relax, be blessed, and know this FAITH is EXPECTANCY!
So, what are you EXPECTING from GOD…right now?
Come on and join me for a brief FAITH walk today as I talk about…Healthy & Unhealthy Fear.
There is healthy fear and unhealthy fear. We need to know the difference so we can respond appropriately. Has anyone of you Faith Partners that are listening today ever been scared? Have you ever been literally - paralyzed by fear - unable to take another step, speak, or just frozen at the moment? Surprisingly, fear is something the bible has an awful lot to say concerning FEAR.
The command, fear not, appears in one form or another 365 times from Genesis to Revelation. It is given explicitly to dozens of different individuals and/or groups in a variety of circumstances. It’s abundantly clear that God doesn’t want His people to fear in the face of adversity or a decision. To put it another way, we’ve been given a different, fear not, exhortation for every single day of the year.
With such a clear daily prescription from the creator of the universe, why do we so often respond in fear? What can we do about this, and is there a better way?
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This New Year will be “Phenomenal, Amazing, & Miraculous” in your life and for the Year of 2021 and beyond!!!! Jehovah God is about to open some important doors in your life. So praise Him & tell Him thank you in advance!!!!
So…join me for a brief FAITH walk today as I talk about…When OPPORTUNITY Knocks pt 2.
RECAPPING: Last episode Faith Partners… we began this walk discussing a familiar phrase and we’ve defined the idiom or phrase…When Opportunity Knocks- when a person gets the chance to do something he or she wants to do.
You need to be ready when opportunity knocks.
“Opportunities will come and go, but if you do nothing about them, so will you.” ― Richie Norton
Last episode we learned that King Herod was persecuting the church, he had James, one of the sons of Zebedee beheaded. And now he has captured Peter, imprisoned him, and now he is about to have him executed at a time of OPPORTUNITY for him to advance his human personal agenda.
We learned that when OPPORTUNITY knocks…it looks like OBEDIENCE. That's all it looks like. It doesn't look like something big; it doesn't look like something extraordinary. It simple looks like OBEDIENCE!
You don't have to be Peter to be in prison. You don't have to be an important Apostle to be in prison. Addiction is a prison. Depression is a prison. You don't have to be Peter to be in prison. Mindsets are a prison, contemplation is a prison, trauma can be a prison, isolation can be a prison. Never really engaging in real relationships can be a prison. Hiding and concealing yourself, it can be a prison. But if you've been in prison lately, all you need to do is the next thing.
You can't predict the path of your freedom, you can only respond to the light that you have, that's shown in yourself.
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We’ve all heard the idiom or phrase…When opportunity knocks...well this is the definition:
idiom- A phrase in the usage of a language that is peculiar to itself in having a meaning that cannot be derived from the conjoined meanings of its elements (such as up in the air for "undecided").
when opportunity knocks…simply means this...when a person gets the chance to do something, he or she wants to do.
So you need to be ready when opportunity knocks!
“Opportunities will come and go, but if you do nothing about them, so will you.” ― Richie Norton
The message that I want to share with you comes from Acts 12th Chapter. And I found myself coming to this passage for our time together today and I want you to give it your attention as this passage in the Bible may relate to the situation in your life right now.
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This New Year will be “Phenomenal, Amazing, & Miraculous” in your life and for the Year of 2021 and beyond!!!! Jehovah God is about to open some important doors in your life. So praise Him & tell Him thank you in advance!!!!
So…join me for a brief FAITH walk as I talk about how…Chaos creates OPPORTUNITY.
CHAOS- 1. A condition or place of great disorder or confusion.
OPPORTUNITY- a good chance for advancement or progress; a situation in which it is POSSIBLE for something to be done.
“The Chinese use a two-brush stroke method to write the word 'crisis. ' One brush stroke stands for danger: the other stroke stands for opportunity. In a crisis, you must be aware of the danger--but recognize the opportunity.”
Who is on the Lord’s side? Anytime something is going great in the Lord’s work and you are doing God’s will, there WILL BE OPPOSITION. And the people who refuse to go down with OPPOSITION say “I’m going to do it, anyway," make the best leaders. And I’m talking about leaders in the home also. Discipline your children early in their life or they will take over. A child knows how far you will go.
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Today is a defining notable and specific expected moment that will have deep meaning in your life. The right or opportune time, the Greek word Kairos (proper time, due season, opportunity). a watershed moment that affects every aspect of one’s life. A life changing moment.
CHAOS comes before creation. CHAOS in the beginning but Kairos (OPPORTUNITY) in the end, in other words...during the CHAOS, there is OPPORTUNITY.
Now this may not be for everyone…but know this...Jehovah God is giving you an OPPORTUNITY…but It is how you perceive (Recognize) the CHAOS whether you perceive it to be OPPOSITION or OPPORTUNITY?
Jehovah God…has put you in a LARGE place and I am not referring to materialistic so to speak nor a geographical location. But rather it's spiritual…Rehoboth (Genesis 26:22).
Rehoboth literally means a LARGE place, now unless you are referring to it as land mass, then it is small. But what Jehovah God told me to tell you, FAITH PARTNERS…He is giving you a LARGE OPPORTUNITY!!!
Whatever you have been imagining, it is too small compared to the massiveness of what God has opened before you. It is huge. It is beyond human comprehension. It will require INSANE FAITH, the type of FAITH that makes no sense to other people but makes PERFECT sense to Jehovah God It is an OPPORTUNITY, you cannot measure it with a stick, it cannot be measured with a tape measure. You cannot put it in a computer. It is simply an OPPORTUNITY. But the OPPORTUNITY is so huge. If you walk into what God is giving you, it is the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Listen, you will never ever, ever be the same again. I mean a radical revolution is about to come forth. You have finally come to the place of maturity that you can step into what you have been dreaming about, and God is about to revolutionize your life.
This OPPORTUNITY is big! This thing is huge! It is mammoth, it is more than I thought.
Ephesians 3:20
Now to him, Jehovah God who can do immeasurably more than all I can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within me,
It is going to revolutionize how you think, how you move and how you function. Jehovah God said he is setting you into a large place. Oh yeah, look for OPPORTUNITIES. It will start in a small place but erupt into something real big. So tell yourself: This is my OPPORTUNITY!
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Faith Partners, anytime that you take a step to build anything, whether it's to build your life, to build your faith, to build your marriage, anytime that you're attempting to make any kind of progress at all in your life, you will encounter opposition. Jesus said, "In the world, you will have tribulation". That's a promise just like, "Sow and you will reap". The enemy is not at all happy that you're hearing and applying this to your Faith walk today. He's not happy that I'm sharing this today. And, honestly, it would probably be amazing if we knew how many people fully intend to listen to this message but some opposition came their way and they didn't know how to press through it.
You know, the Bible says in Colossians 3 that "We should set our mind and keep it set". And I think this so valuable. When you make up your mind that you're gonna do something, don't change it in the next 5 minutes because it looks like it's gonna be difficult or a little bit inconvenient. If there's anything we need, we need to know what we're supposed to be doing according to Jehovah God will and purpose for our lives and we need to go do it, regardless of how we feel. You are going to face OPPOSITION both small as well as great in this life.
Now, you may not get a lot of opposition if you're just not trying to do anything with your life, but I will tell you this...I would be more concerned if the devil wasn't bothering me than if he was. Did you hear what I'm saying? At least if the enemy's coming against you, you know you're probably trying to do something right and he has the intent to stop you.
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So on this episode, I want to talk about “Outlasting the OPPOSITION.” We all have things that come against us in life: people that aren't fair, some people are dealing with an illness, for others during the pandemic business has either slowed down or closed. As we continue praying, believing, doing the right thing, it seems like nothing is changing for the moment. So it's very easy to get discouraged and think that it's never going to improve. Then you win some battles by defeating the opposition, but if you’re going to win the war…it will take outlasting the opposition. You need endurance, you must have staying power. You can't be weak and give up every time the enemy opposes you because it's not happening on your timetable, or when & how you want it to happen. Some enemies are stubborn, you have to outlast the trouble at work, outlast the difficulty in your marriage, outlast the slow season in your finances. We want God to quickly deliver us from the attack, but sometimes you have to build up endurance to outlast the attack.
OPPOSITION releases OPPORTUNITY- Pastor K
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Today…you are listening to: Season 2 Episode 1: Facing OPPOSITION
This New Year will be “Phenomenal, Amazing, & Miraculous” in your life and for the Year of 2021 and beyond!!!! Jehovah God is about to open some important doors in your life. Tell Him & Thank You in advance!!!!
“You can measure a man by the opposition it takes to discourage him.” -Robert C. Savage
So in the many challenges that we face, the only difference in how we deal with these challenges…is our perspective (outlook). We often can’t control what’s happening, but what we can control, is how we face it. We can’t control others’ actions, reactions, and opinions, but we can control our own. The only way to avoid conflict is to stay down and remove yourself from the fight -- “play dead.” But playing dead is no way to live life.
We must stand up and face it no matter the opposition. We do this by adjusting our vision and seeing opportunities where others only see opposition…Opposition releases Opportunity!” -Pastor K
God, in His love and wisdom, presents you with golden opportunities. And now is the time for you, my Faith Partners to stop walking away from them because of opposition. Stand up, take action, and go forward knowing that the God who’s given you the golden opportunity will also stand and support you as you fulfill your purpose given by Him.
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"You can't make decisions based on FEAR and the POSSIBILITY of what might happen." - Michelle Obama
Shalom & welcome to another episode of Keepin’ Tha F8th Podcast…with your host, Pastor K. And on this show, I am here to help FAITH Partners like you to know why your FAITH is so IMPORTANT and NEEDED during those difficult moments in your LIFE!
MOTIVATION is a reason for actions, willingness, and goals. Motivation is derived from the word motive-The Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by a man’s face or height, for this is not the one. I do not make decisions the way you do! Men judge by outward appearance, but I look at a man’s thoughts and intentions.” The motives of his heart…so what you a person believes in their heart, so they are.
Motivation is a need that requires satisfaction. The needs want or desires may be acquired through influence of culture, society, lifestyle, or may be generally instinctive. Motivation has been considered one of the most important reasons to move forward.
Motivation results from the interaction of both conscious and unconscious factors. Mastering motivation to allow sustained and deliberate practice is central to high levels of achievement, e.g. in elite sport, medicine, or music. Motivation governs choices among alternative forms of voluntary activity.
Your life is a result of the choices you make…If you do not like your life…don’t end it, stop with the excuses, stop complaining, because it is now time to start making better choices. Now that you know better, do better, and become better!!! No one said life is easy, there are challenges every day, and we must never give up in the middle of the challenge. But life is tough Pastor K, well guest what…you are TOUGHER. For you see…You only have three choices in life:
Give Up…Give In…or Give It ALL you got!!!
“The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis. ' One brush stroke stands for danger: the other stroke stands for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger--but recognize the opportunity.”
LIFE is choice driven and those choices are long lasting & LIFE changing.
Isn't it crazy how one decision can wreck the next 50 years of your life? One dumb thing can mess up your kids and your kids' kids and your kids' kids' kids. One dumb thing. Young people, please don't make big decisions too soon. Just cause you're chronologically old enough doesn't mean that you're mentally old enough to make a great decision, and there is nothing as disgraceful as spending the rest of your life living with the consequences of a dumb thing you could have avoided.
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HOPE for the Holidays There is no HOPE without Christ,
Every night we go to sleep, we have no assurance for the next day, but we usually have plans for the day. That is what we call HOPE..
Webster defines HOPE-to want something to happen or to be accurate, and usually have a good reason to think that it might. For example:
I'm hopingfor an interview next week.
We HOPEand pray(that) the operation will go well.
It is good news, I HOPE
Sometimes in life, when things do not go according to plan, we lose FAITH, not only in ourselves but also in any potential outcome in our lives. And failure will do that to you when you experience life's monumental failures. That is when it is easy to lose HOPE and even FAITH.
Where there is life there is HOPE, always stay focused, because there is a better future ahead. Jeremiah 29:11-For Jehovah God says, "I know the plans I have for you," plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Especially during this Holiday Season...Tis the Season and Jesus is the Reason for it!!!!
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What are you to do when your FAITH is under attack…?
Don't Lose Your FAITH...when your loving life and then you find yourself going through a testing of your FAITH. And Jehovah God seems so distant and you begin to have doubts that He doesn't care about you. And it seems like you've been abandoned and forsaken by everybody, including God! though He said, "I will never leave you, nor abandon you." What do you do...when your FAITH is under attack and even praying seems difficult to do?
Well if your going to only serve God by operating in FAITH when times are easy and all is going good for you...then you have not MATURED in the FAITH. But if you are going to serve God and continue to serve Him when your FAITH is under attack, well then you are going to need to apply three strategies the Jesus left us according to Luke 22:31-33.
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TRUST in Jesus more than you TRUST in your Emotions,
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COOPERATE with Gods' character building process.
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Take your focus off of YOURSELF.
These are the strategies needed to be applied FAITHFULLY to the PRACTICALITY of your LIFE on a DAILY basis, in order to experience VICTORY when your FAITH is under attack!
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So, until the next episode…always remember this…FAITH is EXPECTANCY! So, what are you EXPECTING from GOD?
SHALOM BARAKAH (PEACE & BLESSINGS)
GOD BLESS!
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Did you know…"your character is determined by either your past or your present behavior." -Pastor K
So, WHO ARE YOU…? Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, ‘Who are you?’ Maybe you are a father or a mother, a husband or a wife, a friend, an engineer, a passenger, or a patient? The truth is that you are a parent because you have a child or children. You are a husband because you have a wife or a wife because you have a husband, a friend because you showed yourself to be friendly to others. A passenger because you are on a train, plane, or bus. So all your identities, everything you believe yourself to be, are all dependent on something else. So then, who are you really?
By not knowing the answer to this question, 'Who am I?', you keep creating new identities of yourself, while consequently going farther away from your true Self or identity. All the suffering in life is because of not knowing your true identity.
The Bible says in Genesis that we are made in the image and likeness of Jehovah God. You see, the image that we carry on the inside of us has a lot to do with what we reflect. And that reflection is seen by others through our characteristic behaviors.
It has so much to do with what we identify with, how we see ourselves, what we go after. In fact, our image is our source of strength and confidence. That is really the key to living the abundant life that Jesus came to give us according to John, the tenth chapter and the tenth verse. But our image was distorted in the garden of Eden.
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“FAITH 2 FOLLOW…Direction”
Direction is defined as the path that something takes, the path that must be taken to reach a specific place, how something is starting to develop, or the way you are facing. (North, South, East, West, Left, or Right)
The life of Abraham, the father of FAITH, is a cycle of tests that he goes through and proves to us that he has the FAITH to follow Directions. Throughout his life Abraham, is always busting a FAITH move that does not make sense to humanity but makes perfect sense to JEHOVAH GOD. When we look back into RETROSPECT(remembrance), Abraham is FAITHFUL, but if we were living with Abraham in REAL-TIME (actuality)…we would think that Abraham was ridiculous!!! You see, to the ones that don’t have the FAITH like you…you look crazy to them when your living by FAITH and not by SIGHT!!!
FAITH can not be appreciated in REAL-TIME by non-faithful people; FAITH can only be valued in RETROSPECT.
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WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FAITH AND FEAR? When we choose FAITH over FEAR during the storms & trials of life, we need clarity, to understand what it means to either partner with confidence=(FAITH) or partner with concern=(FEAR). Now the answer is simple: It’s all about who you choose to listen to before, during & after the storm that happens in your LIFE. When you hear God speak, you receive revelation from Him. My definition of FAITH is acting on that revelation. In other words…I apply the revelation to the functionality of my life. Hebrews 11 is an excellent passage on FAITH. We read that “Without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe (first) that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV). The other voice we must contend with is Satan. Whenever we get a God-thought, the enemy tempts us with little “what-ifs” and lies, just like he did with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden Genesis Chapter 3, Satan did it to the Israelites in Numbers Chapter 13, and he tried to do it with Jesus in Luke 4. As soon as we listen to Satan’s voice, we begin to doubt, and doubt leads to FEAR. Satan also likes to speak into our pain, difficulties, and stresses, to trap us in FEAR. In stressful times like the global coronavirus outbreak...Satan wants us to partner with that FEAR and do crazy things…like act racistly, unforgivingly towards others, or even selfishly stockpile more than we need during a pandemic!!!
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