As we read Phil 1:3-6; the question is asked:  Are there any confident people?  See, we must welcome that transition...from commencement to confidence. Know that this is the start of something good. See, you must realize that you are going to the next level, starting NOW!  In order to transition, you must be fully persuaded.  This persuasion is fueled by confidence.  This takes the ability to know, that you know, what you know!

It is an honor, that God allows us to have a spiritual graduation to elevate into this confidence. God is calling us to stay under the focus of education; for our people perish for a lack of knowledge.  This knowledge, allows us to gain our stability.  For we know, a double minded man is unstable in all his ways.  This knowledge, allows you to see the influence of Satan; while gaining an understanding of the war that is taken on our behalf. You are appreciated by God. If there is contrariness in the Spirit, then you may need to check your Spiritual GPS. 

You are royalty; heirs to the throne.  The more you find out who you are; dwelling with like minds, you are increased.  Those around you are increased.  Increasing leads into overflow! We are bound in riches! Your soul should be crying hallelujah! So hold fast, to your commencement to confidence; count it all joy

...even when your flesh is leading you in opposition to God, take another look; look and see who's with you.  There is an endowment of POWER! This confidence is the same confidence which aided Paul in the establishment of the Church at Philippi. This is encouragement in knowing troubles don't last always.

So be in confidence; know the relationship you have with God. Be in confidence; know the covenant that you are a part of.  Be in confidence; don't grow weary in good doing! This is your commencement.

As we prepare for the day of Pentecost, there are so many things that we must look for during our preparation.   If we were to take a look at Acts 1:14 “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren”; several things we must consider.”  Primarily, there is a need to be on one accord, prayer, and supplication.   

This is vital, because when “gathered together sharing the same heart, the same love for God, the same trust in His promise, and the same geography. Predisposes us to be filled, we must recognize our emptiness; by gathering together for prayer, in obedience, these disciples were doing just that.  They recognized they did not have the resources in themselves to do what they could or should; they had to rely on the work of God”.

This one accord is known as Homothumadon (hom- oth-oo-mad-on), compound word in Greek that means a Quickening by Unity; which means being in agreement (covenant).   Therefore, it is fundamental not to delay your increase, your production, your growth by refusal and/or disobedience. See, the Day of Pentecost was a Jewish feast held fifty days after Passover.  It was a time to celebrate the firstfruits of the harvest. 

Your first fruit belongs to God.  It is the first bud(s) and/or the first signs of life…initial movement.  See, the Church is a female and is impregnated with a seed that is going to cause movement.  Therefore, it is vital to invest your first fruit, your tithe….pregnant with MOVEMENT!!!!  Movement, is Life; life that is produced by believers staying on one accord.  Individually, we must do our portion for a corporate break through.

Don’t Delay You Increase; Don’t delay your elevation by refusing to do what is needed such as acts of worship, prayers, supplication and tithing.  The tithe is your covenant connecter with God.  The key to unlocking the blessing that is connected to the revelation of elevation; how incredible, when the body is on one accord…meaning an agreement, unity, and covenant.

Don’t Delay Your Increase….it’s connected to your promise!

Act 1:1-6;21-26           6So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"  7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."… 21Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."  23So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." 26Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

In Acts 1:6-8, God conveys to us that it’s none of your business, but it’s my Father’s business. However, you will receive power. In verses 21-26, it is highlighted that… “then they cost lots… And so he was added to the twelfth”.  So the question is asked: Are you THE TWELFTH Man?

In Remembering the twelfth man, we think of the Texas AM, because sometimes you do more by standing on the sideline.  This is reflective of the bench warmer, the spectator, and the team. However you must realize that you are an integrate part of this war...even though, you have already won! See, just like the Aggie sitting in the press box, he was high and lifted.  In this season of actualization, we must educate ourselves. Educate ourselves higher than the academia realm, but to fulfill the calling! We must seek an apostolic experience. 

Though we understand we may never live and see him face to face but it doesn't negate the acquisition of a relationship. We are seeking ascension of Christ. Get a vertical relationship and get rid of those horizontal distractions and relationships.  Arise, to the standard in which you were created! Elevate yourself to Jesus! He has been ascended; therefore, we must look high and draw near to that higher ground. 

This is why Jesus said don't leave Jerusalem, but wait! Don't leave this new place, but wait on your power, this promise! See, the biggest debate in faith is the presence of Holy Spirit is signified with the gift of speaking in tongues, but the true gift is the power!  Not to knock speaking in tongues but the Holy Spirit is more than that...it is power, it is a force! There is no path before you greater than the force behind you!

See, the times and dates are irrelevant...this is not your concern.  Worry not, it is under Gods control! Educate yourself of the power! Even when there is a void; if there is something going away from the will of God, speak to the Judas area. Know, God has it under control.  If you look at Judas, he used his reward to buy land, and lost everything he had.  Don’t invest in a system that is against God; you will lose! Educate yourself on HIM and BE IN HIM!

In this year of Fulfillment, we have visited the season of Confessions.  Now, we are planted in the season of Actualization.  During this season, we have had focuses on Evaluation: Reality vs. Actuality and Elimination: Repentance.  Just when we thought that we would focus on our third seasonal focus, God gave the greatest example.  

Today, the Holy Spirit interrupted service.  There was restoration that took place in the atmosphere at Grace Christian Church.  See, as we read John 21:15-17…

 15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

 16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

 17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

…we realize several things took place.  Here, Jesus asked a question repeatedly to Peter.  This was done because Peter denied Jesus repeatedly, three times to be exact. This was the reinstatement of Peter.  See, sometimes we have to reexamine our relationship with Christ, and eliminate those things that are hindering us from getting to him; and just elevate in HIM.  The seasonal focus for this week is elevation.  Elevation is what God wants for is in our life.  HE desires to be intimate with us, taking us to higher heights and deeper depth.  Are you ready to reinstate your relationship with God?  Are you willing to restore your relationship with Him?  Would you like to Elevate In HIM?

For the last couple of weeks, we have discussed the necessity to Evaluate the understanding of Reality vs. Actuality.  Now, there is an additional seasonal focus, Eliminate.  In order to thoroughly convey this message, we must turn to the scriptures in John 20:24-31

25The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.  27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.  29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. 30And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:  31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Often when looking at the scriptural passage, Thomas’s doubt seems to be focal point.  Though Thomas is the main topic, his doubt isn’t: the process he with through was more important.  See, when dealing with elimination, there is a need to embark a process.  This process of elimination actually reflects the process of repentance.  When we looking at Thomas, it is fairly easy to acknowledge the flaws of being doubtful, faithful, unstable, or double minded.  There may even be more flaws uncovered during private study.  Notice, Thomas was called the twin; which is allegory for having another side/mind/double-minded.  It is assumed that many could relate to this considering, we all have areas in need of correcting and/or developing. 

The remarkable thing about Thomas in the process is his ability to acknowledge his position and his issue.  These are two things that were visited in the Season of Confessions and activated in the Season of Actualization; which is necessary in order to repent! So as we eliminate the doubt in our lives, we must also do as Thomas has done and move towards Jesus, seek Him for yourself.  This is pivotal in order press towards the next level of life.  Align yourself with God, acknowledge your fallacies and embrace God! Lastly , all of this happened on the eighth (8^th)day.  The number 8 is symbolic for new beginnings. 

Thomas had the privilege of being restored and renewed in faith on the 8^th day! He examined within his spirit to make the commitment and sacrifice needed in order for being renewed.  Wouldn’t you like to be renewed?  If so, I urge you to eliminate the Doubt!

Scriptures for Meditation toe eleminate and Repent:

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee

Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  15Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

2 Peter 3:9 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

A phenomenal statement was made during our weekly Monday morning prayer. Mother P. Lawrence read Luke 11:9 “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you”.  She divulged to that In prayer there is a need to Ask, Seek, and Knock; but however, there is also a need to be Demanding, Persistent, Shamelessly were petitioning to God!   That’s Amazing within itself!

...Another way to achieve actualization on the journey to fulfillment!

There is a need to revisit the subject one more time.  See, there is a need to grasp the understanding that…”In The Meantime”.  We must say to ourselves that we are in the “Meantime”.  As we look back on the scriptures [Eph. 1:8], it states: “Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence”.  The key to this scripture is “Wherein”.  This means “in what matter or in what may comes”.  See, right now we are in this “Meantime”. Remember, that “Meantime” is the middle time between one occurrence to the next.  It is pertinent that we reexamine our priorities and they way that we think because there is a transition that we are embarking.  This transition is us, shifting from reality to actuality.  For more info, please read previous article.

Nevertheless, we must aggressively pursue this task of going into actuality because it allows us to see through God’s eyes.  Moreover, this affords us the opportunity to know him the better.  We must realize, God has also given us peace.  There is a tranquility that should consume us during this process.  This is our awakening moment, an area to have “an encounter with God”.  There is wrestle that must take place; just like Jacob, for a name transferal.  This encounter will force us to transform and conform to being of God. Hence forth, we should walk in faith and see what God sees; which is Actuality.

See, Faith heightening is pivotal in this season.  Don’t forget, this is the season of Actualization. So I dare you to get your bible and dissect Hebrews 11:1.  Look at the word substance…and tell me what the Spirit reveals to you!  So trust me… “In The Meantime…We Are Going To Be Alright”!

When reviewing John 20:19-22, we discovered a theme: “in the meantime...I am going to be alright”! Presently, we are entering a new season of Actualization!  Inspired by Eph 1:8; see, the actualization of the moment lets us know we're (where) in [the dispensation of Grace]! Therefore, “in the meantime”...no matter what the situation is, I am going to be alright. We are in transition from the Cross to Pentecost. This is a direct correlation with the moment when you were saved and the comforter came for you in your moments of hell. 

See, in the meantime, there is still fulfillment.  Isa. 60, Jesus was completing the fulfillment in by going to the cross! Don't be easily dismayed by your current circumstances, find the light. “There will be a light coming in the moment of darkness”.  So, celebrate this “meantime” because in this “meantime”, you discover who you are!

See the beautiful thing about war; you get to learn who the opponent is.  However, if you don't know who are, you can't know who the enemy is! So tell yourself: I am powerful.  In realizing this, you know the enemy is...powerless! So who is your opponent...he doesn't exist! This is good, when we revisiting John 20, we realize that Jesus showed up in the “mean time”! 

This “meantime” was following Jesus’ resurrection.  This should tell you, he got up!  Therefore, you need to get up and take position in your “meantime”!  See, in this season of actualization is also an awakening period! Here, you are afforded an opportunity to have a confrontation with Jesus!

Once you encounter this interaction with Jesus, there is transference of power! This is overflowing power! There, in that point, in that “meantime”, you gain an understanding of the difference between reality and actuality! See, reality is an illusion and actuality there is no illusion, distortion, or imperfections! So in the “meantime”, shout because you got another chance; you're not defeated; you're still standing! In this “meantime”, realize that you are transitioning from my reality to actuality.  Reality is stemmed with carnal wisdom whereas; actuality is rooted in spiritual wisdom!

Embrace this experience because… “in the meantime, you are going to be alright”!

When we revisited the account of the assumed death of Jesus Christ, we must study the three Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. With in these gospels, one will find that there are variations to the account of Jesus’ death and burial; for instance, in the book of Matthew, it states that there was an Earth quake. There is the account of the visiting of Angels.  Some accounts have two; where as, others have the visit of one.   The messages serve you in knowing that you are not alone.  Even more so, you have inside man on your side.  There is someone sitting to the right of the Father interceding for you! No matter which accounts you read, the message is still the same: JESUS IS NOT DEAD.  He is not in there; Jesus is not in the tomb.   There is no way you can find a living thing amongst the dead. 

Jesus is the great I am!  He is the lily of the valley, that is bright and morning…he is more than enough! He is the reason why I am happy and the reason why I sing! He is…he is…he is…. 1 John 4:4 Greater is he that is in me the he that is in the world.  He let me know whose I am…my name is victory…I am fearfully and wonderfully made…I am in the world and not in the world…I am made a little lower than the angels.

The moral of the story is that HE HAS RISEN; so stop expecting to see a God…HE IS THE TRUE LIVING GOD.  So, come out of all of your dead situations, become new, for you are a new creation in HIM!  You are of Life, made in his image! So, don’t go back, elevate in HIM.  BE ALIVE…remember, HE is not in there, and neither are you!

Grace Christian Church had the privilege of receiving this phenomenal message from a willing vessel from Macon, Georgia.  He is known as the preacher who is, “So Hood, So Holy”; Minister Dominique Johnson.  It is our pleasure to share it with you…

Matthew 16 beginning with verse 13 reads…”When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" 14They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ,[a] the Son of the living God." 17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter,[b] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[c] will not overcome it.[d] 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be[e] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[f] loosed in heaven." 20Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ”.

Church, we must get to point of being sold out for God. Seriously, think about it; when you were in the world you were sold out for it.  Now, that you are of God, you must be sold out for HIM. We must keep the same intensity, but with a different focus.  

This is what brings us to this scripture, through the Holy Spirit, birthed the message “A divine confrontation: A Confession of a Lifetime”.  See, Sometimes it takes you five times to say something before you do it.   We must look at the positive side of confrontation.  We must realize that all confrontations are not bad; and, the location of the confrontation is important.  Confrontation and a certain location took place in this scripture.

See, its one thing when man confronts you, and another when God confronts you.  Think on this: “When was the last time God confronted you”.  See, Jesus confronted them in a pagan place.  This pagan place for you may be an example of your familiar area, or your old stomping ground.  This was asked during a season when one should be totally reformed, transformed, and conformed.  That is why, on the way to a destination is one thing, but you arrival of your set place is another. 

When you have arrived to your desire location and/or position, there comes a Divine Confrontation.  This confrontation is released in stages or phases.  They are listed as the following:

1.     Confrontation: Face to Face interview with God

2.     Interrogation: Two-Fold intervention of distinguishing what men think and what You think.

3.     Revelation: Confrontation plus Interrogation birth Divine Revelation.  This is wisdom with prayer-built application.

4.     Application: Life in reflection of God

5.     Identification: You realize once you learn who God is, you learn who you are! This is where we (Church) struggles the most.

6.      Declaration: You identify who you are with what you have, and created to be.

7.     Authorization: The power and the authority to be (given the Holy Spirit).

We must embrace the confrontation in our lives; for it propels us into Fulfillment!