Why Have You Come (Matt. 26:47-50)
47 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” 49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.
In life we make the acquaintance of many individuals, some good, some bad, some that subtract from our lives and some that add. Many make promises that they never keep and some make promises that they try to keep, but still fail. If we allow people to be our guides in life to what to expect from life, we probably wouldn’t expect to receive much. The fact of the matter is that people fail. God does not. Family doesn’t always come through. Friends don’t always do what they say they will do and sometimes associates flat out seek to destroy us.

Judas Iscariot, according to some theologians, was born for the purpose of betraying Christ. Without him, Jesus’ ultimate purpose would not have been fulfilled and we would not have been forgiven and made free. Even though it disturbs us when people let us down, distracts us when they disappoint or rattles us when they seek to destroy, we must remember where our help comes from, where our purpose came from and where our victory will come from. We were put here to fulfill a purpose and we all have a destiny that we must live in. We must keep our eyes on the prize and not on the nay-sayers. We are the children of God. We have greatness in us. We must succeed. We must!

Something to Remember:
People will always disappoint on some level, don’t allow that to hold you back, allow it to push you forward. Jesus and Judas both died, but only one of them came back. Choose which side you want to be on, then fulfill your purpose.

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The Lord is my Strength (Habbukuk 3:17-19)
17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls- 18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.

NO matter what is going on in the world around us, be not moved for the Lord God is our strength. Economies can fail, jobs can be lost, but the Lord is our strength. Rejoice no matter what, be glad no matter what, be excited No Matter What! Why, because God is with you. The Word of God says that “fig trees may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines,” meaning things that should be yielding fruit might not be. “Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food,” your work may seem in vain, “though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls,” you might lose some things important to you, SO WHAT. In spite of everything that goes on around us, in spite of what might happen to us or be said about us, we MUST praise the Lord.
When we praise God our strength is renewed, our joy is enhanced, our feet are made steady allowing us to stand on tumultuous situations. Don’t worry, don’t fret, God is your strength. Fall in love with Jesus all over again and remember why you first came to Him. Don’t let this world or these people get you down, remember who you answer to and remember why you are here. Praise God and honor Him.

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The Call is All that Counts (John 11:43-44 )
43
Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

Lazarus was dead. The mourners had already mourned, the family had buried him, his friends had pronounced him, and they had wrapped him clothes that signified death. He had been placed in a cave with other dead individuals and dead situations. He was surrounded by death and all that came along with it, but the difference between Lazarus and those that were around him is that Lazarus had a call. Lazarus had a word from Jesus. But even though Lazarus had a call, Lazarus still had a decision to make whether or not to hear the call.

As children of God, we have been called to something and given a charge to do something. NO matter what people say or what people do, we have a call and the call is all that counts. People can speak against you and try to bury you in insults and negative speech, but the call is all that counts. If I was with you I would preach it like I feel it, but understand that it’s all about the call. Don’t worry about what they say, don’t worry about what they do, you have a call so no matter what happens in life remember that not even the gates of Hell can hold you back because God is in control of everything. Not even death can win against the call. If you have been called, I ask that you listen. Don’t let people silence the call, don’t let your finances silence the call, don’t let your situation silence the call. Lazarus was in a dead situation, but he heard the call and realized that the call is all that counts. Perhaps you feel like you are in a dead situation or perhaps you know someone that is, share this word and let them know that even in a dead situation the call can bring life again. Dead situations can live again because of the call of Christ.

Something to Remember:
No matter what you are dealing with or what you are going through, the choice to make it or not is yours. You decide whether to remain in a dead situation or seek out new life.

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Passion and the Giant

1 Samuel 17:34-40
34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you.” 38 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. 39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Do you realize that David over came the giant simply based on his testimony. He said that God saved me from the lion and he saved me from the bear, what reason would have to believe that He can’t deliver this giant into my hands like he did the stuff in the past. Passion rose up and spoke and David said I don’t need your armor or your blessing, all I need is my God.

Some people simply surround you to throw salt on your wounds, shade on your parade and negativity on your dream. Saul thought he was helping, but all he did was add weight to David’s destiny. This is the year to get serious, the time to get for real. Now is the day to see your destiny fulfilled. This is not just another year, this is your year! Let God be real and every other thing, situation, person or circumstance in your life be a lie. If it doesn’t reflect what God has stated, it is a lie. If you are sick, lie! If you are broke or broken, lie! God said be healed. God said prosper. God said you were able to do anything through Christ who strengthens you! Now is the time to get up and do what God has said do. No more sleep, no more slumber, no more folding of the hands. It’s time to get active, get passionate and become more productive.

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Now is the Time
John 5:2-9
2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda , having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 6. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. 9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
KJV

I. Do you have a desire to change?
II. Are you prepared to accept the victory being offered?
III. What are you waiting for?
Jesus presented an opportunity to this man and all he could do was conjure up excuses that explained his situation and excused him for his actions over the course of the last 38 years in which he did nothing but lie there waiting for someone to do what he could have done for himself. Now is the time to rise up and take our beds and become the change we want to see. Now is the time to rise up and claim our victory. Now is the time to become a catalyst of change in an ever changing world. You don’t have to wait for anyone to give you permission to rise up and you don’t have to bow down to those that despise you for walking in victory. Now is the time to do what God has been calling you to do. Go with God and be encouraged. Now is the time!

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Looking For A Limp (1 Peter 5:8-11)

“8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

The temptations that we experience in life should serve as notice of weakspots, or chinks in the armor of God. Understand the 3 outlined points below though:

I. I. “Temptation doesn’t make you a bad person, it ensures you that there is good in you.”

II. If you were not a threat to the enemy he would have no reason to tempt you with evil.

III. Being tempted means there is enough good in you to identify the bad before you.

The enemy’s plan is to catch you while you are slipping. He’s looking for a limp, a weakness, a soft spot that he can attack you through. The devil uses what you desire to draw you away from God. Temptation is simply when what you desire is offered to you. Sin is when you give in to that temptation. Sin is bad. Temptation is not. Temptation is good. It let’s you know where you stand with God. The more temptation you have the closer you are to being where God wants you because you are now able to identify what you should and should not have or do.

Point to Remember: Don’t get upset with yourself when you find that you are being tempted, just be sure not to give into the temptation and commit sin.

Paul asked the question, “Oh wicked man that I am, who can save me from this body of sin?” (Rom. 7:24) The answer is, was and will always be, God through his son Jesus Christ.

I thank you for reading, receiving and passing this on.

Become a Partner

If you are not already a partner, we ask that you consult God and consider partnering with this ministry. For your monthly partnership gift of $25 or more, we want to send you a special gift from the Pastor and place you on our emailing list so that you can receive monthly updates, devotions and words of encouragement. Each month you will also receive a letter from the Pastor directly to you. We will partner with you as you partner with us in prayer and assistance as much as possible. We want to see you develop and grow just as much as I am sure you want to see us develop and grow. We are in this together and need one another. Please consider sending a one-time gift if you do not want to commit to monthly gifts. Either way, we love you and we thank you. May God bless you and keep you always. You can mail your tax deductible gifts to Better Way Ministries, PO Box 223 Lovejoy, GA 30250 or make a secure donation via credit card.

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Don’t Worry, Be Happy (Isaiah 61:1-3)
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

Believe it or not, we have a choice whether or not to be happy. Every day you and I wake up, we decide to if we are going to put a smile on our faces. Sometimes we allow life’s tragedies to steal that smile or the realites of our situations, but no matter what you are going through you can always rejoice because God can carry you through. He has decided to make available to us, joy or sadness, happiness or sorrow, praise or depression. See when you praise you can’t stay down, because God says, “If I be lifted up, I’ll draw all men near, (John 12:32). When you make the choice to praise God, you make the choice to shun the devil. When you choose to be happy, you choose not to be sad. So why not make a commitment to being happy this week. Why not make the choice, to be happy. Don’t worry, just be happy!

Point to Remember: In a sea of unhappy faces, stand out because you are the one with a smile on your face. CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY, NO MATTER WHAT.

I thank you for reading, receiving and passing this on.

Become a Partner

We are now in partnership with the Covenant House in Atlanta, Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless, The Basement Outreach Ministry in Birmingham, Alabama, KOPE, Masscomm, Batiste Ministries and many more. We are currently in the process of finding a more permanent location as well, so please assist us with our ministry efforts as we speak to the world. Much of what we do, including the newsletter does cost us money, so if you are not interested in receiving it, please unsubscribe and if you are interested in continuing to receive it, see below. Thank you.

If you are not already a partner, we ask that you consult God and consider partnering with this ministry. For your monthly partnership gift of $25 or more, we want to send you a special gift from the Pastor and place you on our emailing list so that you can receive monthly updates, devotions and words of encouragement. Each month you will also receive a letter from the Pastor directly to you. We will partner with you as you partner with us in prayer and assistance as much as possible. We want to see you develop and grow just as much as I am sure you want to see us develop and grow. We are in this together and need one another. Please consider sending a one-time gift if you do not want to commit to monthly gifts. Either way, we love you and we thank you. May God bless you and keep you always. You can mail your tax deductible gifts to Better Way Ministries, PO Box 223 Lovejoy, GA 30250 or make a secure donation via credit card.

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When It Knocks You Down (Isaiah 59:1-8)
Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear. 3 For your hands are defiled with blood, And your fingers with iniquity; Your lips have spoken lies, Your tongue has muttered perversity. 4 No one calls for justice, Nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies; They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity. 5 They hatch vipers’ eggs and weave the spider’s web; He who eats of their eggs dies, And from that which is crushed a viper breaks out. 6 Their webs will not become garments, Nor will they cover themselves with their works; Their works are works of iniquity, And the act of violence is in their hands. 7 Their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed innocent blood; Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; Wasting and destruction are in their paths. 8 The way of peace they have not known, And there is no justice in their ways; They have made themselves crooked paths; Whoever takes that way shall not know peace.

Don’t allow sin to knock you down. Sin’s ultimate purpose is to knock you down and separate you from God. It can rob you of your joy, your peace and your happiness if you allow it, so whenever possible ABSTAIN FROM SIN. There is no reason to allow it in and no reason to allow it to remain. If there is any sin in you, get rid of it because it is only holding you back from being the best you that you can possibly be. God’s love is so great that He does not care who you are or what you have done, all He wants is the best for you. He loves you just the way you are, but it is His desire that you evolve into being the best you can be. Don’t allow sin to knock you down or seperate you from God. Decide that this will be the best day of your life because no longer will you allow sin to knock you down or seperate you. Decide that you will fill your heart with joy by praising God for what He has done and is planning to do for you. He has great things planned for you so don’t let sin hold you up any longer. Praise God and stay motivated. There is another day ahead, rejoice.

Point to Remember: No matter how much you have sinned or what sin has knocked you down, God’s arm is not too short to pick you up.

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The Dash Between The Dates (Hebrews 9:27-28)
27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Recently the airwaves have been bombarded with news of the untimely death of megastar Michael Jackson. They have run movies, interviews, specials, award shows, etc. all to commemorate the passing of an icon. Many of us grew up watching Michael Jackson, doing the dances, mimicking the moves and pretending to be a moon-walker. He was truly a legend. Some say he was the greatest entertainer to live and some say he was just a great person. He is documented as being one of the greatest givers to ever live and he is known for the impact that his life and music has had on society.
From 1958-2009, Michael Jackson did a lot with the dash between those dates. Between the time of his birth and his death, he changed culture, moved society and impacted the world. He jumped Off the Wall in 1979 and became a Thriller in 1982, said he was Bad in ’87 and Dangerous in ’91, then he told HiStory in ’95 and claimed to be Invincible in 2001, but 2009 proved that he was mortal. What will you do with the dash between your dates? Will you thrill the world? Will you tell a story and share your testimony with as many people as possible? Or will you just be bad, dangerous and ineffective in the Gospel. God has appointed a time for all of mankind to one day leave this earth. Make sure you spend your time doing something. And if you’re going to be doing something anyway, why not do something great.

Something to Remember: If you die before filling your dash, it is no one’s fault, but your own.

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Passion Produces Fruit
Matt. 7:15-20
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
Passion will cause you to do things you wouldn’t normally do like fashion a cord into a whip and clear out the money changers. Passion will drive you to do things like start a business in a bad economy, sell all that you have and put it behind an idea that no one else believes in. Passion will cause you to do crazy things in the eyes of those around you, but you do it because it burns inside if you don’t. Passion will make you rise up against the powers that be in church and start ministries that are not traditionally accepted. Passion says go when people say stop and passion says yes when people say no. Now is the time to start following our passion and not people that bear no fruit. Many people will try to tell you what you should do or be doing with your lives, but be careful and watch what they are doing with theirs. Unproductive people are not the best people to take advice from. Individuals that are in the same place now as they were ten years ago are probably not the best people to direct you. God is about movement, growth and development. We should all be developing constantly in some way. Those that do not develop become cursed or cut down and thrown into the fire. God’s Kingdom has no use for unproductive people.
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Matthew 21:18-19
18 Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away.

Don’t be surprised if you move from little to even less. As in the case with the talents Jesus says that, “For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away, (Matt. 25:29).” People that bear fruit, normally continue to bear fruit, but unproductive people tend to remain unproductive. Until you allow passion to become your guide and purpose to become your leader there is a good chance that you will simply remain sub-standard, status quo, mediocre, or average. If you want to excel and bear great fruit and get more than you have ever had and produce more than you ever thought possible, get passionate about what God has put inside you, get passionate about the gifts you have been given, get passionate about the talents you possess and do something with them. Stop waiting for someone else to pull it out of you and trust God to develop you. Be fruitful in and out of season. The fig tree that Jesus cursed wasn’t even in season, but Jesus still cursed it for being unproductive. If you are going to be living anyway, you might as well be productive. Get passionate and produce fruit!

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