Greetings to the New Life Nation!
 
It goes without saying that almost every time you turn on a television, access social media, or listen to the radio, someone or something alludes to the concept of being “Successful.” Theories about being successful and notions regarding how to obtain success, stardom, achievement and elevation of some sort is literally in the atmosphere. From the U.S.A. to the most remote country that you can imagine, “Success” is on the lips of most individuals. But, the question is, “How does the Christian achieve Success?” Certainly there are secular strategies regarding what you need to do. We’ve all heard them. We’ve all attended these “Get Rich Quick” seminars. But, when we finally get wind of the opportunity, our role is only to gain 2-3 people in our “down-line” and then we may gain a few extra dollars, while making the person above us rich! Or we work an extra job to get more money and we find out that the money cost us sleep, time with family, reduction in our time with God and ultimately makes us agitated, irritated and unmotivated to do anything else. You know I’m telling the truth! But, once again, “How does the Christian achieve Success?”
 
As a Christian, we must first understand that God’s best is never “Achieved,” it must be “Received!” We can’t work hard enough or long enough to get what God wants to give us freely. Psalm 75:5-6 lets us know that“Promotion only comes from the Lord!”It does not come from anywhere else. It’s only when God decides to promote that we are elevated. Why? Because God is Sovereign. This means: “God does what He wants to do, when He wants to do it and how He decides to do it!” So, you and I may as well get over ourselves and just wait on the Lord. But, here’s some startling news. The Christian believer’s ultimate goal should not be success. It should be rooted in the desire to be consistently faithful to the application of the WORD of God for our lives. We do this by seeking God first in all that we do. Take a page from Matthew’s gospel when it states, “But, seek ye first the kingdom of God and all of His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you!” (Matt. 6:33)Simply put, we can’t achieve anything. We can only receive what God desires for us to have in His divine timeline. But, it happens after we seek Christ first. There is a great quote that states, “IF YOU ARE PERSISTENT YOU WILL GET IT, BUT WHEN YOU ARE CONSISTENT YOU WILL KEEP IT!So, if you want elevation and promotion on this side, then focus on being consistently faithful in applying kingdom principles.
 
Remember, “God rewards those that diligently seek Him!”(Hebrews 11:6) Now, think on these things…..
 
 
Yours in Christ,
 
Pastor Ked
#thetruthincolor
 
“IMPACTING LIVES FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST!”

​

Greetings New Life Nation!

The mere thought of time or the essence of time management causes some individuals to experience anxiety and apprehension. While the remaining populous experiences thoughts of preparation and planning. But, there is an age-old axiom that states, “People make time for what’s important to them or for what they want to do!” It’s been my experience as a member of the clergy and as a business professional that this statement warrants exploration. Therefore, allow us to explore what the Psalmist conveys in (Psalm 90:12) the scriptures states, “Lord, teach us to number our days, that we gain a heart of wisdom.”  Moses, who is the writer of this Psalm, makes a bold and brilliant assertion because he realizes that mankind is so busy working towards attaining worldly things, when in fact, we should be working and focused on eternal things.

People of God, please listen well. Life is short. Each day we are privy to information about: shootings, violence, corruption, theft, terrorism, dysfunctional families, thwarted thoughts of people in politics, financial distress, depression and a host of other things. Yet, many of us don’t make time to focus on the most important things. Jesus Christ and our work for the kingdom are the single most important things that each of us should focus on FIRST!! Certainly family and friends are important and a priority. But, if we don’t balance our time wisely and we don’t make time to include God in every area of our lives, then our living is in vain! Thus, the conclusion is: we have not invested wisely in family at all.

Now, here’s a controversial statement that many people will not like or may disagree with. Here’s what many of us thinks is the best use of QUALITY TIME: Many of us believe that spending more time with family, taking vacations, sitting at dinner together, indulging in entertainment based events, just “relaxing” etc., are the answers for quality time and fellowship within the family. All of these things are good, but are only secondary methods of time well spent. To the contrary, if we are not more inclined to spend time pouring spiritual things into our family, praying for them without ceasing, encouraging others, discussing the Word of God, attending church regularly and learning more about what Christ expects or even working in the kingdom with the eager anticipation of one day receiving our rewards, then we have missed the mark altogether! (Philippians 3:14)

If we truly want to live the remaining time we have here on earth in a wise fashion, then we must be taught to “number our days,” prioritize our time wisely by placing Christ first and then you will find that your family life will begin to find the healthy balance that it needs. So, the question is, When was the last time you really spent quality time with Jesus? He wants it. Will He Get It?  Now, think on these things….

Yours in Christ,


Pastor McKnight
“Impacting Lives for the Cause of Christ!”

Greetings to the New Life Nation!
Each and every day I find myself either stuck in traffic, delayed by traffic or watching others hurry through traffic in order to get to their desired location. In midst of the perils of obstinate and angry drivers, I see people literally push their way into traffic regardless of the space or how it may inconvenience others in the process. Then there is the proverbial person that drives like a maniac going 25-30 miles over the speed limit just to come to yet another traffic jam or bottle-neck of drivers who all have the same ambition. Everybody wants to get somewhere and we want to do it on our time and in our own way. But, have you ever stopped to think for a moment that perhaps it’s not the traffic; perhaps it’s the route that you’re taking? Well, maybe you’re saying, “I’ve changed routes, but it’s still the same result.” Then that simply says thatyour timing may be off.
In life, I’ve discovered that it’s not always the other people or the other things in life. It simply might not be your time yet.Oftentimes, we attempt to hurry things, only to find out that if we waited a little bit longer, things may have gone better. A wise poet once stated, “Our patience will achieve more than our force ever will.” This is a theme I’m doing my best to adopt. In fact, it was King David that said, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say on the Lord!”(Psalm 27:14)
Certainly, we must all use godly wisdom while we wait. But, please ensure that you don’t fall victim to substituting the “legitimacy and wisdom of waiting for a license to “procrastinate.” Procrastination is not the answer. No, seize the moments that God allows you to encounter, but wait for God to yield the results that you so eagerly desire. So, the next time you’re in traffic, stuck, or in that mood of feeling like you’re not moving fast enough in life, simple say to yourself,“It Might Not Be My Time Yet!”
Now, think on these things….
Yours in Christ,


Pastor McKnight
#thetruthincolor
“Impacting Lives for the Cause of Christ!”

Greetings to the New Life Nation!
Famous Black Abolitionist, Educator and Orator, Frederick Douglass wisely stated, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”Most people only remember that portion of his famous statement regarding the state of African-Americans and the struggle for equality that has ensued for years. Most people only lay hold to the gravity of inevitability of eventual“Progress, Development or the Advancement portion of Douglass’s statement.” But, rarely do we like to focus on the“Struggle, the Fight, the Scuffle and the Strength,”that one must have in order to reach the phase of “Progression.” So, it is not only prudent and practical to consider all of what Frederick Douglass stated, but it is wise to apply his final words to our memories.
Allow me to enlighten you. Douglass ended his statement by saying, “Those who profess to want the favor of freedom and yet, don’t understand the reason for agitation, are the equivalent of those who want crops and the reward of a great harvest without taking the time to work on plowing the ground. In essence, these sorts of people want rain without thunder or lightening!”
This is so true of many of us today. Most of us run from any type of pressure. This is why so many relationships fail. It’s not always because of infidelity, abuse or being unequally yoked according to scripture. No, my brothers and sisters, oftentimes, it’s because we have no desire to go through the pressure of building something long-lasting for fear that we may be wrong in the end. It’s not always the house, the car or the furniture that needs replacing. Most of the time it’s the lack of patience that we have in: restoring, refurbishing and rehabilitating things that could be fixed, yet, we are quick to replace them with “newer models,” that will eventually have the same problems!
I need you to know it’s not always the church, the business or the community that you need to run away from. Oftentimes, it’s the maturity to develop a “Stick-With-It,”mentality so that the pressure you’ve experienced can generate the productivity that you have long awaited. Before you throw in the towel; close the books on the situation; leave something for half-dead; run away or even throw the baby out with the bath-water, please consider the wisdom of Frederick Douglass. The essence of his statement is simply this: Don’t fight it, just face it! Why??? Because eventually……… “Pressure Generates Productivity!”
Yours in Christ,


Pastor McKnight
#thetruthincolor
​“Impacting Lives for the Cause of Christ!”

Greetings New Life Nation!!

This statement has been stated over and over again by scholars, motivational leaders, charismatic speakers and even some ministers: "Don't let your problems get the best of you!" But, I want to challenge this age-old statement by looking at it through both a secular and spiritual lens.

It was the famous genius and prodigy, Albert Einstein who said, "It's not that I'm so smart, it’s that I've spent a lot of time with problems!" And then the spiritual icon, the Apostle Paul stated in Romans 5:3 that, "Suffering and Problems Produce Perseverance!" If we truly focus and apply our faith to either statement then we will quickly find out that although no one really wants to deal with pressure, pain & problems..., it is imperative that we allow these trials to be used as "Instruments of Spiritual Transformation!"

In essence, your sickness was designed to "Get the Best of You!"
Your divorce was designed to "Get the Best of You!"
Your termination and separation was designed to "Get the Best of You!"
When they laughed at you, criticized you and lied on you, it was designed to "Get the Best of You!"
When they set traps to entangle you and cause you to stumble, it was designed to "Get the Best of You!"

The reason God designed and allowed these things to "Get the Best of You." is because He knows that "He will Get the Best Out of You!"

So, the next time you encounter trouble, trials, chaos and confusion... Just "Embrace what you Face," and let it "Get the Best of You!"

Remember, God is watching and waiting!


Yours in Christ,
Pastor McKnight
#stillwinning

"Impacting Lives for the Cause of Christ!"

​Greetings to the New Life Nation!


I can’t tell you how often I hear the word phrases: “Would have; Could have; Should have!”I’m certain that you are aware that these all too familiar phrases are often connected to situations or circumstances that did not materialize simply because we were not willing to “Take a Chance!” But, I’m here to encourage someone and to provide confirmation to that person or persons that has not mustered the strength, tenacity or drive to take a leap of faith and make the choice to “Take a Chance!”


Now, don’t get me wrong, everything that looks good to you, may not be good for you. But, when God is connected, although the “chance,” may seem out of the norm, or even crazy, there is no reason to doubt whether things will turn out in your favor because Christ is always in Charge! So, you don’t believe me? Well, let’s look at the well-known disciple Peter. In Matthew 14:22-33, the bible states that there was a terrible storm on the sea. But, in the midst of the sea, Jesus comes walking on the water. All of the disciples besides Peter began to doubt whether it was Jesus. So, here’s what Peter did. Peter said, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come on the water!” Jesus answered him and said, “Come On!” (Don’t miss it)


First, we must identify that it’s truly the Lord prompting us to do something. Then, we have to wait for His answer. All too often, we jump into things and find out it wasn’t God that told us to do it! Does that sound familiar? So, don’t blame God for all of the self-motivated choices and chances that you took. Ask yourself, “Was it God or was it me?” Once Peter was fully aware that it was the Lord, he stepped out of the boat and onto the water. This is symbolic that we too must be willing to step out of our current (comfortable and complacent) situation into the“unknown,” in order to truly receive the power and provision that God desires for us.


Guess what?? Historical accounts of Peter’s ability to walk on water is well documented. We too have the ability to have “Water Walking Faith” if we are willing to “TAKE A CHANCE!”


So, don’t allow procrastination, hesitation or stagnation to hold you hostage any longer. “COME ON AND TAKE A CHANCE!”Your best lifeis waiting on you!
Now, think on these things…


Yours in Christ,


Pastor McKnight
#motivated2minister


“IMPACTING LIVES FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST!”

 

Greetings and Happy New Year to NEW LIFE NATION!!
 
Throughout the ages, dancing has been a part of universal culture. You may not know it, but the bible states in 2 Samuel 6:14, that “King David danced before the Lord with all of his might, while wearing a priestly garment.” Wow, is right! You guessed it, dancing is befitting and can be a distinct sign of reverence and respect to God when done with a “spiritual intent” within one’s heart. But, as early as 2014 and now, as of late, the latest dance craze that originated in Atlanta, GA is something called the “DAB!” You see stars like “Diddy,” and athletes such as: Lebron James and Cam Newton doing the “Dab!”
 
Honestly, the first time I saw it was when my oldest son, “Kj” was doing it. He said, “Dad, I want you to know what’s going on, so let me teach you how to Dab!” I said, “Huh…what is a DAB?” Then he showed me something that resembled a person who “sneezes and throws their arms back!” LOL …But, when I researched the dance, a guy named, “Rich the Kid,” who shot a tutorial said something powerful. He said, “You just don’t do the DAB, you have to FEEL the DAB!Then, it became clear to me that I could use this for the glory of God. By definition, A “Dab” of something means: “to gently or barely touch something until it connects with the object.”
 
So, as I thought about it, the following verse came to mind: (Matthew 9:20-22) It’s entitled, “The Woman with the ISSUE OF BLOOD!”Quick spiritual recap: This woman had a hemorrhage of flowing blood that lasted for 12-long years. It rendered her legally unclean and a public outcast to many. However, this woman made up her mind that she had enough of the pain, ridicule and suffering and she wanted to get well. This woman heard that Jesus was near and regardless of how many people surrounded him in the crowd, she was determined to get to Jesus. You guessed it, this woman built enough courage and just enough faith to get to Jesus. As the story goes, this unnamed and anonymous woman pressed through the crowd, and with only a “Dab of Faith,”  she was barely able to touch the hem of Jesus’ clothing and the bible said “Jesus felt virtue and power release from his body.”  The woman didn’t just do something. But, rather Jesus felt something. He felt a “Dab of her Faith!” Then, Jesus uttered the immortal words of, “Somebody touched me!” Instantly, the woman was healed and cleansed because of a simple and gentle “Dab of Faith!”
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, in other words, it doesn’t take much to get to Jesus. All you need is a “Dab of Faith!” Perhaps the “Dab” didn’t originate in Atlanta. Maybe it originated somewhere outside of Galilee or Jerusalem? So, wherever you are in your life today, feel free to dance for Jesus. But, whatever you do, please exercise a simple “Dab of Faith!” Your healing and deliverance is waiting on you! Now, think on these things….
 
Yours in Christ,
 
Pastor McKnight
#DoingtheDabthang!
“IMPACTING LIVES FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST!”

Greetings to the New Life Nation!

I pray that today finds each of you doing well. However, if your current circumstances, condition or situation has you “Feeling Some Kind of Way,” then this message is especially for you.

Oftentimes in life, it appears that we may have more challenging days than “Cheerful Days.” But, as a believer in Christ Jesus our Lord, we must find the strength to learn how NOT to “Let the Storms of Life Stop You!” In the Book of Romans the scripture is not only precise, but it’s powerfully packed with spiritual principles that you and I need to apply when going through our storms. The Apostle Paul states that we “Should Rejoice in our Tribulation.” Why? “Because Tribulation and Trials works on our Patience!” And in order for us to receive God’s best, we must WAIT on the Lord!

But, the bible goes on further to say that we should allow patience to have HER perfect work! I wonder why Tribulation and Patience is referred to in a feminine tense? Here’s why: In essence, when you and I go through the storms of life, God is preparing each of us to give birth to a blessing that is intended “For Us” and through Us; or it is intended to be a blessing“Through Us,” for Someone other than Us! Wow! What a wonderful God we serve. So, when you experience the challenges, changes, troubles and trials of life, don’t “Let the Storm Stop You!”

We should learn to glory and rejoice in the times of trouble. I know it seems very odd to rejoice or be glad when things seem their worst. But, in the original language of the Greek, the word “Chairomai” means to rejoice, to make merry or to even dance! If you’re like many people, dancing is something you do when you feel good. But, it’s also a way of expressing your emotional state. In other words, “Dance your way through the storm!”

It’s been said that “Life Is Not About Waiting for the Storm to Pass, but It’s about Learning to Dance in the Midst of the RAIN!!!”

All I’m trying to say to you is if you were born in the 1950’s-1960’s…there was a dance called, “The Swim and the Mashed Potato!” So, I want you to “Swim your way through the Storm!” Don’t Let the Storm Stop You!

If you were born in the 1970’s…there was a dance called, “The Bump!” So, when the problems of life hit you, why don’t youstart “Bumping your way through your Burdens!” Don’t Let the Storm Stop You!

If you were born in the 1980’s…,”Break Dancing was popular.” So, when the issues of life try to overtake you, why don’t you“Break Dance until you get your Break Through!” Don’t Let the Storm Stop You!

If you were born in the 1990’s…, “Doing the Prep” was popular. So, when the pressures of life come at you, don’t panic,“Just PREP your Way through the Problems...” and watch God’s power! Don’t Let the Storm Stop You!

If you were born in the 2000’s…” The latest dances are the “Nae Nae and the Whip!” So, whether you were born before 1950 or after 2000, All of us need to learn to “Nae Nae” through the Nasty and Unpleasant things in life and learn to “Whip”through your Worries! In other words, “Don’t Let the Storm Stop You from DANCING and REJOICING!”

Now, think on these things…

Love You Like Christ,

Pastor McKnight

“IMPACTING LIVES FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST!”

Good Morning “New Life Nation!”

The esteemed and noted black author and poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar had this to say about accepting life as it is: “A crust of bread and a corner to sleep in. A minute to smile and an hour to weep in. A pint of joy to a peck of trouble, And never a laugh but the moans come double. And that is life. A crust and a corner that makes love precious, With a smile to warm and tears to refresh us, And joy seems sweeter when cares come after, And a moan is the finest of foils for laughter. And that is life.” 

In essence, I truly believe that Brother Dunbar echoes the sentiments of the Apostle Paul when he writes, “…for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have!” (Philippians 4:11) Both Paul Laurence Dunbar and the Apostle Paul agree that we must learn to accept the challenges of life regardless of what it may bring our way. In other words, “It is what it is!” Too oftentimes, we as believers get caught up in making future plans, but fail to place our future in the hands of God. The scripture clearly states in the Book of James 4:14-15, “We do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” In essence, we must take each day at a time. Certainly, we should live each day to the fullest and it is certainly wise to give prayerful and careful consideration to future things, but the “bottom line” is that we should always place God as the primary source of our direction and at the center of the planning stage of our lives.

Perhaps you’re reading this and you thought that your life would be much further along than it is. Well, the answer is simple, God is not surprised, nor is He caught off guard about your current status or whereabouts. Because God loves you so much, He included an “exit plan” for every “error of entrance” that has affected your life! That’s good news because that means that God has a spiritual strategy for you to get back on track if somehow you’ve deviated from His divine course of direction. Simply put, you can’t mess up the plans that God has for you. Whatever you’re experiencing in life, “Learn to Embrace what you Face!”

 ·         If you’re facing a job lay-off, just embrace it. That’s life, “It is what it is!”

·         If sickness has ravaged your body or the body of a loved one. It’s tough. But, be like Job in chapter 13:15,“Though you slay me, yet will I trust you!” but trust God to see you through it. “Job says, It is what it is!”

·         If they walked out of your life? Guess what?...that means they were never tied to your destiny! “It is what it is!”

·         If you’ve been abused, forsaken, and even cast aside, don’t focus on your past; live in the present and trust God for your future! “It is what it is!”

·         If you are depressed today, or stressed today, STOP worrying and LIVE BLESSED TODAY! Jesus said, “In this world you will have TRIBULATION, but Be of GOOD CHEER; I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD!” John 16:33

In other words, Jesus is telling us to accept what life may bring, “It is what it is!!

Be encouraged today…

Yours in Christ,

Pastor McKnight

“Impacting Lives for the Cause of Christ!

Greetings New Life Nation!!!

In the Book of Exodus Chapter 14, you will find that the Children of Israel are in a physical dilemma. They are seemingly caught between what we would refer to as a “Rock and a Hard Place!”

Here are the issues:

·         They have Pharaoh’s Egyptian Army chasing them from behind

·         They have Desert Land around them with no cover to protect them

·         They have the Red Sea in Front of them and they have no boats to rescue them

·         The people are under pressure and in peril, so they begin to panic!

When you look at that picture, it would seem as if their current condition is chaotic and that calamity is imminent. But, can I tell you something? If you keep reading the chapter, it tells you that God does something. God tells Moses, to tell the people, “Don’t be afraid, STAND STILL and See the Salvation of the Lord.” In essence, don’t look at your current condition as if there is no hope. God has everything under control. God tells them, “The Egyptians that you see today, you will see them No More Forever!” This means that when God gets involved, you can look at whatever problem you have and know that when it’s in God’s hands, you don’tEVER have to Worry about it again!

The Leader, Moses immediately says, “God will fight your battle for you!” Leaders, this means that you must encourage the people with “Spiritual Words, and Not World Speech!” And Church, this means that you must stop trying to work the issues out on your own. The problem is too large for you. But, nothing is too large for God!!

Give him your Bills. Give Him your Burdens. Give Him your Grief and He will give you His GRACE!

Look what happens next: God asks Moses a question? He said, “Why are you crying out to me!” Use what you have and tell the People to MOVE FORWARD!

(That’s the shouting news for everyone) God is not intimidated by Desert land, the Egyptian Army or the Red Sea. But, he want’s you and I to stop Panicking under Pressure and Trust Him to Deliver! Moses uses the wooden “staff” that God has blessed him with; he raises it up and then is obedient by telling the people to “MOVE FORWARD!”

Guess what?? The Red Sea opened up and the people crossed safely.

Wow! This is packed with spiritual irony and biblical principles. In essence, let’s just use what we have. Perhaps we may not have all the financial resources yet. But, we have something even more valuable. We have“HUMAN RESOURCES!” So, I plan to use the “Staff of Leaders” and the “Staff of Members” from the New Life “Nation” of believers. Church, I truly believe the Red Sea would not have opened unless (2) things took place. First, the Leader has to tell the people to “MOVE FORWARD!” Next, the people must join together and physically and spiritually “MOVE FORWARD!”

So, here we go: NEW “LIFE NATION!”…… “LET’S MOVE FORWARD!!!”……….Now, it’s your turn to start MOVING FORWARD!!!

Now, think on these things….

Yours in Christ,

Pastor McKnight

“IMPACTING LIVES FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST!”

Greetings Family!

All too often, many of us focus our efforts on things that have little or nothing to do with our divine destiny. In fact, to a large degree, much of what we chase in life is nothing but a distraction that delays our journey towards our purpose and God’s true plans for our lives. Writer and philanthropist, Lolly Daskal said, “When you stop chasing the WRONG things, you then, give the RIGHT things a chance to catch you!” This is a brilliant statement that should challenge each of us to make wiser choices and better decisions regarding how we spend our time, with whom we spend our time and what we “chase after in life!” In Jeremiah 29:11, the prophet wisely states what the Lord, God has to say about our future and what we should aspire after. God says, “I know the plans that I have for you. Plans to prosper us; not to harm us; But to provide a FUTURE full of HOPE….!” In essence, God has big plans for us and He knows what He wants us to have. In other words,“Leave the planning up to God and allow Him to design your path!” Stop worrying about the WRONG things!

Don’t worry about getting the house right now. God wants you to serve Him in the apartment that you’re in currently! Why are you concerned with marriage right now? God is cultivating you in the “Single Season” of your life! So, what you don’t have the car you want, the career that you hoped for and the cash-flow that you dreamed you would have? Maybe you are the only “Bread-winner” in your home. Do you stop trusting God in the process? I think not!! God wants to see if He can trust you in “seasons of lack and want,” before He will send you the blessings of “Abundance and Overflow!” Instead of worrying and complaining about what you don’t have, try thanking God for what you do have!! Once again… “You’re worried about the wrong thing!”

Here’s a spiritual tip: Cease from being too impatient; Stop being so worried and anxious. (You don’t have to know everything before it happens!!) Allow God the opportunity to direct your path and to develop you during this journey called, “Life.” If you would begin to listen to the voice of God, study your bible regularly, incorporate prayer before any decision and walk according to His will as best you can, then you would begin to see your life’s divine destiny unfold right before your very eyes.  

Now, think on these things…

Love you lots,

Pastor  McKnight

“Impacting Lives for the Cause of Christ!”

August 12, 2015

Greetings Family of God!

Perhaps you are reading this and saying to yourself, “I wonder if there is a relevant Word for me today?” Guess what?? You’re in the right place at the right time. Today’s WORD for the Week is focused on all of us that have problems with letting go of the past and moving forward towards the future. A great poet wisely stated, “You can’t start the next CHAPTER of your LIFE if you keep RE-READING the last one!” It’s very unfortunate that past hurts, hindrances and things that seemingly harmed us still plague many of us today. But, I’m finding out daily that it’s only when you make up your mind that your past issues or circumstances will no longer hold you hostage that you can truly move forward.

All too often, we as believers saturate our minds with the memories of dark and dismal events that once caused us to stumble or set us back greatly. Many of us, including myself, have sometimes been held temporarily captive by thoughts that cause moments of depression, anxiety, anxiousness, worry, fatigue, anger, resentment and a host of other unpleasant feelings and emotions. But, today I am making a declaration to everyone who has ever been frustrated because of failures, mad because of mess, lonely because of lack of love, withdrawn because of worry and angry because of abandonment! If this describes your situation or someone else that you know and love, then simply shout out this DECLARATION, “IT CAN’T HURT ME NOW!”

For those of you that were inappropriately touched as a child, “IT CAN’T HURT YOU NOW!”

If they left you, walked out on you or abandoned you, guess what??.. “THEY CAN’T HURT YOU NOW!”

If they abused you, demeaned you, discouraged you or depressed you, “THEY CAN’T HURT YOU NOW!”

If the situation caused you pain, pressure, tears and stimulated fears, “IT CAN’T HURT YOU NOW!”

If it caused you sleepless nights, dismal days and months of mourning…”IT CAN’T HURT YOU NOW!”

I Declare the WORD OF GOD over the lives of every believer, every Saint and every person that is in need of healing…”GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN YOU, than he that is in the WORLD!” (1 John 4:4) He, who is the Spirit of the Most HIGH GOD is able to wage war against any evil, wicked and depressed spirit of the enemy! He is able to tame, defeat and conquer any demoniac stronghold that has you bound. And when you get through it…and YOU will, you can stand with power and boldly say what the Apostle Paul stated in Philippians 3:13-14, “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, I press towards the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!” In other words, KEEP PRESSING AND IT CAN’T HURT YOU!!

Be encouraged by the WORD over your life, the WORD within your life and the WORD that guides your life!!!

Now, think on these things…

Love you lots,

Pastor

Impacting Lives for the Cause of Christ!

Salutations to the Saints of God!

Today’s “WORD” on Wednesday focuses on everyone who is plagued by procrastination and at a virtual “stand-still” of stagnation! There is a question that is simplistic, yet thought provoking. The question is: “What are you waiting on?” Famous author and writer, Napoleon Hill shared these powerful words: “Don’t Wait. The Time will NEVER be just right!” Certainly, one would agree that life is filled with uncertainties, twists and turns. But, if you’re a person that is waiting on every single thing to line up perfectly and for the stars to align with the stratosphere and for the moon to move in conjunction with your mindset, then guess what?...You’re sadly mistaken.  

Let me help you today. Many people spend their entire lives waiting on just that perfect moment to “launch” their lives. Unfortunately, they quickly find out that by waiting too long, time has passed them by. If you’re reading this message and you’re a year older than the last time you said you would start your business, “What are you waiting on?” How long have you talked about cleaning that room, starting that project, updating your resume’, looking for a better job, joining church, living for the Lord, quitting smoking, losing weight, starting a relationship, buying a house, getting your credit repaired and a host of other things that have apparently collected dust and have become a distant memory?

Listen, there is no time like the present! King Solomon, who is the writer of Ecclesiastes profoundly states that there are seasons for everything. In essence, you’re in a season right now! But, here’s the good news. Whatever season you’re in, God desires for us to make the most of our season. This means, we can no longer wait on someone else to do it for us. We can no longer sit at the crossroads of procrastination in hopes that one day things will get better. We can no longer afford to settle for a stagnated way of life. Mediocrity is no longer acceptable and the “Status-Quo,” is not an option! We must raise the standard!

I challenge each us today to soar to higher heights. Get up and do something you’ve never done before! Take a leap of faith and learn how to launch into the depth of your destiny! (Don’t miss this)…In Luke Chapter 5, Peter was complaining that he had been finishing all night and had not caught anything. Jesus said to Peter, “Launch out into deeper water, then let down your nets and you will catch more fish than you can handle!” Guess what, Peter did as the Lord, Christ instructed him and he had more fish than he could handle!”

Saints of God, what I’m simply sharing with you is that many of you have been fishing in “shallow water!” You will not get the promotion sitting on the “banks of your life.” You will not gain what you want if you’re not ready to stretch further than you are. We will not be a great church on accident, we will become GREAT on Purpose! If you want more from God. If you desire more in your life, then start today by launching into the deep waters of life. Now, brothers and sisters, I ask you again, “What are you waiting on?”  Now, think on these things…..

Love you lots,

Pastor McKnight
                                                                           “IMPACTING LIVES FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST!”