Things we could learn from Santa

Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

– Luke 2:10-11

So, it's almost here..... Christmas is in the air!!!! and we are already rejoicing!!!!

One of our families' favorite Christmas Movie is the "Polar Express"... If you only "Believe". haha!!! (Great Movie to get in the Christmas mood)

Good ol' St. Nic.... He should be an inspiration to every single one of us. 

Believe it or not, the jolly ol' fellow was a godly man, whose reputation for giving caused him to become the icon of what true compassion and giving is all about!!! (Straight up!!) 

He wasn't a jolly, cumbersome, fat, little old man who climbed up & down chimneys... and he didn’t have flying reindeer!!1 ( Even though that would have been Beast!!!)

The stories of who St. Nic was—and what today's Santa Claus has become—have been misleading and distorted by the Enemy. What has been done to weaken and distort the testimony of this godly man, is waaaaay wrong.

The true St. Nic lived a life full of Christian beliefs, morals and values....

Born in Turkey in the third century, Nicholas was raised by Christian parents. 

From the time he was born in A.D. 280, they considered him a gift from God. 

They diligently taught him devotion to God and to be very generous to the poor and needy.

At 19, Nicholas was ordained a priest. (How would you like to have Santa as your Pastor? haha)

His uncle, a bishop, prophesied that Nicholas would offer guidance and consolation to many people... and that he would eventually become a bishop, and live a life of enlightenment. 

All of this was fulfilled in Nicholas’ lifetime.

Many accounts have been written of his dedicated life. It has been said that he would spend all night studying God’s Word to bring it to the people. (That's awesome!!)

He was known for helping the poor, for praying, fasting and standing strong in faith and goodness. (that my friend is an Epic Santa)

The true story of St. Nic is a beautiful picture of the giving that Christmas is all about.... The Spirit of Giving, wanting nothing in return!!!!

But...The greatest gift of all is the gift of Jesus... given to us from God the Father. 

Jesus is our hope, redemption, deliverance and victory. He is our advocate with the Father, our blood-covenant friend who will never leave us nor forsake us. In Him we have the joy of living a heavenly life on this earth!!! Man, what a blessing!!!!

He is the ultimate meaning of Christmas. There are different translations for the word Christmas... I really like this one... Christ mass means “anointed celebration.” 

It’s the celebration of “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power.” 

It’s the celebration of how the anointed Jesus “went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil” (Acts 10:38). 

It’s the story of our triumphant Savior, Jesus (the Christ), the Lord of lords and King of kings! 

Now, that’s a Merry Christmas!!!

This Christmas, as we reflect on our blessings, let's remember, the Ultimate Gift, the whole reason we celebrate Christmas.... Jesus!!!

Have a wonderful Holiday, and a very Merry Christmas!!!

Blessings,

Burk

4 Little Words

Therefore I say unto you, What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

– Mark 11:24

It all boils down to one word..."Believing". That my friend is the main key to unlocking everything in the kingdom of God. 

It's the way we are able to tap into the very power of God. Most of us know that... But do we know how to put it into action? (BU-YAH!!! I knew I'd getcha!! Haha)

Actually it's incredibly simple, so simple, it'll blow your mind. It's as simple as saying, "I believe, I receive."

Something happens in your spirit when you say those words. 

I'm not quite sure "why" it works, but it does. 

I don't understand how the digestive system works, it just does? All I have to do is take a bite of a Five Guys Burger (MMMM Five Guys) and it goes to work. I don't have to make it happen. I don't have to feel it, for it to happen. It just happens. That's the way your body is made up.

Exact same way, when you feed on God's promises and "swallow", they go into your spirit by saying, "I believe, I receive,"  then faith is released. 

You don't have to "make" it happen.... Nope!! You don't have to "feel it" happen. It just happens. Your spirit is just made up that way.

When you constantly say with your mouth, "I believe, I receive... my healing" or "I believe, I receive... all my financial needs met," and then begin to speak scriptures that back up those things, faith is released in your life to bring power to those needs.

One of my favorite ministers, Dr. Kenneth Hagin always says, you need to "keep the switch of faith turned on." 

It's really not difficult...just begin with the phrase, "I believe, I receive". Say it when you pray.  Say it when you praise God. Say it when you read the Word.

Especially, say it in the face of darkness when it looks like you're not receiving. When everything looks the worst, is when you should say it the loudest. "I believe, I receive!!"

Do you want to activate your faith today? Then make these four key words the most important words in your vocabulary. Use them every day. You'll soon discover, just as we did...they work!!!

Have a blessed week, until next time!!

Burk

Your Inner Image

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

– Romans 8:24-25

According to the book of Romans, HOPE... is actually looking at something that you can't see. 

(I know what you're thinkin'... Burk you are throwing that crazy Yoda-isms at us!!) haha

I'm really not, but ask yourself... How do you do that? You do it by looking at the promises of God in His Word until with your inner eyes (the eyes of your spirit) get a clear picture.

Here's an example, one of the hardest things I have to overcome and face, is the fact that the inner image I have of myself is being a Failure / not somebody of value . Having all the talent in the world, and never being successful with any of it... (Most people don't even know this about me) It doesn't matter how hard I try to change that perspective of myself, it won't go away. 

So I find myself always striving to try and be successful... Be the next "Big Thing". Do something that will leave a mark in this world.... and you know what? 

I have had a lot of success in my lifetime, and a lot of it came through the talents the Lord has blessed me with... but it's the thoughts and the inner perspective of myself that I have to battle against.

I finally had to admit that as long as my inner image of myself was that of a failure, my outer self was going to match it. (WOW!! That preaches) Remember, it's faith that changes things, and without the inner image of HOPE, faith cannot work.

So I have decided to search my Bible for every scripture I could find on victory, success, hope, joy, peace and God's love for us... and in my search I have found tons of "Soul Food" to chew on.

When I'm having one of those down moments I pull out those papers and meditate on every one of those scriptures and pray. What am I doing? I am grabbing hold on a different inner image.

This is not something you can do overnight. (Heck, I've been doing this for years now...) It takes time. Especially if the inner image you're changing has been there for years.

But you can do it!! I have faith in you... Go to the Word of God today and begin to change the images inside you. Change them from images of depression to images of hope. Images of discouragement into encouragement... Map out a plan in your heart and allow God to strengthen your faith to build on it!

I'm being really transparent with you today.... I just want you to know, we're going to make it!!! and hopefully, these lil' tid bits of "Soul Food" can help sustain!!

Until next time, have a wonderful weekend.

Blessings,

Burk 

Turn Up Hope

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing--through the experience of your faith--that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing(bubbling over) with hope.

– Romans 15:13

You know, how cool would that be... to be running over with hope!!

I wish I was brave enough to throw my whole life and everything I have... into building a dream that comes straight from the heart of God. (That would be Beast!!) I wish I was brave enough to get out there so far... that without God's help, I could't make it back.

Many people don't think that way though because they're afraid to fail.... I don't know about you, but I can't stand it when I fail... I hate it!!!

You see, the fear of failure is so dangerous. If you let it dominate you, it will cause you to do the one thing that inevitably guarantees failure.... that's not attempting at all.

How do you overcome the fear of failure?

1. You turn up your hope. 

2. You get alone with God and listen to Him. 

3. You meditate on His promises until the picture is so clear on the inside of you that nothing can shake it out of you.

Here's an example: If you're lying on a sickbed and the doctor told you, you'll never walk again, instead of wallowing around in self-pity, you start dreaming. 

You start building a dream of climbing mountains and witnessing to people in the backwoods. 

Go to the Word that promises that those who wait upon the Lord shall run and walk and not faint or be weary. 

Look at it until you see nothing else. Picture yourself walking for miles and running from one place to the next, telling everyone that Jesus has raised you up and made you whole.

That's what hope is all about. It's a divine dream. It's an inner image that's bigger than you are because it's built on the promises of God.

If you're a Christian, you ought to be a dreamer. (Dream BIG!!) Take the Word of God and build some dreams today.

Until next week, enjoy your Soul Food!!!

Blessings,

Burk

Transform and Roll Out!!

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

– Romans 12:2

One of my favorite TV shows growing up as a kid, was Transformers. Optimus Prime was so Dope!! He had such an authoritative voice when he would say," Autobots, Transform and Roll Out!!"

I love the word "Transform." If we go through Transformation and allow the Lord to transform us, we become set apart from this world....

Hey, don't conform to this world. Don't be a conformist!!  If you live and act like the world, you'll be overcome by the world... It's as simple as that. I know it's not rocket science. So don't let the world squeeze, and prod you into its own mold. 

Transform and Roll Out!!

Rise up, say "NO MORE!!"..."be transformed" by the entire renewing of your mind. 

This is how you overcome the world... by having your mind transformed to think like God thinks.

Easy Right? (haha)  In other words, when you see something that stands out to you in the Word of God, say, "I agree with that. From now on I'm goin' to begin acting like that, instead of the way I normally do." and stick to it.

For example, when sin calls your name, don't answer. It's a choice we make. Daily.

Transform and Roll Out!!

Agree with the Word of God and say, "I'm dead to that, Devil. "NO MORE" You can't pull me into it anymore!" "I'm an overcomer!! I have the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of me, that gives me the ability to walk in holiness."

then Transform and Roll Out!!

As you do that, you'll find yourself changing, transforming. It's not an overnight change, the Word says to take up your cross "DAILY"... Before long, you will find yourself living the way God intended for you to live, like a world overcomer, a Spiritual Transformer!!!

Until next time, have a blessed week!! and this is your weekly Soul Food.

Blessings,

Burk

Make Time

God is faithful, by whom you were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

– 1 Corinthians 1:9

Let me ask you a question... Do you know what God wants you to do more than anything else today? 

He wants you to fellowship with Him. Yup!! You heard me.

The God of this universe wants you... to walk with Him and talk with Him. 

Discuss the things of your life with Him. 

He wants you to develop a relationship with Him... and get to know Him on a personal level.

A lot of us get caught up in trying soooo hard to please God in the things we do that we forget our first and highest calling is just to fellowship with Him.

That's right. God desires more than anything for us to want to be with Him.

Have you ever considered how much it would mean for you to just come to God and say, "Hey God, I didn't really come today to ask you for anything. Uh, I've prayed about my needs already and Your Word says they're met according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus.... So, I just came to be with You. If You have anything You'd like to tell me, I'm ready to listen..."

Why don't you tell that to God today? He's waiting to have fellowship with you.

Until next time have a blessed and wonderful week.

Blessings,

Burk

Losses to Gains

But God's free gift is not at all to be compared to the trespass...For if many died through one man's falling away--his lapse, his offense--much more profusely did God's grace and the free gift [that comes] through...Jesus Christ, abound and overflow to and for [the benefit of] many.

– Romans 5:15

If you ever, ever need someone to tell you how to turn things around... the go to person is: God. Believe me, He's an expert on the subject. He has suffered more losses than anyone who's ever lived. True?

Just take a quick second to think about it. 

He lost Lucifer, His top-ranked, most anointed angel. And He lost at least a third of His other angels as well when Lucifer fell. 

Then He lost the man and woman He had created (Adam & Eve); and because He'd given them dominion over the earth, when He lost them, He lost it too. 

It don't matter which way you slice the pie,(mmmm Pie!!)  that's a lot of real estate lost!!!

Yet, in spite of all that, God is not a loser. (Go ahead, put the "L" up to your forehead, you know you want to...haha) 

He's the greatest winner of all time. 

Do you know why? 

Because He knows how to turn things around. He knows how to use the law of giving and receiving to transform losses into gains. Yes!!!

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over" (Luke 6:38).

That's Crazy? He has the Power to redeem His things, those things He lost. 

He had all wisdom and all power available to Him. Out of all that, the law of giving is what He chose to use. (What??)

He gave the most irreplaceable thing He had: His only Son (Jesus). Then He backed that gift with His own faith. And when the law of giving and receiving had done its work, the Almighty God received not only His first begotten Son, but millions of other sons and daughters as well.

That Preaches!!! Good Preachin' White-Boy!!

Don't despair over your losses. Redeem them the same way God redeemed His. Give and put the most powerful principle in the universe to work for you.

Sow... You need finances, sow finances... You need love, sow love... You need help, sow serving. God is on your side and wants the very best for your life!!!

Until next time, chew on this Soul Food.

Blessings,

Burk

You Are Special

What we have seen and [ourselves] heard we are also telling you, so that you too may realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have (which is a distinguishing mark of Christians) is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

– 1 John 1:3

Did you know that you were created as something really special? 

He is made you and I in the image of Himself. 

We were designed and made to have fellowship with God.

I've actually heard people say that God made man just so He'd have someone to dominate and lord over. 

Yo!! Really??

God is not a dominator. God is love (the bible says that) and love needs to give to someone. That's why God made man.... He made us so He could give us His love.

God could have given His love to the angels, and He did that. But giving to angels didn't provide total fulfillment. Why? Because angels aren't made in His image.

You know we're made the same way. It's true!!!

Here's an example: you have a puppy as a pet. (Mine jsut happens to be Leah my Bully!!) You can fellowship and love on that little pet... just so much... but then there comes a time when you need to talk to somebody. (Your puppy becomes Wilson..Cast Away) There comes a time when you need to have communication on your own level.

The reason you're like that is because you've been created in the image of God. That's how He is. That's what He does. He has a desire to fellowship with someone like Himself... That's good preachin'!!

This week, today, strive to believe you're something really special --a one-of-a-kind creation made by God in His very own image. Reach out to receive His love and expect to be able to love Him back!!!

You are Special....

Have a blessed week, and enjoy this Soul Food Blog!!!

Blessings,

Burk

Is your Devotion out of Desperation or Love?

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

– Colossians 3:2

We as Americans strive so hard in life... just so we can posess "Things"!!!

More, more, more!!! Things, things, things!!! A better job. More Money. A bigger house. New clothes for the kids. A New i-phone 4. A new i-pad 2 . A bigger, better television. Surround Sound... (In my case, new Studio Gear!! haha)

You feelin' me?

As Christians we have learned to believe God to prosper us in such a degree that we have too many "Things" that keep us distracted. 

We end up spending all our time and energy on the "things" in our lives that we give our attention and affections to this natural world... instead of the things of the Spirit.

Whoa!!! Whoa!!! (I'm not against these things.... Hear me out)

When Kian and I first started living by faith, life was TOUGH!!! 

We were young and broke,(some of you right now are sayin'" Hey, I'm young and broke too..") so it was easy for us to dedicate ourselves to prayer and to the Word. 

But as we began to honor God's Word, He began to honor and prosper us. 

We came to the place where we were no longer desperate. (I see your wheels turnin'...)

Then came the real test of our faith. 

Are we serving God out of our love for Him... instead of our desperation?

Through this whole process we found one thing: It takes a lot more dedication to serve God when you're prosperous than it takes when you're desperate!!!

(I don't care who you are... That Preaches!!)

There's a constant temptation to get caught up in earthly "Things" that your desire for the things of the Spirit fade into the background.

As the blessings of the Lord come your way, remember, God has not trained you in His Word so you can consume it on your own selfish lusts. 

He has revealed His Word to you, so you can walk in the Spirit and do the job, He's called you to do.

Don't let the "Things" of this world cause you to miss out on the things of the Spirit. Get your priorities in line with God being the first. 

Set your mind on things above, and you'll discover just how great life was really meant to be!!!

Have a blessed week, and chew on this Soul Food!!!

Burk

Pure Spiritual Power

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

– Galatians 5:22-23

Have you ever... REALLY... taken the time to think about the Fruit of the Spirit?

Most of us, as believers think that the fruit of the Spirit is really nothing more than a passive list of pleasant qualities... (Nice huh?) that can help improve us as people. 

Hey!! Listen, they represent something far greater than that!! They produce Pure Spiritual Power.

Love is so powerful, the scripture says, that it never fails. 

Patience is so powerful it cannot be stopped. No matter what life throws, it will not quit. 

Temperance is so powerful it can master all the sinful desires of your flesh.

The fruits of the Spirit are not weak; they're strong. 

So strong all the demons of hell can't stop them. So strong that if you'll let them flow out of you, they'll correct the problems in your life. 

This Fruit will keep you steadfast when all the people around you are falling down. They'll keep you on your feet when governments fail and when the storms of life come crashing down.

We are living in dangerous days. All you have to do is turn on the TV and you can see that. There's only one way you can make it through victorious. You must begin to release those powerful Fruits of the Spirit, God has placed inside you. 

If you're a born again believer, they're there. Learn to yield to them and as 2 Peter 1:10 promised, you shall never fall!!!!!!

Until next time, have a blessed week... Chew on this Soul Food!!!

Burk