“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

As it is written, He who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little did not lack. 16 But thanks be to God Who planted the same earnest zeal and care for you in the heart of Titus. 17 For he not only welcomed and responded to our appeal, but was himself so keen in his enthusiasm and interest in you that he is going to you of his own accord. 18 But we are sending along with him that brother [Luke?] whose praise in the Gospel ministry [is spread] throughout all the churches; 19 And more than that, he has been appointed by the churches to travel as our companion in regard to this bountiful contribution which we are administering for the glory of the Lord Himself and [to show] our eager readiness [as Christians to help one another]. 20[For] we are on our guard, intending that no one should find anything for which to blame us in regard to our administration of this large contribution. 21For we take thought beforehand and aim to be honest and absolutely above suspicion, not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men.  2 Corinthians 8:15-21 AMP

If you consider yourself a Christian, if you are a born-again child of God, you are obligated to live according to the Word of God – it is your duty and your privilege. It is very important that you are honest in all things, especially money. You ought to conduct yourself in such a way that you are above reproach and above suspicion. Paul said that he provided for honest things (KJV), which means that he took thought beforehand – he planned and he aimed – to be honest and absolutely above suspicion in financial matters. He did this in the sight of God and of man.

If you want to be honest before God then you must be completely and absolutely honest, for He sees everything you do and He knows what is in your heart – you cannot fool Him. Paul said that he planned, he took thought beforehand, and he aimed to be honest. You have to have a plan, you have to set a standard for your life so that when the occasion arises that your character is tested, you do not have to then decide how to conduct yourself, because you have already decided to do the right thing.

Who then is the faithful, thoughtful, and wise servant, whom his master has put in charge of his household to give to the others the food and supplies at the proper time? 46 Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) is that servant whom, when his master comes, he will find so doing. 47 I solemnly declare to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that servant is wicked and says to himself, My master is delayed and is going to be gone a long time, 49 And begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with the drunken, 50 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour of which he is not aware, 51 And will punish him [cut him up by scourging] and put him with the pretenders (hypocrites); there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.  Matthew 24:45-51 AMP

God gives everyone of us a chance to prove ourselves and to prove what is in our heart. He gives us authority and responsibility and then He leaves us alone to do it. He does not stand over us and nag or beg, He does not force us, but He leaves us to prove our faithfulness and integrity.

In this parable, before the master leaves, he puts his servant in charge – he gives him authority over the other servants and the responsibility to take care of them and to provide food and supplies at the proper time. The faithful, thoughtful, and wise servant is honest and he does what is expected of him even though no one is watching over him, because he knows that the master could come back at any time and he wants to please him. If that same servant was foolish and wicked, he would take advantage of the situation and instead of doing his duty and taking care of his fellow servants, he would get drunk and beat them. The problem is that when his master came back, unexpectedly, he would be in big trouble. His master would discover that he had been unfaithful and dishonest and he would punish him and put him with the other hypocrites.

Abstain from all appearance of evil.  KJV Abstain from evil [shrink from it and keep aloof from it] in whatever form or whatever kind it may be.  AMP 1 Thessalonians 5:22

You need to be faithful and honest at all times because God is watching over you. You need to run away from evil – even the appearance of it. If you avoid even the appearance of evil, you will protect yourself from evil itself. Run from evil and choose to do right and the blessing of God will be on your life.

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven [stands firm as the heavens]. 90 Your faithfulness is from generation to generation; You have established the earth, and it stands fast. 91 All [the whole universe] are Your servants; therefore they continue this day according to Your ordinances. 92 Unless Your law had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget Your precepts, [how can I?] for it is by them You have quickened me (granted me life). 94 I am Yours, therefore save me [Your own]; for I have sought (inquired of and for) Your precepts and required them [as my urgent need]. 95 The wicked wait for me to destroy me, but I will consider Your testimonies. 96I have seen that everything [human] has its limits and end [no matter how extensive, noble, and excellent]; but Your commandment is exceedingly broad and extends without limits [into eternity]. 97 Oh, how love I Your law! It is my meditation all the day. 98 You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies, for [Your words] are ever before me. 99 I have better understanding and deeper insight than all my teachers, because Your testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the aged, because I keep Your precepts [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying them]. 101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Your word [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it]. 102 I have not turned aside from Your ordinances, for You Yourself have taught me. 103 How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:89-105 AMP

God’s Word is settled in heaven – it stands strong and sure. Nothing can stand against God’s Word – nothing can endure longer than His Word. Everything human has its limits and limitations, but God’s Word is limitless, enduring and extending into eternity. God’s Word is the lamp that lights my way and leads me in the way I should go.

The entrance and unfolding of Your words give light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple.  Psalm 119:130 AMP

For the commandment is a lamp, and the whole teaching [of the law] is light, and reproofs of discipline are the way of life.  Proverbs 6:23 AMP

Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11 AMP

The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.  Proverbs 20:27KJV

The spirit of man [that factor in human personality which proceeds immediately from God] is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.  Proverbs 20:27 AMP

For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man’s thoughts except the man’s own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God.  1 Corinthians 2:11-12 AMP

God has given us His Word and His Spirit to lead us and guide us into truth and into blessing. When God’s Word is laid up in our heart, we will walk in His ways and we will do what is right and the Spirit of God will remind us of the Word and point us toward His Word. It is the Holy Spirit that reveals God’s Word to us, it is the Spirit that gives us understanding of all the wonderful things He has done for us.

But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. 14 He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.  John 16:13-14 AMP

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

A Confession of Faith in God’s Hand of Protection on My Life

For You, O Lord, are good, and ready to forgive our trespasses, sending them away, letting them go completely and forever; and You are abundant in mercy and loving-kindness to all those who call upon You. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; and listen to the cry of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call on You, for You will answer me.  (Psalms 86:5-7)

I belong to Jesus and have already defeated and overcome the enemies of Christ, because Jesus, Who lives in me, is greater and mightier than he who is in the world.  (1 John 4:4)

No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against me in judgment I shall show to be in the wrong. This peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition is the heritage of the servants of the Lord; this is the righteousness and vindication which I have obtained from Him.  (Isaiah 54:17)

The Lord is my Shepherd – He feeds, guides, and shields me – I shall never lack. He makes me lie down in fresh, tender, green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. He refreshes me and restores my life; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even if I walk through the deep, sunless valley of the shadow of death, I will fear and dread no evil, for Jesus is with me; His rod to protect me and His staff to guide and comfort me. He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. He anoints my head with oil; my brimming cup runs over. Surely only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house and the presence of the Lord shall be my dwelling place.  (Psalms 23:1-6)

For behold, Your adversaries, O Lord, for behold, Your enemies shall perish; all the evildoers shall be scattered. But my horn – emblem of excessive strength and stately grace – You have exalted like that of a wild ox; I am anointed with fresh oil. My eye looks upon those who lie in wait for me; my ears hear the evildoers that rise up against me. I am uncompromisingly righteous, therefore I shall flourish like the palm tree, I will be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful; I shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon – I will be majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible. I am planted in the house of the Lord and I shall flourish in the courts of our God. I am growing in grace and I shall still bring forth fruit in old age; I shall be full of the sap of spiritual vitality and rich in the verdure of trust, love, and contentment. I am a living memorial to show that the Lord is upright and faithful to His promises; He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.  (Psalms 92:9-15)

The Lord is my Light and my Salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Though a host encamps against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, even then in this will I be confident. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and insistently require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord – in His presence – all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty, the sweet attractiveness, and the delightful loveliness of the Lord, and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; in the secret place of His tent will He hide me; He will set me high upon a rock. And now shall my head be lifted up above my enemies round about me; in His tent I will offer sacrifices and shouting of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; have mercy and be gracious to me and answer me! Lord, You have said, “Seek My face – inquire for and require My presence as your vital need.” My heart says to You, Your face and Your presence, Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require. Although my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the Lord will take me up and adopt me as His child. What, what would have become of me had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living! I will wait and hope for and expect the Lord; I will be brave and of good courage and let my heart be stout and enduring. Yes, I will wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.  (Psalms 27:1, 3-8, 10, 13, 14)

Paraphrased from the Amplified Version

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God. 13 And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit]. 14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated. 15 But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him]. 16 For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. 1 Corinthians 2:12-16 AMP

You, who are born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit, have been separated from the world by the work of the Holy Spirit. You are no longer deceived by the lies of and/or blinded by the devil. Your eyes have been opened and you now see the truth. If you will continue in God’s Word, the devil will never again be able to blind your eyes. It is the Holy Spirit Who reveals to you all the wonderful things that God has done for and in you and all the magnificent gifts He has so lavishly and freely bestowed on you, so that you might comprehend them and also appreciate them. The more influence the Holy Spirit and the Word of God have in your life, the more aware you become of spiritual things and the more spiritual you become. Not religious—spiritual—conscious of God.

The person who is not born again, not filled with the Spirit, and who is not open to the Word of God, is carnal, natural, and non-spiritual. He cannot perceive the truth that is right in front of him—he is oblivious to things of the Spirit. The gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God are spiritually discerned, estimated, and appreciated. Because of this, they are meaningless nonsense to the carnal person and so he does not accept, or welcome, or admit them into his heart. Everyone who is spiritual can easily discern the carnal man’s state and his situation. Although the spiritual man discerns all things, no one can discern him—no one can appraise or get an insight into him. In other words, the spiritual man can see into the heart and life of a non-spiritual person, but the non-spiritual person cannot figure the spiritual person out.

In the same way, you don’t know everything there is to know about the Lord. No matter how much you learn of spiritual things, you will never know enough to be able to advise Him. That is just not your job or your place—it never will be. But when Jesus lives in your heart, when the Holy Spirit has burned the junk of the world out of your life, and when God’s Word has become alive in you, you grow to be more like Jesus every day. You begin to walk like Him, talk like Him, think like Him, see like Him, feel like Him, and act like Him. You have the mind of Christ; you hold the thoughts, feelings, and purposes of His heart. You are not God, but you represent Him to the world.

Beloved, we are [even here and] now God’s children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be [hereafter], but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall [as God’s children] resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He [really] is. 3 And everyone who has this hope [resting] on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless). 1 John 3:2-3 AMP

I have heard a person say, “I have the mind of Christ, therefore every thought I have is from Christ.” This is not totally true. Your thoughts come from your head, not from heaven. You cannot trust every thought you have to be a godly thought. Sometimes the devil will place thoughts in your mind. Of course, you ought to resist and reject those thoughts! Remember that godly thoughts and inspirations come primarily from your heart—your regenerated spirit. The Spirit of God will speak to your heart—you need to train yourself to recognize His voice. Your mind, on the other hand, is a work in progress until you see Jesus face to face. When you see Him, you will be like Him, but until then, you are not perfect by any means. You need to renew your mind to the Word of God, regularly and consistently. You need to humble yourself and lay down your agenda.

As you yield yourself to Him, as you make yourself available to Him, to be used by Him, He will work in you and through you to do His will, and you can safely say, “I have the mind of Christ!”

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, 2 Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds. Hebrews 12:1-3 AMP

Jesus was not distracted from His purpose by what He had to go through. He endured grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself from sinners – the very people who needed the salvation He offers the most. He endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame. He kept His eyes on the expected end result – the joy of obtaining the prize. Paul tells us to follow Jesus’ example, comparing what He went through with what we are going through, so that we do not grow weary or exhausted, or lose heart, or give up hope, or faint in our minds. If Jesus could make it through what He had to endure, then surely we can make it through our trials as well. The thing most people fear the most is death, but the Bible tells us that, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) If there is no fear in death, then we should have no fear concerning anything else we must endure!

Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor’s] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 AMP

God rewards those who are patient through trials and who resist temptation. When you have stood through the trials and tests that life throws at you, God has a crown of life for you. This crown has been promised to those who love God. You demonstrate your love for God by your obedience and by your submission to His word.

Everyone who believes (adheres to, trusts, and relies on the fact) that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah) is a born-again child of God; and everyone who loves the Father also loves the one born of Him (His offspring). 2 By this we come to know (recognize and understand) that we love the children of God: when we love God and obey His commands (orders, charges)–[when we keep His ordinances and are mindful of His precepts and His teaching]. 3 For the [true] love of God is this: that we do His commands [keep His ordinances and are mindful of His precepts and teaching]. And these orders of His are not irksome (burdensome, oppressive, or grievous). 4 For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:1-4 AMP

For I am already about to be sacrificed [my life is about to be poured out as a drink offering]; the time of my [spirit’s] release [from the body] is at hand and I will soon go free. 7 I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith. 8[As to what remains] Henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that [great] day–and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing (His return). 2 Timothy 4:6-8 AMP

Don’t quit – don’t give up. The victor’s crown of righteousness is available to all those who have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. If we keep our eye on the prize, as Jesus did, it will motivate us to keep going through the opposition, through the persecution, through the fight, through the pain, through the disappointments, through the temptations, tests, through the trials, through the rejections of life, until we see our precious Savior face to face. God’s will for us is not that we just endure, but that we are ultimately victorious!

For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4 AMP

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Thoughts on Stewardship from the Book of Genesis

First Fruits or Leftovers?
Foundation Scriptures—Genesis 4 verse 1-5

And Adam knew Eve as his wife, and she became pregnant and bore Cain; and she said, I have gotten and gained a man with the help of the Lord. 2 And [next] she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground. 4 And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering, 5 But for Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed. Genesis 4:1-5 AMP

Verse 3 says that Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground in the course of time. The King James says he brought it in the process of time. Abel brought his first fruits, but Cain brought his leftovers.

Some people think that God rejected Cain’s offering because He prefers meat over vegetables, but that is not true. God does not expect anyone to bring what they do not have. By faith, Abel put God first. Before he partook of the fruit of his labor, he honored God with his first and his best—the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. God was pleased and received Abel’s offering. After a while Cain brought a portion of his harvest to the Lord, but it was not his first fruits, neither was it his best. Obviously, Cain had no faith in God and no respect for Him. Cain grew angry when God had no respect for him or his offering and when He did not receive or accept it. When Cain saw that his offering was not accepted, he could have and should have repented and changed his own attitude and behavior. However, he got mad at Abel, who was accepted, and killed him instead.

Many people do what Cain did—they spend their money and pay all their other bills before they bring their offering to the Lord. The tithe is the first fruits—the first tenth of all your increase—of all your income. God honored Abel because he brought the first fruits of the flock. Your attitude in your giving is a huge part of your giving. People might see your gift, but God sees your heart and your gift. God knows when you are putting Him first and honoring Him in your giving or not. God does honor first fruits, but He rejects leftovers. The Bible says that Cain was very angry and depressed. This is what happens to you when you bring God your leftovers. People who are angry and depressed—mad at God and mad at believers who are blessed—are people who have been bringing God their leftovers!

Comments: Pastor Adonica Howard-Browne

Even if you get paid on a Monday and you only go to church on a Sunday, you should set it aside to bring to the Lord before you spend any other money on anything. When you work for a boss, your company is required by law to take your taxes out and pay it for you. Why? Because the government knows that they would have a hard time getting it from 90% of the people if they gave them the option to pay it themselves and they don’t want to wait until the end of the year and find out that you have already spent it and can’t pay it anyway! Money has a funny way of disappearing unless we have a definite plan and we execute that plan right away. Even though you receive your pay check without the taxes that were taken out, your gross income is still your income and 10% of your gross income is your tithe.

Before you decide to argue about this—remember that no one is going to make you do anything you don’t want to do—it is completely your choice and your decision. However, you must also remember that God is not obliged to bless you either! The tithe is a covenant obligation—it establishes your covenant with Almighty God. By paying your tithe—first—you activate the power of God to work on your behalf—to rebuke the devourer, to protect you, provide for you, and favor you!

Comments: Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne

One of the things that every believer has to do is honor God with the first fruits of all their income—the money coming to you before you even pay your taxes. If you don’t bring your first fruits, then it is a sign that you have forgotten God in your life. By bringing the first fruits you signify that you have put God first place—above everything—your house; your car; even your hopes and dreams. Something happens when you put God and His house first place —He will put your house first place!

Prayer and Confession:

Father I make a decision to honor you with the first fruits of all my income. Thank you for your abundant blessings on my life.

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Foundation Scripture: James 1:12

Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor’s] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.  James 1:12 AMP

I. The Crown of Life
•    The Crown of Life is also known as the Martyr’s Crown
•    This crown is promised to those who are faithful unto death.
•    Revelation 2:10 AMP – Fear nothing that you are about to suffer. [Dismiss your dread and your fears!] Behold, the devil is indeed about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested and proved and critically appraised, and for ten days you will have affliction. Be loyally faithful unto death [even if you must die for it], and I will give you the crown of life.
•    It is also promised to those who live prepared to die for their witness.
•    Revelation 3:11-12 AMP – I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one may rob you and deprive you of your crown. 12 He who overcomes (is victorious), I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God; he shall never be put out of it or go out of it, and I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which descends from My God out of heaven, and My own new name.

II. The Crown of Life will be given to those who are persecuted for their faith and yet endure.
•    Persecution comes simply because we bear His Name.
•    John 15:20-23 AMP – Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master [is not superior to him]. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word and obeyed My teachings, they will also keep and obey yours. 21 But they will do all this to you [inflict all this suffering on you] because of [your bearing] My name and on My account, for they do not know or understand the One Who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin [would be blameless]; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates Me also hates My Father.
•    Persecution is the suffering Jesus talks about that His people would go through – not sickness or disease.
•    Philippians 1:29 NKJV – For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.
•    You will be persecuted for righteousness and living a godly life.
•    2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV – Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
•    Matthew 5:10-12 NKJV – Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.  12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
•    If you are completely submitted and obedient to the Lord and doing His work, and they persecute you, it is as if they are persecuting Jesus, Himself.
•    Acts 22:7-8 AMP – And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me [harass and trouble and molest Me]? 8 And I replied, Who are You, Lord? And He said to me, I am Jesus the Nazarene, Whom you are persecuting.

III. How should you respond?
•    Bless your enemies.
•    Romans 12:14 AMP – Bless those who persecute you [who are cruel in their attitude toward you]; bless and do not curse them.
•    Resist the urge to fight back – let God fight your battles.
•    Romans 12:19 AMP – Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord.
•    Hebrews 10:30 AMP – For we know Him Who said, Vengeance is Mine [retribution and the meting out of full justice rest with Me]; I will repay [I will exact the compensation], says the Lord. And again, The Lord will judge and determine and solve and settle the cause and the cases of His people.

IV. The Persecuted Church.
•    Remember – you are not alone.
•    1 Peter 5:8-10 NKJV – 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.
•    Those who have gone before us suffered so that we could receive the Truth.
•    Hebrews 11:35-38 AMP – [Some] women received again their dead by a resurrection. Others were tortured to death with clubs, refusing to accept release [offered on the terms of denying their faith], so that they might be resurrected to a better life. 36 Others had to suffer the trial of mocking and scourging and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned to death; they were lured with tempting offers [to renounce their faith]; they were sawn asunder; they were slaughtered by the sword; [while they were alive] they had to go about wrapped in the skins of sheep and goats, utterly destitute, oppressed, cruelly treated — 38 [Men] of whom the world was not worthy — roaming over the desolate places and the mountains, and [living] in caves and caverns and holes of the earth.
•    The genuineness of your faith will be tested.
•    1 Peter 1:5-7 AMP – Who are being guarded (garrisoned) by God’s power through [your] faith [till you fully inherit that final] salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time. 6 [You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations, 7 So that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed.
•    We are counted worthy of the kingdom of God when we endure persecution and tribulations with patience and faith.
•    2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 NKJV – We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; 6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. 11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

V. Don’t ever give up!
•    Philippians 1:21 NKJV – For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
•    Struck down but not out.
•    2 Corinthians 4:7-11 AMP – However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves. 8 We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; 9 We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed; 10 Always carrying about in the body the liability and exposure to the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies. 11 For we who live are constantly [experiencing] being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced through our flesh which is liable to death.
•    Who shall separate us from Christ or His love?
•    Romans 8:35-39 AMP – Who shall ever separate us from Christ’s love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword? 36 Even as it is written, For Thy sake we are put to death all the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, 39 Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
•    We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us!

 








“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.“

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

God said to Jeremiah: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down,

destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.”

Jeremiah 1:5-10 NLT

“Jeremiah, I have made you with a purpose and on purpose!”

Every purpose is established by counsel.

Webster defines “purpose” as: being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Ephesians 1

Every believer must believe:

1. You Have Purpose

Called by name:

But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:1-2 NLT

Chosen by God

You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. John 15:16 NLT

… for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

1 Peter 2:9-10 NLT

Knowing these things, we should:

2. Live on Purpose

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 NLT

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Philippians 3:8-14 NLT

This was after 33 years of ministry!

But Paul lived so much on purpose that at the end of his life he said, “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:5-8 NLT

Paul tells the church in Corinth twice:

So I urge you to imitate me. 1 Corinthians 4:16 NLT

And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 NLT

Jesus was Paul’s ultimate example!

God the Father was Jesus’ perfect example.

Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.” John 12:44-50 NLT

Even in the midst of the greatest trial of His earthy life He said, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.

Luke 22:42-44 NLT

Jesus said, “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” John 4:34 NLT

What an Example!

He is our Example!

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps. I Peter 2:21 NKJV

3. Live with a Purpose

If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

1 Timothy 4:6-16 NLT

A Final Thought!

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 NLT

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Matthew 5:13-16 NLT

I believe He will use me, in great ways beyond what I imagined possible. Ultimately he will not only use me to touch people’s lives through edification and signs and wonders but also through a plan he downloaded to me. What he downloaded to me will allow me, us, to actually enable the masses of believers to help fund and to be a part of the end time harvest.

Now, I am at the point where I care less about what people think about my singing and I am trying new notes and songs. One day, I even started singing a new melody. It came out so easily.