God's Word For Our Trying Times - Jeremiah 17:5-10

Jeremiah 17:5-10

5 This is what the LORD say:

"Cursed is the one who trusts in man,
who depends on flesh for his strength
and whose heart turns away form the LORD.
6 He will be like a bush in the wastelands;
he will not see prosperity when it comes.
He will dwell in the parched place of the desert,
in a salt land where no one lives.

7 But blessed is the man who trust in the LORD.
whose confidence is in him.
8 He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves arre always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.

9 The heart is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?

10 "I the LORD search the heart
and examine the mind,
to reward a man according to his conduct,
according to what his deeds deserve."

God's word is applicable to our lives, especially when trials and tribulations come our way.  We must remember that when we put our faith in man, man can fail us.
When we put our faith in God, He promises He will never fail us.  His word is his bond. Sometimes it takes everything else to fail, for us to put our faith in God.  It seems that some call on God when everything else fail.  I have been in that position too, but I have learned from wisdom that it has a cost. 

So now I keep my faith firmly grounded in God and not in man.  If you do not have a personal relationship with God and trusting in Him, I would like to invite to convenant with a Person who will never fail you.  His name is Jesus. JESUS CHRIST.

Philippians 2:9:
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

The Bible clearly states God gave Jesus power over all including principalities and powers. Therefore we can confidently trust in Jesus and in him alone.

If you desire a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to be born again, it is a simple step that starts in your heart and your mind follows.

"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

"Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" (John 3:3)

Salvation Prayer - Back to Basics

The Salvation Prayer is merely a road to rebirth in Jesus Christ. To be born again you must confess Jesus as Lord and believe that He is. When you ask Him into your heart, you are allowing Him to be the Lord of your life. Unfortunately, the Church today has complicated the Salvation message with various layers of extra "stuff."

So, let's get back to the basics!

A. Salvation is the "permission slip" to enter heaven when you leave this world.
B. Salvation takes place when a person listens to the salvation message, believes it, and makes a decision to receive Jesus into his or her heart.

Salvation Prayer - The Simple Steps:

1. Acknowledge in your heart that Jesus is Lord.
2. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord.
3. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and was raised three days later.
4. Repent of your sins and get baptized in the name of Jesus.


Salvation Prayer - Merely a Tool to Communicate Our Faith

The Salvation Prayer is not a ritual based on specific words. This is not the power of a prayer, but the power of truly committing our lives to Christ as Savior and Lord. The following is merely a guideline for our sincere step of faith:

"God, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now. I have been living for myself and that is wrong. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. I acknowledge the completed work of Your Son Jesus Christ in giving His life for me on the cross at Calvary, and I long to receive the forgiveness you have made freely available to me through this sacrifice. Come into my life now, Lord. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You all the days of my life. Those days are in Your hands. I ask this in Jesus' precious and holy name. Amen."

If you decided to repent of your sins and receive Christ today, welcome to God's family. Now, as a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.

Get baptized as commanded by Christ.

Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.

Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word. Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.

Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.

Find a local church where you can worship God

A Prophetic Word For Our Trying Times "Heed the Father's Warning"

I received this word early in the morning while I was in devotion. This word was a warning to myself and others as to why we must maintain purity and a clean heart before God.

"Alas, look upon the foolishness of man, that he hardens his heart against the Lord. Though the Lord has sent his prophets to them, they have consistently hardened their hearts and continued their transgressions against Him; they will not heed the words of the prophets because there is no light left in them. Their souls have been consumed by the darkness. The Father has sent his prophets to us to give us warnings concerning their evil doings and to turn from those ways that only serve to seal their demise, but they cannot hear or see the ways of righteousness. Their hearts are filled with evil; their eyes are blinded and their ears are covered.
In the Day of the coming judgement, they will say, 'Lord, why did you not warn us'. This testament will serve as a judgement against those that hear the warning and heed not. For the Lord is merciful and full of grace, He does not wish for any of his children to be devoured by evil and perish. He even sacrificed His only begotten Son, that the price would be paid in full for the redeeming of each and everyone of His children.

Yet still there are those who will refuse this great gift of eternal life and wish to go their own way. They fail to see beyond the horizon the great abyss that they are hellbound for. For it not written, that even one of Abraham's own called out to him from the abyss saying 'Lord, let me go back and warn my five brothers of what they are headed for.'  The Lord answered him and said,"I sent them the prophets and even My own Son and they did not listen, what makes you think they will listen to you."


Luke 16:19-31

19 There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. 20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, 21 desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' 25 But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.'

27 Then he said, “I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.” 29 Abraham said to him, “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.” 30 And he said, “No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” 31 But he said to him, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.”

If you are reading this, please listen to the still small voice in your heart that is telling you to repent now and turn to God.  God is love and He loves us so much that He withheld nothing to make a way back for his children to return to Him.  Accept Jesus Christ and the price He paid to redeem you from the curse of sin and death. Just make a heart decision today and God will work out the rest.

Papa San - One of My Favorite Reggae Artists Now Spits only For Jesus

It’s been said that music is a universal language. If so no one speaks it better than that of Papa San, known as Jamaica’s fastest lyrical speaking DJ now Ordained Minister Reverend Tyrone Thompson. Whom, has over 13 hit singles and over 15 albums under his belt with two number one Billboard Dance Chart Hit Singles in the Secular Arena:- “Gimmie Love” and “Program”

In the year of Nineteen Hundred and Ninety Seven (1997) , after being saved, released three Reggae Gospel Albums that went to the top ten Billboard Charts such as:- “Victory”, “God & I” and “ Real & Personal”. He now returns again with a release of his fourth album entitled: - “Higher Heights”. The Album speaks for itself based on its controversial sound of Roots, Rock and Reggae with a combination of Jamaica’s Dancehall sound crossing over into the global Industry of Gospel Music, delivering the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This different sound, will not only tease the listeners ear but will also put a conviction upon the hearts, to create change in one’s life, based on the message of Christ and the testimony of his journey among us.

The Album features tracks such as :- “Inna De Ghettio”, that speaks of Ghetto Life , the living and the hope of change that we need in the inner city community, otherwise known as the ghetto. Another track that has a lot of message is “You Take Care of Me”, speaks of God’s faithfulness in times of persecution, where San’s testimony is that God always showed up every time he needed Him. The track “Stand”, which speaks of Christians standing firm and not comprising the Gospel no matter what the circumstances may be. “Africans Unite” was written for the African Nation is now becoming an anthem in Africa after touring Uganda, Kenya and Malawi. Also a soul filling track called:- “Prayer” featuring Marvin Winans Jr. Is a prayer reaching out to God for people living in the midst of poverty, who have been rejected and ignored by society. Finally, an anointed Reggae worship song, featuring Alvin Slaughter, Glacia Robinson, Junior Tucker, Martin Heritage, Kristian Dentley from the group Take Six and others. This song encourages all to worship God in whatever language they know, in Spirit and in Truth.

Papa San’s Accomplishments

1.He was the first Gospel Artiste in the Caribbean to hit the Reggae Billboard Charts, not just once but three times, featuring all three albums.

2.First DJ Artist to be nominated and won a Stella Award

3.San has also been nominated once for a Dove Award

4.Has won Twelve Marlin Awards

5.Has won the title as the “ Number One Gospel Artiste” for the World Music Awards

6.San has also been featured on Kirk Franklin’s “ Rebirth Album” on the track entitled : “ Awesome God ”

7.Featured on Toby Mack’s Hit Album entitled, “Hoopy Daisey”

8.Featured on Reverend Jackie McCoulough ‘s track entitled, “Stay Connected"

9.Featured on Top Record Producer Percey Brady’s single entitled “ Hold Up The Light”

In addition to Papa San’s talent as a successful Reggae, DJ Artiste and Minister of Music, he also wears many hats including that of song writer and producer, where he has written for legendary songbird Glacia Robinson , Kirk Franklin’s duet “Breathe Again” Toby Mack and many others. He has also worked on numerous projects such as: - Dr. Carlene Davis, Natalie Wilson from S.O.P., Percy Bady and others.” This also includes all his Reggae Gospel Albums to date.

Souls & Attendance

The ministry of Papa San has had a vast amount of people being and or won for Christ, throughout the years. With the production and release of each album this ministry has had a tremendous growth. Papa San’s hope and or conviction is that with the release of this new album it will bring another great harvest and reach as many souls as possible for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Papa San’s Concerts has lead to a record breaking attendance in which one concert brought out in attendance over forty five thousand people ( 45,000) in Uganda, Africa.

The Anointing from the presence of God lead hundreds to the Altar. This lead ministers to build a new church to accommodate and spiritually feed these new souls for Christ. He also broke another record for being the first international artist ever to minister in Malawi Africa which also reaped numerous amounts of souls for Christ. He is also officially signed to “World Vision” fulfilling his desire to help abandon children all over the world. Based on the experience Papa San created his own motto which says that “I am a fisher of men and music is my bait”.

Papa San was inspired to produced and release this new album based on his personal conviction, his journey and or walk with Jesus Christ. This took him from just attending church to having a personal relationship with Christ Jesus, taking him to deeper depths and Higher Heights.    Papasanmusic.com

Papa San, no question is one of the greatest dancehall artists of all-time. Now Papa San is a pastor and gospel reggae recording artist.  I believe his music is even better than ever. I grew up on his music and as a youth loving the raw caribbean vibe of reggae music.  I still listen to secular reggae because the  consciousness and soul that it embodies.  It really can't even be called secular because so much of the music is based on spiritual beliefs.  Now I realize that many of the reggae artists believe that Haile Selassie is God, it is because they have been mislead.  Selassie himself tried to clear up that misnomer when he wrote to Jamaicans and visited the island. 

The following except was taken from Rastafarian Church's own website.  http://himchurch.org/

"The media at the time reported that Selassie died in prison on August 27, 1975. officially following a prostate operation; however, it is widely believed by historians that he was strangled and his remains buried beneath the president's personal office. (On November 5th, 2000, the late Emperor was granted a formal funeral.)

Amongst followers of Rastafarianism, a religion which developed in the 1930s in Jamaica under the influence of Marcus Mosiah Garvey's "Back to Africa" movement, Haile Selassie I is regarded as a Black messiah who will lead the peoples of Africa and the African diaspora to freedom. Most Rastafarians believe that Selassie is still alive, and that his widely reported death was part of a conspiracy to discredit their religion.

The Emperor himself, a devout Christian, was opposed to the Rastafarians' belief in him as messiah. A state visit to Jamaica in 1966, during which Haile Selassie I was greeted by massive screaming crowds, was reportedly quite extraordinary for the monarch. After the visit, the Emperor is said to have told Ethiopian Orthodox Archbishop Abuna Yesehaq: "There is a problem in Jamaica.... Please, help these people. They are misunderstanding, they do not understand our culture.... They need a church... to be established and you are chosen to go." The Ethiopian Orthodox Church was established in Jamaica to convert the Rastafarians to Christianity.

The Emperor's seat as a Knight of the Garter in St. George's Chapel had the unusual feature of a double-sided banner, one side representing the Emperor of Ethiopia, and the other for the Lion of Judah. He had originally asked for two seats."

Papa San is being used by God to bring the people of this culture to a knowledge of the true and living God and his Messiah Jesus Christ. 

Check out his official website:  Papasanmusic.com

The Vision

The vision of Jesus Christ Ministries is something that has been brewing in my spirit for a long time.  I had this vision in my early 20s.  God gave me a clear picture of a ministry that reached out to youth, especially the youth of the Virgin Islands where I grew up.  I managed with the guidance of my mother and stepfather to stay away from the streets, drugs and gangs while I was growning up.  Unfortunately that is the norm in the Virgin Islands.  The majority of children are supported by single mothers and raised without a father figure present, especially a godly father figure. 

From my own experiences, I know first hand of the dire consequences that await those who fall to the path of the streets, drugs, gangs and the pursuit of fast riches.  I also know first hand of the demonic oppressions that rules of over the islands.  It seems that there is a darkness that has yet to be pierced that possess control of most of the inhabitants.  While most people live their daily lives and never even think or see this, God has pulled back the veil and shown me that there is a serious demonic hold on the Virgin Islands.  There are many God-fearing and faithful believers that reside there, but if you just take a look at the daily newspapers you could get a glipse of what prevails.  The youth are the ones mostly at risk, especially the young men.  They are drawn by the glamourful life of drugs and ill-gotten money. Almost daily, someone's life is ended by senseless violence.  I know this is not a very uplifting subject; but in order to solve the problems of the islands, we must first confront them.  The reason for this is because we have left the safety of Our Father and His Son Jesus Christ. That is the Truth, even though many are opposed to truth, there is no escaping from it.  We must be realists and confront the wares and devices of our immortal enemies.  There are principalities and powers that seek to destroy our very souls.  The most powerful tool that they wield is to cause us to refuse to acknowledge their very existence.  Satan and his cohorts, my friends, are very real; though he would have us reduce him to simply tales and fables, that is exactly what he wants, so he can go about with his plans unexposed.  Those who continue to walk into the traps and snares that he lays will know that the devil is real only when it is all but too late.  There are those who do not believe, and then there are those who openly worship Satan, believing that he is their friend, and that their best interests are his.  Think again, for the devil comes as a roaring lion as describe in 1.1 Peter 5:8 (Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour). 

Back to the vision.  The Lord clearly as day said to me to write the vision, to make it plain, so he whom sees it may run.  The vision was to develop a christ-based youth ministry and center.  The pilot center would be be developed on St. Croix with others to soon follow.  We would provide an outlet for young men, women and children to learn the truth about Jesus Christ, and nurture them as believers and evangalists to continue to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and His coming kingdom with the elements of music and media arts.

 

At first, I was excited and started telling friends and family about the vision. It was my very same friends and family members who ridiculed me and laughed at the vision.  They would say, "boy, you're not a pastor" and "chuups, you just like your Uncle Hill'.  I had to laugh at that last comment because I spent a lot of time with my uncle.  Most people ridicule him also because he wasn't very learned but he was a man of fire for God.  He also was human and made his share of mistakes. The sad thing is folks are so quick to judge you especially if you stand for God. The words of Christ ring ever so true; "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you," 1.John 15:18.  So with that being said, I take it all with a grain of salt (please excuse the cliche).

Now more than ever God is impressing on my heart and mind to bring forth the vision.  While the vision is still in the blueprint stages, I feel moved to write the vision and allow God to provide the resources and people needed to bring it to fruition. I realize that I am just a vessel for the vision and lacking of the resources to do something this huge and exhaustive by myself.  I have often expressed this, but God has given me a word that He has more than enough resources.  If He has touch your heart with this vision, I am open to any assistance anyone can provide, be it prayer, finances, knowledge, or expertise.  Please feel free to contact me on my cell 813-380-5918 and leave me a message or drop me an line @ my email.  laurentgroup@live.com