Looking For Love In All The Wrong Places!

We all know the adage "looking for love in all the wrong places," and we all have fell victim to it at some time or another.  Whether it be from an unwilling parent, an unconcerned sibling, or a disinterested love interest we all know what's like to love someone who doesn't love us back. Then you went to church thinking surely I will find love there because God is love and these are God's people.  Only to experience church hurt and then you begin to ask the question that the Black Eye Peas asked, "Where Is Love?"

This morning I simply want to encourage you to set your affection on things above and you will find the LOVE that you so long for.  God is love and He demonstrated His love for us in this that while we were yet sinners He died for us.  For there is no greater love than this that a man lay down his life for a friend.  No longer do I call you servants for a servant does not know what his master wants but everything my Father has taught me I have taught you.  Therefore no longer do I call you servant but friend.  If you love me keep my commandments. Sorry almost got happy again!

Let me not leave you without telling you where to find love.  The Good Book says draw close unto God and God will come close to you.  Grandma said, "If you take one step God will take two."

Scripture Reference:  James 4:8

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

Non-Factor

NBA Basketball Wives may be unbeknown to some of you.  It is a show that is produced by Shaunie O'Neal the ex-wife of Shaquile O'Neal.  Anyway during a heated argument between two of the cast members a phrase that has swept the nation was birth, "You Are A Non-Factor."  This phrase is given to any individual whom one does not deem essential to one's life.  As believers in the Way I am not promoting this type of behavior against any individual as the Book teaches that we war not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual force of evil.  There is however a spirit that is authored by The Devil you know the spirit that says things like:

1. You can't make it.
2. Go ahead and throw in the towel because nobody cares anyway.

So the next time you encounter one of those pessimistic, negative, and unfruitful spirits just say you are a Non-Factor in my life.

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 6:12

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

Love T.K.O.

In 1980 Teddy Pendergrass made a song entitled, "Love T.K.O." I know, I know I wasn't born yet so what do I know about that.  The classic hook goes I think I better let it go looks like another love T.K.O.  In this song he tells the story of love.  He shed some tears, he had taking some bumps and bruises, he had begun to lose his faith, and he tried to control love.  He had finally resolved that love wasn't worth it so he decided to let it go.

Many us have felt this way not only about love but about life I would like to encourage you this morning to never give up!  1 Corinthians 13 teaches us that love never fails, love is patient, love bears all things, love endures all things, and love believes all things!  In other words love is resilient and CANNOT be T.K.O.  The grave thought it had our Savior T.K.O. but when nothing else could help LOVE lifted Him! For God so LOVED the world that he gave His Son that LOVE could reign in our hearts forever!  Let me quit I have type myself happy!

Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 13

Step By Step

One of my favorite shows as a child was "Step By Step" it came on right after another one of my favorite shows entitled, "Family Matters."  The theme song would go step by step day by day.  Then this past week the message and the teaching illuminated a word called Ebenezer which literally means God is with you every step of the way or as I like to say step by step.  In fact the writer of the Psalms indicates that a good man steps are ordered by the LORD. So, remember that no matter what may come your way God is with you step by step and day by day.

Scripture Reference: Psalms 37:23

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

All I Need

Mary J. Blige and Method Man collaborated to make the classic record, "All I Need."  The record goes:

Like sweet morning dew
I took one look at you
And it was plain to see
You were my destiny
With you I'll spend my time
I'll dedicate my life
I'll sacrifice for you
Dedicate my life for you
What if Jesus was the object of our affection?  What if we made up in our minds that all we need is Jesus! The lyrics of the song don't even need to be changed just the object of the affection. Ultimately that's all Jesus wants a relationship with you!  Jesus wants to be the objection of your affection, to be your destiny, for you to dedicate your life to Him, for you to sacrifice for Him, and for you to spend time with Him.

Scripture Reference: Psalms 63:1-2

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

I-God (Steve Jobs Tribute)

Recently the man responsible for the i-pod, i-pad, and i-phone passed away.  This teaches us that no matter how creative and no matter how much one can change the face of an industry they are fickle and only human.  His products however where known for their unique features and endless applications. Then I begin to think about the Creator God and all of God's features.  I begin to think about the Word of God and the endless applications it has for the life of the believer!  I soon discovered the greatest I of them all  was the I-God but unlike the i-pod, i-pad, or the i-phone the I-God wasn't created by man the I-God created man!  The I-God has several features some of which I will list below:

1. The I-God is merciful and his mercy endures forever.
2. The I-God is loving and we love him because he first loved us.
3. The I-God is generous and he who gave his son will not withhold anything from us.

The i-pod, i-pad, and i-phone changed an industry but the I-God can change your destiny, your situation, your attitude, your thinking, and the world!  So remember in the midst of this age of rapid growing technology not to forget the God who allows it to be.

Scripture Reference: Genesis 1:1

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

Let Me Be Your Motivation

Kelly Rowland and Dwayne Carter recently released a smash hit entitled, "Motivation." The premise of the song is that the female will encourage the male to perform at his peak. The female uses the words "Go, Go, Go."  I was thinking what if the Church would pick up on that concept. What if each member of the body of Christ decided to be someone's motivation?  What would the world look like?  What if we decided to motivate someone to GO out and share their faith.  What if we decided to motivate someone to GO out and visit the sick.  What if we decided to motivate someone to be the best servant of Christ they can be.  What if we decided to motivate someone to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. When was the last time you decided to be someone's motivation?  Today make it a priority to be someone's motivation!  Go, Go, Go!

Scripture Reference: 1 Thess. 5:11

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis