Act 19:14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. Act 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? Act 19:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

"Were gonna get you Joey" the possessed man cried out! We had been praying with a couple who had been having demonic manifestations in their home. After many sessions of prayer it was revealed to us that the man we were praying with had ten demons. During one of these prayer sessions the demons screamed out threatening me. The threat was meant to incite fear and anxiety in me. That's what the devils words do if you receive or believe them. Being on fire for God and very zealous for the Lord the threat had the opposite effect on me. I got so excited and shouted to the others praying "did you hear that? The others in the room attentively looked at me. I said "Jesus I know, Paul I know and Brother Joey I Know." I then continued commanding the demons to release the man in the name of Jesus. After this experience I got to thinking about what had happened. The demons know if you are for real in the realm of the spirit. How is your reputation in hell today? Is the devil on nerve pills because you woke up this morning? Is he on edge because you walked into the room? The seven sons of Sceva had a rude awaking to their spiritual condition when they tried to deal with a demonic spirit. I want to encourage you today to get on fire for God and as I found out you will be known in the realm of the spirit.

1Co 6:20 You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.

"I'm no Good and not worth anything" I said to the Lord in prayer. The Lord spoke to me and said "How much am I worth?" I said "Lord who can put a price tag on you. You are God and you are priceless!" He said "That's right! and I gave my life for you so how much are you worth."I was a new believer and was thinking about my life of sin when I spoke these words in prayer. The Lord taught me a great lesson that day. When you buy something, you value the thing you buy more than the money you trade for it. God loved us so much that he gave his only begotten son to die for us. Friends you are God's treasure. Don't ever let someone's degrading attitude or condescending words or thoughts about you make you think you are worthless. Don't ever think you are worthless because of the life of sin you have lived. If you take a twenty dollar bill and drag it through the mud and slop it never loses its value. All you have to do is wash it and it can be used anywhere. Every man woman and child has been valued by God as priceless through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We all have been dragged through the mud of this world. So ask Jesus to wash you and cleanse you with his precious blood and his holy word. He will make you a brand new creature in Christ. Remember, you have been appraised by God as priceless!

Psa 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

"Snake" the voice said. This wasn't the voice of God I know his voice. It was the voice of an angel warning me. I was walking to my above ground pool in my yard to check the ph in the water when I heard the warning. I immediately looked around on the ground and I didn't see a snake. So, I proceeded to the pool to get the sample of the water. After I obtained the water sample, I turned around to head back to the house. I noticed out of the corner of my eye a large black snake coiled up by the gutter down spout next to my air conditioning condenser. It's head was under the condenser and I was later to find out it was laying eggs. I grabbed a shovel and snuck up to the snake and struck it very quickly. Now, I have to be honest, I'm not like the wilderness guys who say "Oh look at this snake he's a beauty." I don't like snakes! Indiana Jones and I have something in common. Well back to the story. The snake was about six feet long and the shovel caught him right in the middle. His head was whipping around as he was trying to escape and attack. I realized I needed another shovel to control this snake but I couldn't let Go. So I called my wife over to hold the handle. She started screaming "Oh my God!" "Oh my God" AHHHHHHHH I can't do this!" I tried to comfort her but said the wrong thing "Don't be afraid God warned me of this poisonous snake." She started screaming again "Oh my God" AHHHHHHH and after much encouragement from me she did grab that handle. She kept the pressure on that snake and did not let him get away. I was very proud of her because she was like a brave wilderness woman. I retrieved another shovel and killed the snake. I was so thankful that the angel of the Lord warned me about this snake and was praising God for his protection. Remember Child of God that the Lord has his angels watching over you keeping you from harm.

Heb 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

"I have come to minister the presence of God to you." the voice said. It was a Sunday morning and I was ironing the wrinkles out of my shirt when I suddenly felt the presence of God. The angel of the Lord was there with me and the presence on him was powerfully felt by me. My first thought was "where is that in the Bible"? Scripture began to come quickly to my mind. In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus was strengthened by the angel of the Lord. In the Gospel of Luke chapter twenty two and verse forty three the Bible says "And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him." I also remembered Jesus was ministered to by angels after his wilderness experience when he overcame the devils three temptations. The Bible says in Matthew chapter four and verse eleven "Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him." Here in my kitchen while I was ironing my shirt was an angel of the Lord strengthening me. Be encouraged child of God. Father God has got angels on assignment for you.

Mat 5:23 Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, Mat 5:24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

"Quit praying" the Lord Said. I said "Quit praying!" I thought that was a strange thing for God to say to me. He said "Go pay your bill at the Christian bookstore and then come and pray." Earlier that week I had stopped by a local Christian bookstore and purchased some books. I used a check that I had in my wallet and neglected to tell my wife of my purchase. It just so happened that our account was low on funds when I wrote the check and the check bounced before my wife was able to make a deposit. When the Lord said this to me I was at church for morning prayer. I had stopped to pray before I was to begin my work day. I literally had just started praying when the Lord spoke to me. So, I picked up my Bible and headed out to make the drive to the Christian Bookstore to make things right. When I arrived at the bookstore I approached the counter to explain what had happened. I had enough cash on me to pay what was owed and clear my debt. I had such a peace in my spirit that I was being obedient to the Lord and honoring his word by making this right. The lady behind the counter said to me "You would be surprised to know how many Christians bounce checks and never come in to make things right". I was shocked when she said this to me. We talked for only a minute more as I had to get to work. So, again I apologized for the oversight on my part and thanked her for understanding. When I left the store I got to thinking about what she said. I wondered how many Christians are not receiving any answers to prayer because of something that they have done and not made right yet. Do you have something you have to make right? Go make it right and start receiving answers to your prayers.

Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

"Father God you're so rich just drop me a golden curb" was my prayer. I was a new Christian and been tithing for about a year. God had been blessing me tremendously but at this particular time I was in a dilemma. I had to pay my car insurance which was one hundred and sixty dollars and all I had left was my tithe which was also one hundred and sixty dollars. This was definitely a test of my faith. The Bible tells us that the tithe belongs to God and I surely wasn't going to take what belongs to God. The Bible also says that God will open to us the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing to the tither. I remembered I had read in the book of revelation that the streets in heaven are made of Gold. So, I asked God to drop me a curb in child like faith and immediately went to the bank to have a money order made for one hundred and sixty dollars for my tithe. I began praising God in faith for meeting my financial needs. The next day my job required me to go to the downtown area of the City of New Orleans. After parking my car, I began to walk to the place of business where I was going to work. As I was walking, I looked down and saw a fifty dollar bill folded over. I reached down to pick it up and flipped over the bill to see another fifty dollar bill. I flipped over that fifty dollar bill and to my amazement I saw another one hundred dollar bill. I had found two hundred dollars lying there on the street. I looked up and the street before me was empty. I looked back and the street behind me was also empty. I put the money in my pocket and walked into a nearby retailer. I asked very loudly if anyone had lost any money. A number of customers turned around and sort of looked at me with blank faces. I turned around and walked back out of the retail store. I remembered my prayer of the day before and I said "God you just dropped me a curb thank you!". I was now able to pay my car insurance. Our God is the El-Shaddai not the El-Cheapo! I went on to pay my car insurance and I paid my tithe of twenty dollars on the two hundred I had found. This left me with twenty dollars which was just enough money to go to eat at the fast food burger place where my future wife was working. God met my needs in a way that I had not anticipated. All I did was believe his word and acted in faith. Are you facing a financial dilemma like I was? Put your faith in God and trust his word and ask for your curb!

Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

"I heard that" the Lord said. My wife and I were have an intense discussion. Some would call it an argument but I would rather say an intense discussion. I can't really remember what it was about. My wife had said something to me and I quietly did not respond. I did however answer her in my thoughts harshly. That's when the Lord said "I heard that". I immediately repented and said "I'm sorry Lord". Thoughts that are not spoken die unborn and it is very important not to speak hurtful or bitter words. This day however, God showed me that controlling my tongue wasn't enough. He wants the meditations of my heart to be pleasing to him as well. How many times do you control your tongue but let your mind run wild with angry or bitter words. God hears our thoughts and sees our hearts. Did you have any thoughts today that would prompt you to say "I'm sorry Lord". Let us as believers in Jesus Christ pray what David prayed. "Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptabe in the Sight ,O lord, my strength and my redeemer".

Mat 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

"You Jerk" my youngest son blurted out loudly in the restaurant. We had just finished praying the blessing over our food when our youngest son who was five at the time made known his dislike for his brother who was seven. We were very embarrassed to say the least. As believers in Jesus Christ we always try to be a good example to others as a witness of Gods goodness. My youngest son shouting "You Jerk" on the heels of a family prayer is not the example any Godly family would want to project. He shouted so loudly many other families looked over at us. Some just smiled and some just sneered. I promptly corrected my youngest son. I told him "Son, the Bible says to love your brother and that's not love. Now, tell your brother your sorry." He looked over at him and screamed very loudly again "I'm sorry you jerk". At this point I tried to cover my laughter with my hand so I could correct him. During all this comical malaise I realized how many times mature believers do the same thing. We say "I'm sorry with our mouths but in our hearts were saying "You Jerk". He just verbalized what many of us do mentally. So, I used this occasion to forgive all the "Jerks" in my life that may have still been hanging around in my heart. The Bible says to forgive from the heart. So today take a moment and do some spiritual inventory. There may be some "Jerks" you need to forgive from the heart.

Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

"I am the way" The Lord responded to my question about my girlfriend. I was working for a computer company and had just stepped onto an elevator. I had just asked the Lord in a silent prayer if my girlfriend was the one I should marry. He then responded in a still small voice and he said "I am the way." I responded to the Lord's answer "Lord I know you're the way but that's not telling me anything". He said "seek me first and my kingdom whatever is of me will be added to you whatever is not of me will fall away." So that's what I did and we have been married for over 26 years now. Many people often ask me now that I'm a Pastor if the one their dating is the one God has for them. I often tell them what the Lord told me. It's very easy to determine if any relationship is of God or not. The question you have to ask yourself is simple. Does this relationship lead me closer to Christ or further away? God will never send you anything or anyone that will lead you away from him. Many have foolishly thought that Marriage is a magic wand to transform their donkey into a thoroughbred. You know he or she smokes, drinks, gambles, curses like a sailor and is always trying to get you to have premarital sex and yet many are still asking God if they should marry this person. The best you're going to get is when your dating if they're not in Christ. As a Believer in Jesus Christ, if the person you're interested in marrying is behaving like a "spiritual donkey" instead of a "spiritual thoroughbred" forget it. If God's love doesn't have them neither do you. "But Pastor Joe he's so cute"! I have been told. Cuteness fades, bellies grow, hair falls out and sometimes teeth. Put God's kingdom and his way of doing and being right first and whatever is of God will be added to you and you will be very blessed!

Rom 6:23 For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord.

"Thou shalt not steal" I yelled at our Christian baseball game as the runner took off from first base to steal second base. As soon as I said those words I heard the Holy Spirit say "yea and thou shalt not also commit adultery". I was stunned as I realized the Holy Spirit was showing me this brother was committing the sin of adultery. At the time, I was a new believer and wasn't too sure if I was to confront him. So I began to pray for him. It wasn't long after this game that this brothers sin was exposed. He soon began to live a flagrantly sinful lifestyle. He left his wife and began living with another woman. I would see him from time to time and would try to minister to him. He would joke or laugh ,but repentance wasn't on his heart or mind. He seemed not to care about eternity and was living as if he would never die. The day came when in a drunken stupor he wrecked his car and was killed. He died as a young man cut off in the prime of life. Sin has an end "death". John 10:10 says "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)". He forsook God, his family and eternal life for a moment of sinful pleasure on the scales of eternity. Sin is a hard taskmaster it will keep you longer that you want to stay. Sin will make you pay more than you ever thought you would pay. Sin will come to collect its wages on an unexpected day!

Pro 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

"Father God can you make me Laugh again" I prayed. I had been a Christian for a few years and was going through a really rough season in my life. I was wondering if I was going to ever laugh again. I had made plans to attend our church's men's retreat and was hoping God would touch my life. During the retreat I listened intently to the ministers and took many notes. The teachings were very Good and I was thankful for them ,but I so desperately needed God' manifest presence in my life. After all the speakers were finished on the second night the retreat was for all practical purposes over. The leaders were asked to pray for a brother who was sitting on a bench outside by a camp fire. So with the leaders and others standing there we all pointed our hands toward this brother or touched the nearest person as a point of contact when the ministers prayed. The minister began to pray and as he did I whispered a prayer "God give me all the overflow" and all of a sudden the power of God came upon me. I immediately fell out on the Ground laughing in the Joy of the Lord. His presence seemed to bubble up within me like a river of pure Holy Ghost Joy. God was definitely causing me to laugh as I never thought was possible. Others at the retreat came over by me and were wondering what could possibly be so funny. Whoever came over by me started laughing to and fell out. Somewhere in the midst of his wonderful presence and Joy I was healed, delivered and set free. If your experiencing a rough patch in life be encouraged because God knows how to make you laugh again!

Luk 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

"I thought you said you love everybody" the Lord said to me as our church baseball team held hands in a circle to pray at the beginning of a game. I had recently told the Lord "I have your love in my heart Lord for everyone." When I had looked to my left at the person holding my hand to pray I was shocked to see it was someone who I had a grudge against before my born again experience. My first thought was "Oh no I can't stand this guy." That's when the Lord spoke to me. I quickly bowed my head as the person leading the group began to pray. I however began to pray silently to the Lord about my unforgiveness and the grudge I had held for years. I said "Lord please forgive me for holding on to this grudge against this brother. I thought I had forgiven all but today you showed me I had not forgiven all." I said" Lord I forgive this brother lay no sin to his charge. I ask you to bless him in every way in Jesus name." After I had prayed I didn't feel much different but I had forgiven him as an act of faith. I began talking to him and we became friends. In the months to come we became best of friends. Love and forgiveness go hand in Hand. When we Love much we will forgive much and doors of God's mercy and goodness will open up to us.

1Co 13:7 (AMP) Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. 1Co 13:8 Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].

"God can't hug me" exclaimed one woman who was attending a local Bible study. A week later this woman visited our church. After the message we had an altar call for prayer. This lady was one of the people who came forward in response to the call for prayer. When I walked up to her I felt the Lord's heart for her. I then asked another lady who was standing by if she would hug this lady. Then I said by the Holy Spirit, "God says I am Hugging you." The woman burst out in tears and I moved on to pray for another person. It was later that day before I had found out this lady had said "God can't hug me." Sometimes we feel unloved and unlovable. The Love of God is not conditioned on our performance. God's love will embrace the very worst in us. His love transcends our preconceived ideas of his love that are based more on our experiences that his word. His love (agape) is not blind it sees and still Loves. God's Love embraces us in all of our faults and shortcomings. He loves us so much he won't leave us in our faults and shortcomings. His love will compel us, strengthen us, support us and works in us to change us and transform us into his image by his word and by his spirit.

Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Mat 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Send Icy cold rain on their naked bodies was my prayer. I was praying about all the sin that was flagrantly happening on the streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Then suddenly the Lord spoke "What about the church picnic planned for today? Do you want me to send rain on the church picnic? I replied "No Lord" The Lord said "Don't use your faith asking me to change the weather but use your faith to save people. I send rain on the just and the unjust and sunshine on the just and the unjust. Son if their heart is not changed they will just go inside from the rain and sin. When their heart is turned towards me they will live right no matter what the weather is like.

Joh 14:21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

Lord How can I show you that I love you? This was my question as a new believer that I asked the Lord in my time of prayer. He said "Obey Me". I said "Lord you don't understand ( as if he who knows all things has something he doesn't understand) How can I show you that I love you? He said again "Obey Me. I had thought I would show him my love for him through worship or witnessing or giving. I came to understand that the highest form of true worship is obedience and obedience says to God I love you!

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

What are you doing? the Lord asked me. I said "I am studying a book on faith to get faith." The Lord said "You don't study to get Faith. You study the Bible to know me and when you know me you will have faith." Faith is simply knowing God. We study the written revelation of his word and we have fellowship with the living word. Paul said in 2 timothy 1:12 "for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." So study the Bible to know God and his ways and you will have great faith!

Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

On October 29, 1941 Sir Winston Churchill gave a speech to a group of students at Harrow school in England. Although the entirety of the speech could be debated the message of the speech can be summed up in nine words. "Never give up, Never give up Never Give up." In Christ we win! Don't throw in the towel on your marriage, your career, or your family. The Lord will never leave you or forsake you. He will be your strength in weakness. So be encouraged and draw your strength from the Lord. Everyday is a new beginning in the Lord!

Psa 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

My Dad used to say "Every day above ground is a good day". His outlook was "It could be worse I could be dead". Life is a gift from God. No matter what trials and difficulties you face today make a decision to rejoice and be glad that by Gods mercy you woke up again to experience this great and sometime difficult adventure called life.