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Fast Day 21 - 2012

2012-01-29T04:54:00.000-08:00

Fast Day 21
Last day!

By the end of the day, you would have completed this proclaimed fast and Jesus says...

Luke 16:10
If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones...

Fast Day 20 - 2012

2012-01-28T04:52:00.001-08:00

Fasting breaks the power of an uncontrollable appetite and crucifies King Stomach. Our focus is on hearing and obeying His voice more than hearing and obeying the voice of our belly.

Job 23:12
I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.

Fast Day 19 - 2012

2012-01-27T05:56:00.001-08:00

Fasting and prayer will overcome demonic powers.

Matthew 17:21
However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.

Fast Day 18 - 2012

2012-01-26T06:45:00.000-08:00

I was tempted to quit my fast last night but I remembered this verse.

Hebrews 10:36
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

Fast Day 17 - 2012

2012-01-25T06:50:00.001-08:00

God wants to show Himself strong on YOUR behalf!

2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.

Fast Day 16 - 2012

2012-01-24T08:39:00.000-08:00

God is about to reward you openly!

Matthew 6:16-18
And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Fast Day 15 - 2012

2012-01-23T06:35:00.001-08:00

Fasting is an excellent means of sanctifying yourself

Joshua 3:5 CEV
Joshua told the people, “Make yourselves acceptable to worship the Lord, because he is going to do some amazing things for us"

Fast Day 13 - 2012

2012-01-21T06:35:00.001-08:00

Make sure you are fasting AND praying.

Psalm 35:13 Message
...instead of eating, I prayed.

Fast Day 12 - 2012

2012-01-20T07:10:00.001-08:00

Moses wrote the Ten Commandments after he fasted.
What amazing things will God do through you after this fast?

Exodus 34:27-28
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write these words, for according to the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.” So he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.

Fast Day 11 - 2012

2012-01-19T06:17:00.000-08:00

Fasting is a lifestyle of the repentant.

Joel 2:12-13 Message
God’s personal Message!—“Come back to me and really mean it! Come fasting and weeping, sorry for your sins!” Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. And here’s why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot, This most patient God, extravagant in love,

Fast Day 10 - 2012

2012-01-18T04:56:00.000-08:00

A fasted lifestyle reminds us that our flesh has been crucified and that we live for Him!
Say this out of your mouth, "More of You, God, and less of me"

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Fast Day 9 - 2012

2012-01-17T05:20:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 58:4 NLT
"What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with Me."

Remember to walk in love at all times and especially during our fast!

Fast Day 8 - 2012

2012-01-16T05:29:00.000-08:00

Happy MLK Day!

To mourn and to fast is found to be interchangeably in scripture.
Put on the garment of praise while fasting.

Isaiah 61:3
To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”

Fast Day 7 - 2012

2012-01-15T14:01:00.001-08:00

Fasting humbles you, brings clarity, and causes protection for your children and your possessions.

Ezra 8:21
Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.

Fast Day 6 - 2012

2012-01-14T06:26:00.001-08:00

Fasting prepares the way for God to give you a fresh revelation, fresh vision, and clear purpose.

Acts 10
Peter was fasting on the rooftop when God gave him a new vision to take the gospel to the Gentiles.

Fast Day 5 - 2012

2012-01-13T06:52:00.000-08:00

Hungry people are desperate people. Fasting stirs a hunger in your spirit that goes deeper than the temporary hunger you experience in your flesh. When you hunger for God, He will fill you.

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

Fast Day 4 -2012

2012-01-12T07:27:00.001-08:00

Fast Day 4 - 2012

Fasting is a constant means of renewing yourself spiritually. The discipline of fasting breaks you out of the worlds routine.

If you are in a rut or a routine where your worship just isnt cutting it, if you have not heard from God speak to you in a long time, if your circumstances seem to be the biggest obstacle in your life, stop everything and begin a fast. - Jentezen Franklin

Fast Day 3 - 2012

2012-01-11T06:06:00.000-08:00

Don't let your appetite be your god! Let your fast influence your conduct.

Philippians 3:18-19
For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.

Fast Day 2 - 2012

2012-01-10T05:56:00.000-08:00

Fast Day 2 - 2012

"I am the bread of life...he who feeds on Me will live because of Me." John 6:48,57 NKJV

Fasting is not just a physical discipline; it's a spiritual feast!

Spend time "feeding" on The Word today!

Fast Day 1 - 2012

2012-01-09T04:39:00.001-08:00

Today starts our fast. I'm so excited!

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. - Hebrews 11:6

Reward means something given or received in return or recompense for service, merit, hardship, etc.

Fasting brings us into a deeper, more intimate, and powerful relationship with God. Fasting gives us the ability to eliminate the unnecessary so that we may hear The Necessary speak. God is our reward!

Provision Follows The Plan

2011-12-20T12:22:00.000-08:00

God had a plan to send His Son into the earth. His plan included an engaged couple by the names of Joseph and Mary. Mary became pregnant before they even got married and she happened to still be a virgin. The Holy Spirit overshadowed her (Luke 1:35). Joseph was engaged to a pregnant woman and the child was not his. The angel, Gabriel, told Joseph of this plan and he accepted it willingly (Matthew 1:20). This plan changed their lives. How are they going to support this baby? What will family members say? Instead of being concerned what others think and seeking provision for the plan God had for their lives, they just embraced it. Mary agreed to the plan by saying, "Let it be unto me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).

Matthew 2:11
And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The wise men were sent by God to worship baby Jesus and bring provision. Their gifts were ample provision for Joseph and Mary. God knew it took money to fulfill the plan that He predestined for Joseph and Mary while caring for baby Jesus. Provision always follows clear vision. However, we are not to seek the provision, but to embrace the plan. When you have the plan from God, accept it and hold on to it because He will provide for His plan. Just like God abundantly supplied for Jesus, Joseph and Mary, He will also provide for you!

The Image of Faith

2011-12-13T07:27:00.000-08:00

2 Corinthians 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Have you ever closed your eyes and saw a picture? Was that image delightful? No matter whats going on in this earth, God gave us the ability to imagine. That image or blueprint really is our hope. Bible hope is an intense, earnest expectation. Connecting our faith with the Word of God will create a vision and bring to pass our hope. Release your faith and that inner image you desire will come to pass. Remember, God will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). Listen to this important message titled, "The Image of Faith" @TrueLifeFellowshipChurch or download the podcast on itunes. Enjoy!

Who Cares?

2011-12-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

Luke 12:22
And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

Jesus is commanding us not to think about our life. He has a plan for our life (Jeremiah 29:11) and His provision always follows His plan. As I was reading this verse today, I saw something I have never seen before.

Jesus essentially says, "Don't worry about what you shall put on." I believe He is talking about clothes however He is not just talking about clothes. He showed me something new today. Clothes represent our appearance and how we look. We, as humans, do not like to be embarrassed, humiliated, and made to look bad. Ironically, we think our clothes are a true representation of us.

Flesh is concerned about what others think about you. We tend to try to make things happen on the outside so that others can see us as having it all together. So in essence, we worry about what others think.

Jesus is basically telling us to take no thought about what others think! Don't worry about it. Trust Him! Remember, man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7)

Who cares what others think?

Thankful or Unthankful?

2011-11-30T12:21:00.001-08:00

2 Corinthians 2:14
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ...

There is no place in between being thankful and being unthankful. You're either thankful or unthankful. You can't be both at the same time. There are signs that show that we are thankful and there are signs that reveal when we are unthankful. Thanksgiving gives you the power to have victory in every area of our life. It always causes you to triumph. Listen to this important message titled, "The Power of Thanksgiving Part 2" @TrueLifeFellowshipChurch or download the podcast on itunes. Enjoy!

The Power of Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T08:34:00.000-08:00

1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Have you been struggling? Depressed? Feel defeated? Feel lonely? Feel abandoned? Thanks made unto God will give you victory. An attitude of gratitude gives you power to overcome. We have a lot to be thankful for. Everything has not gone our way but God is still faithful. Listen to this excellent message titled, "The Power of Thanksgiving" @TrueLifeFellowshipChurch or download the podcast on itunes. Enjoy!

Radiant Joy

2011-11-15T12:48:00.000-08:00

Psalms 34:5
Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.

This verse implies that we should be full of joy when we ask Him for help. We should be expecting to hear from Him. We should be cheerful and delightful. Our faces should be glowing. Our body language should be upbeat. When we ask God for help, we should be enthusiastic because we know that He will answer us.

At some point in all of our lives, we finally come to the realization that we can't do everything all by ourselves. In our immaturity, we think we are invincible and can do anything. Hopefully, one day we will let go of pride, humble ourselves and admit that we need help.

If you're a believer, you have the promise of the Holy Spirit living inside of you. He is also called, "The Friend", "The Comforter", and "The Guide". If we ask Him and listen, He will show us the future (John 16:13).

Joy should be the result of your fellowship with God. Remember, the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

No Fear

2011-11-13T15:05:00.000-08:00

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Fear is a spirit! Fear connects you with satan. Fear is an enemy and we should not allow fear to enter our lives. Fear has 5 main strongholds: Death, Uncertainty, Change, Poverty and Failure. The love of God and and faith in His love will eradicate all fear from your life. Listen to this excellent message titled, "No Fear" @TrueLifeFellowshipChurch or download the podcast on itunes. Enjoy!

Born From Above

2011-11-09T11:04:00.000-08:00

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

Jesus and Nicodemus are having a conversation. Jesus tells him that you must be born again. To be born again literally means to be born from above. Several times Jesus told the religious leaders that He was not from this earth but from above. Likewise, when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we were born again or born from above. What does it truly mean to be born again? Listen to this excellent message titled, "Born From Above" @TrueLifeFellowshipChurch or download the podcast on itunes. Enjoy!

Hands Held High

2011-11-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

Exodus 17:11
As long as Moses held his hands up, the Israelites would win the fight, but when Moses put his hands down, the Amalekites would win.

Here we have the Israelites fighting a battle against the Amalekites. Moses was on top of a hill observing the battle. Every time he lifted his hands, the Israelites would begin to win and every time his hands went down, they began to lose.

This reminds me of our posture when we praise and worship God. As our hands are lifted up and held high, He is enthroned in our praise (Psalms 22:3). He begins to fight the battle for us! But when we refuse to praise or we get tired and weary, our hands go down. The enemy begins to win. Our circumstances and situations begin to dominate us. We begin to fight our battles all by ourselves. We start to lose.

Remember in 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat sent the singers, those that praise, and worshippers out front of the battle and the Lord won the battle for them! God inhabits our praise and He dwells among us.

Stop fighting the devil by yourself and begin to praise God with your hands held high! Praise stills the avenger (Psalms 8:2).

Embrace Change

2011-10-31T07:28:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 43:18-19 MSG
Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new.

God wants to do something new in your life. New means fresh, unused, original, something that's never existed before, just beginning and better than what went before, unprecedented, uncommon, and unheard of.

Embracing something new requires change. Change can be very difficult and we have a tendency to resist it. New opportunities lie ahead and they command change. Progress always requires change! Listen to this latest message titled, "Embrace Change" @TrueLifeFellowshipChurch or download the podcast on itunes. Enjoy!

Apple + Itunes = DaVon Alexander's Podcast

2011-10-26T17:51:00.000-07:00

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Subscribe to our podcast or go to TrueLife Fellowship Church and receive from our ministry.

Expect Something New

2011-10-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

If you have made Jesus the Lord of your life, you are in Christ. You belong to Him and He belongs to you. Your hair may not have changed colors but your spirit changed. You became a new creation. New means fresh, unused, original, something that's never existed before, just beginning and better than what went before, unprecedented, uncommon, and unheard of. You became a species of being that never existed before.

Because you are a new creation, that means God has new things prepared for you. Old things are behind you and "newness" is before you. Exciting things are in your future. New opportunities, new endeavors, new possibilities, and new assignments are ready for you to discover.

When Zayvn, our newborn baby was born, we had all new things arranged for him. As soon as he came into this earth, he had a new crib, new carseat, new stroller, etc. We were excited about our new arrival. God feels the same way about you. When you believe and receive Christ, you are a new creation and your new Father has laid the groundwork for your new life. Expect something new!

Divine Direction

2011-10-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been lost? You didn't know where to go? You had some misguided directions. Your GPS was acting crazy. You forgot the Mapquest directions at home. All of us have been there.

How do we know which way to go? You can always know what to do. Click this link and listen to this message titled "Divine Direction" and allow this talk to encourage you.

Provision!

2011-09-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

Numbers 11:31-32
Now the Lord sent a wind that brought quail from the sea and let them fall all around the camp. For miles in every direction there were quail flying about three feet above the ground. So the people went out and caught quail all that day and throughout the night and all the next day, too. No one gathered less than fifty bushels! They spread the quail all around the camp to dry.

God wants to provide for you!

In the Old Testament, the Hebrews were in the wilderness needing food to eat. God knew their need and supplied it abundantly. For two days the Hebrews had quail delivered to them and had more than enough to provide food for their families. Notice that they did not have to go hunt for the provision, but God drove the provision to them.

Here's the amazing thing to me. The Lord sent a wind that brought in the quails. The word "wind" is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. So you could say that the Lord sent the Holy Spirit and He blew the provision to His chosen people. The Hebrews did not have to chase the provision, the Holy Spirit drove it to them.

God wants to provide for us. Many times, we are trying to provide for ourselves without trusting God to supply our need (Philippians 4:19). We make statements like, "I need to take care of my family." I understand where that comes from however God wants to take care of your family. God does not want us to have any cares! He wants us to be carefree because He knows how to care for us (I Peter 5:7). He desires for us to trust Him (Proverbs 3:5).

Remember, if God by the Holy Spirit can blow quails in the direction of His chosen ones, how much more will God by the Holy Spirit provide for us since He lives within us and said He would never leave us nor forsake us! (Hebrews 13:5)

Lost

2011-09-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

Ezekiel 34:4,6
"The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them.”

God is concerned about people that are lost, hurting, and sick. He cares about all people. Yes, He not only loves those that know Him as Father but He also loves those that are separated from Him. God sent Jesus who came to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10).

In this passage, God is upset that his shepherds and His people are not equally as concerned for them. He notices that no one is searching for the lost. He sees that his people have not helped or healed the hurting and the afflicted. Why is that so? Have we lost the passion for the lost? Have we forgotten that we were once lost as well?

God has given each of us the ministry of reconciliation. We are to bring God and people together. Our duty, task, and privilege is to announce to everyone that God is no longer counting people's sins against them (2 Corinthians 5:19). That's good news!

Let's remember that people all around us our hurting, lost and don't know it. Let's share with them our testimony which ultimately is how Jesus has found us cause we were once lost. Let's accept people right where they are, serve them without reservation, and empower them with the gospel. Let's love, learn, live, and lead people to Jesus!

Go to TrueLifeFC.org and listen to the latest message.

Practice!

2011-09-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

Luke 11:27-28
As he was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, “God bless your mother—the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!” Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

The word "blessed" means empowered to prosper. Jesus said that those who hear the word of God and do it are empowered to prosper. He even added that those who put this into practice are more blessed.

Hearing Jesus say this encourages me to obey. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). However, faith without action is dead (James 2:20).

Let's make it a habit to hear the word, obey the word and allow His blessing to empower us to prosper, succeed, thrive, and advance!

Pretending vs Believing

2011-08-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

Romans 4:17
(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;

Biblical faith involves believing God's Word in face of one's circumstances, while not ignoring circumstances or pretending no problem exists. Faith recognizes the problem, then presents it to God, acknowledging Him in the face of that problem as the greater Word on the subject.

Abraham is used here as an example. He did not deny his or Sarah's natural condition, but rather believed God's ability to change circumstances by calling those things that did not exist as though they did. Notice, this verse does not say God calls things that are, as though they do not exist; but rather, that God calls those things which do not exist as though they do exist. Thus we see that authentic faith does not deny the obstacle at hand, but declares that God is greater than the obstacle. Faith does not deny that a sickness is in the body, but declares Jesus' ability to heal the body. Faith does not deny financial need, but acknowledges Jesus' ability to meet our needs.

Brief excerpt from Pastor Gerald E Brooks Jr

Stop Worrying

2011-08-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Luke 12:22
Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your (everyday) life..."

Jesus gave His disciples a command. He said, "Do not worry." This was neither a suggestion nor a great idea. He basically said, "STOP WORRYING." Put an end to worry! Worry means to torment yourself with disturbing thoughts. Jesus desires for our thoughts to be uplifting and encouraging. Jesus knows that His (and your) Father cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7). He has you on His mind. (Psalm 115:12). Your name is written in the palm of His hand (Isaiah 49:16) and when He sees His hand, He sees your name.

Worry is a sin but trusting God is rewarding.

Take the Lord Jesus' command seriously and refuse to worry. Why worry when the God, who created the universe, is your Father?

Faith Makes You Strong

2011-08-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

Romans 4:20
He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,

Abraham is known as the father of the faith. His life exemplifies believing God. He was made in right-standing with God because of his faith (Romans 4:3). God spoke to him when he was 99 years old (Genesis 17:1) and told him that he would be a father. His wife, Sarah, was old and barren. The promise from God for Abraham was for him to have descendants that outnumbered the sand by the seashores (Genesis 32:12). This probably sounded foolish to Abraham. But God gave him a promise. A promise is to make a commitment or to pledge to do something.

Abraham never wavered or let go of this word from God. His faith strengthened him even when the promise seemed unattainable. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Abraham gave glory to God by standing in faith. The more you stand in faith, the stronger you get. Standing in faith strengthens you. Wavering in unbelief is what makes you weak. The Apostle Paul tells us that having done all to stand, stand (Ephesians 6:13).

Remember, God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19).
If He said it, He will do it!

Dinner with God?

2011-08-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought about God hosting a dinner? What would that be like? A lot of questions begin to arise. Who would be on the guest list? Would I be invited? Would you be invited? What kind of food would God be serving? Would we have meatloaf, or salad, or baked fish? Would it be a potluck? How should we dress? Who else would be there?

Honestly, I never asked myself these questions. But when I read Psalms 15, my mind began to wonder.

Check out God's answer when David posed this question.

David asks, "God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list?"

God's response, "Walk straight, act right, tell the truth. Don't hurt your friend, don't blame your neighbor; despise the despicable. Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, never take a bribe. You'll never get blacklisted if you live like this."

Shine the Light

2011-08-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

Psalm 139:24
Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

To offend means to irritate, annoy, or anger. It also means to hurt or cause pain.

David's request was for God to point out anything that offends Him. David's devotion to God was described in this prayer. He wanted God to reveal to him anything in his life that irritated, annoyed, or angered his Lord. He desired for God to test his heart and examine his motives and thoughts (Psalm 139:23; Psalm 26:2). He wanted clean hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:4).

David also knew that for his Lord to effectively lead him, he must be free from offense. Therefore, his petition was for God to show him what was wrong and to make it right (Psalm 51).

Is your prayer the same prayer that David had? Is your desire that anything that is offensive to God be revealed to you? Are you ready to have the Light shown on your life? Do you want God to lead you along the path of everlasting life?

If you've answered yes to all of these questions, then be ready for an honest conversation, a total transformation, and clear direction from the Lord.

In The Beginning

2011-08-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

John 1:1
In the beginning was the word...

Beginning means origin, source, first part, and the initial stage. When God calls you to start something such as a family, business, or ministry, it typically starts with His word. Everything begins with a word.

God gave Abram a word to get out of his country and leave his father's house and go to a land that I will show you (Genesis 12:1). Abram believed that word and obeyed it. At that time, he didn't even intimately know the God of that word. God blessed and prospered Abraham and he became known as the friend of God. God honors faith.

Through a burning bush, God spoke to Moses with a word of deliverance for His people. Moses obeyed that word, the people were successfully delivered, and Moses became known as the most humble man on the earth.

Through a bright light that knocked him down, Saul heard a word directly from Jesus Himself. Jesus was sending him to preach the gospel to the Jews and the Gentiles. A great transformation took place. Saul became the Apostle Paul and was not disobedient to the heavenly vision (Acts 26:19).

Everything starts with a word. Reminder, God created the earth by speaking words.

What is God speaking to you today? Stop putting that word on hold. Cease from waiting until you have enough money and start acting on His word. His word will not return unto Him void (Isaiah 55:11). Believing and acting on His word will produce tremendous results in your life!

Feast on the Word

2011-07-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
– Matthew 4:4

The Word of God is to your spirit as bread is to your body. When your body feeds on physical food, it produces a physical power called strength. When your spirit feeds on the spiritual food of the Word, it produces spiritual power called faith. And just as you can't eat one meal and then feed on the memory of it for several weeks, you can't just remember what the Word says and stay strong in faith. You have to read it. Even if you've read it a hundred times, you need to read it again.

Try this: Close your eyes and see yourself slicing a lemon. Now stick that lemon slice between your teeth and when I say, "Three," bite down on it so hard that the juice squirts into your mouth. One. Two. Three. Bite!

Chances are, you have such a vivid memory of what it's like to bite on a lemon that your mouth is watering right now. But let me ask you this, "Have you received any nourishment from that memory?" No.

Remembering the Word of God isn't enough. You must continually feed on what it says. Get it out and read it. Go to church and hear it preached.

One day, you'll read a familiar verse...a verse you've read thousands of times before...and suddenly God will give you the greatest revelation you've ever had. A completely fresh revelation from that old familiar verse! And it's likely to be exactly what you needed to know about your current situation.

Yes, you can feed on the Word that is on deposit in your spirit. But remember this: You can't get continued results if you don't spend time in prayer and in the Word of God allowing the Spirit to nourish you daily.

Don't try to live on the memory of your last spiritual meal. Replenish the force of faith within you. Feast on the Word of God today.

By Kenneth Copeland
Scripture Reading: John 6:48-58

Break Every Chain

2011-07-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

Galatians 5:1
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

God wants every chain and bondage broken off of your life! He wants us to be free from all entanglements. Who the Son has set free is free indeed.
(John 8:36)

Listen to this message by downloading the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/070311-DaVonAlexander-BreakEveryChain.mp3 and you will learn how to stay free from bondage!

Billy Graham's Prayer For our Nation

2011-07-05T05:58:00.000-07:00

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!"

Cast It Off!

2011-06-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

1 Peter 5:7
casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

God cares so much for you! He is thinking about you! You are on His mind. He has watchful supervision over you. He knows all the numbers of hairs that are on your head. He died for you and rose from the grave for you. He loves you so much!

Because God cares for us so much, He commands us to cast all of our care on Him. To cast means to forcefully throw, toss, fling, and hurl. All of our worries, stresses, concerns, and anxieties are to be cast on Him. We are not equipped to handle these cares. We do however, have the capability of casting them off of us. Take the time today to free yourself from these cares by giving them to Him so that He can care for you. He knows exactly what to do with them!

1 Peter 5:7 (Amp)
Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

God Is My Source

2011-06-13T10:43:00.001-07:00

Psalm 119:114
You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.

Source means the point of origin; the beginning place; where something can be traced back to. God and His Word are one! In the beginning was the Word (John 1:1). God and His Word is the source of my hope. Everything else is a resource. He is my source!

Listen to this message by downloading the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/061211-DaVonAlexander-GodIsMySource.mp3 and you will learn how to keep God as the source of your supply!

Diligently Seek Him

2011-06-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

When you diligently seek God, He will reward you. Some common misconceptions that people have if they serve God are they will suffer, they will lack, and they will lose. But God wants to supply, add, and give!

Listen to this message about the rewards of diligently seeking Him by downloading the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/060511-DaVonAlexander-DiligentlySeekHim.mp3

Get Wisdom - Part 4- Podcast

2011-06-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 8:21
Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries.

There is a direct correlation between wisdom and wealth. With the wisdom of God comes riches and honor. Through our wisdom teaching, we have asked, believed, and received God's wisdom. Now comes His wealth. What is the purpose of wealth? What are we to do when it comes?

Listen to this message titled "Get Wisdom" by downloading the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/052911-DaVonAlexander-GetWisdom-Part4.mp3

Get Wisdom - Part 3- Podcast

2011-05-23T11:01:00.001-07:00

James 1:5-6
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith...

God wants you to ask Him for wisdom. He will give you all the wisdom you need. But you must ask in faith.

Listen to this message titled "Get Wisdom" by downloading the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/052211-DaVonAlexander-GetWisdom-Part3.mp3

Get Wisdom - Part 2- Podcast

2011-05-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 9:10
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

If we want God's wisdom and special insight, then wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord!

Listen to this message titled "Get Wisdom" by downloading the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/051511-DaVonAlexander-GetWisdom-Part2.mp3

Further and Faster!

2011-05-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

Your life can change for the better in a single moment.

You can be going along, doing your best, living a life that honors God, but feel like you’re getting nowhere.

Or you may feel like no one’s noticing. You may be tempted to start giving up on your dreams because at this rate, there’s no way it could come true. That’s where God comes in!

In one moment God can accelerate your life and change everything!

In the Bible in John 2, Jesus is at the wedding celebration of some friends when the party runs out of wine.

Instead of wedding joy and bliss, this setback could have ruined the feast and damaged relationships. And as you know, you can’t make new wine fast. It takes time...a long time.

In fact the process of planting the seed, growing the grapes, harvesting them, producing the wine and then letting it age takes between five and seven years! And for the best wines it can take 30 years.

But in one moment Jesus accelerates this process and does in seconds what normally takes 30 years!

This is not merely a story about what happened a long time ago. It’s a picture of God’s love for you and how He wants to accelerate your life today!

If you’ll step out in faith, if you’ll believe that God can do anything and stay faithful where you’re at, one day you’ll look up amazed and say, “I can’t believe I got here so fast!”

You may be facing disappointment, pain and setbacks today, or even criticism from those you love, but don’t get discouraged. Adversity could be the very thing God uses to take you to new levels.

Remember, God can turn your life around in a moment and move you “further and faster” than you ever dreamed.

Written by Joel Osteen

A Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation for You

2011-05-11T06:42:00.000-07:00

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.
Ephesians 1:17

Would you like to receive guidance from the Holy Spirit to help you make some important decisions today? If so, Paul’s prayer to the Ephesian church in Ephesians 1:17 is an important scripture for you to apply to your own life.

The word “wisdom” in this verse is from the Greek word sophias. It is an old Greek word that was used to describe insight or wisdom not naturally attained. In other words, this is not natural human wisdom — this is special insight.

The word “revelation” is from the word apokalupsis. It refers to something that has been veiled or hidden for a long time and then suddenly, almost instantaneously, becomes clear and visible to the mind or eye.

It is like pulling the curtains out of the way so you can see what has always been just outside your window. The scene was always there for you to enjoy, but the curtains blocked your ability to see the real picture. But when the curtains are drawn apart, you can suddenly see what has been hidden from your view. The moment you see beyond the curtain for the first time and observe what has been there all along but not evident to you — that is what the Bible calls a “revelation.”

Now apply the meaning of this word to the realm of spiritual truths. The truths we now grasp and enjoy were always there in the realm of the Spirit, but they were veiled — hidden to us. It wasn’t the time for these truths to be revealed yet, so they remained obscured from our sight, even though they were always there. But once the right time came and the Holy Spirit removed the veil that obstructed our view, our minds instantly saw and understood. When this occurred, you and I had a revelation!

Can you remember times in your past when you suddenly saw something in the Bible you had never seen before? That truth had been there all along, but it had been hidden to your eyes. Then suddenly one day, it was as if someone pulled the covers off that verse, and it literally jumped off the pages in front of you. You saw it! You understood it! You had a revelation!

It is a fact that truths remain hidden until God chooses to reveal them to us. This is why Paul prayed for God “to give” the Ephesian church a spirit of wisdom and revelation. The phrase “to give” is the Greek word didomi, which means to hand something over completely to someone else. It could also be translated to impart.

Because the Ephesian church needed wisdom beyond their own human understanding, Paul asked God to give them what they needed: special insight that is not naturally attained. Then Paul clarified what he meant by adding the word “revelation.” One expositor has said the verse could be better translated to “give unto you a spirit of wisdom, even revelation!”

Taking all this into consideration,Ephesians 1:17 could be translated:
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you special insight — I’m talking about wisdom that is not naturally attained.This is the divine moment when the curtains are drawn back, and you are supernaturally enabled to see what you could never see by yourself.…”

God had all the answers the Ephesian believers needed. By themselves, they would never have been smart enough to figure it all out. So Paul besought God to impart to them the wisdom they needed. Then Paul clarified that this kind of wisdom would only come to them by revelation — which only God can give.

If you need direction and guidance today, stop right now and pray Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:17 for your own life. Ask God to give you “a spirit of wisdom and revelation.” God has all the answers you need, and they’re not as far from you as you may think. In one moment, He can remove the veil of ignorance and help you see clearly the things you need to understand.

All you have to do is ASK!

Lord, I ask You to give me the insight and wisdom I need for this moment in my life. There is so much I need to know, but I am unable to figure it all out by myself. Today I ask that the Holy Spirit would take away the veil that has obscured my view. I ask that my eyes be opened to see exactly what I need to know. I ask You to give me a real revelation about my life, my situation, and the truth I need to know right now. I pray this in Jesus’ name!

Written by Rick Renner!

Get Wisdom - Podcast

2011-05-10T12:40:00.001-07:00

Listen to this message titled "Get Wisdom" by downloading the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/050811-DaVonAlexander-GetWisdom.mp3

Get Wisdom

2011-05-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 4:5,7
Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

Wisdom is defined as spiritual discernment, special insight, knowledge coupled with judgment and skill. The word of God is the wisdom of God. The Bible tells us to "get" wisdom. Wisdom is not just going to fall on you. You must obtain it, acquire it, possess it, and receive it. Wisdom is the principal thing. It's the highest in rank and it is a priority for our daily lives. We cannot prosper without wisdom.

Proverbs describes wisdom as a "she" and a "her". Wisdom is personified as a female because I believe it is to be pursued. Like a man that pursues a virtuous woman, wisdom should be pursued the same way. Wisdom is not playing hide and seek with you. Wisdom says in Proverbs 8:17 that I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.

Soloman asked for wisdom and God was pleased with his request (1 Kings 3:10). Ask God for wisdom today. God will freely give us wisdom when we ask Him and He won't rebuke us for asking (James 1:5).

Get wisdom!

Overcoming Discouragement

2011-05-02T11:42:00.000-07:00

To be discouraged means to deprived of courage, hope and confidence. Discouragement leads to disappointment and disappointment leads to depression. Even though we all have opportunities to be discouraged, God wants us to be free from it. He wants us to pour out our hearts to Him, remember His unfailing love, and encourage ourselves as well as others.

Listen to this message about how to overcome discouragement by downloading the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/050111-DaVonAlexander-OvercomingDiscouragement.mp3

Christ Lives In You

2011-04-25T13:24:00.001-07:00

Colossians 1:27
...this is the secret: Christ lives in you.

Christ is not dead but alive! This great news is neither fairy tale nor legend. By divine power, Jesus' spirit was reconnected with His dead body and He literally walked out of that tomb! But He is not just floating around in the air somewhere. Rather, He is alive and if Jesus is the Lord of your life, He lives in you! This Sunday @BranchChurch we celebrated the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His indwelling presence in our lives.

Listen to this message by downloading the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/042411-DaVonAlexander-ChristLivesInYou.mp3

Forward - Part 4

2011-04-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

From the moment sin entered the earth mankind has been trying to cover things up and shift blame. But our efforts at self-righteousness are as flimsy as the fig leaves Adam & Eve used. Guilt and shame keep us stuck and produce condemnation. The voice of accusation pushes us backwards. Discover the freedom Jesus brings when He shuts that voice down. Let Him stop the condemnation and move you... FORWARD! This Sunday @BranchChurch we exposed sin-consciousness, condemnation, and the voice of accusation.

Listen to this message by downloading the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/041711-DaVonAlexander-Forward-Part4.mp3

Forward - Part 3

2011-04-11T14:55:00.000-07:00

Pride is deadly and sneaks into our lives in so many ways. It's end goal is your downfall. But if pride is the poison then humility is the antidote. A healthy dose of humility will insure you move forward in this life. It is said that humility is the soil out of which all the other virtues grow. This Sunday @BranchChurch we expose areas of pride so we can get planted in humility.

Listen to this message by downloading the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/041011-DaVonAlexander-Forward-Part3.mp3

Pride vs Humility

2011-04-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

James 4:6,10
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:“ God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

God opposes pride! He absolutely detests it (Proverbs 16:7-8). Pride is the exact nature of the devil. Its exactly what got Lucifer kicked out of heaven (Isaiah 14:13-17). Pride believes lies about itself and speaks only of itself. Pride seeks to impress and is not a good listener. Pride is not interested in others.

Pride can be defined as high, high-minded, haughty, an overestimation of ones own self, to inflate, to puff up, to brag.

Conversely, humility is what God favors. God will exalt you and lift you up when you're humble. Humility is the exact nature of Jesus. Humility believes the truth about itself and speaks of others as better than itself (Philippians 2:3-4). Humility does not seek to impress but to be impressive. Humility is a good listener and is interested in others.

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less ~ CS Lewis

Proverbs 29:23
Pride lands you flat on your face; humility prepares you for honors.

Forward - Part 2

2011-04-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

You will never go forward in life if you're negative. Negativity is a reflection of inner defeat, always tries to justify itself and will choose your friends for you. Nothing will locate your heart more than the way you speak. What is really in you will tend to leak. The mouth of the negative is a sewer of defeat, but the Bible says our words should be a well of life. Positive words are not denying reality... they are creating a new reality.

This Sunday we exposed negativity which keeps us stuck and hinders us from moving forward. Download the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/040311-DaVonAlexander-Forward-Part2.mp3

The Church Belongs to Jesus!

2011-03-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

According to Matthew 16:18, it's Jesus' church. According to Acts 20:28, it's God's. Same difference.

Pastor, I know your name is on the sign out front. Thank you for your faithful work, but it's not your church.

Deacons, thank you for your years of sacrificial effort and service. But it's not your church.

Church members with seniority, thank you for hanging in there through good times and bad, but it's not your church.

Those who have given the most money, thank you for your generosity and sacrifices, but it's not your church.

And church polity aside, congregation, thank you for coming and working and giving and praying, but it's not your church.

It's His Church. And the only question on our lips every time we meet to do His business should be "What would you have us do?"

This is an excerpt from an article that I just read. To read the article, click this link: 10 Essential Things to tell People About The Church

Forward

2011-03-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

Jesus said to His original 12 - "Come follow Me and I will make you..."

God's will for our lives is progressive and He is beckoning us onward to a future filled with hope and increase. It’s time for us to get fresh momentum and pursue God’s best for our lives - it’s time for us to move FORWARD!

This Sunday @BranchChurch Pastor Scott Turner exposes those things that keep us stuck or move us backwards and elevates us to keep moving forward. Download the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/032711-ScottTurner-Forward.mp3

His Blood Makes Us Righteous

2011-03-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

The blood of Jesus makes us in right-standing with God. We are not made right with God by doing (Romans 3:20), but we are made right in His sight by the shed blood of Jesus. His blood shed for us was an acceptable sacrifice for all of eternity. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Faith connects us to this substitutionary sacrifice.

This latest message will show you how the blood of Jesus has made you righteous and belief in His blood will connect you to it. Listen to this teaching titled "His Blood Makes Us Righteous" by downloading the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/032011-DaVonAlexander-BloodMakesUsRighteous.mp3

God is Eternal - Your Situation Is Not

2011-03-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

2 Corinthians 4:18
while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Sarah Turner came to our church and brought an amazing Word from God. She reminded us that our situations and circumstances are temporary.

This latest message by Sarah Turner will teach you how to keep your focus on an Eternal God and to take your focus off of your temporary situation. Listen to this teaching titled "God is Eternal - Your Situation Is Not" by downloading the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/031311-SarahTurner-GodIsEternalYourSituationIsNot.mp3

God's Three Step Process for Success

2011-03-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Everyone wants to be prosperous and have good success. I have yet to meet someone that did not want success and prosperity. The world has a certain way that they believe will provide them success however God gave Joshua a commandment that would make his way prosperous and give him good success. The worlds plan has holes in it but Gods plan makes our way prosperous and gives us good success. God gave Joshua and us a three step process to insure prosperity and good success.

Step 1 - Do not let the word of God depart from your mouth. Consistently and constantly speak the word of God. Never speak anything contrary to the word of God. The Word brings life and health to you (Proverbs 4:20-22). Be faithful in speaking the word of God out of your mouth. Remember God created you in His image. He is a speaking spirit and so are you. Whatever He says has creative power over the universe. Whatever you say has creative power in your own sphere of influence.

Step 2 - Meditate in the Word of God day and night. To meditate means to ponder, mutter, imagine, and utter. It denotes reading the bible and finding a specific verse. Then you think about the verse over and over and over. You allow the Holy Spirit to reveal things to you that are hidden in a clear-cut way. Psalm 1:2 also says we are to meditate the Word of God day and night.

Step 3 - Observe to do. We are to obey the word of God. True worship of God is total obedience to what He says. We must be a hearer of the word before we can be a doer (James 1:22). Not doing what God says is not just disobedience but also rebellion (1 Samuel 15:23). If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19). Job 36:11 says, "If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures."

Fulfill God's three step process for success and you will experience prosperity and success in every area of your life!

No Fear in Love

2011-03-08T08:31:00.001-08:00

I John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Fear paralyzes us. Fear makes us a coward. Fear torments us. Instead of fear tormenting us, lets torment fear! Love will cause fear to run away and cast it completely out.

This latest message will tell you how to eradicate fear from your life. Listen to this teaching titled "No Fear in Love" by downloading the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/030611-DaVonAlexander-NoFearInLove.mp3

Amos 9:13

2011-03-06T16:46:00.000-08:00

In my prayer time, the Lord shared this scripture with me. I believe this verse is for our church, my family, and for you and your family. I wanted to share it with you. Enjoy!

Amos 9:13 Message
"Yes indeed, it won't be long now." God's Decree. "Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. You won't be able to keep up. Everything will be happening at once—and everywhere you look, blessings! Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and hills. I'll make everything right again for my people...

What If Everyone

2011-03-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

Jesus did not come to be served... He came to serve! Twice a year Branch Church partners with Mosaic Church and others to serve our city. On Saturday March 26th at 9am we meet at the Branch Christian Academy and Branch out all over our city through amazing service projects.

Sign up today at What if Everyone. See you there!

Holy Confidence

2011-03-02T18:23:00.000-08:00

The following is a re-post of a blog by Mark Batterson:

Self-confidence is two inches deep. I don't care about it. I don't want it. It typically undermines my raw dependence upon God anyway. It's unhealthy. It's unholy. There is a higher, deeper and truer confidence that comes from God. Think of it as God-confidence. And it's the byproduct of two things.

First, God-confidence is a byproduct of humility. The more your humble yourself before God the more favor you expect. It sanctifies your expectations and it builds a holy confidence. Humility is the way we stay out of the way of what God is doing. Holy Confidence is confidence that finds it's focus in Christ alone. The confidence for salvation. The confidence for favor. The confidence for miracles. The confidence for grace.

Second, God confidence is the byproduct of authority. We grossly underestimate the authority that is ours by virtue of the fact that we are "in Christ." He has given us "all authority." As long as we are functioning in the will of God, all things are possible. If that doesn't give you confidence nothing will.

Humility + Authority = Holy Confidence.

By His Stripes

2011-03-01T06:34:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 53:5
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

God wants us healed, whole, restored, and free. His wounds, bruises, and stripes were for our total deliverance. Jesus paid a high price for us with His blood.

Listen to this latest message titled "By His Stripes" by downloading the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/022711-DaVonAlexander-ByHisStripes.mp3

Redeemed from the Curse

2011-02-24T07:45:00.000-08:00

When Jesus died on the cross, He not only delivered us from sin but He also redeemed us from the curse. A curse is an empowerment to fail. He purchased us and gave us the blessing of Abraham. A blessing is an empowerment to prosper.

Listen to this latest message titled "Redeemed From the Curse" by downloading the podcast on Itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/022011-DaVonAlexander-RedeemedFromTheCurse.mp3

Galatians 3:13 Message
Christ redeemed us from that self-defeating, cursed life by absorbing it completely into himself. Do you remember the Scripture that says, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"? That is what happened when Jesus was nailed to the cross: He became a curse, and at the same time dissolved the curse.

With ya Dave!

2011-02-17T07:40:00.001-08:00

David Kernall has a passion for the Kingdom of God. His desire to see mission oriented ministry has led him to the business world where God has used his entrepreneurial spirit rooted in Biblical principals to achieve marketplace success. Recently he moved to Georgia to pursue the dream of owning a car dealership. But he is no ordinary care salesman... David is simply slaying a giant so the Kingdom can advance. David walks in the gift of a teacher and has a prophetic insight into what God is up to right now. David, his wife Traci and their 4 beautiful daughters have been members of the Branch during their time in Charlotte and today he has a special word specifically for us. So listen with your heart and get ready to be ignited for your mission!

Listen to guest speaker David Kernall speak on "How to Turn Your Impossible Situation Around" Click this link:
http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/021311-DavidKernall-HowToTurnYourImpossibleSituationAround.mp3

Jesus Knows Your Name

2011-02-16T08:12:00.000-08:00

John 10:3
...He (Jesus) calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Jesus knows your name! He is thinking about you. He has you on His mind (Psalm 8:4). Your name is written in the palm of His hands (Isaiah 49:16). When Jesus looks at His hands, He sees YOU! He knows the number of hairs that are on your head (Matthew 10:30). When you brush your hair, and hair falls into the sink, God knows how many fell out of your head. When God calls you, He is calling you by your name. He knows who you are. He is your future (Revelation 1:8), knows your future (Psalm 31:15), and your future is bright (Jeremiah 29:11)!

Plead the Blood

2011-02-07T13:49:00.000-08:00

Jesus paid it all! All to Him I owe! Very familiar words of a well known song. But what does that mean? What does the blood of Jesus do for us? Listen to this lastest message called "Plead the Blood" on podcast on itunes or click this link: http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/020711-DaVonAlexander-PleadTheBlood.mp3 if you do not have itunes.

Here are my notes:

Branch Family Church

Leviticus 17:11

For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

Hebrews 9:22 NLT

In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.

Four things that come as a result of the blood:

1. Forgiveness of sins

- Life is possible only through the blood of a life given in its place

- God has no other way of dealing with sin except through the blood

- Atonement: To cover. Animal blood covers sin.

- Jesus blood does not cover sin. It remits it. (Matt 26:28)

- Hebrews 9:13-14

- I John 1:7,9

2. Protection (Exodus 12:12-13, Hebrews 13:20)

- Demonic forces have suffered everlasting defeat through the blood of Jesus

- Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

3. Acceptance (Ephesians 2:13)

- It is by the blood alone that God and man can be brought into covenant fellowship

- The blood is the central power of our entire redemption

- Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

4. Access to His Presence (Hebrews 10:19)

- The way to fellowship with God is through the blood alone

- Hebrews 10:19

Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus

Psalm 28:7

2011-02-07T09:31:00.000-08:00

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Strength is might, power and force. Strength is the ability to get the job done. A shield protects and defends. The Lord is my strength and my shield.

Do you trust the Lord with all of your heart? Trust means to rely upon. Do you rely on Him to do what He said He would do? Do you take Him at His word? The only way to increase your trust is to increase your reliance. I trust the Lord with all of my heart.

Help means to give or provide what is necessary to accomplish a task or satisfy a need. Is the Lord your help? Is your heart filled with joy? The Lord is my help and my heart is filled with joy.

There is something about singing a song. Singing makes you feel great and changes your mood. If you are having a good day and you sing, it makes the day better. If you are having a bad day and you sing, it can uplift your whole being. Songs are beneficial to your spirit, soul, and body.

There is something about singing that God likes. The whole book of Psalm is a song unto the Lord. Singing is prophetic speech. Its another way to speak the Word. We are to offer up praises with the fruit of our lips. (Hebrews 13:15)

Do you want to know how to enter into the presence of the Lord? The blood of Jesus allows you access to His presence (Hebrews 10:19) and songs of thanksgiving bring you right into His gates. (Psalm 100:4) I burst out with songs of thanksgiving.

Lord, I am Coming

2011-02-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

Psalm 27:8
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

God is calling you. He is knocking at the door of your heart. He wants to dine with you. (Revelation 3:20)

Do you want to spend time with God? Do you want to talk and fellowship with Him? Does your heart yearn for Him? Do you want to commune with Him? Do you want to hear Him speak to you?

If yes is your answer to all those questions, then your response will be the same as David's reply when he said, "Lord, I'm coming."

Spending time with God is spending time in His Word. Time with God is praying, singing, meditating in His Word, fasting, being still, and listening. Take the time to intimately know the One who purchased you with His blood. (Acts 20:28)

James 4:8
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...

Forgiveness

2011-01-31T11:47:00.000-08:00

Matthew 6:14-15 Message
In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.

Forgiveness is very important. Listen to this message and let it change your life.

Click this link:
http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/013011-DaVonAlexander-Forgiveness.mp3

The Branch Family Church
Forgiveness

Get Planted
You are Forgiven

Colossians 2:13-14 - God has forgiven your sin

Psalm 130:1-4 – God is not keeping any record of your sin

1 John 1:9 – God forgives you and cleanses you

Grow Strong
Forgive Yourself

Colossians 3:13 – God forgave you so forgive yourself

Philippians 3:13-14 – Forgive, Forget, Go Forward

Branch Out
Forgive Others

Mark 11:24-26 – If you don’t forgive, you won’t be forgiven

Matthew 18:21-35 - Forgive because you are forgiven

A person who can't forgive has forgotten what they have been forgiven of.
-- John Bevere

Eyes Up

2011-01-31T06:34:00.000-08:00

Guest blogger Derek Turner shared this encouragement with me and I wanted to share it with you as well.

Eyes Up
Ever felt trapped? Maybe it's debt or a controlling habit that makes it seem like your feet are stuck in cement.

My eyes are ever toward the LORD, For He shall pluck my feet out of the net. Psalm 25:15

Quit looking in and look up. The more you focus on you the less you focus on the One that can deliver you. In the words of the classic hymn... Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.

Fast - Day 21

2011-01-30T03:56:00.000-08:00

Last day of our fast!

I believe this fast has pruned us so that we can now bear more fruit! Praise God!

John 15:2 AMP
...He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.

Fast - Day 20

2011-01-29T07:30:00.000-08:00

Day 20 of our fast!

Don't let your appetite be your god!
Let your fast influence your conduct.

Philippians 4:8
For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.

Fast - Day 19

2011-01-28T04:08:00.001-08:00

Day 19 of our fast!

Fasting helps establish your heart.

Hebrews 13:9
Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

Fast - Day 18

2011-01-27T04:50:00.001-08:00

Day 18 of our fast!

Fasting is a practical way to seek first the Kingdom of God

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Fast - Day 17

2011-01-26T03:14:00.000-08:00

Day 17 of our fast!

After Jesus completed His forty day fast and temptations from the devil, He was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Luke 4:2,14
where He was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry. Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region.

Prevailing Prayer

2011-01-25T17:44:00.000-08:00

James 5:16
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

God promises that effective and fervent prayers are an advantage to the righteous man. Listen to this message and enjoy!

Click this link:
http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/012311-DaVonAlexander-PrevailingPrayer.mp3

Fast - Day 16

2011-01-25T03:29:00.001-08:00

Day 16 of our fast!

A fasted lifestyle reminds us that our flesh has been crucified and that we live for Him!

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Fast - Day 15

2011-01-24T03:02:00.000-08:00

Day 15 of our fast!

Jesus had just finished talking with the Samaritan woman at the well and His disciples returned with food encouraging Him to eat.

John 4:34
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.

Fast - Day 14

2011-01-23T03:09:00.000-08:00

Day 14 of our fast!

Put on the garment of praise while fasting.

Isaiah 61:3
To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”

Fast - Day 13

2011-01-22T05:57:00.000-08:00

Good Morning,

Day 13 of our fast!

I was tempted to quit my fast last night but I remembered this verse.

Hebrews 10:36
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

Fast - Day 12

2011-01-21T05:21:00.000-08:00

Day 12 of our fast!

Make sure you are fasting AND praying.

Psalm 35:13 Message
...instead of eating, I prayed.

Fast - Day 11

2011-01-20T06:35:00.001-08:00

Day 11 of our fast!

Fasting is a lifestyle of a repentant life.

Joel 2:12-13 Message
God’s personal Message!—“Come back to me and really mean it! Come fasting and weeping, sorry for your sins!” Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. And here’s why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot, This most patient God, extravagant in love,

Fast - Day 10

2011-01-19T04:10:00.000-08:00

Day 10 of our fast!

Fasting stirs a hunger in your spirit that goes deeper than the temporary hunger you experience in your flesh.

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

Agreement, Alignment, Assignment

2011-01-18T10:17:00.000-08:00

Listen to this message and enjoy!

Click this link:
http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/011611-DaVonAlexander-AgreementAlignmentAssignment.mp3

Here are my notes:

Branch Family Church
Agreement, Alignment, Assignment

When we come into Agreement with God, we are Aligned with God’s perfect will on earth, as it is in Heaven. When we are Aligned with Heaven, we find that God can use us in ways we never thought possible. Then we begin to walk in our Assignment - the purpose God created us to fulfill. -Stovall Weems “Awakening”

Get Planted
Agreement

Amos 3:3 - Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?

Galatians 2:20 - 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.

Grow Strong
Alignment

• Turn down the volume of other things - Matthew 6:6 Message - Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
• Be still - Psalm 46:10 & Psalm 37:7
• Listen - John 10:27 – To the Word (Mark 9:7) To the wise (Proverbs 12:15)
• Do it - James 1:22-25 - Obedience will open the eyes of your understanding.

Branch Out
Assignment

Romans 8:29-30 - For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Fast - Day 9

2011-01-18T03:43:00.000-08:00

Good Morning,

Day 9 of our fast!

Fasting and prayer will overcome demonic powers.

Matthew 17:21
However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.

Fast - Day 8

2011-01-17T05:55:00.000-08:00

Good Morning,

Day 8 of our fast!

Fasting gives you a practical way to present your body as a living sacrifice.

Romans 12:1
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.

Fast - Day 7

2011-01-16T04:59:00.001-08:00

Good Morning,

Day 7 of our fast!

Fasting is a tool we use that puts us in a position to be more spiritually aware and “tuned in” to God, so we can better receive from Him.

Acts 13:2
As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Fast - Day 6

2011-01-15T07:06:00.000-08:00

Good Morning,

Day 6 of our fast!

Isaiah 58:6-9 (The Message)
"This is the kind of fast day I'm after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts. What I'm interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families. Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The God of glory will secure your passage. Then when you pray, God will answer. You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.'

Fast - Day 5

2011-01-14T08:36:00.001-08:00

Good Morning,

Day 5 of our fast!

Fasting prepares the way for God to give you a fresh revelation, fresh vision, and clear purpose.

Acts 10
Peter was fasting on the rooftop when God gave him a new vision to take the gospel to the Gentiles.

Message on Fasting

2011-01-13T12:42:00.000-08:00

Fasting gives us the ability to eliminate the unnecessary so that we may hear the necessary speak.

At The Branch we proclaimed a 21 day fast.

Listen to this message and enjoy!

Click this link:
http://www.branchchurch.org/sermonmp3/010911-DaVonAlexander-Fasting.mp3

Fast - Day 4

2011-01-13T06:17:00.001-08:00

Good Morning,

Day 4 of our proclaimed fast!

Fasting humbles you, brings clarity, and causes protection for your children and your possessions.

Ezra 8:21
Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.