The many phrases that has enriched my life, can be used as daily devotions for those that are students of the word, Message starters for pastors, ministers, and teachers of the gospel. And to those that are experiencing the difficult dilemmas and diversities of life, words of counsel, comfort and consolation.
My prayer is that this handbook will be tool that will endorse the concepts and precepts of Divinity, while denouncing the ill traditions and measuring tools of humanity. 2 Corinthians 10:12(KJV) 12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. Colossians 2:8(KJV) 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
I also pray that a connection is established between the reader, the writer, and the inspiration of these phrases. In this arena that we find ourselves in, where the world is attempting to work its will on the worshippers of the word, and where humanism has quietly become a domineering religion, and where the prosperity of our person, has overwhelmed the importance and sanctity of our purpose, there is a dire need for us to redirect our focus, shift our position, reexamine our commitments, and reestablish our loyalties.
Allow me to give credits to those so deserving. To my loving mom and wonderful dad (deceased). Georgia Marie (DOLL) Franklin and Thomas Anderson Franklin Sr., (daddy Tom), the darling and the disciplinarian. Thanks for teaching me balance, commitment and compassion, and that listening was imperative to learning and leading, and that chastisement was a mandate for champions.
To my brother Thomas Anderson Franklin Jr., though you have both legs amputated, you have taught me how to stand. You have proven to me that one can progress even in transgressing times. You have confirmed to me that it is our crosses that teaches us how to wear our crowns, and that the challenges of life teaches us how to be champions in our living. THANKS!!!!!!!
To my sister Billie Jean Harris who taught me my abc’s by sharing its importance with me. It taught me the importance of process, and that basics would lead to blessings.
My hope and desire is that this handbook will be an instrument of hope, peace, and encouragement. I pray that it serves as an umbrella on a stormy day and a glimpse of sunshine even in a cloudy atmosphere.
The urgency in the pursuit of prosperity is causing vacancies in the arena of integrity. "Perverse disputing of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." 1 Timothy 6:5(KJV)
Instead of being transformed by the renewing of our minds, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2(KJV) we are being conformed by the reviewing of the times, "18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." 2 Peter 2:18-19(KJV) so consequently we are no longer setting the captive free for we also have become captive to what we see.
Doubt only creeps in where there is no assurance through faith, about the results. But when the declaration of our faith is equaled by the faith of our declaration, results are inevitable."21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. 22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matthew 21:21-22(KJV)
When God does something for you it's usually a onetime deal. But when God does something to you, it sends a message through you that continues with you.
Jesus, as our shepherd embraces us, as he's breaking us.
To cry loud, is to bring attention to where I am, and so, if where I am, is not where I am supposed to be, I choose to be silent'.
Paul's statement in Romans1:16,"I am not ashamed of the gospel...", also echoes that the gospel does not make me ashamed.
The silent church has become promotional and powerless, hypothetical and hypocritical, dependent upon its own resources and attempts to preach freedom, while imprisoned in the dens of disobedience and in the caves of promiscuity
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 2 Peter 2:19-20(KJV)
You won't know worship until you're willing to get to a place that God is calling you to, that is far away from where you are, knowing that when you get there, you're going to have to give up something that's very dear to you. And you can’t take anybody with you, for they won’t understand, because you don’t really understand why you are giving the sacrifice that you are about to give, other than the mere fact that you know that God asked for it. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. Genesis 22:4-5(KJV)
