“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.   Matthew 5:19-20 KJV

The word “Christ” means “Anointed One” and the word “Christian” means “Christ-like” or “little anointed one.” If you are a Christian, you are saved by grace, washed in the blood of Jesus and born again into His image. You are supposed to come progressively to know the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. You are supposed to grow in your knowledge of God and in the process become more like Him. You are supposed to walk like Him, talk like Him, and act like Him.

Unfortunately, there are many Christians who think that the Word of God is optional. They don’t believe that it is important to obey God by being a doer of the Word of God. Even more unfortunately, there are people who stand in a place of leadership in the Body of Christ, who teach God’s Word to others, and who do not live what they say they believe. You lead by example. Jesus said that if you are a doer of the Word of God and you live what you believe and preach and you lead others to do so, then you will be called GREAT in the kingdom of heaven, but if you do not then you will be called the LEAST in the kingdom of God.

The Pharisees and Sadducees taught people rules and regulations, but they themselves did not do all the things they taught others. They put all their trust in themselves. They preached a works program – that it is your works that are vital to your salvation – but it was nothing more than mere religion and man’s tradition. Isaiah 64:6 says that, “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” Our own efforts and righteousness are insufficient before God, the Righteous Judge. We all need the mercy of a Savior. We all need to be washed in His blood so that we can put on the robes of righteousness that only He can bestow.

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”   Matthew 9:10-13 NIV

The Pharisees and Sadducees set themselves up as representatives of God, but they were hard, religious and judgmental toward those they considered “sinners.” God’s whole message to man is that He made us and He loves us and He has our best interests at heart. John 3:17 says that Jesus was not sent from the Father into the world in order to judge, to reject, to condemn, or to pass sentence on the world, but He came so that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. If you represent God and speak for Him, then you must have His heart. You must preach mercy and show mercy to others – not judgment and condemnation. If the Pharisees and Sadducees truly represented the Father, then they would have loved the people and not judged or criticized them. Jesus rebuked them for their hypocrisy and they hated Him for it.

He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves and were confident that they were righteous [that they were upright and in right standing with God] and scorned and made nothing of all the rest of men: 10 two men went up into the temple [enclosure] to pray, the one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee took his stand ostentatiously and began to pray thus before and with himself: God, I thank You that I am not like the rest of men–extortioners (robbers), swindlers [unrighteous in heart and life], adulterers–or even like this tax collector here. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I gain. 13 But the tax collector, [merely] standing at a distance, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but kept striking his breast, saying, O God, be favorable (be gracious, be merciful) to me, the especially wicked sinner that I am! 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified (forgiven and made upright and in right standing with God), rather than the other man; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.  Luke 18:9-14 AMP

If you are too arrogant to receive the Word of God into your own life and submit to it, then you will not receive the blessings of the Word. However, if you will humble your heart to receive God’s Word, if you will submit to God and to His Word by your words and your actions, then you will receive all the blessings that He promises and you will be GREAT in the kingdom of God!

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High shall rest, abide and remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty.

Therefore I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress and my God. On Him I lean and rely and in Him I confidently trust!”

Surely He shall deliver me from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly and perilous pestilence.

He shall cover me with His feathers and under His wings I shall take refuge.

His truth and faithfulness shall be my shield, buckler and rampart.

I shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow – the evil plots and slanders of the wicked – that fly by day, nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.

A thousand may fall at my side and ten thousand at my right hand, but it shall not come near me.

Only with my eyes – as a spectator – shall I witness the reward of the wicked.

Because I have made the Lord my refuge, and the Most High, my dwelling place, no evil shall befall me, nor shall any plague, calamity, or disaster come near my house or my family.

Because I obey and serve Him, He shall command His angels and give them charge over me – they will accompany, defend and preserve me and they will keep and guard me in all my ways. They will lift me up and bear me up, so that I will not strike my foot against a stone.

I shall tread upon the lion and the cobra; the young lion and the serpent I shall trample underfoot.

I have this promise from the Lord:

Because I have set my love upon Him, therefore He will rescue, deliver and protect me. He will set me on high, because I know, understand and acknowledge His name, because I have a personal knowledge of His mercy, love, and kindness, and because I trust and rely on Him, knowing He will never, ever forsake me.

I shall call upon Him and He will answer me. He will be with me in trouble; He will deliver me and honor me. With long life He will satisfy me, and show me His salvation.”

Psalms 91:1-16

Paraphrased from the NKJV, NIV, and AMP

This is not a perfect world – there are many things that threaten your life and your safety – and in order to survive and thrive, you need supernatural protection.

God has made you many wonderful promises, but if you want to walk in the blessing of them, you must believe that they apply to you, you must confess them with your mouth – speaking them out loud – and you must joyfully and confidently expect the Lord to hear and to answer. Confess this psalm every day – hide God’s Word in your heart – until it becomes a reality in your life.

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

I listen diligently and pay attention to the voice of the Lord my God.

I am watchful to do all His commandments,

which He commands me this day.

Therefore the Lord my God is setting me high above

all the nations of the earth.

All these blessings are coming upon me and overtaking me because I heed the voice of the Lord my God:

I am blessed in the city and blessed in the field.

The fruit of my body is blessed and the fruit of my ground is blessed and so is the fruit of my beasts, the increase of my cattle and the young of my flock

My basket is blessed and so is my kneading trough.

I am blessed when I come in and blessed when I go out.

The Lord is causing my enemies, who rise up against me, to be defeated before my face.

They may come out against me one way, but they will

flee before me seven ways.

The Lord is commanding the blessing upon me in my storehouse and in all that I undertake.

The Lord my God is blessing me in the land, which He has given me.

The Lord is establishing me as a person holy to Himself, as He has promised me, because I am faithful to keep the commandments of the Lord my God and walk in His ways.

All the people of the earth see that I am called by the Name of the Lord and that His hand is upon me, and they are afraid of me.

The Lord is making me to have a surplus of prosperity, through the fruit of my body, of my livestock, and of my ground, in the land which the Lord promised to give me.

The Lord is opening to me His good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to my land in its season and to bless

all the work of my hands.

Therefore I will lend to many nations, but I will not borrow.

The Lord is making me the head and not the tail.

I am above only and not beneath.

I am blessed today and every day, because I heed the commandments of the Lord my God, which He commands me this day and I am watchful to do them.

I will not turn aside from any of the words, which He commands me this day – to the right or to the left – to go after

other gods to serve them.

I am abundantly blessed, because I serve the Lord my God with joyfulness of mind and heart, in gratitude for the

abundance of all with which He has blessed me.

Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and 47

Paraphrased from the Amplified Bible

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

The Lord spoke to Joshua and told him to meditate on the Word of God day and night and to speak nothing else, but the Word, out of his mouth. In this way, he would become a doer of the Word and he would become prosperous, wise and successful. This is not just for Joshua, but for every one of us. God’s Word is no respecter of persons. If you will meditate on God’s Word – put it in your heart, speak it out loud, think about it and act on it, you too will be prosperous, wise and successful.

God has given us many wonderful and precious promises, but they will only become ours when we believe what He has said to us and we act on His Word and take hold of his promise. It is like a gift under the Christmas tree – the gift may have your name on it, but it will stay there, just as it is forever, unless you go over to the tree, pick it up, open it up and start to use it! When you meditate on God’s Word, you must read it, memorize it, think about it – rolling it over in your mind – and then confess it to yourself and over yourself. Keep confessing it until it becomes so real to you in your spirit – more real than the things and situations you are seeing with your natural eye. When you meditate on God’s Word and confess God’s Word, you begin to see the promise with the eye of your Spirit, and sooner or later you will see it manifested in the natural realm!

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.  1 Peter 3:7 KJV

In the same way you married men should live considerately with [your wives], with an intelligent recognition [of the marriage relation], honoring the woman as [physically] the weaker, but [realizing that you] are joint heirs of the grace (God’s unmerited favor) of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered and cut off. [Otherwise you cannot pray effectively.]  1 Peter 3:7 AMP

God gives specific instructions to husbands and wives that, if obeyed and followed, would lead to a long, happy, and prosperous union. The biggest hindrance to any relationship is an attitude of rebellion against God’s word, an attitude of selfishness, and a tendency to see the splinter in one’s partner’s eyes whilst ignoring the log in one’s own eye (Matthew 7:3). The only person you can change is you! It would be especially useful to remember this before you take the plunge and enter into a marriage covenant with someone with whom you think needs some improvement.

Marriage is not a competition. Neither is it an opportunity to control or manipulate another person. It is not an occasion for one-upmanship. The bottom line is that you can either win – or you can be happy! You have to realize that on the day you said, “I do!” you became teammates on the same team – not opponents on different teams. If you want to win in life, you have to protect the unity of the team. We only win as individuals when we win as a team!

Today, we are speaking specifically to husbands. Many husbands get married thinking that they are going to automatically be the boss and that their wives will just have to submit and do whatever they say. In fact, many of them remind their wives to submit to them on a regular basis, without realizing that they have given her nothing to submit to! Men need to understand that they have a responsibility to love and appreciate their wives. When you were dating, you did not take her for granted – you were trying to impress her. Don’t stop nurturing your relationship just because you are married!

Husbands, love your wives [be affectionate and sympathetic with them] and do not be harsh or bitter or resentful toward them.  Colossians 3:19 AMP

Recognize your differences and appreciate them. Women are physically, mentally, and emotionally different from men and this is not a bad thing. We all have our place and function in this world. Men and women were designed to complete one another not compete with one another. It is very important that husbands realize that their wives are physically weaker. This is not an opportunity or a reason for the man to dominate his wife, but rather for him to make sure to protect her and be considerate and gentle with her. Even though you are different in the flesh, you are equal in the Spirit. God does not consider only the outside and therefore treat you differently from each other, but He looks on the heart, sees everyone the same, and treats you the same. In the Spirit the same rules apply to men and to women. On the outside, women may be different from men, but they are definitely not inferior in God’s eyes. Men and women – we all have value.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, 27 That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless]. 28 Even so husbands should love their wives as [being in a sense] their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. 29 For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it, as Christ does the church, 30 Because we are members (parts) of His body. 31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is very great, but I speak concerning [the relation of] Christ and the church. 33 However, let each man of you [without exception] love his wife as [being in a sense] his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly].  Ephesians 5:25-33 AMP

Husbands love your wives in the same way that Christ loves the church; love her unselfishly; prefer her above yourself; protect her; be prepared to give your life for her; love her like you love yourself; nourish, carefully protect and cherish her; leave your parents physically and emotionally and be permanently joined to your wife; put her needs above your own; learn what she needs; learn what’s important to her; you may never totally understand her, but love and accept her for the unique creation that she is; appreciate her; find out what her love language is; demonstrate your love for her in the way she understands love; be patient; be affectionate; be verbally positive and encouraging; don’t tear her down with your mouth; never harm her physically or emotionally; spend time communicating with her; care about what she cares about; help her in the house and with the kids; bring her gifts on a regular basis (they don’t have to always be huge or expensive gifts, they just need to be thoughtful); take her to dinner; buy her flowers, and dresses, and perfume; kiss her often; hug her; tell her you love her every day.

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but when the ruler is a man of discernment, understanding, and knowledge, its stability will long continue. Proverbs 28:2 AMP

Many times people blame their leaders for all their problems, but God puts the responsibility on both leaders and followers to be righteous and to do righteously so that they can all be blessed and prosper – especially when the people are in a position to vote for their leaders. When a nation is disobedient and rebellious, their land is unstable and they have many different rulers. When a nation is righteous, they will have a righteous ruler – a man of discernment, understanding, and knowledge – and will be stable over the long term. The people of a nation must decide to honor and serve God and then He will be able to bless them and give them godly, consistent leadership.

Those who forsake the law [of God and man] praise the wicked, but those who keep the law [of God and man] contend with them. Proverbs 28:4 AMP

When people are unrighteous, they admire those who are wicked. That is why they end up with wicked people in leadership. Those who keep the law of God will challenge ungodly people and unrighteous leadership.

When the [uncompromisingly] righteous triumph, there is great glory and celebration; but when the wicked rise [to power], men hide themselves.

Proverbs 28:12 AMP

When the wicked rise [to power], men hide themselves; but when they perish, the [consistently] righteous increase and become many. Proverbs 28:28 AMP

When the [uncompromisingly] righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh. Proverbs 29:2 AMP

When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall see the fall of the wicked. Proverbs 29:16 AMP

When the wicked rise to power and are in authority – the people hide themselves and groan and sigh and transgression increases in the nation. However, when the righteous triumph and are in authority the people rejoice – there is great glory and celebration – and the righteous increase in number.

Evil men do not understand justice, but they who crave and seek the Lord understand it fully. Proverbs 28:5 AMP

Like a roaring lion or a ravenous and charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16 A ruler who lacks understanding is [like a wicked one] a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness and unjust gain shall prolong his days. Proverbs 28:15-16 AMP

Evil people have no idea what justice is, neither do they know how to rule justly. A wicked ruler is one who lacks understanding. He is a great oppressor of the poor – he is like a roaring lion or a ravenous and charging bear. Only those who earnestly and sincerely seek the Lord understand justice – they understand their responsibility toward the poor and the helpless – those who need to be protected. They know that they have no right to take advantage of others just because they have a position of authority. The righteous hate covetousness and unjust gain and, because of it, they conduct themselves honorably and therefore God will bless them and will extend their own life.

The [consistently] righteous man knows and cares for the rights of the poor, but the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge. Proverbs 29:7 AMP

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink, 5 Lest they drink and forget the law and what it decrees, and pervert the justice due any of the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink [as medicine] to him who is ready to pass away, and wine to him in bitter distress of heart. 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty and [seriously] remember his want and misery no more. 8 Open your mouth for the dumb [those unable to speak for themselves], for the rights of all who are left desolate and defenseless; 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and administer justice for the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:4-9 AMP

The wicked do not care about the poor or their situation or their rights. However, God expects those in authority to faithfully and righteously judge the poor – to know and care for their rights. In order for leaders to lead and judge righteously, they must not abuse alcohol, drugs, or any other addicting or hallucinogenic substance. A good leader is sober, exhibits self-control in mind, body and spirit, is not greedy or selfish, does not think more highly of himself than he ought, and puts the needs of others above his own. If those in authority rule faithfully and righteously God will bless them and cause them to remain in leadership.

The king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established continuously. Proverbs 29:14 AMP

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save now, we beseech You, O Lord; send now prosperity, O Lord, we beseech You, and give to us success!  Psalms 118:24-25 AMP

No one, in their right mind, deliberately wants to be a failure. Every one wants rather to prosper and be a success. The one thing every one must recognize is that success in only one area is not true success. If you make a lot of money and lose your own integrity, have you truly succeeded? If you reach all your goals and lose your family, what have you truly gained? The first step toward prosperity and success is to recognize that it comes only from God, not us. No one can claim to be “self-made.” At the very least, there were other people along the way who helped you achieve your goals. How much more do we not all need the Lord to help us? Really, if it is not God who prospers us, we are not prosperous at all. Everything we have is His and comes from Him!

Ultimate prosperity – true success comes only when every area of your life is well and blessed: your spirit; your soul; your body; your marriage; your family; your relationships; your work; your finances. Ask God for your prosperity – look to the Lord for your success!

Therefore keep the words of this covenant and do them, that you may deal wisely and prosper in all that you do.  Deuteronomy 29:9 AMP

Obedience to God’s will and His word are what brings ultimate success and prosperity. God’s wisdom is the source of true prosperity.

Be strong (confident) and of good courage, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.  Joshua 1:6-8 AMP

Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. 2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. 3 And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].  Psalms 1:1-3 AMP

Joshua and David both learned the key to prosperity: keeping God’s word in their heart and mouth every day. They meditated in the word daily and it began to change them from the inside out. They became strong and bold as they received revelation from God’s word. They trusted more and more in God and His word. They did nothing without His help and guidance and God’s hand was upon them to succeed and prosper in everything that they did!

For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. 33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.  Proverbs 1:32-33 KJV

Prosperity destroys fools! They do not know how to handle it. They use their blessing to destroy themselves. They become arrogant; they become wasteful; they devalue relationships; they love money and use people; they trade in their current spouse for a new one; they believe that they don’t need anyone – even God!

In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider that God has made the one side by side with the other, so that man may not find out anything that shall be after him.  Ecclesiastes 7:14 AMP

Life is full of ups and downs. When you are walking in prosperity, it is important to remember to be grateful. Never take the blessing for granted. Always appreciate what you have right now – no matter how big or small. Tell God how much He means to you. Show Him how much you appreciate Him and His blessing on your life.

On the first [day] of each week, let each one of you [personally] put aside something and save it up as he has prospered [in proportion to what he is given], so that no collections will need to be taken after I come.  1 Corinthians 16:2 AMP

Give according to the increase. Every week, remember to set aside something, from the blessing and prosperity that has come in to you, to give back to God. As long as you give back to God out of what He has given you, you will remember that it is He who gives you the ability to get wealth and no one else (Deut 8:18) and as long as you continue to obey, serve, and acknowledge Him in your life – He will continue to prosper and increase you.

If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity and their years in pleasantness and joy.  Job 36:11 AMP

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Foundation Scriptures: Romans 8:1-9 AMP

Vs. 1 Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.

If we are in Christ Jesus—belonging to Him, and serving Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength—we walk free from any and all condemnation! No one can lay a charge against us! If anyone would lay a charge against us, it would for sure not be Jesus or our Father God.

Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect [when it is] God Who justifies [that is, Who puts us in right relation to Himself? Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen? Will God, Who acquits us?] 34 Who is there to condemn [us]? Will Christ Jesus (the Messiah), Who died, or rather Who was raised from the dead, Who is at the right hand of God actually pleading as He intercedes for us?  Romans 8:33-34 AMP

Who dares to bring a charge against God’s elect, when it is God who has justified them? Who dares accuse or impeach those God has chosen? Would God? Definitely not! Why would God accuse those He has acquitted? Would Jesus? Of course not! Jesus paid too high a price for our righteousness—His own life! Even now Jesus is interceding for us and pleading our case with the Father! The Father, Son and Holy Spirit love us and nothing can separate us from that love! We are justified and made righteous in God’s eyes. If condemnation comes, it’s going to come from the devil, the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10).

Vs. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.

There is a law of sin and death, but the child of God is freed from that law and can now walk in a higher law—the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus!

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.  Romans 6:23 AMP

When you sin, the wages you receive is death, but when you receive Jesus as you Lord and Savior, you receive the free gift of eternal life. You can’t pay for eternal life, neither can you earn it—Jesus paid for it in His blood—however, no matter who you are or what you’ve done, you can have it free if you will just give your life to Jesus.

Wait and listen, everyone who is thirsty! Come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Yes, come, buy [priceless, spiritual] wine and milk without money and without price [simply for the self-surrender that accepts the blessing].  Isaiah 55:1 AMP

There is no price tag that can be placed on Jesus’ blood or His mercy or His grace, therefore it is offered as a free gift—His life in exchange for yours. It is free when we surrender to Him; it is free when we trust Him with our life.

Vs. 3 For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] condemned sin in the flesh [subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice]

God did what absolutely no one else could do—stripped sin of its power over those who accept Jesus and believe in the price He paid.

Vs. 4 So that the righteous and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh but in the ways of the Spirit [our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit].
Vs. 5 For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit.

God has delivered us from sin and its power. Now we must choose to walk in this freedom and this righteousness. We must learn what pleases our Father and we must seek and pursue those things which please His Holy Spirit.

Vs. 6 Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever].
Vs. 7 [That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God’s Law; indeed it cannot.

It is your choice and your responsibility to renew your mind to the will, plan and purpose of God. If you do not train yourself in the Word of God and yield to the Holy Spirit’s leading, your mind, which is carnal or fleshly, will pull you back into walking in your old ways—from which you have been redeemed!

Vs. 8 So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him.
Vs. 9 But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you]. But if anyone does not possess the [Holy] Spirit of Christ, he is none of His [he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God].

Your flesh can never please God, but as you allow the Holy Spirit, who lives in you, to control and direct you, you will be truly pleasing to God and you will walk in the fullness of His grace, favor and blessing!

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

The Lord is good.

“You are good, and do good; Teach me Your statutes.” Psalms 119:68 NKJV

There are only two forces in the world – good and evil. These are complete opposites. There are attitudes and actions that fit in the “good” category and opposite
attitudes and actions that fit in the “evil” category. We are talking here about what it means to be good. God is good and everything He does is good. No one could ever accuse Him of not being good. God is constant and He is
consistent – He is never unpredictable or schizophrenic.
The qualities of “good” include justice and righteousness.

God is good to those who trust Him, follow Him and obey Him.

“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:25 NKJV

Those who sincerely seek God are the ones who will
experience His goodness.

“Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He teaches
sinners in the way. 9 The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.” Psalms 25:8-10 NKJV

God is good because He is upright and true. He leads us into righteousness and teaches us His way if we look to Him. Humble people are teachable and open to the guidance and instruction of the Lord. When we follow Him and walk in His way, then we will experience His mercy.

The Lord is good – He protects and provides for His own.

“God is jealous, and the Lord avenges; The Lord avenges and is furious. The Lord will take vengeance on His
adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies; 3 The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked. The Lord has His way In the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet. 4 He rebukes the sea and makes it dry, And dries up all the rivers. Bashan and Carmel wither, And the flower of Lebanon wilts. 5 The mountains quake before Him, The hills melt, And the earth heaves at His presence, Yes, the world and all who dwell in it. 6 Who can stand before His indignation? And who can endure the fierceness of His anger? His fury is poured out like fire, And the rocks are thrown down by Him. 7 The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. 8 But with an overflowing flood He will make an utter end of its place, And darkness will pursue His enemies.” Nahum 1:2-8 NKJV

The way God’s children and the devil’s children experience God and His power is completely different. God does not choose His enemies. You choose to be God’s friend or His enemy by submitting to Him or rebelling against Him. God is very protective over His faithful children. Those who are mean to them do it at their own peril – they make God their enemy. God reserves His wrath for His enemies! The Lord is slow to anger, but He is very powerful. You want to experience His power at work for you not against you! His enemies always come off second best – defeated and destroyed. However, God is a stronghold – a fortress and protection – for those who are His. He knows them and He will always come through for them.

“Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! 20 You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence From the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion From the strife of tongues. 21 Blessed be the Lord, For He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city!” Psalms 31:19-21 NKJV

Those who fear God will be protected in and by God’s
presence. God’s goodness and kindness protect us from the schemes, plots and nasty words of our enemies.

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! 9 Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. 10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” Psalms 34:8-10 NKJV

Those who trust the Lord will experience God’s goodness and will not go without any good thing. They will never
lack – even when their peers suffer lack. They will taste God’s goodness toward them.

“Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful
seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.”
Acts 14:17 NKJV

God shows His goodness by providing rain and abundant food, making us very happy!

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” Psalms 23:1-6 NKJV

When we look to the Lord and choose to always follow Him, He provides everything we could possibly need – peace, restoration, forgiveness and righteousness, freedom from the bondage of fear, deliverance, boldness, comfort, food and drink, favor, and His ever-present presence. Goodness and mercy will follow me ALL the days of my life!

No Matter what situation we find ourselves in with our colleagues or classmate we must choose to walk in love. Relationships is the place to practice the fruits of the Spirit. Do not be the cause for strife between colleagues or classmates but be a peacemaker the bible says blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.

I have been able to rely heavily on the Holy Spirit and He always comes through. When I was 5 months old, I know God marked my life. Being here now is a result of that. So I am overwhelmed by the goodness of God and He always reminds me of His faithfulness in my life. He is so awesome! This is just the beginning of many great things to come!