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THE POWER OF THE PENTECOST

Originally posted Apr 6, 2015

   For many Christians once Easter passes all thoughts of Holy days, fasting, consecration and ideas around spiritual breakthrough are packed up for the next eight months until Christmas. In doing this they lose a tremendous portion of the value Easter actually represents. After the slaying of Christ, the surrounding negative political and religious community was seemingly victorious in proving him to be a false prophet rather than the son of God because he was dead.This left the disciples cloaked in negative people, thoughts and words, questioning all of their work. 

Then something incredible happened, Christ not only rose from the grave but Over the next 40 days beginning with Easter, Christ spent time with the disciples, showing himself alive and teaching them. 

Ten days after his ascension on the day of Pentecost the disciples received the Holy Ghost and the power just as Christ promised. They are no longer disciples, but apostles who create disciples! They begin taking things to the next level. This has a major impact on the Christian faith.

What happens next?

Acts 5:12 states that after Jesus ascended the Apostles did many signs and wonders demonstrating their new power received after the day of Pentecost. Here are a few.

•  Peter who was once so weak and afraid that he denied Christ thrice, became so powerful that people carried bodies into the streets so that at least his shadow would fall upon them and they be healed. (Acts 5:15)

• Later we find that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched Paul were causing people to be completely healed.(Acts 19:11)

• By the ninth chapter of Acts not only have they created more disciples but they are making disciples of women and when one of them named Tabitha (Dorcas in the Greek) dies, Peter raises her from the dead! (Acts 9:36)

The Point?

In the 50 days after Easter the enemy would have us to sleep until Christmas so that you do not take the time to absorb knowledge and come into the fullness of your potential during that critical 50 days between Easter and the day of Pentecost.  The devil would prefer that you never acknowledge your place in the relationship with Christ as a Disciple who can become a power filled Apostle creating other disciples and accomplishing great things in this world.

 Consecrate:  50 days of Bible study with a particular focus on the book of Acts.

1. For the first two weeks fast from negative thoughts, words and people. Pay attention to the Holy Spirit.

2.  On day fifteen add to this a Daniels fast or a modified version. During this time Pray for others, a stronger relationship with God, courage and personal breakthroughs in your life where needed.

3.  During the last 10 days focus on a complete surrender to Gods will

L.D.King

[keepgod1stinc]

HAPPY FEBRUARY GOOD PEOPLE!!

Originally posted 23, Feb 2015

We are well into the New Year, and what a perfect time to reflect on the direction and progress toward our 2015 goals.

 I hope that you are still holding strong to those advancements. If not, let's use this time to take inventory, pray, and course correct. It is important to make sure that the goals we have prayerfully sought, are then measured to the Word. After all, as we make our plans, we would really want to invite God to direct our steps. (Proverbs 16:9).

 So how do you do that- one may ask?

 In this blog let's take a look at one of the most common goals that appeared on social media:

 Finance. Often, when discussing New Year's resolutions and finance, we hear themes like paying off of large bills, desires to save more money, desire to get out of debt, making of a large purchase, and the list goes on. This is a great start! For any goal, you want to begin by clearly thinking through your plans. Set aside time to envision what is your desired result. Is it practical? Timely? Once you have given thought to this, and see yourself at the finish line, now you are ready for the next stage.

Next is praying for that goal. More strategically, ask God if this is what he wants you focused on right now. Engage Him and ask for how you should go about it. Search the scriptures for insight to help strengthen your faith through confession and to renew your mind for that topic. In the Word we learn that Jesus died to leave us with one of the most powerful resources possible in that of the Holy Spirit. (John 16: 5-7).

 As you ask for guidance on what areas to focus on in your finances, involve the Holy Spirit as your personal guide. He will definitely answer and steer us in the right direction as we are open to listen and receive. "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come (John 16:13)" 

Next, it is important to write down your goals and plans to achieve them. Think of it as a blueprint or a map. In the world of finance this is called a budget.  "And the Lord answered me: 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it'" (Habakuk 2:2  ESV) 

As we can see above, It is critical for every home to operate with a purpose and therefore a written budget is not a want, but a requirement for a successful financial plan. As you write down your monthly obligations, be realistic. If you know that you like to do to go out for dinner once a week, budget it! Don't wait and have to be surprised when you are short on the light bill because of excursions with friends. Make sure to write down ALL of your bills, groceries, tithes and offering, transportation, entertainment, and don't forget savings. Once all bills are down, add all of your monthly income, and then subtract your obligations. This will give you an accurate picture of where you money goes.

 If your goal is paying off a credit card, you may need to sacrifice a lunch here or there to increase your monthly payment, and pay that card off faster. Along with this, put down an actual date and amount for each goal.

 For example you can write down "payoff XX by November 20xx". 

Working this plan and keeping it in front of your eyes will make it easy to "run" with and accomplish your set goals.   

For our final tip of the month

successful money habits should always include giving. The best analogy to use/borrow is that of a farmer. A farmer will spend lots of time planning out what crops are desired and gathering necessary supplies. But the single most important thing they do is to pair faith with action, and actually put seed into fertilized and good soil. For Christians this is really using our money and talents (among other things) to help further the fruit of the Kingdom.

 We are challenged by God to release at least 10% back to His work within the church. Being that God gave us the opportunity to have our needs met, this is nothing. When we give of our talents, resources, money, with an open heart, we actually ensure that we don't hold onto these things too tightly. We are free to keep our focus on the value of He that gave to us, and not the actual resource itself. God is so good that He even promises to honor our commitment with more blessings!!

 The point is this:

 “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" 

(2 Corinthians 9:6)

 So to recap starting off a strong financial plan: 

1. Vision what you want to accomplish. Seek God through prayer in this area. Then set  your goal

2. Write down your goal with specific time frames and practical steps of completion asking for help from the Holy Spirit  

3. Create a realistic budget including everything- it's better to overestimate and save the extra than to find yourself short

4. Run with it!!!! 

5. Review your plan often and make adjustments as needed  

B. Loved

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NEW YEAR - NEW MIND!!

Originally posted Jan 15, 2015

Recently I’ve been led to delve deeper into what it really means to keep God first. I’ve found myself seeking a depth in my relationship beyond the versus of the hymn Just A Closer Walk With Thee where the composer (name uncertain and argued )frets over internal weaknesses and seeks help with the external burdens of life. I found myself jealous of the opportunity the disciples had for a deep and meaningful friendship with Jesus. I want that closeness and am most moved by John 15:15 when Jesus refers to them as friends.

John 15:15King James Version (KJV)

15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Throughout the holiday season and the new year I’ve been contemplating the early years of the life of Christ. So often we make our relationship with Christ simply going to church. Of course going to church is good for our spiritual development and while it deepens our relationship with God it must not be mistaken for the relationship with God. Our walk with God should be deeper than our favorite spiritually intoxicating Sunday worship song, and more than a mystical prayer that we pull out when we are in need.

Imagine trying to build a close friendship with someone that you really loved but only spoke to once a week while in a crowded room. Imagine working to build a relationship with someone that only spoke to you when they were in need, or had a complaint. Picture how you would feel if you had a friend that always came to you with a wish list of things they wanted you to do. What if your friend was only your friend in spurts when he/she was devoted and interested in building the relationship but as soon as the relationship began to become closer the person forgot about you for days or weeks because they were too busy to spend time with you? This is often how we have a relationship with Jesus.

This month I encourage you to look at ways that you can grow deeper in your walk with God. See yourself as a friend of God. Seek him early in the morning and see what happens to your relationship with him.

Proverbs 8:17

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

Below the famous lyrics to the Hymn Just A Closer Walk with Thee are thought to be created by slaves prior to 1800 despite having been published by others in the mid and late 1800’s.

I am weak, but Thou art strong; Jesus, keep me from all wrong; I’ll be satisfied as long , As I walk, let me walk close to Thee. Refrain: Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea, Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be. Through this world of toil and snares ,If I falter, Lord, who cares? Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee. When my feeble life is o’er, Time for me will be no more; Guide me gently, safely o’er To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

L.D. King 

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ABOUT THAT STINKY BARN! OR THE DAY JESUS WAS BARN

Originally posted Dec 25, 2014

Isn’t the story of the birth of Christ beautiful, so sweet…and what a gorgeous starry night huh?Oh and wasn’t it nice how somebody let them use the barn to have the baby… or was it?

(Luke 2:1-20, KJV) Consider the reality of that night as if it were your own family, because it is. As children of God it should tick us off that business people were so serious about making money that your older brother ended up being born in a yucky barn. As people who truly understand the trinity we should be ticked off that God was made flesh then born in a barn. Sure he’s God and all, but folks have free will, they could have done better by the master than that. Don’t gloss over the cruelty it takes for a business person to send a laboring woman to a barn, surely the owner had a room where he/she slept where he could have allowed this woman to deliver a baby. If you owned an Inn and it was booked solid, would you send a pregnant woman to the barn?

Compassion is compassion regardless of the time frame. Imagine Mary inhaling poop and pea aromas while trying to deep breathe through contractions. Consider Joseph, the carpenter, trying to help his wife have a baby. Given the times, he may have seen animals born but that would not have made him feel any better about not having a midwife on hand. Shortly after the birth the baby gets a visit from three wise dudes (kings actually) that give his momma some spices and loot ( all of which would have been extremely valuable even in small amounts ). He then grows up as the oldest child of a " lowly carpenter". Was it really a lowly job? Wasn’t practically everything made of wood, clay or stone back then? Wouldn’t an expert tradesman be valuable and sought after? What are the chances that Joe and Mary were middle income rather than destitute the way some portray them or filthy rich as others would have us think?

I’ve simplified the story and purpose fully left out the political chaos that surrounded the birth of Christ and the fact that Mary and Joseph were basically on the run. It is my desire for readers to take the birth of Christ more personally than they have in the past. Labor and delivery is not cute and clean in a hospital in 2014, imagine what it looked like in a barn in B.C.!

Interestingly enough, that holiday season was a lot like current holiday seasons where money is the key note speaker at every event. Historians suggest that the reason the INN was full was because Jesus was born during one of the 7 Hebrew Holy festivals which would have drawn people from miles around to the major cities. Is it possible that the Inn keeper didn’t want to disturb other guests with a laboring woman? Was the Inn keeper just a meanie? Did the Inn keeper think more about money and his/ her facility than kindness? Is it possible that the treatment of our savior was all about money on that Christmas day the same way that people treat Christmas now? Yes children, the devil has not changed his take on Christmas since the day Jesus was born.

Luke 2:7

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

L.D. King

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HAPPY HOLIDAY

Originally posted Dec  16, 2014

As you may have heard, "Dinner Music" was the last KG1 Mixtape until further notice. Why?- you may ask. Great Question!! It is not for any other reason than obedience to the Holy Spirit. This year has been instrumental after all! The purpose of KG1 is to promote the gospel of Christ, and the mix tapes do this through music while supporting the individual artists that are called to this mission. In 2015, we look forward to unveiling Phase 2 of this vision which will include our podcasts, net series, and of course more of the blog ;). This sabbatical will give all a chance to enjoy the past 21 official mixes online, and more importantly, to go to the artists directly to PURCHASE and support their music. With this being the final project (for now) we couldn't help but pause on a positive note. Rest assured a lot of thought went into "Dinner Music". The line up was chosen with thought.

A lot of planning also goes into the Holidays at this time within our American society. Days off of work to spend time with loved ones. Moments to enjoy great food made with love by friends, family, and/or yourself. This is called fellow shipping. In the word there are 16 verses that speak to breaking bread, and 68 verses on fellowship and sharing time with one another.

"And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts," -Acts 2:46

Even in the bible, people took time out to eat food together and enjoy themselves.

As I advance in years I am aware of how much we go through to make these holidays just right. Really its to ensure our guests are comfortable. In my home, winter family dinners come with an ambiance. For Christmas we invite guests with delicious beverages (try this: fruit punch mixed with sparkling water and lemonade- a crowd hit), decorative mini buffet for appetizers, and music to match. A lighted tree and warm fireplace knock the chill off of the cold exterior. If you are like me, I LOVE the opportunity to really set the mood for company. To share stories, watch movies, and create memories. If you do not currently invite friends over and share in your blessing, I encourage you to do so. Being blessed is great but it is even better to be a blessing! That is where you can truly experience God's love.

If you do currently share your blessings (home, holidays, meal), I challenge you to also do this for yourself. The bible instructs us to encourage and edify each other, but it ALSO commands us to edify ourselves while doing that. (1 Thessalonians 5:11). So with Christmas and New Years around the corner, bring out your nice dishes....make your favorite meals...and enjoy the sounds of Dinner Music as you treat others (and yourself) to a blessed time of fellowship.

Happy Holiday

　

B. Loved

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BATTLE ARMOR!!

Originally posted Nov 18, 2014

Want to give a shout out to all of those veterans and military personnel that gave their lives, freedom, and personal wants to protect others. Your sacrifice is appreciated!!!

Readers, I challenge you to take a close look on the lives of these men. Just a glimpse will increase our gratitude to all they do. For example, look at how much these soldiers endure before reaching the actual battle field. No matter what branch of service, each will embark on a very stringent and vigorous training, spanning months. Their minds and emotions will be challenged. Their physical ability and determination will be tested to the limits. Even their sense of self worth will be compared to the greater value of a team. During training, higher ranked officials make sure to leave "no stone unturned". Interestingly enough, all of this pain happens under the confines of safety. Training occurs with very watchful officers to make sure that while being fine tuned, no man/woman is pushed beyond the bearable. From what I have learned, one thing a soldier must have to successfully pass these series of tests, is a sure fire confidence. They must know more than anything that they will win and as they are strengthened, they will be able to execute better than the day before. This is the type of mindset we should try to adopt. As believers, we need to have a confidence that we can do all things through Christ who strengthened us. (Phill 4:13) This way of thinking can help us as we face our battles within the world. But as the soldiers do, we must not wait until a war is at hand. Instead we are to study and practice daily so that we are better today than yesterday. (Tim 2:15) This is called renewing your mind.

Post boot camp, soldiers found themselves being deployed to "foreign worlds" to defend that which they value. They are to travel with uniforms and accompanied fighting gear. Those soldiers of medieval times wore iron plates, shoes, helmets, and carried shields and swords. Today those enforcers may wear bullet proof vests, combat boots, and carry firearms. Now as Christians, we too fight battles everyday. We don't fight against people per say but we fight against the evil wiles of the devil. (Eph 6:12) Like any other serious fighter, we must also have the proper attire and weapons. Ours are comprised of a belt of truth, garment of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit/word. (Eph 6:14-17)

This month lets do more than just adore these soldiers, men and women of uniform. Let's learn of their sacrifice and listen to their stories. And more than that, let's learn how to be as courageous. Become as disciplined. Live life as purposeful with the knowledge that we can and will win in the battle of life. B. Loved

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FAITH OVER FEAR!!

Originally posted Oct 15, 2014

  For many this is the month to "turn up" as youth say. One where you can indulge in delectable chocolates and candy. Where you can party with no inhibitions well into the night. One where you and kids you know dress up and mask themselves as their favorite characters, or the scariest being they can imagine. A time for a trick or a treat. Usually TV networks show images of full moons this month with werewolves, and red skies full of vampires. This October is Very unique however. This year, there was one night, if you were awake,where you could have witnessed a real "Blood Moon" and it's not the 31st.

 On October 7-8, 2014 the second of a series of four lunar eclipses took place and NO it was not a hoax. This was for real!!! Each occurrence is separated by 6 full moons. History records that from the 17th-19th century, there were no events of blood moons but between 2010-2100, there will be 8. What does this have to do with anything you may ask? To astronomers this is a phenomena to be studied. Something that has not happened frequently and poses many unanswered questions.  As a Christian and believer, we must look first in the Word for that understanding. The bible actually speaks of the Blood Moon. In Joel 2:30-31 it references that the sun will darken and moon will turn to blood before the coming of the Lord. In Revelations (6:12), John describes the images of the vision he saw "...the whole moon turned blood red...". These were clues or indications left for us. Not that we may be in fear, but to know that Jesus will be returning. No, we don't know the year, day, nor hour, but we do know that it will happen.

 This is why it is so important that we really strive to put God first. That we study and emulate the life of Christ.That we not only believe and have faith, but that we also put that faith into action everyday (James 2:14-26). We are never to fear but instead to have faith. Scholars have pointed out that the bible references fear in some form over 500 times. There are times when the reference is to " fear God alone" meaning give him reverence. In other instances the reference is to a specific form of fear from being afraid, worrying, being anxious etc. with the bottom line meaning one thing. If you fear God alone you are fearless regarding everything else. Envision yourself as an empty glass that needs to be full and understand that you can be faithful or fearful but you cannot be both. So this October, instead of thinking of the ghouls and goblins, think on things that are above. Keeping in mind that a time will come for us to really rejoice in The Lord Always....and forever.

B. Loved & L.D. King

[keepgod1stinc]

SEPTEMBER SURVIVAL KIT

Originally posted Sep 7, 2014

In looking at the news it's easy to see that the world we live in is not as it used to be. The seasons are changing drastically and natural disasters are happening in places they never have before. My mother always told me that "you can't control what happens, but you can control how you respond" and I completely agree!! Storms will come and we cannot help that, but if we are smart, we CAN prepare ahead of time. If we look at even the smallest of creatures that can be seen by the natural eye...the ant...we can see that they are in a constant state of readiness (Proverb 6:6-8). So let's make it clear, not talking about hoarding, just preparing.

This month I want to share an example of a basic emergency kit. I would recommend one for the car, and one for the house. Quantity will vary depending on the size of your family.

-Have an exit plan and emergency contact info accessible -Gallon of water per person for house and 2 bottles of water per person in the car -food with a longer shelf life: granola bars, crackers, nuts, raisins, jerky. -medical supplies: band aids, antiseptic wipes, Tylenol, gauze and tape, syringe & hand sanitizer    -other supplies: pocket knife, matches or lighter in a plastic bag, tarp, toiletries, toilet paper roll, copies of identification, $100 min in a plastic bag -A warm pair of clothes in the car and an extra pair of socks with walking shoes -Make sure to always have at least 1/2 tank of gas at all times -Maintain a credit card with a zero balance in case you need to relocate quickly

While careful preparation can help your family adjust after an earthquake, hurricane, or storm, it is more important to solidify yourself spiritually (Math 24:44).

-Accept Jesus as your Lord -Engage the Holy Spirit as your GPS to the map of life -Repent and confess your sins one to another -Pray over yourself and your family daily. Thanking God that no harm will come near your dwelling -Know that the "seeds" you sow today will be the fruit you reap later -Love your neighbor as you love yourself -Renew your mind by studying the word

As you do this, make sure to have fun!! It's almost like a treasure hunt waiting to happen. Enjoy your process and happy hunting!

B. Loved