Tag: faith

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I Forgive You

Good morning, everyone. This is Pastor S. Geoffrey Monts, and today I want to talk about something that’s been weighing on my heart—forgiveness. It’s a subject that often comes with a lot of pain and misunderstanding, but it’s also a path to immense healing and spiritual growth.

Personal Reflection

Recently, my wife and I celebrated 22 years of marriage with a quick weekend trip to Connecticut. We spent time with my mom, helped her with some things around the house, and even attended a Janet Jackson concert—a childhood dream of mine. During this trip, we had some deep conversations, which is one of the things I cherish most about traveling with my wife. We can disconnect from daily life and really talk about our dreams, desires, and even our issues.

In one of our discussions, I opened up about a family member who had broken my heart. I realized I had been holding onto resentment for this person for over ten years, not because they did something to me directly, but because they hurt someone I love. This revelation hit me hard. Here I was, praying, preaching, and living my life, all the while holding onto this grudge.

The Lesson from Mark 11

This brings me to Mark 11:20-26. As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the root up. Being reminded, Peter said to Him, “Rabbi, look, the fig tree that You cursed has withered.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted to him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted to you. Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.”

Jesus and His disciples were walking when Peter noticed the fig tree Jesus had cursed earlier was now withered. This scene is powerful. Jesus used the fig tree to teach about faith and the power of our words. He emphasized that when we pray, we must forgive if we have anything against anyone. Holding onto unforgiveness blocks our blessings and keeps us from living the full life God intends for us.

The Power of Words

There’s a scripture that says, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21). What we say matters. When we declare that we will never forgive someone, we are essentially cursing our own lives. Just as Jesus’ words caused the fig tree to wither, our words can cause spiritual withering in our own lives.

I had to confront this truth myself. For years, I let resentment towards a family member block the blessings God had for me. My wife suggested I write a letter to this person, but I realized the blockage was within me, not them. They didn’t even know I held a grudge. I had to release that resentment to receive God’s fullness.

Living in Prosperity

God wants us to live prosperous lives, not just financially, but in health, relationships, and overall well-being. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” To step into this prosperous life, we must let go of unforgiveness.

Ephesians 4:32 tells us, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Forgiveness is a reflection of God’s grace towards us. When we forgive, we align ourselves with God’s will and open the door for His blessings to flow into our lives.

Final Thought

Forgiveness is not for the person who hurt you; it’s for you. It’s the key that unlocks the door to spiritual freedom and abundant life. Take inventory of your heart. Release any lingering resentment. Embrace forgiveness and experience the fullness of God’s blessings.

Scripture References:

  • Mark 11:20-26 – “As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the root up. Being reminded, Peter said to Him, ‘Rabbi, look, the fig tree that You cursed has withered.’ And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be taken up and cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted to him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted to you. Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.’”
  • Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
  • Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”
  • Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

Let’s embrace the power of forgiveness and live the abundant life that God has promised us.

Blessings, Pastor S. Geoffrey Monts

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Good morning, Good Morning, Good Morning!

Welcome to another enriching session of Morning Meditation for Men. This is Pastor S. Geoffrey Monts, and I am thrilled to dive deep into God’s Word with you today. Grab your cup of coffee, grab your device, and let’s get into this word! Today, we will uncover the surface-level blessings and the deeper divine promise that God extends to each of us.

Starting the Day with Gratitude and Joy

As I woke up this morning, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It’s a beautiful day, and I hope you’re experiencing the same joy and peace. Sometimes, we need to remind ourselves of the simple truth that God is in control and He is in the midst of everything we face. No matter how challenging life gets, there’s always a reason to rejoice because God’s promises never fail.

Exploring Psalm 91: A Song in Four-Part Harmony

Psalm 91 is a powerful chapter that speaks directly to our hearts, offering reassurance and hope. We’ve been exploring this Psalm in a series, and today, we’re bringing it all together. Let’s break down this Psalm into four key notes: Position, Protection, Provision, and Power, and then unveil the fifth note, God’s Divine Promise.

1. Position: He Who Dwells in the Secret Place

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). The first note is about positioning ourselves in God’s presence. To dwell means to live, to stay permanently. It’s about making a conscious decision to live in God’s presence daily. When we do this, we are assured of His constant companionship and guidance.

2. Protection: Under His Wings You Will Find Refuge

In verse 4, we read, “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge.” This imagery of God covering us with His feathers is a beautiful picture of protection. Just as a mother bird shields her young from danger, God offers us His divine protection. He is our safe haven, our fortress in times of trouble.

3. Provision: No Harm Will Overtake You

Verse 10 states, “No harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.” Here, God promises His provision. In every situation, He is there to provide for our needs. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual, God’s provision is comprehensive. He takes care of us in ways we can’t even imagine.

4. Power: Treading Upon Lions and Serpents

“You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent” (Psalm 91:13). This verse speaks of the power God gives us. The ability to tread upon lions and serpents signifies overcoming formidable challenges and adversaries. God empowers us to face and conquer our fears and obstacles with His strength.

The Divine Promise: God’s Personal Assurance

While the four notes of position, protection, provision, and power are incredibly reassuring, Psalm 91 offers something even more profound. In verse 15, God Himself steps into the narrative, declaring, “He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.” This is God’s divine promise. It’s personal, direct, and incredibly comforting.

Breaking Down the Divine Promise

  1. He Will Answer: When we call upon God, He promises to answer. Have you ever felt like there’s no one to turn to? In those moments, calling out to God and knowing He hears and responds is a profound comfort.
  2. He Will Be With Us: Not only does God promise to answer, but He also promises His presence in our troubles. It’s like a big brother coming to our rescue. He steps in and stands by us, no matter the circumstances.
  3. He Will Deliver Us: God’s deliverance is powerful. It means He will rescue us from our troubles and challenges. Whatever binds us, He has the power to set us free.
  4. He Will Honor Us: God doesn’t just deliver us; He elevates us. When He lifts us up, we no longer look like what we’ve been through. He restores our dignity and honor.
  5. With Long Life Will He Satisfy Us: God promises us a fulfilling life. Even when we feel like giving up, He assures us of His salvation and satisfaction.

Scriptural Reinforcements of God’s Promises

The Bible is filled with verses that reinforce God’s promises. Here are a few that resonate with Psalm 91:

  • Isaiah 43:2-3: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
  • John 14:1-3: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
  • Zephaniah 3:17: “The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exalt over you with joy, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.”
  • 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
  • Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Final Thoughts: Embracing God’s Promise

Brothers, as we reflect on Psalm 91, let’s embrace the fullness of God’s promise. Position yourselves in His presence, trust in His protection, rely on His provision, walk in His power, and hold on to His divine promise. God has assured us that He will be with us, answer us, deliver us, honor us, and give us a long, satisfying life.

In moments of doubt and difficulty, remember His words: “Call upon Me, and I will answer you.” Let these promises be your anchor and strength.

Join Us for the 2024 Marriage After the Wedding Retreat

I want to extend an invitation to the 2024 Marriage After the Wedding Retreat. This event, held from November 8th to 11th in sunny Orlando, Florida, is designed for couples looking to deepen their connection and strengthen their relationship. It’s a chance to invest in your marriage and faith through heartfelt fellowship, inspiring discussions, and a focus on God’s Word. For more information, contact Coretta Monts at 804-938-1919 or email coretta.monts@gmail.com. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today.

Let’s Pray:

Father, we come before you with grateful hearts. We thank You for Your positioning, protection, provision, power, and above all, Your divine promise. Lord, we call upon You today, trusting that You will answer, be with us, deliver us, and honor us. Help us to walk in the fullness of Your promise and to live lives that glorify You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Thank you for joining me this morning. Stay blessed, stay focused, and remember, with long life, He will satisfy you and show you His salvation.

Peace, I’m Outta Here!

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Psalm 91 part 5

Good morning, good morning, good morning. This is the impact, man, and you know what time it is. It’s time to rise and grind. So go ahead, grab your cup of coffee, grab your device, and let’s get into this word. All right, we are in Psalm 91, Psalm 91.

In today’s episode of Morning Meditation for Men, Pastor S. Geoffrey Monts dives into Psalm 91, with a special focus on verse 13: “Thou shalt tread upon the lion and the adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample underfoot.” This verse symbolizes the authority and power that God grants to those who are in Christ.

Key Insights:

  1. Positioning: The first note of the four-part harmony found in Psalm 91 is positioning. You need to be in the right place for God to use you effectively. Once you’re in the right position, things will fall into place.
  2. Protection: The second note emphasizes God’s promise of protection. When you’re in His arms, no evil shall befall you. This was beautifully illustrated by the song “I’m in the Safety of His Arms” by Lucretia Campbell.
  3. Provision: The third note highlights God’s provision. He takes care of His own. As Psalm 37:25 states, “I have been young and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”
  4. Power: The fourth and final note is power. Psalm 91:13 shows that we have authority over our challenges and adversities. This power is grounded in our faith and our relationship with Christ.

The Power of Words:

Proverbs 18:21 tells us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” What we speak has the power to shape our reality. Speaking life and positivity aligns with God’s word and manifests His promises in our lives.

Spiritual Authority:

Luke 10:19 assures us of the authority given to us: “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” This aligns with the promise in Isaiah 54:17 that “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.” When we submit to God and resist the devil, as instructed in James 4:7, the enemy will flee from us.

Living in Power:

1 John 4:4 reminds us that “Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.” By tapping into the Holy Spirit within us, we can walk in the power and authority that God has given us. We are not alone; we are protected, provided for, and empowered by God.

Call to Action:

Pastor Monts encourages listeners to exercise their authority in Jesus’ name and submit their lives fully to God. Through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can stand firm against the enemy and walk in the power and purpose God has for us.

Prayer:

Father, we honor you today. We magnify and glorify you for all that you have done and are doing in our lives. Help us to step into the authority you have given us, to submit our lives to you, and to stand firm in your word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Biblical Scriptures Referenced:

  • Psalm 91:13
  • Proverbs 18:21
  • Psalm 37:25
  • Luke 10:19
  • Isaiah 54:17
  • James 4:7
  • 1 John 4:4
  • Jeremiah 29:11
  • Romans 10:9

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