Some Christians doubt that God can use them, because they don't have any great talents or skills. However, God doesn't necessarily look to use people with great talent; He examines the heart (see 1 Samuel 16:7).

Paul wrote, in 1 Corinthians 1:26-27, Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

God often chooses to use lowly or seemingly foolish people so that He can show His greatness through them.

When you think you have it all together and have everything going in your favor, then you won't lean on God--you'll rely on your own strength. But if you know that you can't do something on your own, then you'll rely on God for strength--and that's when God can show His greatness.

Every single person has amazing potential to do great things for God. Regardless of your talents, you can do outstanding things for God. All God is looking for is people like David, who have a right heart that is open and available for God to work through.

If you find yourself broken and in obvious need of God's help, don't despair. God can use you anyway, because God is not necessarily looking for ability; He's looking for availability.

Most people have no trouble finding things to complain about: traffic is slow, gas is too expensive, the weather is bad, prices are too high. Yet in every single situation, that same person also has a lot to be thankful for: he can drive, has a car, has a shelter to be protected from the weather, and has the money to purchase necessary items.

Indeed, the Israelites knew that thanksgiving was so important that part of the official duty of the tribe of Levi was to thank God: They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord (1 Chronicles 23:30). They had heart of thankfulness and were instructed to be thankful regardless of what happened that day.

The psalmist wrote: Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name (Psalm 100:4). Notice that we can't even enter God's gates unless we're thankful.

It certainly is possible to live giving thanks to God the Father for everything (Ephesians 5:20), because thankfulness depends on what is in your heart, not what is in your hand.

St. Augustine, an influential Christian author of the fourth century A.D., wrote this: "Love God and do as you please." On the surface, that may seem like a license for sin-"As long as I love God, I can do anything I want, and God's okay with whatever I do."

  But Augustine seemed to realize that if you genuinely love God, then you will want to do what honors him most. Just as a married woman who loves her husband will want to make him look good, lift him up, and honor him, so also a person who loves God will want to glorify, magnify, and honor him. If you truly love God, then his Holy Spirit will transform you such that what pleases God will become what pleases you.

  Jesus, who is God, made this observation: "If you love me, you will obey what I command" (John 14:15). Similarly, the Apostle John wrote, "This is love for God: to obey his commands" (1 John 5:3). And finally, the Psalmist wrote, "I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly" (Psalm 119:167).

  When we love God, then we want to obey him; obeying him becomes a sign that we love him. Jesus linked love for God with obeying the commandments (i.e., with obeying God's law) in this way: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40).

If you love God, then his Holy Spirit, who dwells in you, will conform you-all of you, including your desires-into the image of his Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). In this way, what pleases you and what pleases God become one and the same such that if you love God, you can do whatever pleases you and God will be pleased.

Lecrae - (Rebel) 2008

"THIS ALBUM IS LIKE, SPIRITUAL REDBULL." -J. Emmanuel

Throw your old CD's away and get down with Lecrae in 2009. If your saved you need to hear this and if your not, well you too. Lecrae's Rebel album will definitely boost your spirit up and make you "Rebel" against sin this year. This album is like, spiritual Redbull. This is not a christian rap cd with no message. Lecrae's Rebel cd brings plenty of word, spirit and anointing, all on hot beats. So go purchase your copy today and be blessed. www.reachrecords.com

                                                                                                              -J.Emmanuel

There was a time in my life where things that were easy to do, suddenly became so hard. It's hard to understand how our fire for God can feel gone at times. Meanwhile, everyone around you seems to come back with another testimony. Then were forced to blend in with others and act like all is good, act like we're not dieing,or act like we don't need help.

We then are tormented by the question, "What if I don't Make It?" All the tears at night never feel like any weight has left and we're just to afraid to let anyone know who we are.

We pray, praise and worship....But we feel so fake. We know God is there but it's like we are not. What can we then do?

I asked myself that question for so long. But even though I felt like I was losing the fight, God made me realize that I was still in it. You see, God only asks us to fight the good fight, he's in charge of our victory. It's not if we fall, it's if we get up and hit back. The fact that everyday I would wake up and still want to be better and closer with God, That was the victory.

So let's not be afraid. Let us not doubt our salvation, but let us take up what is ours, Victory... 

                                                                                                                -J. Emmanuel