Minimize What's Behind You & MAGNIFY WHAT IS BEFORE YOU…

Today you entertain yours and yourself. Who are you saving your social skills for? If you're living life in solitary confinement, something is wrong!!! Are you in love or in need of love? How do you know? If you do not value yours and yourselves existence and presence, you are in need and not in love...

NEVER GIVE YOUR PAST MORE THAN YOU GIVE YOUR NOW. If you give your past more than you give your now, your future will be dark. Now let's talk about this four letter word LOVE. When you give it to someone who is WORTHY, it will come back, GOOD MEASURE, PRESSED DOWN, SHAKEN TOGETHER and RUNNING OVER!

The song by William McDowell, "I Give Myself Away," is by someone who has given themselves away--Love is not love until you have given yourself away. When you invest love in an empty opportunist, it will create pain that makes the soul sick and the mind cripple.

Who can restore what they've taken from you and OUT OF YOU?? Not only did they take from you, but they took something OUT OF YOU. Who can restore what they have taken, but God?? He's the only person who can give it back. Why don't you let Him... why don't you let Him?

Your PASSION for LIFE will take you FORWARD!!! Stop living just for others. Today it's you and yours! EVERYDAY SHOULD HAVE A THEME...

This has been a PowerShift Moment by Michael Bates

(for more, join me on Facebook @ michael a bates sr and also calvary christian center stl)

Who Offended You: And Stopped You from Receiving Your Miracles?

Dear Partner:


Holding on to offenses stops many Christians from receiving miracles and breakthroughs in their lives. The first step in dealing with offenses committed against you is to learn how to deal with the offenses you have committed. Married and single people, young and old people, pastors and bill collectors-no one is exempt from offenses.

I really prayed about this and I believe God definitely wanted me to write and teach about offenses to help set a lot of people free. The world is full of too many Christians and non-Christians who pull away from jobs, churches, families, marriages, and relationships because it is easier to walk away than it is to talk about their offenses and work things out.

For Christians, breakthroughs are not just going to happen because you want some changes in your life. You've got to start doing something different than what you've been used to doing. I am going to show you how to have success and give you some key points in this area.

After hearing this message, your life will never be the same again. This is going to be one of the greatest breakthroughs that has ever happened to you in your life, and you won't be able to afford to miss what the voice of God has spoken to me on this subject. Some of you are at home now because somebody offended you, and you'd rather stay home watching the television minister than go and get involved in a church. Someone offended you in the past and you don't want to be involved with anyone else because you're afraid that they might get you upset. You would rather stay at home and watch church on television and stay in your own comfort zone so that you don't have to deal with other people.

Yet, people can be one of the greatest pleasures of our lives and we are told to love one another as we love ourselves. Let's get back to God, have our hearts renewed and learn to forgive and reach out to our brothers and sisters-offenses and resentments, be gone! And joy and love, here we come! We've got to get down to some nitty-gritty, nuts-and-bolts ideas because people locked up by offenses and resentments are unable to experience the breakthroughs that God has in store for them. May God bless you and keep you.

Sincerely,

Bishop Michael A. Bates

HONORING GOD'S SERVANT

Now that you understand the importance of sowing seed, it is imperative that you leverage this principle for maximum results in your life. One area where you should target your seed is into the life of God's servant-your pastor. Some resist this because they do not value the spiritual role that God's servant plays in their lives. The Bible is clear that those who lead churches and serve in ministry capacities are His servants. And they are His gift to you: "And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding" (Jeremiah 3:15 NLT).
When someone, or something, has been given to you, how you treat that gift will send a signal to the giver about your gratitude. Society has sown seeds of doubt about those who serve in pastoral roles and distorted the good work that they have done because of a few bad examples. However, you should not throw the baby out with the bath water. Honoring God's servants is very much biblical and Maximizer's are not intimidated to go against the grain and obey God: "Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain. And in another place, Those who work deserve their pay" (Timothy 5:17-18 NLT).
Those who faithfully serve God and God's people are more than entitled to have those whom they teach give into their lives. Our reading for today supports this. God has no problem with His servants being blessed. And the people whose lives are positively impacted by their ministry should show that gratitude to God by honoring His servants.
An often-quoted Scripture has not been given its full context and,as a result, Believers have missed the powerful principle behind it: "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19 NKJ). Many quote this and expect to see the manifestation of it in their lives. However, this verse was targeted at Believers who honored God's servant enough to provide for his financial support: "But it was right and commendable and noble of you to contribute for my needs and to share my difficulties with me. And you Philippians yourselves well know that in the early days of the Gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church (assembly) entered into partnership with me and opened up [a debit and credit] account in giving and receiving except you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent [me contributions] for my needs, not only once but a second time" (Philippians 4:14-16 AMP).

Paul commended the Philippians for their generosity in supporting him financially. And, because they had obeyed God, Paul was assured that God would provide for all their need. In like manner, because you believe in seed faith giving , when you give to support God's servant, you can expect God to supply all your need! This is not just financial need but all your needs! Giving to support God's servants is a way that God uses to meet your need!
Paul was not manipulating them! He was very clear that there was a principle at work: "I am not trying to get something from you, but I want you to receive the blessings that come from giving" (Philippians 4:17 CEV). Look at that verse in another translation: "Not that I seek or am eager for [your] gift, but I do seek and am eager for the fruit which increases to your credit [the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account]" (AMP). God will give you a first-class lifestyle as you support God's servant! It will be supernatural because God gets involved.
It was protocol in the Old Testament that, when a person approached God's servant, he brought a gift. When Saul's donkeys were lost and they could not find them, Saul and his servant sought for God's servant to help them; "Wait! the servant answered. There's a man of God who lives in a town near here. He's amazing! Everything he says comes true. Let's talk to him. Maybe he can tell us where to look. Saul said, How can we talk to the prophet when I don't have anything to give him? We don't even have any bread left in our sacks. What can we give him? I have a small piece of silver, the servant answered. We can give him that, and then he will tell us where to look for the donkeys" (1 Samuel 9:6-8 CEV).
If you grasp this revelation (understanding) of honoring God's servant, you will accelerate your Maximized Life Journey. Honoring God's servant means to give fitting and due respect by remembering that servants of God are called by God and commissioned by God; thus, they are serving vital spiritual role in your life. You should never become common with a servant of God to the point that you devalue the role that God has that person play in your life: "Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church; the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12 NLT).
Fitting and due recognition is given when you formally honor God's servant. Some churches dedicate a Sunday per year to allow the people an opportunity to recognize the work of God's servant. It is right that God's servant who labors faithfully be recognized. So much is said negatively against preachers. Those who are doing what God has called them to do should be recognized and honored.
You have fitting and due resources by dedicating monetary gifts for God's servants. This may be a formal gift given during times of recognition. Or it may be as God moves on your heart to give at a specific time. Some churches even allow the members to give to God's servant through the Sunday offering envelopes. Whatever the method, it is right to give fitting and due resources to God's servant.
Honor given to God's servant is matter of divine calling, compensation, and care. As you have seen, God calls His servant to perform the work that they do. He also has set the compensation for His servant: " No soldier ever serves in the army and pays his own salary. No one ever plants a vineyard without eating some of the grapes. NO person takes care of a flock without drinking some of the milk. I do not say this by human authority; God's law also says the same thing. It is written in the law of Moses: When an ox is working in the grain, do not cover its mouth to keep it from eating. When God said this, was he thinking only about oxen? No. He was really talking about us. Yes, that Scripture was written for us, because it goes on to say: "The one who plows and the one who works in the grain should hope to get some of the grain for their work. Since we planted spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we should harvest material things" ( 1 Corinthians 9:7-11 NCV)? And God has set the standard of care.
Having honored God's servant, you can have a justifiable expectation that manifested grace will be on your life. Paul told the Philippians, "They were partakers of his grace" (Philippians 1:7). Every victory that Paul won, every soul that was save through Paul's ministry, every witness Paul gave of the Gospel, they were participants in it. And Paul knew that they could win in every situation because they functioned in the same grace that was on his God's servants; take advantage of this!
You, as a Maximizer, will give to God's servant because it pleases God. The objections of others who do not understand will not detour you. And when you make a natural decision to do something in your life and with your life that glorifies God, you trigger the supernatural power grace of God to bring it to pass. You will never regret your decision to honor God's servants.

Maximized Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift that You gave to me in my pastor! I will give to Your servant due and fitting respect, recognition, and resources so that I will live a first-class lifestyle. In Jesus name, Amen.

Maximizing Moments:
Write down all the blessings you have received from the ministry in which you are set.

Write down the messages that you have heard that have given you new understanding and strength to make it.

Do something today to honor the servant that God has placed in your life.

Maximizing Mantra:
My pastor is God's gift to me!

SEED FAITH GIVING

Now that you have a revelation (understanding) of tithing, it's time to talk about offerings. "What? You mean God wants more of my money?" Well, let's clarify some things. First, the tithe belongs to God! It is not yours. Thus, having paid your tithe, you have only returned to God what belongs to Him. When you withhold it, God calls it stealing. The tithe is the minimum commitment of the Believer. It is minimum obedience. God told the Israelites that they were robbing Him in tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:8)! God expects His children to bring Him offerings!

If you want to live a supernatural life, you must pay your tithes and give offerings. A supernatural life is an extraordinary, exceptional lifestyle that the Believer lives as a result of following biblical principles. So what is Seed Faith Giving? It is an international investment based on a godly principle that can handle an existing need, a future need, or desire. Seed Faith Giving is the plan of God to take you to that place of supernatural abundance and favor: "Knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free" (Ephesians 6:8 NKJ).

So when you make a commitment to make something happen for someone else, God gets involved. Whenever God gets involved, it's supernatural. When you target your giving intentionally and start to make things happen for others, God gets involved to make the same thing happen for you. When you live this type of giving, you will walk in whole life prosperity-every area of your life will be blessed. When you give, you cannot see it as money going into a bank: " For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God make, they can clearly see his invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God" (Romans 1:20 NLT). God uses the the natural things that you can see to explain-make understandable to you-His invisible ways. So, in order for you to understand what is happening when you give over and above your tithe, that is giving offerings, you are sowing seed.

Now you see the results of sowing seed all around you. From the fruit you eat to the grass you walk on, it all came about because of seed sown in the soil. In like manner, you must see your giving of offerings as a seed into the soil; and it must produce a harvest. If you can understand the seed principle in nature, you will understand how your giving will work: "Remember this- a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully"

(2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NLT). Your giving is like a farmer sowing seed.

And, if you give (sow) sparingly, you will reap sparingly.

Here are some general understanding of sowing seed:

• A seed looks nothing like what it can become. But it is preprogrammed to produce. When the seed is planted, its programming is activated to produce a harvest.


• You will always reap in a greater measure than you sow.


• You will always reap later than when you sow. It will take some time, but it works! It must come to pass. All of heaven's integrity is depending on it.


• There cannot be a harvest without a sowing. You determine in advance the size of your harvest based on what you sow.

Your giving supernaturally impacts more than the offering plate. It's not about just paying bills at the church. It sets into motion blessings-supernatural blessings-coming towards you: "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJ).

Grace (favor) is the willingness of others to use their power, ability, and influence to help you! When you sow your seed, God puts you on someon's mind for them to help you. Something happens when you release money out of your hand, It leaves your hand, but it never leaves your life.

Look at one situation in Scripture where God gets involved based on offerings: " Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years. Then I will draw near to you for judgement. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the LORD of hosts" (Malachi 3:4-5 ESV). In this prophetic Scripture, God says He will get involved on the basis of His children's offerings.

You can sow a seed for God to get involved in negative situations against you! God will show up quickly on your behalf and judge the situation. Whether it is someone using manipulation against you, someone encroaching on your marriage, someone lying on you, someone withholding wages from you, or someone taking advantage of you because you are in a vulnerable position, God will judge it in your favor! And your seed faith giving will make it work.

Now, up to this point, you have seen the seed explained. It becomes seed faith giving when you stand in faith for the preprogrammed harvest based on the seed you have sown. When you target your giving towards a biblical promise and you continue to confess that promise over what you have sown, it will produce in your life. Over the next couple of days, you will see specific examples of how seed faith giving works.

People who are not spiritually minded will challenge this type of giving. But not you! You understand that God wants to maximize every part of your life and that includes your money! Begin to live by your giving and you will experience a level of supernatural living that your never thought was possible (Proverbs 10: 22; Deuteronomy 8:18; Mark 10:30).

Maximized Prayer:

Father, I an not afraid to give! I push past all resistance to seed faith giving. My offering invite You to get involved in my situation! I rejoice in Your plan to bring me into a supernatural lifestyle. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Maximizing Moments:

What kind of giver are you? Do you intentionally and regularly give over and over and above your tithe? Do you target your giving towards certain promises?

What are reasons that have kept you from sowing seed regularly?

What situations are you facing that you need God to judge? Today set apart a seed for that need (make certain, when the next opportunity comes to give, you will sow the seed). Then stand in faith that it is done!

Maximizing Mantra:

What I make happen for others, God makes happen for me!

Here is Abram, with no Bible at all, honoring God with the tithe! He understood that honoring God with the tithe would bring him blessings. The principle of tithing was also practiced by Jacob in Genesis 28:22.
As time went on, Israel needed to be reminded of this fundamental spiritual truth about the tithe. So, 430 years later, the tithe was included in the law: "And all tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord"s; it is holy to the Lord" ( Leviticus 27:30 AMP). God included tithing in the law because He wanted to keep the justifiable right to bless Israel. Without the tithe, He could not because tithing is a law in and of itself. And it works for anyone who works it. Once tithing was codified in the law, Israel faithfully did it. And those who are faithful Jews have continued it.
The New Testament Church, which was founded by faithful Jews, assumed (in principle) the law of the tithe. Jesus, Himself, affirmed that the tithe did not pass away with the law. "What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law- justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things" (Matthew 23:23 NLT). If the tithe were not applicable for today, this would have been the ideal time for Jesus to renounce it. But, because Jesus wants His people blessed, He could not revoke the law of the tithe! In fact, the New Testament even goes further to explain the significance of the tithe.
In the Book of Hebrews, the writer revisits the exchange between Abram (Abraham) and Melchizedek. He affirms the spiritual nature of their exchange: "But Melchizedek, who was not a descendant of Levi collected a tenth from Abraham. And Melchizedek placed a blessing is greater than the one who is blessed. The priests who collect tithes are men who die, so Melchizedek is greater than they are, because we are told that he lives on" (Hebrews 7:6-8 ESV). There is always an exchange that take place when the tithe is paid. While you pay your tithes here on earth, Jesus is in heave receiving them and placing them on the heavenly altar.
Your tithe provides ample provisions for the work of God. As you pay your tithes, you ensure that the place from which you hear the Word of God (local church) is able to continue promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When you arrived at your local church, there were ample provisions for others to come and receive the Word of God. When a church has more, it can do more. Each church needs sufficient resources to carry out its mission. You should rejoice as you pay your tithes that there is an abundance of resources for God's work to continue. You honor God with your tithe! You demonstrate to God that you acknowledge He has given you everything you have and you will be obedient in giving Him what belongs to Him. The tithe represents the minimum financial commitment the Believer has to God.
And when you pay your tithes to God in your local church, a spiritual exchange takes place. You give your natural and Heaven releases the supernatural blessing over your life: "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test" (Malachi 3:10 NLT). When the windows are open over your life, you will receive divine opportunities and insight. Most people miss the fact the blessing from tithing is not money, that if they give God $100, He will give them $1000. God has promised more than money. He will pour out divine opportunities in abundance so that you will not be able to take advantage of them all. Further, God promises to protect the increase that He gives you (Malachi 3:11).
A divine opportunity is an arrangement of favorable situations, which seeks your participation and whose future return should far outweigh the present investment. You will increase to the degree that you recognize and respond to opportunities. Opportunity does not knock but stands
silently by disguised as a problem and normally goes unnoticed because initially it looks like an unfair exchange. As a tither, you should expect opportunities and respond appropriately to them. As you do, you will increase financially.
Maximum give tithe and have justifiable expectations that God has opened the windows of Heaven over their lives. A Maximizer will never rob God. You should pray for blessings and release faith for the promises because you are a tither. You are prequalified for them. (Continue to follow the strategies that you learned on Days 22 and 23).

Maximized Prayer:

Father, I choose to participate in your plan to bless my life. I will pay my tithes consistently so that Your work can continue in the earth, and I stand in high expectation for divine opportunities and insight to manifest in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Maximizing Moments:
Do you tithe? (If not, examine your heart. What is keeping you from obeying God?)

Reflect on your life. Are there opportunities that you passed up because they appeared like unfair exchanges? Were you given insight into a problem and you never acted on it?

Maximizing Mantra:
There is an open window over my life!

Open The Windows
Malachi 3:10
Today you will be learning about the foundational element of giving:the tithe. All giving to the kingdom of God starts woith tithing. While tithing is not a new biblical concept, it si often misunderstood or rejected by people who say it does not apply today. However, tithing is in the Bible and active for the New Testament Believer. Since giving entitles you to financial increases, you must start obeying God in paying your tihtes.
Tithing is giving ten percent of your income or increase to God's house (the placce where you receive spiritual nourishment).TIthing is seen in the Old Testaments. Abram (Abraham) first demostrated tithing. Abram's nephew LOt,while a resident in Sodom, had been kidnapped and taken into captivity as a prisoner of war.Abram took 318 of the servents and went to war against the enemy and recovered everything that had been taken, including Lot and everything he owned.
The King of Sodom met Abram on his way home (Genesis 14:14-17) Before Abram could interact with the King of Sodom, Melchizedek, King of Salem and the Priest of God, brought Abram a meal of bread and wine (Symboling communion). Melchizedek pronounced a blessing upon Abram: "Then Abram gave Melchizedeck a tenth of everything he had brought back from the battle." Genesis 14:20. Without a law or mandate, Abram, out of the genuineness of his heart, knew to offer the priest a teneth of spoils from war. Clearly,Abram had a conviction about his giving and its association with receiving because as soon as he honored God with tithe, the King of Sodom tried to bestow financial blessings on Abram.But Abram refused: Abram answered: The LORD God Most High made the heavens and the earth. And I have promised him that I won't keep anything of yours, not evan a sandal strap or a peice of thread. Then you can never say that you are the one who I have made me rich" Genesis 14:22-23.
Please stay tuned in for more of Open the Window

A Letter To My Father

I’ve been inspired throughout my life by special circumstances and unique experiences. Foremost, I grew up with a family that injected me with unconditional love and enduring confidence. This is my foundation … the family holidays and celebrations with my maternal lineage … supportive smiles in audiences at school programs … guiding hands to complete homework and special projects in the wee hours of the morning.

However, I grew up without my father, an irreplaceable force and influence that was absent in my life. I watched other kids enjoy the embrace of theirs, and I searched for a way to reconcile the meaning of my circumstance.

Despite my pain, I’ve imagined a life as a good son with my father. Baseball … Playing in School Band … Church … All of the things that he would expect his son to do, I’ve done. I’ve stood in front of audiences to receive awards. I heard their applause and praise. But, the accolades have been absent the sound of his clapping hands and encouraging words … his voice that I could distinguish in my sleep. Where has he been?

Now, I reflect on the journey, the pain, the challenges, and the triumphs through this song. I’m reconciled as a man, no longer a boy, in verse. Now, I know that I’m not alone.

Albert Brown, also known as “Al B Sure!” is my biological father, but Sean Combs, also known as “Diddy” has been a father figure in my life for as long as I can remember. Sean Combs is the person whom I look up to and appreciate as a father. He is the one who help mold me into the person I am today and will always try to live up to his expectations. He has always been supportive of me and I will forever love and respect him. As far as my biological father goes, the “spitting image” is all I have taken from him. Throughout my life, I’ve always wondered about him; Where he was? What was he doing? and most importantly, Was he even thinking about me? The absence of my father has given me a better understanding of what type of man I am going to be. I am grateful for my mom’s love, support, guidance, and for her strength.

To those who share my plight, know that you have a great future … a DESTINY. Take the lemons that you are handed and make lemonade. Your journey is in “A Letter To My Father.”

- Quincy “iQ” Brown

Attention All Blacks in America

Black America will have a trillion dollar economy by 2010. In 2006, blacks in America had a combined purchasing power of more than eight hundred billion dollars per year. Unfortunately, the majority of these dollars are spent on depreciating assets rather than on appreciating assets. This has to change and change now. Blacks and their trillions sets a revolutionary stage that will position the black church to lead the mental change in our community that will usher people of color around the world into the next universe of social prosperity, prosumerism and true success-a trillion dollar universe! This intellectual property challenges leaders in faith and business to create a symbolic, mutually rewarding partnership designed to revitalize our communities,schools, churches and neighborhoods. The next 1 trillion dollars this community generates will be used for local and global change. So come join the social entrepreneurial revolution today. Stay tuned for more information about "Blacks and their Trillions" books and seminars coming to your area soon. For those of you who are interested in attending or receiving more information please leave your name, email address, phone number and we will be happy to assist you. Also you can email us @ calvarycccstl@gmail.com.

G-12 "7 Obstacles that hold us back From Walking in the Blessing"

"7 Obstalces that hold us back From Walking in the Blessing"

Foundational Scriptures: Ephesians 3:20

1. God is able to do exceedingly abundant above all you can ask or think

• According to the power that worketh in you
• It is the power that works in us- It is up to us to get what we want
• Anything we can think or imagine our God can do
• By the power that worketh in us

2. 2 Corinthians 9:8

• God is able to make all Grace
• All Favor to abound to you in every good work
• Small God mentality brings small things
• Large God mentality brings large things
• How big is your God

3. Genesis 12:2 Abram: I will make you a great nation

• All of your family will be blessed
• You will be blessed with increase

4. 80/20 Rule

• Leave the 80 to get the 20
• Work with the 20 to get to the 80

RECAP 7 Obstacles

1. Unteachable Spirit
2. Pay your vows
3. Be Forgiving

If you are not influencing them, they are influencing you. The Company you keep is problem. Pick your FRIENDS carefully.

PRAYER

OFFERING

TESTIMONIES

THREE THINGS TO REMEMBER

1. COME EARLY TO CHURCH
2. BE FAITHFUL IN YOUR GIVING
   
3. INVITE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO COME
   

MANY ARE CALLED......... YOU ARE CHOSEN!


BE APART OF SOMETHING BIG! YOU'LL LOVE IT!


I AM CALVARY CHRISTIAN CENTER STL

God wants to do something new in your life, It doesn't what's happened in your past,or even what's happening in your life today, Bishop Bates prays that you will get a new vision for God's great Plan that He he has your life right now! We hope you'll get a new expectancy in your heart because God meets us at our level of expectancy and He is able to do immeasurably more than we can think or ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us! (Ephesians 3:20).