Copyright © 2011 by George E. Moore Jr. All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author and publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. All scripture taken from the authorized King James Version of the Bible. Printed in the United States of America First Printing, 2011 ISBN 978-1-4507-9758-0 King In You Publishing LLC. P.O. BOX 411 North Chicago, Illinois 60064 [email protected] www.kinginyoupublishing.com KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt The King in You Beyond A Reasonable Doubt 2|Page KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt “People don't change until God changes their mind.” George E. Moore Jr. 3|Page KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt FORWARD George E. Moore Sr.-Father It is an honor for me to write the forward for the book that God gave to my son. I have watched his life spiral out of control, only to be redeemed through the love and power of God taught to him at a young age by his Grandmother. My son's love for God's Word qualifies him to write this book. And the passion that he has for the lost is obvious in each page. As you read “The King in you”, my prayer is that you will be changed as you allow the Word of God to renew your mind. 4|Page KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt INTRODUCTION There is no greater privilege on this earth than to know God's divine purpose for your life. You may not know the specifics but you can be confident in this one thing: God wants to live inside of you. In fact, this is the primary focus of the Gospel... "Christ in you, the hope of glory" - Colossians 1:27B KJV That is also the fundamental focus of this book. My testimony is full of trials and errors which ultimately led me to believe that I needed to be changed on the inside. I went to church without having a connection to God. I was addicted to drugs and alcohol, sold drugs, fornicated, hurt people and committed to the Vicelord Gang. I've been incarcerated for over 2 years in prison for half truths. And all this happened while I professed to be a "Christian." For me, religion has not worked, it took me some time but I've finally come to the realization that God works from the inside-out. It has been my passion to share this revelation with others. In fact, King In You Publishing LLC. is a bi-product of that passion. For over 10 years I have been writing and sharing newsletters and this book is just one volume out of many future installments. This message is indeed destined to reach the masses. 5|Page KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt However, let me forewarn you, the words that you are about to read are not watered down. This is not a politically correct version of Jesus. This is the straight Gospel in raw form with the intent of causing "repentance" (a change of mind) in whoever reads and/or hears it! My prayer is that minds would be renewed, hearts would be delivered and souls would be saved through all that God has given me to share with you. Get ready to embrace The King In You! 6|Page KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt "It's one thing to quote the scriptures; it's an entirely different thing to live them. My husband is a man who loves God and lives the word. His writing's are a celebration of how God has changed his life." Regina A. Moore – Wife "I've seen George transform from being a stubborn and strong willed in his youth to becoming a mature man of God. He has grown in knowledge, wisdom and spirituality. His writings inspire people to believe that no matter where they've been, they can do anything with Christ in their lives." Gladys Williams - Mom "As a child, George made unwise decisions that ultimately lead to a lifestyle of demise. But, as a godly man, he chooses to be governed by the Holy Spirit and leads a life of wise choices that benefit those who are privileged to be in his presence. To me, his writings speak to the soul of the reader. Each word releases practical wisdom in a simple format." Gloria Moore - Mom #2 7|Page KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt "George is a true testament of the power of spiritual discipline through faith. He is very passionate about the things that he believes in and his writings show that." Gregg Waxx – Brother "My big brother is an amazing writer! I've watched him grow from a boy to a man in so many ways. His writing/poetry skills have really encouraged me. And his gift of memorization is just ridiculous. I congratulate him on the release of his book." Vanessa Moore - Sister "My brother is a true inspiration! I know that his journey has been long but he came into his own. And his writings are awesome!" Melana Burdine - Sister 8|Page KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT Beyond what people say and even beyond how you feel. Beyond the past mistakes that you just couldn't conceal. Beyond wounds that have taken you so long to heal. Beyond reasonable doubt, you are the real deal! I've seen you travel through time dodging bullets unseen. Yes you made it to this point and no, it's not a dream. Take a deep breath. Pause to look around and see who was there to help. I saw you when you sat there crying to yourself. People read you like you were the only book on the shelf. But you overcame their words every time that you knelt. It was The King in You! Just call it like it is - Jesus brought you through. "old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Stay focused, He's the reason why you do what you do! So give people eye contact when you open your mouth. Because your faith starts on the inside and bleeds out. You share this testimony beyond reasonable doubt. Because Jesus is the person that you'll be talking about. The same way that He died on the cross is the same way that you died to your addictions. The same way that He was buried after death is the same way that you buried your traditions. The same way that He was raised from the tomb is the same way that you walk with no inhibitions. And, the fact that He's coming back soon is why you should tell the story of your redemption… BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT 9|Page KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt SUBTITITLES DERIVED FROM “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” -Philippians 4:8 (KJV) 10 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt The Burden Of Proof "Whatsoever Things are True" 1. Do You See What I See? 2. Driving Under the Influence Can I Get A Witness? "Whatsoever things are Honest" 3. Breaking Point 4. Identity Crisis Innocent Until Proven Guilty "Whatsoever things are just" 5. Background Check 6. Don't You Forget Don't Tamper With Evidence "Whatsoever things are Pure" 7. New Wine - Old Bottles 8. The Secret Is Out 11 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt A Real Public Defender "Whatsoever things are Lovely" 9. The Power of Purpose 10. A Servant's Heart The Final Verdict "Whatsoever things are of Good Report" 11. He's Able 12. Vision with A Voice Drop The Charges "If there be any Virtue" 13. Trigger Happy 14. Chain Reaction Case Closed "If there be any praise" 15. He's God of the Underdog 16. The Resurrection Prayer of Salvation Confession 12 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt THE BURDEN OF PROOF "Whatsoever Things are True" Chapter 1 Do You See What I See? “For we walk by faith, not by sight” - 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) I'll never forget these words: "Man it's too late for me." My heart searched for something that could change his mind but before I could respond he further replied, "Dude, I did too much dirt - it's been one (it's over)." By his own admission he was telling me that he had done too much wrong to ever be right. Even though I was sitting there in Menard Correctional Center (one of the worst prisons in the system) having a transparent conversation with a man convicted of heinous crimes like murder & rape, nothing moved me more than his inability to receive God's love and forgiveness. That was years ago and I don't even know if Bernard is still alive today but I can still see his eyes as he helplessly uttered the words "It's too late for me" . At that time in his life, he chose to remain bound in the face of freedom. That experience is what I call an "eye opener". After that incident, I found myself asking the question, "How many people have remained blind to 13 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt freedom simply because they could not properly interpret God's plan of redemption for their life?" The answer is dismal at best. Unfortunately, many have chosen to stay on the "plantation of condemnation" simply because they could not see beyond where they were at. Eventually, after so long of seeing no way out, it's not uncommon for people to stop looking. This is what I call "spiritual" suicide. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites some risk factors for suicide as: • History of depression or other mental illnesses • History of alcohol or drug abuse • Stressful life event or loss Everyday people are giving-up and giving-in because they have the wrong perception of life based on what they've seen or experienced. But we can't stay there. The Good News is that you're promised to see life and yourself differently when you see things the way that God sees them. Perception is everything. Speaking of perception, my encounter with Bernard and others like him has given me a different perspective. It has become apparent to me that once God truly opens your eyes you can't help but to feel overwhelming compassion for those who are still blind. I found out that we begin to see what God is saying about other people when we first become open to what God is saying about us. Only scripture can make it any clearer than that. Recessed within the longest chapter of the Bible you will find an awesome verse of scripture that gives all of us a better "view" of things: 14 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." - Psalm 119:18 KJV Notice that the psalmist did not ask God to open somebody else's eyes, his premier focus was to get better sight for himself. Now, if there's anything that we should really want to see or understand in this world, shouldn't it be what God is saying to us? I truly believe that Bernard failed to see himself forgiven because he struggled with seeing himself the way that God sees him. How many men and women have "checked out" of life early simply because they could not see what God was saying? Situations like that could easily be prevented if we would just surrender to seeing things God's way. And, based on the information that we've already seen concerning risk factors for suicide, I think it's a "no brainer" that we all have to get focused. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” -2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV Now, depending on the depth of your own personal testimony, some of you might still be stuck at the first paragraph asking questions like, "But how can you believe in somebody like Bernard after all that he's done." My answer is this: I never believed in Bernard, I believe in God. I don't believe in people, I believe in what God has to say about people and so should you. Faith is simply focusing on what God says beyond all else. It's simple. As a child, I never doubted either one of my parents whenever they said they were going to whoop my behind. First of all, they were always faithful in that area so their reputation preceded them. Secondly, 15 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt they didn't even have to be in the near vicinity, if I just heard that either one of them "said" they were going to whoop me I became paranoid. I had faith that they were going to do just what they said they were going to do. My point is this... God's Word is far greater than a mother or a father's words. In fact, the Bible says that "God is not a man, that he should lie..." that's enough for me right there but the scripture goes on to say... "hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall not make good?" Numbers 23:19 KJV. That passage is pretty much self explanatory in that it's basically saying you can trust what God says more than what people say. And, if you just happen to be a "people" you can trust God's Word even beyond what "you" have been saying about yourself. That's the kind of trust that we call faith. Faith changes things. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." -2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) It takes faith to see yourself the way that God sees you because God doesn't even recognize you as "human" anymore once you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. It's true; once you get "in Christ" He calls you a "new creature." That sounds creepy until you find out what that word creature really means in that passage. It means creation. God sees you as re-created! Newsflash: Re-created people are not regular people only because they now bare the "spiritual" DNA of the one who created them. That doesn't mean that you start to look down on other people, it just simply means that you see things differently. The Bible says that Jesus. 16 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt "…washed us from our sins in his own blood. And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." - Revelation 1:6b, 7 (KJV) You can't continue to feel dirty when you know that you've been washed. You can't slump in depression when you know that a King lives on the inside you. It's impossible to commit suicide when you understand that you have a calling that's greater than yourself. I can give you too many examples of this but let me just give you one last piece of "eye candy" for this chapter. Picture a woman despised and rejected by the very people that she's trying to bless. Feeling unappreciated and distressed, she runs away from her normal routine of doing things because she feels so abused. But only when she tries to escape her pain does Hagar really see how God Himself sees her. "And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?" - Genesis 16:13 KJV This world is full of people like “Hagar” or people running away because they feel that there's no redemption from their current state of misery. But, even in the midst of escapism, God sees and perfectly understands where they're at. And, He's bold enough to tell them not to run away from their place of hardship anymore because He sees the gift inside of them as greater than what they're going through. 17 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt That's why we have to "repent" or change our minds about this thing so that we can really see what God is saying. What He put on the inside of us is greater than what we're going through. And when thoughts come to dispute that fact, just let the Spirit of God jump in and bring these words to your remembrance... "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:"-1 Peter 1:9 KJV Meditate and pray on that Word until you begin to see what God is saying! 18 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt CHAPTER 2 Driving Under the Influence [It is] not for kings, O Lemuel, [it is] not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink. - Proverbs 31:4 KJV After a crazy night at the club, a friend of mine was driving me home across the Oakland Bay Bridge. He was swerving the car from lane to lane while I was drunk , rapping to some loud base enamored beat. We were both heavily under the influence of drugs and alcohol and unaware of our speed until suddenly a car just appeared out of nowhere causing my buddy to lose control of the vehicle. We ran straight into the car in front of us and sped in circles until we stopped just short of falling completely off the Bay Bridge. It was like a scene out of a movie but this was the real thing. Needless to say, we instantly became sober and aware of our surroundings. We were "scared straight" to the point that we even gave the police a detailed account of what happened standing next to a car full of drugs and alcohol. Amazingly, it was probably too early in the morning for them so they just let us go. But, in that pivotal season of our lives, we weren't ready to learn any lessons, we just became more reckless. We failed to take heed to one of the "many" critical warnings that God sprinkled us with over the years. Unfortunately, one of us can no longer receive any more of those warnings. My buddy, August (Fef-Nitty) McCoy was recently murdered in Vallejo, California. 19 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt My point: None of us can afford to go through life gambling with God's instructions. If God has been speaking to you through signs and wonders and especially through His word take heed. Because none of us knows when those warnings will run out. Our only safety net is God's counsel for our lives. In Proverbs 31, you see King Limuel reciting a prophecy (divine instruction from God) that his mother gave him. As you scroll down, you can almost hear his mother warning him: "Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth Kings. (she was telling him not to lose control over those things that he has control over: his strength & his ways). "It is not for kings to drink wine; nor princes strong drink (she was telling him that princes are less than kings and they can’t even get wasted). Why? Because verse 5 says "Lest they drink, and forget the law (God's Word), and pervert the judgement of any of the afflicted (she wanted him to know that he needed to stay sober for someone other than himself). - Proverbs 31:1-5 KJV. In other words, King Limuel's mom didn't want him to "drive under the influence" of anything other than God's instructions for his life. She understood the fact that it's far better to be intoxicated with God than any other substance on this earth. Maybe that's why the Apostle Paul wrote, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit." - Ephesians 5:18 KJV 20 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt To be "filled with the Spirit" is an instruction from God that society has substituted with programs and every other institution imaginable. Although programs help, when absent of The Spirit of God, all they can do is motivate people. Who wants to just be motivated? Motivation comes nowhere close to inspiration. The Bible has been given to us by "inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16) and when we digest God's Word properly it's as if God Himself is "breathing" life into us. Jesus Himself said: "It is the spirit that quickeneth (makes alive) the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. - John 6:63 KJV I don't know about you but I'd rather be inspired by God's Word than motivated by people's opinions because opinions get people killed. Just ask Eve. "And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat."-Genesis 6:63 KJV You know the story of how Eve was deceived by the serpent but let's tap into the first effects of their rebellion against God? They became insecure, tried to cover themselves up and hid from the instruction of God. The greatest of those three is obviously and most hilariously the fact they tried to hide from the Word of God. It's funny because I remember trying to hide myself in drugs, alcohol, women and gang activity and still God's instruction would always find me. 21 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt I don't care what you do; you just can't hide from His voice. Especially if you grew up in the church like I did and decide that you'd rather "eat" what the world has to offer, the voice of God will follow you. But, just as I stated in chapter one, we just have to watch what we "open our eyes" to. "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes." - Genesis 3:6a KJV Let's just focus on this portion of scripture for a minute. Remember, perception is everything. What made Eve see something that was bad for her as something good to eat? It all started when she got intoxicated with opinion. "And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die. For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as god's, knowing good and evil." - Genesis 3:4, 5 KJV It amazes me that the serpent had so much advice about something that he had never tried himself. Some people can be like that. But, whenever someone tries to coach you in your life's journey apart from God's specific instructions for your life - they're experimenting with your existence. Why would you ask a blind man what he "sees" anyway? "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." - Isaiah 8:20 KJV 22 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt The very fact that a person is blind should be an indication that their sight is no better than yours. If someone tells you that they "see" any other instruction for your life other than what God is saying, their vision is impaired. As the Apostle Paul stated in Romans 3:4 KJV “let God be true, but every man a liar;" . This brings me to another point, we (being man) also have to stay focused on God's Word so that we don't lie to ourselves. Everything outside of Jesus is an opinion - even our own words. That's why we have to watch what we say because we can become intoxicated by our own opinions. My grandmother dropped that one on me. She use to share a scripture with me all the time that I'm beginning to understand more and more each day: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. - Proverbs 3:5 KJV I understand now that faith doesn't come from what we understand, it comes from what we believe - it's a heart thing. Our understanding can influence us to run away from God when all He wants to do is give us good instruction. That's why trying to figure God out is probably not the smartest thing to do. I know because I use to fail miserably whenever I tried to reach Him intellectually. We have to allow God's Word to influence us on the inside so that we don't get tainted by what "we" understand about the things going on around us. People, places and things all have an idea of what's going on but we have to know God's Word in our hearts. Again, it's a heart thing. 23 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye search for me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:13 KJV. Once His Word truly gets downloaded on the inside - then we can open our mouths about what’s happening on the outside. Brother Abraham is a good example of that. The Bible says that Abraham was "fully persuaded that, what he (God) had promised, he was able also to perform." - Romans 4:2b KJV Things didn't look anything like what God had said to Abraham or his family but he held on to the Word of God that was deposited deep down on the inside. He was "fully persuaded." His persuasion or "faith" caused him to begin to talk like God and God Himself had to testify about it... "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgement, that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." - Genesis 18:19 KJV. How many of God's instructions are we "commanding" in our households today? Notice that before God could "bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." Abraham had to speak or "command" some things. And, I know this from experience - you talk differently when you’re drunk. Abraham was intoxicated with God. He was under the influence of another Spirit. 24 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt You really have to be drunk or full of God to boldly speak in the face of everything that opposes you. To get from point A to Z in the Kingdom in God, we have to "drive under the influence" of God's Word! CAN I GET A WITNESS? Whatsoever things are honest. CHAPTER 3 Breaking Point "Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, [and] he delivered them out of their distresses." - Psalm 107:6 KJV Question: Why do most people wait until tragedy comes before they break down? So that we can answer that question honestly, allow me to just share a few my personal experiences with you concerning this matter. I heard my name called over the intercom so I jumped off my forklift hoping that it wasn't what I thought it was. Sure enough, it was a few ministers from my Church waiting at the gate. They came to inform me that my father was about to have his heart transplant. 25 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt All of the sudden, I was at my breaking point. I was ready to pray for him. I didn't think that it would happen that soon, I wasn't prepared. At that time, my father and I had attended different churches which caused my religion to separate us, even in his time of need. It was a tragic situation because I knew that I hadn't been praying for him or even spending time with him the way that I should have. But when losing my father became a reality I found myself at his hospital bed crying and begging God to give me more time with the same man that I distanced myself from. I didn't care what church he was a member of or what his doctrinal believes were - I just didn't want him to leave me like that. When death becomes a reality it doesn't take much to boot protocol out the window. But still I find myself asking: "Why did it take a tragedy?" Let's turn to a reliable source to answer that question. When you visit Psalm chapter 107 in your Bible you'll find these words: "Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble" four times in that same chapter. The people who claimed to love God so much had a habit of only seeking Him when tragic events occurred in their life. This is proof that for centuries people have sought God primarily when their backs were against the wall. The answer to the question, "Why do most people wait until tragedy comes before they breakdown?" … It's just human nature. When Adam and Eve screwed up they started a domino effect that continues to affect all of us. But, today we have reached "The Breaking Point!" 26 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt We have arrived at a place in time where men and women will no longer have to wait until they go to jail before they seek redemption. We no longer have to wait until that person close to us is on their death bed before we get it right with God. No longer will we have to wait until an economic crisis arises before we fall on our faces to ask God for mercy! Today, we are running to the voice of God instead of from Him. Today is the day. "While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation." - Hebrews 3:15 KJV God warns us in scripture not to "harden our hearts" from hearing His voice like Israel did in the provocation. The "provocation" is a word that simply describes how the people of God irritated Him when they were in the wilderness. They basically "provoked" God. It became a pattern for them to only call on Him whenever He did something for them or whenever they got in trouble. Their hearts weren't in it. But today, because of Jesus Christ, there exist a place of rest for us that far exceeds what was available for the people that Moses led back in the day. God couldn't give us rest in that condition. He had to make a new day. "For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day." - Hebrews 4:8 KJV. 27 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt It was never his desire for us to work this thing out in our own strength. That's why the scripture says, "For he that is entered into his (God's) rest, hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his." - Hebrews 4:10 KJV You remember in Genesis when God finished creation on "the seventh day" and basically sat back in His Lazyboy chair (Genesis 2:1-3 with emphasis). Well, God wants you to know that the minute that you put your trust in Christ you begin a "seventh day" rest. "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."-Ephesians 2:8, 9 KJV. It would be foolish for something created to try to take credit away from the one who created it. God didn't wire you that way. You don't have to work your way out of a cycle of failure, you just have to trust the one who can't fail. This is your breaking point! What are we breaking? We are breaking that old mentality. I've heard too many people say that they were going to "get it right" when everything else goes wrong. That's the general consensus for most people. And we wonder why we have a high percentage of men going back to jail with intentions of only reading their bibles when they get there. The upside of this is that at least they're calling on God regardless of what leads them to do so. The flip side is when a person becomes comfortable playing games with God because they never seem to get caught. 28 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." - Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV. Don't get me wrong, there's absolutely nothing wrong with calling on God when you get in trouble but there's something really wrong when you stop calling on Him altogether because you keep getting out of trouble. That's not a good place to be in and here's how we can change that. Just respect the King! "Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him." Ecclesiastes 8:12 KJV No matter what other people do and get away with - the Word of God tells us to have a healthy fear or reverence for our Creator. Let's be honest, people all over the world respect authority to some degree. History will tell you that. Years ago when a group of people were being taunted by an opposing king who sent his servant to speak against their king (justification for war) they restrained from any retaliation simply because their king had already given them instructions not to respond. "But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the King's commandment was, saying, Answer him not."- Isaiah 36:21 (KJV) 29 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt They respected their king beyond their emotions because disobedience to a king in those days was an automatic death sentence. Well if we show even the slightest amount of respect for people who "might" have the power to take our lives here on earth, it would only make sense to reverence the one who has power over life and death in "eternity." "But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear (have a healthy respect for) him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him."- Isaiah 36:21 KJV Now I know that people don’t like to talk about hell and things like that but our King is talking about it. We, as God's people, can only rest in God when we've learned how to reverence King Jesus. To exalt Jesus is to become a part of a royal family that has benefits. "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God." - Hebrews 4:9 KJV Let's bring this home. We don't have to wait until life cripples us to take the voice of God seriously. We just have to be honest enough to recognize our need to rest in Him. It's much better to have a "breaking point" than a breakdown! 30 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt CHAPTER 4 Identity crisis "Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child." - Jeremiah 1:6 KJV 31 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt The phrase "identity crisis" means "to be uncertain of one's feelings about oneself, especially in regards to one's character, goals and origin occurring especially as a result of growing under disruptive, fastchanging conditions." - Webster's New World College Dictionary. Let's just sum it all that up by saying that it's not good to have an identity crisis. If we take that phrase and compare it with my early childhood years, I can honestly say that I had a serious identity crisis. My grandmother basically drenched me in the church. Then I began to follow after God on my own around eight years old. Shortly after that, my mother and I moved to California which introduced me to an entirely different world. Then came public schools, summers living with my father and a host of events that just led me to believe that I didn't belong anywhere. Basically, I grew up under "disruptive, fastchanging conditions" which influenced me to become somebody that my grandmother had never originally intended me to be. After all that, of course my response to God was off and so I just gradually spiraled into an identity crisis. I believe that there are many like myself who have experienced such a crisis. In fact, let's take a look at the Prophet Jeremiah as just one example out of many. 32 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Jeremiah had a strong religious influence growing up because his father Hilkiah was a Priest. Then, the scripture tells us that Jeremiah's people went into captivity, a dramatic lifestyle change. And now, God wants to tell Jeremiah that he's a Prophet, He wants Jeremiah to know who he is in spite of all that he has experienced. Jeremiah himself gives us an account of what God said to him: "Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." - Jeremiah 1:4, 5 KJV God wanted Jeremiah to know that He created him to be a "prophet" or a mouthpiece for The Lord. But Jeremiah responded by saying that he couldn't "speak." How can you be a mouthpiece for God if you don't want to say anything? In essence, Jeremiah was telling God that he wasn't ready to "live the lifestyle" that God created him to live. Interesting enough, another word for speaking in the New Testament is "conversation" (1 Peter 1:15 KJV) which also means lifestyle. So, if we put both testaments together. You are what you speak! Jeremiah was not only saying that he couldn't communicate, he was saying "I can not live the life that you've called me to live". Why Jeremiah? Here's where we see the identity crisis. Jeremiah's response says it all: "I can not speak: for I am a child." - Jeremiah 1:6 KJV 33 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Without even realizing it, grown men and woman are responding in the exact same way that Jeremiah did to his calling. Many of us today are still saying, "I'm not capable enough, I have issues, I'm still trying to figure this thing out, now is not the right time... I am a child." But this will always be God's response to that: "Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak." - Jeremiah :7b KJV There's a reason that God wanted Jeremiah to watch his mouth. Matthew 12:34b "for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh." -Matthew 12:34b (KJV) In this scripture, Jesus was basically telling the religious folk of his day that they can't speak (live) what has yet to manifest on the inside. And, this is what I believe God was trying to tell Jeremiah... When my commands get on the inside of you, then you’ll be able to live it on the outside. It's an inside job. Get God's Word on the inside of you through devotion and prayer and you'll always have the ability to live the lifestyle that He called you to live. That's what I call the cure for a current crisis. 34 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY Whatsoever things are just. CHAPTER 5 Background Check "We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Letter From Birmingham Jail). Our blood should boil and our conscience should be pricked when we study the 1963 incarceration of Dr. King and many of his counterparts. In his time of need, when oppression began to reach a subtle climax in Birmingham, there was an illustrious voice of silence heard in churches across America! 35 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Believe it or not, many of Dr. King's own Christian brothers chose to hide behind the door of acceptance rather than to speak up for the oppressed. Dr. King further wrote in his letter: "In deep disappointment I have wept over the laxity of the church." This is a frightening background check! And this is why some people have a problem today with what they consider "church." However, there is a distinct difference between people who go to church and people who are "The Church." Let give an example. In a meeting being held to subvert reincarceration amongst those who have been incarcerated, I watched as tears began to flood the eyes of a 41 year old young lady named Sabrena. She was giving her testimony of being an ex-convict/ex-drug addict. Her incarceration is obviously not the same as Dr. King's but neither was the response to her oppression. Instead of just watching her from the sidelines, a majority of the people in that room had already come together to start a process of assistance that aided Sabrena during her drug dependency. Sabrena concluded her testimony that day by saying that she was over 1 year free of any drug usage and a full time college student due to the assistance that she received and she thanked God! I took Sabrena's hand and tried to encourage her after the meeting but she will probably never know how many lives are being touched by her testimony being shared in this book. 36 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Although you do not know her last name, nor who she is or even the people who helped her – I can tell you that people who profess Jesus as their Lord were there for her in her time a need. These people did not just attend church - they were "The Church." Please excuse my sincerity if it offends you but it's hard for me to be around people who just want to go to church. I've been there, done that, got the hat and took it back! I no longer have the desire to be part of an organization, I want to organize nations. We can not continue to hold services without serving our community. Let's stay the course in building each other up in our local churches "with the intent" of also fulfilling the great commission that Christ originally gave The Church: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” - Mark 16:15 KJV 37 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt CHAPTER 6 Don't You Forget Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity , as being yourselves also in the body. - Hebrews 13:3 KJV Society positions itself to prevent poverty and crime but it does not readily accept those who have no money and have committed crimes. In other words, those of us who have fallen into the categories of poverty and crime aren't necessarily first pickings for high ranking positions - even when we've been redeemed from those categories. This does not disturb me. What disturbs me is when WE as "Believers" take on that same attitude. As followers of Christ, it would be highly hypocritical for us to become just as prejudiced as society. That's why I believe that it's imperative for us not to forget where we've come from. We have to constantly remind ourselves of what God has done for us so that we can remain sensitive to the needs of those who have been less fortunate. Am I saying that a person like Michael Vic should be free of any consequences for his past mistakes? No, I'm just saying that people shouldn't get on national television and say that he can't be redeemed as if they've never indulged in any indecent activity. “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judges: for wherein thou judges another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.” Romans 2:1 KJV 38 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Many people desire to judge and discern other people and to cast out demons without realizing that all these gifts come out of a deep sense of compassion for a person. You have to be touched with what somebody is going through before you can really touch somebody. “Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.”- Hebrews 5:2 KJV I use to go to a church where we concentrated more on a person's holiness (how consecrated they are to God) than on the person. And, I'd always wonder why we couldn't keep members for a very long time. Now I understand that if conduct outweighs care then your entire ministry is careless. I don't care how good the teaching is - sheep can only endure "the rod" for so long until they ask God for a shepherd that will give them both the rod (correction) and "the staff" (guidance). You should never be in a ministry where one outweighs the other. For the record, God will never raise a ministry up to destroy people. The Apostle Paul wanted us to know that GOD takes special care of those who are sensitive to the needs of His people... “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain." - 2 Timothy 1:16 KJV Don't just look at how funny this guy's name is and don't even concentrate so much on "what" he did but look at "how" he did it. 39 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt This brother was not ashamed of the current bondage that Paul was experiencing or his past challenges to such a the degree that he helped Paul "often". He didn't just say a prayer for Paul and keep it moving but Paul says that he "oft refreshed me." This is why Paul prayed this prayer for Onesiphorus: "The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day." - 2 Timothy 1:18a KJV When you understand that the day of Jesus Christ return will not be a day of roses and tulips... “That day [is] a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness." -Zepheniah 1:15 KJV ...then you understand why Paul prayed that his friend would obtain mercy in that day. Because this brother was merciful he was destined to get some mercy. "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." - Matthew 5:7 KJV My wife tells me that I have the gift of mercy all the time. And because of our recent arguments I truly believe this (joking). But on a serious note, I do believe that God has given me (and many of you reading this) extraordinary forgiveness and compassion for people. And I'm telling you that it's more fulfilling than cursing people with your own interpretation of correction. When you realize how low you were it's impossible for you to want to take someone lower. 40 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Desire to be filled with mercy and just watch how God shows you His mercy! Don't Tamper With Evidence "Whatsoever things are pure" CHAPTER 7 New Wine - Old Bottles "...new wine must be put into new bottles." - Mark 2:22b KJV You are not an "old bottle." And you can't be old if you want God to give you some of His "new wine." God wants to move on the inside of you! He's just not a stationary God. That's why we have what is called "dispensations" because God has been moving throughout history. This is why we can read an old passage of scripture and still get new revelation. In fact, if you study "the ways of God" you'll see how He has constantly revealed Himself even in your own life. Many people have rejected God simply because they weren't ready to move forward. And what's so unfortunate about it is that something old and stagnant can't handle a God that's always on the move. 41 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Even folk from Mississippi will tell you that... "Still water stinks." Here's my point: God wants to deposit something fresh on the inside of us but His first mission is break our old "old habits". You can't mix the new with the old. And, no matter how hard we try, we can't get rid of all that crusty stuff on our own. "Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil." - Jeremiah 13:23 KJV I remember telling God with some intense prayer that I was going to stop smoking weed for thirty days. Now that may seem like nothing to you but you could not live on 13th & Bissell in Richmond California as I did and not smoke weed. The environment was too hectic and marijuana was our only religion. So, when I gave God thirty days, that was like me becoming “the Pope” to many of my friends. Yes, for thirty whole days I restrained myself. But I also scheduled a huge party with ounces of weed when my thirty days were up. Unbeknownst to me, God was about to show me that you can't bargain with him when it comes to sin. Check out how God moves... I had this big celebration but something strange happened during my party. I lost my tolerance. After that day, my strong tolerance level for smoking weed was "never" the same again. That day marked the end of an era. 42 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Gradually it became an embarrassment for me to even smoke the smallest amount of marijuana. I found out, even back then, that God doesn't like to mix the old with the new. He refused to settle for anything less than an entirely "new thing." God wants to do A NEW THING in YOU! I found a good example of that in scripture. This group of religious people called the Pharisees were supposed to be full of new wine (The Spirit of God), but they were stuck in their old ways. They questioned why Jesus' disciples weren't doing things the way that they were always use to doing them... “And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him (Jesus), Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?” - Mark 2:18 KJV (with emphasis) They had a misunderstanding of the way Jesus wanted to move at that time because they were only acquainted with Jesus in public and had no real relationship with Him behind closed doors. When we spend time getting God's Word on the inside of us, we're never left on the outside of what God is truly saying. The Pharisees should have just been happy to see men who were getting closer to Jesus than they were. In fact, God was trying to show them that a relationship with Him doesn't come from good deeds. It comes from a closer walk with Jesus. Unfortunately, we are in the midst of a "left behind generation" that may go to church but don't really desire to know Jesus personally. Because of them, we can not afford to exalt tradition beyond devotion. 43 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt • Whenever 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (Source: U.S. D.H.H.S., Bureau of the Census) and 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes and 85% of all children that exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes (Source: Center for Disease Control) it shouldn't be hard for us to see what's really going on... We are seeing a trend of men who go to church without spending time with their children (exalting tradition beyond Ephesians 6:4). Again, we should all get tired of seeing fatherless children who may be familiar with church, but will turn around and tell you that they don't really know Jesus! We have to make God real to today's generation. And how do we do that? Well I'm glad you asked... We have to get in the mind of the fathers and mothers before we lose another generation of sons and daughters. In other words, we've got to go back to The Word of God in our homes and not just in church. When this generation sees us put our old ways down it will be much easier for them to except the "new thing" that God wants to do in them. You just can't put "new wine" into "old bottles." 44 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt CHAPTER 8 The Secret Is Out “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” - Matthew 3:17 KJV God has no secret sons or daughters. Maybe that's why God wanted people to hear Him when He acknowledged that He was pleased with His son. The Apostle Peter remembers it like this: "For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount." - 2 Peter 1:17, 18 KJV Just as God was not silent about His "stamp of approval" back then, neither is He silent about it now. Like a proud father, God wants the world to know that you're His child. You are not a bastard just out there doing what you want to do, you belong to a royal family. And, the only pre-requisite for royal benefits is that you possess the same Spirit that your Father does. Let me give you some evidence to support that last statement. Notice that something major happened to Jesus prior to God acknowledging who Jesus was. 45 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened onto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him." - Matthew 3:16 KJV If Jesus received public approval from God only after The Holy Spirit is seen "descending like a dove, and lighting upon him" then shouldn't we be filled with The Holy Spirit if we want God's approval? The answer is YES! In fact, all of Christianity can be summed up into these 3 words... "...Christ in you" - Colossians 1:27b OK let's break the entire process down! God has always wanted us to be filled with The Spirit of Christ, you will find this pattern consistent throughout the entire Bible. But, believe it or not, this was once a mystery. "...great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh" - Timothy 3:16 KJV Many people have been persecuted defending the premise that God can live in man - Jesus was one of them. Even today, there are individuals who will persecute you simply because you boldly expose "the mystery" that King Jesus lives in you. But anybody that does not believe that God can live in people is anti-God! 46 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt “Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." - 1 John 4:2, 3 KJV Of course we don't go around forcing people to accept the revelation that God lives in them. But when you sense that you're God's dear son or daughter and that He's certainly pleased with you - you're just compelled to live in such a way that says the secret is out! There is a way to reveal the "mystery" of Christ that lives in you. Here's how it happened for me. Various mentors in my life shared valuable techniques with me on how to memorize and study scripture, but it wasn't until scripture truly dwelt "in me" that I began to walk in God's approval. Just like the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus, He will also anoint (smear Himself all over you) and teach you how this thing works. “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." - 1 John 1:27 KJV The Spirit of God can not dwell where His Word is not present - and neither should we. Remember this: No Word + no prayer = no presence. You have to feed your spirit with God's Word. 47 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Hearing God's Word gives you faith to receive the Holy Spirit. And, anybody that tells you that they've received the Holy Spirit without ever hearing The Word of God is seriously misinformed. “In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.” Ephesians 1:13 KJV The minute that you receive God's Spirit you will begin to look like Jesus. • "You hurt me but I'm compelled to forgive you." • "I feel like giving-up, but I just can't do it." • "Normally I would complain but I'm just grateful." You can't force this kind of behavior. People talk about "secrets" on how to live a good life in their books but the "true mystery" is reveled when we simply receive The Spirit of God's Word. "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word." - Psalm 119:9 KJV That’s how “the secret” gets out. 48 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt A Real Public Defender "Whatsoever things are lovely" CHAPTER 9 The Power of Purpose “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath ordained that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:13 KJV Believe it or not, somebody could be suffering right now simply because some of us refuse to step out of our comfort zone. That is not a statement of condemnation. But, the fact still remains that most people would rather be frustrated and mundane than to be mobile helping mankind. "A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for." - William Shedd It's much easier to travel when you know where you're going. And, it's much easier to help people when you know that you're called to help them. In case you didn't know, that is what The King In You has called you to do. 49 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt NEWSFLASH: Regardless of your specific calling, all of us are called to help people! Let's revisit the story of Jeremiah: You remember that God had a calling on Jeremiah's life before he was even born (Jeremiah 1:5 KJV) but it was Jeremiah's own insecurities about himself that could have easily prevented nations from hearing God's Word! Look at what God told Jeremiah: ...I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. (v.5) ...thou shalt go unto ALL that I shall send thee. (v.7) ...I have this day set thee over the nations and over kingdoms (v.10) We can clearly see here that Jeremiah's salvation was not just for himself and neither is yours! He was called to preach the Gospel to nations and kingdoms so I doubt that God has only called you to "the man in the mirror." We are not only called to love God and ourselves but we are also called to love people. Your entire existence can be summed up into these two commands: (Matthew 22:37-40 KJV) 1. Love God 2. Love People Many of us are comfortable with commandment number one, but "spiritually constipated" because we have yet to do number two. You are God's workmanship. In other words, God made you with intent. You were created to do a specific task in this earth that will bring glory to God and help other people. The funny thing about is, when a believer says that they don't really know what their specific calling is, they're usually already doing it in some shape, form or fashion. 50 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt If you read the story of Tabitha in the Bible (Acts 9:36 - 42 KJV) you will find a woman who used her gifts to bless people. The Bible says "this woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did" (v.36). When she died, widows stood next to her dead body showing the man of God all the "coats and garments" she had made. Notice that coats and garments are used to clothe people. Because she used her gift to help people, those same people went and got help for her in her time of need. Tabitha was raised from the dead that very same day. I just wonder if Tabitha would have been raised from the dead had not her gift touched the people that surrounded her. I use to always ask God what my specific calling was even while he kept surrounding me with the people that I'm called to help. Then, I would ask Him what my gifts were even while I was using them. Now is just not the time to be insecure about what God has obviously called you to do. If you don't know the specifics of your calling yet, at least know this... You have been called to love people. Try using your God given abilities to do that. 51 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt CHAPTER 10 A Servant's Heart "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus:" - Philippians 2:5 KJV Do you know what "the mind of Christ" is? Many of us have quoted this scripture hundreds of times without contemplating its' true meaning. However, the verse that precedes Philippians 2:5 KJV spells it out for us... "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." It's simple: The mind of Christ is to have the heart of a servant and here's an example of that: A mother watches her 23 year old son go to jail and hears stories about him becoming sick from a heroine withdrawal. I spoke with her for hours, but I promise you that her concern was not for me. She only wanted to know what I could do for her son. She only wanted a servant! The Bible tells us that JESUS "...took upon him the form of a servant..." (V.7). I am concerned when people elevate to high positions with the sole intention of others serving them. The mind of Christ is quite different. "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant." - Matthew 23:11 KJV 52 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt No one should ever be called “great” if they’re never found serving. "Contemplative practices (devotion) strengthen a specific neurological circuit that generates peacefulness, social awareness, and compassion for others." "How GOD Changes Your Brian" - Andrew Newberg, M.D. OK let me just to translate that into English for you: Meditation on God's Word and prayer are now statistically proven to change your mind so that you get a heart for the people! As I have stated before, the word repent literally means "to change your mind" and that's what we're going to have to do if God is going to empower us to love people that way that He loves them. You can do it if you "renew" it! "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:" - Deuteronomy 6:6 KJV Renewing the mind by meditating on God's Word will always change your heart. And God tells us exactly how to do that: "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." - Deuteronomy 6:7 KJV 53 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt From what we've read, it's not hard to see that we have to do some teaching and some talking to renew our minds. When we repeat God's Word over and over again to ourselves until He gets into our souls - now that's what you call "mind renewing." Joshua was commanded to renew his mind or meditate on God's word "day and night" so that he could properly serve the people. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." - Joshua 1:8 KJV The word meditate in this passage of scripture means: to moan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, devise, plot, speak. If we're not doing this in our study of scripture then we're not biblically meditating. Meditation can be as simple as taking a scripture and murmuring it under your breath and pondering it until that scripture becomes alive in your heart. This is how we get the mind of Christ. Notice that once God gave Joshua his diet for devotion, then Joshua was able to properly serve and lead God's people... "Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people..." - Joshua 1:10a KJV Remember, we're called to serve and love people. So, if we want to do that effectively we might as well start by loving God's Word! 54 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Loving the Word of God will always give us a servant's heart. The Final Verdict "Whatsoever things are of good report" CHAPTER 11 He Is Able "The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;" -Isaiah 61:1 KJV God is good at qualifying disqualified people. In other words, He has a history of taking what the world would normally call useless and using that person, place or thing for His glory. Think of something that would disqualify you from Kingdom work today. Now, in spite of what you just thought of, recite these words: God Is Able! 55 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Jesus Himself was well aware of God's ability when he walked into a church full of religious people, opened up the scriptures and read "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me". This is funny to me because He doesn't stop there. He then proceeds to tell them how God has also qualified Him by saying, "he hath anointed me to preach..." and so on. But look at their response... “And all bare witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?" - Luke 4:22 KJV Wow! You mean to tell me that Jesus is in your midst, you're amazed but immediately you try to associate Him with something that would disqualify Him from being God! People will do that. They want you to be who you say you are when it benefits them. But, when you begin to outshine them in any way, they begin to remind you of your limitations. Jesus, being well aware of how people are, continued to tell them what the scriptures were saying having no regard for how they would respond. I like this part, He shared The Word of God and then closed the book. In other words, "There's nothing else to talk about!" 56 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt I know what it's like to have "the book" closed on me. I remember telling my father how hard it was for me to get a job because most of the places that I applied to did a thorough background check. His response would always irritate me. As if he didn't hear what I said, he would then tell me that I needed to submit my resume to some of the more prestigious companies in town. And, one time he even concluded by trying to sing one of my Pastor's favorite songs: God is able. It's almost as if he was closing the book on anything else I had to say. Even though I felt like he was adding insult to my injury, he was just looking at God's ability while I was concentrating on my own. You may be facing some impossible odds today and mainly because you're looking at yourself on the surface. But take the blinders off and see the GOD that lives on the inside of YOU. If Jesus truly resides in your heart, you can boldly open up your mouth and say, "...the LORD hath anointed me... he hath sent me". Allow these words to comfort you: God will never tell you that you can do something that He has not already equipped you for. That's exactly what Caleb was trying to tell brothers back in the day... “And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they [are] stronger than we." - Numbers 13:30, 31 KJV 57 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt You really have to watch who you hang around. If somebody you know always has a "bad report" then maybe you shouldn't be tuned into their broadcast. If fact, even while they're talking I would just "turn the channel." You have to stop people like that from talking to you because, soon enough, they will spread those same negative words to other people. “And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, [is] a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it [are] men of a great stature." - Numbers 13:32 KJV It's just bad news when people talk about their ability more than God's ability. Unfortunately, the way they see themselves can be contagious. Just look at how the giants saw these brothers based on how they saw themselves. "And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight." - Numbers 13:33 (KJV) It's time to believe God's report about us more than what people say. If God told you that He would do it, believe me He can and will do it. "Faithful [is] he that calleth you, who also will do [it]." - 1 Thessalonians 5:24 KJV 58 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt CHAPTER 12 Vision With A Voice "And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words." Genesis 37:8 KJV Your vision will never have a significant impact on your opposition until it speaks! I recently spoke to a young man about his employment status. He told me that he just wanted a job until I asked him what his "passion" was. Suddenly, his face exploded with joy as he poured out his love for carpentry. I saw something powerful in our exchange. Until challenged to give it a voice, the vision inside of him was incarcerated by fear and rejection. But he was full of joy when asked to express what was really on the inside of him. In this season, I believe that God is calling us, as believers, to remove the mute button away from the mouths of those of us who have been silent for so long. It's time to amplify the voice of our visionaries! Regardless of the opposition, Joseph was compelled to let his vision speak... 59 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt And Joseph dreamed a dream, and told his brethren. And he said unto them, hear, I pray you, this dream. And he dreamed yet another dream, and told his brethren. -Genesis 37:5,7,9 KJV Joseph faced ridiculous opposition, but he never silenced the absurdity of his own vision. And, by not silencing his own vision he became a voice of reason for his own family. “Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.” - Genesis 50:21 KJV Who could be made whole today by you simply voicing the vision that God has placed on the inside of you? What business venture, ministry, or relationship have you silenced due to fear of how hard it may be? Yes, people will hate on you but your priorities have to be greater than the hater! The young man that I spoke to about his employment was only looking to work for somebody else. But now he's cognizant of the fact that he can start his own business. Think about it, he can make far more money doing some carpentry for a few people in the neighborhood than working at a temp agency for a couple of weeks. All he needed to do was give some voice to his vision. I know a brother who would definitely agree with that. His name is Habakkuk (another funny name) and just look at what God told him: 60 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” -Habakkuk 2:2 KJV The vision that God gave Habakkuk wasn't just for him. God wanted him to "write it" and "make it plain" so that whoever might read it would get to steppin'. In other words, if you don't express what God has put on the inside of you, some people will stay in the same condition that they've been in. God may have given you a "good report" but what good is it if you don't report it? You have to know that your vision has a voice. “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” - Habakkuk 2:3 KJV We really have to believe God "beyond any reasonable doubt", it is possible. While it has been said that we only use 10% of our brains (a myth) - I'm wondering if maybe we really don't use all of The Spirit of God that dwells in us. The Holy Spirit is trying His best to keep us from "jumping out of the car" while we travel to our destination. All we have to do is simply do what God told us to do and will get there. "But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" - Romans 10:16 KJV 61 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt If you're sure that God has given you any kind of report, don't let it stay silent on the inside of you. By faith, give it a voice and just believe that it's only a matter of time before it speaks! Drop The Charges "If there be any virtue" CHAPTER 13 Trigger Happy “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not. - Romans 7:18 KJV Trig·ger-hap·py: - Inclined to resort to force rashly or irresponsibly. Webster's New World College Dictionary 62 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Richmond California, I was at my post 1:00 am in the morning flickering a flashlight to get the attention of cars passing by. We used this signal to let oncoming traffic know that we were distributing small dime bags of crack cocaine. To some of you, this is a despicable act. Unfortunately, to the average black male, it's just another way to "come up". To show you where my mind was, I did this all while working a full time job.You'd be surprised at how irrational you can get when God is out of the picture. It would be a good idea not to even play in that arena. According to the Apostle Paul, there's something on the inside of ALL of us that may cause us to "gamble" if we're not careful. "Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me." - Romans 7:20 KJV As we look at this scripture, there are some people who believe that The Apostle Paul no longer gambled with sin when God delivered him. Believe what you want to, but I'm telling you that even "the believer" has to fight his or her flesh after they receive Jesus as their Lord. Else, why would the Apostle make this statement: “But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV 63 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt This scripture is so needed amongst believers today because we often try to minister to others without really taking care of ourselves. Paul used himself as an example to say that those of us who minister to others still need self-discipline so that they don't fall off the map. There is something hidden in every man that can make him trigger happy or irresponsible when unchecked. But, there is a way to check ourselves. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.” - Romans 12:1 KJV We have to first present ourselves, it's the reasonable thing to do. You have to understand that it's hard to work with pride and/or stubbornness. How can you help somebody who continues to tell you that they don't need help? That's why the Bible tells us, "Submit yourselves therefore to God" before anything is even mentioned about resisting the devil (James 4:7 KJV). We simply have to submit ourselves to God's Word. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” - Romans 12:2 KJV There you have it right there! Renewing the mind should be paramount to programs and God's Word should be esteemed higher than psychiatric evaluation! If a man doesn't learn how to reverence The Word of God, he'll always succumb to those hidden idiosyncrasies 64 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt and he will have no regard for consequences. You just can't fight without faith. Next time you see a crack addict walking down the street soliciting their body to support a bad habit please know that the only difference between you and them is your faith. Never say what you wouldn't do. Just continue to discipline yourself with devotion and prayer so that it won't be you! CHAPTER 14 Chain Reaction "I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word." - John 17:6 KJV How do we manifest, make known or reveal the name of God to people? I don't claim to know much but I do know people. And, based on my interaction with so many, I have learned what really influences people. Our lifestyles or the way that we live is the most persuasive witnessing tool in the universe. Lifestyle is a major tool that Jesus used throughout His entire ministry. His concern for others was unparalleled. 65 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt In fact, one of Jesus last prayer request before His death, burial and resurrection was filled with concern for "other people." He wanted others (His disciples in particular) to have the same personal relationship with GOD that He possessed. But, to make that happen, Jesus had to give something to the cause. “For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received [them], and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me." - John 17:8 KJV Jesus manifested or made known the name of GOD to others by giving them "The Word of God!" So, in following His example, we make GOD known to people by verbally proclaiming the Gospel, right? Not entirely. Jesus was so intertwined with God that scripture calls Him "The Word of God". Jesus actually manifested God to people by giving them Himself! According to the Bible, Jesus gave His disciples a pure and untainted lifestyle that made God real to them. In so doing, He gave them "deity" - not just His humanity. Using His example, we simply put our lives in God's hands in such a way that our lives tell the world about Jesus. "And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through thy truth". John 17:19 KJV 66 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt To sanctify means to make pure and it is a problem word for a lot of people. We live in such a corrupt society that if somebody were to jump up and shout "I'm clean" they would probably get hit with a ton of bricks. Purity doesn't sit too well with a lot of people because they really don't understand how it works. But it’s really a simple process. "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you." - John 15:3 Jesus really does the cleaning, all we have to do is let Him in. That's why I promote devotion time, renewing the mind and the basic disciplines of studying God's Word more than any other practice known to mankind. Seriously, renewing the mind is what makes us pure in the eyes of God. Spending time with Him is the most important thing that we can do, ask Martha. “And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me." - Luke 10:39, 40 KJV The last couple of scriptures are so powerful that I'm just going to end the chapter with this revelation. “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." - Luke 10:42 KJV 67 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Only one thing is "needful" if we really want to live a lifestyle that causes a "chain reaction" in this world. We simply need to spend quality time with God's Word. Read Malcolm Gladwell's "Tipping Point" and you will see that it doesn't take much to influence people. "Teen smoking: It's an adult practice that is cool among teens precisely because of its’ adult roots." The Truth of the matter is that our lives are infectious whether we know it or not. God has given us the power to influence the world. Before we leave this earth, we should all be able to say: "I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me..." or I have been a conduit of GOD'S power in Heaven on the earth. God has empowered us to cause a Chain Reaction! 68 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Case Closed "If there be any praise" CHAPTER 15 God of the Underdog “The bows of the mighty men are broken, And they that stumbled are girded with strength.” 1 Samuel 2:4 2:4 KJV Underdog: A person or group that is losing, or is expected to lose in a contest or struggle. - Webster's New World College Dictionary You are not expected to win. I'm talking to those of you who have fallen and God has somehow picked you up. You are considered the outcast, the black sheep, you are what many have deemed "The Underdog." But fortunately, God likes your kind. Yes, you and I the one's that God loves to raise up because only He can get the glory for such a miraculous feat. 69 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt In case you may not feel comfortable, I will use myself as an example and the springboard for this touchy subject. I have robbed and hurt people, been shot at, plugged in the Conservative Vicelord Gang, sold and indulged in drugs, incarcerated for over 2 years for half truths - almost anything you can think of I've probably done it and more. And, in spite of all that, I know people who will tell you that I show no traces of any such activity. I'm bragging on God, He just specializes in redeeming people like me. “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called] But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;" 1 Corinthians 1:26, 27 KJV God really wants to show the world that only He can deliver you from bondage. At the end of the day, He wants all the glory. I know this because no human being on earth could have done for me what God has. “That no flesh should glory in his presence.” - 1 Corinthians 1:29 KJV Be encouraged today if you have been disadvantaged in any way in your life. You are part of a group of people that have been selected. The drug addict, the convict, the pimp, the prostitute, the divorcee, the crooked businessman, the unemployed, the abuser, the abused, the fallen Pastor, the murderer, the thief - the list goes on. There is a pattern in scripture concerning people who have been crippled by the enemy... 70 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt “So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.” - Matthew 20:16 KJV God actually chooses those who are considered last, He goes after the underdog. When you read the story of Hannah in the 1st Chapter of 1 Samuel you can't help but to notice that same pattern. She couldn't have children, she was despised and when she sought God in her anguish she was called a drunk. She was what I consider "an underdog." But then God stepped in. You will find these words within that same discouraging chapter of her life, "...and the Lord remembered her." -1 Samuel 1:19b KJV Regardless of what we go through, God has not forgotten us. Ultimately, Hannah was blessed but I really want you to focus on her response: “For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there." - 1 Samuel 1:27, 28 KJV The ultimate praise for what God has done is to dedicate what He has given you back to Him. 71 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt I'm speaking to underdogs now... If God has caused you to dodge a bullet you should dedicate the rest of your life to Him. If your voice was broken and He's given you the ability to sing again, you should dedicate your voice to Him. If you've been at a disadvantage "in any way" and God has raised you up - give Him the praise! After all He's done, He deserves it. CHAPTER 16 The Resurrection “Thus saith the LORD GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live." - Ezekiel 37:5 KJV When I consider the "before and after" shots of my own life, I can only stand in awe of Jesus and His ability to bring dead people back to life. To watch something so destitute flourish into a well spring of activity still amazes me. This is something that Jesus is accustom to doing. However, scholars have debated Jesus and the process of redemption for centuries. There are so many different religious customs and practices out there that people just get confused as to how this thing works. But, allow me to assure you of this one thing: you can argue with the way something is done but no one can dispute genuine change. When you get through talking, Jesus is still the best at bringing people back to life! 72 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt I say this because dead people can't bring people back to life. • Mohammed is dead. • Buddha is dead. • Confucius is dead. But Jesus has risen from the dead! “Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?” - 1 Corinthians 15:12 KJV I'm not even going to debate whether or not Jesus died, was buried and rose again to redeem us from sin and to make us one with The Father. If you've gotten this far in the book you should know this by now. However, I do want to address those of you who may question whether or not this same resurrection power can live in "the believer." “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” - Romans 8:11 KJV Did you catch that? If The Spirit of God dwells in you then He will quicken (make alive) your mortal body. In other words, a person who doesn't have Jesus living on the inside of them is really a dead man walking! If we want to "come alive" in any capacity we need Jesus. More than anything else, we need God's Word. 73 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt "Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD."- Ezekiel 37:4 KJV God once gave the Prophet Ezekiel a vision of a nation that was so dead that He called them "dry bones." Now that's what I call dead! These people were without feeling, motion, power, no longer significant, and obsolete. They were stiff, without hope, in darkness, and incomplete but God still wanted them to hear something... "hear the word of the LORD." Call me crazy but I just believe that no matter how dead somebody is, all they really need is a consistent dosage of God's Word. The Word will birth prayer and provide a place of residence for God's Spirit. When Jesus (The Word of God) is in the building (in you) - you’ll know it because people will come alive! “And ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, - Ezekiel 37:13 KJV But, He doesn't just stop there. God just doesn't want to bring people out of bondage. He wants to bring people (you) into "the promised land." You’re not just destined for heaven, you're destined for a new life here on earth. "And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it], saith the LORD." - Ezekiel 37:14 KJV 74 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt That really deserves a "praise break" right there but it's time for us to conclude this book until God releases the next one. I have enjoyed sharing my testimonies with you and especially the revelation of God's Word. But, I do have an agenda. What good is it if I share "The King In You" message with you, if you don't share it with somebody else? What does it matter if we sit on padded pews in church's across America but never bring "The Church" to America? How can we expect to thwart sin our homes and local communities if repentance (changing the mind) is no longer preached in the streets? The "formerly" dead should be a witness to the dead. “And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.” - Matthew 27:53 KJV Go tell somebody today that there is a King In You! Beyond Reasonable Doubt 75 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt 76 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt www.kinginyoupublishing.com Check us out online! KING IN YOU PUBLISHING LLC. Our mission is: To develop The King In You, so that you can bring The Kingdom to a dying world! 77 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Confession of Faith Reference: Romans 10:9-13 KJV Father in Heaven, I have sinned. Receive me back into your arms again. I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that you sent your Son to die on the cross for my sins. He was buried, He rose up from the grave and He is coming back for me again. Now I ask that you fill me with your Spirit so that I can release the King In Me. 78 | P a g e KING IN YOU-Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Dedication To the My God, King, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To My wife, ReGina Moore and Soul Mate, thank you for your endurance, you are my “good thing” To my Editors: Holy Spirit, Heather Schooler and ReGina Moore, & our Partners: GO-FLO for creating an awesome cover, website & future projects. Thank you all for your time, patience, and dedication. To My Moms, My Dad and to all those who have sown into my life and helped develop the King In Me, there are just too many of you all to name, thank you. 79 | P a g e
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