1 Peter 5:8 (NKJ) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour”. The word vigilant by definition provides us with a spiritual perspective as well. The World English Dictionary definition is, “Keenly alert to or heedful of trouble or danger, as while others are sleeping or unsuspicious.”

As a Christ follower we have provision in our covenant with God that allows us access and safe passage through these troubling times and it keeps us from being devoured by the spirit of the age.  This is why God tell us to test the spirits. 1 John 4:1 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” This is not only referring to false religious prophets, but any leader who proclaims to be guiding you to an expected end. If the pathway revealed does not reflect God’s Principals, or His character traits, it’s probably not His pathway!

As Christians we are called to be different, and to make a difference when it counts. We cannot remain silent and think “well, that’s just the way it is”. No! That’s the way it is if we want to sleep our freedom away! The Apostle Paul had to contend with the spirit of the age as well.

Eph. 6:18-20 (NKJ) reminds us, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Whatever circumstance or situation the evil one is trying to lull you to sleep with, shake yourself and remember you have the “Greater One, Jesus! ” living on the inside of you! You are not alone! God and many others are standing with you for your breakthrough today!

Always remember that “The Spirit of Truth” is Greater than the spirit of the age. God has not forgotten His Word. He has not forgotten His people. If He said it, it is true! He will bring it to pass!

Life is meant to be lived on levels. We begin as infants, fully dependent upon our parents to care for our every need. We learn to crawl, walk, run, and suddenly our world get’s much larger now the world didn’t shrink, our desires just grew up. The desire to explore beyond the boundary was confined by our inability to move, but one day we stood up and our little legs propelled us forward as we ventured out to conquer the world. The personal victories achieved at our previous level establish the pillars of support for our future vision.

Have you ever noticed how boxing champions who have retired with the World Championship title just can’t seem to ride off into the sunset? What would cause them to come out of retirement and go back into the ring for another fight, other than the millions of dollars they will receive for just showing up? I believe it is the desire to go one more round! It is the call of the next level beckoning them beyond the boundary of retirement and back into the ring of life! The fighter in them is still alive, and cannot accept the title of retirement.

I am convinced that if World Champion Boxer, George Foreman, did not have Jesus….. and his grill, he would be back in the ring today. He is among the few previous World champions that have reinvented themselves successfully. There’s a whole bunch of people that never saw him box, but they sure do like his, “lean mean grilling machine!”

Jesus Christ reveals to us how to handle each new level in life, as we complete our God-given assignment. His Instructions lead to fulfillment and contentment. Ambitious pursuits usually sacrifice other people at the expense of personal gain.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV) says it like this. 18 “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

With each new level in our life, we discover the value that our contribution brings. It might be the compensation of a large income, a position of influence, or perhaps notoriety of some sort.  Or, It might be peace and contentment upon which no value can be place. Whatever the achievement, if we stay in God, we are given the opportunity to mature as a person in every area of our life, and this includes spiritual maturity as well.

In His Service

Mark Matthews

I have followed this World Cup more than any other World Cup competitions in times past. At first I was not sure why, but I remember having this thought, “My World Cup Runneth Over” about two weeks before the competition began. So, as the games got underway I noticed obvious signs of why God put that in my heart. I was refreshed to see how certain players were bold about their faith, and unashamed to lift up the name of Jesus in the public arena as they gave the glory to God for their strength of the game. Talk about sending a clear message around the world for all to see, I love it, and I am sure that God takes note of it as well.

The Psalmist “King David” in Psalm 23:4-6 (KJV) gives his perspective of God’s love in the expression located in verse 5. 4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

Throughout these scriptures we notice the confidence that King David expresses about his relationship with the Lord. No matter what the situation he knew that God was with him, so with confidence he proclaimed that my God is for me, and He will take care of me in spite of the evil that surrounds me.  Verse: 5 is the portion of scripture that highlights the cup, and is the key word expressed in this blog.

Let’s think of our life as a container that God desires to pour into, or a cup for that matter. Here we are on this earth but for a short time in comparison to eternity. We encounter God though His son Jesus, and then God starts pouring new life into us, or taking us to the next level in our walk with him! We embrace this new change that we are experiencing. Everything feels like we are starting over, brand new if you will! So we stop and look back to measure how far we have moved away from the former person that we used to be.

Unaware of the enemy’s devices and distractions we promote human reasoning instead of the voice of God, so our interaction shifts to this type of dialogue. “God, I really want to thank you for all the progress that has taken place in me! I really like the development of my walk with you, and this feeling of accomplishment is wonderful”. Then God responds to us and says,“I want to fill you to overflowing”. We answer, “Well God I think I am fine with just topping it off at the rim for right now”.

God never stopped pouring, we just stopped receiving. So we settle for, “mostly full”, rather than, “running over” in our relationship with Him. You see, “almost full” will satisfy us for a while, but running over will cause us to be, “Rivers of Living Water” to a parched and thirsty world. Only a purposeful drink from the river of life, “Jesus Christ”, can quench our, thirsty soul, sustain us, and provide assistance to those around us. The extended blessings that follow us are called “Goodness and Mercy”.

We can live in the overflow with God, but we must abstain from switching to another source for our filling. Every time that we push back from God, we create a space for something else to take His place. It is a great deception to, “draw from the well of the secular system”, and pour into our, “Cup of Life” a substitute and expect that transfusion to have the same benefit that God would provide. The attempt falls short of ever reaching the, “rim of fulfillment”.

If you are experiencing a drought just re-position your heart to receive His communion, and suddenly you will notice that He is pouring once again and energizing your life. Remember, there is nothing that you can do to purchase His Love or forgiveness except receive it. When God fills you to overflowing it will naturally come out. He positions you at the right place, and the right time to show out large in your life. You know, that special moment when the world is watching, suddenly, “God Runneth Over for the world to see.”

I have included some special moments caught from the 2010 World Cup, and some of the pictures and quotes from news article of the elite Soccer players that are not ashamed of God running over in their life! Friday, June 11, 2010, the FIFA World Cup embarked on 30 days of football (soccer) played in 10 stadiums scattered over 9 cities. They estimated that over 300,000 visitors from all parts of the world would attend. This translated into 2.74 million spectators with a TV audience of some 40 billion projected views watching the 200 hours of football. Half the world was able to watch the finals with a potential 3.3 billion people glued to their sets. In addition a further 14 million visitors watched the games on Big Screens at the fan parks. Christian groups and churches mobilized to take advantage of the opportunity for evangelism presented by the World Cup.

USA Has a Bold Man on the Team                                   Brazilian star Kaka is not ashamed of his faith



Speaking words of life!  Just how important is it?  If you listen to the radio, TV or even some conversations for very long you will hear something that is contrary to the word of God.  How do we as Christians filter the unbelief that is present in the atmosphere that we dwell in?  Unbelief robs the miracles out of many people’s lives right at their point of breakthrough.

Jesus had to confront unbelief at every turn of His ministry.  Sometimes through those who were closest to Him.  Unbelief starts through skepticism and opinions, and is mostly reinforced by doubting people who have abandoned their faith.  Don’t allow doubting people to instruct you on how faith works, when their last failure, is your current mountain.  It is vitally important who you listen to and who’s report you believe.

John 6:63 – 64 (KJV) states what Jesus had to say about life giving words. “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profited nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” verse 64, reveals that some will not believe.  However, we who choose to believe and speak life will see a dramatic turnaround in our lives.  Prov. 18:21a (KJV) says, “Death and Life are in the power of the tongue.”

1 Peter 3:10 – 12 ( KJV) states, “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, his lips that they speak no guile.” Verse (11) says to shun evil and speak peace.  Verse (12a) lets us know that the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers. If you hear yourself speaking contrary to the word of God, take action and step in the right direction!

Three Life Giving Steps

1. Say, Father forgive me in Jesus name!  (His name is life.)

2. Believe in the power of His word. Say, (Father I believe.)

3. Speak His word of Life over yourself, (God is listening for your faith                            in His word!)  Here are a few scriptures that will build up a strong defense        in your life.

Ps.63:3 – Ps.91:16 – Prove. 8:35 – John 8:12 – John 14:6 – Rom. 5:17 (KJV)

This is an exciting time for Tradewind Ministries as we launch our website.  Your prayers and support has helped lay the foundation of Tradewind Ministries, in helping us to present to the world, relevant music, and teaching with a healing touch!  Remember, as a partner to this ministry you are connected to this breakthrough. Prov. 11:30 (AMP) “The fruit the [uncompromisingly] righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise captures human lives [for God is a fisher of men – He gathers and receives them for eternity]”.

Living Words of Life!

Mark Matthews