John 1:6-9 (KJV) tells us that John was sent to bear witness of the light which was Jesus Christ. When we receive the precious gift of salvation that light which is Jesus Christ, then lives within us. In Matthew 5:16 (KJV) Jesus says let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.
According to scripture Christians are to live their lives in a manner that allows the light of the Lord to shine through in everything they do. We should be witnessing to the lost, telling them that God loves them, and will forgive them of all their sins. We should tell them He is there waiting on them, and that all they need to do is go to Him in prayer, ask forgiveness of their sins, confess that they believe Jesus was born, that He died on the cross for their sins, and that He rose again.
Statistics show that Christians make up eighty to eighty-five percent of the people in the United States of America. That is a lot of light, but unfortunately, many Christians hide their light. The only way you would know they are a Christian is if you spotted them going in or out of a Church. It is possible to work, attend school, or socialize with people without ever knowing their faith. God never intended it to be that way.
I would like to encourage you to turn your light on, don't hide it. If you've put a dimmer switch on it, then kick it all the way up. Let's go out into the world, spread the good news, and be the witnesses God intended us to be. Lost souls need to look at us, and want what we have. They should be able to see something different in us, and that difference is the light of Christ!
If you have a prayer request, simply leave me a message, and I will be more than happy to pray for you. May God bless you.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Anger
Proverbs 15:1 says A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Ephesians 4:31 says to let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. Colossians 3:21 says Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Proverbs 16:32 says He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Anger is a normal human emotion, and it is one we all experience from time to time. God is well aware of this, and understands it. Becoming angry is never pleasant, but at the same time it is not the emotion itself that is the problem. It is how we choose to react to a situation when we are angry that is the issue.
Having a "short fuse" as some say is a trait that if possessed, needs your immediate attention. I have heard some people proclaim this about themselves in a bragging manner, when it is certainly nothing to be proud of. If you are a person who is quick to become angry, then begin working on rectifying that today. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 6:32 that a person who is slow to become angry is better than a mighty man, and that a person who is able to control him or herself than one who could take a city. This comparision let's us know how great God feels the ability to practice self-control is.
I have seen full grown adults lose their temper, and throw a fit because things were not going their way, and let me tell you it looks ridiculous. We never hear about that, however, we only hear stories where children have become angry, and lost their tempers. What are we going to do about the adults?
Fathers are instructed in Colossians 3:21 not to make their children angry by provoking them because it discourages the child. I have been out in public, and witnessed parents going on and on at a child, only to become further upset when the child becomes angry. Those same individuals would become livid, if someone provoked them in the same manner. There are ways to handles situations without invoking anger, and discouragement in the child. It is so important to remain calm yourself, and think about the words you choose to speak when handling issues with anyone including a child. In controlling your temper with them as you handle whatever the problem might be, you are not just teaching one lesson in your correction, but two. The first lesson you are teaching is in your handling of the problem, and the second one is in self-control. We are all roll models for the children in our lives, and how we behave has a tremendous impact on their lives.
When we fail to control our emotions in any area, not only does the person we lose it with suffer the consequences, but we do as well. It is exhausting, embarassing, and troubling to our spirit, when we lose self-control. Most importantly it is displeasing to God.
We can only control ourselves, and it is vital that we do so. If you know you need work in this area, then start working on it right away. First and foremost, go to God in prayer, and ask him to help you with self-control. Practice taking a few minutes to calm down before you react to a situation that has made you angry. Use kind words in an attempt to defuse a conversation that is leading to anger, the next time someone becomes angry with you. If all else fails and the only way you can maintain self-control is to go into another room for a moment, then by all means do it. Anger left unchecked is a very ugly emotion. It is unhealthy, it benefits no one, and it wreaks havoc on all who are subjected to it. Strive to be a person who is mightier than he who can take a city.
If you have a prayer request, simply leave me a message, and I will be more than happy to pray for you. May God bless you!
Anger is a normal human emotion, and it is one we all experience from time to time. God is well aware of this, and understands it. Becoming angry is never pleasant, but at the same time it is not the emotion itself that is the problem. It is how we choose to react to a situation when we are angry that is the issue.
Having a "short fuse" as some say is a trait that if possessed, needs your immediate attention. I have heard some people proclaim this about themselves in a bragging manner, when it is certainly nothing to be proud of. If you are a person who is quick to become angry, then begin working on rectifying that today. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 6:32 that a person who is slow to become angry is better than a mighty man, and that a person who is able to control him or herself than one who could take a city. This comparision let's us know how great God feels the ability to practice self-control is.
I have seen full grown adults lose their temper, and throw a fit because things were not going their way, and let me tell you it looks ridiculous. We never hear about that, however, we only hear stories where children have become angry, and lost their tempers. What are we going to do about the adults?
Fathers are instructed in Colossians 3:21 not to make their children angry by provoking them because it discourages the child. I have been out in public, and witnessed parents going on and on at a child, only to become further upset when the child becomes angry. Those same individuals would become livid, if someone provoked them in the same manner. There are ways to handles situations without invoking anger, and discouragement in the child. It is so important to remain calm yourself, and think about the words you choose to speak when handling issues with anyone including a child. In controlling your temper with them as you handle whatever the problem might be, you are not just teaching one lesson in your correction, but two. The first lesson you are teaching is in your handling of the problem, and the second one is in self-control. We are all roll models for the children in our lives, and how we behave has a tremendous impact on their lives.
When we fail to control our emotions in any area, not only does the person we lose it with suffer the consequences, but we do as well. It is exhausting, embarassing, and troubling to our spirit, when we lose self-control. Most importantly it is displeasing to God.
We can only control ourselves, and it is vital that we do so. If you know you need work in this area, then start working on it right away. First and foremost, go to God in prayer, and ask him to help you with self-control. Practice taking a few minutes to calm down before you react to a situation that has made you angry. Use kind words in an attempt to defuse a conversation that is leading to anger, the next time someone becomes angry with you. If all else fails and the only way you can maintain self-control is to go into another room for a moment, then by all means do it. Anger left unchecked is a very ugly emotion. It is unhealthy, it benefits no one, and it wreaks havoc on all who are subjected to it. Strive to be a person who is mightier than he who can take a city.
If you have a prayer request, simply leave me a message, and I will be more than happy to pray for you. May God bless you!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
A Lesson in Gratitude
In John Chapter 9:1-3 (KJV) Jesus and his disciples come upon a man who has been blind since birth. His disciples ask Him Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents that he was born blind? Jesus answered neither the man or his parents, but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. Jesus goes on in later verses to cure the man of his blindness. The miracle Jesus performed in curing the man's blindness was a powerful testimony of God's existence, and his awesome power.
In John Chapter 9 (KJV) Jesus explains that this man was born blind in order for God's work to be shown through him, as it was. in the miracle of Jesus curing his blindness. It is not meant for us to know the reasons behind everything God does, or why certain things are as they are, but in some instances I think that we are being humbly taught a lesson.
I believe God puts some people in our path so that we might learn from them. One example that comes to mind for me, is a student my sister had in her classroom. My sister worked with special needs children, at a local high school for many years. One day a young man was having difficulty grasping a mental task, that was being carefully explained by another teacher. Meanwhile, my sister was ask by another student, who was sitting in a wheelchair near the young man having difficulty, to lean down so she could tell her something. This student was wheel chair bound due to cerebral palsy. My sister leaned down, and the young lady whispered that she thanked God everyday for not having any problems with her brain. Okay talk about a lesson in gratitude.This wheelchair bound young lady was thanking God everyday that her brain functioned normally. This story should remind all who hear it to thank God for the many things they have taken for granted.
What a special young lady, and what a special message. Although I don't have the answer as to why she was born with cerebral palsy, there is one thing I do know, and that is from that wheelchair she taught a powerful lesson that day. When was the last time you thanked God for the things he's given you? When was the last time you truly counted your blessings? Did you over look any?
If you have a prayer request leave me a message, and I will be happy to pray for you. May God bless you!
In John Chapter 9 (KJV) Jesus explains that this man was born blind in order for God's work to be shown through him, as it was. in the miracle of Jesus curing his blindness. It is not meant for us to know the reasons behind everything God does, or why certain things are as they are, but in some instances I think that we are being humbly taught a lesson.
I believe God puts some people in our path so that we might learn from them. One example that comes to mind for me, is a student my sister had in her classroom. My sister worked with special needs children, at a local high school for many years. One day a young man was having difficulty grasping a mental task, that was being carefully explained by another teacher. Meanwhile, my sister was ask by another student, who was sitting in a wheelchair near the young man having difficulty, to lean down so she could tell her something. This student was wheel chair bound due to cerebral palsy. My sister leaned down, and the young lady whispered that she thanked God everyday for not having any problems with her brain. Okay talk about a lesson in gratitude.This wheelchair bound young lady was thanking God everyday that her brain functioned normally. This story should remind all who hear it to thank God for the many things they have taken for granted.
What a special young lady, and what a special message. Although I don't have the answer as to why she was born with cerebral palsy, there is one thing I do know, and that is from that wheelchair she taught a powerful lesson that day. When was the last time you thanked God for the things he's given you? When was the last time you truly counted your blessings? Did you over look any?
If you have a prayer request leave me a message, and I will be happy to pray for you. May God bless you!
Friday, January 20, 2012
The Smallest Member
The tongue is the smallest member of the body, yet it can get us in the most trouble. Psalm 34:13 (KJV) says keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. I Peter 3:10 (KJV) states he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile. Proverbs 34:13 (KJV) instructs us to keep our tongue from evil, and our lips from speaking guile. We are reminded quite a few times in scripture to have control over our tongues, and of what great power the tongue holds.
Telling lies is one way that you can get yourself in trouble with your tongue. When you tell one lie it inevitably turns into more lies, and the issues that develop and the problems that occur, secondary to the lies, continue to multiply. We can avoid this chaos simply by telling the truth. The truth never changes, and you don't have to worry that you're going to slip up, and get caught telling it.
Have you ever been guilty of being angry or aggitated, and blurting something out spontaneously only to regret it instantly? I know I have. When we find ourselves in situations that upset, and frustrate us, we need to take a moment to calm down, and think before we speak. If we respond to someone while we are angry, upset, or frustrated, most times we wind up saying things we don't truly mean, getting off topic, causing a minor disagreement to escalate into a large one, and hurting the feelings of the person we are addressing.
Other areas the tongue can wreak havoc in are the mind, and spirit. If you walk around speaking negativity, then that is also damaging. It is toxic to you, and to those around you. Have you ever been around someone who is negative about everything? Their mere presence can drain the energy from a room, and destroy the pleasant mood you were in just minutes before. On the other hand an individual with an upbeat, positive attitude, can bring cheer, and life to a room. When you are around someone like this even their smile is contagious. The power in what we speak can and does have a tremendous bearing on every aspect of our lives.
If you are a person who uses their tongue for cursing, negativity, and speaking doom and gloom, then let me challenge you instead to speak positive thoughts, blessings, and encouragemnt. When you choose to do this, you will notice a major difference in your life, not only in the way you feel, but in the way that others interact with you.
Decide today that you are going to count your blessings, and walk in a Christian spirit of joy. If this doesn't come easily for you, then come up with a catch phrase you can repeat to yourself throughout the day that will help remind you of the change you are making in your attitude, and how wonderful the results of doing so are going to be. "I'm special, and God loves me," or "Jesus loves me." "I'm walking in love," or "I've got Jesus."Whatever phrase works for you. It may take a while, but if you stick to it before long "praise God" you won't just be saying it, you'll be living it. God loves us, and He wants us to live a joyful lives.
Smile, speak kind words, and encourage others in the Lord. When you do, you'll find that you are much happier with your own life, and that the people who use to avoid you are now drawn to you.
If you have a prayer request, leave me a message, and I will be more than happy to pray for you. May God bless you!
Telling lies is one way that you can get yourself in trouble with your tongue. When you tell one lie it inevitably turns into more lies, and the issues that develop and the problems that occur, secondary to the lies, continue to multiply. We can avoid this chaos simply by telling the truth. The truth never changes, and you don't have to worry that you're going to slip up, and get caught telling it.
Have you ever been guilty of being angry or aggitated, and blurting something out spontaneously only to regret it instantly? I know I have. When we find ourselves in situations that upset, and frustrate us, we need to take a moment to calm down, and think before we speak. If we respond to someone while we are angry, upset, or frustrated, most times we wind up saying things we don't truly mean, getting off topic, causing a minor disagreement to escalate into a large one, and hurting the feelings of the person we are addressing.
Other areas the tongue can wreak havoc in are the mind, and spirit. If you walk around speaking negativity, then that is also damaging. It is toxic to you, and to those around you. Have you ever been around someone who is negative about everything? Their mere presence can drain the energy from a room, and destroy the pleasant mood you were in just minutes before. On the other hand an individual with an upbeat, positive attitude, can bring cheer, and life to a room. When you are around someone like this even their smile is contagious. The power in what we speak can and does have a tremendous bearing on every aspect of our lives.
If you are a person who uses their tongue for cursing, negativity, and speaking doom and gloom, then let me challenge you instead to speak positive thoughts, blessings, and encouragemnt. When you choose to do this, you will notice a major difference in your life, not only in the way you feel, but in the way that others interact with you.
Decide today that you are going to count your blessings, and walk in a Christian spirit of joy. If this doesn't come easily for you, then come up with a catch phrase you can repeat to yourself throughout the day that will help remind you of the change you are making in your attitude, and how wonderful the results of doing so are going to be. "I'm special, and God loves me," or "Jesus loves me." "I'm walking in love," or "I've got Jesus."Whatever phrase works for you. It may take a while, but if you stick to it before long "praise God" you won't just be saying it, you'll be living it. God loves us, and He wants us to live a joyful lives.
Smile, speak kind words, and encourage others in the Lord. When you do, you'll find that you are much happier with your own life, and that the people who use to avoid you are now drawn to you.
If you have a prayer request, leave me a message, and I will be more than happy to pray for you. May God bless you!
Friendship
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us that two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one wll lift up his fellow, but woe to him that is alone when he falls because he has not another to help him up. Proverbs 17:17 says that a friend loves at all times.
We all need a true friend in our lives, and we need to recognize them for the blessings that they are. These are the friends that truly know you. The people you can tell absolutely anything, and rest assured that it will never go any further. They stand by your side through the trials and tribulations that life puts before you, and they do so because they love you. You can call them anytime day or night, and they are there for you. They are honest with you when you ask their opinion even if it means telling you that you're wrong.
We should take everything to God in prayer, and he should always come first in our lives.
God does, however, recognize that we need friends, and the importance of us having them. As the scripture above tells us there are times when we need one another. When we take our inevitable falls, whether literal, emotional, or any other type fall, we need a friend to lift us up.
Not only do we need a friend that we can count on to be all of the things I mentioned above, but we need to be that kind of friend in return. If you are blessed as I am, and have a true friend in your life, be grateful for them, count them among your blessings, and let them know how much they mean to you. It is human nature, for some, to allow their love for their friends to go unspoken. If you are one of these people call your friend, and tell them how much you value their friendship, how grateful you are to have them in your life, that you count them among your blessings, and that you love them. True friendship is a priceless gift from God.
If you have a prayer request, and would like me to pray for you, just leave me a message, and I will be happy to do so. May God bless you!
We all need a true friend in our lives, and we need to recognize them for the blessings that they are. These are the friends that truly know you. The people you can tell absolutely anything, and rest assured that it will never go any further. They stand by your side through the trials and tribulations that life puts before you, and they do so because they love you. You can call them anytime day or night, and they are there for you. They are honest with you when you ask their opinion even if it means telling you that you're wrong.
We should take everything to God in prayer, and he should always come first in our lives.
God does, however, recognize that we need friends, and the importance of us having them. As the scripture above tells us there are times when we need one another. When we take our inevitable falls, whether literal, emotional, or any other type fall, we need a friend to lift us up.
Not only do we need a friend that we can count on to be all of the things I mentioned above, but we need to be that kind of friend in return. If you are blessed as I am, and have a true friend in your life, be grateful for them, count them among your blessings, and let them know how much they mean to you. It is human nature, for some, to allow their love for their friends to go unspoken. If you are one of these people call your friend, and tell them how much you value their friendship, how grateful you are to have them in your life, that you count them among your blessings, and that you love them. True friendship is a priceless gift from God.
If you have a prayer request, and would like me to pray for you, just leave me a message, and I will be happy to do so. May God bless you!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
An Amazing Conversation
In the spring of 1995 my aunt was diagnosed with an inoperable, malignant, brain tumor, and given only six months to live. I was devastated. She was a huge part of my life, and I loved her tremendously. She was always there for me through good times, and bad. Whenever I had exciting news to share with her she listened intently to each and every word, and would genuinely share in my elation. When I came to her with a problem, she never failed to make me feel better with her kind words, and loving assurance that everything would work out.
I went to visit my aunt regularly while she was battling cancer, and we had many wonderful conversations. Time was flying by, and my aunt's condition was deteriorating rapidly. I cherished every second of those visits. In the fall of the same year, about six months after her diagnosis, my aunt was no longer able to engage in long conversations with me. In fact, when I went for what would be one of my final visits, she had not said much, if anything, in a couple of days.
It took all the strength I could gather to approach my aunt's bedside on this visit, because I knew the end was near, and I was not ready for her to go. I approached her bed put her hand in mine and, I told her how very much she meant to me, I thanked her for all she had ever done for me, I told her there would be an emptiness in my heart forever after she was gone, and I told her that I loved her more than words could convey.
A few minutes passed, and I decided to walk into the next room to compose myself, and to get a cup of coffee. As I was pouring my coffee, I heard a voice engaged in what sounded like a joyful conversation coming from my aunt's bedroom. I was certain of two things, one that she was in there alone, and two the voice I was hearing belonged to my aunt. I raced back to her door, and asked "Aunt Bessie are you talking to me?" Her reply left me stunned, and amazed. She said "no I am talking to mama and daddy, but they won't talk to me with you in here." I felt a lump swell in my throat the size of a grapefruit. My grandparents, like my aunt were good Christian people, and years earlier my grandparents had passed away. My grandfather had been gone for seventeen years, and my grandmother for seven. With tears in my eyes, I smiled at my aunt, told her okay, and that I would wait in the next room so that she could talk to them.
Within minutes, the stillness and quite returned to that bedroom, and two days later I was at my aunt's bedside, when she went home to be with the Lord. I have no doubt whatsoever that she is now in heaven rejoicing with my grandparents. Through this experience, God blessed me with joy, and comfort in the midst of tremendous sorrow.
If you want to spend eternity with your loved ones, I urge you to get right with God, ask him into your heart, and do it today. Don't wait, do it right now. Ask God to forgive you of all your sins, tell him you believe that Jesus was born, and that he died on the cross for your sins, and that he rose again. It is the greatest thing you will ever do.
If you would like for me to pray for you, leave me a message, and I will be happy to do so. May God bless you.
I went to visit my aunt regularly while she was battling cancer, and we had many wonderful conversations. Time was flying by, and my aunt's condition was deteriorating rapidly. I cherished every second of those visits. In the fall of the same year, about six months after her diagnosis, my aunt was no longer able to engage in long conversations with me. In fact, when I went for what would be one of my final visits, she had not said much, if anything, in a couple of days.
It took all the strength I could gather to approach my aunt's bedside on this visit, because I knew the end was near, and I was not ready for her to go. I approached her bed put her hand in mine and, I told her how very much she meant to me, I thanked her for all she had ever done for me, I told her there would be an emptiness in my heart forever after she was gone, and I told her that I loved her more than words could convey.
A few minutes passed, and I decided to walk into the next room to compose myself, and to get a cup of coffee. As I was pouring my coffee, I heard a voice engaged in what sounded like a joyful conversation coming from my aunt's bedroom. I was certain of two things, one that she was in there alone, and two the voice I was hearing belonged to my aunt. I raced back to her door, and asked "Aunt Bessie are you talking to me?" Her reply left me stunned, and amazed. She said "no I am talking to mama and daddy, but they won't talk to me with you in here." I felt a lump swell in my throat the size of a grapefruit. My grandparents, like my aunt were good Christian people, and years earlier my grandparents had passed away. My grandfather had been gone for seventeen years, and my grandmother for seven. With tears in my eyes, I smiled at my aunt, told her okay, and that I would wait in the next room so that she could talk to them.
Within minutes, the stillness and quite returned to that bedroom, and two days later I was at my aunt's bedside, when she went home to be with the Lord. I have no doubt whatsoever that she is now in heaven rejoicing with my grandparents. Through this experience, God blessed me with joy, and comfort in the midst of tremendous sorrow.
If you want to spend eternity with your loved ones, I urge you to get right with God, ask him into your heart, and do it today. Don't wait, do it right now. Ask God to forgive you of all your sins, tell him you believe that Jesus was born, and that he died on the cross for your sins, and that he rose again. It is the greatest thing you will ever do.
If you would like for me to pray for you, leave me a message, and I will be happy to do so. May God bless you.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
In God's Time
Often times people pray for something, and expect their prayer to be answered immediately. If they don't get the answer they want and get it quickly, they become upset with God. I have had people tell me that God doesn't answer their prayers, and that they don't believe He even hears them.
In Hebrews 12:1 Paul tells us that we are to run with patience the race that is set before us. Isaiah 40:31 tells us that those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
The key words in the above verses are patience, and wait. God hears all of our prayers, but we must wait patiently on Him to answer them in his time, and in the manner that He chooses understanding that He knows what is best for us. There are many possible reasons for our prayers not being answered in the time, and manner we feel they should be.
It could be that God knows what you are asking for is not in your best interest. I can remember when I was younger asking my parents for permission to do something, and on occasion them telling me no. I thought they were being unreasonable, and that they just didn't understand. The truth is they understood fully, and loving me told me no because they knew what was best for me. We are God's children, and he loves us very much. Like our parents, when we ask Him for something that he doesn't think is in our best interest he will deny our request.
Maybe out of necessity you are praying that you can purchase a particular house, for example, and the deal falls through. It could be that there was an underlying problem with that particular house, or that there was some other unforeseen problem with you living there, and God did not answer your prayer because He was protecting you.
We may not know the reason a particular prayer is not answered the way we feel it should be, but we do know that God has a plan for our lives, and that He knows what is best for us. Continue in prayer, about all things, and wait on God to answer you in His time, and in His manner. Waiting is a great patience builder, and patience is a virtue. Stay strong in your faith, and remember God always hears you.
If you have a prayer request feel free to leave me a message, and I will be more than happy to pray for you. May God bless you.
In Hebrews 12:1 Paul tells us that we are to run with patience the race that is set before us. Isaiah 40:31 tells us that those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
The key words in the above verses are patience, and wait. God hears all of our prayers, but we must wait patiently on Him to answer them in his time, and in the manner that He chooses understanding that He knows what is best for us. There are many possible reasons for our prayers not being answered in the time, and manner we feel they should be.
It could be that God knows what you are asking for is not in your best interest. I can remember when I was younger asking my parents for permission to do something, and on occasion them telling me no. I thought they were being unreasonable, and that they just didn't understand. The truth is they understood fully, and loving me told me no because they knew what was best for me. We are God's children, and he loves us very much. Like our parents, when we ask Him for something that he doesn't think is in our best interest he will deny our request.
Maybe out of necessity you are praying that you can purchase a particular house, for example, and the deal falls through. It could be that there was an underlying problem with that particular house, or that there was some other unforeseen problem with you living there, and God did not answer your prayer because He was protecting you.
We may not know the reason a particular prayer is not answered the way we feel it should be, but we do know that God has a plan for our lives, and that He knows what is best for us. Continue in prayer, about all things, and wait on God to answer you in His time, and in His manner. Waiting is a great patience builder, and patience is a virtue. Stay strong in your faith, and remember God always hears you.
If you have a prayer request feel free to leave me a message, and I will be more than happy to pray for you. May God bless you.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Trials and Tribulations
We all experience peaks and valleys in our lives, and the valleys can be very difficult to endure. Life's trials and tribulations can leave you feeling hopeless, and in a state of despair. Maybe you are going through a difficult period, and feel as though you can't make it out of the valley that you're in. Maybe you are at a place where you feel there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Many people are facing financial hardship these days, many are suffering a broken heart because of a failed relationship, some have health problems, many are homeless, some are facing family problems, some are dealing with the loss of a loved one, and the list goes on and on.
Lamentations 3:21-25 tells us that the Lord is merciful, and to put our hope in Him. This scripture tells us that the Lord's compassion fails not and that it is new every morning. It tells us that He is good to those who seek, and wait on Him. First Peter 5:7 instructs us to cast all of our cares upon the Lord, and tells us that He cares for us. Psalm 46:1 says that God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble.
If you are going through a difficult period in your life, and are currently in a valley, then I encourage you to seek the Lord. Go to Him in prayer, cast all of your cares upon Him, remembering that He is gracious, loving, and merciful. Stay steadfast in your faith knowing that God's compassion never fails, and that it is new every morning. Put your hope in the Lord and wait on Him, and He will lead you out of your valley.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
Lamentations 3:21-25 tells us that the Lord is merciful, and to put our hope in Him. This scripture tells us that the Lord's compassion fails not and that it is new every morning. It tells us that He is good to those who seek, and wait on Him. First Peter 5:7 instructs us to cast all of our cares upon the Lord, and tells us that He cares for us. Psalm 46:1 says that God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble.
If you are going through a difficult period in your life, and are currently in a valley, then I encourage you to seek the Lord. Go to Him in prayer, cast all of your cares upon Him, remembering that He is gracious, loving, and merciful. Stay steadfast in your faith knowing that God's compassion never fails, and that it is new every morning. Put your hope in the Lord and wait on Him, and He will lead you out of your valley.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Forgive Yourself
Psalm 103:12 tells us that as far as the east is from the west, so far hath God removed our transgressions from us. The moment you ask God to forgive you of your sins you are forgiven. Isaiah 43:25 tells us that our sins are blotted out and they will not be remembered. This is wonderful news for each of us because Romans 3:23 tells us, all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
I have come across many people who struggle with accepting God's forgiveness. They find it difficult to believe that God has truly forgiven them, and so they hold onto a mass of self-inflicted guilt and condemnation. This makes for a miserable existence. Do you think God wants your life to be miserable? Of course He doesn't you are His child, and He loves you.
I have had people say, I prayed and ask God to forgive me for all the things I've done wrong, but you don't know my past and the sins I've committed. I don't see how He can forgive me. It is not necessary for me to know the details of your past history in order to tell you whether or not God has forgiven you. If you ask him for forgiveness you are forgiven immediately. That is a scripture based fact. Stop insulting God, and accept the forgiveness He has so graciously given you.
You see the problem has never been that God has not forgiven you, but that you have not forgiven yourself. Stop dwelling on your past mistakes because God's not. Pray for forgiveness, accept the fact that you are forgiven, and move forward.
In closing I want to remind you of the tremendous love that God has for you, and that he is there for you always. He is forgiving, loving, merciful, kind, gracious, and so many more great things.
If you haven't received God's precious gift of salvation and you are at a place where you are ready to do that, then I urge you not to wait any longer. We are not promised tomorrow, and time is running out. Go to God in prayer right where you're at, ask Him to forgive you of all your sins, tell Him you believe that Jesus was born, that He died on the cross for your sins, and that He rose again. Invite God into your heart and put Him first in your life. It is the greatest decision you'll ever make.
If you have a prayer request feel free to leave me a message, and I will be more than happy to pray for you. In Christ, May God bless you.
I have come across many people who struggle with accepting God's forgiveness. They find it difficult to believe that God has truly forgiven them, and so they hold onto a mass of self-inflicted guilt and condemnation. This makes for a miserable existence. Do you think God wants your life to be miserable? Of course He doesn't you are His child, and He loves you.
I have had people say, I prayed and ask God to forgive me for all the things I've done wrong, but you don't know my past and the sins I've committed. I don't see how He can forgive me. It is not necessary for me to know the details of your past history in order to tell you whether or not God has forgiven you. If you ask him for forgiveness you are forgiven immediately. That is a scripture based fact. Stop insulting God, and accept the forgiveness He has so graciously given you.
You see the problem has never been that God has not forgiven you, but that you have not forgiven yourself. Stop dwelling on your past mistakes because God's not. Pray for forgiveness, accept the fact that you are forgiven, and move forward.
In closing I want to remind you of the tremendous love that God has for you, and that he is there for you always. He is forgiving, loving, merciful, kind, gracious, and so many more great things.
If you haven't received God's precious gift of salvation and you are at a place where you are ready to do that, then I urge you not to wait any longer. We are not promised tomorrow, and time is running out. Go to God in prayer right where you're at, ask Him to forgive you of all your sins, tell Him you believe that Jesus was born, that He died on the cross for your sins, and that He rose again. Invite God into your heart and put Him first in your life. It is the greatest decision you'll ever make.
If you have a prayer request feel free to leave me a message, and I will be more than happy to pray for you. In Christ, May God bless you.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
The Little Red Wagon
I recently read a story of a little boy who got a red wagon for Christmas. It was some years ago therefore the wagon was made of wood unlike the metal ones of today. The little boy decides that the wagon would make great kindling so he chops it up and uses it to build a fire. What a waste of the gift that little boy was given. You see the wagon was designed for so much more. It could have hauled many loads.
Romans Chapter 12 tells us that we each have a gift from God, and these gifts are meant to be used to carry out his plan for our life. It is up to us, however, to utilize these gifts, and to answer God's call. Unfortunately, many people fail to do so. When this happens, precious gifts meant to be used in work done to glorify God go the way of the wagon.
Don't waste your God given gift, and it is certain that you have one. Step out in faith, put your trust in God, and accomplish all that you were designed to accomplish. When you decide to do this you will experience a peace and contentment in your life like you have never known. I can testify to that because you see for years I ran like Jonah, but when I stopped running and answered God's call on my life, I experienced those very same emotions. What a wonderful feeling it is to know that you are right where God wants you to be, and doing exactly what it is he wants you to do. Don't turn your gift into kindling instead use it in the manner God designed it to be used in, and fulfill the plan he has for your life.
If you have a prayer request please don't hesitate to leave me a message, and I will be happy to pray for you. May God bless you.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Pick up the Mantle
In 2 Kings Chapter 2:9-13 Elijah the prophet asks Elisha if there is anything he can do for him prior to his being taken up into heaven. Elisha had traveled with him and had witnessed the good life and good works that he had done, so he responds by saying that he would like a double portion of Elijah's Spirit. Elijah tells him that will be difficult, but that if Elisha sees him when he is taken up to heaven then it will be so. Elisha sees the ascension and watches as Elijah drops his mantle on his way up. He immediately picks up the mantle and recieves a double portion of Elijah's Spirit.
How many of us have had an Elijah in our life? Do you have a loved one that before passing on set a wonderful Christian example for you? A person who's actions and way of life had the light of the Lord shining through everything they did? I had my grandmother, Annie Mitchell. She was a great woman, who had a tremendous love for God. I saw it in everything she did. This is a woman who taught me by example that there is good in everyone, and that we are all God's children. My grandmother helped so many people in her life, whether taking care of the sick, taking people into her home during their times of financial trouble, feeding anyone that was hungry, praying for people, listening to anyone who felt they needed to talk, and the list goes on and on. Her faith was evident in her works.
If like me you did have someone in your life that demonstrated such a great love for God through their works, and they have gone home to be with the Lord did you pick up their mantle? Or did you just walk around it or step over it? If you have't already, then I encourage you today to pick it up, and to carry on in the manner you were shown. The world needs every Christian out there to demonstrate God's love through their actions, and we are called to do so as the Bible tells us in James 2:17 that faith without works is dead.
If you have a prayer request leave me a message and I will be more than glad to pray for you. May God bless you.
How many of us have had an Elijah in our life? Do you have a loved one that before passing on set a wonderful Christian example for you? A person who's actions and way of life had the light of the Lord shining through everything they did? I had my grandmother, Annie Mitchell. She was a great woman, who had a tremendous love for God. I saw it in everything she did. This is a woman who taught me by example that there is good in everyone, and that we are all God's children. My grandmother helped so many people in her life, whether taking care of the sick, taking people into her home during their times of financial trouble, feeding anyone that was hungry, praying for people, listening to anyone who felt they needed to talk, and the list goes on and on. Her faith was evident in her works.
If like me you did have someone in your life that demonstrated such a great love for God through their works, and they have gone home to be with the Lord did you pick up their mantle? Or did you just walk around it or step over it? If you have't already, then I encourage you today to pick it up, and to carry on in the manner you were shown. The world needs every Christian out there to demonstrate God's love through their actions, and we are called to do so as the Bible tells us in James 2:17 that faith without works is dead.
If you have a prayer request leave me a message and I will be more than glad to pray for you. May God bless you.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
You are Loved
Ephesians 4:6 tells us that there is one God and father of all. God created each of us and gave us all different gifts. We are all special in His eyes. We could not ask for a greater love and support system. God also has a plan for every one of our lives. He doesn't make mistakes. We are all equally important to Him and equally loved by Him.
If you are a parent or have children in your life that you love immensely you know how deep the love for a child runs. With that understanding remember God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and He loves us in the same manner.We all want what is best for the children in our lives. We love, guide, direct, and protect them, and we want them to be happy. Guess what, our Heavenly Father wants and does the same things for us.
Keep in mind who your Heavenly Father is, that He is all powerful, all knowing, and present everywhere. Keep in mind how He feels about you and who He is whenever you begin to feel down, defeated, troubled, lonely, or any other negative feeling creeps into your spirit and attempts to steal your joy. You are never alone, God is with you each and every minute of every day. Remember you matter, you are of great importance, you are loved, and you are a child of God.
If you have a prayer request leave me a message and I will be more than happy to pray for you. God bless you!
If you are a parent or have children in your life that you love immensely you know how deep the love for a child runs. With that understanding remember God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and He loves us in the same manner.We all want what is best for the children in our lives. We love, guide, direct, and protect them, and we want them to be happy. Guess what, our Heavenly Father wants and does the same things for us.
Keep in mind who your Heavenly Father is, that He is all powerful, all knowing, and present everywhere. Keep in mind how He feels about you and who He is whenever you begin to feel down, defeated, troubled, lonely, or any other negative feeling creeps into your spirit and attempts to steal your joy. You are never alone, God is with you each and every minute of every day. Remember you matter, you are of great importance, you are loved, and you are a child of God.
If you have a prayer request leave me a message and I will be more than happy to pray for you. God bless you!
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