In Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) Paul says "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." In these verses Paul is telling the people not to worry about anything, and how to have peace in their lives. Paul is not speaking of just any peace, but a divine peace which is of God. This is a peace that is found in knowing that God has a greater understanding of all things, and the ability to solve any problem we may have.
In Philippians 4:8 (KJV) Paul then tells us how to maintain this peace, when he says "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."
I encourage you to read the things Paul suggests we think on in the above verse, and begin to practice thinking on these things. Many people waste countless hours worrying over things that they have no control over. Most of us know at least one person who lives in a constant state of worry. This is such a shame because it is all so unnecessary. God never intended for us to live our lives in a miserable state. You will never have peace in your life, if you remain in a constant state of worry. Peace and worry cannot co-exist.
In Psalm 55:22 (KJV) the Bible tells us to cast our burdens upon the Lord, and that is exactly what we need to do in order to have the level of peace in our lives described by Paul in the fourth chapter of Philippians.
When we have a problem, we need to take it to the Lord in prayer, and leave it with Him. It would not be a problem, if we could solve it. We must believe in God with all of our heart, mind, and soul. We must trust Him knowing that He loves us very much, and wants what is best for us. Trust Him knowing that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 (KJV)
If you will take your problems to the Lord in prayer and leave them there, trusting God completely you will gain a peace and contentment in your life, like you have never before known. My prayer is that you learn to cast your cares on the Lord, and in so doing you are overwhelmed by the divine peace He instills within you.
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.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
The Blame Game
In Genesis 3:11-13 (KJV) God asks Adam if he has eaten fruit from the tree of which he was commanded not to eat. Adam admits that he has, and instantly puts all of the blame for doing so on Eve. He says she gave me the fruit and I ate it. God then asks Eve what she has done. Eve does not waste a second throwing the blame onto the serpent who tempted her, saying, he deceived me and I ate the fruit.
We are all familiar with the blame game, and if we have not participated in it, we have seen it played a time or two. The work place is a prime atmosphere for passing the buck, finger pointing, laying any mistakes that surface in the lap of the person who happens to be absent that day, or better yet the last person to resign or be fired from the company. If one is not present, one cannot defend themselves. Therefore, they make a perfect scapegoat.
The blame game can be played anywhere, and therefore, it rears it's ugly head in our personal lives as well as in the work place. It can be played over something as simple as burning bread in the oven. The cook is blamed initially, and then the blame gets shifted to the person the cook assigned to "watch" the bread or to the person nearest the stove in an inadvertent way, when the cook looks at them and asks "you didn't smell that?" This question is posed in a manner that indicates you should have smelled it, and if you didn't then you are not very bright.
We need to take responsibility for the mistakes we make, large or small, and stop blaming others. There is no shame in stepping up to the plate, and admitting our mistakes. As a matter of fact, it's the noble thing to do. We all make mistakes, and that's a fact we're all aware of. With that said, we can be certain that admitting we made a mistake is not going to shatter people's idea that we were somehow perfect. They never thought we were, no more than we believe they are.
The blame game didn't work for Adam and Eve, and it doesn't work for us. Take responsibility for your mistakes, apologize for them, and correct them if possible. It is of far better character to do this, than to point the finger at others, laying blame on them for something that you know 'you're responsible for. When you do the right thing you'll feel better about yourself. People respect those who take responsibility for the things they say and do, and more importantly it is what God would want you to do.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you leave me a message and I' ll be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
We are all familiar with the blame game, and if we have not participated in it, we have seen it played a time or two. The work place is a prime atmosphere for passing the buck, finger pointing, laying any mistakes that surface in the lap of the person who happens to be absent that day, or better yet the last person to resign or be fired from the company. If one is not present, one cannot defend themselves. Therefore, they make a perfect scapegoat.
The blame game can be played anywhere, and therefore, it rears it's ugly head in our personal lives as well as in the work place. It can be played over something as simple as burning bread in the oven. The cook is blamed initially, and then the blame gets shifted to the person the cook assigned to "watch" the bread or to the person nearest the stove in an inadvertent way, when the cook looks at them and asks "you didn't smell that?" This question is posed in a manner that indicates you should have smelled it, and if you didn't then you are not very bright.
We need to take responsibility for the mistakes we make, large or small, and stop blaming others. There is no shame in stepping up to the plate, and admitting our mistakes. As a matter of fact, it's the noble thing to do. We all make mistakes, and that's a fact we're all aware of. With that said, we can be certain that admitting we made a mistake is not going to shatter people's idea that we were somehow perfect. They never thought we were, no more than we believe they are.
The blame game didn't work for Adam and Eve, and it doesn't work for us. Take responsibility for your mistakes, apologize for them, and correct them if possible. It is of far better character to do this, than to point the finger at others, laying blame on them for something that you know 'you're responsible for. When you do the right thing you'll feel better about yourself. People respect those who take responsibility for the things they say and do, and more importantly it is what God would want you to do.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you leave me a message and I' ll be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Crying
The shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35 (KJV) which says "Jesus wept." In this verse Jesus is with Mary and Martha and he is weeping over the death of their brother, Lazarus. Jesus is showing compassion here for His friends by expressing His emotions. Jesus feels sorrow for this family, and He is moved to tears by the death of Lazarus. Luke 19:41 (KJV) says "And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it." Here Jesus is crying over the inhabitants of the city of Jerusalem because He knows what is going to happen to them for rejecting him.
I have known people that indicate with words or facial expressions their belief that crying is a sign of weakness, and my friends, these people are sadly mistaken. God created each of us, and in so doing He gave us the ability to shed tears. We shed tears out of sorrow, compassion for others, pride in something someone we love accomplishes, each time our children enter a new stage in their lives, and we cry when we are extremely happy, for instance at the birth of a child in our family. There are many occasions in life that prompt crying some joyous, and some sorrowful. The point is that this is perfectly normal, and absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.
If we cry out of sorrow or when something upsets us, it brings a certain amount of relief. If we cry because we are happy, then how great it is to be blessed with an experience that brings us that level of joy.
The urge to cry doesn't just hit us at random, and it is very important that we recognize that. If you see someone crying, they are crying for a reason. When someone feels the urge to cry, and does so out of compassion for another, or because something moves them emotionally, it doesn't take rocket science to figure out that person is a caring individual with a big heart. How desperately the world could use more of that, if only it were contagious.
In conclusion, Jesus cried, and therefore to do so is certainly not a sign of weakness. If you feel the urge to cry out of sorrow or upset, don't suppress the urge, feel free to cry, it may relieve some of the stress from your upset, and make you feel better. If you feel the urge to cry because you are proud of a loved one, or you are extremely happy, then do so, and don't worry about who sees you do it. I am not saying to force yourself to cry, and if you are not one who is easily moved to tears then that's okay because we are all different. The thing to remember is not to look down on, poke fun at, roll your eyes at, or respond to a compassionate human beings for crying in a manner that indicates you believe they're being ridiculous. When Jesus looked on Jerusalem, and cried over the people there, I seriously doubt that anyone would have mocked Him for it. We need to remember that tears from the heart, for whatever reason, come from a compassionate person, and compassion is a great thing. God has compassion, sympathy, and understanding for us when we cry from sorrow, and shares in our happiness when we shed tears of joy. The next time you see someone cry, I hope you feel genuine compassion, and understanding for them, or take the time to share in their joy, because at different times in our lives we all need that from one another.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you leave me a message, and I will be happy to do so. May God bless you.
I have known people that indicate with words or facial expressions their belief that crying is a sign of weakness, and my friends, these people are sadly mistaken. God created each of us, and in so doing He gave us the ability to shed tears. We shed tears out of sorrow, compassion for others, pride in something someone we love accomplishes, each time our children enter a new stage in their lives, and we cry when we are extremely happy, for instance at the birth of a child in our family. There are many occasions in life that prompt crying some joyous, and some sorrowful. The point is that this is perfectly normal, and absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.
If we cry out of sorrow or when something upsets us, it brings a certain amount of relief. If we cry because we are happy, then how great it is to be blessed with an experience that brings us that level of joy.
The urge to cry doesn't just hit us at random, and it is very important that we recognize that. If you see someone crying, they are crying for a reason. When someone feels the urge to cry, and does so out of compassion for another, or because something moves them emotionally, it doesn't take rocket science to figure out that person is a caring individual with a big heart. How desperately the world could use more of that, if only it were contagious.
In conclusion, Jesus cried, and therefore to do so is certainly not a sign of weakness. If you feel the urge to cry out of sorrow or upset, don't suppress the urge, feel free to cry, it may relieve some of the stress from your upset, and make you feel better. If you feel the urge to cry because you are proud of a loved one, or you are extremely happy, then do so, and don't worry about who sees you do it. I am not saying to force yourself to cry, and if you are not one who is easily moved to tears then that's okay because we are all different. The thing to remember is not to look down on, poke fun at, roll your eyes at, or respond to a compassionate human beings for crying in a manner that indicates you believe they're being ridiculous. When Jesus looked on Jerusalem, and cried over the people there, I seriously doubt that anyone would have mocked Him for it. We need to remember that tears from the heart, for whatever reason, come from a compassionate person, and compassion is a great thing. God has compassion, sympathy, and understanding for us when we cry from sorrow, and shares in our happiness when we shed tears of joy. The next time you see someone cry, I hope you feel genuine compassion, and understanding for them, or take the time to share in their joy, because at different times in our lives we all need that from one another.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you leave me a message, and I will be happy to do so. May God bless you.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Great Things
Often times God calls a person to a task that we would never expect him to call, and through that person he does great things. In Judges 6:14-15 God calls Gideon to save Israel from the Midianites, and Gideon advises God that he is the least in his Father's house, and that he comes from poverty. Gideon questions how considering his background, he can be of service to God. Of course, God was fully aware of all the things that Gideon was telling him, and those are some of the very reasons he chose him to lead Israel in battle. In Judges 7:2 God tells Gideon that his army is too large in number, and that it must be reduced. God advises him that if he allows them all to go to battle, Israel will credit themselves with achieving the victory, and fail to give him the glory. This would not prove to the people who heard of their great victory, that God did in fact exist, and that he was a mighty God. In Judges 7:7 God is satisfied, when Gideon's army is reduced to 300 men, and he advises Gideon that by these men he will save him, and deliver the Midianites into his hand. Gideon leads the 300 men into battle, and they are out numbered 450 to 1.The battle ensues, and God delivers the Midianites to Gideon as promised.
Choosing Gideon to lead the Isralites in battle against the Midianites, and only allowing him a 300 man army was God's plan all along. He knew that once the people witnessed a man like Gideon going to battle out numbered 450 to 1 and securing the victory, they'd have no doubt that this was the work of God. There was no other explanation as to how so few could have conquered so many. Therefore, by carrying out his plan, God made his existence, and his power known to many.
If you have a call on your life to serve God in a capacity that you feel you are not capable of, or there is a service for the Lord that you would like to become active in, but aren't sure you meet the requirements, don't doubt your abilities, answer the call, get involved. When God calls you to do something he will lead and guide you all the way. Answer God's call with the knowledge that it doesn't matter what you are capable of, because it is not you that accomplishes the task at hand, but rather God working through you.
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.
Choosing Gideon to lead the Isralites in battle against the Midianites, and only allowing him a 300 man army was God's plan all along. He knew that once the people witnessed a man like Gideon going to battle out numbered 450 to 1 and securing the victory, they'd have no doubt that this was the work of God. There was no other explanation as to how so few could have conquered so many. Therefore, by carrying out his plan, God made his existence, and his power known to many.
If you have a call on your life to serve God in a capacity that you feel you are not capable of, or there is a service for the Lord that you would like to become active in, but aren't sure you meet the requirements, don't doubt your abilities, answer the call, get involved. When God calls you to do something he will lead and guide you all the way. Answer God's call with the knowledge that it doesn't matter what you are capable of, because it is not you that accomplishes the task at hand, but rather God working through you.
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.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Excuses
People have been making excuses for as long as mankind has been in existence. In the book of Exodus, God calls Moses to lead His people Israel out of bondage in Egypt. In Exodus 3:11 (KJV) Moses says to God "Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? " Here Moses is proclaiming that he is not worthy of, or capable of, handling the Lord's request. We have all heard people say "Who me?" "What?" "I can't do that," and here Moses is responding to the Lord in that manner. In Exodus 4:10 (KJV) Moses answers God with an excuse as to why he can't do what is being requested of him. He says "O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since Thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue." Moses is making the excuse that he is not a good speaker, and therefore he can't carry out this task. He is saying everything he can to try and convince the Lord that He's got the wrong guy. The Lord responds to Moses in Exodus 4:11-16 (KJV) by asking him who made man's mouth? Who made the dumb, or deaf ? Who made the seeing, or the blind? He was letting Moses know that He created his mouth, and that He could certainly guide it. God goes on to become angry with Moses in Exodus 4:14 (KJV) for making excuses as to why he could not do what was being ask of him, and failing to trust that God would guide him through it. Finally, God tells him that he knows his brother Aaron can speak well, and advises Moses to take him along, when he goes to Egypt. The Lord says to Moses I will instruct you as to what you should say, then you can pass it on to Aaron, and Aaron can then speak the words for you.
The tasks people make excuses for vary in degree of size and difficulty. They can range from large tasks like the one set before Moses, to very small tasks like doing laundry, and there are excuses to cover the entire range. We can call to mind these excuses in a matter of seconds if needed, and all to often that is exactly what we do. Making excuses limits the number of things we get accomplished in life, and that is not rewarding to God, other people, or ourselves.
There are many reasons why people make excuses not to do something. Some are afraid of failing at a task so they never attempt it. Some, like Moses, lack self confidence, and belief in their abilities, some imagine their goals are unobtainable so they make excuses not to try and reach them, and some people make excuses simply because they're lazy. Excuses cause people to remain at a standstill in their lives, and result in them failing to accomplish much of anything.
If you have tasks you've been putting off, or goals you have convinced yourself are unobtainable, revisit them with a new attitude. Make no excuses! Anything constructive that you desire to accomplish God will assist you in accomplishing. Put your trust in Him, step out in faith, and do it. If you've been lazy pray for motivation, if you have a goal you would like to accomplish pray that God will guide you and strengthen you along the path that leads to you reaching that goal.
If you set out to accomplish a goal, or complete a task, and it is something that God approves of for your life, if you do your part, God will certainly do His. I encourage you to stop making excuses that minimize your accomplishments, and instead to begin trusting God, and believing in yourself.
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.
The tasks people make excuses for vary in degree of size and difficulty. They can range from large tasks like the one set before Moses, to very small tasks like doing laundry, and there are excuses to cover the entire range. We can call to mind these excuses in a matter of seconds if needed, and all to often that is exactly what we do. Making excuses limits the number of things we get accomplished in life, and that is not rewarding to God, other people, or ourselves.
There are many reasons why people make excuses not to do something. Some are afraid of failing at a task so they never attempt it. Some, like Moses, lack self confidence, and belief in their abilities, some imagine their goals are unobtainable so they make excuses not to try and reach them, and some people make excuses simply because they're lazy. Excuses cause people to remain at a standstill in their lives, and result in them failing to accomplish much of anything.
If you have tasks you've been putting off, or goals you have convinced yourself are unobtainable, revisit them with a new attitude. Make no excuses! Anything constructive that you desire to accomplish God will assist you in accomplishing. Put your trust in Him, step out in faith, and do it. If you've been lazy pray for motivation, if you have a goal you would like to accomplish pray that God will guide you and strengthen you along the path that leads to you reaching that goal.
If you set out to accomplish a goal, or complete a task, and it is something that God approves of for your life, if you do your part, God will certainly do His. I encourage you to stop making excuses that minimize your accomplishments, and instead to begin trusting God, and believing in yourself.
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.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Don't be Jelly
In Exodus Chapter 20 you can find the ten commandmetns. Verse 17 says "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's." (KJV) To covet is to desire something or someone that doesn't belong to us with a major intensity.
I can't tell you the number of times I've heard people talking negatively about something someone else has, and doing so with passion. This usually stems from that person wanting the object for themselves, and desperately. They begin spouting off things like did you hear about so and so, he got a new car. He didn't need a new car he's got three, and he doesn't drive but two of them. My neighbor got a new boat, must be nice, of course I guess he can afford one since his Mama and Daddy bought and paid for his house. I wouldn't take that kind of money from my Mom and Dad. He did though, no problem, and he doesn't appreciate it one bit. He's spoiled rotten, and his parents are the cause of it. He's disrepectful to them all the time, but in my opinion they deserve what they get, because like I said they're the ones that spoiled him.
When we stumble into a rant of this nature, we are witnessing, envy and jealousy in raw emotional form. People who express opinions like that are envious, and jealous,or as my family likes to say jelly ( i.e. someone gets a new pair of shoes and when you ask about them being new they jokingly reply "why yes they are, now don't be jelly") of what another person possesses.
If negative feelings come over you, when you hear of something someone else has obtained, and you feel the need to launch into a similar rant, don't do it. Instead, stop and pray about your reaction immediately. As Christians, we should be genuinely happy for others when they receive blessings of any sort. We should be able to to tell them how glad we are for them, and actually mean it. If you can't seem to do that, then I encourage you to begin work in this area right away. When you can be happy for others, it pleases God, and you'll soon find that you're happier with yourself.
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.
I can't tell you the number of times I've heard people talking negatively about something someone else has, and doing so with passion. This usually stems from that person wanting the object for themselves, and desperately. They begin spouting off things like did you hear about so and so, he got a new car. He didn't need a new car he's got three, and he doesn't drive but two of them. My neighbor got a new boat, must be nice, of course I guess he can afford one since his Mama and Daddy bought and paid for his house. I wouldn't take that kind of money from my Mom and Dad. He did though, no problem, and he doesn't appreciate it one bit. He's spoiled rotten, and his parents are the cause of it. He's disrepectful to them all the time, but in my opinion they deserve what they get, because like I said they're the ones that spoiled him.
When we stumble into a rant of this nature, we are witnessing, envy and jealousy in raw emotional form. People who express opinions like that are envious, and jealous,or as my family likes to say jelly ( i.e. someone gets a new pair of shoes and when you ask about them being new they jokingly reply "why yes they are, now don't be jelly") of what another person possesses.
If negative feelings come over you, when you hear of something someone else has obtained, and you feel the need to launch into a similar rant, don't do it. Instead, stop and pray about your reaction immediately. As Christians, we should be genuinely happy for others when they receive blessings of any sort. We should be able to to tell them how glad we are for them, and actually mean it. If you can't seem to do that, then I encourage you to begin work in this area right away. When you can be happy for others, it pleases God, and you'll soon find that you're happier with yourself.
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.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Everybody Has a Story
Micah 17:18-19 (KJV) Says "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy." This scripture tells us that God pardons our sins, and that He doesn't remain angry at us forever because He is merciful. God has compassion on us and is merciful toward us as we should be toward one another. Lamentations 3:22 (KJV) says" It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not." This scripture also tells us that the Lord is merciful, and that He is compassionate. It says not only that He is compassionate, but that His compassion does not fail.
We are to live our lives in a manner that reflects our Christian belief's, and being compassionate and merciful is a part of that. There seems to be a huge lack of mercy, and compassion in the world today. This is reflected in posts on various social networks, commentaries, in items covered in the daily news, and on television in general.
Seeing or hearing negative comments regarding homeless people, poor people, people standing out on the streets holding signs that say will work for food, and many other groups is frankly nothing new. The unfortunate thing is that many of these negative comments are made without ever knowing someone's story. That my friends; is a sad state of affairs. When we see a homeless person for example we should have compassion on them. I personally don't know of anyone who would choose to be homeless. These people have a problem of some sort, whether it's financial, job loss, no family or friends to help them in their time of need, an addiction, suffering secondary to a mistake or mistakes they've made, some are suffering from mental illness, and the list goes on and on. Whatever their story, and we all have a story, I feel certain they are not happy being homeless. I am not naive and therefore, I am well aware that there are some people out there that are just scamming folks because they're lazy. I think it is unfortunate when anyone chooses to take advantage of someone who is willing to help others. I don't however feel that these people make up the bulk of the homeless population. For instance, we have homeless military veterans in this country, and ex- college professors. Those are just a couple of examples of how homelessness is not prejudice.
When we see people in trouble the very least we can do is not make snide comments or be disrespectful to them. We have no idea how they landed where they are in life. We need to pray for these people, and show compassion on them. We need to thank God we are not where they are. If we opt to give them money or food we will be rewarded for it. If we give to someone who is scamming, then God will handle them, and we will still be rewarded for our good deed.
It seems that the hearts of many humans are growing colder and harder with each day that passes, and I think that's a shame. We were created in the image of God, and he is full of compassion and mercy. If you are a born again believer in Jesus Christ, then you have the Holy Spirit dwelling within you, and should have the desire in your heart to show others compassion and mercy. The next time you come across someone who is struggling in life, I urge you to remember that you don't know their story. Ask yourself where you would be if you lost your job and couldn't find another one, became mentally or physically ill, disabled, and in facing any of these issues you had no family or friends. I encourage you to be more compassionate toward others, and to remember that the Word of God tells us that we will always have the poor among us. God sees how we treat one another so I hope you can find it in your heart to pray for the homeless people you come across whether they're legitimate in your eyes or not because that's not for us to judge, and because if you think about it legitimate or not both need it.
If you have a prayer request, and would like me to pray for you please leave me a message, and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
We are to live our lives in a manner that reflects our Christian belief's, and being compassionate and merciful is a part of that. There seems to be a huge lack of mercy, and compassion in the world today. This is reflected in posts on various social networks, commentaries, in items covered in the daily news, and on television in general.
Seeing or hearing negative comments regarding homeless people, poor people, people standing out on the streets holding signs that say will work for food, and many other groups is frankly nothing new. The unfortunate thing is that many of these negative comments are made without ever knowing someone's story. That my friends; is a sad state of affairs. When we see a homeless person for example we should have compassion on them. I personally don't know of anyone who would choose to be homeless. These people have a problem of some sort, whether it's financial, job loss, no family or friends to help them in their time of need, an addiction, suffering secondary to a mistake or mistakes they've made, some are suffering from mental illness, and the list goes on and on. Whatever their story, and we all have a story, I feel certain they are not happy being homeless. I am not naive and therefore, I am well aware that there are some people out there that are just scamming folks because they're lazy. I think it is unfortunate when anyone chooses to take advantage of someone who is willing to help others. I don't however feel that these people make up the bulk of the homeless population. For instance, we have homeless military veterans in this country, and ex- college professors. Those are just a couple of examples of how homelessness is not prejudice.
When we see people in trouble the very least we can do is not make snide comments or be disrespectful to them. We have no idea how they landed where they are in life. We need to pray for these people, and show compassion on them. We need to thank God we are not where they are. If we opt to give them money or food we will be rewarded for it. If we give to someone who is scamming, then God will handle them, and we will still be rewarded for our good deed.
It seems that the hearts of many humans are growing colder and harder with each day that passes, and I think that's a shame. We were created in the image of God, and he is full of compassion and mercy. If you are a born again believer in Jesus Christ, then you have the Holy Spirit dwelling within you, and should have the desire in your heart to show others compassion and mercy. The next time you come across someone who is struggling in life, I urge you to remember that you don't know their story. Ask yourself where you would be if you lost your job and couldn't find another one, became mentally or physically ill, disabled, and in facing any of these issues you had no family or friends. I encourage you to be more compassionate toward others, and to remember that the Word of God tells us that we will always have the poor among us. God sees how we treat one another so I hope you can find it in your heart to pray for the homeless people you come across whether they're legitimate in your eyes or not because that's not for us to judge, and because if you think about it legitimate or not both need it.
If you have a prayer request, and would like me to pray for you please leave me a message, and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
God Looks on the Heart
I Samuel 16:7 (KJV) says "But the Lord said to Samuel, Do not look at his appearance or his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." In Chapter 16 of I Samuel the Lord is with Samuel as he goes to meet the sons of Jesse, one of which the Lord will choose to have Samuel annoint King of Israel in place of Saul. As the sons of Jesse are brought before Samuel, he looks at their outward appearance and physical stature, and the Lord points out to him that he is focused on the wrong things, as the Lord will make his selection based on the heart of the man.
In a perfect world everyone would look at others the way the Lord does, but most look only on what they can see with their eyes. Unfortunately, some people have no interest in getting to know someone unless they find them physically attractive, or hold them in high regard for another shallow, earthly reason. There are things in life of far greater value than these, and we would be wise to follow the Lord's example in the above scripture, and look on those things. We should consider traits like honesty, loyalty, kindness, gentleness, meekness, humility, being trustworthy, considerate, and loving to be great assets for a human being to possess. We should desire the company of those who possess them. in our lives. This is not the norm however, and yet we wonder why we are disappointed with some of the relationships we form. Take time to consider that the reason you're disappointed in someone might be because you chose them to be a part of your life based on a shallow attribute, and never really took the time to know who they were as a person.
Beauty is a wonderful thing, and I think beautiful people are great. The thing is all of God's children are beautiful, and when we narrow the definition of beauty to include outward appearance only it's a mistake on many levels. We miss out on relationships with some great people, and most often we pay for our shallow choices with large doses of disappointment. When you form relationships with others, make sure they are beautiful on the inside, when you find they are, your eyes will be open to their outward beauty.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, please leave me a message, and I will be happy to do so. May God bless you.
In a perfect world everyone would look at others the way the Lord does, but most look only on what they can see with their eyes. Unfortunately, some people have no interest in getting to know someone unless they find them physically attractive, or hold them in high regard for another shallow, earthly reason. There are things in life of far greater value than these, and we would be wise to follow the Lord's example in the above scripture, and look on those things. We should consider traits like honesty, loyalty, kindness, gentleness, meekness, humility, being trustworthy, considerate, and loving to be great assets for a human being to possess. We should desire the company of those who possess them. in our lives. This is not the norm however, and yet we wonder why we are disappointed with some of the relationships we form. Take time to consider that the reason you're disappointed in someone might be because you chose them to be a part of your life based on a shallow attribute, and never really took the time to know who they were as a person.
Beauty is a wonderful thing, and I think beautiful people are great. The thing is all of God's children are beautiful, and when we narrow the definition of beauty to include outward appearance only it's a mistake on many levels. We miss out on relationships with some great people, and most often we pay for our shallow choices with large doses of disappointment. When you form relationships with others, make sure they are beautiful on the inside, when you find they are, your eyes will be open to their outward beauty.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, please leave me a message, and I will be happy to do so. May God bless you.
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