Change

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." (KJV). In this third chapter Solomon is reflecting on life, and the fact that it has seasons. For instance in verse four he writes "A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;" (KJV). Solomon notes in this chapter that we face changes, and that God has a design for them all.

Each of us go through changes in our lives, and some are not ones we would have chosen for ourselves. Nevertheless, they occur, and we have no control over them. For instance, maybe you have been fired, or lost your job in a mass lay off, and you had planned on retiring from the position you held. Maybe you applied for a position that you were totally qualified for, but did not get the job. Maybe your place of employment is forcing you to relocate, and you are upset because you are happy where you are now. Maybe your spouse decided they wanted a divorce, maybe your fiance called off your wedding, or your boyfriend/girlfriend decided to end your relationship.  There are many changes that occur in our lives that we have no power over, but we do have the ability to determine how we are going to view, respond, and react to these changes.

The first thing we need to do is remember that God has a plan for our lives, he is all knowing, he wants what is best for us, and that he loves us very much. We don't always know the reasons for the changes brought about in our lives, nor do we understand them, but often they are for the best, and we just don't realize it at the time. For example, let's say you applied for a job that can be potentially dangerous, and you didn't get it, ever thought it possible that you didn't get it because God stepped in and saved your life? Let's say you are a good Christian who lives a Godly life, and for no apparent reason you are laid off from a job you loved where you worked among others just like yourself. Has it ever occurred to you that maybe God wants to relocate you in order for you and your Godly manner of living to serve as a witness to others? If your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, or fiance left you, keep your chin up,  God will bring the right person into your life at the right time, and when he does it will be someone that will treat you with the love and respect that you deserve. Remember only God knows what the future holds. These are just a few examples of change that can occur in our lives, but whatever the change for whatever the reason it is important for us to trust God, and keep a good attitude as we go through it.

The next time you face a major change in your life, that you have no control over, let me encourage you to view it in a positive light. Change is inevitable, we cannot always control it, we don't always like it, but we should not let it steal our peace and joy. Most often fear of the unknown is what causes us to dread change, so as you face it remember God tells us in Isaiah 41:10 not to fear, and that he is with us. Don't cling to the past fearing, and dreading the change that is in front of you, move on with an open heart and an open mind, excited about the wonderful things God has in store for you. Who knows, you may find that a change you feared, and dreaded so desperately turns out to be one of the best things that has ever happened to 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!

A Strong Foundation

In Luke 6:46-49 (KJV) Jesus says "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things  which I say? Whosoever cometh to Me, and heareth My sayings, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built a house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built a house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great."

In the above scripture Jesus is asking if you call Me Lord, and know who I am, why do you not follow Me, and obey My Word? He is pointing out that there are many that know Him, and are familiar with His word yet they opt not to live righteously.

Jesus goes on to explain that for those who hear His Word, and choose to live by it, He will be their rock, and a firm foundation for them to stand on. He used the word rock in order to convey the message of how solid, strong, and firm He will be for us if we choose to walk with Him. He uses the stream beating vehemently on the house to symbolize the trials, tribulations, and temptations we face in our earthly lives. He assures us in this scripture that if we will put our faith and trust in Him, and choose to live by His word, He will be with us when we face difficulties, and He will sustain us.

Jesus goes on to explain that those who are familiar with His Word, and know who He is, but opt not to live by His Word have a foundation compatible with soil. We know that soil is subject to erosion, meaning it washes away, and is not at all sturdy. Jesus advises that the trials, tribulations, and temptations these individuals face will be their ruin.

There are many people who believe in God, His awesome power, and the truth of His Word, who do not live their life in a manner that reflects their beliefs. Many fear that living the lifestyle of a Christian would be boring, but I assure you nothing could be further from the truth. If you opt to live a Godly life, you will be amazed at the change in your outlook on everything. You will be setting an excellent example for your children to follow and  pass on to their children, and so forth and so on, from generation to generation. 

What's so difficult, harsh, or painstaking about any of the instructions that God gives us in His Word? Is it loving one another, being kind, helping our neighbors, forgiving one another as God forgives us, loving and taking care of our family members, praying, obeying the ten commandments, saying grace, not cursing, knowing we can count on God to stand by us and hold our hand through good times and bad, walking in step with God who promises never to leave or forsake us, receiving blessings, having respect for one another, the promise of eternal life? What are we afraid of? The number of excuses people give are limitless, but none are valid.

We all have things to forfeit, and changes to make in our lives when we opt to live righteously, myself included. The good news is that if we go to God in pray each morning He will renew our strength, and spirit everyday, and assist us in making these changes. He is forgiving, merciful, understanding, loving, kind, and so much more.

If you have built your house on a weak foundation, I urge you to tear it down, and re-build. Do it today. Build a new house whose foundation is the rock, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Start living your life in a manner that is pleasing to God, and sets a good example for  those you come in contact with to follow. Handle issues that arise in your life in a Godly manner, and people will take notice, because different stands out. Live your life in a manner that causes others to desire what you have. When you do this you're witnessing by example, and as a result others may come to know our Heavenly Father and form a personal relationship with Him. You will experience a happiness, divine peace, and  a contentment in your life like you've never known, and most importantly living righteously is pleasing to God.

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!

Don't Stoke The Fire

Proverbs 11:13 (KJV) says "A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter."  Proverbs 16:28 (KJV) says "A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends." Proverbs 26:20 (KJV) says "Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth."

The above scripture advises that if someone tells us something in confidence, we should keep it to ourselves. It also tells us that gossiping can destroy a relationship between the greatest of friends, and that the more people continue to gossip the more strife is stirred up.                                                                                   
We all know people who seem to thrive on gossip, and become quite excited when they have a fresh piece of it to spread around. When any scoop they deem juicy comes their way they cannot wait to share it. If anyone opts to confide in us with something that we know is personal, we should never repeat what they shared with us, and they should not have to ask us not to. We should be able to determine what is personal, and not meant to be shared. When someone confides in us they are trusting us with personal issues, and as Christians we should not betray that trust. If we repeat something personal someone shared with us the damage is done, and it doesn't suffice to say things like "well you didn't ask me not to say anything."

Not only do some people opt to share personal issues that someone has entrusted them with, and when they do, the issues grow as they pass them forward. For instance, if you told them about a small disagreement you had with someone, word would soon have it that you got into a knock down drag out with that person, and were arrested for assault. If you have ever played the game where you sit in a circle and whisper a one liner in the persons ear next to you, and then they do the same with the person next to them, and so on til it comes back to you, then you know what I'm talking about. What you whispered and what comes back to you is always two very different things. Like the scripture says the fire will only go out if there is no wood added to it. When you spread gossip it is the same thing as throwing logs on a fire, and we all know that logs stoke a fire. Gossip from a talebearer never results in anything positive. It only serves to stir up discord among people, and in the end someone winds up feeling hurt and betrayed.

Be the kind of friend to others that you would want them to be to you. If someone confides in you, keep what they shared to yourself. Love and Support those who come to you needing to talk, and have someone listen to them. Don't betray someone who puts their trust in you. If someone comes to you spreading gossip, let them know you don't feel they should be discussing the other persons issues with you, and change the subject. Whatever you do, don't get on board with them, and throw another log on the fire. Remember it takes more than one person to spread rumors and have them travel any distance, and it takes the fun out of gossiping if no one is willing to listen.

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.

Fair Warning

I Corinthians 1:27 (KJV) says "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty."

The above scripture tells us that God uses the most unlikely things, and people of the world as vessels to accomplish His mighty works.  In the book of Numbers Chapter 22 verse 28 (KJV) God uses a donkey and causes it to speak. God used David who had an affair, Noah who got drunk, Gideon who was insecure, Martha who was a worrier, Moses who stuttered, Thomas who was a doubter, and the list goes on and on. He didn't call scholars when He chose the original twelve disciples, but men who labored, such as fishermen.  My point is God can use anyone He chooses to use, and He can accomplish great things through that person. This includes you and me. As Philippians 4:13 (KJV) tells us we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.

Accepting God's precious gift of salvation, and opting to walk with Him, is the greatest thing you will ever do. With that said let me give you fair warning, there will be those who judge you, your salvation, and whether or not they feel you are worthy of answering, and fulfilling God's call on your life.There will be people who have no idea what things you have given up, what things you have ask God to forgive you for, the status of your salvation, or anything else about you that decide instantly you are not capable or worthy of answering God's call. Don't be surprised if it's been ten or fifteen years since you've seen or spoken to some of these individuals, and don't be surprised if some of them are Christians. How sad is that? Don't be surprised if you have friends that stop calling you, and no longer want to make plans with you. This is unfortunate, but it happens. I can't imagine having the audacity to judge another person's heart the way some people do, nor would I want to answer for doing so when I stand before God on judgment day.

The Bible plainly states that we are not to judge one another. We have no way of knowing the status of another persons salvation, and we are not privy to the private conversations they have with God. Don't let these type people discourage you from answering the call God has on your life. Don't let someone scoffing at you with statements like "you of all people have decided to follow God and  become a Christian" sway you or cause you to doubt yourself. Remain steadfast, and firm in your faith.  When we do what's right it upsets Satan, and he kicks it up a notch, but Jesus says in Matthew 5:10 (KJV) "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

If you are currently experiencing, or have in the past experienced  people behaving in this manner toward you, then I encourage you to pray for them, and continue to follow the plan God has for your life. Continue to do the work God has called you to do, and continue to walk in love.

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.



      

Cast Your Net

In Luke 5:1-7 (KJV) Jesus is standing by the lake of Gennesaret  (which is another name for the sea of Galilee), and there are people all around Him eager to hear the word of God. Jesus notices two ships by the lake with no one aboard them. He sees that the fisherman have left their ships, and are washing their nets. Jesus goes over to one of the ships, which was Simon's (Peter's) and tells him to throw his net back out a bit farther from land. Jesus then goes out, sits down, and begins teaching the people. When He finishes teaching, He again tells Simon (Peter) to launch out into the deep water and let down his net. Simon (Peter) answers Jesus in verse five saying "Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy Word I will let down the net."  Simon (Peter) did as Jesus instructed him, and when he pulled up the net it was so full of fish that it broke, and he had to summon the other ship for assistance. When they had finished pulling in the net, both ships were filled with fish.

Simon (Peter) had been listening to Jesus' teaching, and had also heard about Him. This is made evident when he addresses Jesus as Master. He showed that he had faith and trust in God, when he cast the net back out at Jesus' instruction. He and the other fisherman did this despite the fact that they were exhausted and discouraged after working hard all night, catching nothing, and having already cleaned their nets in preparation to go home. Being seasoned fisherman who had given up on catching any fish in that area prior to Jesus' instruction, can you imagine their astonishment when they began pulling that net out of the water, and seeing it was full of fish?  Simon (Peter) and the other fishermen knew without a doubt that those fish were a blessing from God. After bringing the ships to land, Simon (Peter), and two of the other fisherman, James and John, left everything, and became disciples of Jesus.

How many times have you  repeatedly attempted to accomplish something, and came to the conclusion that your efforts were futile? Simon (Peter) and the other fisherman were at that point, when they opted to put their faith and trust in Jesus, and recast their net. Maybe you have been trying to get caught up financially, and each time that you near your goal something unexpected comes along and sets you back. Maybe you have an addiction or bad habit that you are trying to break, and you start out strong, but never quite manager to conquer it. Maybe you have been looking for a job, and it seems as though you will never find one no matter how hard you try. Whatever problems you have, or whatever it is you desire to accomplish, can be attained by putting your faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

We must use logic and reason when we ask God for His help with the trials and tribulations we face in our lives..  For example, if you are having difficulty financially don't go out and waste money, and then go to God telling Him you have no idea how you are going to pay your bills. If you are attempting to conquer an addiction or break a bad  habit, don't go around people who indulge in whatever substance you are trying to break free from. Don't go to the places these people frequent, and where the substance you're battling is readily available to you.

If you do what you can to address the problems and issues in your life, God will certainly be there to assist and guide you. He will do what is best for you, and He knows what that is. Remember he will do everything in His time, not ours. Do your part, pray and trust God, wait patiently on Him, remember He loves you, that He wants and knows what is best for you, and don't give up.  Simon (Peter) and the other fisherman put their trust in God, followed Jesus' instruction, and the result was astounding.

If you are struggling in an area of your life and you know it is a battle God wants you to win, don't give up.  Do your part, pray for strength and God's assistance, and wait on Him. God promises that He will never leave or forsake us. The next time you face a battle that is leaving you tired, exhausted and feeling as though your efforts are futile, I encourage you to trust God, and to cast your net one more time.

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.

Doubt

In John 20:24-28 (KJV) Some of the disciples advise Thomas that Jesus has risen from the dead, and he doesn't believe them. He tells them he will not believe it until he sees the print of the nails on Jesus' hands, he can put his finger into the print of the nails, and can thrust his hand into Jesus' side. After hearing this, Jesus came and stood near Thomas, and told  him to see and touch the nail prints and the hole in His side. Thomas was then convinced that this was Jesus and that He had indeed risen from the dead.

When Jesus walked the earth there were doubters regarding who He truly was. Despite the fact that many people had witnessed the magnificent things He'd done, and had talked with Him face to face, there were many who still refused to believe Him. It is even more difficult for skeptics of today who have not seen Jesus firsthand, or talked with Him face to face to be convinced of who He is. Jesus tells Thomas in John 20:29 (KJV) "Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." It doesn't take much faith to believe in something or someone you have seen with your own eyes.

John Chapters 19 and 20 (KJV) tell of the crucifixion of Jesus, and His resurrection. There were a number of witnesses to Jesus' life on earth. There were a number of witnesses to His crucifixion, and there were a number of witnesses who confirmed He had risen from the dead. There were witnesses who saw and talked with Him during a forty day period after His resurrection. These events are all documented, yet there are still many doubters, and many who simply refuse to believe.

Some people have no problem believing that Jesus walked the earth, and that He was crucified, but refuse to believe that He rose from the dead. In John 19:40 (KJV) we are informed that Jesus' body was wound in linen clothes with spices before being placed in the tomb. Notice here the use of the word wound which indicates  His body was wrapped securely. Matthew 27:66 (KJV) tells us that after He was placed in the tomb it was sealed with a stone, and guarded to prevent anyone from taking His body. The non-believers feared that someone would steal Jesus' body in order to convince people He had risen from the dead.

John 20:1-8 (KJV) tells us that on the third day after Jesus' crucifixion Mary Magdelene goes to the tomb where Jesus' body was laid and finds it empty. She runs to tell Peter who follows her back there along with another disciple. What they found at the tomb, was the stone at the entrance pushed back, and only the linen cloth Jesus' body had been wrapped in, and the napkin that had been placed over His face inside.

This event was witnessed and documented, and yet there are still many doubters, who say Jesus' body was stolen. Let's consider a few points regarding Jesus' Resurrection. One, He didn't need to roll that stone away in order to get out of the tomb, He rolled it away in order for witnesses to get in. Two, do you honestly believe that thieves who were stealing the body of one who had so much attention  focused on Him would have taken the time to unwrap it before stealing it? Three,  if the disciples had not seen Jesus and talked with Him after the resurrection and  known for a fact that He had risen the third day as He stated He would, why would they go about preaching the word of God risking torment and death for a Man who lied to them and was a fraud?

Friends I encourage you to consider these truths. Failing to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is the greatest mistake anyone could ever make, and the consequences are eternal. If you have the desire in your heart to accept Christ as your personal Savior, simply go to God in prayer, ask Him to forgive you of all your sins, tell Him you believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, and that He rose again. If you believe these things in your heart, and confess them with your mouth to God in prayer, you will be saved. You will find this is the greatest decision you will ever make, and you can rest knowing that you will spend eternal life in Heaven with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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.

Would You Agree to Meet Him?

Most of us are familiar with John 3:16 (KJV) where Jesus says "For  God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Imagine how difficult it would be to send your only son, one who was perfect, and without sin, to die on a cross for the sins of  the world. What a sacrifice! Jesus suffered tremendously as He hung dying on the cross for our sins, in order to make available to us God's precious gift of salvation. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you don't know what you're missing.

If I approached you and told you that I had someone that wanted to meet you and be a part of your life, and that he loved you so much He sent his only Son to die for you, would you agree to meet Him? If I told you I knew Him and that His heart was full of love forgiveness, mercy, compassion, and understanding for all mankind, would you agree to meet Him? If I told you that if you accept Him into your life He will stand by you every second of every day, in good times and bad, and that He would never leave or forsake you, would you agree to meet Him? If I told you that if you accept Him He will forgive you for all the things you've done wrong in your life, forget about those things, and treat you as a new person, would you agree to meet Him? If I told you that He would bring a joy, divine peace, and contentment into your life like you have never before known, would you agree to meet Him? If I told you He had a gift for you that was greater than any gift you could ever hope to receive, would you agree to meet  Him? If I told you that gift was eternal life in a place so beautiful that words cannot describe it, would you agree to meet Him?

 I know someone who offers all those things, and more and He is waiting to meet you. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, then I encourage to do so immediately. We are not promised tomorrow. Kneel down right where you are, ask God to forgive you of all your sins, tell Him you believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, and that He rose again. Ask Him to come into your heart, and be your Lord and Savior. If you prayed this prayer, you are a new creature in Christ, and will spend eternal life with our Father in Heaven. May God bless 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.

Faults

In 2 Samuel Chapters 11-12 (KJV) David commits adultery with Bathsheba, and has her husband Uriah killed in battle. Nathan the prophet comes to speak to David using a parable describing a rich man with many flocks who took from a poor man the one ewe lamb he had, and dressed it for a traveler instead of using one of his own. David becomes angry when he hears what Nathan has to say, and without a moments hesitation tells Nathan that the man who did this should die. David never considered that he was the man Nathan was speaking of, and that the wrong doings were the sins of adultery, and murder which he himself had committed.

David failed to look within, therefore, he never considered that he was passing harsh judgment on someone for something he was guilty of, and on a grander scale. Most of us like David have at one time or another, passed judgment on someone else, without considering our own faults. In Matthew 7:5 (KJV) Jesus says, "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." If David had looked within himself and considered his own mistakes, he may have been able to recognize that Nathan the prophet was talking about him.

It seems that many of us like David,  easily overlook our own faults while harshly judging others for theirs. I encourage you to take a good look at yourself, consider your faults, and address them before attempting to address the faults of someone else. We all need work in some area of our lives. After taking inventory of our own behavior, we may discover that in the past we have been a bit harsh on others. We can learn a powerful lesson from David in the above chapters of 2 Samuel and that is not to be so quick to bring the hammer down on someone else, when we have failed to review our own mistakes, and shortcomings.

It is very important that we treat others with brotherly love in Christ, and that we live our lives in a manner that sets a good Christian example for others. We want them to see love, kindness, and understanding in us. We want them to want what we have, and that is Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. We cannot accomplish that by behaving in a judgmental manner and using a harsh approach that could result in running them away from the Lord.

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.

Growing in Christ

I Peter 2:2 (KJV) says "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby:"

We are aware that newborn babies need milk in order to grow, and to survive. Giving a child milk is not optional, if we desire for them to grow. We can look at our personal relationship with God in the same way. When we first accept God's precious gift of salvation, we are babes in Christ. His Word is the milk necessary for us to grow, and mature in our personal relationship with Him.

It is imperative that we take the time to pray, read and study God's Word, and sit quietly listening to what He puts on our hearts. Many people accept God's gift of salvation, and their spiritual growth stops right there. They may attend Church on Sunday, and walk away having heard a wonderful message, and that's fantastic; as we need to attend a good Bible based Church, and fellowship with other Christians, but what I am talking about here is your personal relationship with God.

When we pray we are talking to God directly, and we can go to Him with anything at anytime. Take a moment to ponder what a privilege that truly is. How strong would other relationships in our lives be, if we decided to quit speaking to the people in them, or opted to speak to them only when we needed something, or were in trouble? I'll venture to say these relationships,would not survive being treated the way some people treat their personal relationship with God.

We need to read and study God's Word for ourselves, for many reasons. For one, it is important that we know what it says firsthand to prevent us from being misled by false teachers. Another reason is that God's Word is our strength and defense in this world filled with trials, temptations, and devastation.  Reading and studying God's Word also strengthens our personal relationship with Him. If we will spend time in His Word He will shine new light and understanding on it, which will help us to mature as Christians, and further our spiritual growth.

There is no excuse for not spending personal time with God. If you say you don't have time, then my friend, you're to busy. Make time for God. Don't bother making excuses as to why you don't,  because there are no valid ones. This is something no one can do for you, just like in any other relationship. I could spend time with your friends, your family, boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, and it  would have no bearing on your relationship with them whatsoever. Don't hesitate to begin spending one on one time with God, you'll benefit from it greatly in every area of your life. You'll gain an inner  peace and contentment like you've never known, you'll mature spiritually, and experience growth in your personal relationship with Christ Jesus.

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.