Philippians 1:7 (KJV) Says "Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye are all partakers of my grace."
Note that in the above scripture Paul mentions that he is in bonds. Paul wrote Philippians along with Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon while in prison.
In Philippians, Paul writes to thank believers in the city of Philippi for gifts they had sent him, and to tell them not to worry about his prison conditions. Paul was told by the church members who delivered his gifts that there was discord among their congregation, and so in his writing Paul urges them to live in Christian harmony. He also cautions them about their enemies, and generally encourages them in the Lord. Paul prays that the Philippians love with knowledge and discernment. He states that his circumstances are ordered for the progress of the gospel, and that his imprisonment has resulted in the gospel being spread. He urges them to maintain Godly behavior and an effective ministry for the benefit of the gospel. He reminds them that their behavior serves as a testimony to the unbelievers and that it is a means of ministering to them.
The overall theme of the book of Philippians is joy. Paul writes that there is joy in suffering, for through it God accomplishes good (1:12-14). There is joy in the sacrificial giving of oneself (2:17-18) and of one's goods (4:18) to meet the needs of others and to do God's will, thereby following the example set by Jesus. (2:4-11). There is joy in knowing Christ and experiencing His resurrection power (3:8-10). There is joy when harmony prevails among the brethren (2:4, 4:2-5). And there is joy over the adequacy of Christ (4:13, 19) which produces contentment for every circumstance of life.
Paul has to be one of the most unselfish and dedicated people we can read about in the Bible. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, snake bit, persecuted, put in prison and went through so much yet he remained steadfast in his work spreading the gospel. He remained focused no matter where he was or what his circumstances were. He did what he could to spread the good news from wherever he was at.
If you were in prison like Paul what kind of letter would you write, and who would you write it to?
Most people would write a letter to the person they felt would be able to get them released the fastest. Paul, however, showed no concern for himself at all in his writing, but rather concern for the continued spread of the gospel, the church he planted in Philippi, and it's congregation. I can imagine the letters some people would right had they been in Paul's situation. I feel certain many would have written about being in prison, where the cell was very small, the guards were mistreating them, they were starving from lack of food, thirsting to death from lack of water, not allowed outside the cell at all, and how they were losing their mind. The words "you have got to get me out of here now" would more than likely appear somewhere in the letter, but the way Paul saw it, all things work together for good to them that love God (Romans 8:28 KJV), including his imprisonment.
I would like to encourage you to be more like Paul in your thinking, and your dedication to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. There can never be to many witnesses for Christ in the world, so like Paul remain dedicated, and steadfast in your efforts as a Christian to spread the good news of God's word and His precious gift of salvation. Don't make excuses that you can't get out and witness because of this or that, and remember there are many ways in which to be a witness. Paul continued in his work to spread the gospel from prison, so I feel confident you can spread the good news, one way or another, from right where you are. Like Paul, let's look on the bright side of things, and experience the joy, peace, and contentment that God wants us to have, and let's do so from wherever we're at.
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, August 29, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
For You And Me
John 3:17-18 (KJV) Says "For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
Matthew 25:31 (KJV) Says "When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory."
The terms Son of God, and Son of Man appear in the above scripture, and can both be found in other biblical passages as well. With that said, I wonder if many people pause to consider the many examples given to us in God's word of Jesus demonstrating that He is both.
First let's consider Jesus' birth where His being the Son of God, and the Son of Man are both demonstrated. Jesus being the Son of God is demonstrated in Mary's conception by the Holy Spirit, leading to His virgin birth, and His being the Son of Man, by Him being born of a woman.
As I mentioned above, there are many other examples given in the Bible that demonstrate Jesus is the Son of God. He turned water into wine at a wedding, He fed a multitude of people with only a few fish, He walked on water, He raised people from the dead, He restored sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, He healed many that were sick, He restored sight to the blind, He rose from the dead after he was crucified, He appeared to His disciples after He had risen, and He ascended into heaven, just to name a few.
I also mentioned above that there are many examples given in the Bible of Jesus being the Son of Man. He cried, He got thirsty, hungry, He walked from place to place, He used a boat, and most importantly, He experienced great pain and even death, when He bled and died on the cross for you and me. He showed Himself human in these ways and in many others in order to teach us His word, demonstrate how we should behave as Christians, how we should treat one another, and to carry out the will of his Father.
As the Son of God Jesus didn't have to experience sadness when Lazarus died. He could have prevented his death, but as the Son of Man not only did He experience sadness upon hearing of the death, He wept. Jesus demonstrated compassion and sadness by weeping , and was able to convert many non-believers by raising Lazarus from the dead days later in lieu of preventing His death. He didn't need food or drink as the Son of God, but as the Son of Man He was able to accomplish a great deal by eating and drinking among the people. As the Son of God there was no need for Him to walk from place to place, but as the Son of Man He did so. He walked among the people as one of them. As the Son of God He could walk on water, He didn't need a boat, but as the Son of Man He used one. That brings us to the greatest example of all, and that is the tremendous sacrifice He made in bleeding and dying on the cross for all of us. What tremendous suffering He went through as He hung on that cross for us, as both the Son of God and the Son of Man. Can you as a human being, who bleeds, and feels pain, imagine the immense suffering He endured? There are no words to describe how horrendous that pain must have been, and He endured it all as a sacrifice for our sins, even though He Himself was perfect, and without sin.
I would like to encourage you to pause, and truly consider the sacrifice Jesus made for you and me, and how great a sacrifice it was. How blessed we are to be loved by God to such a degree that He sent his only Son to die on the cross for our sins. How blessed we are to have the opportunity to accept God's precious gift of salvation free of charge. Eternal life is ours, if we will simply go to God in prayer, repent of our sins, ask forgiveness for them, tell Him we believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and that He rose again. If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, I urge you to pray that simple prayer, and to do so immediately. It is the greatest decision you'll ever make. I urge you not to hesitate, because we are not promised tomorrow.
If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, I encourage you to witness to others. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, send me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Matthew 25:31 (KJV) Says "When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory."
The terms Son of God, and Son of Man appear in the above scripture, and can both be found in other biblical passages as well. With that said, I wonder if many people pause to consider the many examples given to us in God's word of Jesus demonstrating that He is both.
First let's consider Jesus' birth where His being the Son of God, and the Son of Man are both demonstrated. Jesus being the Son of God is demonstrated in Mary's conception by the Holy Spirit, leading to His virgin birth, and His being the Son of Man, by Him being born of a woman.
As I mentioned above, there are many other examples given in the Bible that demonstrate Jesus is the Son of God. He turned water into wine at a wedding, He fed a multitude of people with only a few fish, He walked on water, He raised people from the dead, He restored sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, He healed many that were sick, He restored sight to the blind, He rose from the dead after he was crucified, He appeared to His disciples after He had risen, and He ascended into heaven, just to name a few.
I also mentioned above that there are many examples given in the Bible of Jesus being the Son of Man. He cried, He got thirsty, hungry, He walked from place to place, He used a boat, and most importantly, He experienced great pain and even death, when He bled and died on the cross for you and me. He showed Himself human in these ways and in many others in order to teach us His word, demonstrate how we should behave as Christians, how we should treat one another, and to carry out the will of his Father.
As the Son of God Jesus didn't have to experience sadness when Lazarus died. He could have prevented his death, but as the Son of Man not only did He experience sadness upon hearing of the death, He wept. Jesus demonstrated compassion and sadness by weeping , and was able to convert many non-believers by raising Lazarus from the dead days later in lieu of preventing His death. He didn't need food or drink as the Son of God, but as the Son of Man He was able to accomplish a great deal by eating and drinking among the people. As the Son of God there was no need for Him to walk from place to place, but as the Son of Man He did so. He walked among the people as one of them. As the Son of God He could walk on water, He didn't need a boat, but as the Son of Man He used one. That brings us to the greatest example of all, and that is the tremendous sacrifice He made in bleeding and dying on the cross for all of us. What tremendous suffering He went through as He hung on that cross for us, as both the Son of God and the Son of Man. Can you as a human being, who bleeds, and feels pain, imagine the immense suffering He endured? There are no words to describe how horrendous that pain must have been, and He endured it all as a sacrifice for our sins, even though He Himself was perfect, and without sin.
I would like to encourage you to pause, and truly consider the sacrifice Jesus made for you and me, and how great a sacrifice it was. How blessed we are to be loved by God to such a degree that He sent his only Son to die on the cross for our sins. How blessed we are to have the opportunity to accept God's precious gift of salvation free of charge. Eternal life is ours, if we will simply go to God in prayer, repent of our sins, ask forgiveness for them, tell Him we believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and that He rose again. If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, I urge you to pray that simple prayer, and to do so immediately. It is the greatest decision you'll ever make. I urge you not to hesitate, because we are not promised tomorrow.
If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, I encourage you to witness to others. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, send me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Neglecting What Matters
Luke 10:38-42 (KJV) Says "Now it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, Lord dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
In the above scripture Martha invites Jesus, and His many followers into her house. Martha immediately concerns herself with preparing something for her guests to eat, and she becomes overwhelmed with the task. Martha's sister, Mary, who was also present, chose to sit at Jesus' feet and hear His word. Martha became so overwhelmed with the food preparation, that she approached Jesus, and basically said don't you care that I am doing all the work while my sister, Mary sits at your feet listening to your word? Make her help me. Wow, Martha must have been extremely overwhelmed to approach Jesus in this manner. Note that Jesus responds to her in a way that is meant to be calming by repeating Martha's name twice before pointing out to her that she is troubled about many things, but only one thing at that moment was needful, and that her sister had chosen that thing which would never be taken away from her.
This scripture shows how powerful human nature can be. For Martha to allow herself to become so agitated that she decides to tell Jesus what to do speaks volumes. Sometimes we get so caught up in things that are not of great importance that like Martha, we allow ourselves to miss out on the things that are. Once we reach an aggravated state it seems we get tunnel vision, and thereby can only focus on the task at hand. While in this state, we fail to entertain the idea that there may be a simpler way to complete our task minus all the upset and drama. For instance, had Martha been thinking she would have known that with Jesus present none of them would have gone hungry. He fed multitudes with a few fish, and I am certain He would have seen to it that everyone in that house had something to eat.
While Martha was running around in a dither, her sister Mary was sitting at Jesus' feet listening to His word. Mary recognized the opportunity they had been given for the blessing that it was, and she took advantage of it. When you have the opportunity to do something that is of importance, do you miss out in order to handle a task that is of lesser importance? Have you passed on opportunities to spend time praying and reading God's word? Have you passed on opportunities to make great memories with your children, spouse, parents, siblings, or friends in order to clean the house, do laundry, mow the lawn, or some other task that could have waited. When we fore go opportunities to spend time with those we love, we miss out on precious moments. Time does not stand still nor does it repeat itself, when a moment comes and goes, it is gone forever.
When an opportunity to spend time with a loved one comes your way, put the mop down, turn off the mower, cut off the stove, stop whatever unimportant task you're doing, and like Mary take advantage of it. Recognize these moments for the blessings that they are. Recognize them as a chance to make precious memories that last a lifetime. Don't miss out.
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.
In the above scripture Martha invites Jesus, and His many followers into her house. Martha immediately concerns herself with preparing something for her guests to eat, and she becomes overwhelmed with the task. Martha's sister, Mary, who was also present, chose to sit at Jesus' feet and hear His word. Martha became so overwhelmed with the food preparation, that she approached Jesus, and basically said don't you care that I am doing all the work while my sister, Mary sits at your feet listening to your word? Make her help me. Wow, Martha must have been extremely overwhelmed to approach Jesus in this manner. Note that Jesus responds to her in a way that is meant to be calming by repeating Martha's name twice before pointing out to her that she is troubled about many things, but only one thing at that moment was needful, and that her sister had chosen that thing which would never be taken away from her.
This scripture shows how powerful human nature can be. For Martha to allow herself to become so agitated that she decides to tell Jesus what to do speaks volumes. Sometimes we get so caught up in things that are not of great importance that like Martha, we allow ourselves to miss out on the things that are. Once we reach an aggravated state it seems we get tunnel vision, and thereby can only focus on the task at hand. While in this state, we fail to entertain the idea that there may be a simpler way to complete our task minus all the upset and drama. For instance, had Martha been thinking she would have known that with Jesus present none of them would have gone hungry. He fed multitudes with a few fish, and I am certain He would have seen to it that everyone in that house had something to eat.
While Martha was running around in a dither, her sister Mary was sitting at Jesus' feet listening to His word. Mary recognized the opportunity they had been given for the blessing that it was, and she took advantage of it. When you have the opportunity to do something that is of importance, do you miss out in order to handle a task that is of lesser importance? Have you passed on opportunities to spend time praying and reading God's word? Have you passed on opportunities to make great memories with your children, spouse, parents, siblings, or friends in order to clean the house, do laundry, mow the lawn, or some other task that could have waited. When we fore go opportunities to spend time with those we love, we miss out on precious moments. Time does not stand still nor does it repeat itself, when a moment comes and goes, it is gone forever.
When an opportunity to spend time with a loved one comes your way, put the mop down, turn off the mower, cut off the stove, stop whatever unimportant task you're doing, and like Mary take advantage of it. Recognize these moments for the blessings that they are. Recognize them as a chance to make precious memories that last a lifetime. Don't miss out.
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, August 15, 2012
A Good Medicine
Proverbs 17:22 (KJV) Says "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." In other words a cheerful mind is revitalizing to the entire person.
Our thoughts are very powerful, and they play a huge roll in how we feel emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Satan loves to put thoughts in our head that are nothing more than lies, and when we believe these lies he is elated. Maybe you lost your job for instance and have been searching for a new one for quite a while to no avail. You've managed to remain upbeat and hopeful for a time, but then you begin having thoughts like "I'll never find a job," "I'm getting old, who's going to hire me?" "There are no jobs to be had." If you find yourself thinking this way, know this, these are all lies that Satan has put in your head, and there is not an ounce of truth to any of them. When you are living your life in a Godly manner, and are patient with Him, God will see to it that you find a job. If you do your part in seeking employment, it is certain that God will do his. If you are upbeat and positive in an attempt to achieve something, you can rest assured that Satan is going to start lying to you. Don't believe any of it, press forward thinking positive thoughts knowing that God is on your side. Rebuke Satan, and continue praying knowing that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13 KJV)
Maybe you had someone break-up with you recently, or you went through a divorce petitioned for by your spouse. These are horrible forms of rejection. You loved someone deeply, opened up to them with your most private thoughts, shared years of your life with them only to hear them say one day I don't love you anymore. I don't want you anymore. This causes intense pain, leaves you feeling extremely vulnerable, and opens the door for Satan to start feeding you lies. You may begin thinking things like "I don't blame them who could love me," "I'll never meet anyone else," "I'm a failure," "I'm to old to start over," and "who would want me?" Recognize these thoughts for what they are; nothing more than lies from Satan. Rebuke Satan along with his lies, and replace those thoughts with positive ones. You are special, you are a child of God, he loves you tremendously, and he will never leave you or forsake you. If you are lonely pray about it, and God will send someone into your life that loves you for who you are, and treats you the way you deserve to be treated. You may discover that you don't want another relationship, and that is fine as well, because you can be perfectly happy alone. Either way don't allow Satan's lies to cause you to question your self-worth just because someone you loved decided they didn't love you anymore.
Listed above are a couple of scenarios that leave us in a vulnerable state of mind, but no matter what the scenario, don't give in to Satan and allow his lies to overtake your thoughts and run rampant in your mind. If you do, those thoughts will consume you, and land you in a state of depression. Then before you know it you begin to isolate yourself from others. Once this happens, and Satan has you where he wants you he can continue to pull you down further, and further. With depression and isolation comes fatigue, lack of interest in anything, and a complete lack of motivation. Maybe you are so depressed you choose to go to bed, and just sleep away the pain. If you do this, you are allowing Satan to pull you down a little bit further. Once you're in the bed with depression you'll more than likely lay there all day replaying all the lies Satan told you over and over in your mind. This will serve to increase the severity of your depression, and allow Satan to drag you down further still. Now that you're emotionally and spiritually empty, Satan can move forward with his plans for you, which are working great thus far. In the next phase of your depression, you begin to develop physical pains, and other health issues. Now you've developed back pain, headaches, neck pain, a cold, and or any other host of ailments from minor to major that have decided to launch an attack on you while you're in this vulnerable position. At this point, Satan's got you in the basement. As the above scripture tells us a merry heart works like a medicine for our entire body, and a broken spirit works the polar opposite.
Don't let a situation depress you to the degree that you become emotionally, spiritually, and physically ill. Don't let Satan drag you all the way to the basement. The moment you begin to have a negative thought rebuke Satan and his lies, and replace the lies with the truth and promises of God's word. Remember who you are in Christ, and move forward in your life with positive thoughts, and a cheerful heart knowing that doing so is healing to your mind and your entire body like a good medicine.
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.
Our thoughts are very powerful, and they play a huge roll in how we feel emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Satan loves to put thoughts in our head that are nothing more than lies, and when we believe these lies he is elated. Maybe you lost your job for instance and have been searching for a new one for quite a while to no avail. You've managed to remain upbeat and hopeful for a time, but then you begin having thoughts like "I'll never find a job," "I'm getting old, who's going to hire me?" "There are no jobs to be had." If you find yourself thinking this way, know this, these are all lies that Satan has put in your head, and there is not an ounce of truth to any of them. When you are living your life in a Godly manner, and are patient with Him, God will see to it that you find a job. If you do your part in seeking employment, it is certain that God will do his. If you are upbeat and positive in an attempt to achieve something, you can rest assured that Satan is going to start lying to you. Don't believe any of it, press forward thinking positive thoughts knowing that God is on your side. Rebuke Satan, and continue praying knowing that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13 KJV)
Maybe you had someone break-up with you recently, or you went through a divorce petitioned for by your spouse. These are horrible forms of rejection. You loved someone deeply, opened up to them with your most private thoughts, shared years of your life with them only to hear them say one day I don't love you anymore. I don't want you anymore. This causes intense pain, leaves you feeling extremely vulnerable, and opens the door for Satan to start feeding you lies. You may begin thinking things like "I don't blame them who could love me," "I'll never meet anyone else," "I'm a failure," "I'm to old to start over," and "who would want me?" Recognize these thoughts for what they are; nothing more than lies from Satan. Rebuke Satan along with his lies, and replace those thoughts with positive ones. You are special, you are a child of God, he loves you tremendously, and he will never leave you or forsake you. If you are lonely pray about it, and God will send someone into your life that loves you for who you are, and treats you the way you deserve to be treated. You may discover that you don't want another relationship, and that is fine as well, because you can be perfectly happy alone. Either way don't allow Satan's lies to cause you to question your self-worth just because someone you loved decided they didn't love you anymore.
Listed above are a couple of scenarios that leave us in a vulnerable state of mind, but no matter what the scenario, don't give in to Satan and allow his lies to overtake your thoughts and run rampant in your mind. If you do, those thoughts will consume you, and land you in a state of depression. Then before you know it you begin to isolate yourself from others. Once this happens, and Satan has you where he wants you he can continue to pull you down further, and further. With depression and isolation comes fatigue, lack of interest in anything, and a complete lack of motivation. Maybe you are so depressed you choose to go to bed, and just sleep away the pain. If you do this, you are allowing Satan to pull you down a little bit further. Once you're in the bed with depression you'll more than likely lay there all day replaying all the lies Satan told you over and over in your mind. This will serve to increase the severity of your depression, and allow Satan to drag you down further still. Now that you're emotionally and spiritually empty, Satan can move forward with his plans for you, which are working great thus far. In the next phase of your depression, you begin to develop physical pains, and other health issues. Now you've developed back pain, headaches, neck pain, a cold, and or any other host of ailments from minor to major that have decided to launch an attack on you while you're in this vulnerable position. At this point, Satan's got you in the basement. As the above scripture tells us a merry heart works like a medicine for our entire body, and a broken spirit works the polar opposite.
Don't let a situation depress you to the degree that you become emotionally, spiritually, and physically ill. Don't let Satan drag you all the way to the basement. The moment you begin to have a negative thought rebuke Satan and his lies, and replace the lies with the truth and promises of God's word. Remember who you are in Christ, and move forward in your life with positive thoughts, and a cheerful heart knowing that doing so is healing to your mind and your entire body like a good medicine.
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, August 8, 2012
Living Water
John 4:6-14 (KJV) Says "Now Jacob's well was there, Jesus therefore, being wearied with His journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto Him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto Him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
In the above scripture when the Samaritan woman questions Jesus about asking her for a drink of water knowing that the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans, He tells her that if she only knew the gift of God, and who she was talking to she would have ask of Him, and received living water. The living water being the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus advises her that whoever drinks water from Jacob's well will be thirsty again, but those who drink the water that He gives will never thirst again, and will have eternal life.
Many people desire things they are certain will quench the thirst of their heart, only to discover after having these things in their possession that they remain unsatisfied. They are still thirsty. For instance, I've heard people say if only I had a new car, and didn't have to drive this old jalopy I'd be happy. I never know when it's going to break down. Every time I get in it I have to wonder if I'll make it to where I'm going. Then you see them a few months later and they're driving a new car, but as it turns out believing that a new car would bring them happiness was an inaccurate assumption on their part. They are still unhappy, and have come to the conclusion that it is going to take more than a new car for them to reach the happy zone. They are still thirsty. A new car sitting in their driveway makes their house look a bit run down and they can't have that. They'll be happy as soon as they buy a new house. They buy the new house, have the new car in the driveway, and it's on to the next desire because they are still thirsty.
So many people are looking for happiness in material things, and true happiness cannot be found there. Look at all the celebrities who have access to any material thing they could possibly desire, yet they are not happy. They continue to thirst. There is only one thing that can quench the thirst of an unhappy heart, and that is the Holy Spirit. When you accept God's precious gift of salvation, and are filled with the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus told the Samaritan woman you will never thirst again. You become a new creature in Christ, and you experience a peace and contentment like you have never before known.
If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I would like to encourage you to do so immediately. Don't hesitate, or procrastinate because we are not promised tomorrow. God loves you, and He is always listening, so do it now, right where you are. 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, invite Him into your heart and ask Him to be your Lord and Savior. If you prayed this prayer, and you believe it with all of your heart then you have been born again, and have become a new creature in Christ. How truly Awesome that is, and my 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.
In the above scripture when the Samaritan woman questions Jesus about asking her for a drink of water knowing that the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans, He tells her that if she only knew the gift of God, and who she was talking to she would have ask of Him, and received living water. The living water being the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus advises her that whoever drinks water from Jacob's well will be thirsty again, but those who drink the water that He gives will never thirst again, and will have eternal life.
Many people desire things they are certain will quench the thirst of their heart, only to discover after having these things in their possession that they remain unsatisfied. They are still thirsty. For instance, I've heard people say if only I had a new car, and didn't have to drive this old jalopy I'd be happy. I never know when it's going to break down. Every time I get in it I have to wonder if I'll make it to where I'm going. Then you see them a few months later and they're driving a new car, but as it turns out believing that a new car would bring them happiness was an inaccurate assumption on their part. They are still unhappy, and have come to the conclusion that it is going to take more than a new car for them to reach the happy zone. They are still thirsty. A new car sitting in their driveway makes their house look a bit run down and they can't have that. They'll be happy as soon as they buy a new house. They buy the new house, have the new car in the driveway, and it's on to the next desire because they are still thirsty.
So many people are looking for happiness in material things, and true happiness cannot be found there. Look at all the celebrities who have access to any material thing they could possibly desire, yet they are not happy. They continue to thirst. There is only one thing that can quench the thirst of an unhappy heart, and that is the Holy Spirit. When you accept God's precious gift of salvation, and are filled with the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus told the Samaritan woman you will never thirst again. You become a new creature in Christ, and you experience a peace and contentment like you have never before known.
If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I would like to encourage you to do so immediately. Don't hesitate, or procrastinate because we are not promised tomorrow. God loves you, and He is always listening, so do it now, right where you are. 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, invite Him into your heart and ask Him to be your Lord and Savior. If you prayed this prayer, and you believe it with all of your heart then you have been born again, and have become a new creature in Christ. How truly Awesome that is, and my 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.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Abandoned
In Mark 14:43-44 (KJV) Judas Iscariot, one of the original twelve disciples, betrays Jesus. Judas identified Jesus for those who had come to capture Him leading to His eventual crucifixion. Judas betrayed Him with a kiss. Mark 14:66-72 (KJV) In this scripture Peter denies Jesus three times, as Jesus had told him he would. In II Timothy 4:9-18 (KJV) Paul is betrayed or abandoned by all of his friends, and fellow servants of Christ, with the exception of Luke.
As the above scripture indicates being betrayed or abandoned by friends is nothing new. Imagine walking with Jesus, hearing Him teach, witnessing the miracles He had performed, and then betraying Him as Judas did. When Jesus was captured, Peter who had also walked with Jesus, listened to Him teach, and watched Him perform miracles, denied being associated with Him not just once, but three times. Paul was in prison facing execution, and was deserted by all of his friends with the exception of Luke.
Friends that love and stand by us through the ups and downs that life throws our way are extremely rare. Great friendships are built over time, and they are tested when trouble arises that causes one friend to really need the other. Unfortunately, many people that we believed to be our true friends fail these tests.
If you have a good bit of money, then more than likely you have numerous friends. How many of those friends would abandon you if all your money was suddenly gone? How many friends would come to your house for a party vs. the number that would show up if you were in the hospital? How many of your friends would take a phone call from you at three O'clock in the morning, and without hesitation, rush out to help you with whatever you needed. How many of them would instead sound put out that you had phoned at that hour no matter what you needed, and abruptly hang up the phone? How many of your friends would ask you into their home and make you feel welcome, if you showed up in the middle of the night needing them? How many would inform you they were asleep, and close the door in your face? It is hurtful when you have been friends with someone for quite some time only to find out when you need them, they will abandon you faster than you can say their first name.
It is disappointing to discover that a friend you went above and beyond to help on more than one occasion isn't willing to help you with even the slightest need. You know the type, you help them move their entire house five times, and then when you call them to move one sofa they come near collapse, and it's abandonment time. These people are not true friends, but are your friends at their convenience. They are selfish individuals who are not willing to put themselves out for the sake of others no matter how much the other person has sacrificed for them. Realizing this about someone you thought loved and cared for you is quite hurtful, and it speaks volumes about the character of the friend who is unwilling to stand by you.
More than likely most people have had this experience with at least one person they had counted as a true friend. When we ask a friend for help, and get a negative response it is hurtful. When we are hurt by their reaction to our request, we instantly have the fleshly desire to respond by firing off a list of all the sacrifices we have made for them in the past. This is a mistake, don't do it. The truth is we did the things we did for them out of kindness and love, and not for what they might do for us in the future. If we fire back with a response that points out all we've done for them, then we are behaving no better than they have. Instead, thank them anyway, apologize for disturbing them, and forgive them. Forgiving them is necessary in order to heal your pain. Once you have forgiven them, move forward having gained the knowledge of what type friend they truly are.
What kind of friend are you? If a friend called you in the middle of the night with a problem, would you speak kindly to them and be willing to help, or would you be rude, and remind them of the time as if they weren't aware of it? Are you a true friend to others as long as things are going great, and a good time is being had by all, only to abandon them when times get tough or they need something from you? Do you stand by your friends, and support them in their time of need or do you have abandonment issues? Do you do things for your friends begrudgingly or because you love and care for them, and want to help them when they need you? Are you a taker who has issues with being on the giving end of things? Are you selfish when it comes to putting yourself out for your friends, even though they make sacrifices, and are there for you anytime you need them? If so, God knows it because He knows your heart. Believe me, your friend will more than likely be able to tell it too. Your attitude will probably give it away. I know this from experience, as I've been on the receiving end of that kind of help on more than one occasion.
If you are aware you have issues in this area, pray and ask God to assist you in changing your heart. Pray for an honest desire to help those you love and care for when they need you. Ask Him to help you in the area of selfishness. Once you have your heart in the right place, then you will be able to be a true friend, and help others with a right attitude. Keep in mind also that everyone needs a friend at one time or another to help them through tough times, and that includes you. When you do need someone, it will more than likely be the very friend that you hurt by abandoning them, when they needed you. Not only will you need a favor from them, but it will probably be bigger than the one they needed from you.
True friends don't come along very often, and they aren't appreciated enough. Know who your true friends are. If you have friends in your life that are there for you anytime you need them, count them among your blessings. Let them know how much they are appreciated, and how much you love and care for them. Be there for them like they are for you. Don't abandon them, when you know they need you. I have experienced abandonment with a few friends in my life, and it was hurtful. I often wonder if some people even know the definition of true friendship. With that said, however, remember we all have a true friend in Jesus. He will be there for us in good times and bad, day or night, He loves and cares for us, and He will never leave or forsake us, that is certain. If your friends were to make a list today of the people they can count on anytime day or night, and a list of those that would abandon them in their time of need, on which one of these lists would you find your name?
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.
As the above scripture indicates being betrayed or abandoned by friends is nothing new. Imagine walking with Jesus, hearing Him teach, witnessing the miracles He had performed, and then betraying Him as Judas did. When Jesus was captured, Peter who had also walked with Jesus, listened to Him teach, and watched Him perform miracles, denied being associated with Him not just once, but three times. Paul was in prison facing execution, and was deserted by all of his friends with the exception of Luke.
Friends that love and stand by us through the ups and downs that life throws our way are extremely rare. Great friendships are built over time, and they are tested when trouble arises that causes one friend to really need the other. Unfortunately, many people that we believed to be our true friends fail these tests.
If you have a good bit of money, then more than likely you have numerous friends. How many of those friends would abandon you if all your money was suddenly gone? How many friends would come to your house for a party vs. the number that would show up if you were in the hospital? How many of your friends would take a phone call from you at three O'clock in the morning, and without hesitation, rush out to help you with whatever you needed. How many of them would instead sound put out that you had phoned at that hour no matter what you needed, and abruptly hang up the phone? How many of your friends would ask you into their home and make you feel welcome, if you showed up in the middle of the night needing them? How many would inform you they were asleep, and close the door in your face? It is hurtful when you have been friends with someone for quite some time only to find out when you need them, they will abandon you faster than you can say their first name.
It is disappointing to discover that a friend you went above and beyond to help on more than one occasion isn't willing to help you with even the slightest need. You know the type, you help them move their entire house five times, and then when you call them to move one sofa they come near collapse, and it's abandonment time. These people are not true friends, but are your friends at their convenience. They are selfish individuals who are not willing to put themselves out for the sake of others no matter how much the other person has sacrificed for them. Realizing this about someone you thought loved and cared for you is quite hurtful, and it speaks volumes about the character of the friend who is unwilling to stand by you.
More than likely most people have had this experience with at least one person they had counted as a true friend. When we ask a friend for help, and get a negative response it is hurtful. When we are hurt by their reaction to our request, we instantly have the fleshly desire to respond by firing off a list of all the sacrifices we have made for them in the past. This is a mistake, don't do it. The truth is we did the things we did for them out of kindness and love, and not for what they might do for us in the future. If we fire back with a response that points out all we've done for them, then we are behaving no better than they have. Instead, thank them anyway, apologize for disturbing them, and forgive them. Forgiving them is necessary in order to heal your pain. Once you have forgiven them, move forward having gained the knowledge of what type friend they truly are.
What kind of friend are you? If a friend called you in the middle of the night with a problem, would you speak kindly to them and be willing to help, or would you be rude, and remind them of the time as if they weren't aware of it? Are you a true friend to others as long as things are going great, and a good time is being had by all, only to abandon them when times get tough or they need something from you? Do you stand by your friends, and support them in their time of need or do you have abandonment issues? Do you do things for your friends begrudgingly or because you love and care for them, and want to help them when they need you? Are you a taker who has issues with being on the giving end of things? Are you selfish when it comes to putting yourself out for your friends, even though they make sacrifices, and are there for you anytime you need them? If so, God knows it because He knows your heart. Believe me, your friend will more than likely be able to tell it too. Your attitude will probably give it away. I know this from experience, as I've been on the receiving end of that kind of help on more than one occasion.
If you are aware you have issues in this area, pray and ask God to assist you in changing your heart. Pray for an honest desire to help those you love and care for when they need you. Ask Him to help you in the area of selfishness. Once you have your heart in the right place, then you will be able to be a true friend, and help others with a right attitude. Keep in mind also that everyone needs a friend at one time or another to help them through tough times, and that includes you. When you do need someone, it will more than likely be the very friend that you hurt by abandoning them, when they needed you. Not only will you need a favor from them, but it will probably be bigger than the one they needed from you.
True friends don't come along very often, and they aren't appreciated enough. Know who your true friends are. If you have friends in your life that are there for you anytime you need them, count them among your blessings. Let them know how much they are appreciated, and how much you love and care for them. Be there for them like they are for you. Don't abandon them, when you know they need you. I have experienced abandonment with a few friends in my life, and it was hurtful. I often wonder if some people even know the definition of true friendship. With that said, however, remember we all have a true friend in Jesus. He will be there for us in good times and bad, day or night, He loves and cares for us, and He will never leave or forsake us, that is certain. If your friends were to make a list today of the people they can count on anytime day or night, and a list of those that would abandon them in their time of need, on which one of these lists would you find your name?
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, August 5, 2012
Controversy
In 2 Timothy 2:14-18 (KJV) Paul writes to Timothy and says "Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers." Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some."
In the above scripture Paul is advising Timothy to warn the people about useless disputes, and hair splitting debates over the law. He tells Timothy that useless bickering is dangerous, and it eats like a canker destroying the Church.
2 Timothy 2:24-25 (KJV) Says "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;" These verses are clear on the fact that we are to be meek (humble), patient, apt to teach and gentle to everyone, and Jesus set a perfect example of this. Instead of following His example, however, many Christians at any given opportunity launch into scriptural tirades, get off topic, and come across as if they think they stand alone in the righteous zone.
Jesus walked among a multitude of sinners, who were guilty of various sins. He sat among lost sinners, and ate with them. He taught the truth everywhere He went, and He did so in love. There are numerous Christians who have veered so far off the course of His example, when it comes to teaching others about God's word, that it is heart breaking. Jesus never once behaved in a haughty, proud, condescending, finger pointing manner as He went about teaching the truth. Not once did He become angry, and argumentative while teaching, but rather exhibited patience, kindness, humility, understanding, and love. Many Christians have strayed so far from His example that they're actually running people away from the Lord in an attempt to lead them to him. They are contributing to the stereotypical idea that Christians are self-righteous, holier than thou individuals. Nothing productive or positive can ever come from this type behavior, but harm, pain, and hurt certainly can. I feel confident God never wanted Christians to inflict emotional pain on others at any time, much less use His Word to do it.
I believe the Bible to be one hundred percent truth, and that we as Christians should be witnesses for Christ. I believe we should share God's word with others in a loving, kind, meek, patient, and understanding way. I believe that people should have the right to say anything they choose to say. I don't believe that Christians should engage in an argument or heated debate over Biblical issues as this is not how Jesus taught us to conduct ourselves. To do so is against scripture and it brings negative results. It causes a tremendous amount of pain and hurt, it provokes anger, and it does nothing in the way of introducing people to Christ.
I would like to encourage you today to be a witness for God, tell people about Him, and his precious gift of salvation. Tell them what wonderful things He has done for you, but do so in a loving, patient, and kind manner. Follow the example that Jesus set for you, and witness without engaging in arguments, and using God's Word in a manner that hurts and offends others. Deliver the truth of his Word with love and kindness, not in a condemning manner. Let God convict people's hearts. Witness to others and witness the truth of God's Word, but do it in a manner that leaves the person you're witnessing to desiring to know God, and to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Who knows, maybe one Sunday you'll find that person sitting next to you on a pew. Remember God is 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.
In the above scripture Paul is advising Timothy to warn the people about useless disputes, and hair splitting debates over the law. He tells Timothy that useless bickering is dangerous, and it eats like a canker destroying the Church.
2 Timothy 2:24-25 (KJV) Says "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;" These verses are clear on the fact that we are to be meek (humble), patient, apt to teach and gentle to everyone, and Jesus set a perfect example of this. Instead of following His example, however, many Christians at any given opportunity launch into scriptural tirades, get off topic, and come across as if they think they stand alone in the righteous zone.
Jesus walked among a multitude of sinners, who were guilty of various sins. He sat among lost sinners, and ate with them. He taught the truth everywhere He went, and He did so in love. There are numerous Christians who have veered so far off the course of His example, when it comes to teaching others about God's word, that it is heart breaking. Jesus never once behaved in a haughty, proud, condescending, finger pointing manner as He went about teaching the truth. Not once did He become angry, and argumentative while teaching, but rather exhibited patience, kindness, humility, understanding, and love. Many Christians have strayed so far from His example that they're actually running people away from the Lord in an attempt to lead them to him. They are contributing to the stereotypical idea that Christians are self-righteous, holier than thou individuals. Nothing productive or positive can ever come from this type behavior, but harm, pain, and hurt certainly can. I feel confident God never wanted Christians to inflict emotional pain on others at any time, much less use His Word to do it.
I believe the Bible to be one hundred percent truth, and that we as Christians should be witnesses for Christ. I believe we should share God's word with others in a loving, kind, meek, patient, and understanding way. I believe that people should have the right to say anything they choose to say. I don't believe that Christians should engage in an argument or heated debate over Biblical issues as this is not how Jesus taught us to conduct ourselves. To do so is against scripture and it brings negative results. It causes a tremendous amount of pain and hurt, it provokes anger, and it does nothing in the way of introducing people to Christ.
I would like to encourage you today to be a witness for God, tell people about Him, and his precious gift of salvation. Tell them what wonderful things He has done for you, but do so in a loving, patient, and kind manner. Follow the example that Jesus set for you, and witness without engaging in arguments, and using God's Word in a manner that hurts and offends others. Deliver the truth of his Word with love and kindness, not in a condemning manner. Let God convict people's hearts. Witness to others and witness the truth of God's Word, but do it in a manner that leaves the person you're witnessing to desiring to know God, and to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Who knows, maybe one Sunday you'll find that person sitting next to you on a pew. Remember God is 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.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Discouragement
In Nehemiah Chapter 4:1-3 (KJV) Sanballat and Tobiah are ridiculing Nehemiah, and the other men who were planning to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. At that time, Jerusalem was in a state of destruction. See Nehemiah 1:3 (KJV). In 4:6-8 Nehemiah and the men begin rebuilding the wall, and when they are halfway finished they are subjected to more ridicule by Sanballat, Tobiah, and many others who were attempting to discourage the builders, and cause them to cease building the wall. In 4:10-13 we see that the builders did in fact begin to be discouraged by all of the ridicule that surrounded them. They became tired and frustrated in verse 10 saying things like there is so much rubbish we can't finish building the wall. They were halfway finished, and suddenly all the debris around the wall was a problem. Their change in attitude came from being exhausted, and from the discouraging words of others. Even the people of Jerusalem became afraid, and began to discourage them by inciting fear, and we see this in verses 11 and 12 when they inform the builders that their adversaries are going to come up against them and slay them. Nehemiah responded to all of the ridicule, and attempts at discouragement by praying, and he does so many times. In the end Nehemiah, and the builders prevailed because they had God on their side, and they turned to him in prayer, and pressed forward in lieu of giving up. Nehemiah 6:15 Says "So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days."
Today's world is full of people who constantly ridicule and discourage others. Discouragement can come from people, exhaustion, frustration, fear, and many other avenues. In the case of Nehemiah and the other builders it came in multiple forms. Anytime we set out to do a good work we can bank on the fact that Satan will also be around attempting to sabotage our mission, and using any means possible to do so. The thing to remember is that God is with us, and he will work through us, accomplishing anything he desires to accomplish.
It would seem that when we set out to do a good work, we would be flooded with love, support, and encouragement from those around us, but that is rarely the case. We may be able to count on a few people backing us, but we can also rest assured that there will be those who come against us. There will be those who attempt to make you doubt yourself, and your ability. There will be those who attempt to make you afraid to step out in faith, and carry out your good work. There will also be people who let you know they don't think you should set out on your venture by being completely silent on the topic. Silence speaks volumes, and it can be very discouraging and hurtful. My point is that when you set out to do a good work you need to be prepared for people to come against you.
If God has put a good work on your heart, then I encourage you to carry it out. If he has called you to do something, pray about it, step out in faith, and do it. In the process, don't allow yourself to get so tired and frustrated that you become weary like Nehemiah and the builders did because that will make you vulnerable to the ridicule and discouragement people will attempt to rain down on you. There is strength in rest, and you'll need strength to persevere.
There are many reasons some people choose to discourage and ridicule those attempting to step out in faith, and do a good work. A couple of reasons that come to mind are jealousy, and envy. Some people who are afraid to step out in faith themselves are jealous, and envious of those who choose to do so. The jealousy and envy are manifested in the form of ridicule and discouragement. Don't let these people get to you. There are those who attempt to incite fear by questioning you. They will inundate you with what ifs. Don't let these people get to you either. Then there will be those who attempt to make you doubt yourself. Don't do it. Stay strong. Then, of course there are those who will remain silent letting you know they don't approve of anything you're doing, and that they don't believe God has called you to do it. Somehow these individuals seem to think they are privy to inside information regarding personal conversations you've had with God. I find it a shame that so many people struggle when it comes to encouraging others for good. Do not entertain any form of discouragement. Forge ahead knowing that you don't need one ounce of approval from people because you have God's.
If God has called you to do something, or if you haven't been walking the path that God intended for you to walk, but it's been on your heart to walk it, then I want to encourage you to do so. Pray, step out in faith, and do it. Don't allow those who ridicule, and attempt to discourage you to hold you back, or cause you to give up. I have experienced the entire gamut of discouraging techniques used by these type people, believe me, but I will not be discouraged. Respond to these people and their comments by praying, as Nehemiah did. Notice he didn't choose to organize against them, preach against them or create propaganda, but instead he prayed often. I will continue to pray, trust God, and follow him as he leads, guides, and directs my path. I will continue to walk in love and encourage others in Christ, and I pray you will opt to do the same. Remember to listen to God, and not those who ridicule, and discourage you. If you grow weary rest, but don't give up. Despite the negativity and condemnation from others forge ahead, and build that wall.
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.
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Today's world is full of people who constantly ridicule and discourage others. Discouragement can come from people, exhaustion, frustration, fear, and many other avenues. In the case of Nehemiah and the other builders it came in multiple forms. Anytime we set out to do a good work we can bank on the fact that Satan will also be around attempting to sabotage our mission, and using any means possible to do so. The thing to remember is that God is with us, and he will work through us, accomplishing anything he desires to accomplish.
It would seem that when we set out to do a good work, we would be flooded with love, support, and encouragement from those around us, but that is rarely the case. We may be able to count on a few people backing us, but we can also rest assured that there will be those who come against us. There will be those who attempt to make you doubt yourself, and your ability. There will be those who attempt to make you afraid to step out in faith, and carry out your good work. There will also be people who let you know they don't think you should set out on your venture by being completely silent on the topic. Silence speaks volumes, and it can be very discouraging and hurtful. My point is that when you set out to do a good work you need to be prepared for people to come against you.
If God has put a good work on your heart, then I encourage you to carry it out. If he has called you to do something, pray about it, step out in faith, and do it. In the process, don't allow yourself to get so tired and frustrated that you become weary like Nehemiah and the builders did because that will make you vulnerable to the ridicule and discouragement people will attempt to rain down on you. There is strength in rest, and you'll need strength to persevere.
There are many reasons some people choose to discourage and ridicule those attempting to step out in faith, and do a good work. A couple of reasons that come to mind are jealousy, and envy. Some people who are afraid to step out in faith themselves are jealous, and envious of those who choose to do so. The jealousy and envy are manifested in the form of ridicule and discouragement. Don't let these people get to you. There are those who attempt to incite fear by questioning you. They will inundate you with what ifs. Don't let these people get to you either. Then there will be those who attempt to make you doubt yourself. Don't do it. Stay strong. Then, of course there are those who will remain silent letting you know they don't approve of anything you're doing, and that they don't believe God has called you to do it. Somehow these individuals seem to think they are privy to inside information regarding personal conversations you've had with God. I find it a shame that so many people struggle when it comes to encouraging others for good. Do not entertain any form of discouragement. Forge ahead knowing that you don't need one ounce of approval from people because you have God's.
If God has called you to do something, or if you haven't been walking the path that God intended for you to walk, but it's been on your heart to walk it, then I want to encourage you to do so. Pray, step out in faith, and do it. Don't allow those who ridicule, and attempt to discourage you to hold you back, or cause you to give up. I have experienced the entire gamut of discouraging techniques used by these type people, believe me, but I will not be discouraged. Respond to these people and their comments by praying, as Nehemiah did. Notice he didn't choose to organize against them, preach against them or create propaganda, but instead he prayed often. I will continue to pray, trust God, and follow him as he leads, guides, and directs my path. I will continue to walk in love and encourage others in Christ, and I pray you will opt to do the same. Remember to listen to God, and not those who ridicule, and discourage you. If you grow weary rest, but don't give up. Despite the negativity and condemnation from others forge ahead, and build that wall.
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.
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