Philippians 4:13 (KJV) Says "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
It is beneficial for us to call to remembrance the above scripture every time unworthiness, lack of confidence, or discouragement from someone else causes us to doubt ourselves. This is a popular Bible verse that has been memorized by many, yet we still allow ourselves to doubt our capabilities. There is no need for doubt, because we can be certain that with God working through us we can accomplish anything God calls us to do.
The Bible documents many individuals who are called by God to do great things. For instance, Noah was called to build the ark, and to fill it with all species of animals. Noah never doubted his ability to build the ark, because he knew who he was in Christ, and that God had called him to do it. He knew God would work through him to get the task accomplished. When God ask Noah to build the ark he didn't start asking for opinions as to whether or not people thought he was capable of such a large task, nor as to whether or not he should attempt it, he went to work and he built the ark. I'm sure he faced scoffers who ridiculed him, but he remained steadfast in his work, and with God working through him, he accomplished all he set out to do.
David certainly faced scoffers, and those who doubted his ability, as he went out to fight Goliath. Some of those individuals were his own brothers. He disregarded every one of their attempts to discourage him, and pressed forward, trusting that God would deliver Goliath into his hand. David didn't pay any attention to the naysayers he faced because he knew who he was in Christ, and he knew that he could accomplish all things through Him. As you probably know, with God working through him, David went on to slay Goliath which silenced those naysayers.
There will always be people who attempt to discourage you, and cause you to doubt yourself. Don't allow these people to succeed in bringing you down. Some people attempt to discourage you because they are miserable themselves, and they would love your company. Some want you to doubt yourself because they are jealous, and envious of any success you may have. There are various reasons some people try to inundate others with self-doubt, but whatever the reason, refuse to receive it. Don't listen to anyone who is spewing negative comments at you in an attempt to make you doubt yourself, and all you're capable of doing with God working through you. Follow the examples set by Noah, and David, and press on remembering that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Pause and consider the power of that verse, and lock it into memory. We are not identified by what others say about us, if we were we'd all be in trouble because there are always going to be people that don't like us for whatever reason. It is not what others say about you that can be poison to your spirit, but rather your reaction to what they say. Know who you are in Christ, and allow no one to persuade you otherwise.
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, September 30, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Speak Up
Luke 22:54-62 (KJV) Says "Then took they Him, and led Him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain maid beheld him as he set by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with Him. And he denied Him, saying, Woman, I know Him not. And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with Him: for he is a Galilean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice." And Peter went out, and wept bitterly."
In the above scripture the time of Jesus' crucifixion was drawing near, and Peter was being associated with him. Peter becomes afraid, and concerned for his own welfare. He denies Jesus three different times. Not only does he deny being associated with Him, he denies that he even knows Him, and he does so confidently. Jesus turns and looks at Peter because He had told Peter that he would deny him three times, when Peter was professing his unwavering devotion to Him. Peter had said he would never deny Him. Peter said he would die with Him before he would ever deny Him. Matthew 26:33-35 (KJV). Says "Peter answered and said unto Him, Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto Him, Though I should die with Thee, yet will I not deny Thee. Likewise also said all the disciples."
Peter denied Jesus verbally, but there are many other ways in which Christians can deny Him. He is often denied in our silence, in association with our accomplishments, and in the blessings and miracles we receive in our lives.
God is denied in our silence, when we fail to speak up as witnesses for him. Many people accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and then fall silent about their relationship with Him, and all the wonderful things He has done in their lives. How can we keep something so important to ourselves? As believers we are to share our testimony, spread the good news of the gospel, and tell others about God's precious gift of salvation. When we fail to do this we are denying God the opportunity to work through us as witnesses, and we are denying people we should be witnessing to the chance to hear about God, and the tremendous love he has for them. We are denying these people a chance to learn about God's precious gift of salvation, and an opportunity to accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior. It is extremely important that as witnesses for the Lord we speak up.
Another way in which God is denied is through our taking all the credit for any accomplishments we make. Whenever we manage to accomplish a goal in our lives it's great, and more often than not we share our accomplishments with others. As we share with others the things we've accomplished we must never forget to give God the glory, and make known that we could not have reached our goal without Him. This is a wonderful testimony, and it is giving credit where credit is due. The next time you are sharing something you've accomplished or a goal you've reached make certain you give God credit as we are able to accomplish all we accomplish thanks to Him working through us.
It is important that we recognize that the miracles we receive in our lives come from God. He deserves one hundred percent credit for all of them, along with our praise. This too serves as a powerful testimony. If you've been praying, and have people praying for you to get well from an illness, and suddenly you're cured, or your sickness lasted half as long as someone else's, give God the praise and the glory. Don't say something like wow, I got lucky I was sick about half as long as everyone else who had this. You are denying God the credit due Him, and placing his miracle in the category of luck. Give God the glory.
If you have been praying for God to help you with financial struggles, and out of no where you are blessed with extra money to meet your needs, give God the praise and the glory. Don't chalk it up to luck, and leave God completely out of the equation. You are denying God the credit and praise due him for answering your prayers, and failing to use the experience as a testimony to others as to how God provided for you in your time of need.
If in the past you have denied God in any way, I encourage you to make some changes immediately. The next opportunity you get to be a witness for Him, speak up. The next time you accomplish something you set out to accomplish, thank Him for working through you and seeing to it that you reached your goal. Never fail to give God the credit, praise, and glory due Him for the miracles and blessings He so lovingly gives you. Keep God first in your life, and serve as a witness to others. Don't ever be afraid to speak up, and always give God be all the glory.
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 the time of Jesus' crucifixion was drawing near, and Peter was being associated with him. Peter becomes afraid, and concerned for his own welfare. He denies Jesus three different times. Not only does he deny being associated with Him, he denies that he even knows Him, and he does so confidently. Jesus turns and looks at Peter because He had told Peter that he would deny him three times, when Peter was professing his unwavering devotion to Him. Peter had said he would never deny Him. Peter said he would die with Him before he would ever deny Him. Matthew 26:33-35 (KJV). Says "Peter answered and said unto Him, Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto Him, Though I should die with Thee, yet will I not deny Thee. Likewise also said all the disciples."
Peter denied Jesus verbally, but there are many other ways in which Christians can deny Him. He is often denied in our silence, in association with our accomplishments, and in the blessings and miracles we receive in our lives.
God is denied in our silence, when we fail to speak up as witnesses for him. Many people accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and then fall silent about their relationship with Him, and all the wonderful things He has done in their lives. How can we keep something so important to ourselves? As believers we are to share our testimony, spread the good news of the gospel, and tell others about God's precious gift of salvation. When we fail to do this we are denying God the opportunity to work through us as witnesses, and we are denying people we should be witnessing to the chance to hear about God, and the tremendous love he has for them. We are denying these people a chance to learn about God's precious gift of salvation, and an opportunity to accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior. It is extremely important that as witnesses for the Lord we speak up.
Another way in which God is denied is through our taking all the credit for any accomplishments we make. Whenever we manage to accomplish a goal in our lives it's great, and more often than not we share our accomplishments with others. As we share with others the things we've accomplished we must never forget to give God the glory, and make known that we could not have reached our goal without Him. This is a wonderful testimony, and it is giving credit where credit is due. The next time you are sharing something you've accomplished or a goal you've reached make certain you give God credit as we are able to accomplish all we accomplish thanks to Him working through us.
It is important that we recognize that the miracles we receive in our lives come from God. He deserves one hundred percent credit for all of them, along with our praise. This too serves as a powerful testimony. If you've been praying, and have people praying for you to get well from an illness, and suddenly you're cured, or your sickness lasted half as long as someone else's, give God the praise and the glory. Don't say something like wow, I got lucky I was sick about half as long as everyone else who had this. You are denying God the credit due Him, and placing his miracle in the category of luck. Give God the glory.
If you have been praying for God to help you with financial struggles, and out of no where you are blessed with extra money to meet your needs, give God the praise and the glory. Don't chalk it up to luck, and leave God completely out of the equation. You are denying God the credit and praise due him for answering your prayers, and failing to use the experience as a testimony to others as to how God provided for you in your time of need.
If in the past you have denied God in any way, I encourage you to make some changes immediately. The next opportunity you get to be a witness for Him, speak up. The next time you accomplish something you set out to accomplish, thank Him for working through you and seeing to it that you reached your goal. Never fail to give God the credit, praise, and glory due Him for the miracles and blessings He so lovingly gives you. Keep God first in your life, and serve as a witness to others. Don't ever be afraid to speak up, and always give God be all the glory.
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.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Forgive Yourself
John 3:17 (KJV) Says "For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved."
Many people get the idea that God condemns, and in their minds that is what He becomes known for. Believing that to be true, they avoid Him. As the above scripture tells us condemning people is not at all what God desires, rather He desires that the world be saved through His Son. In many cases people ask forgiveness for their sins, and then fail to trust that God has truly forgiven them. Instead, they think He's up in heaven sitting on ready, and more than eager to condemn them for sins they themselves have deemed unforgivable. I've had people tell me that they ask God to forgive them of their sins, but they can't believe He actually forgave them because they're sins are numerous, and far worse than anyone else's. The problem with these people is not that God has not forgiven them, it's that they haven't forgiven themselves.
If you have gone to God in prayer, and ask Him to forgive you of your sins He has forgiven you.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV) Says "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." God does not have a list of sins that He forgives, and a list of sins that He doesn't.
There are also people who think they have strayed to far away from God for Him to hear and forgive them, when they pray. Don't ever think this way because it is absolutely not true. You can never stray so far from God that when you turn back to him in prayer He doesn't hear you. That is just another way that people are deceiving themselves, and or allowing Satan to deceive them. In Matthew 7:7 (KJV) Jesus says "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." No matter how far away you've strayed He is there waiting for you to return to Him.
Psalm 103:12-14 (KJV) Says "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust." This scripture tells us that not only does God forgive us of our sins, but He removes them far from us. It reminds us that God is our Father and that He has pity on us, when we make mistakes. It also tells us that He is well aware we are only human.
If you are someone who struggles with believing that God has forgiven you, then I urge you to stop torturing yourself immediately. Knowing that God's Word is truth, refer to the above scripture and commit to memory that if you ask God to forgive you of your sins, and you turn away from them He will forgive you. Not only will He forgive you, but the fact that you repented and turned to God will be celebrated in heaven. Luke 15:10 (KJV) Says "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."
If you are someone who feels God doesn't hear you, that your sins are to great to be forgiven, or that you have strayed so far away from God that there's no turning back, let those thoughts go immediately. God loves you and forgives you of your sins, when you go to Him in prayer and simply ask. He is not anxious to condemn you, but rather eager for you to repent and turn again to Him from wherever you're at. God is understanding, forgiving, loving, kind, merciful, and so many other wonderful things. Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) Says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." God is not eager to condemn you. He wants you to have a life filled with joy and His divine peace. Don't waste another second beating yourself up over past sins, and mistakes that God has already forgiven you for. Forgive yourself and move forward living the joyous, divine peace filled life God desires for you to live.
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.
Many people get the idea that God condemns, and in their minds that is what He becomes known for. Believing that to be true, they avoid Him. As the above scripture tells us condemning people is not at all what God desires, rather He desires that the world be saved through His Son. In many cases people ask forgiveness for their sins, and then fail to trust that God has truly forgiven them. Instead, they think He's up in heaven sitting on ready, and more than eager to condemn them for sins they themselves have deemed unforgivable. I've had people tell me that they ask God to forgive them of their sins, but they can't believe He actually forgave them because they're sins are numerous, and far worse than anyone else's. The problem with these people is not that God has not forgiven them, it's that they haven't forgiven themselves.
If you have gone to God in prayer, and ask Him to forgive you of your sins He has forgiven you.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV) Says "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." God does not have a list of sins that He forgives, and a list of sins that He doesn't.
There are also people who think they have strayed to far away from God for Him to hear and forgive them, when they pray. Don't ever think this way because it is absolutely not true. You can never stray so far from God that when you turn back to him in prayer He doesn't hear you. That is just another way that people are deceiving themselves, and or allowing Satan to deceive them. In Matthew 7:7 (KJV) Jesus says "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." No matter how far away you've strayed He is there waiting for you to return to Him.
Psalm 103:12-14 (KJV) Says "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust." This scripture tells us that not only does God forgive us of our sins, but He removes them far from us. It reminds us that God is our Father and that He has pity on us, when we make mistakes. It also tells us that He is well aware we are only human.
If you are someone who struggles with believing that God has forgiven you, then I urge you to stop torturing yourself immediately. Knowing that God's Word is truth, refer to the above scripture and commit to memory that if you ask God to forgive you of your sins, and you turn away from them He will forgive you. Not only will He forgive you, but the fact that you repented and turned to God will be celebrated in heaven. Luke 15:10 (KJV) Says "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."
If you are someone who feels God doesn't hear you, that your sins are to great to be forgiven, or that you have strayed so far away from God that there's no turning back, let those thoughts go immediately. God loves you and forgives you of your sins, when you go to Him in prayer and simply ask. He is not anxious to condemn you, but rather eager for you to repent and turn again to Him from wherever you're at. God is understanding, forgiving, loving, kind, merciful, and so many other wonderful things. Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) Says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." God is not eager to condemn you. He wants you to have a life filled with joy and His divine peace. Don't waste another second beating yourself up over past sins, and mistakes that God has already forgiven you for. Forgive yourself and move forward living the joyous, divine peace filled life God desires for you to live.
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, September 19, 2012
Take Action
John 3:16 (KJV) 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." Matthew 27:50 (KJV) Says "Jesus, when He had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost."
True love requires action, and the above scripture tells us that God loved us so much that he sent His only son to die on the cross for our sins that we may have eternal life. That action demonstrates a love for us so great that there are no words that come near doing it justice. I think most of us are familiar with John 3:16 and most memorized it at an early age, but how many of us take time to consider what a tremendous sacrifice God made for us, and how much He must love us to have done so. Jesus demonstrated how much He loved us by taking action as well. The above verse taken from the book of Matthew describes Jesus dying on the cross for our sins, and what a painful death that must have been. How many of us take the time to consider Jesus dying on the cross in detail, and how much He must love us to have suffered in such a horrific way? He died on that cross for our sins even though He Himself was without sin. What a tremendous action He took to demonstrate His love for us.
We are certainly not able to show actions of love anywhere near the magnitude of the ones I've listed above, but it is important for us to realize that true love does require action. It is easy for me to say I love you to the people I love, but it is very important that I back that up with actions that demonstrate I am not merely wasting words. This holds true in every relationship we have. I have a close, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He is my Lord, and Savior. I tell Him I love him many times a day, which is important, but I also demonstrate it by my actions. Let me make it clear that I am not perfect, in fact I am far from it, but I do my best to live my life in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord, and to serve as a witness for Him to others. This is an action of love.
Most of us love our family members tremendously, I know I do. I count mine among my blessings, and I thank God for each and every one of them. I tell them I love them every time I get an opportunity to do so. They are also aware that I am here for them whenever they need me no matter what time day or night, and I know that I can count on them in the same manner. We not only verbalize our love for one another but we also demonstrate it by our actions, and that is so very important.
My friends are valuable to me as well, and I'm sure you value yours also. I don't hesitate to let them know they are important to me, nor do I hesitate to tell them I love them. They like my family members, know that I am here for them whenever they need me day or night. They have no doubt that I will back up the words I love you with action, and I have no doubt that they will do the same for me. I count my friends among my blessings along with my family members, and I thank God for bringing them into my life.
Demonstrating our love for family and friends through our actions comes naturally for most of us. We all find ourselves busy with day to day activities from time to time, however, and we must be careful not to become so busy we fail to demonstrate the love we have for the people in our lives. It is important that we make a conscience effort never to allow ourselves to become that busy. Life is short, and we need to make certain we take advantage of the opportunities we are given to not only verbalize, but show by our actions the love we have for others.
As Christians, we should not limit our actions of love to family, and friends. In Matthew 22:39 (KJV) Jesus tells us that we are to love our neighbor as we love our self. One person taking action to demonstrate love for other people can have a tremendous impact on so many individuals. My cousin's wife, Jessica Patton, is a perfect example of one person stepping up and taking action that has blessed, and continues to bless numerous individuals. Jessica is a woman who works a full time job, she is a Mom, a wife, and she takes excellent care of her family. Her children participate in extra curricular activities, and she is present at all of their events. In short, she is a very busy woman. A child in Jessica's community lost his life, when he was struck by a motor vehicle one morning before school. This tragedy touched the hearts of many people in the community, and that included Jessica. She had the desire in her heart to help this family in any way she could, and that desire resulted in her creating a facebook community outreach page as a result of this tragedy. Jessica created this page as a means to reach out to the community and raise money in support for those in the community who need help. The response she got was overwhelming. Jessica not only created and promoted the community outreach page she was very active in going out into the community, and working to raise money for community needs. Her children also participated working hard for a very worthy cause. What a powerful lesson in caring and taking action she is passing on to them, and she is doing so by example. The facebook page she created has grown, and serves as a great way for people in the community to learn of others in need, and the ways in which they can help, if they so desire. This page brings community members, and businesses together to help people with issues ranging from the loss of a loved one to a family in need of a bed for their child. It has truly been, and continues to be a blessing to many. Numerous people have been helped, and it all stemmed from a desire in the caring heart of one woman.
Jessica has made, and continues to make a tremendous difference in her community. Imagine the difference that could be made in the world if every city in every country had at least one person who was willing to create a community outreach page that informed people of the needs of those around them. The results would be astounding.
Do you demonstrate love for your family and friends with your actions? Do you look for ways to help others in their time of need? When you hear of someone in need do you think how sad, and move on with your life, or do you reach out and offer to help them? Do people know you love them because you show them? If you are one who says I love you, but fails to do anything that demonstrates that truth, I would like to encourage you to take action. Begin showing people you love them by the things you do, and not just the things you say. Words come very easy. We're all aware of the old adage "actions speak louder than words," and I think most of us would agree on how very true that is.
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.
True love requires action, and the above scripture tells us that God loved us so much that he sent His only son to die on the cross for our sins that we may have eternal life. That action demonstrates a love for us so great that there are no words that come near doing it justice. I think most of us are familiar with John 3:16 and most memorized it at an early age, but how many of us take time to consider what a tremendous sacrifice God made for us, and how much He must love us to have done so. Jesus demonstrated how much He loved us by taking action as well. The above verse taken from the book of Matthew describes Jesus dying on the cross for our sins, and what a painful death that must have been. How many of us take the time to consider Jesus dying on the cross in detail, and how much He must love us to have suffered in such a horrific way? He died on that cross for our sins even though He Himself was without sin. What a tremendous action He took to demonstrate His love for us.
We are certainly not able to show actions of love anywhere near the magnitude of the ones I've listed above, but it is important for us to realize that true love does require action. It is easy for me to say I love you to the people I love, but it is very important that I back that up with actions that demonstrate I am not merely wasting words. This holds true in every relationship we have. I have a close, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He is my Lord, and Savior. I tell Him I love him many times a day, which is important, but I also demonstrate it by my actions. Let me make it clear that I am not perfect, in fact I am far from it, but I do my best to live my life in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord, and to serve as a witness for Him to others. This is an action of love.
Most of us love our family members tremendously, I know I do. I count mine among my blessings, and I thank God for each and every one of them. I tell them I love them every time I get an opportunity to do so. They are also aware that I am here for them whenever they need me no matter what time day or night, and I know that I can count on them in the same manner. We not only verbalize our love for one another but we also demonstrate it by our actions, and that is so very important.
My friends are valuable to me as well, and I'm sure you value yours also. I don't hesitate to let them know they are important to me, nor do I hesitate to tell them I love them. They like my family members, know that I am here for them whenever they need me day or night. They have no doubt that I will back up the words I love you with action, and I have no doubt that they will do the same for me. I count my friends among my blessings along with my family members, and I thank God for bringing them into my life.
Demonstrating our love for family and friends through our actions comes naturally for most of us. We all find ourselves busy with day to day activities from time to time, however, and we must be careful not to become so busy we fail to demonstrate the love we have for the people in our lives. It is important that we make a conscience effort never to allow ourselves to become that busy. Life is short, and we need to make certain we take advantage of the opportunities we are given to not only verbalize, but show by our actions the love we have for others.
As Christians, we should not limit our actions of love to family, and friends. In Matthew 22:39 (KJV) Jesus tells us that we are to love our neighbor as we love our self. One person taking action to demonstrate love for other people can have a tremendous impact on so many individuals. My cousin's wife, Jessica Patton, is a perfect example of one person stepping up and taking action that has blessed, and continues to bless numerous individuals. Jessica is a woman who works a full time job, she is a Mom, a wife, and she takes excellent care of her family. Her children participate in extra curricular activities, and she is present at all of their events. In short, she is a very busy woman. A child in Jessica's community lost his life, when he was struck by a motor vehicle one morning before school. This tragedy touched the hearts of many people in the community, and that included Jessica. She had the desire in her heart to help this family in any way she could, and that desire resulted in her creating a facebook community outreach page as a result of this tragedy. Jessica created this page as a means to reach out to the community and raise money in support for those in the community who need help. The response she got was overwhelming. Jessica not only created and promoted the community outreach page she was very active in going out into the community, and working to raise money for community needs. Her children also participated working hard for a very worthy cause. What a powerful lesson in caring and taking action she is passing on to them, and she is doing so by example. The facebook page she created has grown, and serves as a great way for people in the community to learn of others in need, and the ways in which they can help, if they so desire. This page brings community members, and businesses together to help people with issues ranging from the loss of a loved one to a family in need of a bed for their child. It has truly been, and continues to be a blessing to many. Numerous people have been helped, and it all stemmed from a desire in the caring heart of one woman.
Jessica has made, and continues to make a tremendous difference in her community. Imagine the difference that could be made in the world if every city in every country had at least one person who was willing to create a community outreach page that informed people of the needs of those around them. The results would be astounding.
Do you demonstrate love for your family and friends with your actions? Do you look for ways to help others in their time of need? When you hear of someone in need do you think how sad, and move on with your life, or do you reach out and offer to help them? Do people know you love them because you show them? If you are one who says I love you, but fails to do anything that demonstrates that truth, I would like to encourage you to take action. Begin showing people you love them by the things you do, and not just the things you say. Words come very easy. We're all aware of the old adage "actions speak louder than words," and I think most of us would agree on how very true that is.
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, September 16, 2012
Divine Direction
Psalm 37:23 (KJV) Says "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way." Jeremiah 10:23 (KJV) Says "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." Romans 8:28 (KJV) Says "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." II Chronicles 16:9 (KJV) Says "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him. Herein thou has done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. Psalm 147:5 (KJV) Says "Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite."
The above scripture tells us that as we go through life, we should follow God's divine direction. It is human nature, however, for us to somehow believe that we are in charge of cutting our own path, and setting our own course in this world. The above passage from Jeremiah advises us that the capability of directing our own steps is not in us yet most of us have taken control and directed our own steps many times. I know I have, and let me assure you each and every time I have made a grand decision that God was not a part of it has resulted in complete and total disaster. Left to myself, I have a bad sense of direction. We live in a high tech, hurry up, instant gratification, fast paced world, where patience is becoming extinct. This leads to people rushing out in their own direction, with their own plans, and leaving God completely out of the equation. As believers and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we should go to Him in prayer, and ask Him to lead, guide, and direct our paths, and then wait patiently for Him to do so. When we fail to seek God's direction or choose to ignore Him, it never takes long before we find ourselves on our knees begging Him to help us with the mess we've made of our lives.
Don't make the mistake of not following the divine direction God has for your life. He is so much more qualified than we are to determine what is best for us, and what avenues we should take. First of all He is God. He created you, gave you gifts to utilize, and He knows you in grave detail right down to the number of hairs you have on your head. In Matthew 10:30 (KJV) Jesus says "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered." God has unlimited vision. He sees everything, the above scripture tells us God's eyes run to and fro throughout the whole earth. Our vision, however, is limited. His way may take us around a brick wall whereas following our own path would lead us directly into it. We don't know what tomorrow holds, but God does. He is all knowing. We don't understand the reasons for everything, but God does. We also have demonic forces working against us in this world, and if we are not walking with God under His protection, and following His divine direction, Satan can destroy us.
I would like to encourage you to seek God's divine direction for your life, and to remain steadfast on the course He sets for you, walking with Him always. You will have a much happier life, if you will choose to follow the path God has designed for you. You will experience a divine peace and contentment like you have never before known. Don't wait until you've set out on your own course that ended in a train wreck before you go to God in prayer to seek His guidance and direction. Go to Him for direction before you ever set out. Remember that when we opt to follow our own lead, we are prone to go from "I got this", to "Jesus take the wheel" in a matter of seconds. If you want what's best in your life, then seek God in all things, and wait patiently on Him.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
The above scripture tells us that as we go through life, we should follow God's divine direction. It is human nature, however, for us to somehow believe that we are in charge of cutting our own path, and setting our own course in this world. The above passage from Jeremiah advises us that the capability of directing our own steps is not in us yet most of us have taken control and directed our own steps many times. I know I have, and let me assure you each and every time I have made a grand decision that God was not a part of it has resulted in complete and total disaster. Left to myself, I have a bad sense of direction. We live in a high tech, hurry up, instant gratification, fast paced world, where patience is becoming extinct. This leads to people rushing out in their own direction, with their own plans, and leaving God completely out of the equation. As believers and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we should go to Him in prayer, and ask Him to lead, guide, and direct our paths, and then wait patiently for Him to do so. When we fail to seek God's direction or choose to ignore Him, it never takes long before we find ourselves on our knees begging Him to help us with the mess we've made of our lives.
Don't make the mistake of not following the divine direction God has for your life. He is so much more qualified than we are to determine what is best for us, and what avenues we should take. First of all He is God. He created you, gave you gifts to utilize, and He knows you in grave detail right down to the number of hairs you have on your head. In Matthew 10:30 (KJV) Jesus says "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered." God has unlimited vision. He sees everything, the above scripture tells us God's eyes run to and fro throughout the whole earth. Our vision, however, is limited. His way may take us around a brick wall whereas following our own path would lead us directly into it. We don't know what tomorrow holds, but God does. He is all knowing. We don't understand the reasons for everything, but God does. We also have demonic forces working against us in this world, and if we are not walking with God under His protection, and following His divine direction, Satan can destroy us.
I would like to encourage you to seek God's divine direction for your life, and to remain steadfast on the course He sets for you, walking with Him always. You will have a much happier life, if you will choose to follow the path God has designed for you. You will experience a divine peace and contentment like you have never before known. Don't wait until you've set out on your own course that ended in a train wreck before you go to God in prayer to seek His guidance and direction. Go to Him for direction before you ever set out. Remember that when we opt to follow our own lead, we are prone to go from "I got this", to "Jesus take the wheel" in a matter of seconds. If you want what's best in your life, then seek God in all things, and wait patiently on Him.
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, September 12, 2012
Facing Giants
I Samuel 17:4 (KJV) Says "And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span." (He was well over nine feet tall). I Samuel 17:37 (KJV) Says "David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee." I Samuel 17:42 (KJV) Says "And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance." I Samuel 17:44 (KJV) Says "And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field." I Samuel 17:45-46 (KJV) Says "Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel."
The above scripture shows us the tremendous faith and confidence David placed in the Lord. It also gives us a few examples of him accomplishing things he never could have accomplished without God by his side protecting him, and working through him. David recognizes this, and shows himself humble as he admits he was able to slay the bear and the lion only because the Lord delivered them up to him. It is of the utmost importance that we give God all the credit and the glory due Him for the miracles, blessings, and answered prayers he grants us in our lives, and that we praise and thank him for them. When we share the things God has done for us and we give Him his due credit it serves as a great witness, and testimony to others of how powerful, and wonderful God is, and of how very much He loves us.
David remains steadfast in his faith as he faces Goliath, confident in knowing that God is with him, and will deliver him out of the hand of the giant. David was young, and certainly not physically able to slay Goliath on his own, but with God on his side, he does just that. He not only slays this Philistine giant, but he does so with a sling and a stone, not major weaponry. It wasn't necessary for the weapon to be mighty, it could have been a piece of Styrofoam because the power wasn't in the weapon, it was in the hands of Almighty God.
What giants are you facing in your life? Are you dealing with alcoholism, drug addiction, a broken heart, the death of a loved one, financial issues, depression, loneliness, unemployment, health issues, problems in your marriage, or some other giant? If so, are you going to God in prayer, and waiting patiently on Him to deliver you as He did David? Or are you repeatedly trying to conquer the giant on your own to no avail?
If you are facing a giant in your life, I would like to encourage you to seek God's help in defeating it. Go to Him in prayer, and ask Him to deliver you. Do your part in conquering your giant, and leave the rest up to God. We are not promised that we won't face trials and tribulations in our lives, as a matter of fact the Bible tells us that we will. We are promised, however, that God will never leave us nor forsake us. Wait patiently on the Lord. Don't go to God in prayer, and then give up on Him in a day, or a month or ever deciding He isn't going to come through for you. Satan will try to convince you that God doesn't hear you or has turned His back on you, but rebuke those thoughts when he sends them your way because he is a liar. Be patient and remain steadfast in your faith knowing that God's timing is perfect. Remember, you are a child of God, and He loves you very much. Whatever your giant, give it to God, wait in unwavering faith on Him, and while you wait count the blessings you do have, praising and thanking Him for those.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
The above scripture shows us the tremendous faith and confidence David placed in the Lord. It also gives us a few examples of him accomplishing things he never could have accomplished without God by his side protecting him, and working through him. David recognizes this, and shows himself humble as he admits he was able to slay the bear and the lion only because the Lord delivered them up to him. It is of the utmost importance that we give God all the credit and the glory due Him for the miracles, blessings, and answered prayers he grants us in our lives, and that we praise and thank him for them. When we share the things God has done for us and we give Him his due credit it serves as a great witness, and testimony to others of how powerful, and wonderful God is, and of how very much He loves us.
David remains steadfast in his faith as he faces Goliath, confident in knowing that God is with him, and will deliver him out of the hand of the giant. David was young, and certainly not physically able to slay Goliath on his own, but with God on his side, he does just that. He not only slays this Philistine giant, but he does so with a sling and a stone, not major weaponry. It wasn't necessary for the weapon to be mighty, it could have been a piece of Styrofoam because the power wasn't in the weapon, it was in the hands of Almighty God.
What giants are you facing in your life? Are you dealing with alcoholism, drug addiction, a broken heart, the death of a loved one, financial issues, depression, loneliness, unemployment, health issues, problems in your marriage, or some other giant? If so, are you going to God in prayer, and waiting patiently on Him to deliver you as He did David? Or are you repeatedly trying to conquer the giant on your own to no avail?
If you are facing a giant in your life, I would like to encourage you to seek God's help in defeating it. Go to Him in prayer, and ask Him to deliver you. Do your part in conquering your giant, and leave the rest up to God. We are not promised that we won't face trials and tribulations in our lives, as a matter of fact the Bible tells us that we will. We are promised, however, that God will never leave us nor forsake us. Wait patiently on the Lord. Don't go to God in prayer, and then give up on Him in a day, or a month or ever deciding He isn't going to come through for you. Satan will try to convince you that God doesn't hear you or has turned His back on you, but rebuke those thoughts when he sends them your way because he is a liar. Be patient and remain steadfast in your faith knowing that God's timing is perfect. Remember, you are a child of God, and He loves you very much. Whatever your giant, give it to God, wait in unwavering faith on Him, and while you wait count the blessings you do have, praising and thanking Him for those.
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, September 9, 2012
Vengeance
Leviticus 19:18 (KJV) Says "Thou shalt not avenge nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord." I Thessalonians 5:15 (KJV) Says "See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men." Proverbs 20:22 (KJV) Says "Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and He shall save thee." Romans 12:19 (KJV) Says "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is Mine; I will Repay, saith the Lord."
In the above scripture it is made clear that vengeance belongs to God, and is not ours to render. Being of the flesh, however, when our feelings are hurt by someone, or we are wronged in some way the urge to lash out and seek vengeance is automatic. We must learn to resist that urge, and leave the situation up to God. Don't sit around for hours and hours each day planning and plotting the method of vengeance you are going to take in order to get someone back for what they've done to you. Instead focus on forgiving the person who offended you, and move on with your life. This may take some time, but it is necessary to forgive in order to heal.
When we fail to forgive someone who has hurt or offended us, we are no longer able to walk in love due to the bitterness, anger, and resentment we are carrying around in our hearts. First and foremost this is not how God desires or instructs us to react. In fact, we are instructed in God's Word to forgive others or God will not forgive us. Secondly, it is not healthy mentally, or physically for us to carry all of these negative emotions around with us as we wait on our chance to get the person back who caused our pain. Thirdly, the person who offended us has more than likely moved on with their life, and they're not even thinking about us or the pain they have caused. Lastly, the person our bitterness, and resentment is aimed at has already offended us and hurt us once, when we continue in the negative feelings we developed from their words or actions toward us, we are allowing them to destroy even more of our lives, and to cause us further pain. Don't let someone who mistreated you in the past steal your future happiness.
Anytime someone hurts, offends, or wrongs one of God's children he notices. He is all knowing. We need only to do our part by forgiving the person, and moving on with our lives, God will handle the rest. We are to pray for those who hurt or offend us, and leave any consequences, or punishment due them up to our Heavenly Father. If we do hear of them coming up against some sort of trouble or facing some issue in their life after mistreating us, we don't need to be of the opinion that they got what they deserved, and we are not to celebrate or wish ill will upon them. Provebs 24:17-18 (KJV) Says "Rejoice not when thy enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth; Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him."
If you have been hurt, mistreated, or wronged in some way by another, I would like to encourage you to go to God in prayer and ask Him to help you work through your pain, and forgive the person as soon as possible. Do it because God instructs us to, and do it because it is the best thing for you. Leave any vengeance to God, and move on with your life. Resist harboring any bitterness, ill will, or resentment in your heart, and don't lose the peace and contentment that God blessed you with. Continue to walk in love, and leave the things that are God's to handle in his hands. Choose to be happy, and remember vengeance is the Lord's.
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 it is made clear that vengeance belongs to God, and is not ours to render. Being of the flesh, however, when our feelings are hurt by someone, or we are wronged in some way the urge to lash out and seek vengeance is automatic. We must learn to resist that urge, and leave the situation up to God. Don't sit around for hours and hours each day planning and plotting the method of vengeance you are going to take in order to get someone back for what they've done to you. Instead focus on forgiving the person who offended you, and move on with your life. This may take some time, but it is necessary to forgive in order to heal.
When we fail to forgive someone who has hurt or offended us, we are no longer able to walk in love due to the bitterness, anger, and resentment we are carrying around in our hearts. First and foremost this is not how God desires or instructs us to react. In fact, we are instructed in God's Word to forgive others or God will not forgive us. Secondly, it is not healthy mentally, or physically for us to carry all of these negative emotions around with us as we wait on our chance to get the person back who caused our pain. Thirdly, the person who offended us has more than likely moved on with their life, and they're not even thinking about us or the pain they have caused. Lastly, the person our bitterness, and resentment is aimed at has already offended us and hurt us once, when we continue in the negative feelings we developed from their words or actions toward us, we are allowing them to destroy even more of our lives, and to cause us further pain. Don't let someone who mistreated you in the past steal your future happiness.
Anytime someone hurts, offends, or wrongs one of God's children he notices. He is all knowing. We need only to do our part by forgiving the person, and moving on with our lives, God will handle the rest. We are to pray for those who hurt or offend us, and leave any consequences, or punishment due them up to our Heavenly Father. If we do hear of them coming up against some sort of trouble or facing some issue in their life after mistreating us, we don't need to be of the opinion that they got what they deserved, and we are not to celebrate or wish ill will upon them. Provebs 24:17-18 (KJV) Says "Rejoice not when thy enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth; Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him."
If you have been hurt, mistreated, or wronged in some way by another, I would like to encourage you to go to God in prayer and ask Him to help you work through your pain, and forgive the person as soon as possible. Do it because God instructs us to, and do it because it is the best thing for you. Leave any vengeance to God, and move on with your life. Resist harboring any bitterness, ill will, or resentment in your heart, and don't lose the peace and contentment that God blessed you with. Continue to walk in love, and leave the things that are God's to handle in his hands. Choose to be happy, and remember vengeance is the Lord's.
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, September 5, 2012
Traditions of Men
Mark 7:1-4 (KJV) Says "Then came together unto Him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables."
Jesus responds in Mark 7:6-13 (KJV) which says "He answered and said unto them, well hath Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
In the above scripture, the concern was not with dirty hands, but with how Jesus' disciples were ignoring Jewish tradition and thereby becoming ceremoniously unclean. Jesus tells them that years of tradition had brought some Jewish religious practices into conflict with the far older commands of the Old Testament. Many people were substituting modern religious custom for the divine truth of God's word.
The Pharisees were looking to find fault in Jesus and His disciples anywhere they could find it. Unfortunately, many Christians of today behave the same exact way toward those they are attempting to witness to. I have had many people tell me that Christians act as though they are better than other people, and that when they visited such and such a Church they had never felt more unwelcome in their lives. If your Church follows a tradition of men in what is acceptable to wear to a worship service, and you offend a visitor who wore something you deemed inappropriate then you are behaving like the Pharisees. Maybe that's all they had to wear, and I am certain God would prefer that they come to worship in the clothes they wore in lieu of not coming at all. I have listened to people tell me about the experiences they've had when interacting with someone that proclaimed to be a Christian, and I've learned that many of them are left with a strong distaste for Christianity. I encourage them not to generalize, and advise them that behaving as though we are better than others, and making people feel unwelcome is certainly not acceptable Christian behavior.
How do you come across, when witnessing to others? Do you come across as kind, understanding, forgiving, merciful, and loving? Or do you come across as harsh, and judgmental? When you approach someone or they approach you, do you ask them to put their beer down, if they want to talk to you? Do you correct them, if they use a curse word? Or do you meet them right where they are, and share the good news of the gospel and the way to salvation?
If someone visits your Church are they made to feel welcome? Do you do your part to make them feel that way? Or do people stare at them, and whisper judgmental condemning things about their appearance and the type people they must be, without ever having been so much as introduced to them?
If a visitor comes to your Church, and their dress is a bit to short for your liking, do you focus on that or do you focus on how wonderful it is that they have decided to come and worship the Lord? I encourage you to focus on the latter, and let God convict people about anything he feels they need to change. If a young man comes to Church with long hair, and a few tattoos, do you prejudge him, stare, and talk about how it's a sin to mark your body? Or do you find joy in the fact the young man decided to come to Church? I encourage you to do the latter, as I feel certain God finds joy in the fact that the young man decided to attend a worship service.
Do you sit in Church looking around at what everyone is wearing, and then make comments as though you're the fashion police? Do you listen to the sermon, and then leave Church talking bad about the preacher? If you arrive early do you sit on the pew, and gossip about other members of the congregation? Do you and your friends try to determine whose having an affair, whose getting a divorce, whose fault it is that the divorce is occurring, whose children are headed down the wrong path, who can and can't cook, the behavior of the preachers wife, and any other issue that may be brought to the forefront of the conversation?
If you are guilty of any of these things friends, it needs to stop. If you know people in your congregation that are guilty of these things, encourage them by example to cease behaving in this manner. Christians are running people away from the Lord with their religious, judgmental behavior, and their traditions of men. It is imperative that we witness in love, with kindness, understanding, and mercy toward others, as the word of God instructs us to do. When we are born again, we become new creatures in Christ, and people should be able to tell the difference in a Christian, and a non-believer. Often times, however, that is not the case. The line is not just blurred in some cases, it is invisible.
The next time you have a visitor attend your Church, make them feel welcome, behave in a kind and warm hearted manner toward them. Don't get angry, and start complaining because they are sitting in the spot that you have sat in for thirty years, sit somewhere else. Rejoice in the fact that someone new has opted to join your congregation in worship no matter what they are wearing, how long their hair is, how many tattoos they have, or whatever else Satan may attempt to distract you with. Evaluate yourself for any areas in your life where you may be coming across as holier than thou, and work on those immediately. Remember we are all special in God's eyes, we are all His children, and He loves each one of us equally. He is no respecter of persons, and we shouldn't be either. Show brotherly love, and kindness to everyone, and meet them with encouragement right where they are.
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.
Jesus responds in Mark 7:6-13 (KJV) which says "He answered and said unto them, well hath Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
In the above scripture, the concern was not with dirty hands, but with how Jesus' disciples were ignoring Jewish tradition and thereby becoming ceremoniously unclean. Jesus tells them that years of tradition had brought some Jewish religious practices into conflict with the far older commands of the Old Testament. Many people were substituting modern religious custom for the divine truth of God's word.
The Pharisees were looking to find fault in Jesus and His disciples anywhere they could find it. Unfortunately, many Christians of today behave the same exact way toward those they are attempting to witness to. I have had many people tell me that Christians act as though they are better than other people, and that when they visited such and such a Church they had never felt more unwelcome in their lives. If your Church follows a tradition of men in what is acceptable to wear to a worship service, and you offend a visitor who wore something you deemed inappropriate then you are behaving like the Pharisees. Maybe that's all they had to wear, and I am certain God would prefer that they come to worship in the clothes they wore in lieu of not coming at all. I have listened to people tell me about the experiences they've had when interacting with someone that proclaimed to be a Christian, and I've learned that many of them are left with a strong distaste for Christianity. I encourage them not to generalize, and advise them that behaving as though we are better than others, and making people feel unwelcome is certainly not acceptable Christian behavior.
How do you come across, when witnessing to others? Do you come across as kind, understanding, forgiving, merciful, and loving? Or do you come across as harsh, and judgmental? When you approach someone or they approach you, do you ask them to put their beer down, if they want to talk to you? Do you correct them, if they use a curse word? Or do you meet them right where they are, and share the good news of the gospel and the way to salvation?
If someone visits your Church are they made to feel welcome? Do you do your part to make them feel that way? Or do people stare at them, and whisper judgmental condemning things about their appearance and the type people they must be, without ever having been so much as introduced to them?
If a visitor comes to your Church, and their dress is a bit to short for your liking, do you focus on that or do you focus on how wonderful it is that they have decided to come and worship the Lord? I encourage you to focus on the latter, and let God convict people about anything he feels they need to change. If a young man comes to Church with long hair, and a few tattoos, do you prejudge him, stare, and talk about how it's a sin to mark your body? Or do you find joy in the fact the young man decided to come to Church? I encourage you to do the latter, as I feel certain God finds joy in the fact that the young man decided to attend a worship service.
Do you sit in Church looking around at what everyone is wearing, and then make comments as though you're the fashion police? Do you listen to the sermon, and then leave Church talking bad about the preacher? If you arrive early do you sit on the pew, and gossip about other members of the congregation? Do you and your friends try to determine whose having an affair, whose getting a divorce, whose fault it is that the divorce is occurring, whose children are headed down the wrong path, who can and can't cook, the behavior of the preachers wife, and any other issue that may be brought to the forefront of the conversation?
If you are guilty of any of these things friends, it needs to stop. If you know people in your congregation that are guilty of these things, encourage them by example to cease behaving in this manner. Christians are running people away from the Lord with their religious, judgmental behavior, and their traditions of men. It is imperative that we witness in love, with kindness, understanding, and mercy toward others, as the word of God instructs us to do. When we are born again, we become new creatures in Christ, and people should be able to tell the difference in a Christian, and a non-believer. Often times, however, that is not the case. The line is not just blurred in some cases, it is invisible.
The next time you have a visitor attend your Church, make them feel welcome, behave in a kind and warm hearted manner toward them. Don't get angry, and start complaining because they are sitting in the spot that you have sat in for thirty years, sit somewhere else. Rejoice in the fact that someone new has opted to join your congregation in worship no matter what they are wearing, how long their hair is, how many tattoos they have, or whatever else Satan may attempt to distract you with. Evaluate yourself for any areas in your life where you may be coming across as holier than thou, and work on those immediately. Remember we are all special in God's eyes, we are all His children, and He loves each one of us equally. He is no respecter of persons, and we shouldn't be either. Show brotherly love, and kindness to everyone, and meet them with encouragement right where they are.
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, September 2, 2012
Genuine Love
In John 13:35 (KJV) Jesus says "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." The Bible instructs us to love one another in at least nineteen different passages. We need to remember that genuine love is not expressed through speech only, but is demonstrated in our actions as well. In Romans 12:9-20 (KJV) we are reminded of what genuine love is, and ways in which it can be expressed.
Love is not hypocrisy, but openness and honesty without judgment toward one another. Love doesn't put oneself above anyone else. It isn't expressed by doing something for someone, and expecting something from them in return. Love is not prejudice, but equal. Love is patient, kind, and merciful. It is forgiving, and understanding. It is rejoicing with those that are rejoicing, and weeping with those that are weeping. It is humble and loyal. It is being there for someone in triumph, and failure, in good times, and times of trouble. Romans 13:10 (KJV) tells us that "Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-9 (KJV) says "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
If we walk in genuine love for one another, we will have no desire to kill, steal, covet, bear false witness against, or harm anyone in any manner. Genuine love inflicts no pain, nor does it cause harm in any way. It is not just spoken, but rather seen in our actions, and felt in our hearts. It is witnessed in the way we behave toward one another. Jesus set a perfect example of what it means to walk in genuine love for one another, and He desires for us to follow that example.
Genuine love can be found in all that Jesus said, and did. He demonstrated kindness, meekness, forgiveness, mercy, patience, and understanding just to name a few traits. Strive to follow the example set by Jesus Christ. Work on walking in love toward one another. Genuine love is perfectly defined in the name of God. Remember, God is love.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, just leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Love is not hypocrisy, but openness and honesty without judgment toward one another. Love doesn't put oneself above anyone else. It isn't expressed by doing something for someone, and expecting something from them in return. Love is not prejudice, but equal. Love is patient, kind, and merciful. It is forgiving, and understanding. It is rejoicing with those that are rejoicing, and weeping with those that are weeping. It is humble and loyal. It is being there for someone in triumph, and failure, in good times, and times of trouble. Romans 13:10 (KJV) tells us that "Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-9 (KJV) says "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
If we walk in genuine love for one another, we will have no desire to kill, steal, covet, bear false witness against, or harm anyone in any manner. Genuine love inflicts no pain, nor does it cause harm in any way. It is not just spoken, but rather seen in our actions, and felt in our hearts. It is witnessed in the way we behave toward one another. Jesus set a perfect example of what it means to walk in genuine love for one another, and He desires for us to follow that example.
Genuine love can be found in all that Jesus said, and did. He demonstrated kindness, meekness, forgiveness, mercy, patience, and understanding just to name a few traits. Strive to follow the example set by Jesus Christ. Work on walking in love toward one another. Genuine love is perfectly defined in the name of God. Remember, God is love.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, just leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
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