Mark 4:36-41 (KJV) Says "And when they had sent away the multitude, they took Him even as He was in the ship. And there were also with Him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow; and they awake Him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And He said unto them Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" (KJV)
Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) Says "Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
The above scripture from the book of Mark shows us that there have been people who demonstrated a lack of faith even with Jesus physically in their midst during a storm. This makes it a bit less surprising that many people today exhibit that same lack of faith as they face storms of their own. It is certain that we will meet up with trials, tribulations, temptations, and storms in our lives, and God's Word tells us so. You may have lost a loved one, lost your job, went through a painful break-up or divorce, maybe you lost your house, your car, or you're facing some other storm, and you feel you just can't make it through. Alone you may not have the strength to, but by placing your faith in God, and calling on Him I have no doubt that you can. God will strengthen you, and He will provide you with shelter from any storm.
If you are facing a difficult time in your life, go to God in pray and ask Him to be with you, to lead, guide, and direct your path. Ask Him to give you the strength you need to make it through whatever it is you're facing, and put your faith and trust in Him. He will not leave you nor forsake you. I know because I have leaned on Him many times in my life, and He has never let me down. I have faced some personal storms of late, and I'm not going to lie, and tell you it has been easy because it hasn't. As a matter of fact, it has been extremely difficult and very painful, but I have no doubt that God will see me through just as He has so many times before.
The above scripture from Philippians promises us that if we will take our problems to God in prayer, He will give us peace in our hearts and our minds. He promises not just peace, but peace to a degree that we can't understand it, a divine peace greater than any we have known. We only have to keep our faith and put our trust in Him. If you are facing a storm, I encourage you to go to God in prayer, cast your cares on Him, ask Him to give you the strength you need to endure, and He will be there for you. He will see you through.
There are times when sad thoughts, discouragement, or depression attempt to creep up on me, and I interrupt these attacks immediately. I think to myself, or sometimes even say out loud, something to remind myself that God will see me through. Lately it's been "God is my Rock." That four word phrase has the power to rebuke the lies Satan attempts to attack me with. I encourage you to try it. You may find some other phrase from scripture that you prefer to use, and that's fine just choose one that suites you, and use it.
Don't give up in the midst of your storm. If you have taken your issue to God in prayer, then leave it there. Don't be fearful and doubting like the men in the boat. When we do what we can then God will do what we can't. The holidays are wonderful, but at this time of year many people become sad and depressed for various reasons. As I mentioned above some are mourning the loss of a loved one, some have financial trouble, job loss, sickness, others are broken hearted over a failed relationship, and the list goes on and on. Whatever storm you're facing, whatever the source of your pain, hold on, trust God, have faith in Him, and remember you are His child, you are special to Him, and He loves you tremendously.
I have no problem admitting that as I face heartache and pain from the storms in my life, I depend on God to see me through. I don't understand how anyone goes through storms without Him, or why they would attempt to. Isaiah 41:13 (KJV) says "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." He makes it clear in this scripture that we don't have to be afraid, that He will help us, and that He will hold our hand, when we need Him to do so.
God is my Lord and Savior, and He is first in my life. He is my rock, and my strength. I am extremely grateful that He is there for me to lean on, always. I can trust Him to keep His promises, and to never fail me. I can go to Him anytime day or night in prayer and talk to Him about absolutely anything. I praise Him and I thank Him for the many blessings He has given me. When I'm facing a storm, He is there to comfort me, strengthen me, and hold my hand as He walks me through it. He will do the same things for you. If you're facing a storm and feeling overwhelmed as though you can't make it through, I urge you to pray, ask God for comfort, strength and direction. I urge you not to go it alone, but to reach out and take His hand.
If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and you have the desire in your heart to do so, don't put it off. Go to God in prayer immediately, right where you are. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins, tell Him you believe that Jesus was born, that He died on the cross for your sins, and that He rose again. Ask Him to come into to your heart and be your Lord and Savior. Friends this is the most important thing you'll ever do, and it is the greatest gift you could ever receive.
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, December 30, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Heal the World
James 3:8-12 (KJV) Says "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either vine, figs? So can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh."
The above scripture makes it clear that having an unruly tongue is serious business. It tells us that an unruly tongue is evil and filled with deadly poison. That's a powerful description, given in an attempt to make perfectly clear the importance of monitoring what we allow to come out of our mouths. The scripture points out that many are using the same tongue to praise God, and to curse their fellow men, who are created by God in His own image. Therefore, out of the same mouths are coming blessings, and cursing. This scripture plainly tells us this should not happen, and gives us examples using a fountain, and stating it can't send forth both sweet and bitter water. Another example it gives us is that a fig tree cannot bring forth both olive berries and figs. The final example it gives us is that a fountain cannot yield both salt water and fresh. A fountain is either spewing salt water or it's spewing fresh water, it cannot spew both from the same spout simultaneously. In other words, we either speak in a manner that is pleasing to God or we don't.
Guarding my tongue, and the things I allow to come out of my mouth has been a work in progress, and initially it was very difficult for me. Although it is a constant work, and will continue to be the longer you work on it, the easier it becomes to monitor your mouth, and the fewer slip ups you have. I am no different from anyone else when it comes to battles of the flesh, we are all mere humans. However, we each need to make a conscious effort to work on the issues that we know we need to correct within ourselves, and the tongue is a great place to start.
Having an unruly tongue is a wide spread problem in today's world, and it is one that seems to be growing at a rapid pace. As Christians, all forms of our communication should reflect that of a Christian. Often times, however, we hear people who identify themselves as Christians say things like "Praise the Lord," "God is good," and then curse someone or something in the same breath. I honestly believe that many Christians have become numb and unconscious in regards to how this type behavior damages their credibility as witnesses for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We can't keep proclaiming to be Christians, and continue to watch filth on television, listen to music filled with cursing and violence, and curse one another using terms like "bitch" which some have even come to accept as endearing. I personally detest the word, and find it alarming that so many people use it to curse, describe, or address the women in their lives. I am sickened by all of the things that have somehow become acceptable in today's society. It is nothing for some who claim to be Christians to sing along to a song on the radio made up of lyrics that should cause a Christian to cringe. Violence, nudity, and cursing, have all become common place on prime time television, and can be found in what many Christians have no problem claiming as their favorite shows.
I believe that most Christians who do these things do them unconsciously, and not to purposefully dishonor God. When we take time to pray and to read and study the Bible,we further develop our personal relationship with God drawing closer to him. This helps keep us more sensitized to wrong behavior allowing the Holy Spirit within us to give us a nudge should we start to do something that as Christians we know we shouldn't. We are living in a world that needs now more than ever for Christians to set a Godly example for all those around them. When we live our lives in a righteous manner, and allow God's light to shine through us it can have a major impact on all those we come in contact with. When we set a Godly example for the children in our lives as they watch us, and follow In our footsteps, it has a profound impact on them as they grow into adults, and head out into the world.
It is time for Christians to start behaving like Christians. I work on watching my mouth, and keeping my behavior in check daily. While knowing I'll never be perfect, I will continue to do my best to live my life in a manner that is pleasing to God, and will do so for as long as I live. The point is we must recognize within ourselves our weaknesses, and begin to work on them. Go to God in prayer and profess to Him that you struggle with this or that sin, and He will give you the strength to conquer it. We can't expect God to answer our prayers, rain blessings down upon us, and do everything we want Him to do, while we continue to ignore the things that we need to work on within ourselves. Most people I know don't reward their children for misbehaving, and God is no different.We are all children of God, and just as we are hurt when our children misbehave, God is hurt when His do.
The world is in a state of devastation, and we desperately need to come together as Christians displaying, love, understanding, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and all other Godly traits as we go about as witnesses for Him. We must keep our mouths pure, our hearts right, and our eyes focused on God, if we have any hope of Him turning this ungodly world around. We should have the desire in our hearts to do what is pleasing and right in the sight of God. If we as Christians will work on ourselves, and our relationship with God, repent of the things we are guilty of, and turn back to Him, He will hear our prayers. Let's join together and pray for the healing of our nation, and for the healing of this world.
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 makes it clear that having an unruly tongue is serious business. It tells us that an unruly tongue is evil and filled with deadly poison. That's a powerful description, given in an attempt to make perfectly clear the importance of monitoring what we allow to come out of our mouths. The scripture points out that many are using the same tongue to praise God, and to curse their fellow men, who are created by God in His own image. Therefore, out of the same mouths are coming blessings, and cursing. This scripture plainly tells us this should not happen, and gives us examples using a fountain, and stating it can't send forth both sweet and bitter water. Another example it gives us is that a fig tree cannot bring forth both olive berries and figs. The final example it gives us is that a fountain cannot yield both salt water and fresh. A fountain is either spewing salt water or it's spewing fresh water, it cannot spew both from the same spout simultaneously. In other words, we either speak in a manner that is pleasing to God or we don't.
Guarding my tongue, and the things I allow to come out of my mouth has been a work in progress, and initially it was very difficult for me. Although it is a constant work, and will continue to be the longer you work on it, the easier it becomes to monitor your mouth, and the fewer slip ups you have. I am no different from anyone else when it comes to battles of the flesh, we are all mere humans. However, we each need to make a conscious effort to work on the issues that we know we need to correct within ourselves, and the tongue is a great place to start.
Having an unruly tongue is a wide spread problem in today's world, and it is one that seems to be growing at a rapid pace. As Christians, all forms of our communication should reflect that of a Christian. Often times, however, we hear people who identify themselves as Christians say things like "Praise the Lord," "God is good," and then curse someone or something in the same breath. I honestly believe that many Christians have become numb and unconscious in regards to how this type behavior damages their credibility as witnesses for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We can't keep proclaiming to be Christians, and continue to watch filth on television, listen to music filled with cursing and violence, and curse one another using terms like "bitch" which some have even come to accept as endearing. I personally detest the word, and find it alarming that so many people use it to curse, describe, or address the women in their lives. I am sickened by all of the things that have somehow become acceptable in today's society. It is nothing for some who claim to be Christians to sing along to a song on the radio made up of lyrics that should cause a Christian to cringe. Violence, nudity, and cursing, have all become common place on prime time television, and can be found in what many Christians have no problem claiming as their favorite shows.
I believe that most Christians who do these things do them unconsciously, and not to purposefully dishonor God. When we take time to pray and to read and study the Bible,we further develop our personal relationship with God drawing closer to him. This helps keep us more sensitized to wrong behavior allowing the Holy Spirit within us to give us a nudge should we start to do something that as Christians we know we shouldn't. We are living in a world that needs now more than ever for Christians to set a Godly example for all those around them. When we live our lives in a righteous manner, and allow God's light to shine through us it can have a major impact on all those we come in contact with. When we set a Godly example for the children in our lives as they watch us, and follow In our footsteps, it has a profound impact on them as they grow into adults, and head out into the world.
It is time for Christians to start behaving like Christians. I work on watching my mouth, and keeping my behavior in check daily. While knowing I'll never be perfect, I will continue to do my best to live my life in a manner that is pleasing to God, and will do so for as long as I live. The point is we must recognize within ourselves our weaknesses, and begin to work on them. Go to God in prayer and profess to Him that you struggle with this or that sin, and He will give you the strength to conquer it. We can't expect God to answer our prayers, rain blessings down upon us, and do everything we want Him to do, while we continue to ignore the things that we need to work on within ourselves. Most people I know don't reward their children for misbehaving, and God is no different.We are all children of God, and just as we are hurt when our children misbehave, God is hurt when His do.
The world is in a state of devastation, and we desperately need to come together as Christians displaying, love, understanding, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and all other Godly traits as we go about as witnesses for Him. We must keep our mouths pure, our hearts right, and our eyes focused on God, if we have any hope of Him turning this ungodly world around. We should have the desire in our hearts to do what is pleasing and right in the sight of God. If we as Christians will work on ourselves, and our relationship with God, repent of the things we are guilty of, and turn back to Him, He will hear our prayers. Let's join together and pray for the healing of our nation, and for the healing of this world.
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, December 16, 2012
Higher And Higher
Genesis Chapter 37 - Chapter 47 tells us the story of Joseph, and of all the trials and tribulations he faced in his life. In Genesis 50:20 (KJV) Joseph says "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."
Have you ever found yourself in a low place, and wondered why you were going through the trial or trials that landed you there? When you are in pain and suffering through trials in your life, do you ever wonder where God is in all of it? Most of us have experienced valleys in our lives, and suffered through things that at the moment we couldn't understand. The above scripture tells us that things some people mean for our harm, God will turn around and use for our good. The story of Joseph is an excellent example of this, and of the promise found in Romans 8:28 (KJV) which 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." That means you, me, and all others who have chosen to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Most of us are familiar with the story of Joseph, and his coat of many colors, but let's look at his story in depth. Joseph's father, Jacob, favored Joseph because he was born when Jacob was an old man. Because he favored Joseph, Jacob made and gave to him a coat of many colors. Being aware that their father favored Joseph, his brothers became jealous, and they hated him. They hated him to the degree that they had difficulty even talking to him without sounding agitated. Fuel was added to the fire, when Joseph shared a dream he had with his father, and his brothers. He told them he had dreamed that they were binding sheaves in a field, and his sheave stood up as theirs bowed down to him. This further angered his brothers, and prompted them to ask him if he thought he was going to reign over them. Joseph then dreamed another dream, and shared it with his father, and brother's as well. He told them he dreamed that the sun and the moon, and the eleven stars bowed to him. This further infuriated his brothers, and their hatred for Joseph grew even stronger. Jacob rebuked Joseph asking him if he thought the entire family would one day bow down to him.
Then one day Joseph's father called him, and told him his brothers had gone out to feed the flock, and they'd been gone a long while. Jacob requested that Joseph go find them, and make certain nothing was wrong. Joseph obeyed his father, and headed out. As he approached his brothers they saw him coming toward them, and they began plotting among themselves to kill him. They said here comes the dreamer let's kill him, and put him in a pit then we'll see what becomes of him, and his dreams. They said we can tell our father that a wild beast devoured him. Reuben one of Joseph's brothers had compassion on him, however, and said let's not kill him, but rather throw him in a pit in the wilderness. Reuben had thought to convince them to keep Joseph alive so that he could return him to his father. So when Joseph approached them, his brothers stripped him of his coat of many colors, and threw him into a pit. They then sat down to eat, and as they were eating a group of Ishmaelites happened by. When they came up, Judah, another of Joseph's brothers, said lets not kill Joseph, but instead sell him to the Ishmaelites, then we are rid of him without having to kill our own brother. They did just that. They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for 20 pieces of silver, and he was taken to Egypt. Joseph's brothers then killed a goat, dipped his coat of many colors in it, and took it back home with them to their father. They presented the coat to Jacob, their father, and told him that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. Jacob's heart was broken.
Joseph was a man of God, but having been thrown into a pit, literally, and sold into slavery by his own brothers had to be devastating. I doubt at that moment Joseph could see the good that God would bring out of this, but he remained steadfast in his faith. When the Ishmaelites arrived in Egypt with Joseph, they sold him to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian. It wasn't long before Joseph's master noticed that God was with him, because everything he touched prospered. After seeing this, he promoted Joseph to overseer of his house, and for a time things went well. Then his master's wife made known to Joseph that she wanted him to be with her. Joseph told her he could not possibly betray his master, and refused her request. She continued her pursuit of Joseph, and one day when they were alone in the house she ripped her clothing, and accused him of rape. Joseph was sent to prison. Now Joseph found himself in another pit. He was in prison for something he didn't do. Here he was again, I'm certain, unsure of how this could possibly turn out for his good, but yet continued to remain steadfast in his faith.
While in prison, Joseph had two fellow prisoners, Pharaoh's chief butler, and his chief baker come to him with dreams they had, desiring an interpretation of them. He advises them that it is God who makes known the interpretation of the dreams to him, and that he just delivers the meaning that God gives him. Then he goes on to interpret their dreams. He advises the chief butler that his dream means Pharaoh will restore him to his duties, and he advises the chief baker that he will be hanged, Joseph requests of the chief butler, that he mention him to Pharaoh after he is restored to his duty in hopes that Pharaoh will release him from prison. In just a few days, the chief butler was restored to his duties, and the chief baker was hanged. When the chief butler was restored, however, he failed to mention Joseph to Pharaoh as he had promised to do. It wasn't until Pharaoh had a dream of his own that no one could interpret that the chief butler remembered Joseph to Pharaoh, telling him that there was one in prison who could interpret his dream So Pharaoh had Joseph brought up, and Joseph tells the king that it is God who interprets the dreams. He advises that his dream is to show him that there will be seven years of plenty during harvest, and that seven years of famine will follow those good years. Pharaoh told Joseph that since God had shown him the interpretation of his dream he was putting him over all Egypt, and that he would be second only to Pharaoh himself. Joseph would be in charge of storing food during the seven years of plenty, and distributing it during the seven years of famine.
Now the famine was in all the land, and Joseph's father, and his brothers didn't have enough to eat. In order to prevent dying from starvation they had to go to Egypt for food. In short Joseph's father, and his brother's wound up in Egypt bowing before a man, asking him to sell them food, a man they would soon learn was Joseph. God had taken Joseph from the pit his brothers threw him in, meaning to cause him harm, to a palace where he was second in charge of Egypt. Joseph not only gives his father and brothers food, but he gets permission from Pharaoh to give them land on which to live.
Joseph remained steadfast in his faith through every trial he faced. He could have hated his brothers, and behaved bitterly toward them, but instead he wept with joy upon seeing them. He had missed them, and his father. He even sends everyone else out of the room when he makes his identity known to prevent them from being embarrassed. He told them as the above scripture states that what they had meant for his harm, God had meant for his good. He advised them that as a result of everything that had transpired he was able to save many lives from starvation. He then made certain they had everything they needed and more, in order to survive the famine. They mistreated him greatly, and in return he repaid them with love and kindness. What a Godly example he set for us.
Are you in a pit? Are you going through something that you feel couldn't possibly be turned around for good? If so, I encourage you to remember Joseph and his story, he was hated, betrayed, sold into slavery, wrongfully accused and placed in prison. God turned all that around for his good. Not only did he bring him out of all those trials, but each time God lifted Joseph up, he lifted him higher and higher. God will do the same thing for you and me, if we do as Joseph did and remain steadfast in our faith, as we go through the trials that we are faced with in our lives.
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.
Have you ever found yourself in a low place, and wondered why you were going through the trial or trials that landed you there? When you are in pain and suffering through trials in your life, do you ever wonder where God is in all of it? Most of us have experienced valleys in our lives, and suffered through things that at the moment we couldn't understand. The above scripture tells us that things some people mean for our harm, God will turn around and use for our good. The story of Joseph is an excellent example of this, and of the promise found in Romans 8:28 (KJV) which 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." That means you, me, and all others who have chosen to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Most of us are familiar with the story of Joseph, and his coat of many colors, but let's look at his story in depth. Joseph's father, Jacob, favored Joseph because he was born when Jacob was an old man. Because he favored Joseph, Jacob made and gave to him a coat of many colors. Being aware that their father favored Joseph, his brothers became jealous, and they hated him. They hated him to the degree that they had difficulty even talking to him without sounding agitated. Fuel was added to the fire, when Joseph shared a dream he had with his father, and his brothers. He told them he had dreamed that they were binding sheaves in a field, and his sheave stood up as theirs bowed down to him. This further angered his brothers, and prompted them to ask him if he thought he was going to reign over them. Joseph then dreamed another dream, and shared it with his father, and brother's as well. He told them he dreamed that the sun and the moon, and the eleven stars bowed to him. This further infuriated his brothers, and their hatred for Joseph grew even stronger. Jacob rebuked Joseph asking him if he thought the entire family would one day bow down to him.
Then one day Joseph's father called him, and told him his brothers had gone out to feed the flock, and they'd been gone a long while. Jacob requested that Joseph go find them, and make certain nothing was wrong. Joseph obeyed his father, and headed out. As he approached his brothers they saw him coming toward them, and they began plotting among themselves to kill him. They said here comes the dreamer let's kill him, and put him in a pit then we'll see what becomes of him, and his dreams. They said we can tell our father that a wild beast devoured him. Reuben one of Joseph's brothers had compassion on him, however, and said let's not kill him, but rather throw him in a pit in the wilderness. Reuben had thought to convince them to keep Joseph alive so that he could return him to his father. So when Joseph approached them, his brothers stripped him of his coat of many colors, and threw him into a pit. They then sat down to eat, and as they were eating a group of Ishmaelites happened by. When they came up, Judah, another of Joseph's brothers, said lets not kill Joseph, but instead sell him to the Ishmaelites, then we are rid of him without having to kill our own brother. They did just that. They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for 20 pieces of silver, and he was taken to Egypt. Joseph's brothers then killed a goat, dipped his coat of many colors in it, and took it back home with them to their father. They presented the coat to Jacob, their father, and told him that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. Jacob's heart was broken.
Joseph was a man of God, but having been thrown into a pit, literally, and sold into slavery by his own brothers had to be devastating. I doubt at that moment Joseph could see the good that God would bring out of this, but he remained steadfast in his faith. When the Ishmaelites arrived in Egypt with Joseph, they sold him to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian. It wasn't long before Joseph's master noticed that God was with him, because everything he touched prospered. After seeing this, he promoted Joseph to overseer of his house, and for a time things went well. Then his master's wife made known to Joseph that she wanted him to be with her. Joseph told her he could not possibly betray his master, and refused her request. She continued her pursuit of Joseph, and one day when they were alone in the house she ripped her clothing, and accused him of rape. Joseph was sent to prison. Now Joseph found himself in another pit. He was in prison for something he didn't do. Here he was again, I'm certain, unsure of how this could possibly turn out for his good, but yet continued to remain steadfast in his faith.
While in prison, Joseph had two fellow prisoners, Pharaoh's chief butler, and his chief baker come to him with dreams they had, desiring an interpretation of them. He advises them that it is God who makes known the interpretation of the dreams to him, and that he just delivers the meaning that God gives him. Then he goes on to interpret their dreams. He advises the chief butler that his dream means Pharaoh will restore him to his duties, and he advises the chief baker that he will be hanged, Joseph requests of the chief butler, that he mention him to Pharaoh after he is restored to his duty in hopes that Pharaoh will release him from prison. In just a few days, the chief butler was restored to his duties, and the chief baker was hanged. When the chief butler was restored, however, he failed to mention Joseph to Pharaoh as he had promised to do. It wasn't until Pharaoh had a dream of his own that no one could interpret that the chief butler remembered Joseph to Pharaoh, telling him that there was one in prison who could interpret his dream So Pharaoh had Joseph brought up, and Joseph tells the king that it is God who interprets the dreams. He advises that his dream is to show him that there will be seven years of plenty during harvest, and that seven years of famine will follow those good years. Pharaoh told Joseph that since God had shown him the interpretation of his dream he was putting him over all Egypt, and that he would be second only to Pharaoh himself. Joseph would be in charge of storing food during the seven years of plenty, and distributing it during the seven years of famine.
Now the famine was in all the land, and Joseph's father, and his brothers didn't have enough to eat. In order to prevent dying from starvation they had to go to Egypt for food. In short Joseph's father, and his brother's wound up in Egypt bowing before a man, asking him to sell them food, a man they would soon learn was Joseph. God had taken Joseph from the pit his brothers threw him in, meaning to cause him harm, to a palace where he was second in charge of Egypt. Joseph not only gives his father and brothers food, but he gets permission from Pharaoh to give them land on which to live.
Joseph remained steadfast in his faith through every trial he faced. He could have hated his brothers, and behaved bitterly toward them, but instead he wept with joy upon seeing them. He had missed them, and his father. He even sends everyone else out of the room when he makes his identity known to prevent them from being embarrassed. He told them as the above scripture states that what they had meant for his harm, God had meant for his good. He advised them that as a result of everything that had transpired he was able to save many lives from starvation. He then made certain they had everything they needed and more, in order to survive the famine. They mistreated him greatly, and in return he repaid them with love and kindness. What a Godly example he set for us.
Are you in a pit? Are you going through something that you feel couldn't possibly be turned around for good? If so, I encourage you to remember Joseph and his story, he was hated, betrayed, sold into slavery, wrongfully accused and placed in prison. God turned all that around for his good. Not only did he bring him out of all those trials, but each time God lifted Joseph up, he lifted him higher and higher. God will do the same thing for you and me, if we do as Joseph did and remain steadfast in our faith, as we go through the trials that we are faced with in our lives.
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, December 12, 2012
Can I Get A Witness?
In John 8:32 (KJV) Jesus says "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. "In Luke 10:16 (KJV) Jesus says "He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me."In Matthew 5:11-12 (KJV) Jesus says "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."
As born again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are expected to be witnesses for Him in this world, and to share the gospel with others. It seems that in today's society, however, many believers have opted to keep the good news, and their testimonies to themselves. Meanwhile there are many lost souls who desperately need to come to know Christ. What a shame this epidemic of silence is. I believe a couple of the main reasons people are quiet when it comes to witnessing for the Lord is fear of the reaction they will receive, and concern for what others will think about them in general. This is putting oneself above the work we as Christians are called to do.
The truth is, when we go out into the world and witness to others we can expect various reactions. The above scripture states that the truth will set you free, and I'm here to tell you it will make some folks mad too. When you hear or read the truth of God's word and apply it to your life, it will set you free from sin. When some people hear your testimony or you begin witnessing to them and you touch on something that they are under conviction about they may react in a rude manner toward you. The source of their irritation is not you personally, but rather something within themselves.
The above scripture also tells us that when people hear us, and are open and receptive to the good news as we share it, they are hearing Jesus and being open and receptive to Him. If they despise us then they despise Him, and if they despise Him they despise the one who sent Him. Again, when someone becomes rude or testy with you as you share God's word with them, they are treating Jesus in the same manner. They are uncomfortable with what they see in you, and that is the Holy Spirit. We cannot allow people like this to prevent us from pressing forward as witnesses for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
If you are one who worries about what people think of you then that is a problem you need to go to God in prayer about. Ask God to help you get over caring what others think, and to focus on the work you desire to do for Him. If you witnessed to ten people in one day, and nine of them shunned, mocked, and scoffed at you with only one of them coming to know the Lord as their personal Savior then hallelujah it was worth it. It is always worth it. If all ten of them shunned, mocked, and scoffed at you well then move on to the next ten.
When you have been persecuted in any way because of your belief in the Lord, or while doing His work rejoice. Jesus tells us in the above scripture that we will be rewarded in heaven if we are mistreated for His names sake. Jesus also reminds us that this type treatment is not new, as the prophets were persecuted before us. We cannot let our own ego or negative reactions from others silence us. We must continue to let our light shine and to spread the good news of Almighty God, and his precious gift of salvation. Press forward as a witness for Him, remembering that Jesus Himself was persecuted.
I would like to encourage all believers to serve as witnesses for the Lord, get out there and spread the good news. If you are one who is under conviction then I encourage you to humble yourself before the Lord, and invite Him into your heart. You will become a new creature in Christ, and experience a joy, divine peace and a comfort like you've never before known.
As fellow believers we can set good Christian examples for others through the way we live our lives, and we can serve as powerful witnesses for our Lord and Savior, if we will only choose to do so. Remember Matthew 5:14-15 (KJV) where Jesus says "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." I encourage you to let the light that is Christ within you shine for all the world to see.
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 born again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are expected to be witnesses for Him in this world, and to share the gospel with others. It seems that in today's society, however, many believers have opted to keep the good news, and their testimonies to themselves. Meanwhile there are many lost souls who desperately need to come to know Christ. What a shame this epidemic of silence is. I believe a couple of the main reasons people are quiet when it comes to witnessing for the Lord is fear of the reaction they will receive, and concern for what others will think about them in general. This is putting oneself above the work we as Christians are called to do.
The truth is, when we go out into the world and witness to others we can expect various reactions. The above scripture states that the truth will set you free, and I'm here to tell you it will make some folks mad too. When you hear or read the truth of God's word and apply it to your life, it will set you free from sin. When some people hear your testimony or you begin witnessing to them and you touch on something that they are under conviction about they may react in a rude manner toward you. The source of their irritation is not you personally, but rather something within themselves.
The above scripture also tells us that when people hear us, and are open and receptive to the good news as we share it, they are hearing Jesus and being open and receptive to Him. If they despise us then they despise Him, and if they despise Him they despise the one who sent Him. Again, when someone becomes rude or testy with you as you share God's word with them, they are treating Jesus in the same manner. They are uncomfortable with what they see in you, and that is the Holy Spirit. We cannot allow people like this to prevent us from pressing forward as witnesses for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
If you are one who worries about what people think of you then that is a problem you need to go to God in prayer about. Ask God to help you get over caring what others think, and to focus on the work you desire to do for Him. If you witnessed to ten people in one day, and nine of them shunned, mocked, and scoffed at you with only one of them coming to know the Lord as their personal Savior then hallelujah it was worth it. It is always worth it. If all ten of them shunned, mocked, and scoffed at you well then move on to the next ten.
When you have been persecuted in any way because of your belief in the Lord, or while doing His work rejoice. Jesus tells us in the above scripture that we will be rewarded in heaven if we are mistreated for His names sake. Jesus also reminds us that this type treatment is not new, as the prophets were persecuted before us. We cannot let our own ego or negative reactions from others silence us. We must continue to let our light shine and to spread the good news of Almighty God, and his precious gift of salvation. Press forward as a witness for Him, remembering that Jesus Himself was persecuted.
I would like to encourage all believers to serve as witnesses for the Lord, get out there and spread the good news. If you are one who is under conviction then I encourage you to humble yourself before the Lord, and invite Him into your heart. You will become a new creature in Christ, and experience a joy, divine peace and a comfort like you've never before known.
As fellow believers we can set good Christian examples for others through the way we live our lives, and we can serve as powerful witnesses for our Lord and Savior, if we will only choose to do so. Remember Matthew 5:14-15 (KJV) where Jesus says "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." I encourage you to let the light that is Christ within you shine for all the world to see.
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, December 9, 2012
Depression
I Kings 19:1-18 (KJV) Says "And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also,, if I take not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under the juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and behold, there was a cake baked on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. And he came thither unto a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very Jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets, with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And He said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord, And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way too the wilderness of Damascus; and when thou comest; anoint Hazael to be King over Syria. And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him."
During the holiday season depression proves to be common among many. People become depressed for various reasons, missing a loved one who has gone home to be with the Lord, financial difficulties, job loss, broken relationships, and the list goes on and on. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. In the above scripture we see that even Elijah one of the greatest of the prophets experienced many symptoms of depression. Elijah was afraid and ran for his life, he had suicidal tendencies, he was extremely tired, and was struggling with feelings of rejection. He remained in this state for nearly two months.
Just a few days before becoming depressed Elijah had preached a great sermon. He had confronted 400 prophets of Baal, and exposed them as the false prophets that they were. God sent fire down from heaven to consume the sacrifice that Elijah offered, and sent rain down in that area for the first time in three years because of Elijah's faith and obedience. After all of this, however, Elijah finds himself experiencing fear, hopelessness and despair. He runs to a desolate corner of the world desiring to die.
There could be any number of reasons for Elijah's depression, but the point is even he was susceptible to depression.
Notice that God didn't come down and lecture Elijah or make light of his condition. He didn't say something like snap out of it, get up, or get over it, but rather allows Elijah time to rest and to think. God doesn't say a word. He allows Elijah time to sleep, then He has angels feed him, allows him to sleep some more, and has the angels feed him yet again.
After Elijah has had plenty of rest and has eaten, then God begins to deal with his depression. Notice God takes Elijah's depression seriously in no way making light of it. God knows Elijah's suffering from a condition that is real. Rather than lecture Elijah, God deals with him kindly and gently. The first thing the Lord has him to do is go to Mt. Horeb where he spends time talking with God. When, we are feeling depressed finding a quiet place to pray, and read God's word can be very beneficial. If you're feeling down, get some alone time with God.
Secondly, God got Elijah to tell Him what the problem was. God already knew, but He was aware that Elijah having the opportunity to discuss what was troubling him would be therapeutic for him.
Thirdly, God dealt with the false belief's that where running around in his head. God corrects Elijah's thinking. He tells him that he is not the only prophet left and that in fact he has set aside 7,000 more in Israel who have not bowed to Baal. Elijah had fallen into a negative, woe is me way of thinking, and that is typical of people suffering from depression. God talks with him, and he is then able to let those negative thoughts go recognizing them for what they are, and that is lies from Satan.
Lastly, God puts Elijah back to work, giving him tasks that He desires for him to complete. God knows we are only human, and He understands far more than we give Him credit for understanding. He knew exactly what Elijah needed, and He made certain He gave it to him. Elijah was exhausted, hungry, lonely, convinced he was the only prophet left alive, and he was anxious and running in fear. Most if not all of us have experienced this type of despair at one time or another in our lives.
The next time depression begins to creep in on you get some rest, and make sure you are not allowing yourself to go hungry. Lacking in these two areas alone can open the door for a spiral into despair. Once you are rested and have nourishment in your body you will begin to think more clearly. You can then get out and attend Church. Attending Church, and hearing the Word of God is food for your Spirit. It is uplifting, and you also gain fellowship which prevents you from feeling lonely. Now that you're back in balance you're prepared to press forward in whatever work God has planned for you. Never allow yourself to become to hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. If you feel your depression is to deep to deal with without the help of a professional physician, then seek help remembering there is no shame in becoming depressed, and that most if not all of us go through it at one time or another.
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.
During the holiday season depression proves to be common among many. People become depressed for various reasons, missing a loved one who has gone home to be with the Lord, financial difficulties, job loss, broken relationships, and the list goes on and on. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. In the above scripture we see that even Elijah one of the greatest of the prophets experienced many symptoms of depression. Elijah was afraid and ran for his life, he had suicidal tendencies, he was extremely tired, and was struggling with feelings of rejection. He remained in this state for nearly two months.
Just a few days before becoming depressed Elijah had preached a great sermon. He had confronted 400 prophets of Baal, and exposed them as the false prophets that they were. God sent fire down from heaven to consume the sacrifice that Elijah offered, and sent rain down in that area for the first time in three years because of Elijah's faith and obedience. After all of this, however, Elijah finds himself experiencing fear, hopelessness and despair. He runs to a desolate corner of the world desiring to die.
There could be any number of reasons for Elijah's depression, but the point is even he was susceptible to depression.
Notice that God didn't come down and lecture Elijah or make light of his condition. He didn't say something like snap out of it, get up, or get over it, but rather allows Elijah time to rest and to think. God doesn't say a word. He allows Elijah time to sleep, then He has angels feed him, allows him to sleep some more, and has the angels feed him yet again.
After Elijah has had plenty of rest and has eaten, then God begins to deal with his depression. Notice God takes Elijah's depression seriously in no way making light of it. God knows Elijah's suffering from a condition that is real. Rather than lecture Elijah, God deals with him kindly and gently. The first thing the Lord has him to do is go to Mt. Horeb where he spends time talking with God. When, we are feeling depressed finding a quiet place to pray, and read God's word can be very beneficial. If you're feeling down, get some alone time with God.
Secondly, God got Elijah to tell Him what the problem was. God already knew, but He was aware that Elijah having the opportunity to discuss what was troubling him would be therapeutic for him.
Thirdly, God dealt with the false belief's that where running around in his head. God corrects Elijah's thinking. He tells him that he is not the only prophet left and that in fact he has set aside 7,000 more in Israel who have not bowed to Baal. Elijah had fallen into a negative, woe is me way of thinking, and that is typical of people suffering from depression. God talks with him, and he is then able to let those negative thoughts go recognizing them for what they are, and that is lies from Satan.
Lastly, God puts Elijah back to work, giving him tasks that He desires for him to complete. God knows we are only human, and He understands far more than we give Him credit for understanding. He knew exactly what Elijah needed, and He made certain He gave it to him. Elijah was exhausted, hungry, lonely, convinced he was the only prophet left alive, and he was anxious and running in fear. Most if not all of us have experienced this type of despair at one time or another in our lives.
The next time depression begins to creep in on you get some rest, and make sure you are not allowing yourself to go hungry. Lacking in these two areas alone can open the door for a spiral into despair. Once you are rested and have nourishment in your body you will begin to think more clearly. You can then get out and attend Church. Attending Church, and hearing the Word of God is food for your Spirit. It is uplifting, and you also gain fellowship which prevents you from feeling lonely. Now that you're back in balance you're prepared to press forward in whatever work God has planned for you. Never allow yourself to become to hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. If you feel your depression is to deep to deal with without the help of a professional physician, then seek help remembering there is no shame in becoming depressed, and that most if not all of us go through it at one time or another.
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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