Acts 2:46-47 (KJV) Says, "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people, And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
The above scripture taken from the book of Acts is talking about life among the believers. Notice that the scripture says they worked daily with one common goal and that was to go about praising God, and witnessing to others. It says that they went from house to house eating dinner with others, and did so with joy, and one thing on their hearts. That one thing was sharing Jesus. Notice that they were accepted by the people having received favor with all of them. Also, notice that through them with their attitudes and an eagerness to share Jesus and the gospel, the Lord was able to grow the church on a daily basis, and do so with individuals who accepted Him as their Savior.
The attitudes of these believers was contagious. I doubt very seriously if every home they went to would have allowed Praising God with joy to go on had they not seen something wonderful in the spirit of these believers. I don't think the believers would have found favor in the sight of all the people had they been dull, and solemn nor do I think that type attitude would have done any good in the way of growing the church or leading people to Christ.
Our attitudes are contagious. If we are happy we spread happiness, if we are forgiving we spread mercy by encouraging others to be merciful, if we are brave we spread courage, and so on and so forth. These disciples were eager and excited about spreading the gospel and sharing Jesus. As believers they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and their attitudes exemplified that. They had a desire in their hearts to share with others the difference accepting Christ had made in their lives.
My point is faith is contagious. Faith shows through us via an attitude of joy, contentment, and a divine peace that can only come from having accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior. When people witness this, they come to want it is well. What are you showing others with your attitude? Are you showing them how much happier and at peace you are since accepting Christ into your heart? Our actions and the manner in which we live our lives speak volumes in the way of witnessing to others. Finally the most important question, Is your attitude such that it prompts others to desire to come to know, and accept Christ as their Lord and Savior? I urge you to be constantly mindful of the fact that your attitude is contagious.
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, May 29, 2013
Sunday, May 26, 2013
The Brave
Numbers 1:2-3 (KJV) Says, "Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their poles; From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies." Deuteronomy Chapter 20 (KJV) Covers the laws of war. Deuteronomy 20:8 (KJV) Says, "And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart." John 15:13 (KJV) Says, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
The need for armed services has been around for a very long time, and as you can see in the above scripture taken from the book of Numbers service for most begins at a very young age. Chapter 20 in the book of Deuteronomy covers the laws of war. Deuteronomy 20:8 (KJV) tells us that those who are fearful of war should be allowed to return home so that they do not with their fear create anxiety and fear among the other servicemen and women. Although it has not always been that way, I am grateful that we as a country now have an all volunteer service. I think that the men and women who serve are such special individuals. Not everyone could be a surgeon as some would faint, not everyone could be a paramedic, not everyone could be a mortician, and so on and so forth. God recognized that, and allowed those who were fearful of serving to return to their homes without shame. We all have gifts given to us from God, and our gifts vary.
Those who serve do so with strength, honor, integrity, selflessness, determination, perseverance, and so much more. They risk their very lives, and as the above scripture taken from John tells us there is no greater love than that of one who would sacrifice his or her own life for their friends. Not only do they sacrifice a tremendous amount for their country and it's citizens, but their families do as well. I hope everyone takes a moment not just on the holidays that are set aside to honor veterans and active servicemen and women, but everyday to pray for them. We go about our everyday lives enjoying great food, air conditioning, climate appropriate clothing, and all the other comforts of home while we have many active servicemen and women at war in other countries, separated from their families, dealing with the stress and pressure of combat zones, dressed in uniforms, wearing boots, carrying heavy equipment, all in an atmosphere of intense heat.
There is no room for complacency, when it comes to remembering our troops, and all they do and have done for our country and its citizens. To all the soldiers who served in the past, present, and those who plan to serve in the future, whether you were drafted or volunteered, there are no words to express the gratitude we owe you as a country, and as individuals. You deserve to be honored and respected by all who are enjoying the freedom, liberty, and protection you and your families have sacrificed, and do sacrifice so much for us to have. As for me personally, I am extremely grateful for each of you, and I thank you and your families from the bottom of my heart.
May God bless each and every one of these brave men and women, along with their families. May God place a hedge of protection around those involved in active duty. May God bless those who have sustained injuries, and be with them on their road to recovery. May God bless the families of all those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom, and May God bless our great country.
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 need for armed services has been around for a very long time, and as you can see in the above scripture taken from the book of Numbers service for most begins at a very young age. Chapter 20 in the book of Deuteronomy covers the laws of war. Deuteronomy 20:8 (KJV) tells us that those who are fearful of war should be allowed to return home so that they do not with their fear create anxiety and fear among the other servicemen and women. Although it has not always been that way, I am grateful that we as a country now have an all volunteer service. I think that the men and women who serve are such special individuals. Not everyone could be a surgeon as some would faint, not everyone could be a paramedic, not everyone could be a mortician, and so on and so forth. God recognized that, and allowed those who were fearful of serving to return to their homes without shame. We all have gifts given to us from God, and our gifts vary.
Those who serve do so with strength, honor, integrity, selflessness, determination, perseverance, and so much more. They risk their very lives, and as the above scripture taken from John tells us there is no greater love than that of one who would sacrifice his or her own life for their friends. Not only do they sacrifice a tremendous amount for their country and it's citizens, but their families do as well. I hope everyone takes a moment not just on the holidays that are set aside to honor veterans and active servicemen and women, but everyday to pray for them. We go about our everyday lives enjoying great food, air conditioning, climate appropriate clothing, and all the other comforts of home while we have many active servicemen and women at war in other countries, separated from their families, dealing with the stress and pressure of combat zones, dressed in uniforms, wearing boots, carrying heavy equipment, all in an atmosphere of intense heat.
There is no room for complacency, when it comes to remembering our troops, and all they do and have done for our country and its citizens. To all the soldiers who served in the past, present, and those who plan to serve in the future, whether you were drafted or volunteered, there are no words to express the gratitude we owe you as a country, and as individuals. You deserve to be honored and respected by all who are enjoying the freedom, liberty, and protection you and your families have sacrificed, and do sacrifice so much for us to have. As for me personally, I am extremely grateful for each of you, and I thank you and your families from the bottom of my heart.
May God bless each and every one of these brave men and women, along with their families. May God place a hedge of protection around those involved in active duty. May God bless those who have sustained injuries, and be with them on their road to recovery. May God bless the families of all those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom, and May God bless our great country.
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, May 22, 2013
We Reap What We Sow
Galatians 6:7 (KJV) Says, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." II Corinthians 9:6 (KJV) Says, "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."
As the above scripture from Galatians tells us we should never deceive ourselves into believing that we are hiding anything from God or that we are pulling one over on Him. He is all knowing, all seeing, and He is everywhere. If we do something that is wrong, and we think we are hiding it from God then I assure you, we are the only ones being deceived. If we go around sowing bad seeds like mistreating others, judging people, lying, cursing, cheating, or any other of the numerous bad seed possibilities that are out there, then how can we be shocked when things begin to go wrong in our lives. As we are told in the above scripture whatever we sow, we will also reap. If we are kind to others we will reap kindness, if we show compassion for others then we will reap compassion, if we show ourselves merciful then we will reap mercy.
The phrase you reap what you sow is familiar to many if not most people, and I hear it used on a regular basis. I don't think people take the time to truly consider the meaning of the phrase, however, or they may become a bit choosier about what seeds they sow. So many of us are quick to complain when things don't go our way, when someone is rude to us, or we are treated unfairly by someone, but few of us stop to think about how we have behaved toward others, when the shoe has been on the other foot. We may just be reaping what we've sown. How we behave and conduct ourselves in everyday life comes back to us, and yet many people who have done very little to sow good seeds are the first ones to act completely shocked when something goes wrong for them.
When we sow numerous good seeds we are pleasing God, and as the above scripture taken from II Corinthians tells us we will reap plenty of good for doing so. If we rarely ever sow a good seed, then we can't expect to reap blessings in abundance. If I plant five tomato plants then I am going to reap far more tomatoes than I will if I only plant one. We can't expect to sit around waiting on God to rain multiple blessings on us, and show us favor through others if we have done nothing that warrants us deserving it.
We would find life far more pleasant, if we began focusing on planting good seeds in the form of helping others and doing good deeds. If we learn to do this with the right heart, blessings and favor will come in the form of what we reap, as we are told in the above scripture. As followers of Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us we should have a natural desire in our hearts to help others, and have no concern for what we may get in return. When I think of all that God has done for me expecting nothing in return, my heart overflows with love, and gratitude.
What kind of seeds are you sowing? Are you sowing in abundance? Are you sowing good seeds because you have the desire to do so in your heart? God is not deceived He knows what we're doing, why we're doing it, and how often we're doing it. The next time you use or hear the phrase you reap what you sow, pause and consider that there are consequences or blessings that come along with that truth.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
As the above scripture from Galatians tells us we should never deceive ourselves into believing that we are hiding anything from God or that we are pulling one over on Him. He is all knowing, all seeing, and He is everywhere. If we do something that is wrong, and we think we are hiding it from God then I assure you, we are the only ones being deceived. If we go around sowing bad seeds like mistreating others, judging people, lying, cursing, cheating, or any other of the numerous bad seed possibilities that are out there, then how can we be shocked when things begin to go wrong in our lives. As we are told in the above scripture whatever we sow, we will also reap. If we are kind to others we will reap kindness, if we show compassion for others then we will reap compassion, if we show ourselves merciful then we will reap mercy.
The phrase you reap what you sow is familiar to many if not most people, and I hear it used on a regular basis. I don't think people take the time to truly consider the meaning of the phrase, however, or they may become a bit choosier about what seeds they sow. So many of us are quick to complain when things don't go our way, when someone is rude to us, or we are treated unfairly by someone, but few of us stop to think about how we have behaved toward others, when the shoe has been on the other foot. We may just be reaping what we've sown. How we behave and conduct ourselves in everyday life comes back to us, and yet many people who have done very little to sow good seeds are the first ones to act completely shocked when something goes wrong for them.
When we sow numerous good seeds we are pleasing God, and as the above scripture taken from II Corinthians tells us we will reap plenty of good for doing so. If we rarely ever sow a good seed, then we can't expect to reap blessings in abundance. If I plant five tomato plants then I am going to reap far more tomatoes than I will if I only plant one. We can't expect to sit around waiting on God to rain multiple blessings on us, and show us favor through others if we have done nothing that warrants us deserving it.
We would find life far more pleasant, if we began focusing on planting good seeds in the form of helping others and doing good deeds. If we learn to do this with the right heart, blessings and favor will come in the form of what we reap, as we are told in the above scripture. As followers of Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us we should have a natural desire in our hearts to help others, and have no concern for what we may get in return. When I think of all that God has done for me expecting nothing in return, my heart overflows with love, and gratitude.
What kind of seeds are you sowing? Are you sowing in abundance? Are you sowing good seeds because you have the desire to do so in your heart? God is not deceived He knows what we're doing, why we're doing it, and how often we're doing it. The next time you use or hear the phrase you reap what you sow, pause and consider that there are consequences or blessings that come along with that truth.
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, May 18, 2013
Self-Control
Proverbs 25:28 (KJV) Says, "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
In the above scripture we are told that not having control over our own spirit is like a city broken down having no walls. In days of old cities had walls for protection, and to monitor all that came in and went out. Without walls a city was vulnerable to anything, and everything. Without walls enemies, and other evils could enter the city with ease.
When we fail to practice self-control losing control over our own spirit, we are much like these cities. We leave ourselves unprotected, and vulnerable to Satan, and his wiles. We lose focus along with our composure, and we open doors in every direction that he is more than eager to walk through. A loss of self-control never results in anything positive. What good could possibly come as a result of temper tantrums, cursing, fighting, whining, complaining, yelling, screaming, arguing, or any other action resulting from loss of self-control? The answer is none. How much damage can result from us losing self-control? The answer to this question is a tremendous amount.
When we lose control, it is disappointing to God, and exciting to Satan. After we calm down we are disappointed, and upset with ourselves, and we have disappointed and upset any family members, and or friends that witnessed it. Most importantly, we have damaged our personal testimony. Christians who are to live their lives following the example that Jesus set for them, have no business allowing themselves to reach a point where they behave in a manner that displays a loss of self-control.
Not all people have a problem with self-control, and that's great, but many do. If you are one who does, I encourage you to make it a priority on your list of things that need your attention. In the past I've had a bit of a problem myself with losing my temper, and being argumentative in certain instances. This is something I had to admit to myself, and work to improve on. Having a desire to live my life for the Lord, I knew it was something I had to begin work on immediately, which I did. I am happy to report that with help from God, and the desire in my heart to have better self-control I am much improved in this area. To God be the glory.
People who lack self-control have to stop making excuses, and looking for someone to blame, when they lose it. If we lose control over ourselves then we only have ourselves to blame. We may not be able to control the actions of others, or what they say, but we are in control of our reactions, and the words that come out of our mouths. In fact, it is always best to pause as long as necessary then respond instead of reacting.
If you have a problem with self-control, I urge you to begin working on it right away. I know it is possible to conquer this problem, because with God all things are possible. If we are honest with ourselves there are certain places where no matter how upset we get we would never lose control, and there are certain people we would never allow to see us lose it. For instance, I would never lose control in Church, and when I was a child in an argument with my siblings, the moment our Mom appeared in the doorway my siblings and I were all smiles, and more than happy to be playing with one another. If we can control ourselves at certain times, and in front of certain people then that should tell us something. Maintain control of yourself, and keep all doors closed to Satan. Let the only doors that open in your life be the ones that God opens for you.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
In the above scripture we are told that not having control over our own spirit is like a city broken down having no walls. In days of old cities had walls for protection, and to monitor all that came in and went out. Without walls a city was vulnerable to anything, and everything. Without walls enemies, and other evils could enter the city with ease.
When we fail to practice self-control losing control over our own spirit, we are much like these cities. We leave ourselves unprotected, and vulnerable to Satan, and his wiles. We lose focus along with our composure, and we open doors in every direction that he is more than eager to walk through. A loss of self-control never results in anything positive. What good could possibly come as a result of temper tantrums, cursing, fighting, whining, complaining, yelling, screaming, arguing, or any other action resulting from loss of self-control? The answer is none. How much damage can result from us losing self-control? The answer to this question is a tremendous amount.
When we lose control, it is disappointing to God, and exciting to Satan. After we calm down we are disappointed, and upset with ourselves, and we have disappointed and upset any family members, and or friends that witnessed it. Most importantly, we have damaged our personal testimony. Christians who are to live their lives following the example that Jesus set for them, have no business allowing themselves to reach a point where they behave in a manner that displays a loss of self-control.
Not all people have a problem with self-control, and that's great, but many do. If you are one who does, I encourage you to make it a priority on your list of things that need your attention. In the past I've had a bit of a problem myself with losing my temper, and being argumentative in certain instances. This is something I had to admit to myself, and work to improve on. Having a desire to live my life for the Lord, I knew it was something I had to begin work on immediately, which I did. I am happy to report that with help from God, and the desire in my heart to have better self-control I am much improved in this area. To God be the glory.
People who lack self-control have to stop making excuses, and looking for someone to blame, when they lose it. If we lose control over ourselves then we only have ourselves to blame. We may not be able to control the actions of others, or what they say, but we are in control of our reactions, and the words that come out of our mouths. In fact, it is always best to pause as long as necessary then respond instead of reacting.
If you have a problem with self-control, I urge you to begin working on it right away. I know it is possible to conquer this problem, because with God all things are possible. If we are honest with ourselves there are certain places where no matter how upset we get we would never lose control, and there are certain people we would never allow to see us lose it. For instance, I would never lose control in Church, and when I was a child in an argument with my siblings, the moment our Mom appeared in the doorway my siblings and I were all smiles, and more than happy to be playing with one another. If we can control ourselves at certain times, and in front of certain people then that should tell us something. Maintain control of yourself, and keep all doors closed to Satan. Let the only doors that open in your life be the ones that God opens for you.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Does God Hear Me?
Most, if not all of us have at one time or another felt as though we have been praying and praying, waiting on an answer from God, but He is silent. It's as though He doesn't hear us. The Bible tells us there are things that can hinder our prayers making it seem as though God isn't listening to us, or that our prayers are somehow not reaching Him. While it is true there are things that can hinder our prayers from being answered it is also possible that we just need to be patient knowing that God will answer them in His time. Remember His timing is perfect.
Psalm 66:18 (KJV) Says, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:" This verse tells us that if there is willful sin in our life that we have not dealt with God will not hear us. If you feel your prayers are not being heard, consider whether or not you have willful sin in your life that you know you need to get rid of. Are you doing something that you know is a sin and have been in a battle with your flesh over? if so, that can be a hindrance to your prayers.
Another hindrance to our prayers can be selfishness. James 4:3 (KJV) Says, "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." In this verse James is addressing the unsatisfied selfish desires of people, and pointing this out as the reason their prayers are not being answered.
Matthew 6:5-7 (KJV) Says, "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. This scripture is warning against praying for show, and doing so to get personal attention or some sort of admiration and glory from onlookers. When we pray we need to do it earnestly, and for the right reasons. We should never pray so that others will think highly of us or so that we can gain the attention of people for our personal glory. This too can be a hindrance to our prayers.
Another hindrance to our prayers is having a proud Spirit. We should follow the example that Jesus set for us and be humble. If this is an area you have trouble with, go to God in prayer and ask Him to help you to develop a humble Spirit. Proverbs 29:23 (KJV) Says, "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit." We can't go to God in prayer puffed up and full of pride, and expect Him to answer our prayers.
Matthew 5:23-24 (KJV) Says, "Therefore if thou bring thy gift before the alter, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; Leave there thy gift before the alter, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." This scripture explains to us that if we have any unresolved conflict with someone that too can be a hindrance to our prayers. We are instructed to resolve the conflict, and then approach the alter.
Another hindrance to prayer is an unforgiving spirit. If we have someone in our lives that we need to forgive for something and we have failed to do so, this too can interfere with our prayers. Mark 11:25-26 (KJV) Says, "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in Heaven forgive your trespasses." This passage makes it clear that we need to forgive those who have offended us, and the importance of doing so. We must forgive others or God will not forgive us. If you have an unforgiving spirit, and have failed to forgive someone that has wronged you in some way, work on forgiving them because it's the right thing to do, and because if you don't this too can be a hindrance to your prayers.
Proverbs 21:13 (KJV) gives us another possible hindrance to our prayers, and that is failing to have compassion for the needs of others. This scripture says, "Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard." This scripture makes it crystal clear that we are to have compassion on the poor and needy, and that if we fail to do that we will find ourselves crying out, and not being heard.
Another possible hindrance to our prayers is that we give up before God has giving us an answer, failing to remember that he does things in his time, and that his timing is perfect. Luke 18:1 (KJV) Says, "And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." We must not grow weary and faint or give up while waiting on God to answer our prayers.
Mark 11:22-24 (KJV) Says, "And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." This passage plainly states that we must believe without doubt, if we want our prayers to be answered. Unbelief can also be a hindrance to our prayers. We must believe in our hearts, and do so without doubt. We must have unwavering, strong, steadfast faith, trust, and belief in our Heavenly Father, and in the fact that with Him all things are possible.
Friends if you feel as though your prayers have gone or are going unanswered, I urge you to consider the above hindrances as possible reasons for that. If you find that you have one or more of these hindrances going on in your life, begin work immediately to clean those up. Clear up any prayer hindrances you may discover you have, remember to be patient when waiting on God to answer you, and know for certain that His timing is perfect. Remain unwavering in your faith, and remember God loves you right where you 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.
Psalm 66:18 (KJV) Says, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:" This verse tells us that if there is willful sin in our life that we have not dealt with God will not hear us. If you feel your prayers are not being heard, consider whether or not you have willful sin in your life that you know you need to get rid of. Are you doing something that you know is a sin and have been in a battle with your flesh over? if so, that can be a hindrance to your prayers.
Another hindrance to our prayers can be selfishness. James 4:3 (KJV) Says, "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." In this verse James is addressing the unsatisfied selfish desires of people, and pointing this out as the reason their prayers are not being answered.
Matthew 6:5-7 (KJV) Says, "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. This scripture is warning against praying for show, and doing so to get personal attention or some sort of admiration and glory from onlookers. When we pray we need to do it earnestly, and for the right reasons. We should never pray so that others will think highly of us or so that we can gain the attention of people for our personal glory. This too can be a hindrance to our prayers.
Another hindrance to our prayers is having a proud Spirit. We should follow the example that Jesus set for us and be humble. If this is an area you have trouble with, go to God in prayer and ask Him to help you to develop a humble Spirit. Proverbs 29:23 (KJV) Says, "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit." We can't go to God in prayer puffed up and full of pride, and expect Him to answer our prayers.
Matthew 5:23-24 (KJV) Says, "Therefore if thou bring thy gift before the alter, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; Leave there thy gift before the alter, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." This scripture explains to us that if we have any unresolved conflict with someone that too can be a hindrance to our prayers. We are instructed to resolve the conflict, and then approach the alter.
Another hindrance to prayer is an unforgiving spirit. If we have someone in our lives that we need to forgive for something and we have failed to do so, this too can interfere with our prayers. Mark 11:25-26 (KJV) Says, "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in Heaven forgive your trespasses." This passage makes it clear that we need to forgive those who have offended us, and the importance of doing so. We must forgive others or God will not forgive us. If you have an unforgiving spirit, and have failed to forgive someone that has wronged you in some way, work on forgiving them because it's the right thing to do, and because if you don't this too can be a hindrance to your prayers.
Proverbs 21:13 (KJV) gives us another possible hindrance to our prayers, and that is failing to have compassion for the needs of others. This scripture says, "Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard." This scripture makes it crystal clear that we are to have compassion on the poor and needy, and that if we fail to do that we will find ourselves crying out, and not being heard.
Another possible hindrance to our prayers is that we give up before God has giving us an answer, failing to remember that he does things in his time, and that his timing is perfect. Luke 18:1 (KJV) Says, "And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." We must not grow weary and faint or give up while waiting on God to answer our prayers.
Mark 11:22-24 (KJV) Says, "And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." This passage plainly states that we must believe without doubt, if we want our prayers to be answered. Unbelief can also be a hindrance to our prayers. We must believe in our hearts, and do so without doubt. We must have unwavering, strong, steadfast faith, trust, and belief in our Heavenly Father, and in the fact that with Him all things are possible.
Friends if you feel as though your prayers have gone or are going unanswered, I urge you to consider the above hindrances as possible reasons for that. If you find that you have one or more of these hindrances going on in your life, begin work immediately to clean those up. Clear up any prayer hindrances you may discover you have, remember to be patient when waiting on God to answer you, and know for certain that His timing is perfect. Remain unwavering in your faith, and remember God loves you right where you 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.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Share Your Story
Matthew 4:19 (KJV) Says, "And He saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 9:10-12 (KJV) Says, "And it came to pass, as Jesus sat a meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto His disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, He said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick." Matthew 28:16-19 (KJV) Says, "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
In the above scripture taken from Matthew chapter four, Jesus is calling Peter, and Andrew his brother to follow Him. Peter and Andrew were fisherman, and Jesus advised them that if they would follow Him He would make them fishers of men. When Peter and Andrew opted to follow Jesus, and became His disciples, they heeded His instructions and begin spreading the good news. They did this in an attempt to convince others to become believers and followers of Christ. Thus as Jesus stated, they became fishers of men.
In the above scripture taken from the ninth chapter of Matthew, Jesus is eating at a table with publicans, and sinners. The Pharisees forever looking to find fault in Jesus, question His disciples about Him choosing to eat with those type people. Jesus over hears the conversation, and responds by telling the Pharisees that it is the sick who need a physician making it clear to them that He was eating with the sinners because they needed to learn of Him in hopes that they too would become believers. It would have been far less beneficial for Jesus to eat with those who were following him, as they were already believers. Do you witness to others? Who do you eat with?
In the above scripture taken from Matthew chapter twenty eight, Jesus is resurrected and is giving His disciples instructions as to what they are to do. He tells them plainly that they are to go and teach all nations about God and His Word, and that they are to baptize new believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are then told to instruct the new believers to go out as disciples doing the same in hopes that they too can lead others to Christ.
After we accept God's precious gift of salvation, we are instructed to go out and share our testimony, and the good news of salvation. We are to be witnesses for our Lord and Savior. In many cases, however, people are saved, and are on fire for Jesus briefly before their light grows dim, flickers, and sometimes even goes out. How can we as Christians not witness to others every chance we get, and keep a clear conscience? We know how important it is that people come to know Christ, and we know the terrible consequences of failing to do so, yet a number of Christians keep quiet. I don't think many Christians would row by someone drowning and not pull them into their boat, yet when it comes to witnessing to a lost soul in hopes that they will opt to accept Christ and have eternal life many fall silent.
As Christians we should have the desire in our hearts to talk it up, when it comes to the good news of Christ and His precious gift of salvation. It is the greatest gift anyone could ever receive. It is imperative that we witness to others so they too can come to know the Lord, live a life full of joy, divine peace and contentment, and know for certain that they will spend eternal life with Him in Heaven. I urge you to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to share your story every opportunity you're given to do so.
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 taken from Matthew chapter four, Jesus is calling Peter, and Andrew his brother to follow Him. Peter and Andrew were fisherman, and Jesus advised them that if they would follow Him He would make them fishers of men. When Peter and Andrew opted to follow Jesus, and became His disciples, they heeded His instructions and begin spreading the good news. They did this in an attempt to convince others to become believers and followers of Christ. Thus as Jesus stated, they became fishers of men.
In the above scripture taken from the ninth chapter of Matthew, Jesus is eating at a table with publicans, and sinners. The Pharisees forever looking to find fault in Jesus, question His disciples about Him choosing to eat with those type people. Jesus over hears the conversation, and responds by telling the Pharisees that it is the sick who need a physician making it clear to them that He was eating with the sinners because they needed to learn of Him in hopes that they too would become believers. It would have been far less beneficial for Jesus to eat with those who were following him, as they were already believers. Do you witness to others? Who do you eat with?
In the above scripture taken from Matthew chapter twenty eight, Jesus is resurrected and is giving His disciples instructions as to what they are to do. He tells them plainly that they are to go and teach all nations about God and His Word, and that they are to baptize new believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are then told to instruct the new believers to go out as disciples doing the same in hopes that they too can lead others to Christ.
After we accept God's precious gift of salvation, we are instructed to go out and share our testimony, and the good news of salvation. We are to be witnesses for our Lord and Savior. In many cases, however, people are saved, and are on fire for Jesus briefly before their light grows dim, flickers, and sometimes even goes out. How can we as Christians not witness to others every chance we get, and keep a clear conscience? We know how important it is that people come to know Christ, and we know the terrible consequences of failing to do so, yet a number of Christians keep quiet. I don't think many Christians would row by someone drowning and not pull them into their boat, yet when it comes to witnessing to a lost soul in hopes that they will opt to accept Christ and have eternal life many fall silent.
As Christians we should have the desire in our hearts to talk it up, when it comes to the good news of Christ and His precious gift of salvation. It is the greatest gift anyone could ever receive. It is imperative that we witness to others so they too can come to know the Lord, live a life full of joy, divine peace and contentment, and know for certain that they will spend eternal life with Him in Heaven. I urge you to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to share your story every opportunity you're given to do so.
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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