John 5:7-9 (KJV) Says, "The impotent man answered Him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." Mark 2:4 and 11-12 (KJV) Says, "And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. Then Jesus said in verse 11 "I say unto thee, arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house." Verse 12 then says "And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion." Mark 1:40-42 (KJV) Says, "And there came a leper to Him, beseeching Him, and kneeling down to Him, and saying unto Him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth His hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed."
There are many examples given in the Bible where Jesus stopped what He was doing or delayed His travel in order to show love, concern, and compassion to a single individual. He made time for them if they needed healing, had a dispute, a question, or any other issue. In each of the examples given above Jesus was busy among a multitude of people, and yet, when one cried out to Him, He stopped what He was doing, He listened to them, and He met their needs with kindness, patience, and without hesitation.
Everyone, at one time ore another, has experienced the feeling that no one cares. Normally, it is when we are walking through a storm of some sort, that the feelings of loneliness and despair creep in on us. When we are facing difficulties in our lives, it can seem that not only does no one care, but that no one even notices.
Some people may be facing issues, and find that support from friends or family cannot be found. There may be people all around us yet they either fail to notice our pain with some behaving as though they are not at all concerned. There may be no one in our life who offers to help. With that said, however, there are some very important things that we are forgetting when we allow negative thoughts and feelings to take over during these periods in our lives. These things can and should prevent us from ever feeling like no one cares. I encourage you to give each one of them serious thought, and to commit them to memory. For one, you are a child of God, and he created you in his own image. You are special to him, and he loves you so much that he sent his only Son to die on the cross for your sins so that you may have the precious gift of eternal life, if you so choose. Can you think of a love any more powerful than that? The second thing I would like to point out is that God promises us in His word that He will never leave us nor forsake us, and that He will hold our hand. God's word is one hundred percent truth, and not once has He ever failed to keep a promise. Thirdly, God encourages us to go to Him in prayer with our troubles. He is with us and available to us twenty four hours a day, every single day. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit dwells in you, and is ever present to lead, guide, and direct your path. Finally, just as Jesus stopped to show concern and compassion for the individuals in the above scripture, He will stop to show concern and compassion for you. We are all equal in God's eyes, and He loves us all tremendously. He cares for you as an individual.
I urge you to truly consider how much God loves you, and to remember that He is there for you always. Whenever despair tries to creep in on you and you begin to feel as though no one cares about you, remember those thoughts are from Satan, and he's a liar. Remember God loves you, and cares for you deeply. Remember God is always there to help you with whatever needs you may have, and whatever troubles you're facing. You are never alone, He is with you always.
If you have not accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, and you have the desire in your heart to do so, I urge you to do it immediately. Don't wait another minute. Right where you are go to God in prayer, ask Him to forgive you of all 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 your heart, and be your Lord and Savior. If you prayed this pray, and accepted Christ into your heart you'll find it to be the greatest decision you've ever made. May the love, divine peace, joy, and contentment found only in Christ be with 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.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Satisfaction
Haggai 1:3-6 (KJV) Says, "Then came the word of the Lord by Haggai the prophet, saying, is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and this house lie waste? Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes."
In the above scripture Haggai the prophet goes to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the high priest, and tells them that the Lord says the people are saying it is not time to build the Lord's house. Haggai advises that the Lord said the people are saying this while they are living in fine houses, and allowing His house to go to waste. God had instructed them to build the temple, but the people chose to ignore His instruction, and decided on their own that it was not yet time to build it.
Notice that failing to follow God's instruction, and instead making plans of their own left these people unsatisfied in all areas of their lives. They sowed large amounts of seed, but brought in very little at harvest. When they ate they could not get full, and when they drank they could not quench their thirst. They could put on warm clothes, but they remained cold, and no matter how much money they earned it wasn't enough. In short, they were never satisfied in any area of their life.
God has a plan for our lives, and He has given us the gifts we need in order for Him to accomplish all He desires to accomplish through us. We are born with a freewill, however, and it is up to us to choose to follow God's instructions, and the plans He has for us. When we opt to follow God and his direction, we find a joy, divine peace, and contentment like we have never before known. He will bless us, and never forsake us. If, however, we follow our own plans, and ignore God, we will lack satisfaction in many areas of our lives, and we will continually search for a peace and contentment that can only be found when we choose to follow Him.
Do you think the people God instructed to build the temple were guilty of mumbling, complaining, and talking about their hardships the way people do today? Do you suppose that they were lost and confused as to why they were never satisfied? Many people leave God out of every decision they make, and then wonder why things go wrong. Are you going through life without joy, divine peace and contentment? Are you unsatisfied with your job? Are you struggling financially, and no matter how hard you work you're like the temple builders in that it seems you have put your money into a bag with holes? Are you satisfied with the relationships in your life? Are you unhappy, and you can't figure out why? If so, have you prayed about the choices you've made? Have you gone to God in prayer for direction, or have you ignored Him, and cut your own path? If you've ignored Him, it is never to late. Go to Him in prayer, tell Him you want Him to lead, guide, and direct your life. I urge you to pray about all things, and wait patiently on God to show you what decisions to make. When you do, the only regret you'll have is that you didn't go to Him sooner.
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.
In the above scripture Haggai the prophet goes to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the high priest, and tells them that the Lord says the people are saying it is not time to build the Lord's house. Haggai advises that the Lord said the people are saying this while they are living in fine houses, and allowing His house to go to waste. God had instructed them to build the temple, but the people chose to ignore His instruction, and decided on their own that it was not yet time to build it.
Notice that failing to follow God's instruction, and instead making plans of their own left these people unsatisfied in all areas of their lives. They sowed large amounts of seed, but brought in very little at harvest. When they ate they could not get full, and when they drank they could not quench their thirst. They could put on warm clothes, but they remained cold, and no matter how much money they earned it wasn't enough. In short, they were never satisfied in any area of their life.
God has a plan for our lives, and He has given us the gifts we need in order for Him to accomplish all He desires to accomplish through us. We are born with a freewill, however, and it is up to us to choose to follow God's instructions, and the plans He has for us. When we opt to follow God and his direction, we find a joy, divine peace, and contentment like we have never before known. He will bless us, and never forsake us. If, however, we follow our own plans, and ignore God, we will lack satisfaction in many areas of our lives, and we will continually search for a peace and contentment that can only be found when we choose to follow Him.
Do you think the people God instructed to build the temple were guilty of mumbling, complaining, and talking about their hardships the way people do today? Do you suppose that they were lost and confused as to why they were never satisfied? Many people leave God out of every decision they make, and then wonder why things go wrong. Are you going through life without joy, divine peace and contentment? Are you unsatisfied with your job? Are you struggling financially, and no matter how hard you work you're like the temple builders in that it seems you have put your money into a bag with holes? Are you satisfied with the relationships in your life? Are you unhappy, and you can't figure out why? If so, have you prayed about the choices you've made? Have you gone to God in prayer for direction, or have you ignored Him, and cut your own path? If you've ignored Him, it is never to late. Go to Him in prayer, tell Him you want Him to lead, guide, and direct your life. I urge you to pray about all things, and wait patiently on God to show you what decisions to make. When you do, the only regret you'll have is that you didn't go to Him sooner.
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.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
A Curve Ball
Matthew 18:19-20 (KJV) Says, "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Mark 10:27 (KJV) Says, "And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. 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 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 so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. James 5:16 (KJV) Says, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed . The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
The above passages of scripture tell us that if we go to God in prayer, have faith without doubt, and ask Him for anything He will hear us. Mark 10:27 reminds us that even though there may be some things that for us are impossible they are not impossible for God because with God ALL things are possible. There is a woman told of in Mark 5:25-34 (KJV) who had an issue of blood for twelve years, and she had spent all of her money on physicians; none of which could heal her. As a matter of fact instead of getting better she got worse. She had heard of Jesus and she said to herself that if she could just touch the hem of his garment she would be healed. Then one day as Jesus was passing by, she came up behind Him, and touched the hem of his garment. She was healed instantly. This woman had strong and unwavering faith in God, and she knew and never doubted that He could heal her. After the woman touched him, Jesus advised her that her plaque was stopped, and that her faith had made her whole. This woman could have given up, gone home from her last doctor's appointment, and accepted the fact that she would have that issue of blood for the remainder of her life. Instead, however, she knew that God was mightier than any problem she had, and she had faith that He could do what the physicians had not been able to do.
If a curve ball is thrown at you or someone you love dearly how do you react? Do you listen to all the negative thoughts of gloom and doom that Satan tries to send your way, or do you rebuke him, and remember who your God is, and the mighty power that He possesses? If you or someone you love is facing an issue that requires medical treatment by all means you should seek help from a physician. Pray for the physician that has you or your loved one under their care. Pray for God to work through them and guide them in their plan of care for you or your loved one. If you or someone you love is facing surgery pray for God to guide the surgeons hands as he performs the operation. Pray that God will be with the physician, and their plan of action, whatever it may be, that it will result in healing, and a complete recovery without complications. Always remember to give God all the praise and the glory for the healing.
None of us are exempt from the trials and tribulations of this life, and a loved one that I hold dear to my heart was thrown a curve ball last week. She is one of the strongest women I have ever known, and she walks in steadfast, and unwavering faith. I have no doubt that God will see her through the trial she is facing, and I fully intend to practice what I have preached here today as I move forward in prayer for her healing.
If you or someone you love has been thrown a curve ball, go to God in prayer and tell him you have complete faith in Him, and His almighty power. If the diagnosis and prognosis do not seem very bright don't give up, remember who your God is, and have faith as did the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment. Go to God in prayer and tell Him that you know that with Him all things are possible. Tell Him you stand firm in your belief in Him, and in His Word. Praise and thank Him for all he has done, is doing, and will do for you and your loved ones. Keep God, His Word, and His promises at the center of your life, and He will stand by you through every storm. He will walk through them with you, and He will hold your hand every step of the way.
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 passages of scripture tell us that if we go to God in prayer, have faith without doubt, and ask Him for anything He will hear us. Mark 10:27 reminds us that even though there may be some things that for us are impossible they are not impossible for God because with God ALL things are possible. There is a woman told of in Mark 5:25-34 (KJV) who had an issue of blood for twelve years, and she had spent all of her money on physicians; none of which could heal her. As a matter of fact instead of getting better she got worse. She had heard of Jesus and she said to herself that if she could just touch the hem of his garment she would be healed. Then one day as Jesus was passing by, she came up behind Him, and touched the hem of his garment. She was healed instantly. This woman had strong and unwavering faith in God, and she knew and never doubted that He could heal her. After the woman touched him, Jesus advised her that her plaque was stopped, and that her faith had made her whole. This woman could have given up, gone home from her last doctor's appointment, and accepted the fact that she would have that issue of blood for the remainder of her life. Instead, however, she knew that God was mightier than any problem she had, and she had faith that He could do what the physicians had not been able to do.
If a curve ball is thrown at you or someone you love dearly how do you react? Do you listen to all the negative thoughts of gloom and doom that Satan tries to send your way, or do you rebuke him, and remember who your God is, and the mighty power that He possesses? If you or someone you love is facing an issue that requires medical treatment by all means you should seek help from a physician. Pray for the physician that has you or your loved one under their care. Pray for God to work through them and guide them in their plan of care for you or your loved one. If you or someone you love is facing surgery pray for God to guide the surgeons hands as he performs the operation. Pray that God will be with the physician, and their plan of action, whatever it may be, that it will result in healing, and a complete recovery without complications. Always remember to give God all the praise and the glory for the healing.
None of us are exempt from the trials and tribulations of this life, and a loved one that I hold dear to my heart was thrown a curve ball last week. She is one of the strongest women I have ever known, and she walks in steadfast, and unwavering faith. I have no doubt that God will see her through the trial she is facing, and I fully intend to practice what I have preached here today as I move forward in prayer for her healing.
If you or someone you love has been thrown a curve ball, go to God in prayer and tell him you have complete faith in Him, and His almighty power. If the diagnosis and prognosis do not seem very bright don't give up, remember who your God is, and have faith as did the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment. Go to God in prayer and tell Him that you know that with Him all things are possible. Tell Him you stand firm in your belief in Him, and in His Word. Praise and thank Him for all he has done, is doing, and will do for you and your loved ones. Keep God, His Word, and His promises at the center of your life, and He will stand by you through every storm. He will walk through them with you, and He will hold your hand every step of the way.
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, June 19, 2013
Lifted Up
Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (KJV) Says, "And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day." I Samuel 2:7 (KJV) Says, "The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: He bringeth low, and lifteth up."
In the above scripture taken from the book of Deuteronomy we are warned against becoming wealthy, and successful then failing to give God the glory for blessing us with that wealth and success. Keep in mind we can be successful and wealthy in ways other than monetary. Note that the above scripture taken from the book of I Samuel reminds us that it is the Lord who can make us poor or make us rich, and that it is He that can bring us low or lift us up.
When we are struggling, working toward a goal, or there is something we truly desire, we remember God and have no problem going to him in prayer asking for His assistance in the matter. We may go to Him two or three times a day in prayer regarding our needs or wants. We pray heart felt prayers because at the time we are sincere. For instance, lets say we are up for a promotion at work along with a couple of other people. The new position we desire means a large salary increase and it is a much higher ranking position than the one we currently hold. So we pray and pray, then God answers our prayers, and we are granted the promotion we so greatly desired.
Now after we receive our promotion we have a huge celebratory dinner in honor of our accomplishment. We may even buy gifts for everyone in the family because with our promotion, we can afford it. We enjoy an entire evening receiving praises from our family and friends for the success we have obtained. We thank everyone for their compliments, and words of encouragement, and by the end of the evening we are feeling pretty good about ourselves. We step into our new position at work, and become quite wealthy and successful. In short this enables us to enjoy the finer things in life which we do. In fact, we get so caught up in being proud of ourselves, and enjoying the finer things in life we completely forget who it is that got us where we are.
We prayed and prayed for God's assistance in helping us land this promotion. He answered our prayers, and we received the promotion. We then take all the credit and the glory as though he had nothing to do with it. Many do not even bother to go to him in prayer to thank him. Instead the credit becomes their own for what they've accomplished, or it is referred to as getting lucky while they enjoy a new life complete with the success and wealth they prayed for.
Far too often these type scenarios play out with God being completely forgotten, and given no credit whatsoever for the blessing He bestowed upon an individual or the answered prayer He granted them. When God answers your prayers, blesses you, or lifts you up in some manner of life, I urge you to go to Him in prayer with sincere gratitude giving Him all of the praise, honor and glory He deserves. I urge you to make known to others that the credit and the glory for what you have received goes to God. Sharing the great things God has done for you is a testimony to others as to what a wonderful God we serve. I also urge you to remember that if you fail to acknowledge God and His part in blessing you and become full of pride, He can bring you back down as fast as He lifted you up.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, send me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
In the above scripture taken from the book of Deuteronomy we are warned against becoming wealthy, and successful then failing to give God the glory for blessing us with that wealth and success. Keep in mind we can be successful and wealthy in ways other than monetary. Note that the above scripture taken from the book of I Samuel reminds us that it is the Lord who can make us poor or make us rich, and that it is He that can bring us low or lift us up.
When we are struggling, working toward a goal, or there is something we truly desire, we remember God and have no problem going to him in prayer asking for His assistance in the matter. We may go to Him two or three times a day in prayer regarding our needs or wants. We pray heart felt prayers because at the time we are sincere. For instance, lets say we are up for a promotion at work along with a couple of other people. The new position we desire means a large salary increase and it is a much higher ranking position than the one we currently hold. So we pray and pray, then God answers our prayers, and we are granted the promotion we so greatly desired.
Now after we receive our promotion we have a huge celebratory dinner in honor of our accomplishment. We may even buy gifts for everyone in the family because with our promotion, we can afford it. We enjoy an entire evening receiving praises from our family and friends for the success we have obtained. We thank everyone for their compliments, and words of encouragement, and by the end of the evening we are feeling pretty good about ourselves. We step into our new position at work, and become quite wealthy and successful. In short this enables us to enjoy the finer things in life which we do. In fact, we get so caught up in being proud of ourselves, and enjoying the finer things in life we completely forget who it is that got us where we are.
We prayed and prayed for God's assistance in helping us land this promotion. He answered our prayers, and we received the promotion. We then take all the credit and the glory as though he had nothing to do with it. Many do not even bother to go to him in prayer to thank him. Instead the credit becomes their own for what they've accomplished, or it is referred to as getting lucky while they enjoy a new life complete with the success and wealth they prayed for.
Far too often these type scenarios play out with God being completely forgotten, and given no credit whatsoever for the blessing He bestowed upon an individual or the answered prayer He granted them. When God answers your prayers, blesses you, or lifts you up in some manner of life, I urge you to go to Him in prayer with sincere gratitude giving Him all of the praise, honor and glory He deserves. I urge you to make known to others that the credit and the glory for what you have received goes to God. Sharing the great things God has done for you is a testimony to others as to what a wonderful God we serve. I also urge you to remember that if you fail to acknowledge God and His part in blessing you and become full of pride, He can bring you back down as fast as He lifted you up.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, send me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Walk Backwards
Genesis 9:20-23 (KJV) Says, "And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without, And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness."
After Noah and his family exited the ark Noah planted a vineyard, and as the above scripture tells us he drank wine from that vineyard and got drunk. He winds up drinking so much he passes out, naked in his tent. We all make mistakes because we are only human. It is our hope that those around us can be trusted to help us when we fall short, and that they will do so discreetly without broadcasting the situation for no other reason than to spread gossip. With that said, how do we handle a situation where we learn of a mistake that someone else has made?
Noah's son Ham discovered him passed out drunk and naked in his tent before anyone else knew about it. He could have easily covered his father up, exited the tent, and kept what he had seen to himself. Instead, Ham leaves his father uncovered, and rushes out to share what he had seen with his two brothers, Shem and Japheth. Upon learning of their father's state, Shem and Japheth walked backwards into the tent with a garment over their shoulders, and covered their father up without ever seeing him naked. It was a matter of respect for their father, and it was the right thing to do. They unlike Ham had no desire to run out and tell everyone what their father had done and how they had seen him naked. In fact, they never considered doing that. Without hesitation, they took the action necessary to protect their fathers pride, reacting in a manner that demonstrated the respect and love they had for him.
When Noah awoke and learned of all that had occurred he blessed Shem and Japheth, and cursed Ham to be a servant unto his brothers. I imagine Ham's behavior and reaction to discovering his father drunk and naked was very disappointing to Noah. I further imagine that it was embarrassing to Noah to learn that Ham had seen him not only drunk and passed out, but naked.
It is important that we remember we are not perfect, and that we all make mistakes. As Romans 3:23 (KJV) reminds us "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." It is inevitable that we will be caught committing a sin, making a mistake, or involved in some embarrassing situation more than once in our lives. It happens to all of us. Here's the thing, when it happens to you how do you hope people that learn of your mistake handle it? Do you want them to handle it like Ham who was content to tell all? or Do you want them to handle it like Shem and Japheth, in a Christian manner, with love, forgiveness, respect, and confidentiality?
After considering how you hope others would handle a mistake they caught you in, ask yourself how you react when you learn of someone making a mistake. Be honest with yourself. Do you react like Ham, eager to run out and spread the news gossiping to the first person you come in contact with? Or do you respond like Shem and Japheth and walk backwards? Do you react in a Christian manner helping in any way you can, showing love, understanding, forgiveness, and keeping what you learned to yourself? I encourage you to respond in the latter manner as it is pleasing to God, it is the right thing to do, and who knows when the shoe will be on the other foot, and it will be you that needs help, love, and understanding.
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.
After Noah and his family exited the ark Noah planted a vineyard, and as the above scripture tells us he drank wine from that vineyard and got drunk. He winds up drinking so much he passes out, naked in his tent. We all make mistakes because we are only human. It is our hope that those around us can be trusted to help us when we fall short, and that they will do so discreetly without broadcasting the situation for no other reason than to spread gossip. With that said, how do we handle a situation where we learn of a mistake that someone else has made?
Noah's son Ham discovered him passed out drunk and naked in his tent before anyone else knew about it. He could have easily covered his father up, exited the tent, and kept what he had seen to himself. Instead, Ham leaves his father uncovered, and rushes out to share what he had seen with his two brothers, Shem and Japheth. Upon learning of their father's state, Shem and Japheth walked backwards into the tent with a garment over their shoulders, and covered their father up without ever seeing him naked. It was a matter of respect for their father, and it was the right thing to do. They unlike Ham had no desire to run out and tell everyone what their father had done and how they had seen him naked. In fact, they never considered doing that. Without hesitation, they took the action necessary to protect their fathers pride, reacting in a manner that demonstrated the respect and love they had for him.
When Noah awoke and learned of all that had occurred he blessed Shem and Japheth, and cursed Ham to be a servant unto his brothers. I imagine Ham's behavior and reaction to discovering his father drunk and naked was very disappointing to Noah. I further imagine that it was embarrassing to Noah to learn that Ham had seen him not only drunk and passed out, but naked.
It is important that we remember we are not perfect, and that we all make mistakes. As Romans 3:23 (KJV) reminds us "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." It is inevitable that we will be caught committing a sin, making a mistake, or involved in some embarrassing situation more than once in our lives. It happens to all of us. Here's the thing, when it happens to you how do you hope people that learn of your mistake handle it? Do you want them to handle it like Ham who was content to tell all? or Do you want them to handle it like Shem and Japheth, in a Christian manner, with love, forgiveness, respect, and confidentiality?
After considering how you hope others would handle a mistake they caught you in, ask yourself how you react when you learn of someone making a mistake. Be honest with yourself. Do you react like Ham, eager to run out and spread the news gossiping to the first person you come in contact with? Or do you respond like Shem and Japheth and walk backwards? Do you react in a Christian manner helping in any way you can, showing love, understanding, forgiveness, and keeping what you learned to yourself? I encourage you to respond in the latter manner as it is pleasing to God, it is the right thing to do, and who knows when the shoe will be on the other foot, and it will be you that needs help, love, and understanding.
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, June 9, 2013
A Powerful Impact
Deuteronomy 15:7 (KJV) Says, " If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother." Deuteronomy 15:10-11 (KJV) Says, "Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land."
In the above scripture taken from the book of Deuteronomy, God makes it clear that we are to assist the poor and needy. I have no doubt that most people have no problem helping those that are doing all they can for themselves, but come up short in meeting their needs. I also have no doubt that most have no problem helping those who have fallen on hard times as most of us have at one time or another in our lives. In today's society, however, many have come to lash out at those who are on the receiving end of assistance, and in doing so they generalize. I see posts on social networks aimed at those receiving financial help, and these posts never mention that they're not directed at those who truly need help, and are in no way abusing the system. This saddens me for the individuals who are going through tough times due to some misfortune. I feel certain those receiving assistance that are doing all they can for themselves do not need any help bringing them down emotionally, and yet they can count on reading something negative about receiving help on a daily basis. Some of you are probably thinking well, if they have access to social networking they are probably doing okay. Has it ever occurred to you that they may have had that access prior to falling on hard times, and that it's cheaper to seek employment over the Internet than it is to get transportation, insurance for that transportation, and gasoline to fill the tank. The bottom line is we don't know everyone' story.
With that said there are certainly individuals out there that are guilty of welfare fraud, and that abuse the system. There are also those out there who abuse and take advantage of charities. There is no doubt about that, because with everything humans are involved in, you can and will find bad apples. As Christians, however, we need to realize, when we give money to any area of charity to assist the poor we are doing what is right, and that includes welfare. We should do so because it is right, and we should do so for the right reasons, and with a right heart. God promises in the above scripture we will be blessed for it, although that should never be our motive. We must stop generalizing, and inadvertently lashing out at those that are facing difficulties and struggles in their lives. As for those that are abusing the charitable systems, we must leave that to God. We should always seek to build up and not to tear down, and when negative statements are made that are aimed at a generalized group of individuals, those who are already suffering are torn down even further.
We need to become aware of those around us, and pay attention to those who may have a need that we may possibly help them meet. In today's society many people act as though they don't notice, when someone is struggling, or they may notice and say something like I hope you get that worked out as they walk off offering no assistance whatsoever. I know we are capable of noticing the needs of others, and that capability comes at a very young age, because I learned that lesson early on. I saw my parents help the needy on many occasions, and a young man in my fifth grade class made an impact on me, when he sacrificed his own needs to provide the needs of another, at the tender age of nine.
Growing up all of my needs were met, and I lived a carefree childhood. My fifth grade year of elementary school, I noticed that a young man who sat near me had a serious almost sad expression on his face everyday. I also noticed that his clothes did not fit him very well as most of them seemed to small. His long sleeve shirts feel short of his wrists, and his pants were a shorter length than he needed. My heart went out to this young man, but I kept my thoughts to myself for some time. I then began to notice he had stopped eating lunch, and that kicked my concerns up a notch. He walked home from school, and my Mom was there to pick me up each day. On the way out of school one afternoon, I found the courage to ask him why he didn't eat lunch. He replied in a calm, kind voice that although his Mom gave him the fifty cents, or whatever it was then, to buy lunch he opted to save his money. I felt a bit of relief come over me, and I smiled and said what are you saving for totally expecting him to reply with a baseball glove or a toy he desperately wanted. He looked at me with all seriousness, and said baby food for my little sister. The relief I had felt turned to utter heartache for this young man in an instant. I had a little brother at home at the same time, and I could not imagine having to be concerned about him having baby food. I looked at this young man, and not knowing what to say I repeated his response, and said baby food for your little sister. He said yea I over heard my Mom crying because she can't afford my lunch, and baby food so instead of eating lunch I buy baby food for my little sister. He told me he walked past a store everyday on his way home, and that he would buy the food, and tell his Mom that he wasn't hungry that day. I told him I was sorry they were struggling, and he smiled and said it's okay my Mom says to remember this quote "I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man with no feet." ---Unknown. At nine years old his story had a powerful impact on me, an impact beyond what words can articulate. Needless to say I told my parents this story right away. They gave his family clothes, and food which included plenty of baby food for this young man's sister. They paid for him to eat lunch everyday for the remainder of the year, and he was able to do so without the concern that his little sister would go hungry.
This young man at age nine looked for a way to help his Mom provide for his sister, and the only way he could come up with involved him going hungry. What an unselfish, kind, and loving act that was, and he did it because it was what he felt was right. There are many people in today's world that have far more than they need, who could help others without sacrifice, and yet they choose to look away when they cross paths with someone in need. Some of these same people make generalized statements attacking those who need assistance, and they don't even seem to realize they're doing it.
I urge you to be aware of the things you say, and post regarding those who receive help to meet their needs, because some are doing all they can to help themselves and for those people generalizing is hurtful. Again, as for those who are abusing charity or assistance of any kind stop being concerned with them, and continue to do the right thing by giving and do it with a right heart. God will deal with those who are abusing charity or assistance, and he will bless you for giving with a right heart. If a nine year old can take notice and make a difference, then I feel certain we all can. Instead of getting angry at those who abuse assistance programs and charities, which only serves to hurt you, pray that God will change their hearts.
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 the book of Deuteronomy, God makes it clear that we are to assist the poor and needy. I have no doubt that most people have no problem helping those that are doing all they can for themselves, but come up short in meeting their needs. I also have no doubt that most have no problem helping those who have fallen on hard times as most of us have at one time or another in our lives. In today's society, however, many have come to lash out at those who are on the receiving end of assistance, and in doing so they generalize. I see posts on social networks aimed at those receiving financial help, and these posts never mention that they're not directed at those who truly need help, and are in no way abusing the system. This saddens me for the individuals who are going through tough times due to some misfortune. I feel certain those receiving assistance that are doing all they can for themselves do not need any help bringing them down emotionally, and yet they can count on reading something negative about receiving help on a daily basis. Some of you are probably thinking well, if they have access to social networking they are probably doing okay. Has it ever occurred to you that they may have had that access prior to falling on hard times, and that it's cheaper to seek employment over the Internet than it is to get transportation, insurance for that transportation, and gasoline to fill the tank. The bottom line is we don't know everyone' story.
With that said there are certainly individuals out there that are guilty of welfare fraud, and that abuse the system. There are also those out there who abuse and take advantage of charities. There is no doubt about that, because with everything humans are involved in, you can and will find bad apples. As Christians, however, we need to realize, when we give money to any area of charity to assist the poor we are doing what is right, and that includes welfare. We should do so because it is right, and we should do so for the right reasons, and with a right heart. God promises in the above scripture we will be blessed for it, although that should never be our motive. We must stop generalizing, and inadvertently lashing out at those that are facing difficulties and struggles in their lives. As for those that are abusing the charitable systems, we must leave that to God. We should always seek to build up and not to tear down, and when negative statements are made that are aimed at a generalized group of individuals, those who are already suffering are torn down even further.
We need to become aware of those around us, and pay attention to those who may have a need that we may possibly help them meet. In today's society many people act as though they don't notice, when someone is struggling, or they may notice and say something like I hope you get that worked out as they walk off offering no assistance whatsoever. I know we are capable of noticing the needs of others, and that capability comes at a very young age, because I learned that lesson early on. I saw my parents help the needy on many occasions, and a young man in my fifth grade class made an impact on me, when he sacrificed his own needs to provide the needs of another, at the tender age of nine.
Growing up all of my needs were met, and I lived a carefree childhood. My fifth grade year of elementary school, I noticed that a young man who sat near me had a serious almost sad expression on his face everyday. I also noticed that his clothes did not fit him very well as most of them seemed to small. His long sleeve shirts feel short of his wrists, and his pants were a shorter length than he needed. My heart went out to this young man, but I kept my thoughts to myself for some time. I then began to notice he had stopped eating lunch, and that kicked my concerns up a notch. He walked home from school, and my Mom was there to pick me up each day. On the way out of school one afternoon, I found the courage to ask him why he didn't eat lunch. He replied in a calm, kind voice that although his Mom gave him the fifty cents, or whatever it was then, to buy lunch he opted to save his money. I felt a bit of relief come over me, and I smiled and said what are you saving for totally expecting him to reply with a baseball glove or a toy he desperately wanted. He looked at me with all seriousness, and said baby food for my little sister. The relief I had felt turned to utter heartache for this young man in an instant. I had a little brother at home at the same time, and I could not imagine having to be concerned about him having baby food. I looked at this young man, and not knowing what to say I repeated his response, and said baby food for your little sister. He said yea I over heard my Mom crying because she can't afford my lunch, and baby food so instead of eating lunch I buy baby food for my little sister. He told me he walked past a store everyday on his way home, and that he would buy the food, and tell his Mom that he wasn't hungry that day. I told him I was sorry they were struggling, and he smiled and said it's okay my Mom says to remember this quote "I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man with no feet." ---Unknown. At nine years old his story had a powerful impact on me, an impact beyond what words can articulate. Needless to say I told my parents this story right away. They gave his family clothes, and food which included plenty of baby food for this young man's sister. They paid for him to eat lunch everyday for the remainder of the year, and he was able to do so without the concern that his little sister would go hungry.
This young man at age nine looked for a way to help his Mom provide for his sister, and the only way he could come up with involved him going hungry. What an unselfish, kind, and loving act that was, and he did it because it was what he felt was right. There are many people in today's world that have far more than they need, who could help others without sacrifice, and yet they choose to look away when they cross paths with someone in need. Some of these same people make generalized statements attacking those who need assistance, and they don't even seem to realize they're doing it.
I urge you to be aware of the things you say, and post regarding those who receive help to meet their needs, because some are doing all they can to help themselves and for those people generalizing is hurtful. Again, as for those who are abusing charity or assistance of any kind stop being concerned with them, and continue to do the right thing by giving and do it with a right heart. God will deal with those who are abusing charity or assistance, and he will bless you for giving with a right heart. If a nine year old can take notice and make a difference, then I feel certain we all can. Instead of getting angry at those who abuse assistance programs and charities, which only serves to hurt you, pray that God will change their hearts.
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, June 5, 2013
An Angry Spirit
Proverbs 22:24 (KJV) Says, "Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go; " Ecclesiastes 7:9 (KJV) Says, "Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools." Ephesians 4:26-27 (KJV) Says, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:29-32 (KJV) Says, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
In the above scripture taken from the book of Proverbs, God makes it clear that we are not to be keep company with people who have an angry spirit, and he goes so far as to call anyone who harbors anger a fool. God understands that we get angry, but there is a huge difference in getting angry, and having an angry spirit. We all get angry, but most of us do not harbor anger, and develop an angry spirit. In the scripture taken from the book of Ephesians, God tells us that we are not to go to bed angry, and that if we do we are opening a door for the devil. God tells us that we are to speak good things being a good witness of grace unto those who hear us. We are told to put away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, malice, and evil speaking. We are to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God for Christ's sake has forgiven us. How much did and does God forgive you for, when you ask him?
Anger is a very destructive emotion. Anger breeds anger, and it is a trait that you can pass on from generation to generation. It has negative effects on your health both emotionally, and physically. God knows that we get angry, and it is recorded in the Bible that God himself has been angry at times. There is good anger and bad anger, however, and it is important that we understand the difference. Good anger is manifested at the right time, for the right reason, and expressed in the right manner.
Bad anger is misdirected, usually aimed at loved ones, and is expressed by screaming, yelling, and, or throwing a fit. It is built up anger that the person has denied having, and or has failed to deal with. It is more than likely caused by something in their past. Everyone could look back on their past, and find a reason to be angry, store that anger up, go through life miserable, and take it out on others, but thanks be to God most of us don't. Those with an angry spirit tend to feel that whatever caused their anger is justification for their behavior, and will use it as an excuse to behave the way they do. These people are full of frustration, emptiness, loneliness, insecurity, and they are critical of others because they don't feel good about themselves. They belittle someone in an attempt to bring them down to where they are because they desire to control them. By repeatedly abusing someone physically, mentally or both they gain control over that person. The amazing thing is they can control their anger in front of the right people, for instance their boss, their pastor, their friends, yet behind closed doors at home, with the those who love them the most, they somehow fail to practice that same self- control. People with an angry spirit lack love, kindness, gentleness, peace, joy, and have poor self-esteem. Harboring an angry spirit is ungodly, and it is a path to self-destruction.
If you are living with an angry spirit, you have two choices. You can continue in it and be miserable for the rest of your life, or you can identify the source of it, admit it, and heal from it. Learn to pause before responding, when you feel anger rising within you. Find something that you enjoy doing, and focus on that when you feel yourself becoming angry. Most importantly take it to God in prayer, ask for His help through the Holy Spirit that lives within you. Ask Him to help you put away your angry spirit for good. The Bible tells us that with God all things are possible. If you're angry I urge you to take the issue to God, lay down your anger, bitterness, low self-esteem, loneliness, emptiness, misery, frustration, and insecurity, and pick up the love, kindness, joy, divine peace, and contentment that God wants you to have.
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 the book of Proverbs, God makes it clear that we are not to be keep company with people who have an angry spirit, and he goes so far as to call anyone who harbors anger a fool. God understands that we get angry, but there is a huge difference in getting angry, and having an angry spirit. We all get angry, but most of us do not harbor anger, and develop an angry spirit. In the scripture taken from the book of Ephesians, God tells us that we are not to go to bed angry, and that if we do we are opening a door for the devil. God tells us that we are to speak good things being a good witness of grace unto those who hear us. We are told to put away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, malice, and evil speaking. We are to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God for Christ's sake has forgiven us. How much did and does God forgive you for, when you ask him?
Anger is a very destructive emotion. Anger breeds anger, and it is a trait that you can pass on from generation to generation. It has negative effects on your health both emotionally, and physically. God knows that we get angry, and it is recorded in the Bible that God himself has been angry at times. There is good anger and bad anger, however, and it is important that we understand the difference. Good anger is manifested at the right time, for the right reason, and expressed in the right manner.
Bad anger is misdirected, usually aimed at loved ones, and is expressed by screaming, yelling, and, or throwing a fit. It is built up anger that the person has denied having, and or has failed to deal with. It is more than likely caused by something in their past. Everyone could look back on their past, and find a reason to be angry, store that anger up, go through life miserable, and take it out on others, but thanks be to God most of us don't. Those with an angry spirit tend to feel that whatever caused their anger is justification for their behavior, and will use it as an excuse to behave the way they do. These people are full of frustration, emptiness, loneliness, insecurity, and they are critical of others because they don't feel good about themselves. They belittle someone in an attempt to bring them down to where they are because they desire to control them. By repeatedly abusing someone physically, mentally or both they gain control over that person. The amazing thing is they can control their anger in front of the right people, for instance their boss, their pastor, their friends, yet behind closed doors at home, with the those who love them the most, they somehow fail to practice that same self- control. People with an angry spirit lack love, kindness, gentleness, peace, joy, and have poor self-esteem. Harboring an angry spirit is ungodly, and it is a path to self-destruction.
If you are living with an angry spirit, you have two choices. You can continue in it and be miserable for the rest of your life, or you can identify the source of it, admit it, and heal from it. Learn to pause before responding, when you feel anger rising within you. Find something that you enjoy doing, and focus on that when you feel yourself becoming angry. Most importantly take it to God in prayer, ask for His help through the Holy Spirit that lives within you. Ask Him to help you put away your angry spirit for good. The Bible tells us that with God all things are possible. If you're angry I urge you to take the issue to God, lay down your anger, bitterness, low self-esteem, loneliness, emptiness, misery, frustration, and insecurity, and pick up the love, kindness, joy, divine peace, and contentment that God wants you to have.
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, June 2, 2013
Weaknesses
Colossians 3:12-17 (KJV) Says, "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."
In the above scripture taken from the book of Colossians we are given a list of Christian virtues that we should adopt after accepting God's precious gift of salvation. Jesus set an example of how we are to live once we become a new creature in Christ. As the above scripture tells us we are to be merciful, kind, humble, meek, patient, forgiving, loving, and we are to allow the peace that comes with having a personal relationship with Christ to rule our hearts. With that said none of us are perfect, and we will never be. God understands that, but as Christians we are to continually work on the areas in our lives where weaknesses exist. We must make a conscience effort to follow the example Jesus set for us, and be the best that we can be. Our behavior serves as a portion of our witness to the lost, and if we act no different lost people after having accepted Christ, then what does that say? We all have areas that are weaker than others, and we need to focus on those areas, and begin working to improve them. It helps to remember that everything we say or do, as the above scripture tells us, should be said or done in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.
Go to God in prayer, and ask him for help with any area you are having difficulty in. For instance if you lack patience, ask God to help you to be more patient. He may send some tests your way or he may already be attempting to help you by testing you, but you have failed to realize it. If you have little or no patience, God may have you stuck in traffic daily, you may land in the longest checkout lines everywhere you go, you may get behind a slow poke driver on a regular basis, your spouse may begin taking even more time getting ready to go out, your boss may become more and more difficult, and these are just a few examples of things that may be put before you in order to help you work on improving in the area of patience. If your behavior doesn't change, you will more than likely continue to be tested until you condition yourself, and adopt the Christian virtue of patience.
Have you ever wondered why you are placed in situations that make you angry, if you have anger issues? Maybe you have a problematic boss, and you allow him or her to make you angry every single day. Has it ever occurred to you that you need to work on controlling your anger, and that may be the very reason for you being in the situation you are in. As followers of Christ we should be able to control our tempers, and not allow anger to rule our spirit. The sooner we recognize that the problem we are having may be secondary to an area of weakness within us, the sooner we can begin working on improving that area. If you are being tested with things that make you angry, be honest with yourself as to whether or not you have anger issues, and are possibly being tested. If your answer is yes, then address your anger issue immediately, and that may limit or do away with the problems you are having with your boss.
We all have weaknesses, and we all fall short. Knowing this should make it a bit easier for us to be more compassionate with others, when they fall short. Unfortunately, that is not usually the case. I urge you to consider your own areas of weakness the next time you see someone else struggling with one of theirs. I encourage you to begin working on the areas that you need improvement in, and I believe when you do you will notice your tests become fewer and fewer. God knows our hearts, and he knows when we are making an honest effort to improve on the things we need to improve on within ourselves. We will never be perfect, and following the behavioral example of perfection that Jesus set for us is a goal we as mere humans will never be able to duplicate, but it is something that we should strive for the remainder of our earthly lives. I encourage you to take an inventory of yourself and identify your areas of weakness so that you can begin working on them right away. No one other than God knows you better than you know yourself.
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 the book of Colossians we are given a list of Christian virtues that we should adopt after accepting God's precious gift of salvation. Jesus set an example of how we are to live once we become a new creature in Christ. As the above scripture tells us we are to be merciful, kind, humble, meek, patient, forgiving, loving, and we are to allow the peace that comes with having a personal relationship with Christ to rule our hearts. With that said none of us are perfect, and we will never be. God understands that, but as Christians we are to continually work on the areas in our lives where weaknesses exist. We must make a conscience effort to follow the example Jesus set for us, and be the best that we can be. Our behavior serves as a portion of our witness to the lost, and if we act no different lost people after having accepted Christ, then what does that say? We all have areas that are weaker than others, and we need to focus on those areas, and begin working to improve them. It helps to remember that everything we say or do, as the above scripture tells us, should be said or done in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.
Go to God in prayer, and ask him for help with any area you are having difficulty in. For instance if you lack patience, ask God to help you to be more patient. He may send some tests your way or he may already be attempting to help you by testing you, but you have failed to realize it. If you have little or no patience, God may have you stuck in traffic daily, you may land in the longest checkout lines everywhere you go, you may get behind a slow poke driver on a regular basis, your spouse may begin taking even more time getting ready to go out, your boss may become more and more difficult, and these are just a few examples of things that may be put before you in order to help you work on improving in the area of patience. If your behavior doesn't change, you will more than likely continue to be tested until you condition yourself, and adopt the Christian virtue of patience.
Have you ever wondered why you are placed in situations that make you angry, if you have anger issues? Maybe you have a problematic boss, and you allow him or her to make you angry every single day. Has it ever occurred to you that you need to work on controlling your anger, and that may be the very reason for you being in the situation you are in. As followers of Christ we should be able to control our tempers, and not allow anger to rule our spirit. The sooner we recognize that the problem we are having may be secondary to an area of weakness within us, the sooner we can begin working on improving that area. If you are being tested with things that make you angry, be honest with yourself as to whether or not you have anger issues, and are possibly being tested. If your answer is yes, then address your anger issue immediately, and that may limit or do away with the problems you are having with your boss.
We all have weaknesses, and we all fall short. Knowing this should make it a bit easier for us to be more compassionate with others, when they fall short. Unfortunately, that is not usually the case. I urge you to consider your own areas of weakness the next time you see someone else struggling with one of theirs. I encourage you to begin working on the areas that you need improvement in, and I believe when you do you will notice your tests become fewer and fewer. God knows our hearts, and he knows when we are making an honest effort to improve on the things we need to improve on within ourselves. We will never be perfect, and following the behavioral example of perfection that Jesus set for us is a goal we as mere humans will never be able to duplicate, but it is something that we should strive for the remainder of our earthly lives. I encourage you to take an inventory of yourself and identify your areas of weakness so that you can begin working on them right away. No one other than God knows you better than you know yourself.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)