Jonah 1:1-2 (KJV) Says, "Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord."
In the above passage of scripture Jonah is called by God and instructed to go to Nineveh and warn the people there to turn from their wicked ways. Instead of following God's instructions, and going to Nineveh which is east of Israel, Jonah opts to flee from God, and go his own way. He heads to Tarshish, which is in the opposite direction located to the west of Israel.
Jonah could not have possibly believed that he could flee from the presence of God because God is everywhere. God knows and sees everything. For those of you who are not familiar with the story of Jonah, after he boards the ship for Tarshish a mighty storm comes up. The ship he is on begins to be violently tossed about sending a great fear among all those aboard. The men on the ship got together and decided to cast lots to determine who's fault it was that this evil in the form of a violent storm, had come upon them. The lot of course fell upon Jonah. Jonah then confessed to them that he knew it was him because he failed to follow God's instructions, and was attempting to flee from him. Jonah advised the men to throw him overboard to save themselves, but they in an attempt to save Jonah continued trying to row toward land. Rowing to land proved impossible; so they heeded Jonah's advice, and threw him overboard. The moment they did the sea became calm, and Jonah was swallowed by a great fish that God had prepared for him. He was in the belly of that fish for three days, which was plenty of time to think about the decision he had made to flee from God. Jonah prayed to God from the belly of the great fish, God heard him, and the fish vomited Jonah out onto dry land.
The Lord then came to Jonah the second time, and gave him the same instructions that He had given him the first time. Jonah opts to follow God's instruction, and he goes to Nineveh where he warns the people to turn from their wickedness. The people of Nineveh believed the message Jonah brought from God, and turned from their wicked ways. God therefore opted not to send evil upon them as he had planned to do initially.
If Jonah had listened to God in the first place he could have spared himself, and others a great deal of grief. He could have gone to Nineveh the first time God instructed him to do so, and warned the people there to turn from their wicked ways. The people of Nineveh would have received God's message through Jonah, and repented just as they did the second time. Then, more than likely, God would have blessed Jonah for following the path He had for him, and for carrying out His instructions.
Like Jonah we are all given freewill, and thereby can make choices in life as we see fit to make them. We can have one of two mentalities, I am going to follow God, or I am going to do it my way. We as believers, having the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, know when faced with a decision that it is wise to pray, and wait on the Lord to lead, guide, and direct our paths. We are also aware that when God calls us to do something, we should do it without hesitation. Many, if not all of us, have felt or heard God give us instructions in our lives, opted to ignore Him, and go in another direction. Jonah being disobedient to God resulted in great turmoil for him. He faced a violent storm that endangered his life, he endangered the lives of others, he was thrown into a turbulent sea, he landed in the belly of a great fish for three days, and he wound up being vomited out of that fishes mouth onto dry land. All of this could have been avoided, if Jonah would have obeyed God the first time.
Are there things in your life that God is calling, or has called you to do? Is there work He desires to accomplish through you? Are their things He is calling you to give up? Are there changes He wants you to make in your life so that He can use you for a great purpose? God has a plan for all of us, and has gifted us with what we need to carry out that plan. In order to use us, however, we must be willing to rid our lives of anything hindering His plan, and we must be willing to follow the path He has laid out for us, and not our own. When God first called Jonah, and he fled from Him it resulted in disaster. Jonah got the point quick, repented, and opted to heed God's call. Are there things in your life you know you need to get rid of, but you are procrastinating? Are there things you know God has called you to do, but you continue to flee from Him? Don't wait until you're faced with disaster like Jonah did. Begin today ridding your life of the things that you know do not fit who you are as a Christian. Begin today listening to God, and following the plan He has for your life. You will be blessed in doing so, and you'll experience a divine peace, joy, and contentment like you have never before known.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Society
Genesis 1:27 (KJV) Says, "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them." Roman 12:4-8 (KJV) Says, "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.
The above verse of scripture taken from Genesis tells us that we are created by God in His own image. The above passage of scripture taken from Romans explains to us that as believers we are one body in Christ. We are each members of that body, and each of us have different gifts, according to the grace given us. In short, God created each of us, and gave each of us different gifts. When we come together as a Christian body, and utilize our individual gifts it is made clear that we each have something to add.
God has a plan for each of our lives, and He has given us the gifts necessary to carry out that plan. God created us in His own image, and He does not make mistakes. With that said, how is it that there are so many people in the world on board with generalizing, when it comes to what others should be doing with their lives? I could poll a thousand individuals asking if they were for or against bullying, and most, if not all, would say they're absolutely opposed to it. Many of these same individuals are social bullies, brain washed into conforming to society's definition of normal. They have an exact plan for each of us that must be carried out, if we desire to land within the boundaries of the social norm. If we ignore their rules, and take another route they have plenty to say about it. They have no problem picking, and shaming individuals for stepping outside the norm society has created. This is bullying, and the irony is they fail to realize it.
For example, many people feel all boys should play football, and if they do not desire to do so then there is some sort of shame in that. Have these people ever stopped to consider that God doesn't give all boys the same gifts? It doesn't seem they have, or they wouldn't tease and pick at them for taking interest and participating in another sport or activity that doesn't consist of physical contact. I have also witnessed boys be teased relentlessly for crying by adults who apparently fail to remember that Jesus wept. Picking on and relentlessly teasing someone for crying is to teach them to suppress a God given emotion. These adults normally do this not because they are trying to help the child, but because boy's crying doesn't meet the social norm, and they being concerned with what society may think are attempting to avoid personal embarrassment.
I have also heard adults tease and ridicule young girls for their appearance, insinuating that in order to ever find a husband one must look a certain way, and conduct themselves in a certain manner. If one doesn't meet the standards in this area of what is socially acceptable they are doomed to be an "Old Maid." This type social bullying does nothing to encourage, and build-up young girls self-esteem. Growing up many young girls are taught that they must be married, and that if they are still single at a certain age there is cause for concern leading to a feeling of unworthiness.
These are just a couple examples of society failing to remind themselves that we are all special in God's eyes. He created each and every one of us in His own image, and He blessed each of us with different gifts. We are all His creation, and He loves each of us tremendously. Some of us are gifted in construction, some in encouragement, some in music, some are athletes, some in teaching, and the list goes on and on. The thing to remember is that we all have different gifts, that each of them are of equal importance, and that they were given to us by Almighty God. We are all individual beings created in God's own image, with specific gifts given to us by Him. When we follow the plan God has for our lives, and we utilize the gifts He gave us in order to carry out that plan, then who is society to critique that because they deem it outside the norm?
If you're a male florist who's following the plan God has for your life, then it doesn't matter what society says. If you are a woman who's following the plan God has for your life, and you've yet to marry, or may never marry then it doesn't matter what society says. What matters is that we surrender our lives to God, utilize the gifts He has given us in accomplishing all He desires for us to accomplish, and that we follow the plan He has for our lives, as we allow Him to work through us, and to lead guide and direct our paths. If you are guilty of being a social bully, then I urge you to stop that behavior immediately, and remember God created us all as individuals, we are all His creation, He loves each of us tremendously, and He doesn't make mistakes.
People are the happiest, when they are walking with God, and operating in their God given gifts whether on a football field or in a florist, whether married or single, and God is happy with them. God doesn't frown on a person who weeps no matter their gender, He created each of us with the ability to do so. Most people I know that have been taught not to cry end up having anger issues. Are these issues caused from being taught to suppress their tears? Possibly so. Again, Jesus wept. The teasing and ridicule that comes from social bullies is not out of concern for what they think God might say about something. It comes from concern for how they think it makes them appear, and they base that on what society says. If you need to cry by all means cry. I also urge you to love, encourage, and respect the God given gifts of others no matter what they are. After all they are just that, God given.
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 verse of scripture taken from Genesis tells us that we are created by God in His own image. The above passage of scripture taken from Romans explains to us that as believers we are one body in Christ. We are each members of that body, and each of us have different gifts, according to the grace given us. In short, God created each of us, and gave each of us different gifts. When we come together as a Christian body, and utilize our individual gifts it is made clear that we each have something to add.
God has a plan for each of our lives, and He has given us the gifts necessary to carry out that plan. God created us in His own image, and He does not make mistakes. With that said, how is it that there are so many people in the world on board with generalizing, when it comes to what others should be doing with their lives? I could poll a thousand individuals asking if they were for or against bullying, and most, if not all, would say they're absolutely opposed to it. Many of these same individuals are social bullies, brain washed into conforming to society's definition of normal. They have an exact plan for each of us that must be carried out, if we desire to land within the boundaries of the social norm. If we ignore their rules, and take another route they have plenty to say about it. They have no problem picking, and shaming individuals for stepping outside the norm society has created. This is bullying, and the irony is they fail to realize it.
For example, many people feel all boys should play football, and if they do not desire to do so then there is some sort of shame in that. Have these people ever stopped to consider that God doesn't give all boys the same gifts? It doesn't seem they have, or they wouldn't tease and pick at them for taking interest and participating in another sport or activity that doesn't consist of physical contact. I have also witnessed boys be teased relentlessly for crying by adults who apparently fail to remember that Jesus wept. Picking on and relentlessly teasing someone for crying is to teach them to suppress a God given emotion. These adults normally do this not because they are trying to help the child, but because boy's crying doesn't meet the social norm, and they being concerned with what society may think are attempting to avoid personal embarrassment.
I have also heard adults tease and ridicule young girls for their appearance, insinuating that in order to ever find a husband one must look a certain way, and conduct themselves in a certain manner. If one doesn't meet the standards in this area of what is socially acceptable they are doomed to be an "Old Maid." This type social bullying does nothing to encourage, and build-up young girls self-esteem. Growing up many young girls are taught that they must be married, and that if they are still single at a certain age there is cause for concern leading to a feeling of unworthiness.
These are just a couple examples of society failing to remind themselves that we are all special in God's eyes. He created each and every one of us in His own image, and He blessed each of us with different gifts. We are all His creation, and He loves each of us tremendously. Some of us are gifted in construction, some in encouragement, some in music, some are athletes, some in teaching, and the list goes on and on. The thing to remember is that we all have different gifts, that each of them are of equal importance, and that they were given to us by Almighty God. We are all individual beings created in God's own image, with specific gifts given to us by Him. When we follow the plan God has for our lives, and we utilize the gifts He gave us in order to carry out that plan, then who is society to critique that because they deem it outside the norm?
If you're a male florist who's following the plan God has for your life, then it doesn't matter what society says. If you are a woman who's following the plan God has for your life, and you've yet to marry, or may never marry then it doesn't matter what society says. What matters is that we surrender our lives to God, utilize the gifts He has given us in accomplishing all He desires for us to accomplish, and that we follow the plan He has for our lives, as we allow Him to work through us, and to lead guide and direct our paths. If you are guilty of being a social bully, then I urge you to stop that behavior immediately, and remember God created us all as individuals, we are all His creation, He loves each of us tremendously, and He doesn't make mistakes.
People are the happiest, when they are walking with God, and operating in their God given gifts whether on a football field or in a florist, whether married or single, and God is happy with them. God doesn't frown on a person who weeps no matter their gender, He created each of us with the ability to do so. Most people I know that have been taught not to cry end up having anger issues. Are these issues caused from being taught to suppress their tears? Possibly so. Again, Jesus wept. The teasing and ridicule that comes from social bullies is not out of concern for what they think God might say about something. It comes from concern for how they think it makes them appear, and they base that on what society says. If you need to cry by all means cry. I also urge you to love, encourage, and respect the God given gifts of others no matter what they are. After all they are just that, God given.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Christian Virtues
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 passage of scripture we are instructed to put on Christian virtues, meaning to take on or assume these qualities. We are told to forbear and forgive one another because we are all a constant work in progress, and none of us are perfect. Knowing this, it is important for us to recognize that we too on occasion will need forgiveness from others. With that said who are we not to be forgiving? More importantly, when it comes to forgiving one another we must remember that if Almighty God can forgive us for a multitude of sins, then who are we not to forgive one another? None of us have arrived when it comes to perfecting these virtues, and we will never perfect them because we are human beings, and as such we will remain a constant work in progress.
We are told to put on charity, and charity is love. Love is the crowning grace that completes the above list of virtues required for spiritual maturity. As a bond it binds all other virtues together in harmony and unity. We are instructed to let the peace of God rule in our hearts meaning that when we are at odds with one another, we should take a course of action that maintains peace and harmony whenever possible. The peace of God is the harmony and concord created by God among his people. When we as believers are forbearing, forgiving, and loving toward one another, peace reigns among God's people. The church is then fertile soil for the blessings produced by the Word of God.
If we are not merciful toward others why would we expect them to show us mercy? How much peace can we have in our life, if we know in our hearts we should have shown mercy to another and we failed to do so? We are further instructed to read and study God's Word so that it dwells in us. This benefits us in all areas of our lives. We are to let His Word dwell in us in all wisdom; to teach, warn, and advise one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord. When we notice a fellow believer backsliding in some manner or heading in a wrong direction, we need to reach out to them in love and with kindness, and let them know we care. We need to let them know we are there for them. We are also instructed to be humble. How can we have peace in our lives if we lack humility? I imagine one has to stay on alert at all times in order to maintain the attitude and level of pride they deem necessary in order to impress others. I can't see there being any peace in that. If you feel you're lacking in humility, I urge you to remember that Jesus Himself was born in a manger, and that He washed the disciples feet as an example for us all.
Finally we are instructed that all we do, whatever it is, in word or deed, we should do unto the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. When we do all we do to the glory of God there is no reason to grumble and complain. For example, if your boss is not kind to you, and you feel as though you are not treated fairly at work, instead of grumbling and complaining look at the situation differently. First pray about your situation, and then as you work do the best job you can reminding yourself that all you do is to the glory of God, and not man. Be patient remembering that God is always with you, and that He is all knowing. We are to give thanks to God for all things, and this should come naturally. We should have the desire in our hearts to thank God for all we are blessed with. He is deserving of more praise, worship, and thanks than we could ever possibly give Him.
If you desire God's divine peace in your life, along with the joy and contentment He wants you to have, then put on the Christian virtues He instructs us to wear. God's Word is truth, and I do not doubt, having total faith in Him, that if we do our part in following his instructions, His divine peace which is beyond description and surpasses all understanding will reign in our hearts filling our lives with joy.
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 passage of scripture we are instructed to put on Christian virtues, meaning to take on or assume these qualities. We are told to forbear and forgive one another because we are all a constant work in progress, and none of us are perfect. Knowing this, it is important for us to recognize that we too on occasion will need forgiveness from others. With that said who are we not to be forgiving? More importantly, when it comes to forgiving one another we must remember that if Almighty God can forgive us for a multitude of sins, then who are we not to forgive one another? None of us have arrived when it comes to perfecting these virtues, and we will never perfect them because we are human beings, and as such we will remain a constant work in progress.
We are told to put on charity, and charity is love. Love is the crowning grace that completes the above list of virtues required for spiritual maturity. As a bond it binds all other virtues together in harmony and unity. We are instructed to let the peace of God rule in our hearts meaning that when we are at odds with one another, we should take a course of action that maintains peace and harmony whenever possible. The peace of God is the harmony and concord created by God among his people. When we as believers are forbearing, forgiving, and loving toward one another, peace reigns among God's people. The church is then fertile soil for the blessings produced by the Word of God.
If we are not merciful toward others why would we expect them to show us mercy? How much peace can we have in our life, if we know in our hearts we should have shown mercy to another and we failed to do so? We are further instructed to read and study God's Word so that it dwells in us. This benefits us in all areas of our lives. We are to let His Word dwell in us in all wisdom; to teach, warn, and advise one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord. When we notice a fellow believer backsliding in some manner or heading in a wrong direction, we need to reach out to them in love and with kindness, and let them know we care. We need to let them know we are there for them. We are also instructed to be humble. How can we have peace in our lives if we lack humility? I imagine one has to stay on alert at all times in order to maintain the attitude and level of pride they deem necessary in order to impress others. I can't see there being any peace in that. If you feel you're lacking in humility, I urge you to remember that Jesus Himself was born in a manger, and that He washed the disciples feet as an example for us all.
Finally we are instructed that all we do, whatever it is, in word or deed, we should do unto the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. When we do all we do to the glory of God there is no reason to grumble and complain. For example, if your boss is not kind to you, and you feel as though you are not treated fairly at work, instead of grumbling and complaining look at the situation differently. First pray about your situation, and then as you work do the best job you can reminding yourself that all you do is to the glory of God, and not man. Be patient remembering that God is always with you, and that He is all knowing. We are to give thanks to God for all things, and this should come naturally. We should have the desire in our hearts to thank God for all we are blessed with. He is deserving of more praise, worship, and thanks than we could ever possibly give Him.
If you desire God's divine peace in your life, along with the joy and contentment He wants you to have, then put on the Christian virtues He instructs us to wear. God's Word is truth, and I do not doubt, having total faith in Him, that if we do our part in following his instructions, His divine peace which is beyond description and surpasses all understanding will reign in our hearts filling our lives with joy.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
What Do You See?
I Samuel 16:7 (KJV) Says, "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." Matthew 9:36 (KJV) Says, "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."
The above verses of scripture make it clear that God does not look at us in the same manner that we look at one another. He tells us that we tend to look at the outward appearance of others, and that he looks at what is on our hearts. The above verse taken from Matthew tells us that God looks on people and is moved with compassion at what he sees.
When you look at others, what do you see? Are you moved with compassion? When you people watch, and we all do, are you looking to see how they're dressed? What hairstyle they have? What they're driving? Who they're with? If they appear to be successful? If they appear to be poor?
Have you ever considered what God sees, when he looks at us? Looking at us with compassion, as he does, I don't believe he considers any of the things we look at of importance. Looking at us with compassion, he sees things such as hurting hearts, emotional pain, broken friendships, disappointments, loneliness, hurting marriages, sickness and disease, pain and suffering, weariness, exhaustion, hunger, and all other troubles and weaknesses.
God looks at us with love and compassion, and is ready to walk with us through whatever storms we face, while we look at one another seeing only shallow things. We tend to look at one another in a manner that critiques, and not in a manner that recognizes someone is in pain. If we looked at them with compassion as God does we may be moved to reach out to them with love and encouragement.
The next time you're among family, friends, or out in public, look at people differently, notice their facial expressions, do you see pain and sadness in their eyes? Do you see weariness and trouble on their face? Do they appear to be lonely? If so, reach out and witness to them. Tell them that God loves them right where they are. Tell them of all the good things God has done for you. Tell them they are a child of God, and that he loves them tremendously, that he is waiting for them to reach out to him. Tell them he will never leave them nor forsake them, and that we can do all things through Christ. Ask them if they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and if not offer to pray the sinners prayer with them. Encourage them, and let them know someone cares. Reminding someone that Jesus loves them, and offering them a few words of encouragement can be life changing.
I urge you to look at people differently, to notice the things that matter, and be ready to lift up, and encourage those who appear troubled. We all need lifting up and encouraging at times in our lives. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (KJV) Says, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." When you see someone who's down, reach out to them, lift them up, and encourage them. You never know, the next person who needs lifting up and encouraging might be 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.
The above verses of scripture make it clear that God does not look at us in the same manner that we look at one another. He tells us that we tend to look at the outward appearance of others, and that he looks at what is on our hearts. The above verse taken from Matthew tells us that God looks on people and is moved with compassion at what he sees.
When you look at others, what do you see? Are you moved with compassion? When you people watch, and we all do, are you looking to see how they're dressed? What hairstyle they have? What they're driving? Who they're with? If they appear to be successful? If they appear to be poor?
Have you ever considered what God sees, when he looks at us? Looking at us with compassion, as he does, I don't believe he considers any of the things we look at of importance. Looking at us with compassion, he sees things such as hurting hearts, emotional pain, broken friendships, disappointments, loneliness, hurting marriages, sickness and disease, pain and suffering, weariness, exhaustion, hunger, and all other troubles and weaknesses.
God looks at us with love and compassion, and is ready to walk with us through whatever storms we face, while we look at one another seeing only shallow things. We tend to look at one another in a manner that critiques, and not in a manner that recognizes someone is in pain. If we looked at them with compassion as God does we may be moved to reach out to them with love and encouragement.
The next time you're among family, friends, or out in public, look at people differently, notice their facial expressions, do you see pain and sadness in their eyes? Do you see weariness and trouble on their face? Do they appear to be lonely? If so, reach out and witness to them. Tell them that God loves them right where they are. Tell them of all the good things God has done for you. Tell them they are a child of God, and that he loves them tremendously, that he is waiting for them to reach out to him. Tell them he will never leave them nor forsake them, and that we can do all things through Christ. Ask them if they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and if not offer to pray the sinners prayer with them. Encourage them, and let them know someone cares. Reminding someone that Jesus loves them, and offering them a few words of encouragement can be life changing.
I urge you to look at people differently, to notice the things that matter, and be ready to lift up, and encourage those who appear troubled. We all need lifting up and encouraging at times in our lives. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (KJV) Says, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." When you see someone who's down, reach out to them, lift them up, and encourage them. You never know, the next person who needs lifting up and encouraging might be 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.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Time
Matthew 6:33 (KJV) Says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you." I Peter 2:2 (KJV) Says, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby:" II Timothy 3:16 (KJV) Says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
If we desire to have the best life we can possibly have, then it is imperative that we put God first in our lives. It is of tremendous importance that we set aside time to spend with God each and every day in order to have a close personal relationship with Him. The above verses of scripture are just a few of many that tell us that we need to seek God, and to spend time reading and studying his Word. The verse taken from Matthew tells us to seek God first and all of our needs will be given to us. The verse from I Peter tells us how important it is that we sincerely desire to read and study God's Word. It does so by comparing it to giving milk to a baby. If we withheld milk from a baby the results would be devastating. By using this analogy God has made the tremendous importance of spending time in his Word crystal clear. He makes it clear that just as a newborn will not grow without milk, we as Christians will not grow in our personal relationship with God without spending time in his Word. Reading the above verse taken from II Timothy should prompt everyone to make a point of spending time in God's Word. It plainly tells us that ALL scripture is God breathed, and it is where we find instructions on how to live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to Him. There is no possible way to follow the plan God has for our lives without setting aside time to read and study His instructions on how to do so.
There are so many excuses as to why people allow their Bibles to sit around the house collecting dust, that it would be impossible to list them all here. The truth is, if God is number one in our lives, and we desire to have a close personal relationship with Him we will make time for Him. Our personal relationship with God and spending time with Him should be our number one priority.
If you are one of those people who truly believes you have no time in your day to read and study God's Word, then you need to look over your schedule. Make certain that in all of your planning you plan to spend time praying, reading and studying God's Word, and meditating on it. Weed out of your plans whatever is necessary in order to set aside time for Him. I know everyone can make time for God if they so desire, and each of us should, because there is absolutely nothing more important than Him.
I encourage you to make time for God each and every day, and there are no acceptable excuses for not doing so. If we got half as excited about planning to spend time with God as we do planning a vacation that would be great. If we can spend weeks selecting a vacation designation, choosing a hotel, planning an itinerary, shopping for must haves to place in our luggage, and packing said luggage then I know we can take a moment to go over our schedules and set aside some time for God each day. That should be a priority, after all, he is number one in our lives. Right? If we can set aside time to watch television, play on our phones and computers, go out to dinner, go to the movies, go shopping, etc...then we can set aside time to spend with God.
The irony is that although when we spend time with God it is pleasing to Him, as He desires to have a close personal relationship with each of his children, the true benefactors from time spent with him are us. When we walk closely with God He meets all of our needs, He never leaves nor forsakes us, He gives us a divine peace, joy, comfort, protection, and so much more. We were born with freewill, however, and it is up to us to choose to spend time with Him, and to set aside the time to do so. It is up to us to decide to follow the plan He has for our lives, and accept all the precious gifts He has to offer. Where is your Bible? Do you open it only on Sundays? Do you even take it with you to Church? Does it sit closed in the same place day after day collecting dust? Have you had the same Bible for years, and yet it looks brand new? If so, I urge you to get your Bible out, and place it within reach of your favorite chair. Open it daily, and begin reading it. Pray for God to shine light on His Word, and to give you understanding as you read and study it, and you will be amazed. Begin reading anywhere you choose, if you're uncertain as to where to begin try Proverbs it's full of instruction. It doesn't matter where you begin reading, it only matters that you begin.
God has given us every blessing we have in our lives because He loves us so much. We can do all things through Him, and his power is limitless. He loves us right where we are, and desires a close relationship with us. He is there for us twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. He is the creator of all including our beautiful vacation destinations. He sent his only Son, being sinless, to die on the cross for our multitude of sins, so that we may have eternal life. Where is our excitement when it comes to God? Where is our excitement when it comes to the privilege of spending time with Him?
Put God first in your life, and keep Him there. Pray, read and study God's word, and meditate on it. Listen for God to lead, guide, and direct your path. Build a close personal relationship with Him, and follow the plan He has for your life. You will be amazed at all the great things God has in store 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.
If we desire to have the best life we can possibly have, then it is imperative that we put God first in our lives. It is of tremendous importance that we set aside time to spend with God each and every day in order to have a close personal relationship with Him. The above verses of scripture are just a few of many that tell us that we need to seek God, and to spend time reading and studying his Word. The verse taken from Matthew tells us to seek God first and all of our needs will be given to us. The verse from I Peter tells us how important it is that we sincerely desire to read and study God's Word. It does so by comparing it to giving milk to a baby. If we withheld milk from a baby the results would be devastating. By using this analogy God has made the tremendous importance of spending time in his Word crystal clear. He makes it clear that just as a newborn will not grow without milk, we as Christians will not grow in our personal relationship with God without spending time in his Word. Reading the above verse taken from II Timothy should prompt everyone to make a point of spending time in God's Word. It plainly tells us that ALL scripture is God breathed, and it is where we find instructions on how to live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to Him. There is no possible way to follow the plan God has for our lives without setting aside time to read and study His instructions on how to do so.
There are so many excuses as to why people allow their Bibles to sit around the house collecting dust, that it would be impossible to list them all here. The truth is, if God is number one in our lives, and we desire to have a close personal relationship with Him we will make time for Him. Our personal relationship with God and spending time with Him should be our number one priority.
If you are one of those people who truly believes you have no time in your day to read and study God's Word, then you need to look over your schedule. Make certain that in all of your planning you plan to spend time praying, reading and studying God's Word, and meditating on it. Weed out of your plans whatever is necessary in order to set aside time for Him. I know everyone can make time for God if they so desire, and each of us should, because there is absolutely nothing more important than Him.
I encourage you to make time for God each and every day, and there are no acceptable excuses for not doing so. If we got half as excited about planning to spend time with God as we do planning a vacation that would be great. If we can spend weeks selecting a vacation designation, choosing a hotel, planning an itinerary, shopping for must haves to place in our luggage, and packing said luggage then I know we can take a moment to go over our schedules and set aside some time for God each day. That should be a priority, after all, he is number one in our lives. Right? If we can set aside time to watch television, play on our phones and computers, go out to dinner, go to the movies, go shopping, etc...then we can set aside time to spend with God.
The irony is that although when we spend time with God it is pleasing to Him, as He desires to have a close personal relationship with each of his children, the true benefactors from time spent with him are us. When we walk closely with God He meets all of our needs, He never leaves nor forsakes us, He gives us a divine peace, joy, comfort, protection, and so much more. We were born with freewill, however, and it is up to us to choose to spend time with Him, and to set aside the time to do so. It is up to us to decide to follow the plan He has for our lives, and accept all the precious gifts He has to offer. Where is your Bible? Do you open it only on Sundays? Do you even take it with you to Church? Does it sit closed in the same place day after day collecting dust? Have you had the same Bible for years, and yet it looks brand new? If so, I urge you to get your Bible out, and place it within reach of your favorite chair. Open it daily, and begin reading it. Pray for God to shine light on His Word, and to give you understanding as you read and study it, and you will be amazed. Begin reading anywhere you choose, if you're uncertain as to where to begin try Proverbs it's full of instruction. It doesn't matter where you begin reading, it only matters that you begin.
God has given us every blessing we have in our lives because He loves us so much. We can do all things through Him, and his power is limitless. He loves us right where we are, and desires a close relationship with us. He is there for us twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. He is the creator of all including our beautiful vacation destinations. He sent his only Son, being sinless, to die on the cross for our multitude of sins, so that we may have eternal life. Where is our excitement when it comes to God? Where is our excitement when it comes to the privilege of spending time with Him?
Put God first in your life, and keep Him there. Pray, read and study God's word, and meditate on it. Listen for God to lead, guide, and direct your path. Build a close personal relationship with Him, and follow the plan He has for your life. You will be amazed at all the great things God has in store 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.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Self-Examination
Luke 6:37-42 (KJV) Says, "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye."
Jesus in the above passage of scripture is addressing the issue of our judging and condemning one another. He warns us that what we give out is what we get back in return. He also warns against behaving as though we sit above others and can judge them with condemnation. The power to condemn someone is Gods and Gods alone. When Jesus uses the term perfect He is referring to one being knowledgeable regarding instruction and teaching, when passing information on to another; not perfect as in sinless. There are no perfect human beings. Romans 3:23 (KJV) Says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Jesus states that we must remove the beam, which is a rafter used in a building, out of our own eye before removing the mote, which is a small speck of sawdust or straw out of our brother's eye. Jesus uses the beam to represent a large fault, and the mote to represent a small fault. By using the terms beam and mote, and the phrase blind leading the blind, Jesus is pointing out that we should conduct a self-inventory, and address our own faults and weaknesses prior to pointing out to others the faults we see in them, if we desire to be effective. Jesus tells us that to ignore our own faults, and move forward pointing out faults in others is to be a hypocrite. Do as I say, and not as I do has never been, nor will it ever be, an effective testimony in encouraging others to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I don't think any of us want to stand before God on judgment day and explain why we lived as a hypocrite who condemned others, in lieu of following the instructions given to us in God's word on how to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
As witnesses for Jesus Christ we need to follow the example He set for us, and that example is well documented in God's Word. When Jesus went about teaching among non-believers He didn't do it in a condemning way. To follow the example He set for us is to practice love, patience, kindness, mercy, understanding, compassion, forgiveness, and all things good. When we approach a non-believer in a judgmental and condemning way we are doing more harm than good in most instances. When we behave like this, there's a high risk of running people further away from the Lord. Many will look at a self-proclaimed Christian behaving in a judgmental, condemning manner, and decide that if that's how Christians behave they want no part of it. If we approach someone in love, with compassion, understanding, and kindness, they are more apt to listen and more apt to want the joy, divine peace and contentment they see in us. The way we live our lives is a huge part of our testimony, and it speaks volumes as to what accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior has done for us.
With that said, I'm not implying that we should stand by as someone commits a sin and behave as though we approve, or that God approves. The point is we must work on our own faults and correct them prior to approaching others regarding their faults and suggesting how they can correct them. As Christians we need to hold one another accountable for behaviors that we recognize in one another that do not fit who we are as followers of Christ. It is, however, imperative that we do this with love, compassion, and understanding, not with judgment and condemnation.
I urge you to conduct a self-examination immediately, and begin working on the issues that need addressing in your life. Pull the beam out of your eye, and prepare to head out into the world ready to help your brother remove the mote from his. Make a conscience effort to be the best Christian example you can be causing others to desire what you have. Witness to others in love and kindness, demonstrating through your behavior, what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you
Jesus in the above passage of scripture is addressing the issue of our judging and condemning one another. He warns us that what we give out is what we get back in return. He also warns against behaving as though we sit above others and can judge them with condemnation. The power to condemn someone is Gods and Gods alone. When Jesus uses the term perfect He is referring to one being knowledgeable regarding instruction and teaching, when passing information on to another; not perfect as in sinless. There are no perfect human beings. Romans 3:23 (KJV) Says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Jesus states that we must remove the beam, which is a rafter used in a building, out of our own eye before removing the mote, which is a small speck of sawdust or straw out of our brother's eye. Jesus uses the beam to represent a large fault, and the mote to represent a small fault. By using the terms beam and mote, and the phrase blind leading the blind, Jesus is pointing out that we should conduct a self-inventory, and address our own faults and weaknesses prior to pointing out to others the faults we see in them, if we desire to be effective. Jesus tells us that to ignore our own faults, and move forward pointing out faults in others is to be a hypocrite. Do as I say, and not as I do has never been, nor will it ever be, an effective testimony in encouraging others to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I don't think any of us want to stand before God on judgment day and explain why we lived as a hypocrite who condemned others, in lieu of following the instructions given to us in God's word on how to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
As witnesses for Jesus Christ we need to follow the example He set for us, and that example is well documented in God's Word. When Jesus went about teaching among non-believers He didn't do it in a condemning way. To follow the example He set for us is to practice love, patience, kindness, mercy, understanding, compassion, forgiveness, and all things good. When we approach a non-believer in a judgmental and condemning way we are doing more harm than good in most instances. When we behave like this, there's a high risk of running people further away from the Lord. Many will look at a self-proclaimed Christian behaving in a judgmental, condemning manner, and decide that if that's how Christians behave they want no part of it. If we approach someone in love, with compassion, understanding, and kindness, they are more apt to listen and more apt to want the joy, divine peace and contentment they see in us. The way we live our lives is a huge part of our testimony, and it speaks volumes as to what accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior has done for us.
With that said, I'm not implying that we should stand by as someone commits a sin and behave as though we approve, or that God approves. The point is we must work on our own faults and correct them prior to approaching others regarding their faults and suggesting how they can correct them. As Christians we need to hold one another accountable for behaviors that we recognize in one another that do not fit who we are as followers of Christ. It is, however, imperative that we do this with love, compassion, and understanding, not with judgment and condemnation.
I urge you to conduct a self-examination immediately, and begin working on the issues that need addressing in your life. Pull the beam out of your eye, and prepare to head out into the world ready to help your brother remove the mote from his. Make a conscience effort to be the best Christian example you can be causing others to desire what you have. Witness to others in love and kindness, demonstrating through your behavior, what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you
Sunday, August 4, 2013
A Godly Influence
II Timothy 3:16 (KJV) Says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;" Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) Says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
The above verse taken from II Timothy is advising us that all scripture is from God, and that His Word contains the instructions we need in order to live our lives in a Godly manner. This verse tells us God's Word can be used for doctrine, which is to tell us what to believe, for reproof, which is to tell us what is wrong, for correction, meaning to tell us how to correct a wrong, and for instruction in righteousness, meaning to instruct us on the way we are to live and conduct ourselves as followers of Jesus Christ. The second verse of scripture listed above taken from Proverbs tells us the importance of teaching the children in our lives right from wrong, and setting an example for them to follow. This scripture tells us that if we teach them right from wrongs as youngsters they will remember what we taught them for the rest of their lives.
I know firsthand that when we teach children by example, using God's word as instruction, it remains with them for the rest of their lives. Those of you who have read my blog in the past know that my Grandmother, who I called Granny, was a wonderful Christian woman, and that she had a tremendous Godly influence on my life. She was loving, forgiving, kind, patient, merciful, compassionate, she helped anyone in anyway she could, and I never once saw her lose her temper. She showed me what it meant to live our lives in accordance with the example Jesus set for us to follow. She taught me many things using instructions taken from God's word, and she did so in a kind, and effective manner. Not once did she scream and yell scripture at me, not once did she condemn me or advise me that I was going to hell in a hand basket, not once did she judge me, and not once did she beat me over the head with her Bible.
Granny had a way of teaching me valuable lessons in a loving manner. For instance, I was angry with one of my friends one day, and began spouting off what I thought my friend deserved as punishment for the wrong she had done even though she had apologized. Granny said "well, you should forgive her. We shouldn't throw stones at people, because we all make mistakes, and need forgiveness ourselves at one time or another." As I grew older I learned of John 8:7 (KJV) which says, "So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." Granny had taught me a biblical lesson. She put what Jesus said to those who were of the opinion a woman should be stoned to death for a sin she had committed, into terms a child could understand. I have not forgotten that lesson, and I am much quicker to forgive.
Growing up I had a bit of a temper, and I went through a stage where when I got angry, I would remain angry for quite a while. One day we went to visit Granny, and I can't remember why, but I was angry because of something that had occurred earlier that afternoon. We visited for about an hour or so before my Mom said we needed to leave. I was obviously still angry so Granny came over, and sat down beside me on the sofa. She ask me what was wrong, I proceeded to tell her, adding that I was furious, as if my attitude had not made that obvious. She told me it was okay to get angry, and that it was normal to do so on occasion, but that I shouldn't stay angry. She said holding onto anger only hurts the person carrying it, and the person you are angry with is probably not thinking about the situation at all. They are probably off having a good time somewhere while you are allowing anger to spoil your day. She told me she loved me, told me to forgive the person, and not to go to bed angry. She said we should never go to bed angry. I thanked her, told her I loved her, and thought about what she had said on the ride home. Knowing Granny was right, I opted to heed her advice, and am proud to say that I didn't go to bed angry. Ephesians 4:26 (KJV) Says, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:"
As far back as I can remember, one of my pet peeves has been snobbery. I cannot understand how someone can walk around behaving as if they are better than someone else. I told Granny one day about a girl I knew in high school that I believed might be the snob of all snobs, and that just watching her behavior brought me instant nausea. She told me not to let this girls behavior upset me. She said God sees all things, and to remember that a bird never flies so high it doesn't have to come down for water. Proverbs 16:18 (KJV) Says, "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Those are just a few of the biblical lessons Granny passed on to me. There are many more. She taught me each of them by example, with love, patience, kindness, compassion, and understanding. I have never forgotten a single one of those valuable lessons, and they come flooding back to me every time I need one of them. I could never thank my Granny enough for those teachings, and the Christ like example she set for me, but I am certainly grateful for them, and for her. Granny went home to be with the Lord in December of 1988, but my tremendous love and respect for her, the treasured memories she left me, and the Godly influence she had on my life will live forever in my heart.
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 verse taken from II Timothy is advising us that all scripture is from God, and that His Word contains the instructions we need in order to live our lives in a Godly manner. This verse tells us God's Word can be used for doctrine, which is to tell us what to believe, for reproof, which is to tell us what is wrong, for correction, meaning to tell us how to correct a wrong, and for instruction in righteousness, meaning to instruct us on the way we are to live and conduct ourselves as followers of Jesus Christ. The second verse of scripture listed above taken from Proverbs tells us the importance of teaching the children in our lives right from wrong, and setting an example for them to follow. This scripture tells us that if we teach them right from wrongs as youngsters they will remember what we taught them for the rest of their lives.
I know firsthand that when we teach children by example, using God's word as instruction, it remains with them for the rest of their lives. Those of you who have read my blog in the past know that my Grandmother, who I called Granny, was a wonderful Christian woman, and that she had a tremendous Godly influence on my life. She was loving, forgiving, kind, patient, merciful, compassionate, she helped anyone in anyway she could, and I never once saw her lose her temper. She showed me what it meant to live our lives in accordance with the example Jesus set for us to follow. She taught me many things using instructions taken from God's word, and she did so in a kind, and effective manner. Not once did she scream and yell scripture at me, not once did she condemn me or advise me that I was going to hell in a hand basket, not once did she judge me, and not once did she beat me over the head with her Bible.
Granny had a way of teaching me valuable lessons in a loving manner. For instance, I was angry with one of my friends one day, and began spouting off what I thought my friend deserved as punishment for the wrong she had done even though she had apologized. Granny said "well, you should forgive her. We shouldn't throw stones at people, because we all make mistakes, and need forgiveness ourselves at one time or another." As I grew older I learned of John 8:7 (KJV) which says, "So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." Granny had taught me a biblical lesson. She put what Jesus said to those who were of the opinion a woman should be stoned to death for a sin she had committed, into terms a child could understand. I have not forgotten that lesson, and I am much quicker to forgive.
Growing up I had a bit of a temper, and I went through a stage where when I got angry, I would remain angry for quite a while. One day we went to visit Granny, and I can't remember why, but I was angry because of something that had occurred earlier that afternoon. We visited for about an hour or so before my Mom said we needed to leave. I was obviously still angry so Granny came over, and sat down beside me on the sofa. She ask me what was wrong, I proceeded to tell her, adding that I was furious, as if my attitude had not made that obvious. She told me it was okay to get angry, and that it was normal to do so on occasion, but that I shouldn't stay angry. She said holding onto anger only hurts the person carrying it, and the person you are angry with is probably not thinking about the situation at all. They are probably off having a good time somewhere while you are allowing anger to spoil your day. She told me she loved me, told me to forgive the person, and not to go to bed angry. She said we should never go to bed angry. I thanked her, told her I loved her, and thought about what she had said on the ride home. Knowing Granny was right, I opted to heed her advice, and am proud to say that I didn't go to bed angry. Ephesians 4:26 (KJV) Says, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:"
As far back as I can remember, one of my pet peeves has been snobbery. I cannot understand how someone can walk around behaving as if they are better than someone else. I told Granny one day about a girl I knew in high school that I believed might be the snob of all snobs, and that just watching her behavior brought me instant nausea. She told me not to let this girls behavior upset me. She said God sees all things, and to remember that a bird never flies so high it doesn't have to come down for water. Proverbs 16:18 (KJV) Says, "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Those are just a few of the biblical lessons Granny passed on to me. There are many more. She taught me each of them by example, with love, patience, kindness, compassion, and understanding. I have never forgotten a single one of those valuable lessons, and they come flooding back to me every time I need one of them. I could never thank my Granny enough for those teachings, and the Christ like example she set for me, but I am certainly grateful for them, and for her. Granny went home to be with the Lord in December of 1988, but my tremendous love and respect for her, the treasured memories she left me, and the Godly influence she had on my life will live forever in my heart.
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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