Matthew 24:3-14 (KJV) Says, "And as He sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto Him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines and pestilences and earthquakes in divers places. All these are the beginnings of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up too be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Luke 21:11 (KJV) Says, "And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. Mark 13:12 (KJV) Says, "Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death." Mark 13:32 (KJV) Says, "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father."
In the above passages of scripture Jesus is discussing with His disciples the signs of his coming, and of the end of the world. Jesus tells them that many will come in His name claiming to be Christ and will deceive many. He tells them that there will be wars and rumors of wars, that nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. He tells them that there will be famines, pestilences which are diseases, and earthquakes in strange places. He says there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. He tells them that they will be delivered up, afflicted, killed, and hated by all nations for his sake. Jesus says toward the end of time people will be easily offended, people will betray one another, and hate one another. There will be many false prophets going about deceiving many people, and because sin in the world is so great the love of many shall grow cold. Jesus adds that brothers will betray one another to death, fathers and sons will do the same, and children will rise up against there parents and cause them to be put to death. Jesus goes on to tell them that once the gospel is preached in all the world then the end will come.
All of the signs that Jesus tells the disciples will indicate the end of the world is near are happening now, and if there is anyone who doesn't see it all they need to do to gain proof is turn on fifteen minutes of the news. No one knows exactly when Jesus will return except God, but the signs that His return is near are more than evident. It is so important that we as Christians take advantage of every opportunity we get to witness to others before it's too late. We never know number one, when Jesus will return, and number two when we may pass away, and either of these would catch an unsaved soul off guard, and leave them spending eternity in Hell. I was recently hospitalized with the flu, double pneumonia, and a new onset of diabetes. Upon admission I was so confused that I had know idea what was going on and I still do not remember any of it. I also had my blood sugar surge a couple of days later while still in the hospital, and at that time I was confused also, and I remember nothing about that episode either. Both upon admission and upon the surge in blood sugar I literally almost died. Had I been lost and without Jesus, it would have been too late for me, It all happened so fast and so unexpectedly, and something like this could happen to anyone that is why it is so important that we come to know Jesus while there is still time.
Do you have the desire in your heart to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, but you've been putting it off? Do you think well I'm young I'll get to it? Do you think well I'm healthy no need to rush into it? Do you think things like I have plenty of time to get saved before I die? Friends I can't stress enough the fact that when it comes to accepting God's precious gift of eternal life the time is now. If you have the desire to accept Christ I am pleading with you to do so immediately, right where you are. It is the most important decision you will ever make, and it is the greatest thing you will ever do. You will experience a joy, divine peace and contentment like you have never before known. Just go to God in prayer ask Him to forgive you for all of your sins, tell Him you believe that Jesus was born, that He died on the cross for your sins, and that He rose again. Ask Him to come into your heart and be your Lord and Savior. If you prayed this pray, you are a new creature in Christ, and can rest knowing that you will spend eternity with Him in heaven.
If you have a pray 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, January 26, 2014
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
With God You Can
Exodus 4:10-12 (KJV) Says, "And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou has spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say."
Judges 6:14-16 (KJV) Says, "And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? And he said unto Him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man."
God has a plan for each of our lives, and he can accomplish all he desires to accomplish through us, if we will surrender our lives to Him. When God created us he gave each of us gifts, and talents to be utilized in service to him. We have various interests and those interests normally coincide with the gifts, and skills that God has blessed us with individually. When God calls us to use these gifts by opening a door for us or nudging us in a certain direction, however, many of us hesitate and remain in place out of fear that we are not worthy or capable of accomplishing what He has called us to do.
Lacking confidence and feeling fearful is not something that is at all new. As you can see from the above passages of scripture taken from Exodus, Moses when called to lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt had no confidence in himself. He told the Lord that he was not eloquent, and that he was slow of speech. He all but said Lord you've got the wrong guy. God reminded Moses that he made man's mouth, the dumb, deaf, the seeing, and the blind, and advised him that He would be with his mouth and teach him what he should say.
Another example of God using someone who didn't feel capable of accomplishing the task he was called to accomplish is Gideon. God called Gideon to save Israel from the hand of the Midianites, and Gideon was convinced that the task was to great for him. He told God that his family was poor, and that he was the least of all them in his father's house. The Lord reassured Gideon He would be with him, and that he would have victory over the Midianites as one man.
It seems Moses and Gideon forgot that God created them and that He was well aware of the gifts He had given them, and of what He could accomplish by working through them. This is something we are guilty of as well, when we hesitate to step out in faith to accomplish something God has called us to do. Moses and Gideon were thinking only about what they felt they were able to do in the flesh without considering that with God working through them there was nothing they couldn't do. They could have saved themselves some grief by not focusing on their human abilities, but rather focusing on the faith they had in God and His ability to accomplish anything He desired to accomplish by working through them.
Most if not all of us have been guilty of focusing on ourselves and our human abilities on occasion, when that is a complete waste of time. We fair much better when we put God into the equation and remind ourselves that we can do all things through Him. When we are called by God to do something and we question our ability to do it, we are not questioning our ability, we are questioning God's. We are demonstrating a lack of faith in God, when we hesitate and behave as though we are uncertain as to whether we can accomplish a task He has called us to do. God will not call us to do something and abandon us. He will be with us every step of the way, and He will see to it that the task is a success.
When you feel God is calling you to a task, I urge you to remember that He has a plan for each of us, and that He has equipped us with the gifts, talents, and skills necessary to accomplish all He calls us to do. Remember Moses and Gideon and how the Lord used these least likely individuals to accomplish great things. He used Moses and Gideon and He can use you. Don't think about yourself and what you feel you are humanly capable of, consider what God is capable of accomplishing by working through you. The next time He calls you to a task, step out in faith without excuses, knowing you can trust and rely on Almighty God. He will lead, guide, and direct you, and He will see you through all He has called you to do.
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.
Judges 6:14-16 (KJV) Says, "And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? And he said unto Him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man."
God has a plan for each of our lives, and he can accomplish all he desires to accomplish through us, if we will surrender our lives to Him. When God created us he gave each of us gifts, and talents to be utilized in service to him. We have various interests and those interests normally coincide with the gifts, and skills that God has blessed us with individually. When God calls us to use these gifts by opening a door for us or nudging us in a certain direction, however, many of us hesitate and remain in place out of fear that we are not worthy or capable of accomplishing what He has called us to do.
Lacking confidence and feeling fearful is not something that is at all new. As you can see from the above passages of scripture taken from Exodus, Moses when called to lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt had no confidence in himself. He told the Lord that he was not eloquent, and that he was slow of speech. He all but said Lord you've got the wrong guy. God reminded Moses that he made man's mouth, the dumb, deaf, the seeing, and the blind, and advised him that He would be with his mouth and teach him what he should say.
Another example of God using someone who didn't feel capable of accomplishing the task he was called to accomplish is Gideon. God called Gideon to save Israel from the hand of the Midianites, and Gideon was convinced that the task was to great for him. He told God that his family was poor, and that he was the least of all them in his father's house. The Lord reassured Gideon He would be with him, and that he would have victory over the Midianites as one man.
It seems Moses and Gideon forgot that God created them and that He was well aware of the gifts He had given them, and of what He could accomplish by working through them. This is something we are guilty of as well, when we hesitate to step out in faith to accomplish something God has called us to do. Moses and Gideon were thinking only about what they felt they were able to do in the flesh without considering that with God working through them there was nothing they couldn't do. They could have saved themselves some grief by not focusing on their human abilities, but rather focusing on the faith they had in God and His ability to accomplish anything He desired to accomplish by working through them.
Most if not all of us have been guilty of focusing on ourselves and our human abilities on occasion, when that is a complete waste of time. We fair much better when we put God into the equation and remind ourselves that we can do all things through Him. When we are called by God to do something and we question our ability to do it, we are not questioning our ability, we are questioning God's. We are demonstrating a lack of faith in God, when we hesitate and behave as though we are uncertain as to whether we can accomplish a task He has called us to do. God will not call us to do something and abandon us. He will be with us every step of the way, and He will see to it that the task is a success.
When you feel God is calling you to a task, I urge you to remember that He has a plan for each of us, and that He has equipped us with the gifts, talents, and skills necessary to accomplish all He calls us to do. Remember Moses and Gideon and how the Lord used these least likely individuals to accomplish great things. He used Moses and Gideon and He can use you. Don't think about yourself and what you feel you are humanly capable of, consider what God is capable of accomplishing by working through you. The next time He calls you to a task, step out in faith without excuses, knowing you can trust and rely on Almighty God. He will lead, guide, and direct you, and He will see you through all He has called you to do.
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, January 19, 2014
How Do You Walk?
Galatians 5:22 (KJV) Says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith," I John 4:7-8 (KJV) Says, "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." John 13:35 (KJV) Says, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
The above verse of scripture taken from Galatians lists the fruits that we as Christians should be filled with in the Spirit. The passage taken from I John tells us that we are to love one another, that love is of God, and that God is love. Finally, the last verse listed above taken from John tells us that people will be able to identify us as disciples of Jesus Christ through our love for one another.
To be a Christian means to be Christ-like by definition. When Jesus came to earth as a man he demonstrated for us what living an obedient Christian life looks like. He demonstrated it through the fruit of the Spirit, and through His tremendous love for all people.
During the time that Jesus spent on earth there were those believers who were so hung up on the law that they failed to remember the importance of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, and faith. They were so hung up on the law that they failed to demonstrate love, compassion and understanding toward their fellow man. The moment they came across someone guilty of a sin they were ready to stone them to death without hesitation, if that's what the law said to do, yet Jesus did not respond in the same way when He was face to face with a sinner. As a matter of fact, he handled sinners that came before Him in a manner that forced those who looked on in judgment to take a good look at themselves and the sins they had committed. A great example of this is found in John 8:7 (KJV) when a crowd of people are ready to stone a woman caught in the act of adultery and Jesus tells them that the person among them without sin should cast the first stone. The crowd disperses as they are well aware each one of them has sinned. Jesus is left alone with the woman and He merely says to her that her sins are forgiven her and to go and sin no more.
Notice Jesus put the crowd in their place for being so eager to stone this woman, when they themselves were also sinners, and that He did it in a calm manner with few words. Notice that Jesus did not deem it necessary to belittle the woman, scream at her, or lecture her for several hours, but rather knowing she was not proud of her sin He showed her forgiveness, love and compassion something she did not receive from the crowd so eager to stone her. Jesus walked in love. He didn't go around yelling and screaming at people to change their ways or they'd go to Hell. He didn't shout out judgmental statements, and go about condemning people. He didn't gossip with his disciples about people He met along the way, and He didn't go about demonstrating hate for any group of people. God is love and he loves all people no matter their sins.
Friends how do you walk? Do you walk in the fruit of the Spirit demonstrating love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness and faith? Do you love everyone as God instructs us to do? Do you witness to others with kindness and compassion as you attempt to lead lost souls to the Lord? Do you treat people in a way that causes them to desire what you have in Christ? As you go out into the world each day I urge you to remember the example Jesus set for us, and to follow it. I urge you to walk in love toward others so that by this people will recognize and Identify you as a disciple of Jesus Christ. In short, love God, and love others remembering always that God is love.
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 Galatians lists the fruits that we as Christians should be filled with in the Spirit. The passage taken from I John tells us that we are to love one another, that love is of God, and that God is love. Finally, the last verse listed above taken from John tells us that people will be able to identify us as disciples of Jesus Christ through our love for one another.
To be a Christian means to be Christ-like by definition. When Jesus came to earth as a man he demonstrated for us what living an obedient Christian life looks like. He demonstrated it through the fruit of the Spirit, and through His tremendous love for all people.
During the time that Jesus spent on earth there were those believers who were so hung up on the law that they failed to remember the importance of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, and faith. They were so hung up on the law that they failed to demonstrate love, compassion and understanding toward their fellow man. The moment they came across someone guilty of a sin they were ready to stone them to death without hesitation, if that's what the law said to do, yet Jesus did not respond in the same way when He was face to face with a sinner. As a matter of fact, he handled sinners that came before Him in a manner that forced those who looked on in judgment to take a good look at themselves and the sins they had committed. A great example of this is found in John 8:7 (KJV) when a crowd of people are ready to stone a woman caught in the act of adultery and Jesus tells them that the person among them without sin should cast the first stone. The crowd disperses as they are well aware each one of them has sinned. Jesus is left alone with the woman and He merely says to her that her sins are forgiven her and to go and sin no more.
Notice Jesus put the crowd in their place for being so eager to stone this woman, when they themselves were also sinners, and that He did it in a calm manner with few words. Notice that Jesus did not deem it necessary to belittle the woman, scream at her, or lecture her for several hours, but rather knowing she was not proud of her sin He showed her forgiveness, love and compassion something she did not receive from the crowd so eager to stone her. Jesus walked in love. He didn't go around yelling and screaming at people to change their ways or they'd go to Hell. He didn't shout out judgmental statements, and go about condemning people. He didn't gossip with his disciples about people He met along the way, and He didn't go about demonstrating hate for any group of people. God is love and he loves all people no matter their sins.
Friends how do you walk? Do you walk in the fruit of the Spirit demonstrating love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness and faith? Do you love everyone as God instructs us to do? Do you witness to others with kindness and compassion as you attempt to lead lost souls to the Lord? Do you treat people in a way that causes them to desire what you have in Christ? As you go out into the world each day I urge you to remember the example Jesus set for us, and to follow it. I urge you to walk in love toward others so that by this people will recognize and Identify you as a disciple of Jesus Christ. In short, love God, and love others remembering always that God is love.
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, January 15, 2014
Don't Look Back
Genesis 19:15-17 (KJV) Says, "And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed."
In the above passage of scripture, God sends angels to deliver Lot, his wife, and his daughters out of Sodom before it is destroyed for the multitude of sins that were being committed in that city. Lot and his family are told to escape for their lives and not to look back or they would be consumed.
God delivered Lot and his family out of Sodom before it was destroyed for reasons listed in Ezekiel 16:49-50 (KJV) which says, "Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good." As most of us know, Lot's wife disobeyed the instructions from God, looked back upon the city as they were leaving, and was turned into a pillar of salt. The one instruction she was given not to look back she failed to follow, and the consequences were as God said they would be, she was consumed.
Have you ever prayed to be delivered from something? Has God ever delivered you from something without you asking? Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are in tremendous fear, and you're desperate for God to deliver you? When you are initially delivered from a vice or trial in your life, are you elated praising and thanking God? Do you find yourself promising him that you will never go back to whatever it is? As time goes on do you then begin to slide back into your old ways forgetting the fear and desperation you faced, when you were begging God to deliver you? Once you are delivered I encourage you to move forward without looking back remembering what happen to Lot's wife. She could not resist looking back on the worldly things she was leaving behind in Sodom, and that was her demise.
We can go to God in prayer and ask for His help in delivering us from any situation or vice that has a hold on us. If God can deliver Lot and his family from a city filled with wickedness, and then completely destroy the city, He can certainly deliver us from the things we need to leave behind in our lives. Most of us have something that we need to be delivered from. Some examples of things people may need help with are bad eating habits, smoking, drinking in excess, cursing, anger, pride, envy, greed, jealousy, and the list goes on and on. My point is we all have something in our lives that we would like to be rid of, and in some cases it is more than one thing. The good news is that just as God delivered Lot and his family from Sodom showing them mercy, He will deliver us and show us mercy as well.
Are there things in your life that don't fit who you are as a Christian? Are you hanging out in places you don't belong searching for a happiness that cannot be found there? Are you facing problems with alcoholism, gambling, drugs, or some other addiction? Are you facing trouble in your marriage or problems with your girlfriend/boyfriend, and this has consumed you? Are you struggling with anger, greed, envy, jealousy, or any other negative emotion?
Whatever you're facing and need to be delivered from, remember nothing is to great for Almighty God to handle. Take your problems to God in prayer, do your part, and watch Him work. Ask Him to deliver you from whatever vice has a hold on you, and when He takes it away don't look back as Lot's wife did. Instead, leave whatever it is behind you, and move ahead following the plan God has for your life. When we seek God's help and rid ourselves of the things that don't belong in our lives then we will be free to live the life filled with divine peace, contentment, and joy that our Heavenly Father wants us to have. Remain focused on God, don't look back, and He will do greater things in your life than you could ever have imagined.
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, God sends angels to deliver Lot, his wife, and his daughters out of Sodom before it is destroyed for the multitude of sins that were being committed in that city. Lot and his family are told to escape for their lives and not to look back or they would be consumed.
God delivered Lot and his family out of Sodom before it was destroyed for reasons listed in Ezekiel 16:49-50 (KJV) which says, "Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good." As most of us know, Lot's wife disobeyed the instructions from God, looked back upon the city as they were leaving, and was turned into a pillar of salt. The one instruction she was given not to look back she failed to follow, and the consequences were as God said they would be, she was consumed.
Have you ever prayed to be delivered from something? Has God ever delivered you from something without you asking? Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are in tremendous fear, and you're desperate for God to deliver you? When you are initially delivered from a vice or trial in your life, are you elated praising and thanking God? Do you find yourself promising him that you will never go back to whatever it is? As time goes on do you then begin to slide back into your old ways forgetting the fear and desperation you faced, when you were begging God to deliver you? Once you are delivered I encourage you to move forward without looking back remembering what happen to Lot's wife. She could not resist looking back on the worldly things she was leaving behind in Sodom, and that was her demise.
We can go to God in prayer and ask for His help in delivering us from any situation or vice that has a hold on us. If God can deliver Lot and his family from a city filled with wickedness, and then completely destroy the city, He can certainly deliver us from the things we need to leave behind in our lives. Most of us have something that we need to be delivered from. Some examples of things people may need help with are bad eating habits, smoking, drinking in excess, cursing, anger, pride, envy, greed, jealousy, and the list goes on and on. My point is we all have something in our lives that we would like to be rid of, and in some cases it is more than one thing. The good news is that just as God delivered Lot and his family from Sodom showing them mercy, He will deliver us and show us mercy as well.
Are there things in your life that don't fit who you are as a Christian? Are you hanging out in places you don't belong searching for a happiness that cannot be found there? Are you facing problems with alcoholism, gambling, drugs, or some other addiction? Are you facing trouble in your marriage or problems with your girlfriend/boyfriend, and this has consumed you? Are you struggling with anger, greed, envy, jealousy, or any other negative emotion?
Whatever you're facing and need to be delivered from, remember nothing is to great for Almighty God to handle. Take your problems to God in prayer, do your part, and watch Him work. Ask Him to deliver you from whatever vice has a hold on you, and when He takes it away don't look back as Lot's wife did. Instead, leave whatever it is behind you, and move ahead following the plan God has for your life. When we seek God's help and rid ourselves of the things that don't belong in our lives then we will be free to live the life filled with divine peace, contentment, and joy that our Heavenly Father wants us to have. Remain focused on God, don't look back, and He will do greater things in your life than you could ever have imagined.
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, January 12, 2014
God Help Me
Psalm 18:2 (KJV) Says, "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."
The above verse of scripture is one of my favorites, and I often profess it either out loud or to myself because I find great comfort in it. I remind people of God's promises and all He says He will be to us. I also remind them that when we surrender our lives to God and live in obedience to Him it is not unusual for Satan to kick his antics up a notch in an attempt to cause us to abandon God. Fear not, however, because God is more powerful than Satan.
Quite recently I found myself in a position that required me to practice what I preach to those who are facing trials. First let me admit that in the past I have not been one to go to the doctor for any reason unless it is an emergency. I realize now that was a mistake, however, and that I have to go to the doctor when necessary or else things can and will spin rapidly out of control. So here's my story. I had not felt well in some time, and I had a pretty good idea that I may have diabetes because of some of the symptoms I was having. I honestly thought if I lost some weight the symptoms would subside, and I would be fine. I lost 46 pounds and the symptoms remained. I still opted not to go to the doctor. On top of having the symptoms of diabetes, I caught the flu, and in the midst of this became confused and barely able to stay conscience yet I still refused to go to the doctor. My younger sister saved my life by giving me two choices go to the doctor or she was calling an ambulance. I opted for the doctor. My niece drove me to the doctor's office which I do not remember, and from there they called an ambulance because my oxygen level was 51, I was in fact diabetic, I was in renal failure, respiratory failure, I had the flu, and I had double pneumonia. I heard the doctor tell my niece she has to go by ambulance you can ride with her, but if you drive her she is not going to make it.
Now here I am flat on my back literally dying, and I'm in and out of consciousness. The first thing I remember thinking when I was with it for a minute was God help me. You are my rock and my strength I put my faith and trust in you. God gave me peace and comfort instantly, and I have no doubt we upset Satan. I was moved from the emergency room to intensive care, and remained there until I was stable. With every hurdle I reminded myself that God is my rock and my strength, and that I can do all things through him that strengthens me. I told God I loved him with all my heart, mind, and soul and that I put my faith and trust in him having no doubt he would see me through this trial. I was moved from intensive care to a step down unit, as I continued to improve. After only one day in step down, my blood sugar skyrocketed to a level that could be fatal, bringing back the confusion, and landing me back in the intensive care unit. When I came to my senses again, I continued to rebuke Satan, and put my trust in God. After a couple of days I was back in step down, and once again improving. After an eight day stay, I was released from the hospital and allowed to come home. Having so many things go wrong at once is not without residuals and it took some time for me to be 100%, but with God as my rock and strength, I got there.
I didn't share my story for sympathy, but to let you know that I can testify firsthand that God is everything he promises to be. I felt his presence so closely as I faced this battle that to describe it is nearly impossible. I cried out and He heard me just as He promises us He will. I put my faith and trust in Him, and He saw me through this trial holding my hand all the way. I felt His strength, and Him fighting for me when I was to weak to fight for myself. I felt His loving arms around me. I felt a healing warmth come over me every time I called out to Him, and He never failed to make His presence known to me.
Friends, whatever trial you're facing, I want to encourage you to trust God. Put your faith in Him knowing that He will never leave nor forsake you, and that you can depend on Him without doubt. No matter where you are in life, you can call on Him anytime day or night, and He will hear you. You are His child, and He loves you tremendously. He will be your rock and your strength. He is a very present help in time of trouble. God will never let you down. He will see you through, and He will hold your hand along the way. I know this for a fact because He held mine.
I am so blessed to be a child of Almighty God and to have Him with me always as my rock and my strength. I am so blessed to be able to praise Him, and to call on Him whenever I need Him. I am so blessed to have been surrounded by family and friends during this trial in my life, and to have had the well wishes, prayers, encouragement, and love from so many others. I felt the prayers, and love being poured out for me, and it was amazing. Life is a precious gift from God, and it is one I am grateful for. I continue to improve each day, and my heart overflows with love for God, my family, and my friends. God is Great and to Him be all the Praise and the Glory!!
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
The above verse of scripture is one of my favorites, and I often profess it either out loud or to myself because I find great comfort in it. I remind people of God's promises and all He says He will be to us. I also remind them that when we surrender our lives to God and live in obedience to Him it is not unusual for Satan to kick his antics up a notch in an attempt to cause us to abandon God. Fear not, however, because God is more powerful than Satan.
Quite recently I found myself in a position that required me to practice what I preach to those who are facing trials. First let me admit that in the past I have not been one to go to the doctor for any reason unless it is an emergency. I realize now that was a mistake, however, and that I have to go to the doctor when necessary or else things can and will spin rapidly out of control. So here's my story. I had not felt well in some time, and I had a pretty good idea that I may have diabetes because of some of the symptoms I was having. I honestly thought if I lost some weight the symptoms would subside, and I would be fine. I lost 46 pounds and the symptoms remained. I still opted not to go to the doctor. On top of having the symptoms of diabetes, I caught the flu, and in the midst of this became confused and barely able to stay conscience yet I still refused to go to the doctor. My younger sister saved my life by giving me two choices go to the doctor or she was calling an ambulance. I opted for the doctor. My niece drove me to the doctor's office which I do not remember, and from there they called an ambulance because my oxygen level was 51, I was in fact diabetic, I was in renal failure, respiratory failure, I had the flu, and I had double pneumonia. I heard the doctor tell my niece she has to go by ambulance you can ride with her, but if you drive her she is not going to make it.
Now here I am flat on my back literally dying, and I'm in and out of consciousness. The first thing I remember thinking when I was with it for a minute was God help me. You are my rock and my strength I put my faith and trust in you. God gave me peace and comfort instantly, and I have no doubt we upset Satan. I was moved from the emergency room to intensive care, and remained there until I was stable. With every hurdle I reminded myself that God is my rock and my strength, and that I can do all things through him that strengthens me. I told God I loved him with all my heart, mind, and soul and that I put my faith and trust in him having no doubt he would see me through this trial. I was moved from intensive care to a step down unit, as I continued to improve. After only one day in step down, my blood sugar skyrocketed to a level that could be fatal, bringing back the confusion, and landing me back in the intensive care unit. When I came to my senses again, I continued to rebuke Satan, and put my trust in God. After a couple of days I was back in step down, and once again improving. After an eight day stay, I was released from the hospital and allowed to come home. Having so many things go wrong at once is not without residuals and it took some time for me to be 100%, but with God as my rock and strength, I got there.
I didn't share my story for sympathy, but to let you know that I can testify firsthand that God is everything he promises to be. I felt his presence so closely as I faced this battle that to describe it is nearly impossible. I cried out and He heard me just as He promises us He will. I put my faith and trust in Him, and He saw me through this trial holding my hand all the way. I felt His strength, and Him fighting for me when I was to weak to fight for myself. I felt His loving arms around me. I felt a healing warmth come over me every time I called out to Him, and He never failed to make His presence known to me.
Friends, whatever trial you're facing, I want to encourage you to trust God. Put your faith in Him knowing that He will never leave nor forsake you, and that you can depend on Him without doubt. No matter where you are in life, you can call on Him anytime day or night, and He will hear you. You are His child, and He loves you tremendously. He will be your rock and your strength. He is a very present help in time of trouble. God will never let you down. He will see you through, and He will hold your hand along the way. I know this for a fact because He held mine.
I am so blessed to be a child of Almighty God and to have Him with me always as my rock and my strength. I am so blessed to be able to praise Him, and to call on Him whenever I need Him. I am so blessed to have been surrounded by family and friends during this trial in my life, and to have had the well wishes, prayers, encouragement, and love from so many others. I felt the prayers, and love being poured out for me, and it was amazing. Life is a precious gift from God, and it is one I am grateful for. I continue to improve each day, and my heart overflows with love for God, my family, and my friends. God is Great and to Him be all the Praise and the Glory!!
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Humility
Luke 1:38 (KJV) Says, "And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her." Luke 2:7 (KJV) Says, "And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room at the inn." Mark 6:3 (KJV) Says, "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Judah, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him." John 13:5 (KJV) Says, "After he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded." Mark 10:49 (KJV) Says, "And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee."
Jesus set the greatest example of humility that can ever be demonstrated, and each of the above verses of scripture support that truth. There are, of course, many other passages of scripture that demonstrate that Jesus walked in humility, but for now let's have a close look at these. In the first verse I chose, Luke 1:38, Mary calls herself a handmaid of the Lord, and the definition of the word handmaid is servant. God could have chosen anyone to give birth to Jesus, and he chose a servant. He could have selected someone of royalty to carry Jesus and give birth to him, but he chose a humble servant instead. Then in Luke 2:7, we are told that Mary gave birth to Jesus, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. God could have had Jesus born in a castle, laid in the most comfortable crib of the time, and arrayed him in royal apparel, but instead everything about his birth was humble. He was wrapped in swaddling clothing, which is defined as narrow bands of cloth formerly wrapped around a newborn child to restrain its movements and quiet it. He was then laid in a feeding trough filled with hay located in a manger. Jesus Christ came into the world in the humblest fashion.
Mary's husband Joseph was a carpenter, and this was considered a humble trade. In Mark 6:3 and in other verses in the Bible we read that Jesus too was a carpenter. God could have placed Jesus any position in lieu of a carpenter, but this was one more example of humility. Then in the verse taken from the book of John, we find Jesus the Son of God washing the feet of the disciples. I don't think it gets more humble than that, and he did this to set an example for us as to how we are to behave toward one another.
Finally in Mark 10:49 we see that Jesus stood still for a poor, blind, helpless beggar who could do absolutely nothing for him. His disciples were trying to quiet the man as he was calling out for Jesus, but Jesus stopped, and healed him. Jesus, the Son of Almighty God stopped to heal a poor, blind helpless beggar, and yet in today's world there are many people who have no problem whatsoever ignoring those in need.
Jesus set the greatest example of humility that will ever be demonstrated. He never behaved as though he was high above the people around him even though he is the Son of Almighty God. He served others with a spirit of humility. He went about teaching, preaching, healing, and performing miracles for people, and he demonstrated love, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, mercy, kindness, and many more great character traits which we as Christians are to also practice.
Do you walk in humility? or Do you hold yourself in high esteem? Do you demonstrate a concern for others, and their well-being? Have you crossed paths with someone in need that you could have helped, but in lieu of standing still and helping them you chose to walk on by? Are you high maintenance and so proud of it that you don't hesitate to brag to others about it? Do you feel and act as though you are entitled? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I urge you to take note of the example Jesus Christ, the Son of God, set in humility. I encourage you to recognize that we are all equal in the eyes of God, that we are all his children, that he loves each of us equally, and to exchange your proud spirit, and your sense of entitlement for a large dose of humility. If Jesus Christ himself walked in humility, then who are we not to follow suite?
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 set the greatest example of humility that can ever be demonstrated, and each of the above verses of scripture support that truth. There are, of course, many other passages of scripture that demonstrate that Jesus walked in humility, but for now let's have a close look at these. In the first verse I chose, Luke 1:38, Mary calls herself a handmaid of the Lord, and the definition of the word handmaid is servant. God could have chosen anyone to give birth to Jesus, and he chose a servant. He could have selected someone of royalty to carry Jesus and give birth to him, but he chose a humble servant instead. Then in Luke 2:7, we are told that Mary gave birth to Jesus, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. God could have had Jesus born in a castle, laid in the most comfortable crib of the time, and arrayed him in royal apparel, but instead everything about his birth was humble. He was wrapped in swaddling clothing, which is defined as narrow bands of cloth formerly wrapped around a newborn child to restrain its movements and quiet it. He was then laid in a feeding trough filled with hay located in a manger. Jesus Christ came into the world in the humblest fashion.
Mary's husband Joseph was a carpenter, and this was considered a humble trade. In Mark 6:3 and in other verses in the Bible we read that Jesus too was a carpenter. God could have placed Jesus any position in lieu of a carpenter, but this was one more example of humility. Then in the verse taken from the book of John, we find Jesus the Son of God washing the feet of the disciples. I don't think it gets more humble than that, and he did this to set an example for us as to how we are to behave toward one another.
Finally in Mark 10:49 we see that Jesus stood still for a poor, blind, helpless beggar who could do absolutely nothing for him. His disciples were trying to quiet the man as he was calling out for Jesus, but Jesus stopped, and healed him. Jesus, the Son of Almighty God stopped to heal a poor, blind helpless beggar, and yet in today's world there are many people who have no problem whatsoever ignoring those in need.
Jesus set the greatest example of humility that will ever be demonstrated. He never behaved as though he was high above the people around him even though he is the Son of Almighty God. He served others with a spirit of humility. He went about teaching, preaching, healing, and performing miracles for people, and he demonstrated love, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, mercy, kindness, and many more great character traits which we as Christians are to also practice.
Do you walk in humility? or Do you hold yourself in high esteem? Do you demonstrate a concern for others, and their well-being? Have you crossed paths with someone in need that you could have helped, but in lieu of standing still and helping them you chose to walk on by? Are you high maintenance and so proud of it that you don't hesitate to brag to others about it? Do you feel and act as though you are entitled? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I urge you to take note of the example Jesus Christ, the Son of God, set in humility. I encourage you to recognize that we are all equal in the eyes of God, that we are all his children, that he loves each of us equally, and to exchange your proud spirit, and your sense of entitlement for a large dose of humility. If Jesus Christ himself walked in humility, then who are we not to follow suite?
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, January 5, 2014
Mindset
Philippians 4:6-9 (KJV) Says, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."
In the above passage of scripture we are instructed not to worry about anything, but instead to go to God in prayer with everything. If we want to be free of anxiety then we need to pray about all things. God is eager to hear our requests, we need only to go to Him in prayer, and when we do we must remember to give him thanks. We are told that when we go to God in prayer and leave our troubles with Him, we will receive the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, and it will keep our hearts and minds. Notice that the peace that comes from God is like no other. It is a peace so great that it can't be understood or explained. Then we are instructed to keep our mind set on good things, and to do the things that we learned, received, heard, and read that Jesus did. We are told again that if we do these things the peace of God will be with us.
How do you start your day? What is the first thing you think about or say to yourself, when you wake up each morning? Do you spend time praying and talking with God each morning? Do you read his Word each day? Do you spend time meditating on His Word, and listening for His instructions? Do you thank God for the day, and for all of your blessings? Do you think positive thoughts like this is going to be a great day, and I can do all through Christ who strengthens me? Or Do you wake up with a negative mindset dreading work, and all other tasks that you know you must face? Do you say or think to yourself negative thoughts such as I don't even want to get up and face this day, work is going to be a nightmare, it's raining this is going to be a terrible day, I am sick and tired of this or that, and continue through a host of phrases that are certain to create a mindset that ensures you have the very day you have talked up for yourself?
I encourage you not to wake up and begin spewing negativity, but to do as the above passage of scripture instructs us to do. Instead of worrying constantly take your problems to God in prayer, and leave them there. Accept the divine peace that God offers us. Think on good things, and do the things that Jesus instructed us to do, as we live in obedience to God. Think on positive things, and not just for one day or one week, make it a daily, lifelong habit. If you have a Godly mindset you will not only have divine peace, but you will handle situations that arise in your life in a Godly manner. Keep your attitude and your actions Godly, and you will experience a joy and contentment along with God's perfect peace that will be so great you will never understand it or be able to accurately describe it. God grants these blessings to all who will call on Him, and choose to live righteously. We can continue in our negative mindset and live in misery, or we can opt to follow Christ and think on all things good living a life filled with joy, divine peace, and contentment. I urge you to choose the latter.
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 not to worry about anything, but instead to go to God in prayer with everything. If we want to be free of anxiety then we need to pray about all things. God is eager to hear our requests, we need only to go to Him in prayer, and when we do we must remember to give him thanks. We are told that when we go to God in prayer and leave our troubles with Him, we will receive the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, and it will keep our hearts and minds. Notice that the peace that comes from God is like no other. It is a peace so great that it can't be understood or explained. Then we are instructed to keep our mind set on good things, and to do the things that we learned, received, heard, and read that Jesus did. We are told again that if we do these things the peace of God will be with us.
How do you start your day? What is the first thing you think about or say to yourself, when you wake up each morning? Do you spend time praying and talking with God each morning? Do you read his Word each day? Do you spend time meditating on His Word, and listening for His instructions? Do you thank God for the day, and for all of your blessings? Do you think positive thoughts like this is going to be a great day, and I can do all through Christ who strengthens me? Or Do you wake up with a negative mindset dreading work, and all other tasks that you know you must face? Do you say or think to yourself negative thoughts such as I don't even want to get up and face this day, work is going to be a nightmare, it's raining this is going to be a terrible day, I am sick and tired of this or that, and continue through a host of phrases that are certain to create a mindset that ensures you have the very day you have talked up for yourself?
I encourage you not to wake up and begin spewing negativity, but to do as the above passage of scripture instructs us to do. Instead of worrying constantly take your problems to God in prayer, and leave them there. Accept the divine peace that God offers us. Think on good things, and do the things that Jesus instructed us to do, as we live in obedience to God. Think on positive things, and not just for one day or one week, make it a daily, lifelong habit. If you have a Godly mindset you will not only have divine peace, but you will handle situations that arise in your life in a Godly manner. Keep your attitude and your actions Godly, and you will experience a joy and contentment along with God's perfect peace that will be so great you will never understand it or be able to accurately describe it. God grants these blessings to all who will call on Him, and choose to live righteously. We can continue in our negative mindset and live in misery, or we can opt to follow Christ and think on all things good living a life filled with joy, divine peace, and contentment. I urge you to choose the latter.
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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