Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) Says, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." I Peter 5:7 (KJV) Says, "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV) Says, "Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Isaiah 26:3-4 (KJV) Says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:"
The above scripture taken from Philippians instructs us not to worry about anything, but rather to take all of our problems to God in prayer. It doesn't say that we are to split our problems with God leaving some for us to handle on our own; it says take EVERYTHING to God in prayer. We are to give God thanks and ask Him for whatever it is we need. We are to take our problems to God in prayer and leave them there. We are promised when we do that we will be given the peace of God which is a peace so great that it cannot be understood.
We are told in I Peter to cast our cares upon God and that He cares for us. Note we are instructed to cast ALL of our cares upon Him; not just a few of them holding back some for us to worry and panic about. As born again believers in Jesus Christ, we are all children of God and he cares for us tremendously. There is no reason whatsoever we should hesitate to take our problems to Him, put our trust in Him, and have faith in Him without doubt.
The above verse of scripture taken from Ephesians tells us that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think so why in the world would we fail to go to Him in prayer with our troubles? We know that God created the world, and that His power is unlimited yet we often fail to go to Him in prayer when we face storms. I've heard people facing problems say that the only thing left to do is pray, when that should be the first thing any of us do everyday whether we are facing problems or not.
We are promised again in the above passage of scripture taken from Isaiah that we will be given perfect peace if we keep our mind on God, and put our trust in Him. We are also instructed that in the Lord Jehovah we will find everlasting strength. Note it doesn't say strength for the moment, but everlasting strength.
We have two choices when it comes to dealing with our problems. We can go through life having divine peace and joy by putting our trust in God, and taking all of our cares and concerns to him in prayer as the Bible instructs us to do; or we can live our life in a state of worry and panic. It is totally up to us as to which we choose. It is certain that God prefers and desires for us to be happy.
When we fail to trust God and cast our cares upon Him, what are we saying? Are we saying He doesn't know what to do? Are we saying He doesn't care about us or our problems? Are we saying we don't trust Him? Are we saying our problems are to big for Almighty God creator of the universe to handle?
We know that God is greater than any problem we have. We know that He is capable of helping us climb our highest mountains, and we know that if we trust Him having faith without doubt in our hearts we have no need to fear. We know these things because we are told so in His precious Word.
Friends I encourage you to take all of your problems to God in prayer. I urge you to trust Him, and have faith without a doubt in your heart that He will work things out for your good. I urge you to be patient and to wait on Him. I encourage you to do these things, and to live the life filled with divine peace and joy that God desires for you to live.
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, March 30, 2014
Sunday, March 16, 2014
What Do You See?
Matthew 4:18-21 (KJV) Says, "And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him. And going from thence, He saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed Him." 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."
The above passage of scripture taken from the book of Matthew plainly tells us that Peter, Andrew, James, and John were all fisherman. They make up four of the twelve original disciples. The above verse of scripture taken from the book of Samuel makes it clear to us that God looks at the hearts of men while men look on their outward appearance.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus chose the men He chose to be the original disciples. One reason God chooses the people He chooses throughout the Bible to complete the tasks He does, is that in the eyes of man they are the least qualified for the job, and therefore people will be more likely to give God the credit for their accomplishments and recognize His existence. Had he looked at the four disciples I mentioned above, as men do on their outward appearance, He may not have chosen them. Had a human being been choosing the twelve they would have looked for men who were handsome, had careers ranking high in society, men with expensive modes of transportation, those with the best clothing, most expensive shoes, the best cologne, a great deal of money, and many other material possessions. Jesus, however, knowing that the greatest qualities in a human being are found within their heart chose fisherman among others.
When Jesus looked on the fisherman, He saw men willing to follow Him, and capable with Him working through them of accomplishing all He desired to accomplish. Had it been an ordinary man looking on the four fisherman he would more than likely have passed by them without consideration. If a man chose to look at them he would have seen them quite differently than Jesus did. A man would have seen fisherman that were not of high social standing, that were not necessarily the most handsome in the land, fishing from standard boats not yachts, without a great deal of money or material possessions, wearing clothes and shoes that were far from the best, and smelling like the fish and bait that they worked among.
Imagine the number of wonderful people who go unnoticed because they are judged on their outward appearance. Imagine the blessings those who judge them miss out on by not getting to know them. On the other hand, I would venture to say that most of us are acquainted with people who seem to have it all from good looks to money and material possessions yet they're lacking in the things that truly matter. They may be braggers, full of vanity, self-centered, and full of pride. These are character traits that frankly no one wants to be around. People who have a kind heart, are loving, forgiving, understanding, merciful, compassionate, and such are far more attractive to others, and in so many ways. This is true even though the things they possess are not visible when looking at their outward appearance.
How do you look at others? Do you look on their outward appearance or do you look at their heart? Do you give everyone a chance; or is there an outward appearance test they must first pass? What do you see when you look at others? How do you treat others? When people look at you, what do they see? Does the way you behave toward people reflect who you are as a follower of Jesus Christ? If it doesn't, I urge you to make some changes. I encourage you to look at others for who they are, and to change any negative behavior that doesn't fit who you are as a Christian. I encourage you to remember that judging individuals by their outward appearance is a sure way to miss out on great relationships with some of the best people in the world, and I urge you to remember as you interact with others; that as a born again believer you are a representative of Jesus Christ.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, send me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
The above passage of scripture taken from the book of Matthew plainly tells us that Peter, Andrew, James, and John were all fisherman. They make up four of the twelve original disciples. The above verse of scripture taken from the book of Samuel makes it clear to us that God looks at the hearts of men while men look on their outward appearance.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus chose the men He chose to be the original disciples. One reason God chooses the people He chooses throughout the Bible to complete the tasks He does, is that in the eyes of man they are the least qualified for the job, and therefore people will be more likely to give God the credit for their accomplishments and recognize His existence. Had he looked at the four disciples I mentioned above, as men do on their outward appearance, He may not have chosen them. Had a human being been choosing the twelve they would have looked for men who were handsome, had careers ranking high in society, men with expensive modes of transportation, those with the best clothing, most expensive shoes, the best cologne, a great deal of money, and many other material possessions. Jesus, however, knowing that the greatest qualities in a human being are found within their heart chose fisherman among others.
When Jesus looked on the fisherman, He saw men willing to follow Him, and capable with Him working through them of accomplishing all He desired to accomplish. Had it been an ordinary man looking on the four fisherman he would more than likely have passed by them without consideration. If a man chose to look at them he would have seen them quite differently than Jesus did. A man would have seen fisherman that were not of high social standing, that were not necessarily the most handsome in the land, fishing from standard boats not yachts, without a great deal of money or material possessions, wearing clothes and shoes that were far from the best, and smelling like the fish and bait that they worked among.
Imagine the number of wonderful people who go unnoticed because they are judged on their outward appearance. Imagine the blessings those who judge them miss out on by not getting to know them. On the other hand, I would venture to say that most of us are acquainted with people who seem to have it all from good looks to money and material possessions yet they're lacking in the things that truly matter. They may be braggers, full of vanity, self-centered, and full of pride. These are character traits that frankly no one wants to be around. People who have a kind heart, are loving, forgiving, understanding, merciful, compassionate, and such are far more attractive to others, and in so many ways. This is true even though the things they possess are not visible when looking at their outward appearance.
How do you look at others? Do you look on their outward appearance or do you look at their heart? Do you give everyone a chance; or is there an outward appearance test they must first pass? What do you see when you look at others? How do you treat others? When people look at you, what do they see? Does the way you behave toward people reflect who you are as a follower of Jesus Christ? If it doesn't, I urge you to make some changes. I encourage you to look at others for who they are, and to change any negative behavior that doesn't fit who you are as a Christian. I encourage you to remember that judging individuals by their outward appearance is a sure way to miss out on great relationships with some of the best people in the world, and I urge you to remember as you interact with others; that as a born again believer you are a representative of Jesus Christ.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, send me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Blurting
Proverbs 15:28 (KJV) Says, "The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things."
The above verse of scripture makes it clear that as Christians who desire to live our lives in a righteous manner we should think before we speak. It tells us that the wicked blurt out whatever they have on their minds; failing to take time to ponder the appropriate way in which they should respond.
There are several pros to practicing the art of thinking before we speak. One of those is of course that we choose words that are more pleasing to God. Another is we are less likely to blurt out statements that are apt to fuel a disagreement or insight an argument. We are also less likely to say something that will hurt another person's feelings, and more likely to remain on topic in lieu of blurting out a bunch of nonsense just because we're angry. Responding to any situation in a negative manner with out of control dialogue never results in a positive outcome. We all know a few hot heads who do not pause before responding, and the results are never good. Responding without taking time to think can, and often does result in the person who blurted looking ridiculous, and having regrets about much of what they said. I know because I use to have a real problem with blurting out whatever came to mind, and it is something that I continue to work on.
Another form of blurting that results from not taking time to think about what one is about to say is committing to something prior to giving all that goes into it proper consideration, and before checking your schedule. I've done this too. I failed to check my calendar and double booked myself scheduling an appointment one hour prior to performing a wedding ceremony that was being held about two hours away from my appointment. This is all because I blurted out sure I'll perform the wedding ceremony without ever checking my calendar. I felt terrible about the mix up, and it taught me to always check my calendar before I blurt out that I'm available. If I'm not near my calendar, I tell the caller I will have to get back with them. The bottom line is blurting can cause a number of issues, and it is never a good idea.
Another form of blurting is often done by parents who don't think about how they should respond to a child they are correcting. Parents may blurt out things they regret, if they fail to calm down before addressing their child. They may blurt out some ridiculous punishment that they realize they cannot carry out after they have calmed down and become rational with their vocabulary again.
This can result in the child coming to believe that their parent is not going to do what they say, and this causes a lack of respect in some cases.
Most people have experienced situations where their boss has said or done something that prompted them to become angry. When things like this happen we must take time to think about how we should respond. We should never go into the bosses office, and blurt out exactly what we are thinking or behave in an even more drastic fashion by storming into the bosses office and quitting. If we fail to take time to think before we speak in situations like these, we can wind up jobless via getting fired or quitting; because we reacted in a manner that simply wasn't rational.
There are many scenarios where taking time out to contemplate the most appropriate way to respond to a situation, issue, or individual is warranted in lieu of blurting that results in negative consequences. In short, there are only a few times in which it is a good idea to blurt. For example, if someone is in danger of being struck by a vehicle, and you blurt "watch out for that car" that would be considered appropriate blurting. If someone was about to step on a snake, and you blurted "stop" that would be considered appropriate blurting.
There are a few instances where blurting is necessary and appropriate, but for the most part it is a bad idea. We as Christians who are attempting to live our lives in a righteous manner setting a good example for others, need to think before we speak. We need to make certain that we are calm and that our responses are those that reflect who we are as followers of Jesus Christ. When we practice the art of thinking before we speak we will be more likely to respond in an appropriate manner, we will be more likely to stay on topic and not waste words, we will be more likely to come across calm and rational, and we will have far fewer regrets about the things we've said.
Remember that the Bible tells us that righteous people think before they speak, and that wicked people just blurt out whatever they're thinking. Remind yourself that blurting doesn't fit who you are as a follower of Jesus Christ, and practice thinking before you respond to people, issues, problems, and situations of any sort. Thinking before we speak goes a long way in reflecting that we are born again Christians, and that we respond as such.
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 makes it clear that as Christians who desire to live our lives in a righteous manner we should think before we speak. It tells us that the wicked blurt out whatever they have on their minds; failing to take time to ponder the appropriate way in which they should respond.
There are several pros to practicing the art of thinking before we speak. One of those is of course that we choose words that are more pleasing to God. Another is we are less likely to blurt out statements that are apt to fuel a disagreement or insight an argument. We are also less likely to say something that will hurt another person's feelings, and more likely to remain on topic in lieu of blurting out a bunch of nonsense just because we're angry. Responding to any situation in a negative manner with out of control dialogue never results in a positive outcome. We all know a few hot heads who do not pause before responding, and the results are never good. Responding without taking time to think can, and often does result in the person who blurted looking ridiculous, and having regrets about much of what they said. I know because I use to have a real problem with blurting out whatever came to mind, and it is something that I continue to work on.
Another form of blurting that results from not taking time to think about what one is about to say is committing to something prior to giving all that goes into it proper consideration, and before checking your schedule. I've done this too. I failed to check my calendar and double booked myself scheduling an appointment one hour prior to performing a wedding ceremony that was being held about two hours away from my appointment. This is all because I blurted out sure I'll perform the wedding ceremony without ever checking my calendar. I felt terrible about the mix up, and it taught me to always check my calendar before I blurt out that I'm available. If I'm not near my calendar, I tell the caller I will have to get back with them. The bottom line is blurting can cause a number of issues, and it is never a good idea.
Another form of blurting is often done by parents who don't think about how they should respond to a child they are correcting. Parents may blurt out things they regret, if they fail to calm down before addressing their child. They may blurt out some ridiculous punishment that they realize they cannot carry out after they have calmed down and become rational with their vocabulary again.
This can result in the child coming to believe that their parent is not going to do what they say, and this causes a lack of respect in some cases.
Most people have experienced situations where their boss has said or done something that prompted them to become angry. When things like this happen we must take time to think about how we should respond. We should never go into the bosses office, and blurt out exactly what we are thinking or behave in an even more drastic fashion by storming into the bosses office and quitting. If we fail to take time to think before we speak in situations like these, we can wind up jobless via getting fired or quitting; because we reacted in a manner that simply wasn't rational.
There are many scenarios where taking time out to contemplate the most appropriate way to respond to a situation, issue, or individual is warranted in lieu of blurting that results in negative consequences. In short, there are only a few times in which it is a good idea to blurt. For example, if someone is in danger of being struck by a vehicle, and you blurt "watch out for that car" that would be considered appropriate blurting. If someone was about to step on a snake, and you blurted "stop" that would be considered appropriate blurting.
There are a few instances where blurting is necessary and appropriate, but for the most part it is a bad idea. We as Christians who are attempting to live our lives in a righteous manner setting a good example for others, need to think before we speak. We need to make certain that we are calm and that our responses are those that reflect who we are as followers of Jesus Christ. When we practice the art of thinking before we speak we will be more likely to respond in an appropriate manner, we will be more likely to stay on topic and not waste words, we will be more likely to come across calm and rational, and we will have far fewer regrets about the things we've said.
Remember that the Bible tells us that righteous people think before they speak, and that wicked people just blurt out whatever they're thinking. Remind yourself that blurting doesn't fit who you are as a follower of Jesus Christ, and practice thinking before you respond to people, issues, problems, and situations of any sort. Thinking before we speak goes a long way in reflecting that we are born again Christians, and that we respond as such.
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, March 5, 2014
A True Friend
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (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. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
In the above passage of scripture we are told that the work of a greedy person especially when working for his own personal gain is futile. On the other hand, we are instructed that two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. They can help each other, they can provide mutual warmth, and they double their strength or triple it as in the case of three friends. In short, each of us need true friends in our lives, and we should be a true friend to others.
Let's take a look at what it means to be a true friend, and some of the characteristics required to fill those shoes. A true friend is dependable, and will be there for you when you call, no matter what time it is day or night. They won't consider the time and refuse to put themselves out claiming it's too early or too late. Without hesitation, a true friend will be at your side the moment they know you need them. Another trait possessed by a true friend is honesty. They will be honest with you no matter what because they love you enough to tell you the truth. A true friend is one who comes to the hospital to visit you when you're ill. A true friend notices when you are in pain, lonely, depressed, or hurting. A true friend loves you unconditionally, keeps you in their prayers, and is always there for you.
Now let's look at some sure signs that indicate someone is not a true friend. If someone is around only when you have money, they are not a true friend. If someone is eager to go to dinner, the movies, parties and social events, but can't be found when you're ill and/or hospitalized they are not a true friend. If you call someone and tell them you need them, asking them to come over because you are depressed, sad, lonely, or hurting, and they dance around your request making lame excuses as to why that's not possible, they are not a true friend. If you call someone and ask them to come over and pray with you, and they hesitate as they mull over a list of bogus reasons as to why they cannot do so, they are not a true friend. If you call a friend on the telephone with a heavy heart and needing someone to talk to, and they say they're busy knowing you need someone to listen, they are not a true friend.
True friends are rare, and they are blessings from God. We should be grateful to Him for those we have in our lives, and we should strive to be a true friend to others. What kind of friend are you? Are you a true friend to the people in your life? If a friend calls you needing someone to simply listen, are you willing to listen to them or do you make excuses as to why you don't have time, and then proceed to get off the phone as quick as you possibly can? When a friend calls you and requests that you come to their side because they are feeling depressed, lonely, sad or hurt, do you go or do you make a lame excuse as to why there is no way you can make it? Do you stand by your friends when they are ill, or having problems or are you only around when they are well and things in their life are running smoothly? Do you pray for your friends? If a friend were to ask you to come and pray with them, would you go? Would you go without hesitation?
The last thing someone needs when they are facing a trial in their life is to feel as though their friends have abandoned them, when they needed them most. The question is not if we will need friends in our lives as we face trials, and walk through storms. The question is when, because in life we all have difficulties. It is certain we can count on friends as we experience peaks in our lives, but it is in the valleys that we discover who our true friends are. The valleys have a way of exposing true friends in an instant, while those who miss the mark disappear just as fast. What kind of friend are you? Are you the kind of friend to others that you want them to be to you? Are you a true friend or do you disappear in the valleys? I encourage you to remember that we all need true friends, and I urge you to be the kind of friend to others that you want and need in your own life.
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 told that the work of a greedy person especially when working for his own personal gain is futile. On the other hand, we are instructed that two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. They can help each other, they can provide mutual warmth, and they double their strength or triple it as in the case of three friends. In short, each of us need true friends in our lives, and we should be a true friend to others.
Let's take a look at what it means to be a true friend, and some of the characteristics required to fill those shoes. A true friend is dependable, and will be there for you when you call, no matter what time it is day or night. They won't consider the time and refuse to put themselves out claiming it's too early or too late. Without hesitation, a true friend will be at your side the moment they know you need them. Another trait possessed by a true friend is honesty. They will be honest with you no matter what because they love you enough to tell you the truth. A true friend is one who comes to the hospital to visit you when you're ill. A true friend notices when you are in pain, lonely, depressed, or hurting. A true friend loves you unconditionally, keeps you in their prayers, and is always there for you.
Now let's look at some sure signs that indicate someone is not a true friend. If someone is around only when you have money, they are not a true friend. If someone is eager to go to dinner, the movies, parties and social events, but can't be found when you're ill and/or hospitalized they are not a true friend. If you call someone and tell them you need them, asking them to come over because you are depressed, sad, lonely, or hurting, and they dance around your request making lame excuses as to why that's not possible, they are not a true friend. If you call someone and ask them to come over and pray with you, and they hesitate as they mull over a list of bogus reasons as to why they cannot do so, they are not a true friend. If you call a friend on the telephone with a heavy heart and needing someone to talk to, and they say they're busy knowing you need someone to listen, they are not a true friend.
True friends are rare, and they are blessings from God. We should be grateful to Him for those we have in our lives, and we should strive to be a true friend to others. What kind of friend are you? Are you a true friend to the people in your life? If a friend calls you needing someone to simply listen, are you willing to listen to them or do you make excuses as to why you don't have time, and then proceed to get off the phone as quick as you possibly can? When a friend calls you and requests that you come to their side because they are feeling depressed, lonely, sad or hurt, do you go or do you make a lame excuse as to why there is no way you can make it? Do you stand by your friends when they are ill, or having problems or are you only around when they are well and things in their life are running smoothly? Do you pray for your friends? If a friend were to ask you to come and pray with them, would you go? Would you go without hesitation?
The last thing someone needs when they are facing a trial in their life is to feel as though their friends have abandoned them, when they needed them most. The question is not if we will need friends in our lives as we face trials, and walk through storms. The question is when, because in life we all have difficulties. It is certain we can count on friends as we experience peaks in our lives, but it is in the valleys that we discover who our true friends are. The valleys have a way of exposing true friends in an instant, while those who miss the mark disappear just as fast. What kind of friend are you? Are you the kind of friend to others that you want them to be to you? Are you a true friend or do you disappear in the valleys? I encourage you to remember that we all need true friends, and I urge you to be the kind of friend to others that you want and need in your own life.
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, March 2, 2014
Bitter or Better
James 1:2-4 (KJV) Says, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
God never promises us that we will not go through trials in this life, or that we won't face temptations. In fact, it is certain that we will face various tests whether they are from God, the world, or from Satan himself. Temptations come from Satan in hopes that we will give in to them, and stray away from God. Trials come from God to grow and mature us Spiritually. We don't accept these trials and temptations as joy for what they are, but rather because we know that God can accomplish positive work in us through our experiencing them. Our victory over the trails and temptations that result in Spiritual growth, and maturity.
The natural response to have, as fleshly, human beings, when faced with troublesome times or temptations is to be bitter and angry. It is also common practice for some to attempt to escape their trials and temptations by running away from them. Another fleshly reaction is to question why whatever is happening is happening to us. To react in any or all of the above manners is natural, but these are not the reactions we as believers and followers of Jesus Christ are doomed to have. It is not necessary for us to respond to negative situations, and temptations in a negative manner. We can and should remember that we are not alone, and that God will see us through whatever we are facing. We must remember that He promises us in Romans 8:28 (KJV) that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."
It is easy for us to say and demonstrate that we have faith in God as long as things are going our way. It is another matter, however, for us to demonstrate that we not only talk the talk, but that we walk the walk. It is through trials and temptations that our faith is truly tested, and it is through our behavior and reaction to the storms in our lives that we can demonstrate the fact that our faith in God is real. It is through our behavior and reaction to the storms in our lives that we are given a great opportunity to set an example of how wonderful it is to have God to rely on in times of temptation and in times of trouble. It is through our behavior and reaction to the storms in our lives that we are given the opportunity to be great witnesses for Christ, and to lead lost souls to Him. Our behavior and attitude can prompt lost souls to desire what we have in our lives as they witness the divine peace and comfort in us; even as we face adversity.
Friends whenever you are faced with trials and tribulation in your life, as we all are, I urge you to remain strong in your faith. I encourage you to remember that God loves you tremendously, and that you are not walking through your storm alone. Remind yourself that God promises that He will never leave nor forsake you, and remember that when you come out of any trial or temptation victorious you have grown and matured Spiritually. In short, when we are faced with trials and temptations in life, it is up to us to decide if we are going to come out of them bitter or better.
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.
God never promises us that we will not go through trials in this life, or that we won't face temptations. In fact, it is certain that we will face various tests whether they are from God, the world, or from Satan himself. Temptations come from Satan in hopes that we will give in to them, and stray away from God. Trials come from God to grow and mature us Spiritually. We don't accept these trials and temptations as joy for what they are, but rather because we know that God can accomplish positive work in us through our experiencing them. Our victory over the trails and temptations that result in Spiritual growth, and maturity.
The natural response to have, as fleshly, human beings, when faced with troublesome times or temptations is to be bitter and angry. It is also common practice for some to attempt to escape their trials and temptations by running away from them. Another fleshly reaction is to question why whatever is happening is happening to us. To react in any or all of the above manners is natural, but these are not the reactions we as believers and followers of Jesus Christ are doomed to have. It is not necessary for us to respond to negative situations, and temptations in a negative manner. We can and should remember that we are not alone, and that God will see us through whatever we are facing. We must remember that He promises us in Romans 8:28 (KJV) that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."
It is easy for us to say and demonstrate that we have faith in God as long as things are going our way. It is another matter, however, for us to demonstrate that we not only talk the talk, but that we walk the walk. It is through trials and temptations that our faith is truly tested, and it is through our behavior and reaction to the storms in our lives that we can demonstrate the fact that our faith in God is real. It is through our behavior and reaction to the storms in our lives that we are given a great opportunity to set an example of how wonderful it is to have God to rely on in times of temptation and in times of trouble. It is through our behavior and reaction to the storms in our lives that we are given the opportunity to be great witnesses for Christ, and to lead lost souls to Him. Our behavior and attitude can prompt lost souls to desire what we have in our lives as they witness the divine peace and comfort in us; even as we face adversity.
Friends whenever you are faced with trials and tribulation in your life, as we all are, I urge you to remain strong in your faith. I encourage you to remember that God loves you tremendously, and that you are not walking through your storm alone. Remind yourself that God promises that He will never leave nor forsake you, and remember that when you come out of any trial or temptation victorious you have grown and matured Spiritually. In short, when we are faced with trials and temptations in life, it is up to us to decide if we are going to come out of them bitter or better.
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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