Psalm 18:6 (KJV) Says, "In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears." Psalm 34:4 (KJV) Says, "I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 55:17 (KJV) Says, "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice."
The above verses of scripture are just a few of the many examples found in God's Word of people crying out to him in times of trouble, having him hear them, and answer their pleas. He heard the pleas of people 2000 years ago, he hears ours today, and he will hear those who cry out to him until the end of time. I know this firsthand because he has answered mine many times, and just this past week he answered me again in a mighty way.
Let me begin by stating that I love my family tremendously, and that we are a very close knit group. We are a huge part of each others lives, and we are steadfast in our support for one another. This is important for me to share in order to convey to you, in the best way possible, the fear that raced through me this past Monday morning.
The day began like any other Monday with me at work on assignments in a theology class in one room, and my Mom caring for my great-niece, and great-nephew in the next. Mom was holding my great-niece who had fallen asleep in her arms, and my great-nephew was asleep in a crib directly beside Mom's chair. Suddenly, I hear my Mom call my name in a tone that expressed deep fear; it was a tone that made clear to me something was terribly wrong. I ran to the next room and saw my Mom nudging the crib as she was laying my great-niece down in the chair. The words that came from her mouth horrified me. She said, "Darlene he's not breathing." My nephew, who is father to these two blessings from God; had sleep apnea as an infant as did his sister; so I had infant CPR classes in the late eighties and early nineties just in case, God forbid, I'd ever need to use it. The instant I approached my great-nephew's crib, the things I was taught in those classes came rushing back to me. Mom had handled the first two steps by making certain he wasn't breathing, and by attempting to get him to begin breathing again by nudging him as he lay in his crib. He still wasn't breathing, so terrified I picked him up under both arms with a sudden movement as I had been instructed to do in the Infant CPR classes. It didn't work; he was still unresponsive. I began rubbing his arms, legs, and back, and calling his name. I then pulled him out away from my body so I could check him, and still no response. I repeated these steps as I cried out to God for help, and I mean I literally and audibly cried out to God begging him to Please Help Me. Just as I was about to start CPR I noticed my great-nephew slightly open his eyes, and I knew he was breathing again. The gratitude and relief I felt in that moment was so great there are no words that could possibly do it justice. This nightmare my Mom and I experienced lasted only seconds, but I have to tell you it seemed like a lifetime. My great-nephew was evaluated at our local children's hospital, and placed on a sleep monitor that will alarm should he ever, God forbid, have another episode of sleep apnea, and he is doing well.
God was with me and my Mom that day, and I am so thankful for that. I give him great praise, tremendous thanks, and all the glory for the way things turned out. It was God who prompted my Mom to look over into that crib at the exact moment she did, and it was God who, in an instant, brought the things I learned in those infant CPR classes so many years ago to the forefront of my mind. It was God who gave me and my Mom the strength we needed to handle this situation without falling apart, and it was God who put breath back into my great-nephew's body. I have to tell you that every time I see the green light blink on his monitor, indicating that he is taking a breath, I instantly praise and thank God for it.
I encourage you to remember that there are many examples in the Bible of individuals and groups of people crying out to God, and having him hear their pleas. David is one of those examples. He cried out to God many times, God heard him , and answered his pleas; all those years ago, I cried out to God just this past Monday, he heard me, and he answered my pleas in a mighty way, and that if you cry out to him there is know doubt he will hear and answer you.
I further encourage you to praise and thank God every day for the miracles, blessings, and answered prayers he has given you in your life, and to have faith without doubt that he is who he says he is, and that he can do what he says he can do. Stand firm on God's Word and his promises knowing his Word is truth, and that he has never broken one single promise.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Fallible Human Beings
John 8:3-11 (KJV) Says, "And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
In the above passage of scripture a group of scribes and Pharisees bring a woman who was caught in the act of adultery before Jesus. The Pharisees are known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic law. So strict that in lieu of coming across as born again believers in Jesus Christ, they came across as harsh and legalistic. The woman was placed in the middle of all of her accusers where she stood while her sin was reported to Jesus. The Pharisees were tempting Jesus by stating what the law commanded should be done to her because she was caught in the act of adultery. Having no compassion or forgiveness in their hearts for the woman, but rather focusing solely on the law, the scribes and Pharisees were matter of fact in stating that the law dictated she should be stoned to death. Prior to stoning her, however, they asked Jesus what he felt should be done with her. This was an attempt by the scribes and Pharisees to find fault in Jesus, when it came to the law and his adherence to it.
The scribes and Pharisees repeatedly asked Jesus what he thought should be done with the woman. At first Jesus seemed to ignore them, but as they continued to ask him he stood up, and gave them an answer. Jesus told them that whoever among them was without sin should throw the first stone at the woman, and this forced them to pause and examine the sin in their own lives. As they did so they began to walk away one by one until there was not a single accuser remaining.
Please note that before Jesus said even one single word to the woman he addressed the crowd that was so eager and willing to stone her. It was only after all of the woman's accusers walked away that Jesus addressed her, and when he did; take note that he didn't speak down to her, shame her, look at her in disgust, or treat her in a condemning manner. Having compassion on her, he simply told her that he did not condemn her, he forgave her, he told her she could go, and not to do it again.
Jesus didn't scream at this woman or give her some long lecture about how terrible her sin was. Instead, he demonstrated love, kindness, forgiveness, understanding, and compassion; as he addressed her. Jesus being perfect and sinless addressed this woman in the manner he did; yet many human beings, just as the scribes and the Pharisees, are quick to judge, condemn, and show no compassion or forgiveness whatsoever for one another. Jesus didn't tell the woman that what she did was okay or that it was not a sin, but when he addressed the issue with her he did so in love, and without harshness of any form.
I encourage you to remember that no sin is greater than another in the eyes of God, and that every human being is a sinner. It is also important to remember that each of us have needed to be shown forgiveness, compassion, and understanding more than once in our lives, and that we should be willing to show the same to others. Christians should hold one another accountable there is no question about that, but we must make certain that we do so with love, forgiveness, kindness, and compassion in our hearts. No lectures, harsh words, or judgmental and condemning behavior are necessary; nor are they Christ-like. This type of treatment toward someone is not beneficial in anyway whatsoever. I urge you to remember how Jesus treated this woman caught in the act of adultery, and to follow his example. The world could sure use more love, compassion, forgiveness, understanding, and Christ-like behavior. I further urge you to remember that all sins are equal in God's eyes. Consider how you would want others to treat you; should a sin you've committed come to light. Remember we are all fallible human beings; who fall short of the glory of God..
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
In the above passage of scripture a group of scribes and Pharisees bring a woman who was caught in the act of adultery before Jesus. The Pharisees are known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic law. So strict that in lieu of coming across as born again believers in Jesus Christ, they came across as harsh and legalistic. The woman was placed in the middle of all of her accusers where she stood while her sin was reported to Jesus. The Pharisees were tempting Jesus by stating what the law commanded should be done to her because she was caught in the act of adultery. Having no compassion or forgiveness in their hearts for the woman, but rather focusing solely on the law, the scribes and Pharisees were matter of fact in stating that the law dictated she should be stoned to death. Prior to stoning her, however, they asked Jesus what he felt should be done with her. This was an attempt by the scribes and Pharisees to find fault in Jesus, when it came to the law and his adherence to it.
The scribes and Pharisees repeatedly asked Jesus what he thought should be done with the woman. At first Jesus seemed to ignore them, but as they continued to ask him he stood up, and gave them an answer. Jesus told them that whoever among them was without sin should throw the first stone at the woman, and this forced them to pause and examine the sin in their own lives. As they did so they began to walk away one by one until there was not a single accuser remaining.
Please note that before Jesus said even one single word to the woman he addressed the crowd that was so eager and willing to stone her. It was only after all of the woman's accusers walked away that Jesus addressed her, and when he did; take note that he didn't speak down to her, shame her, look at her in disgust, or treat her in a condemning manner. Having compassion on her, he simply told her that he did not condemn her, he forgave her, he told her she could go, and not to do it again.
Jesus didn't scream at this woman or give her some long lecture about how terrible her sin was. Instead, he demonstrated love, kindness, forgiveness, understanding, and compassion; as he addressed her. Jesus being perfect and sinless addressed this woman in the manner he did; yet many human beings, just as the scribes and the Pharisees, are quick to judge, condemn, and show no compassion or forgiveness whatsoever for one another. Jesus didn't tell the woman that what she did was okay or that it was not a sin, but when he addressed the issue with her he did so in love, and without harshness of any form.
I encourage you to remember that no sin is greater than another in the eyes of God, and that every human being is a sinner. It is also important to remember that each of us have needed to be shown forgiveness, compassion, and understanding more than once in our lives, and that we should be willing to show the same to others. Christians should hold one another accountable there is no question about that, but we must make certain that we do so with love, forgiveness, kindness, and compassion in our hearts. No lectures, harsh words, or judgmental and condemning behavior are necessary; nor are they Christ-like. This type of treatment toward someone is not beneficial in anyway whatsoever. I urge you to remember how Jesus treated this woman caught in the act of adultery, and to follow his example. The world could sure use more love, compassion, forgiveness, understanding, and Christ-like behavior. I further urge you to remember that all sins are equal in God's eyes. Consider how you would want others to treat you; should a sin you've committed come to light. Remember we are all fallible human beings; who fall short of the glory of God..
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
Friday, March 10, 2017
Just One Man
Luke 18:35-43 (KJV) Says, "And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the wayside begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God."
In the above passage of scripture note that Jesus was surrounded by a large number of people as he was walking in the direction of the blind beggar. When the blind beggar inquired as to what was going on he was informed that Jesus was passing by. Knowing that Jesus had the power to heal, he began crying out to him. He was instructed by the multitude of people surrounding him to stop crying out to Jesus, and yet he continued on, ignoring the crowd's command for him to be quiet. Jesus, who keep in mind was very busy and in a crowd, hears the blind man's plea, and stops to heal him.
Of great importance to note is the fact that in the midst of the crowd not only did Jesus hear the blind beggar, he stopped for him, and for him alone. Jesus could have very easily ignored his cries, and continued walking. He could have passed by the blind beggar as though stopping for one man was not important, or he could have deemed himself too busy to stop for one individual, but praise God that is not who he is.
This passage of scripture is such a clear and evident example of the fact that God loves each and every one of us tremendously, and that every single one of his children are of great importance to him. Just as Jesus heard the blind beggar, God hears us when we cry out to him. God loves and cares for us as individuals, and Jesus demonstrated that in the above passage of scripture by stopping for just one man. I encourage you to remember to praise God and thank him for all the miracles, blessings, and answered prayers he has given you in your life. I further encourage you to remember that God loves you tremendously, that you are extremely important to him, and that when you cry out to him, he hears you. Never feel as as though you don't matter to God because you are just one man.
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 note that Jesus was surrounded by a large number of people as he was walking in the direction of the blind beggar. When the blind beggar inquired as to what was going on he was informed that Jesus was passing by. Knowing that Jesus had the power to heal, he began crying out to him. He was instructed by the multitude of people surrounding him to stop crying out to Jesus, and yet he continued on, ignoring the crowd's command for him to be quiet. Jesus, who keep in mind was very busy and in a crowd, hears the blind man's plea, and stops to heal him.
Of great importance to note is the fact that in the midst of the crowd not only did Jesus hear the blind beggar, he stopped for him, and for him alone. Jesus could have very easily ignored his cries, and continued walking. He could have passed by the blind beggar as though stopping for one man was not important, or he could have deemed himself too busy to stop for one individual, but praise God that is not who he is.
This passage of scripture is such a clear and evident example of the fact that God loves each and every one of us tremendously, and that every single one of his children are of great importance to him. Just as Jesus heard the blind beggar, God hears us when we cry out to him. God loves and cares for us as individuals, and Jesus demonstrated that in the above passage of scripture by stopping for just one man. I encourage you to remember to praise God and thank him for all the miracles, blessings, and answered prayers he has given you in your life. I further encourage you to remember that God loves you tremendously, that you are extremely important to him, and that when you cry out to him, he hears you. Never feel as as though you don't matter to God because you are just one man.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Spreading The News
Proverbs 16:28 (KJV) Says, "A froward man seweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.' Proverbs 18:8 (KJV) Says, "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly." Proverbs 11:13 (KJV) Says, "A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he who is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter." 1 Timothy 5:13 (KJV) Says, "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." Proverbs 21:23 (KJV) Says, "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."
The above verses of scripture taken from the book of Proverbs tell us that a man that is contrary or difficult to get along with sews strife, and that a person who goes about whispering secrets about others separates, not just friends, but the best of friends. These verses further advise us that a talebearer's words are like wounds, and most if not all of us have been wounded by the words of a talebearer. We are also advised that a talebearer reveals secrets, but that people who are of a faithful spirit keep what others have confided in them; or the things they have heard about others; to themselves. We are also advised that people who do not go about spreading gossip and tale toting keep their souls from trouble. The above verse of scripture taken from 1st Timothy talks about people who have idle time on their hands, and opt to use it to go from place to place spreading gossip, tattling, and tale toting. This scripture clearly labels these type individuals as busybodies, and makes clear that they go about sharing things that they should not be sharing.
Some people seem to thrive on gossip. When they get their hands on what they deem to be a piece of dirt on another person, they cannot wait to spread the news. Most of us know or have known someone who loves a good dirt alert, and are more than eager to share it. It doesn't matter to these type individuals whether what they are sharing is factual; not that if it were that would make it okay to share it. When people gossip, spread rumors, tattle on others, and go about tale toting they are first and foremost displeasing God with their behavior, they are also hurting other people, and making themselves look bad as well. Gossip spreads quickly, unfortunately, and as it spreads the dirt grows, and the story changes so much that in the end; nine times out of ten there is little if any truth left in it. All gossip and tale toting leaves nothing but devastation in its wake. It has destroyed marriages, personal relationships, families, friendships, professional relationships, and much more.
As born again believers in Jesus Christ we should not have the desire in our hearts to spread any form of gossip about anyone. If someone comes to us in confidence and shares something personal with us; or we hear something about another person that falls under the category of dirt alert, we should not have to be ask not to share it. We should be people that others know they can trust and confide in knowing that the result of them doing so would be us praying for them, and offering to help them in any way possible.
Just as we should not spread gossip or tote tales, we should not standby listening to anyone else do so. Silence is a form of agreement. If we find ourselves in the company of a person or a group of people engaged in active gossip; we can either politely speak up against it, or simply walk away. After you walk away from these conversations enough times; the person or people engaged in them will recognize that you are not on board with that type behavior.
I have personally witnessed how damaging it can be for people to go about spreading gossip, and stirring up strife among others. It causes extreme hurt, pain, and devastation. I urge you to keep in confidence the things others share with you, to speak up or walk away from those who are spreading gossip, and to be the man or woman God has called you to be. We are to love one another; not harm one another with our words or with any other means. If we as Christians find ourselves idle and eager to spread news, let's make it the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
The above verses of scripture taken from the book of Proverbs tell us that a man that is contrary or difficult to get along with sews strife, and that a person who goes about whispering secrets about others separates, not just friends, but the best of friends. These verses further advise us that a talebearer's words are like wounds, and most if not all of us have been wounded by the words of a talebearer. We are also advised that a talebearer reveals secrets, but that people who are of a faithful spirit keep what others have confided in them; or the things they have heard about others; to themselves. We are also advised that people who do not go about spreading gossip and tale toting keep their souls from trouble. The above verse of scripture taken from 1st Timothy talks about people who have idle time on their hands, and opt to use it to go from place to place spreading gossip, tattling, and tale toting. This scripture clearly labels these type individuals as busybodies, and makes clear that they go about sharing things that they should not be sharing.
Some people seem to thrive on gossip. When they get their hands on what they deem to be a piece of dirt on another person, they cannot wait to spread the news. Most of us know or have known someone who loves a good dirt alert, and are more than eager to share it. It doesn't matter to these type individuals whether what they are sharing is factual; not that if it were that would make it okay to share it. When people gossip, spread rumors, tattle on others, and go about tale toting they are first and foremost displeasing God with their behavior, they are also hurting other people, and making themselves look bad as well. Gossip spreads quickly, unfortunately, and as it spreads the dirt grows, and the story changes so much that in the end; nine times out of ten there is little if any truth left in it. All gossip and tale toting leaves nothing but devastation in its wake. It has destroyed marriages, personal relationships, families, friendships, professional relationships, and much more.
As born again believers in Jesus Christ we should not have the desire in our hearts to spread any form of gossip about anyone. If someone comes to us in confidence and shares something personal with us; or we hear something about another person that falls under the category of dirt alert, we should not have to be ask not to share it. We should be people that others know they can trust and confide in knowing that the result of them doing so would be us praying for them, and offering to help them in any way possible.
Just as we should not spread gossip or tote tales, we should not standby listening to anyone else do so. Silence is a form of agreement. If we find ourselves in the company of a person or a group of people engaged in active gossip; we can either politely speak up against it, or simply walk away. After you walk away from these conversations enough times; the person or people engaged in them will recognize that you are not on board with that type behavior.
I have personally witnessed how damaging it can be for people to go about spreading gossip, and stirring up strife among others. It causes extreme hurt, pain, and devastation. I urge you to keep in confidence the things others share with you, to speak up or walk away from those who are spreading gossip, and to be the man or woman God has called you to be. We are to love one another; not harm one another with our words or with any other means. If we as Christians find ourselves idle and eager to spread news, let's make it the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
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