Matthew 5:45 (KJV) Says, "That ye may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven: For he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Ecclesiastes 12:14 (KJV) Says, "For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Psalm 37:1-2 (KJV) Says, "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like grass, and wither as the green herb." Deuteronomy 31:8 (KJV) Says, "And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."
It is no secret that the world we live in consists of good, and of evil, and as the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Matthew tells us the sun rises on both, and it rains on both. I couldn't tell you how many times I've heard people talking about how others they know to be living their lives in sin seem to be receiving multiple blessings. I've heard things like they're at a different bar every night cursing and getting drunk while I'm doing my best to walk in obedience to God, and they have far more than I'll ever have. They have two new vehicles, and I'm driven one that breaks down at least once a week. I live in a small house, and they live in a mansion. They go on multiple vacations every year while I can't afford cable television for entertainment. The list of statements like these that I've heard people utter is at least a mile long. The truth is, however, things are not always as they seem. The above verses of Scripture taken from Psalm 37 tell us not to fret because of those who do evil. Fret by definition means to worry over or be anxious about. We are further instructed here not to be envious of workers of iniquity. Iniquity by definition means being immoral or demonstrating unfair behavior. These verses of scripture go on to tell us that those who choose to live their lives in an unjust manner will be cut down like grass, and will wither like a green herb.
As we see in the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Ecclesiastes, God will judge each of us on all we do, and have done whether good or evil. This fact in and of itself is enough to make clear that those who are living unjustly and seem to have it all are creating an illusion because whether in this life, on judgment day, or while on earth they will reap the consequences for the evil they have done.
The above verse of scripture taken from the book of Deuteronomy tells us that the Lord walks before us, that he is with us, and that he will never fail us or forsake us. It tells us also not to be afraid or troubled. When we truly ponder that as children of Almighty God we have these promises and more given to us in his Word, then we can clearly recognize that evil could never prevail over us. Living a just life offers things of far more value than any material thing we could ever obtain on earth, in fact it offers things that are absolutely priceless. If someone goes through life being rude, unkind, selfish, and self-serving, and they own five vehicles, four mansions, and all the luxuries this world has to offer without having come to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, then they have missed out on the most valuable thing ever offered to mankind, and it's freely given to us. Nothing can compare to having Almighty God walk beside us as we journey through this life. Nothing can compare to the hope we have knowing that we will spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus Christ.
I am well aware that as we go through life here on earth we see bad things happen to good people. God sees and knows it too. The Bible tells us that we will have trials and tribulations in this world, but to be of good cheer because God has overcome the world. There is a major difference in how born again believers in Jesus Christ walk through their storms, and the manner in which the lost walk through theirs. That major difference is that born again believers in Jesus Christ NEVER walk through the storms they face alone.
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!
Friday, October 27, 2017
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Your Needs
Matthew 6:31-32 (KJV) Says, "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." Luke 12:24 (KJV) Says, "Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse or barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?" Philippians 4:19 (KJV) Says, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Romans 8:32 (KJV) Says, "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"
Many born again believers in Jesus Christ fail to trust God in all things, and stand firm in their faith, when they face trials and tribulations in their life. The Word of God is full of the promises that God has made to us, and he has never nor will he ever break a single one of them. It is easy to say we have faith in God, when things are going smoothly in our lives. The true test of our faith comes when trouble comes our way. The fact is, however, when we are walking in obedience to God and putting our trust in him there is no need to wonder or worry about whether or not he will meet our needs because the fact is he will.
The above verses of scripture taken from the book of Matthew tells us not to worry about food, drink, or how we will be able to get clothing, when we are in need of these things. It is made clear to us here that God knows that we need these things. The verse of scripture taken from the book of Luke tells us to consider the fact that ravens do nothing to obtain food, and that they have no way to store it; yet God feeds them. This verse further points out that if God meets the needs of the ravens, then he will surely meet our needs as we are above birds in importance to him. The verse of scripture taken from the book of Philippians tells us that God will supply all of our needs. Finally, the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Romans reminds us that God didn't spare his Only Son, but gave him up to die on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for all of our sins. Knowing that he freely gave us the most precious gift of all, Jesus Christ, then how could we ever doubt that he will freely give us all things necessary to meet our needs.
As a born again believer in Jesus Christ, there is no reason whatsoever that we should ever spend time worrying about whether or not our needs will be met. If you are living in obedience to God, then he will certainly meet all of your needs. Don't spend time worrying over how a bill will get paid, what you will eat, whether or not you'll have anything to drink, or whether any other need you have will be met. Instead, stand firm in your faith, trust the promises God's given in his Word that tell you he will meet your needs, and watch him work. He is nothing short of Amazing.
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!
Many born again believers in Jesus Christ fail to trust God in all things, and stand firm in their faith, when they face trials and tribulations in their life. The Word of God is full of the promises that God has made to us, and he has never nor will he ever break a single one of them. It is easy to say we have faith in God, when things are going smoothly in our lives. The true test of our faith comes when trouble comes our way. The fact is, however, when we are walking in obedience to God and putting our trust in him there is no need to wonder or worry about whether or not he will meet our needs because the fact is he will.
The above verses of scripture taken from the book of Matthew tells us not to worry about food, drink, or how we will be able to get clothing, when we are in need of these things. It is made clear to us here that God knows that we need these things. The verse of scripture taken from the book of Luke tells us to consider the fact that ravens do nothing to obtain food, and that they have no way to store it; yet God feeds them. This verse further points out that if God meets the needs of the ravens, then he will surely meet our needs as we are above birds in importance to him. The verse of scripture taken from the book of Philippians tells us that God will supply all of our needs. Finally, the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Romans reminds us that God didn't spare his Only Son, but gave him up to die on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for all of our sins. Knowing that he freely gave us the most precious gift of all, Jesus Christ, then how could we ever doubt that he will freely give us all things necessary to meet our needs.
As a born again believer in Jesus Christ, there is no reason whatsoever that we should ever spend time worrying about whether or not our needs will be met. If you are living in obedience to God, then he will certainly meet all of your needs. Don't spend time worrying over how a bill will get paid, what you will eat, whether or not you'll have anything to drink, or whether any other need you have will be met. Instead, stand firm in your faith, trust the promises God's given in his Word that tell you he will meet your needs, and watch him work. He is nothing short of Amazing.
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, October 25, 2017
Living in Bondage
Mark 11:25 (KJV) Says, "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any, that your Father also which is in Heaven may forgive you your trespasses." Ephesians 4:32 (KJV) Says, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Hebrews 12:15 (KJV) Says, "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness spring up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;" Acts 8:23 (KJV) Says, "For I perceive that thou are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity." James 1:19 (KJV) Says, "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:" Ecclesiastes 7:9 (KJV) Says, "Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools." James 4:7 (KJV) Says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Many people are living in bondage, and have failed to recognize it. The type of bondage I'm talking about is emotional bondage. It comes in the form of unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, resentment, jealousy, rejection, and other like emotions. In the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Mark we are instructed to forgive others in order for God to forgive us. Ponder for a moment the importance of that. If we don not forgive one another for our trespasses then God will not forgive us for ours. If God being perfect can forgive each of us for our sins then certainly with his help we can forgive one another. The above verse of scripture taken from the book of Ephesians also instructs us to forgive one another, and to treat one another with kindness.
The above verse of scripture taken from the book of Hebrews advises us to examine ourselves so that we don't fail of the grace of God, and allow a root of bitterness to grow in us, trouble us, and lead us into sin. The above verse of scripture taken from the book of James instructs us to listen, and to be slow in our response, and not to be quick to get angry. The above verse of scripture taken from the book of Acts makes clear that when someone is living in the bondage of bitterness it is easily noticed by those around them. The above verse of scripture taken from the book of Ecclesiastes also instructs us not to be hasty to get angry, and that anger rests in the bosom of fools. I think most of us have witnessed someone become angry in a split second, and saw how foolish they look in their anger. Finally, the last verse of scripture listed above also taken from the book of James instructs us to submit ourselves to God, and resist the devil. It also advises us that, if we will resist the devil he will flee from us.
None of the negative emotions that many are in bondage to are from God. They are straight from Satan himself. If we remain in any form of emotional bondage it will impede our walk with God, and none of us want that. Emotional bondage interferes with our prayer life, and it also can prevent God from opening the next door he wants us to walk through in life; as he will wait until we address the issue of our bondage prior to moving us forward. In short, emotional bondage of any sort acts as a roadblock in our personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is also vital to recognize that living in bondage to any of these emotions is not pleasing to God, and it does nothing but reek havoc in our lives.
I encourage you to do a self-examination, and truly consider whether or not you are harboring any negative emotion such as anger, bitterness, resentment, jealousy, rejection or the like in your heart, and if so, I urge you to address it. Once you recognize it and identify the source of it; then you can deal with it. If you do discover you are living in bondage to one or more of these emotions take it to the Lord in prayer, and ask him to help you to work through it. If you need to apologize to someone do it. If you need to forgive someone for doing you wrong in some way then please do so. Whatever you discover upon self-examination that has you living in bondage take it to God in prayer immediately, and do what you need to do in order to break out of it. You will be amazed at how freeing it is, and you will then be ready to move forward with all the wonderful things God has planned for your 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!
Many people are living in bondage, and have failed to recognize it. The type of bondage I'm talking about is emotional bondage. It comes in the form of unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, resentment, jealousy, rejection, and other like emotions. In the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Mark we are instructed to forgive others in order for God to forgive us. Ponder for a moment the importance of that. If we don not forgive one another for our trespasses then God will not forgive us for ours. If God being perfect can forgive each of us for our sins then certainly with his help we can forgive one another. The above verse of scripture taken from the book of Ephesians also instructs us to forgive one another, and to treat one another with kindness.
The above verse of scripture taken from the book of Hebrews advises us to examine ourselves so that we don't fail of the grace of God, and allow a root of bitterness to grow in us, trouble us, and lead us into sin. The above verse of scripture taken from the book of James instructs us to listen, and to be slow in our response, and not to be quick to get angry. The above verse of scripture taken from the book of Acts makes clear that when someone is living in the bondage of bitterness it is easily noticed by those around them. The above verse of scripture taken from the book of Ecclesiastes also instructs us not to be hasty to get angry, and that anger rests in the bosom of fools. I think most of us have witnessed someone become angry in a split second, and saw how foolish they look in their anger. Finally, the last verse of scripture listed above also taken from the book of James instructs us to submit ourselves to God, and resist the devil. It also advises us that, if we will resist the devil he will flee from us.
None of the negative emotions that many are in bondage to are from God. They are straight from Satan himself. If we remain in any form of emotional bondage it will impede our walk with God, and none of us want that. Emotional bondage interferes with our prayer life, and it also can prevent God from opening the next door he wants us to walk through in life; as he will wait until we address the issue of our bondage prior to moving us forward. In short, emotional bondage of any sort acts as a roadblock in our personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is also vital to recognize that living in bondage to any of these emotions is not pleasing to God, and it does nothing but reek havoc in our lives.
I encourage you to do a self-examination, and truly consider whether or not you are harboring any negative emotion such as anger, bitterness, resentment, jealousy, rejection or the like in your heart, and if so, I urge you to address it. Once you recognize it and identify the source of it; then you can deal with it. If you do discover you are living in bondage to one or more of these emotions take it to the Lord in prayer, and ask him to help you to work through it. If you need to apologize to someone do it. If you need to forgive someone for doing you wrong in some way then please do so. Whatever you discover upon self-examination that has you living in bondage take it to God in prayer immediately, and do what you need to do in order to break out of it. You will be amazed at how freeing it is, and you will then be ready to move forward with all the wonderful things God has planned for your 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!
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Feeling Defeated
Deuteronomy 20:4 (KJV) Says, "For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." Deuteronomy 31:8 (KJV) Says, "And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed." Philippians 4:13 (KJV) Says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." John 16:33 (KJV) Says, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Psalm 108:13 (KJV) Says, "Through God we shall do valiantly: For he it is that shall tread down our enemies."
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) Says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; bur of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Most, if not all of us have found ourselves feeling defeated at one time or another in our lives. It is easy to become overwhelmed, and begin to feel defeated secondary to the trials, tribulations, and storms we face in our earthly lives. It may be that you lost your job, and you have put in multiple applications day in and day out for months with no results. It may be that your husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend decided after years of being together that they simply don't love you anymore, and you've done all you can to restore your relationship only to be repeatedly rejected. It may be that no matter how hard you work it seems you cannot get ahead financially because just when you begin to see a break something unexpected and costly comes your way. It may be that you have battled health issues for a long period of time, and you have repeatedly relapsed or can't seem to get better. There are many examples of events in life that can leave a person feeling defeated. If we allow it too, the spirit of defeat will settle in on us, and land us in a state of depression.
The good news is that as Christians we don't ever have to live our lives feeling defeated. It is only when we fail to focus on the fact that God is on our side and that there is nothing beyond his power that we begin to slip into a spirit of defeat. Faith is believing in things that we cannot see, and that includes having faith in the fact that there is no problem so great that God cannot solve it. God can restore your relationships, finances, health, and heal any other area of your life where you are facing a struggle. We cannot lose sight of that fact.
In the above verses of scripture taken from the book of Deuteronomy, we see that the Lord goes with us and fights for us. We see that he goes before us, and that he will not fail us or forsake us. We are instructed not to fear or be dismayed. Dismayed by definition means to feel discouraged, distressed, or troubled, and when we begin to feel defeated these emotions come along with that strengthening our feeling of defeat. The above verse taken from the book of Philippians tells us that there is nothing we can't do with Christ on our side strengthening us. The above verse of scripture taken from the book of John tells us that God is aware that in the world we will face tribulations, but in spite of those he desires for us to have his divine peace. He further instructs us in this verse of scripture to be of good cheer because he has overcome the world. There is not one thing or one person in this world more powerful than Almighty God. In Psalm 108:13 God's Word tells us that we will do valiantly through him, and that he will tread down our enemies. Finally, in the above verse taken from the book of 2 Timothy God's Word tells us that we are not to walk in the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and of a sound mind. We do not have to live our lives in fear or feeling defeated; wondering how we'll resolve any situation or issue in our lives. God is all powerful and he is on our side. We have the power of God living in us via the Holy Spirit. When we walk in love and remain focused on God and his promises we will have divine peace, and a sound mind.
The next time you begin to feel defeated, I encourage you to rebuke that feeling immediately. Don't allow the spirit of defeat to come into your life, and cause you to waver in your faith failing to remember all that God is capable of. The moment you begin to feel defeated remember what God's Word promises you. Remember that there is no problem whatsoever so great that God can't handle it. Remember that God loves you tremendously, that he is on your side, that he is walking before you always, and that he is holding your right hand. Take all of your worries and cares to God in prayer, and leave them there. Trust God and the promises he has given us in his Word. God has NEVER broken even one single promise, and he can make a way where we can't see one. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that means he is still a God of miracles. Walk in love, and remain steadfast in your faith knowing that God is holding you in the palm of his hand.
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!
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) Says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; bur of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Most, if not all of us have found ourselves feeling defeated at one time or another in our lives. It is easy to become overwhelmed, and begin to feel defeated secondary to the trials, tribulations, and storms we face in our earthly lives. It may be that you lost your job, and you have put in multiple applications day in and day out for months with no results. It may be that your husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend decided after years of being together that they simply don't love you anymore, and you've done all you can to restore your relationship only to be repeatedly rejected. It may be that no matter how hard you work it seems you cannot get ahead financially because just when you begin to see a break something unexpected and costly comes your way. It may be that you have battled health issues for a long period of time, and you have repeatedly relapsed or can't seem to get better. There are many examples of events in life that can leave a person feeling defeated. If we allow it too, the spirit of defeat will settle in on us, and land us in a state of depression.
The good news is that as Christians we don't ever have to live our lives feeling defeated. It is only when we fail to focus on the fact that God is on our side and that there is nothing beyond his power that we begin to slip into a spirit of defeat. Faith is believing in things that we cannot see, and that includes having faith in the fact that there is no problem so great that God cannot solve it. God can restore your relationships, finances, health, and heal any other area of your life where you are facing a struggle. We cannot lose sight of that fact.
In the above verses of scripture taken from the book of Deuteronomy, we see that the Lord goes with us and fights for us. We see that he goes before us, and that he will not fail us or forsake us. We are instructed not to fear or be dismayed. Dismayed by definition means to feel discouraged, distressed, or troubled, and when we begin to feel defeated these emotions come along with that strengthening our feeling of defeat. The above verse taken from the book of Philippians tells us that there is nothing we can't do with Christ on our side strengthening us. The above verse of scripture taken from the book of John tells us that God is aware that in the world we will face tribulations, but in spite of those he desires for us to have his divine peace. He further instructs us in this verse of scripture to be of good cheer because he has overcome the world. There is not one thing or one person in this world more powerful than Almighty God. In Psalm 108:13 God's Word tells us that we will do valiantly through him, and that he will tread down our enemies. Finally, in the above verse taken from the book of 2 Timothy God's Word tells us that we are not to walk in the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and of a sound mind. We do not have to live our lives in fear or feeling defeated; wondering how we'll resolve any situation or issue in our lives. God is all powerful and he is on our side. We have the power of God living in us via the Holy Spirit. When we walk in love and remain focused on God and his promises we will have divine peace, and a sound mind.
The next time you begin to feel defeated, I encourage you to rebuke that feeling immediately. Don't allow the spirit of defeat to come into your life, and cause you to waver in your faith failing to remember all that God is capable of. The moment you begin to feel defeated remember what God's Word promises you. Remember that there is no problem whatsoever so great that God can't handle it. Remember that God loves you tremendously, that he is on your side, that he is walking before you always, and that he is holding your right hand. Take all of your worries and cares to God in prayer, and leave them there. Trust God and the promises he has given us in his Word. God has NEVER broken even one single promise, and he can make a way where we can't see one. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that means he is still a God of miracles. Walk in love, and remain steadfast in your faith knowing that God is holding you in the palm of his hand.
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!
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Emotions
Mark 6:34 (KJV) Says, "And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things." Genesis 6:6 (KJV) Says, "And it repented the Lord that he had made man on earth, and it grieved him at his heart." Matthew 14:14 (KJV) Says, "And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick." Ephesians 4:26 (KJV) Says, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath:" Mark 3:5 (KJV) Says, "And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other." John 11:33-35 Says, "When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the Spirit, and was troubled. And said, where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept."
God created human beings with the ability to feel, and experience various emotions. He is, therefore, well aware that we have emotions, and he is in no way upset with us when we express them; as long as we do so in a righteous manner. Jesus himself being sinless and perfect, while here on earth in the flesh, experienced several emotions, and many examples of this are documented in the Word of God. If we as Christians hide our emotions and behave as though we don't feel then we are not being honest with ourselves or those who witness our stoic behavior. If we hope to reach others with the gospel, we must be transparent and openly express our emotions; albeit always in a righteous manner. If we fail to demonstrate that we experience emotions or have feelings we come across as cold and robotic. We can give lost people the impression that it is not okay to have feelings which makes being a Christian appear too difficult and legalistic; prompting them to want no part of Christianity.
In the first verse of scripture used above, Jesus was moved with compassion, and that is an emotion. In the above verse taken from Genesis, We see that the Lord was grieved in his heart, and grief too is an emotion. In the above verse taken from Matthew we see that Jesus was moved with compassion toward a great multitude of people which is again an emotional feeling. In the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Ephesians we see that we are permitted to be angry, but we are instructed not to commit sin in our anger. Having righteous indignation toward a situation or an individual is to be angry at the right person or situation, at the right time, and to handle our anger in a Christ-like manner. In Mark 3:5 we see that Jesus looked around at a group of people with anger and that he was grieved because of the hardness of their hearts. We see in the last passage of scripture listed above which was taken from the book of John that when Jesus saw Mary, and the Jews who came out to meet him weeping, he began to weep with them. Mary and the people were grieving the death of Lazarus who was Mary and Martha's brother. Jesus counted Mary, Martha, and Lazarus among his friends. Here Jesus demonstrates by weeping that he felt compassion for Mary, Martha, and all those who came weeping over the loss of Lazarus. Jesus knew he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, but he felt a compassion toward all those who were weeping and mourning because they were experiencing great pain secondary to a loved one passing away. They had no idea at that moment Jesus would raise Lazarus from the dead. In Matthew 21:12-13 (KJV) Jesus is angry at the moneychangers in the temple of God, and he turns over their tables and seats.
These a just a few examples of feelings and emotions being expressed by Jesus himself, and there are others given in God's Word. In short, having emotions and actually feeling are perfectly normal. The manner in which we walk through those emotions, and how we handle them, as Christians, is where we see a difference. For example, if someone hurts you and it makes you sad by all means cry, if you need to. Then pray for them and forgive them. If you are mourning the loss of someone you love, by all means cry, Jesus did. When my father passed away it devastated me because I loved him tremendously, and I cried profusely. The difference was that as my twin sister and I were standing at his casket, I was able to say to her that I recognized the only way we were able to stand there and look down on our Daddy was because we had God holding our hand. If you get angry at someone or something that too is normal as long as you are angry at the right person or situation for the right reason, and you handle it in the right way. Don't curse someone out, but rather address the situation or person in a Christlike manner in an attempt to resolve the issue. If you are angry respond in lieu of reacting. Pray about the situation or for the person, and God will place on your heart how he desires for you to respond. Sometimes the best response is silence.
Never deny yourself the right to feel a healthy emotion. Suppressing our feelings is both physically and mentally damaging. Feelings will surface one way or another if we hold them back; whether in a physical manifestation such as high blood pressure or in a mental manifestation such as depression. Take all of your problems to God in prayer, and leave them there. There is no problem to great for him to handle, and he loves you tremendously. Remember this, however, it is normal and necessary to feel and to express emotions. If we internalize our feelings then we are headed for trouble, and we are not demonstrating to the lost that we are human beings who experience sadness, grief, love, compassion, anger, and other emotions just as they do. In short, don't beat yourself up for having feelings and emotions because without them you wouldn't be capable of having compassion and love for others nor would you be able to grieve with those who grieve or rejoice with those who rejoice as the Word of God instructs us to do.
I encourage you to remember the next time you experience anger, grief, pain, sadness, or any other emotion that God is not only walking through your storm with you, but he is holding your right hand. I further encourage you to remember to praise and thank God when things are going well for you, and when you are walking through a storm. I urge you to pray about all things, and to remind yourself that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord. Finally, remember that love is in and of itself an emotion, and 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!
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Why Go to Church?
Hebrews 10:25 (KJV) Says, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Matthew 18:20 (KJV) Says, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Exodus 20:8 (KJV) Says, "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy."
The above verses of scripture are just a few of the many found within the pages of God's Word that shine light on the importance of attending Church on a regular basis, and of having a Church family. There are, in fact, many more. The above verse taken from the book of Hebrews advises us not to abandon coming together to worship. It advises us not only to come together, but to lift one another up as well. This verse further advises that the closer the second coming of Jesus Christ is; the more important our assembling together becomes.
I have spoken with many individuals of late who express that they see no reason to attend worship services; nor do they feel that it is necessary to be a part of a Church family. Many have expressed to me that they can have a strong personal relationship with God without attending Church. Most, if not all, of these individuals have shared with me that they attended Church in the past, but were offended by something a congregation member said or did, and this prompted them to leave the Church with no intention of returning.
Let me say that I am not in denial about the fact that there are self-proclaimed Christians in this world who behave toward others in a manner that is far from Christ-like. Christians have been labeled by some as having an attitude of holier than thou, being judgmental, condemning, and in some cases blatantly rude. With that being said, however, it is important that we not allow any individual or group of people to stop us from coming together to Worship in the house of the Lord, and to fellowship with one another. It is important that first we recognize that Churches are made up of human beings, and as such all are fallible. It is also important that we recognize the fact that Satan works through any means possible in order to distance us from God and to prevent us from furthering the gospel and serving him. This includes working through people.
In lieu of opting to stay out of Church, I urge you to recognize the fact that the Christians who behave in this manner are far fewer in number than those who welcome you, and are there for you. I encourage you to remind yourself that the Bible instructs us to come together, and the importance of doing sos. Stand firm in your faith, and continue attending worship services. Stay focused on God and pray for those who offend you with any behavior or speech that is not Christ-like. The truth is a person who claims to be a Christian and then goes about offending people on a regular basis by judging, condemning, pointing fingers, gossiping, being rude, and so forth needs our prayers. Behavior of this nature does nothing to lead people to the Lord, in fact, it pushes them away, and Satan loves it. Don't fall prey to a Church member or small group of Church members of this nature, if you happen to become one of their targets. Recognize them as fallible human beings, pray for them, stay focused on God, and continue in your steadfast walk with him. Leaving Church because of an offense you suffered is to give Satan the victory, and none of us want that.
I encourage you to remember that attending Church and being part of a Church family is of great importance. It is in worship services that we are blessed with the opportunity to sing and praise the Lord together. It is in Church that we grow in our knowledge of God as we hear his Word preached. It is in Church that we fellowship with other Christians, and develop relationships with with individuals who share our in our beliefs. Another important thing to remember is that God has given us all various gifts to be used in service to him, and when we come together as believers willing to use our gifts in service to God we can accomplish a great deal more by being part of a team in lieu of flying solo. It is also in Church that we are blessed to witness people come to accept Christ, and that is always a blessing. I'll leave you with two final reasons as to why it is important to attend Church on a regular basis, and to fellowship with other believers; for one because God's Word instructs us to do so, and finally because it is pleasing to him.
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 are just a few of the many found within the pages of God's Word that shine light on the importance of attending Church on a regular basis, and of having a Church family. There are, in fact, many more. The above verse taken from the book of Hebrews advises us not to abandon coming together to worship. It advises us not only to come together, but to lift one another up as well. This verse further advises that the closer the second coming of Jesus Christ is; the more important our assembling together becomes.
I have spoken with many individuals of late who express that they see no reason to attend worship services; nor do they feel that it is necessary to be a part of a Church family. Many have expressed to me that they can have a strong personal relationship with God without attending Church. Most, if not all, of these individuals have shared with me that they attended Church in the past, but were offended by something a congregation member said or did, and this prompted them to leave the Church with no intention of returning.
Let me say that I am not in denial about the fact that there are self-proclaimed Christians in this world who behave toward others in a manner that is far from Christ-like. Christians have been labeled by some as having an attitude of holier than thou, being judgmental, condemning, and in some cases blatantly rude. With that being said, however, it is important that we not allow any individual or group of people to stop us from coming together to Worship in the house of the Lord, and to fellowship with one another. It is important that first we recognize that Churches are made up of human beings, and as such all are fallible. It is also important that we recognize the fact that Satan works through any means possible in order to distance us from God and to prevent us from furthering the gospel and serving him. This includes working through people.
In lieu of opting to stay out of Church, I urge you to recognize the fact that the Christians who behave in this manner are far fewer in number than those who welcome you, and are there for you. I encourage you to remind yourself that the Bible instructs us to come together, and the importance of doing sos. Stand firm in your faith, and continue attending worship services. Stay focused on God and pray for those who offend you with any behavior or speech that is not Christ-like. The truth is a person who claims to be a Christian and then goes about offending people on a regular basis by judging, condemning, pointing fingers, gossiping, being rude, and so forth needs our prayers. Behavior of this nature does nothing to lead people to the Lord, in fact, it pushes them away, and Satan loves it. Don't fall prey to a Church member or small group of Church members of this nature, if you happen to become one of their targets. Recognize them as fallible human beings, pray for them, stay focused on God, and continue in your steadfast walk with him. Leaving Church because of an offense you suffered is to give Satan the victory, and none of us want that.
I encourage you to remember that attending Church and being part of a Church family is of great importance. It is in worship services that we are blessed with the opportunity to sing and praise the Lord together. It is in Church that we grow in our knowledge of God as we hear his Word preached. It is in Church that we fellowship with other Christians, and develop relationships with with individuals who share our in our beliefs. Another important thing to remember is that God has given us all various gifts to be used in service to him, and when we come together as believers willing to use our gifts in service to God we can accomplish a great deal more by being part of a team in lieu of flying solo. It is also in Church that we are blessed to witness people come to accept Christ, and that is always a blessing. I'll leave you with two final reasons as to why it is important to attend Church on a regular basis, and to fellowship with other believers; for one because God's Word instructs us to do so, and finally because it is pleasing to him.
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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