Romans 1:20 (KJV) Says, "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead:; so that they are without excuse."
The above passage of scripture identifies, and makes clear that God not only exists, but that he is the divine creator of all that is. The book of Genesis covers God's divine creation in great detail. If a non-believer in God would simply take the time to truly considers how complicated and precise all of creation is, and how so much of nature works in sync they would be hard pressed to continue in their non-belief.
Born again believers in Jesus Christ should also take the time to ponder the magnificence of all that God has created, and experience the awe and wonder that comes along with that experience. Often times we zip through life without taking even a moment to consider all that God has created, how amazing it is, and to praise and thank him for it.
Consider the complicated design of trees, plants, bees, and pollination. Ponder the complicated design of the human body, the miracle of childbirth, and our ability to experience emotions. Consider that two-thirds of the earth is covered with water, and yet it never overtakes us. Think about it, there is no other explanation for why seas and oceans stop at the seashores other than that Almighty God commanded them too. Ponder the miraculous changing of the seasons. Think about how the cold weather controls the insect population, how wildlife has been given the ability to know when to store up food for the winter, and some the knowledge that it is time for them to hibernate. Consider the fact that birds and squirrels have been given the ability to build nests for their families. Ponder the fact that God provides water from heaven in the form of rain for all living things. Consider sunrises, sunsets, the light of the moon and the perfect timing of all light and darkness. I could go on and on listing products of God's complicated and divine design because he has blessed us with so much.
I encourage you to slow down, and take the time to admire and stand in awe of all that God has created. I urge you to consider the complexity, and divine design of all that you hear, and see. The next time you're outdoors surrounded by nature; or standing on a seashore looking at a vast amount of water; pause and truly consider the magnificence of it all. I promise you it will be a blessing, and an amazing experience. I don't think you'll ever look at things in a fast paced way again. As you take it all in, remember to praise and thank God for all that he's given us. He has blessed us in so many ways.
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, July 29, 2017
Monday, July 24, 2017
Still A God of Miracles
Hebrews 13:8 (KJV) Says, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Proverbs 15:3 (KJV) Says, "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." Luke 1:37 (KJV) Says, "For with God nothing shall be impossible." Joshua 1:9 (KJV) Says, "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest."
As the we see in the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Hebrews, God never changes he is the same today as he was yesterday, and he will remain unchanged. The above verse taken from the book of Proverbs makes clear to us that God sees all things; nothing is hidden from him. The above verse taken from the book of Luke makes clear to us that absolutely nothing is impossible with God, and in the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Joshua God tells us to be strong and not to be stressed or afraid. He tells us that he is with us everywhere we go.
There are times in our lives that we all face trials that we see no way to overcome. The great news is that there is no trial in this world that the Lord God Almighty cannot resolve. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and he is everywhere. There is no problem we will ever face that is to big for him to handle. Whatever trials come against us in this life, whether it be a health crisis, financial struggles, family problems, divorce, heartache, pain, job loss, or any other issue; God can turn things around. He is a loving, compassionate, God, and a God of restoration.
Keeping in mind that God never changes consider some of the miracles he performed that are documented for us in his Word, and rest assured that he is still the same God. For example in Genesis we find an elderly couple blessed with a biological child, In the book of Exodus God parts the Red Sea for a nation of people to walk across it, in II Kings he heals a man of leprosy, in the book of Daniel he rescues three men out of a fiery furnace, in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John he feeds over 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish, and in the book of John he raises a man from the dead. These are just a few of the miracles documented for us in God's Word there are many more examples given throughout the Bible.
Are you facing a trial in your life that you see no way to overcome? Are you at a place where you see no way out? Have you found yourself in a state of worry and despair? Are you losing hope? If so, no matter your trial, I urge you to take it to God in prayer, give it to him, and leave it there knowing that with him NOTHING is impossible. Remember God loves you, he hears your prayers, and that he will NEVER leave you nor forsake you. He is holding your hand, and he won't let go. Remember he NEVER changes, and that he is still in the miracle business.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be happy to do so. May God bless you!
As the we see in the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Hebrews, God never changes he is the same today as he was yesterday, and he will remain unchanged. The above verse taken from the book of Proverbs makes clear to us that God sees all things; nothing is hidden from him. The above verse taken from the book of Luke makes clear to us that absolutely nothing is impossible with God, and in the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Joshua God tells us to be strong and not to be stressed or afraid. He tells us that he is with us everywhere we go.
There are times in our lives that we all face trials that we see no way to overcome. The great news is that there is no trial in this world that the Lord God Almighty cannot resolve. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and he is everywhere. There is no problem we will ever face that is to big for him to handle. Whatever trials come against us in this life, whether it be a health crisis, financial struggles, family problems, divorce, heartache, pain, job loss, or any other issue; God can turn things around. He is a loving, compassionate, God, and a God of restoration.
Keeping in mind that God never changes consider some of the miracles he performed that are documented for us in his Word, and rest assured that he is still the same God. For example in Genesis we find an elderly couple blessed with a biological child, In the book of Exodus God parts the Red Sea for a nation of people to walk across it, in II Kings he heals a man of leprosy, in the book of Daniel he rescues three men out of a fiery furnace, in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John he feeds over 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish, and in the book of John he raises a man from the dead. These are just a few of the miracles documented for us in God's Word there are many more examples given throughout the Bible.
Are you facing a trial in your life that you see no way to overcome? Are you at a place where you see no way out? Have you found yourself in a state of worry and despair? Are you losing hope? If so, no matter your trial, I urge you to take it to God in prayer, give it to him, and leave it there knowing that with him NOTHING is impossible. Remember God loves you, he hears your prayers, and that he will NEVER leave you nor forsake you. He is holding your hand, and he won't let go. Remember he NEVER changes, and that he is still in the miracle business.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be happy to do so. May God bless you!
Friday, June 16, 2017
Whiners in the Wilderness
Exodus 16:2-3 (KJV) Says "And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. " Exodus 17:3 (KJV) Says "And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?"
Exodus 12:40-41(KJV) Tells us that the Israelites were slaves in Egypt for 430 years. During that time they experienced hard labor, physical beatings, having their male children taken away and put to death upon their birth, and other such hardships. You would think that when the Lord called Moses to lead them out of Egypt they would have been so grateful to God that they could hardly contain themselves. You would think their level of excitement would have been off the charts, and their faith and trust in him would have been unwavering. Maybe it was briefly, but as the above scripture indicates their excitement didn't last very long before it was replaced with murmuring, doubt, lack of faith, whining and complaining.
Before the Israelites were actually led out of bondage they witnessed the power of God firsthand through the many plagues he brought upon Egypt, when Pharaoh repeatedly refused to let them go. They had witnessed God parting the red sea, and bringing it together again upon the Egyptians who were pursuing them. They witnessed all these mighty works yet they still whined, complained, and showed a tremendous lack of faith in the wilderness, and they did so on many occasions.
Not long after being led out of Egypt the Israelites resorted to whining and complaining over lack of food and water, and this is documented in the above scripture. What little faith in God they showed by doubting whether or not he would provide them with something as basic as food, and water. Their lack of faith was so strong they even went so far as to say they would have rather remained in bondage in Egypt where they had food and water than to have been led into the wilderness to die from hunger, and thirst.
It became clear that Moses was in charge of a multitude of whiners in the wilderness. Most of us have been guilty of whining and complaining at one time or another in our lives. I have been known to whine and complain myself, especially when I get sick. I am working on breaking that habit because not once has it sped up my recovery. There are those, however, who don't seem to know how to do anything else. What a negative state of existence, and what a terrible waste of energy it is to whine and complain constantly.
The Israelites took 40 years to make a journey that could have been made in eleven days had they past the tests God put before them in the wilderness. They wasted all that energy whining and complaining about food and water, and not once did God allow them to go without either. That wasted energy could have been used to praise God, thank him for their freedom, and in celebrating the fact that they were headed to the promised land. Had they had faith, and trust in God they could have left off the whining and complaining knowing without a doubt that God would provide for them.
When you have a problem do you whine and complain? Do you let it make you miserable, and then share your misery with others through your whining and complaining? If so, has this behavior ever resulted in a solution to your problems or somehow made your situation better? Or does it only serve to steal your joy, and the joy of those around you? Don't be like the Israelites in the wilderness roaming around whining and complaining unnecessarily. Choose to enjoy your life. Do what you can to solve your problems, and take what you can't do anything about to the Lord in prayer, and leave it there. Don't doubt God, and his ability to help you with whatever trials you may be facing. Put your faith, and trust in him. In his time, which is perfect, he will see you through.
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.
Exodus 12:40-41(KJV) Tells us that the Israelites were slaves in Egypt for 430 years. During that time they experienced hard labor, physical beatings, having their male children taken away and put to death upon their birth, and other such hardships. You would think that when the Lord called Moses to lead them out of Egypt they would have been so grateful to God that they could hardly contain themselves. You would think their level of excitement would have been off the charts, and their faith and trust in him would have been unwavering. Maybe it was briefly, but as the above scripture indicates their excitement didn't last very long before it was replaced with murmuring, doubt, lack of faith, whining and complaining.
Before the Israelites were actually led out of bondage they witnessed the power of God firsthand through the many plagues he brought upon Egypt, when Pharaoh repeatedly refused to let them go. They had witnessed God parting the red sea, and bringing it together again upon the Egyptians who were pursuing them. They witnessed all these mighty works yet they still whined, complained, and showed a tremendous lack of faith in the wilderness, and they did so on many occasions.
Not long after being led out of Egypt the Israelites resorted to whining and complaining over lack of food and water, and this is documented in the above scripture. What little faith in God they showed by doubting whether or not he would provide them with something as basic as food, and water. Their lack of faith was so strong they even went so far as to say they would have rather remained in bondage in Egypt where they had food and water than to have been led into the wilderness to die from hunger, and thirst.
It became clear that Moses was in charge of a multitude of whiners in the wilderness. Most of us have been guilty of whining and complaining at one time or another in our lives. I have been known to whine and complain myself, especially when I get sick. I am working on breaking that habit because not once has it sped up my recovery. There are those, however, who don't seem to know how to do anything else. What a negative state of existence, and what a terrible waste of energy it is to whine and complain constantly.
The Israelites took 40 years to make a journey that could have been made in eleven days had they past the tests God put before them in the wilderness. They wasted all that energy whining and complaining about food and water, and not once did God allow them to go without either. That wasted energy could have been used to praise God, thank him for their freedom, and in celebrating the fact that they were headed to the promised land. Had they had faith, and trust in God they could have left off the whining and complaining knowing without a doubt that God would provide for them.
When you have a problem do you whine and complain? Do you let it make you miserable, and then share your misery with others through your whining and complaining? If so, has this behavior ever resulted in a solution to your problems or somehow made your situation better? Or does it only serve to steal your joy, and the joy of those around you? Don't be like the Israelites in the wilderness roaming around whining and complaining unnecessarily. Choose to enjoy your life. Do what you can to solve your problems, and take what you can't do anything about to the Lord in prayer, and leave it there. Don't doubt God, and his ability to help you with whatever trials you may be facing. Put your faith, and trust in him. In his time, which is perfect, he will see you through.
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, May 19, 2017
Crossing Paths
Philippians 2:4 (KJV) Says, "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
The above passage of scripture makes clear that we are to be concerned with others and their needs, in lieu of focusing solely on ourselves and what we want and need. We live in a world where many people tend to be self-centered, and to be honest most of those who live that way are miserable. The truth is not only are they miserable; they are blind as to why. The answer is we were not created by Almighty God, in his own image, to be self-centered, but rather to notice others and their needs and help them in any way that we can. We are to follow the example set for us by Jesus Christ and he demonstrated selflessness in the greatest of ways, when he being perfect and sinless gave his life on the cross to pay our sin debt in full.
The Apostle Paul is a great example of someone who had concern for others and their well-being no matter what his personal circumstances were. He was in prison, in shackles, on a dirt floor, eating prison food, and not once did he display a woe is me attitude or concentrate on how he could save himself. Instead, he preached and taught the gospel where he was, and he wrote letter after letter to various Churches encouraging them. Through this work that Paul did during this time many souls were lead to the Lord, and the gospel was spread far and wide. He spread the gospel further with his writings than he probably could have had he been free from prison and spreading it on foot.
Another great example of someone who had concern for another human being even though he is walking through trials of his own is a gentleman who was doing some clean-up outside of a restaurant in Atlanta. A very dear friend of mine is staying with her son who is hospitalized in ICU with serious injuries. My friends son is in a medically induced coma, and has been for a week now. She told me that she left his bedside to walk down and get a bite to eat. As she was walking she noticed this gentleman cleaning up outside the restaurant, and he noticed her. He noticed that she carried a look of sadness and concern in her eyes. He noticed she had a heavy heart. He ask her if something was wrong, and if she was visiting someone in the hospital. She explained that she was, and that it was her son who was in serious condition. The gentleman then ask if he could pray with her, and she said absolutely. He prayed a sweet prayer with her, and started to walk away. My friend stopped him and ask if he was from Atlanta, and he said no that he was from Griffin, but he was currently homeless. She said she noticed he had a gentleness and a kindness about him even before he asked to pray with her. She said he wore a cross about his neck, and that you could see the light of Christ in him. Although he never asked my friend for money; she ask him to come with her to the elevator and wait for her to come back down. He complied and she blessed him in a monetary way so that he could get something eat. The gentleman thanked her and walked away, and my friend returned to her son's bedside. God allowed these two strangers to cross paths, and they blessed one another. This gentleman could have been focused on the fact that he had no money, that he was homeless, that he had no idea what he was going to do, and could have been completely self-absorbed, but he, like Paul, wasn't focused on himself at all. He noticed my friend and the sadness and concern in her eyes, and asked if he could pray with her. God bless him.
Are you self-absorbed? Do you spend most of your time focused on what you need and what you want? Do you notice pain and sadness in the eyes of others? If so do you ask if there is anything you can do to help them or do you just keep walking? Do you offer to pray with them? Do you even offer a smile of encouragement?
I urge you to take your focus off of yourself, and place it on others. Pay attention to others, and help them when you can. It doesn't have to be monetary help it can be a prayer, a smile, or any manner of help or encouragement that you are able to give them. When we take the focus off of ourselves and bless others it is a great feeling, and more importantly it is pleasing to God. If we focus on helping others in lieu of being self-absorbed then we will find that we are much happier, and that we no longer have the desire to whine and complain about our own circumstances. In fact, we will find ourselves feeling more and more grateful.
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 passage of scripture makes clear that we are to be concerned with others and their needs, in lieu of focusing solely on ourselves and what we want and need. We live in a world where many people tend to be self-centered, and to be honest most of those who live that way are miserable. The truth is not only are they miserable; they are blind as to why. The answer is we were not created by Almighty God, in his own image, to be self-centered, but rather to notice others and their needs and help them in any way that we can. We are to follow the example set for us by Jesus Christ and he demonstrated selflessness in the greatest of ways, when he being perfect and sinless gave his life on the cross to pay our sin debt in full.
The Apostle Paul is a great example of someone who had concern for others and their well-being no matter what his personal circumstances were. He was in prison, in shackles, on a dirt floor, eating prison food, and not once did he display a woe is me attitude or concentrate on how he could save himself. Instead, he preached and taught the gospel where he was, and he wrote letter after letter to various Churches encouraging them. Through this work that Paul did during this time many souls were lead to the Lord, and the gospel was spread far and wide. He spread the gospel further with his writings than he probably could have had he been free from prison and spreading it on foot.
Another great example of someone who had concern for another human being even though he is walking through trials of his own is a gentleman who was doing some clean-up outside of a restaurant in Atlanta. A very dear friend of mine is staying with her son who is hospitalized in ICU with serious injuries. My friends son is in a medically induced coma, and has been for a week now. She told me that she left his bedside to walk down and get a bite to eat. As she was walking she noticed this gentleman cleaning up outside the restaurant, and he noticed her. He noticed that she carried a look of sadness and concern in her eyes. He noticed she had a heavy heart. He ask her if something was wrong, and if she was visiting someone in the hospital. She explained that she was, and that it was her son who was in serious condition. The gentleman then ask if he could pray with her, and she said absolutely. He prayed a sweet prayer with her, and started to walk away. My friend stopped him and ask if he was from Atlanta, and he said no that he was from Griffin, but he was currently homeless. She said she noticed he had a gentleness and a kindness about him even before he asked to pray with her. She said he wore a cross about his neck, and that you could see the light of Christ in him. Although he never asked my friend for money; she ask him to come with her to the elevator and wait for her to come back down. He complied and she blessed him in a monetary way so that he could get something eat. The gentleman thanked her and walked away, and my friend returned to her son's bedside. God allowed these two strangers to cross paths, and they blessed one another. This gentleman could have been focused on the fact that he had no money, that he was homeless, that he had no idea what he was going to do, and could have been completely self-absorbed, but he, like Paul, wasn't focused on himself at all. He noticed my friend and the sadness and concern in her eyes, and asked if he could pray with her. God bless him.
Are you self-absorbed? Do you spend most of your time focused on what you need and what you want? Do you notice pain and sadness in the eyes of others? If so do you ask if there is anything you can do to help them or do you just keep walking? Do you offer to pray with them? Do you even offer a smile of encouragement?
I urge you to take your focus off of yourself, and place it on others. Pay attention to others, and help them when you can. It doesn't have to be monetary help it can be a prayer, a smile, or any manner of help or encouragement that you are able to give them. When we take the focus off of ourselves and bless others it is a great feeling, and more importantly it is pleasing to God. If we focus on helping others in lieu of being self-absorbed then we will find that we are much happier, and that we no longer have the desire to whine and complain about our own circumstances. In fact, we will find ourselves feeling more and more grateful.
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
I Cried Out and God Heard Me
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!
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!
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!
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