Luke 6:12 (KJV) Says, "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." Matthew 14:23 (KJV) Says, "And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone." Mark 1:35 (KJV) Says, "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."
Spending time in silence and solitude with God is of vital importance to our personal relationship with him. It is when we are alone with God that we can pray, read and study his Word, meditate on what we've read and studied, and listen and watch for all that God has to tell us and/or show us without distraction. When we sit alone in silence with God focusing only on him, he also renews our mind, and our Spirit. This time in rest with God also allows us to be hyper aware of his mighty presence, and that in and of itself is a moving experience.
In the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Luke, Jesus had just healed a man with a withered hand, and was being ridiculed for doing so because it was the Sabbath day. He was also preparing for the next day, when he would choose his original twelve disciples. After healing the man's hand note that Jesus went off into a mountain alone to pray, and he prayed to God all night long. He knew he needed God's direction, restoration, and to have his strength renewed. He knew that he would receive all those things by resting alone in the presence of his Father.
In the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Matthew we see that once again Jesus after dealing with multitudes of people, went up into a mountain alone to pray. Note too in this verse that Jesus sent the multitudes away. He didn't deem himself to busy to be alone in prayer with God; he sent the multitudes away making time to spend alone with him. In the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Mark it is written that Jesus got up long before daylight to go to a solitary place to pray. Note Jesus purposefully got up extremely early, long before daylight, in order to spend time alone with God in prayer.
I've listed only a few examples given to us in the Bible of Jesus going off to be alone with God in prayer; there are many more. If Jesus himself felt it was vital to spend time alone with God in prayer, he being the Son of God, don't you think we should think it vital for us, as mere human beings, to do so as well? Do you spend time in silence and solitude with God on a regular basis as Jesus did? Or do you make excuses as to why you don't? Do you deem yourself so busy that you simply don't have time to spend alone with God on a regular basis? Is there anything more important than spending time alone with God in order to build and maintain a strong personal relationship with him, get direction for your life, seek help with the storms you're facing and with the decisions you're faced with, and to be restored and renewed in him? I urge you to consider the vital importance of spending time in silence and solitude with God, and to choose to do so on a regular basis. It is documented within the pages of God's Word, in many places, that Jesus found it of vital importance, and that he made it a priority, do you?
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, August 19, 2017
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
A Bad Rap
Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) Says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
When a person accepts Jesus Christ, as their personal Lord and Savior, they become a new creature in Christ. As such, others should be able to see the fruits of the Spirit being demonstrated in their actions, and the love of Christ shining through them.
I've had many people share with me that they have met some Christians that after having had a conversation with them or by having observed their behavior left them with no desire to be a part of Christianity. When I hear anyone say this, it breaks my heart. It is a terrible shame that there are self-proclaimed Christians who go about their daily lives behaving in a manner that is far from Christ-like.
Some of the people I have spoken with that have shared a bad experience with a self-proclaimed Christian felt as though the individual they met possessed a "holier than thou" attitude. Others have shared with me that they view Christians as nothing more than "a bunch of hypocrites." Behaving in any manner that indicates we feel we are better than another human being does not fit who we are as born again believers, and followers of Jesus Christ. I've had some tell me they've had an encounter with a Christian who pointed out to them how horrible the sin they committed was, and how unhappy God was about it. It is important that we remember God's Word tells us that no sin is greater than another, and that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. All includes each and every human being in existence. It is also important that we remind ourselves that God created each and every human being in his own image, and that we should never look down upon anyone. I've also heard from people who say they've met Christians who took verses of scripture and threw them in their direction like darts; while standing on their soap box. Some have shared with me that they have had Christians witness to them about Christ whose own manner of living was nothing more than hypocritical. None of this behavior fits who we are in Christ, and none of it is pleasing to God.
In the above verses of scripture we are given the fruits of the Spirit, and these things are what others should clearly see in us. We are to love one another as God loves us, and we are to be of a peaceful Spirit as Jesus left us with his divine peace which passes all understanding before he ascended into Heaven. We should be gentle, kind, and long-suffering following the examples Jesus set for us while he was here on earth in the flesh. We should also demonstrate that we are of strong faith, and be slow to anger. It is important also that we are humble. Remember one of the ways in which Jesus demonstrated the fact that he was a humble servant was by washing the disciples feet. If Jesus Christ can wash the feet of his disciples then we being mere human beings should have no problem following in his footsteps as humble servants.
Behavior of the sort I listed above, demonstrated by self-proclaimed Christians does so much damage, and it is far from Christ-like. It is behavior like this that has given Christianity a bad rap. I encourage you to examine yourself and to be honest with yourself about some of the areas in your life that fail to match up with the fruits of the Spirit, and what being Christian should truly look like. I urge you to make a list of those things, and to go to God in prayer asking him to help you correct what needs correcting. It is vital that we do so because as Christians we are to be witnesses for Christ in the hope that we can lead the lost to accept him as their personal Lord and Savior. The manner in which we live our personal lives on a day to day basis is our greatest testimony, and lost people are watching us.
When others have an encounter with you, what do they witness? Do they experience love, kindness, gentleness, humility, compassion, and other Christ-like characteristics; or do they see someone with a "holier than thou" attitude, standing on a soap box ready to judge them? How do you treat other people in general? Do others see the love of Christ shining through you? Do they see you walking in God's divine peace? Do they see joy on your face, and in your life? Do they witness you handle storms that arise in a calm, Christ-like manner? Or do they witness you exhibit anger and bitterness when something upsets you? Do you have things in your life that could cause a non-believer to view you as a hypocrite; or does your walk line up with who you profess to be in Christ?
If you have gotten off track and find yourself falling short in living out your Christian life in a manner that makes clear who you are in Christ and that the Holy Spirit dwells within you, then I urge you to go to God in prayer and ask him to help you work on the areas in your life that need work. I encourage you to be a witness for Christ that demonstrates the fruits of the Spirit, and the his love. When we live our lives in a manner that reflects Christ, people notice something different about us, and this true Christian behavior compels them to want what we have. Self-righteous, hypocritical behavior runs people away from the Lord in lieu of drawing them to him; which is what we as Christians should be striving to do. Jesus didn't scream and yell at people, he didn't talk about them behind their backs, he didn't betray his friends, he didn't gossip, he didn't ignore those in need; or act as though he was above them, and he is Jesus Christ. He didn't talk and teach one path, and then walk another. There are many examples of how we are to behave toward others as Christians, set by Jesus himself that are documented within the pages of God's Word. I urge you to follow the examples he set for us on how we are to walk out our lives as Christians, and to be one who demonstrates to the world what true Christian behavior looks like.
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!
When a person accepts Jesus Christ, as their personal Lord and Savior, they become a new creature in Christ. As such, others should be able to see the fruits of the Spirit being demonstrated in their actions, and the love of Christ shining through them.
I've had many people share with me that they have met some Christians that after having had a conversation with them or by having observed their behavior left them with no desire to be a part of Christianity. When I hear anyone say this, it breaks my heart. It is a terrible shame that there are self-proclaimed Christians who go about their daily lives behaving in a manner that is far from Christ-like.
Some of the people I have spoken with that have shared a bad experience with a self-proclaimed Christian felt as though the individual they met possessed a "holier than thou" attitude. Others have shared with me that they view Christians as nothing more than "a bunch of hypocrites." Behaving in any manner that indicates we feel we are better than another human being does not fit who we are as born again believers, and followers of Jesus Christ. I've had some tell me they've had an encounter with a Christian who pointed out to them how horrible the sin they committed was, and how unhappy God was about it. It is important that we remember God's Word tells us that no sin is greater than another, and that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. All includes each and every human being in existence. It is also important that we remind ourselves that God created each and every human being in his own image, and that we should never look down upon anyone. I've also heard from people who say they've met Christians who took verses of scripture and threw them in their direction like darts; while standing on their soap box. Some have shared with me that they have had Christians witness to them about Christ whose own manner of living was nothing more than hypocritical. None of this behavior fits who we are in Christ, and none of it is pleasing to God.
In the above verses of scripture we are given the fruits of the Spirit, and these things are what others should clearly see in us. We are to love one another as God loves us, and we are to be of a peaceful Spirit as Jesus left us with his divine peace which passes all understanding before he ascended into Heaven. We should be gentle, kind, and long-suffering following the examples Jesus set for us while he was here on earth in the flesh. We should also demonstrate that we are of strong faith, and be slow to anger. It is important also that we are humble. Remember one of the ways in which Jesus demonstrated the fact that he was a humble servant was by washing the disciples feet. If Jesus Christ can wash the feet of his disciples then we being mere human beings should have no problem following in his footsteps as humble servants.
Behavior of the sort I listed above, demonstrated by self-proclaimed Christians does so much damage, and it is far from Christ-like. It is behavior like this that has given Christianity a bad rap. I encourage you to examine yourself and to be honest with yourself about some of the areas in your life that fail to match up with the fruits of the Spirit, and what being Christian should truly look like. I urge you to make a list of those things, and to go to God in prayer asking him to help you correct what needs correcting. It is vital that we do so because as Christians we are to be witnesses for Christ in the hope that we can lead the lost to accept him as their personal Lord and Savior. The manner in which we live our personal lives on a day to day basis is our greatest testimony, and lost people are watching us.
When others have an encounter with you, what do they witness? Do they experience love, kindness, gentleness, humility, compassion, and other Christ-like characteristics; or do they see someone with a "holier than thou" attitude, standing on a soap box ready to judge them? How do you treat other people in general? Do others see the love of Christ shining through you? Do they see you walking in God's divine peace? Do they see joy on your face, and in your life? Do they witness you handle storms that arise in a calm, Christ-like manner? Or do they witness you exhibit anger and bitterness when something upsets you? Do you have things in your life that could cause a non-believer to view you as a hypocrite; or does your walk line up with who you profess to be in Christ?
If you have gotten off track and find yourself falling short in living out your Christian life in a manner that makes clear who you are in Christ and that the Holy Spirit dwells within you, then I urge you to go to God in prayer and ask him to help you work on the areas in your life that need work. I encourage you to be a witness for Christ that demonstrates the fruits of the Spirit, and the his love. When we live our lives in a manner that reflects Christ, people notice something different about us, and this true Christian behavior compels them to want what we have. Self-righteous, hypocritical behavior runs people away from the Lord in lieu of drawing them to him; which is what we as Christians should be striving to do. Jesus didn't scream and yell at people, he didn't talk about them behind their backs, he didn't betray his friends, he didn't gossip, he didn't ignore those in need; or act as though he was above them, and he is Jesus Christ. He didn't talk and teach one path, and then walk another. There are many examples of how we are to behave toward others as Christians, set by Jesus himself that are documented within the pages of God's Word. I urge you to follow the examples he set for us on how we are to walk out our lives as Christians, and to be one who demonstrates to the world what true Christian behavior looks like.
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, August 8, 2017
Spreading Love
John 13:34 (KJV) Says, "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." Hebrews 13:16 (KJV) Says, "But to do good and communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Philippians 2:4 (KJV) Says, "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." Galatians 6:2 (KJV) Says, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (KJV) Says, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
The above verse of scripture taken from the book of John makes clear that we are to love one another as God has loved us, and please note that it is given as a commandment. The verse of scripture taken from the book of Hebrews reminds us to do good, and that when we do it is pleasing to God. The verse of scripture taken from the book of Philippians tells us not to be solely focused on our own problems, but to look after other people. The verse of scripture taken from the book of Galatians tells us that we are to bear one another's burdens, and that to do so is to fulfill the law of Christ. The verses taken from Ecclesiastes tell us that two are better than one because when one falls the other can help them up, and if one of them has any come against them they will have help from the other one.
As human beings living in a world where Satan roams to and fro looking for people to devour; we all suffer trials and tribulations. The Bible doesn't promise us that we won't suffer these things, in fact, it tells us that we will. The great news is that God is with us every second of every day, and he holds our right hand as we walk through the storms that come our way. He also blessed us with one another to share our burdens, and to pick each other up when anything causes us heartache, and pain; or causes us to stumble.
If we take the time to truly listen to others, pay attention to their facial expression, and look into their eyes; it is easy to recognize, when they are walking through a storm. There are times when we find out that another individual is struggling with something through another person, and there are times when someone will share with us that they are facing a giant in their life. It is what we do when we are made aware that someone is hurting for whatever reason that is of vital importance. As human beings we all have the desire to be loved, understood, heard, comforted, shown compassion, and supported through the storms that come our way. As born again believers in Jesus Christ we should have the desire in our hearts to be there for one another. After all, to be Christian by definition is to be Christ-like, God is love, and love is an action word.
I encourage you to pay closer attention to others, when you interact with them. If you see pain in their eyes and on their face; or if you are aware that they are walking through a storm, reach out to them. Let them know that you love them that you truly and sincerely care about them, and that you are there for them to pray with them, and to help them in any way you can even if it's just to listen. Hear others when they reach out to you, and when I say hear them I mean listen with the intent to grasp where they are coming from, and what they are feeling.
When we fail to reach out and be their for others that we know are in pain or suffering for whatever reason, then we are passing up on an opportunity to demonstrate the light of Christ and his love within us. The next time you come across someone with a look of pain and sadness in their eyes and/or a look of distress across their face, I urge you to reach out to them. I encourage you to pray with them and for them, tell them you love them, and that you are there for them, and show them with your actions that your words are heart felt. There is one thing for certain; there are times in all of our lives, when we need someone to pick us up. I encourage you to be a blessing to others, and to spread the love of Christ whenever you are given the opportunity to do so.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
The above verse of scripture taken from the book of John makes clear that we are to love one another as God has loved us, and please note that it is given as a commandment. The verse of scripture taken from the book of Hebrews reminds us to do good, and that when we do it is pleasing to God. The verse of scripture taken from the book of Philippians tells us not to be solely focused on our own problems, but to look after other people. The verse of scripture taken from the book of Galatians tells us that we are to bear one another's burdens, and that to do so is to fulfill the law of Christ. The verses taken from Ecclesiastes tell us that two are better than one because when one falls the other can help them up, and if one of them has any come against them they will have help from the other one.
As human beings living in a world where Satan roams to and fro looking for people to devour; we all suffer trials and tribulations. The Bible doesn't promise us that we won't suffer these things, in fact, it tells us that we will. The great news is that God is with us every second of every day, and he holds our right hand as we walk through the storms that come our way. He also blessed us with one another to share our burdens, and to pick each other up when anything causes us heartache, and pain; or causes us to stumble.
If we take the time to truly listen to others, pay attention to their facial expression, and look into their eyes; it is easy to recognize, when they are walking through a storm. There are times when we find out that another individual is struggling with something through another person, and there are times when someone will share with us that they are facing a giant in their life. It is what we do when we are made aware that someone is hurting for whatever reason that is of vital importance. As human beings we all have the desire to be loved, understood, heard, comforted, shown compassion, and supported through the storms that come our way. As born again believers in Jesus Christ we should have the desire in our hearts to be there for one another. After all, to be Christian by definition is to be Christ-like, God is love, and love is an action word.
I encourage you to pay closer attention to others, when you interact with them. If you see pain in their eyes and on their face; or if you are aware that they are walking through a storm, reach out to them. Let them know that you love them that you truly and sincerely care about them, and that you are there for them to pray with them, and to help them in any way you can even if it's just to listen. Hear others when they reach out to you, and when I say hear them I mean listen with the intent to grasp where they are coming from, and what they are feeling.
When we fail to reach out and be their for others that we know are in pain or suffering for whatever reason, then we are passing up on an opportunity to demonstrate the light of Christ and his love within us. The next time you come across someone with a look of pain and sadness in their eyes and/or a look of distress across their face, I urge you to reach out to them. I encourage you to pray with them and for them, tell them you love them, and that you are there for them, and show them with your actions that your words are heart felt. There is one thing for certain; there are times in all of our lives, when we need someone to pick us up. I encourage you to be a blessing to others, and to spread the love of Christ whenever you are given the opportunity to do so.
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
Standing in Awe
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!
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!
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!
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