Deuteronomy 20:4 (KJV) Says, "For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." Deuteronomy 31:8 (KJV) Says, "And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed." Philippians 4:13 (KJV) Says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." John 16:33 (KJV) Says, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Psalm 108:13 (KJV) Says, "Through God we shall do valiantly: For he it is that shall tread down our enemies."
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) Says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; bur of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Most, if not all of us have found ourselves feeling defeated at one time or another in our lives. It is easy to become overwhelmed, and begin to feel defeated secondary to the trials, tribulations, and storms we face in our earthly lives. It may be that you lost your job, and you have put in multiple applications day in and day out for months with no results. It may be that your husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend decided after years of being together that they simply don't love you anymore, and you've done all you can to restore your relationship only to be repeatedly rejected. It may be that no matter how hard you work it seems you cannot get ahead financially because just when you begin to see a break something unexpected and costly comes your way. It may be that you have battled health issues for a long period of time, and you have repeatedly relapsed or can't seem to get better. There are many examples of events in life that can leave a person feeling defeated. If we allow it too, the spirit of defeat will settle in on us, and land us in a state of depression.
The good news is that as Christians we don't ever have to live our lives feeling defeated. It is only when we fail to focus on the fact that God is on our side and that there is nothing beyond his power that we begin to slip into a spirit of defeat. Faith is believing in things that we cannot see, and that includes having faith in the fact that there is no problem so great that God cannot solve it. God can restore your relationships, finances, health, and heal any other area of your life where you are facing a struggle. We cannot lose sight of that fact.
In the above verses of scripture taken from the book of Deuteronomy, we see that the Lord goes with us and fights for us. We see that he goes before us, and that he will not fail us or forsake us. We are instructed not to fear or be dismayed. Dismayed by definition means to feel discouraged, distressed, or troubled, and when we begin to feel defeated these emotions come along with that strengthening our feeling of defeat. The above verse taken from the book of Philippians tells us that there is nothing we can't do with Christ on our side strengthening us. The above verse of scripture taken from the book of John tells us that God is aware that in the world we will face tribulations, but in spite of those he desires for us to have his divine peace. He further instructs us in this verse of scripture to be of good cheer because he has overcome the world. There is not one thing or one person in this world more powerful than Almighty God. In Psalm 108:13 God's Word tells us that we will do valiantly through him, and that he will tread down our enemies. Finally, in the above verse taken from the book of 2 Timothy God's Word tells us that we are not to walk in the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and of a sound mind. We do not have to live our lives in fear or feeling defeated; wondering how we'll resolve any situation or issue in our lives. God is all powerful and he is on our side. We have the power of God living in us via the Holy Spirit. When we walk in love and remain focused on God and his promises we will have divine peace, and a sound mind.
The next time you begin to feel defeated, I encourage you to rebuke that feeling immediately. Don't allow the spirit of defeat to come into your life, and cause you to waver in your faith failing to remember all that God is capable of. The moment you begin to feel defeated remember what God's Word promises you. Remember that there is no problem whatsoever so great that God can't handle it. Remember that God loves you tremendously, that he is on your side, that he is walking before you always, and that he is holding your right hand. Take all of your worries and cares to God in prayer, and leave them there. Trust God and the promises he has given us in his Word. God has NEVER broken even one single promise, and he can make a way where we can't see one. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that means he is still a God of miracles. Walk in love, and remain steadfast in your faith knowing that God is holding you in the palm of his hand.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Emotions
Mark 6:34 (KJV) Says, "And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things." Genesis 6:6 (KJV) Says, "And it repented the Lord that he had made man on earth, and it grieved him at his heart." Matthew 14:14 (KJV) Says, "And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick." Ephesians 4:26 (KJV) Says, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath:" Mark 3:5 (KJV) Says, "And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other." John 11:33-35 Says, "When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the Spirit, and was troubled. And said, where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept."
God created human beings with the ability to feel, and experience various emotions. He is, therefore, well aware that we have emotions, and he is in no way upset with us when we express them; as long as we do so in a righteous manner. Jesus himself being sinless and perfect, while here on earth in the flesh, experienced several emotions, and many examples of this are documented in the Word of God. If we as Christians hide our emotions and behave as though we don't feel then we are not being honest with ourselves or those who witness our stoic behavior. If we hope to reach others with the gospel, we must be transparent and openly express our emotions; albeit always in a righteous manner. If we fail to demonstrate that we experience emotions or have feelings we come across as cold and robotic. We can give lost people the impression that it is not okay to have feelings which makes being a Christian appear too difficult and legalistic; prompting them to want no part of Christianity.
In the first verse of scripture used above, Jesus was moved with compassion, and that is an emotion. In the above verse taken from Genesis, We see that the Lord was grieved in his heart, and grief too is an emotion. In the above verse taken from Matthew we see that Jesus was moved with compassion toward a great multitude of people which is again an emotional feeling. In the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Ephesians we see that we are permitted to be angry, but we are instructed not to commit sin in our anger. Having righteous indignation toward a situation or an individual is to be angry at the right person or situation, at the right time, and to handle our anger in a Christ-like manner. In Mark 3:5 we see that Jesus looked around at a group of people with anger and that he was grieved because of the hardness of their hearts. We see in the last passage of scripture listed above which was taken from the book of John that when Jesus saw Mary, and the Jews who came out to meet him weeping, he began to weep with them. Mary and the people were grieving the death of Lazarus who was Mary and Martha's brother. Jesus counted Mary, Martha, and Lazarus among his friends. Here Jesus demonstrates by weeping that he felt compassion for Mary, Martha, and all those who came weeping over the loss of Lazarus. Jesus knew he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, but he felt a compassion toward all those who were weeping and mourning because they were experiencing great pain secondary to a loved one passing away. They had no idea at that moment Jesus would raise Lazarus from the dead. In Matthew 21:12-13 (KJV) Jesus is angry at the moneychangers in the temple of God, and he turns over their tables and seats.
These a just a few examples of feelings and emotions being expressed by Jesus himself, and there are others given in God's Word. In short, having emotions and actually feeling are perfectly normal. The manner in which we walk through those emotions, and how we handle them, as Christians, is where we see a difference. For example, if someone hurts you and it makes you sad by all means cry, if you need to. Then pray for them and forgive them. If you are mourning the loss of someone you love, by all means cry, Jesus did. When my father passed away it devastated me because I loved him tremendously, and I cried profusely. The difference was that as my twin sister and I were standing at his casket, I was able to say to her that I recognized the only way we were able to stand there and look down on our Daddy was because we had God holding our hand. If you get angry at someone or something that too is normal as long as you are angry at the right person or situation for the right reason, and you handle it in the right way. Don't curse someone out, but rather address the situation or person in a Christlike manner in an attempt to resolve the issue. If you are angry respond in lieu of reacting. Pray about the situation or for the person, and God will place on your heart how he desires for you to respond. Sometimes the best response is silence.
Never deny yourself the right to feel a healthy emotion. Suppressing our feelings is both physically and mentally damaging. Feelings will surface one way or another if we hold them back; whether in a physical manifestation such as high blood pressure or in a mental manifestation such as depression. Take all of your problems to God in prayer, and leave them there. There is no problem to great for him to handle, and he loves you tremendously. Remember this, however, it is normal and necessary to feel and to express emotions. If we internalize our feelings then we are headed for trouble, and we are not demonstrating to the lost that we are human beings who experience sadness, grief, love, compassion, anger, and other emotions just as they do. In short, don't beat yourself up for having feelings and emotions because without them you wouldn't be capable of having compassion and love for others nor would you be able to grieve with those who grieve or rejoice with those who rejoice as the Word of God instructs us to do.
I encourage you to remember the next time you experience anger, grief, pain, sadness, or any other emotion that God is not only walking through your storm with you, but he is holding your right hand. I further encourage you to remember to praise and thank God when things are going well for you, and when you are walking through a storm. I urge you to pray about all things, and to remind yourself that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord. Finally, remember that love is in and of itself an emotion, and God is love.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Why Go to Church?
Hebrews 10:25 (KJV) Says, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Matthew 18:20 (KJV) Says, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Exodus 20:8 (KJV) Says, "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy."
The above verses of scripture are just a few of the many found within the pages of God's Word that shine light on the importance of attending Church on a regular basis, and of having a Church family. There are, in fact, many more. The above verse taken from the book of Hebrews advises us not to abandon coming together to worship. It advises us not only to come together, but to lift one another up as well. This verse further advises that the closer the second coming of Jesus Christ is; the more important our assembling together becomes.
I have spoken with many individuals of late who express that they see no reason to attend worship services; nor do they feel that it is necessary to be a part of a Church family. Many have expressed to me that they can have a strong personal relationship with God without attending Church. Most, if not all, of these individuals have shared with me that they attended Church in the past, but were offended by something a congregation member said or did, and this prompted them to leave the Church with no intention of returning.
Let me say that I am not in denial about the fact that there are self-proclaimed Christians in this world who behave toward others in a manner that is far from Christ-like. Christians have been labeled by some as having an attitude of holier than thou, being judgmental, condemning, and in some cases blatantly rude. With that being said, however, it is important that we not allow any individual or group of people to stop us from coming together to Worship in the house of the Lord, and to fellowship with one another. It is important that first we recognize that Churches are made up of human beings, and as such all are fallible. It is also important that we recognize the fact that Satan works through any means possible in order to distance us from God and to prevent us from furthering the gospel and serving him. This includes working through people.
In lieu of opting to stay out of Church, I urge you to recognize the fact that the Christians who behave in this manner are far fewer in number than those who welcome you, and are there for you. I encourage you to remind yourself that the Bible instructs us to come together, and the importance of doing sos. Stand firm in your faith, and continue attending worship services. Stay focused on God and pray for those who offend you with any behavior or speech that is not Christ-like. The truth is a person who claims to be a Christian and then goes about offending people on a regular basis by judging, condemning, pointing fingers, gossiping, being rude, and so forth needs our prayers. Behavior of this nature does nothing to lead people to the Lord, in fact, it pushes them away, and Satan loves it. Don't fall prey to a Church member or small group of Church members of this nature, if you happen to become one of their targets. Recognize them as fallible human beings, pray for them, stay focused on God, and continue in your steadfast walk with him. Leaving Church because of an offense you suffered is to give Satan the victory, and none of us want that.
I encourage you to remember that attending Church and being part of a Church family is of great importance. It is in worship services that we are blessed with the opportunity to sing and praise the Lord together. It is in Church that we grow in our knowledge of God as we hear his Word preached. It is in Church that we fellowship with other Christians, and develop relationships with with individuals who share our in our beliefs. Another important thing to remember is that God has given us all various gifts to be used in service to him, and when we come together as believers willing to use our gifts in service to God we can accomplish a great deal more by being part of a team in lieu of flying solo. It is also in Church that we are blessed to witness people come to accept Christ, and that is always a blessing. I'll leave you with two final reasons as to why it is important to attend Church on a regular basis, and to fellowship with other believers; for one because God's Word instructs us to do so, and finally because it is pleasing to him.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
The above verses of scripture are just a few of the many found within the pages of God's Word that shine light on the importance of attending Church on a regular basis, and of having a Church family. There are, in fact, many more. The above verse taken from the book of Hebrews advises us not to abandon coming together to worship. It advises us not only to come together, but to lift one another up as well. This verse further advises that the closer the second coming of Jesus Christ is; the more important our assembling together becomes.
I have spoken with many individuals of late who express that they see no reason to attend worship services; nor do they feel that it is necessary to be a part of a Church family. Many have expressed to me that they can have a strong personal relationship with God without attending Church. Most, if not all, of these individuals have shared with me that they attended Church in the past, but were offended by something a congregation member said or did, and this prompted them to leave the Church with no intention of returning.
Let me say that I am not in denial about the fact that there are self-proclaimed Christians in this world who behave toward others in a manner that is far from Christ-like. Christians have been labeled by some as having an attitude of holier than thou, being judgmental, condemning, and in some cases blatantly rude. With that being said, however, it is important that we not allow any individual or group of people to stop us from coming together to Worship in the house of the Lord, and to fellowship with one another. It is important that first we recognize that Churches are made up of human beings, and as such all are fallible. It is also important that we recognize the fact that Satan works through any means possible in order to distance us from God and to prevent us from furthering the gospel and serving him. This includes working through people.
In lieu of opting to stay out of Church, I urge you to recognize the fact that the Christians who behave in this manner are far fewer in number than those who welcome you, and are there for you. I encourage you to remind yourself that the Bible instructs us to come together, and the importance of doing sos. Stand firm in your faith, and continue attending worship services. Stay focused on God and pray for those who offend you with any behavior or speech that is not Christ-like. The truth is a person who claims to be a Christian and then goes about offending people on a regular basis by judging, condemning, pointing fingers, gossiping, being rude, and so forth needs our prayers. Behavior of this nature does nothing to lead people to the Lord, in fact, it pushes them away, and Satan loves it. Don't fall prey to a Church member or small group of Church members of this nature, if you happen to become one of their targets. Recognize them as fallible human beings, pray for them, stay focused on God, and continue in your steadfast walk with him. Leaving Church because of an offense you suffered is to give Satan the victory, and none of us want that.
I encourage you to remember that attending Church and being part of a Church family is of great importance. It is in worship services that we are blessed with the opportunity to sing and praise the Lord together. It is in Church that we grow in our knowledge of God as we hear his Word preached. It is in Church that we fellowship with other Christians, and develop relationships with with individuals who share our in our beliefs. Another important thing to remember is that God has given us all various gifts to be used in service to him, and when we come together as believers willing to use our gifts in service to God we can accomplish a great deal more by being part of a team in lieu of flying solo. It is also in Church that we are blessed to witness people come to accept Christ, and that is always a blessing. I'll leave you with two final reasons as to why it is important to attend Church on a regular basis, and to fellowship with other believers; for one because God's Word instructs us to do so, and finally because it is pleasing to him.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!
Monday, September 4, 2017
Help
Matthew 25:35-40 (KJV) Says, "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, in as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
In the above passage of scripture taken from the book of Matthew it is made clear that we are to feed the hungry, give those who are thirsty something to drink, take in those who need a place to stay, give clothes to those in need of them, visit the sick and those in prison. Please note that God says when we do these things for those needing our help we have done it unto him.
Having read this passage of scripture should make crystal clear to us how God would like for us to deal with those who are in need of help. The most common responses I hear and read from people who have come in contact with someone in need, however, do not in anyway coincide with the Word of God. Unfortunately, this is true even of many who are self-proclaimed Christians, and that is a sad state of affairs. I hear and read things like: "I saw a homeless man, and I told him to get a job," "I drove past a woman holding a sign asking for money and she had a child with her; she shouldn't have a child out there begging for money," "I saw someone sleeping in their car in a parking lot and I don't think that should be allowed," "I'm not giving my money; or help to people holding signs; I work hard for my money," "Some guy asked me for money and I know he could work; I saw nothing wrong with him,"and the list of negative remarks goes on and on and on. These type people think they know how the person wound up in the situation they're in, and what steps they should take to get out of it, and whether or not they are frauds. All this is assumed without having any idea as to the person's story. Behaving in this manner toward those who are asking for help is definitely not how a Christian should react, and I can assure you it is not pleasing to God.
I encourage you to look at those who are asking for help using your Jesus eyes, and to respond and react in a manner that is pleasing to God. Stay away from fleshly reactions and comments that are displeasing to God. I encourage you to remain silent about people asking for help if you have nothing but negative, bitter comments to offer because that would be far better in the eyes of God than judging the person, and launching a verbal attack on the them and their situation. Leave the fakes, who are asking for help they don't need, to God, and allow him to handle them. When you see someone in need of help, offer to pray with them and for them, help them if you can, praise and thank God that you are not in their situation, and think about how you would want others to treat you, if you found yourself in their position. The next time you come in contact with someone in need, I urge you to demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit toward them such as love, kindness, and gentleness just to name a few. I urge you to behave in a true Christian manner allowing them to see the light of Christ in you so that they may recognize the fact that there is hope in Christ for them no matter their current situation. I urge you to share with them the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to let them know that Jesus loves them right where they are.
It is my hope that when I stand in the presence of God at the end of my earthly life, and he looks on how I treated those in need he will not be disappointed. It is my hope that he will be able to say to me well done my good and faithful servant. What about 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!
In the above passage of scripture taken from the book of Matthew it is made clear that we are to feed the hungry, give those who are thirsty something to drink, take in those who need a place to stay, give clothes to those in need of them, visit the sick and those in prison. Please note that God says when we do these things for those needing our help we have done it unto him.
Having read this passage of scripture should make crystal clear to us how God would like for us to deal with those who are in need of help. The most common responses I hear and read from people who have come in contact with someone in need, however, do not in anyway coincide with the Word of God. Unfortunately, this is true even of many who are self-proclaimed Christians, and that is a sad state of affairs. I hear and read things like: "I saw a homeless man, and I told him to get a job," "I drove past a woman holding a sign asking for money and she had a child with her; she shouldn't have a child out there begging for money," "I saw someone sleeping in their car in a parking lot and I don't think that should be allowed," "I'm not giving my money; or help to people holding signs; I work hard for my money," "Some guy asked me for money and I know he could work; I saw nothing wrong with him,"and the list of negative remarks goes on and on and on. These type people think they know how the person wound up in the situation they're in, and what steps they should take to get out of it, and whether or not they are frauds. All this is assumed without having any idea as to the person's story. Behaving in this manner toward those who are asking for help is definitely not how a Christian should react, and I can assure you it is not pleasing to God.
I encourage you to look at those who are asking for help using your Jesus eyes, and to respond and react in a manner that is pleasing to God. Stay away from fleshly reactions and comments that are displeasing to God. I encourage you to remain silent about people asking for help if you have nothing but negative, bitter comments to offer because that would be far better in the eyes of God than judging the person, and launching a verbal attack on the them and their situation. Leave the fakes, who are asking for help they don't need, to God, and allow him to handle them. When you see someone in need of help, offer to pray with them and for them, help them if you can, praise and thank God that you are not in their situation, and think about how you would want others to treat you, if you found yourself in their position. The next time you come in contact with someone in need, I urge you to demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit toward them such as love, kindness, and gentleness just to name a few. I urge you to behave in a true Christian manner allowing them to see the light of Christ in you so that they may recognize the fact that there is hope in Christ for them no matter their current situation. I urge you to share with them the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to let them know that Jesus loves them right where they are.
It is my hope that when I stand in the presence of God at the end of my earthly life, and he looks on how I treated those in need he will not be disappointed. It is my hope that he will be able to say to me well done my good and faithful servant. What about 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
Alone With God
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!
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!
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.
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