Scripture Reading - Mark 2:27 "And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: "
We fail to realize sometimes just exactly who came up with the commandments we receive from God. It is the "I Am that I Am" who gives them to us. He is the Alpha, the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the One who was, and is, and is to come. The commander is the one who created us. God's commands for us are just that, they are "for us", for our best benefit. If we follow them then our bodies will best function the way they were intended to function. Who among you has ever felt they are too busy. Do you feel overwhelmed at the fullness of your day? Is God somehow pushed aside as we fill our time up with other things? Now, the things we do that push us to or above our physical limits a lot of times are not necessarily bad in themselves. They are just not actually as necessary as we are led to believe they are. I have many weekends where I've had to go back to work to rest. I have had Sunday's that I have went to Sunday School, then to a church dinner after church, then to a prayer meeting before evening church, then to evening church, and then stopped by the hospital to visit someone after church. Then I wonder why I'm so tired and everything I do seems to be ineffective and why although I had spent my entire Sunday involved in churchy things, I had actually accomplished not very much and spent so little time alone with God? Is it just me, am I crazy? Or, do any of you have similar things happen to you? We have to remember the importance of following the commands and examples that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ provides us with.
In today's scripture reading, we are told by Jesus that man was not made for the sabbath, but, instead the sabbath was made for the man. It is meant to be a day of rest to the Lord. For the Lord worked for six days then he rested on the seventh day. We must allow our physical bodies the opportunity to recuperate. Limit you activities on the sabbath. Actually get some rest, do not run yourself ragged. Physical rest must be prioritized. Jesus actually did so. We read of times when He left the disciples and went to a desert place. A place where He could physically get some rest and more importantly, a place where He could be alone with God. How many times have you actually scheduled some quality alone time with God on the sabbath? Time that was absent from family members, absent from church members, absent from sporting events, absent from friends, time that was dedicated to God and to God alone? This concept is definitely lacking in my life. But, I know I would benefit greatly from starting to practice such an idea. Start with taking 30 minutes today and spend it totally with God. Do this outside of your regular church schedule. Remember the sabbath, keep it holy. The word holy means "set apart". Use the sabbath as it was meant for you to use it, a time of physical rest, with the emphasis on the Lord. If we use the sabbath wisely, everything we do in our Christian walk will become better.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW!!!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Pass it On
Scripture Reading - 2 Cor. 1:3-7 "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted , it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer : or whether we be comforted , it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing , that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation."
Several years back, my wife and I along with my oldest daughter would spend nearly every summer vacation in Myrtle Beach, SC at the Lakewood Camping Resort. It was, and I assume still is, a wonderful place to spend a vacation. One of the greatest thing about Lakewood is that it is a Christ centered place. Every weekday they had what was called a Children's Fun Hour. It was set up much like a Bible School would be at our churches. My oldest daughter, Kalee actually accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at one of these meetings. I read a daily devotional, http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/ , I'll man-up and confess that it is a women's devotional, but I am not ashamed that I read it. I actually gain great insight from it, and apply a lot of the God inspired principles, although I apply them from a man's prospective. Yesterday's article spoke of the significance that a particular coffee table had in the writer's life. It was the place she had come to know Jesus. So, Lakewood Camping Resort will always hold a great place in my life, for it was the place that my first born child came to know Jesus. They also held an adult bible study each day while the Children's Fun Hour was going on. It was a great privilege to sit under the teachings of Pastor Ted Ragsdale.
One day, today's reading was the topic of discussion. Pastor Ragsdale shared with us the story of a young couple who were members of his church. The couple had experienced a great tragedy in their lives as their two-year old child had wandered outside their home and fell into their swimming pool and drowned. They were devastated. Although I thankfully have not had to go through the experience of losing a child, I think that would be one of the hardest things that a parent could ever face. The couple reacted much like anyone would, they went through guilt, blaming themselves, blaming God, etc. It was crushing time for them. God, over a period of time provided them with comfort and the strength to carry on. A few years after that tragic event another couple in the area experienced nearly the same thing as their child drowned in a similar incident at their home. Although they did not attend church together, the couple in Pastor Ragsdale's church sought out the couple who had experienced the same tragedy and shared with them the comfort they had received from the Lord. As a person seeks answers for the reasons some things happen, they realize that sometimes an answer will never come. We just need to seek out and comfort those with the same comfort we have received from God. Have you ever received a card from someone that said just what you needed to hear? If you have, send a card to someone in a time of need. Have you ever received a hug from someone when you thought no one cared? If you have, hug someone you sense may be lonely. I think of the many wakes that I have attended and the sincere appreciation that those who are mourning have for that visit. If you have been comforted in this way, search the obituaries and see if there is anyone you could encourage. Practice God's principle of comforting others with the comfort you have received from the Lord. It's His Word. It will work.
Be Blessed and Live in the Now
Several years back, my wife and I along with my oldest daughter would spend nearly every summer vacation in Myrtle Beach, SC at the Lakewood Camping Resort. It was, and I assume still is, a wonderful place to spend a vacation. One of the greatest thing about Lakewood is that it is a Christ centered place. Every weekday they had what was called a Children's Fun Hour. It was set up much like a Bible School would be at our churches. My oldest daughter, Kalee actually accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at one of these meetings. I read a daily devotional, http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/ , I'll man-up and confess that it is a women's devotional, but I am not ashamed that I read it. I actually gain great insight from it, and apply a lot of the God inspired principles, although I apply them from a man's prospective. Yesterday's article spoke of the significance that a particular coffee table had in the writer's life. It was the place she had come to know Jesus. So, Lakewood Camping Resort will always hold a great place in my life, for it was the place that my first born child came to know Jesus. They also held an adult bible study each day while the Children's Fun Hour was going on. It was a great privilege to sit under the teachings of Pastor Ted Ragsdale.
One day, today's reading was the topic of discussion. Pastor Ragsdale shared with us the story of a young couple who were members of his church. The couple had experienced a great tragedy in their lives as their two-year old child had wandered outside their home and fell into their swimming pool and drowned. They were devastated. Although I thankfully have not had to go through the experience of losing a child, I think that would be one of the hardest things that a parent could ever face. The couple reacted much like anyone would, they went through guilt, blaming themselves, blaming God, etc. It was crushing time for them. God, over a period of time provided them with comfort and the strength to carry on. A few years after that tragic event another couple in the area experienced nearly the same thing as their child drowned in a similar incident at their home. Although they did not attend church together, the couple in Pastor Ragsdale's church sought out the couple who had experienced the same tragedy and shared with them the comfort they had received from the Lord. As a person seeks answers for the reasons some things happen, they realize that sometimes an answer will never come. We just need to seek out and comfort those with the same comfort we have received from God. Have you ever received a card from someone that said just what you needed to hear? If you have, send a card to someone in a time of need. Have you ever received a hug from someone when you thought no one cared? If you have, hug someone you sense may be lonely. I think of the many wakes that I have attended and the sincere appreciation that those who are mourning have for that visit. If you have been comforted in this way, search the obituaries and see if there is anyone you could encourage. Practice God's principle of comforting others with the comfort you have received from the Lord. It's His Word. It will work.
Be Blessed and Live in the Now
Friday, February 26, 2010
Practice the B.E.D. Philosophy
Scripture Reading - Psalms 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. "
My career as a Little League coach came to a halt this past summer. My son, who is 13 now, has moved on up to Junior League this year. I hope that I have influenced the kids that I have been blessed with to coach in at least some ways. It really makes me feel good when one of them comes up and speaks to me. I love each and every one of those kids. One thing I constantly tried to teach them was to perpetually move forward. We used the B.E.D. acronym. It stands for Better Every Day. That is what we tried to accomplish in our practices, to be better today than we were yesterday. This concept carries over into all areas of life and especially in our Christian walk.
In today's scripture reading the writer employs this concept. He asks God to search him, to know his heart, to see if the is any area of his life that is wicked or needs to be fixed, and then he asks God to lead him on the path to fixing these faults. We need to practice this same attitude. Every day as we come before God and meet with Him in prayer, we need to ask God to do the same for us; to search us, know our hearts, reveal areas of weakness, and lead us in fixing these areas. It will help us to be more conformed into the image of Christ. This will lead us into a state of consistently moving toward Christ. It places Jesus in the position of Lord that He has to be in our lives. And greater still, our intimate relationship with Him and the influence we have on others will just grow, and grow, and grow. Now, lets bring it in and chant, (lol) B.E.D., better every day.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
My career as a Little League coach came to a halt this past summer. My son, who is 13 now, has moved on up to Junior League this year. I hope that I have influenced the kids that I have been blessed with to coach in at least some ways. It really makes me feel good when one of them comes up and speaks to me. I love each and every one of those kids. One thing I constantly tried to teach them was to perpetually move forward. We used the B.E.D. acronym. It stands for Better Every Day. That is what we tried to accomplish in our practices, to be better today than we were yesterday. This concept carries over into all areas of life and especially in our Christian walk.
In today's scripture reading the writer employs this concept. He asks God to search him, to know his heart, to see if the is any area of his life that is wicked or needs to be fixed, and then he asks God to lead him on the path to fixing these faults. We need to practice this same attitude. Every day as we come before God and meet with Him in prayer, we need to ask God to do the same for us; to search us, know our hearts, reveal areas of weakness, and lead us in fixing these areas. It will help us to be more conformed into the image of Christ. This will lead us into a state of consistently moving toward Christ. It places Jesus in the position of Lord that He has to be in our lives. And greater still, our intimate relationship with Him and the influence we have on others will just grow, and grow, and grow. Now, lets bring it in and chant, (lol) B.E.D., better every day.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Be Quick to Listen and Be Slow to Speak
Scripture Reading - James 1:19-20 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear , slow to speak , slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."
I can remember very clearly one of the sayings of my second grade teacher, Mrs King. She would say, "If you listen, you have the opportunity of learning something new, if you talk, you are sharing something you already knew." Mrs. King knew the value of listening, it opens the door to knowledge. This has been a life long lesson that was introduced to me 37 years ago. Today's scripture reading reinforces her saying with the greatest possible force, the Word of God.
Let's take a moment to look at the teachings in today's reading. "Let every man be swift to hear." tells us we should actively seek to hear from others. Sometimes the very best thing we can do for someone is to just be quiet and let them talk. I was in need of that very thing yesterday. I was having a very hectic day. My focus on the Lord wasn't very good, the worst it had been in weeks. I was focusing on some personal issues that had arisen instead of concentrating on intimacy with the Lord. I was stressing to say the least. It seemed that every delivery (I work as a UPS driver) I made was like pulling teeth. I was so anxious to take my break for lunch. I took my break at the library where I usually meet up with my best friend, Drew. As usual, he was there going over some lesson plans we have been working up to teach in the Wednesday Bible Study at our church. Drew just listened to me as I shared with him my lack of focus and my frustrations. He was quick to hear, and that was exactly what I needed. God blessed me through Drew's willingness to listen. We must always be willing and ready to listen.
The practice of being slow to speak is a great quality to develop as well. We need to think before we speak, prayerfully choosing our words. By doing so, we are able to discern the situation, and then allow God to speak through us. When we are in a confrontational situation, being slow to speak allows our anger to subside to the point where our words help the situation as opposed to making it worse. One of the worst things we can do is just start spouting off words without thinking. I think of when the Pharisees brought the woman who had been caught in the very act of adultery before Jesus to see what He would do. As they accused her before the Lord, Jesus was very slow to speak, choosing instead to doodle in the sand. What an impact His words, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." had. We need to practice being slow to speak.
Hopefully I will consider these words and apply them in my daily walk with Christ. Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
I can remember very clearly one of the sayings of my second grade teacher, Mrs King. She would say, "If you listen, you have the opportunity of learning something new, if you talk, you are sharing something you already knew." Mrs. King knew the value of listening, it opens the door to knowledge. This has been a life long lesson that was introduced to me 37 years ago. Today's scripture reading reinforces her saying with the greatest possible force, the Word of God.
Let's take a moment to look at the teachings in today's reading. "Let every man be swift to hear." tells us we should actively seek to hear from others. Sometimes the very best thing we can do for someone is to just be quiet and let them talk. I was in need of that very thing yesterday. I was having a very hectic day. My focus on the Lord wasn't very good, the worst it had been in weeks. I was focusing on some personal issues that had arisen instead of concentrating on intimacy with the Lord. I was stressing to say the least. It seemed that every delivery (I work as a UPS driver) I made was like pulling teeth. I was so anxious to take my break for lunch. I took my break at the library where I usually meet up with my best friend, Drew. As usual, he was there going over some lesson plans we have been working up to teach in the Wednesday Bible Study at our church. Drew just listened to me as I shared with him my lack of focus and my frustrations. He was quick to hear, and that was exactly what I needed. God blessed me through Drew's willingness to listen. We must always be willing and ready to listen.
The practice of being slow to speak is a great quality to develop as well. We need to think before we speak, prayerfully choosing our words. By doing so, we are able to discern the situation, and then allow God to speak through us. When we are in a confrontational situation, being slow to speak allows our anger to subside to the point where our words help the situation as opposed to making it worse. One of the worst things we can do is just start spouting off words without thinking. I think of when the Pharisees brought the woman who had been caught in the very act of adultery before Jesus to see what He would do. As they accused her before the Lord, Jesus was very slow to speak, choosing instead to doodle in the sand. What an impact His words, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." had. We need to practice being slow to speak.
Hopefully I will consider these words and apply them in my daily walk with Christ. Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Let Christ Be Your Role Model
Scripture Reading - Phil. 2:5-8 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation , and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
In the sports world, there are many so called role models. Some set great examples, and some set examples that leave a little something to be desired. I can remember as a young teenager wearing the jerseys of a favorite player. I would pretend to be that particular player in sandlot games. I stood like they did in the batter's box, learned their favorite move on the basketball court. I would boast to my friends of how much better my favorite player was than theirs. Actually they had a great influence on my life. I paid attention to what they said. I see my son doing the same things with the players of his generation. But , the greatest example of a role model we have is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Today's scripture reading encourages us to let the mind of Christ infiltrate our lives. We need to make Him our role model and follow His example of humbling himself and taking on the form of a servant. I have had the privilege of taking part in one foot washing service since I had accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. It was one of the best services that I have ever attended. It symbolized our willingness to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ. My home church does not practice this ritual, but, I am forever grateful that I was blessed to take part in this service. If there ever was an area we need to pay close attention to, it is the area of servitude. Jesus taught the disciples how to be the very best they can be. The message of this lesson was to learn how to serve. Follow Jesus' example in today's scripture; keep your reputation pure, take on the form of a servant, obediently put to death your fleshly desires and sit back and watch as you enjoy the great benefits that come from having Jesus as your role model.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
In the sports world, there are many so called role models. Some set great examples, and some set examples that leave a little something to be desired. I can remember as a young teenager wearing the jerseys of a favorite player. I would pretend to be that particular player in sandlot games. I stood like they did in the batter's box, learned their favorite move on the basketball court. I would boast to my friends of how much better my favorite player was than theirs. Actually they had a great influence on my life. I paid attention to what they said. I see my son doing the same things with the players of his generation. But , the greatest example of a role model we have is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Today's scripture reading encourages us to let the mind of Christ infiltrate our lives. We need to make Him our role model and follow His example of humbling himself and taking on the form of a servant. I have had the privilege of taking part in one foot washing service since I had accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. It was one of the best services that I have ever attended. It symbolized our willingness to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ. My home church does not practice this ritual, but, I am forever grateful that I was blessed to take part in this service. If there ever was an area we need to pay close attention to, it is the area of servitude. Jesus taught the disciples how to be the very best they can be. The message of this lesson was to learn how to serve. Follow Jesus' example in today's scripture; keep your reputation pure, take on the form of a servant, obediently put to death your fleshly desires and sit back and watch as you enjoy the great benefits that come from having Jesus as your role model.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Be Proactive not Reactive
Scripture Reading - Matt. 22:37-39 "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
As you read today's scripture reading notice the emphasis on the intensity level that Jesus teaches we should have when we love. What do the words, "with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" mean? They mean with all out effort, with every once of our being. This love needs to be directed toward the Lord first and then toward our neighbor or fellow man. We are to love others as intensely as we love ourselves. It is the very proof that we have come to know Jesus. It is very easy for us to be selective to whom we show love. We show love to whom we want to, not to who we are commanded by Jesus to. We show those tolerance or acceptance, or have the attitude that because we do not hate them, we are loving them. That attitude is far from what Jesus wants. He wants us to be proactive in our love for others not reactive. Do not wait to be asked when showing love toward others. If you see a need, be responsive to that need. If you sense someone is lonely, provide them company. If you run across someone that is hurting, lovingly approach them, touch them, offer any assistance. Seek to love. One of the most beautiful statements I have heard lately is this one, "I love love." Do you? Most people love receiving love and when put into practice, most all people love giving love. It is what your Savior wants you to do.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
As you read today's scripture reading notice the emphasis on the intensity level that Jesus teaches we should have when we love. What do the words, "with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" mean? They mean with all out effort, with every once of our being. This love needs to be directed toward the Lord first and then toward our neighbor or fellow man. We are to love others as intensely as we love ourselves. It is the very proof that we have come to know Jesus. It is very easy for us to be selective to whom we show love. We show love to whom we want to, not to who we are commanded by Jesus to. We show those tolerance or acceptance, or have the attitude that because we do not hate them, we are loving them. That attitude is far from what Jesus wants. He wants us to be proactive in our love for others not reactive. Do not wait to be asked when showing love toward others. If you see a need, be responsive to that need. If you sense someone is lonely, provide them company. If you run across someone that is hurting, lovingly approach them, touch them, offer any assistance. Seek to love. One of the most beautiful statements I have heard lately is this one, "I love love." Do you? Most people love receiving love and when put into practice, most all people love giving love. It is what your Savior wants you to do.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Monday, February 22, 2010
Remember Your Role
Scripture Verse - Gal. 6:1 "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted . "
I am a big fan of WVU basketball. I watch almost every game. I even make the 3 and 1/2 hour trip to Morgantown, WV whenever my schedule will permit to watch them play in person. On Monday's I usually listen to coach Bob Huggins' radio show. One particular reoccurring comment he makes about this years team is that when they play within their capabilities and operate in their roles, this team is pretty good. It is the times that they play outside their roles that concerns him and leads to the lapses they have shown on a consistent basis this year. I see the same concerns of operating within my role as a Christian. The Word of God clearly spells out our role in various situations. The one situation I would like to deal with today is what our role is when we see a fallen brother or sister in Christ.
Our concern for the one overtaken in a fault could a lot of times be better called a glorified gossip session. "Pray for "______", I can't believe they were "_________". Why people tend to glory when others fall is amazing to me. Or, we are very quick to point out the faults we find in others. This tends to happen with those who are very close to us, a lot of times this issue pops up when we deal with our immediate family. Have you ever confronted one who you love about an issue that you know is wrong in their lives, and the confrontation just led to the situation getting worse. Our concern for them is probably genuine, and we may be 100% correct in our assessment of the situation, but we come across as being judgemental, domineering, and we make the person feel worse than they already did. Why? It is because we are operating outside of the role that God spells out for us in His Word.
Today's scripture verse clearly explains what our role is to be in dealing with the faults of others. We are to be a "restorer" not an "accuser". The role of the conviction and the revelation of a person's sin belongs to the Holy Spirit, not to us. I had been guilty of this myself in a very personal situation. I didn't even realize how my comments were being taken. They were meant to help, but they were driving my loved one further and further away. I was trying to do the Holy Spirit's job. God revealed this truth to me clear as day through a Sunday School lesson. I was being an accuser. My job is to compassionately pray for the person, pray for yourself, that God would show you how to restore the person in the spirit of meekness. Above all our job is to love the person unconditionally, with the same supernatural love Christ has for us. The fruit of the Spirit is ; love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
I am a big fan of WVU basketball. I watch almost every game. I even make the 3 and 1/2 hour trip to Morgantown, WV whenever my schedule will permit to watch them play in person. On Monday's I usually listen to coach Bob Huggins' radio show. One particular reoccurring comment he makes about this years team is that when they play within their capabilities and operate in their roles, this team is pretty good. It is the times that they play outside their roles that concerns him and leads to the lapses they have shown on a consistent basis this year. I see the same concerns of operating within my role as a Christian. The Word of God clearly spells out our role in various situations. The one situation I would like to deal with today is what our role is when we see a fallen brother or sister in Christ.
Our concern for the one overtaken in a fault could a lot of times be better called a glorified gossip session. "Pray for "______", I can't believe they were "_________". Why people tend to glory when others fall is amazing to me. Or, we are very quick to point out the faults we find in others. This tends to happen with those who are very close to us, a lot of times this issue pops up when we deal with our immediate family. Have you ever confronted one who you love about an issue that you know is wrong in their lives, and the confrontation just led to the situation getting worse. Our concern for them is probably genuine, and we may be 100% correct in our assessment of the situation, but we come across as being judgemental, domineering, and we make the person feel worse than they already did. Why? It is because we are operating outside of the role that God spells out for us in His Word.
Today's scripture verse clearly explains what our role is to be in dealing with the faults of others. We are to be a "restorer" not an "accuser". The role of the conviction and the revelation of a person's sin belongs to the Holy Spirit, not to us. I had been guilty of this myself in a very personal situation. I didn't even realize how my comments were being taken. They were meant to help, but they were driving my loved one further and further away. I was trying to do the Holy Spirit's job. God revealed this truth to me clear as day through a Sunday School lesson. I was being an accuser. My job is to compassionately pray for the person, pray for yourself, that God would show you how to restore the person in the spirit of meekness. Above all our job is to love the person unconditionally, with the same supernatural love Christ has for us. The fruit of the Spirit is ; love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Sunday, February 21, 2010
What Else Do I Need?
Scripture Verse - 1 Tim. 6:6 "But godliness with contentment is great gain. "
Scripture Reading - Phil. 4:9-13 "Those things, which ye have both learned , and received , and heard , and seen in me, do : and the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again ; wherein ye were also careful , but ye lacked opportunity . Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned , in whatsoever state I am , therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased , and I know how to abound : every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry , both to abound and to suffer need . I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Contentment is a good thing, no, it is a great thing. When we realize that if we have a close intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, we then already have everything we would ever need in Him. That particular thought brings me great peace. I want to share with you this morning some of the blessings Jesus has not only provided me with, but He also offers these blessings to whosoever decides to follow Him. What a blessing it is that the Creator of this world, the One who spoke everything into existence desires to have a personal relationship with us. It brings me great peace to be able to cry out "Abba Father" to Him. Gal. 4:6 He allows us the opportunity, as many times as we will, to "boldly approach His throne of grace". Heb. 4:16 I always have great peace in His presence. I am being given the opportunity this morning to join with my brothers and sisters in Christ to glorify and worship His great name. It brings me great peace to go into the sanctuary and worship Him. I have the blessing of God's Word. I hunger for it. I am going to hear it spoken this morning, I am reading it this morning. It brings me great peace knowing the Word is the Truth. It can and does change my life. It is "marrow to my bones." Prov. 3:8 I have the blessing of the Jesus' promise to never leave me nor forsake me. It brings me great peace knowing He will never break His promises. I have the blessing of a great wife and Jesus' command to love her as He loves the church. It brings me great peace knowing that He gives me an example of how to love her. God has blessed me with wonderful children. It brings me great peace knowing as much as I love them, and I love them with every once of my being, Jesus loves them more. I could go on and on, and on. Is there anything else I need? No, Jesus completes me. I just need to follow Matt. 22:37 and "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." I am going to share with you this morning a poem I ran across about 10-12 years ago by A.B. Simpson it kind of sums up where I think God wants us to be in this walk with Him. Here it is :
HIMSELF by A. B. Simpson
Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.
Once 'twas painful trying, Now 'tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost.
Once 'twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once 'twas constant drifting, Now my anchor's cast.
Once 'twas busy planning, Now 'tis trustful prayer;
Once 'twas anxious caring, Now He has the care.
Once 'twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;
Once 'twas constant asking, Now 'tis ceaseless praise.
Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.
Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He's mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the vail.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Scripture Reading - Phil. 4:9-13 "Those things, which ye have both learned , and received , and heard , and seen in me, do : and the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again ; wherein ye were also careful , but ye lacked opportunity . Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned , in whatsoever state I am , therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased , and I know how to abound : every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry , both to abound and to suffer need . I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Contentment is a good thing, no, it is a great thing. When we realize that if we have a close intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, we then already have everything we would ever need in Him. That particular thought brings me great peace. I want to share with you this morning some of the blessings Jesus has not only provided me with, but He also offers these blessings to whosoever decides to follow Him. What a blessing it is that the Creator of this world, the One who spoke everything into existence desires to have a personal relationship with us. It brings me great peace to be able to cry out "Abba Father" to Him. Gal. 4:6 He allows us the opportunity, as many times as we will, to "boldly approach His throne of grace". Heb. 4:16 I always have great peace in His presence. I am being given the opportunity this morning to join with my brothers and sisters in Christ to glorify and worship His great name. It brings me great peace to go into the sanctuary and worship Him. I have the blessing of God's Word. I hunger for it. I am going to hear it spoken this morning, I am reading it this morning. It brings me great peace knowing the Word is the Truth. It can and does change my life. It is "marrow to my bones." Prov. 3:8 I have the blessing of the Jesus' promise to never leave me nor forsake me. It brings me great peace knowing He will never break His promises. I have the blessing of a great wife and Jesus' command to love her as He loves the church. It brings me great peace knowing that He gives me an example of how to love her. God has blessed me with wonderful children. It brings me great peace knowing as much as I love them, and I love them with every once of my being, Jesus loves them more. I could go on and on, and on. Is there anything else I need? No, Jesus completes me. I just need to follow Matt. 22:37 and "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." I am going to share with you this morning a poem I ran across about 10-12 years ago by A.B. Simpson it kind of sums up where I think God wants us to be in this walk with Him. Here it is :
HIMSELF by A. B. Simpson
Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.
Once 'twas painful trying, Now 'tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost.
Once 'twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once 'twas constant drifting, Now my anchor's cast.
Once 'twas busy planning, Now 'tis trustful prayer;
Once 'twas anxious caring, Now He has the care.
Once 'twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;
Once 'twas constant asking, Now 'tis ceaseless praise.
Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.
Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He's mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the vail.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Is Jesus Worth It?
Scripture Verse - John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish , but have everlasting life. "
Sometimes I think we can really take things that we hear over and over for granted and really not consider their true worth. As you consider today's scripture verse, think of the times that you have either heard it in church, or saw someone holding up a John 3:16 sign at a sporting event on television. I don't know the ages of the people who read this blog, but if I had to guess, I would think that they ranged from about 30 to 70. I would have to say that John 3:16 was one of the first verses that you ever learned. Maybe your first recollection of the verse was in a bible school you attended or possibly the verse brings back to your mind a Sunday school teacher you had while you were young or the verse may bring the memory of your mother teaching this wonderful verse from the Word of the God to you. I personally think it is the most quoted scripture there is. Today I want you to stop and think about the verse and the wonderful truth it contains.
As we look at the phrase "For God so loved the world", I want you to consider how personal this is to you. God loved the world in general and you in particular. We can never lose sight of this truth. There is a wonderful video out called Just Stop and Think. Here is the link to it http://crazylovebook.com/videos_stop.html . This video is about 15 minutes long and I want you to take time to watch it. Click on the link and watch it now if at all possible. If you have already seen it, watch it again. I watch it often. The video allows me to take time and consider what great love God has for me. It causes me to fall deeper in love with Jesus and burns the truth of "For God so loved the world" into my heart. You can be sure of the fact that God loves you.
The concept of "that He gave His only begotten Son" is mind boggling to me. Truly a great price was paid for us. That God would willingly give up His Son to be crucified for my sins, and not only my sins but the sins of everyone in this whole world blows me away. It is true unconditional love. He wants a relationship with us that much. He loves us, that is why He did what He did. Then we have the great promise the last part of the verse brings; "that whosover believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The opportunity to live with He who loves us for an eternity. I want to pose the question contained in the title of today's devotion "Is Jesus Worth It". The "it" in the questions is;" Is He worth you committing your life to and purposing to follow Him?" Do you trust Him enough to follow His commandments. Do you want the life He offers or are you content with the one you have. Are you willing to follow Him. I trust Him. I know He loves me and I believe the things He teaches in the scripture are the best way, the only was to truly live. It is life and life more abundant.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Sometimes I think we can really take things that we hear over and over for granted and really not consider their true worth. As you consider today's scripture verse, think of the times that you have either heard it in church, or saw someone holding up a John 3:16 sign at a sporting event on television. I don't know the ages of the people who read this blog, but if I had to guess, I would think that they ranged from about 30 to 70. I would have to say that John 3:16 was one of the first verses that you ever learned. Maybe your first recollection of the verse was in a bible school you attended or possibly the verse brings back to your mind a Sunday school teacher you had while you were young or the verse may bring the memory of your mother teaching this wonderful verse from the Word of the God to you. I personally think it is the most quoted scripture there is. Today I want you to stop and think about the verse and the wonderful truth it contains.
As we look at the phrase "For God so loved the world", I want you to consider how personal this is to you. God loved the world in general and you in particular. We can never lose sight of this truth. There is a wonderful video out called Just Stop and Think. Here is the link to it http://crazylovebook.com/videos_stop.html . This video is about 15 minutes long and I want you to take time to watch it. Click on the link and watch it now if at all possible. If you have already seen it, watch it again. I watch it often. The video allows me to take time and consider what great love God has for me. It causes me to fall deeper in love with Jesus and burns the truth of "For God so loved the world" into my heart. You can be sure of the fact that God loves you.
The concept of "that He gave His only begotten Son" is mind boggling to me. Truly a great price was paid for us. That God would willingly give up His Son to be crucified for my sins, and not only my sins but the sins of everyone in this whole world blows me away. It is true unconditional love. He wants a relationship with us that much. He loves us, that is why He did what He did. Then we have the great promise the last part of the verse brings; "that whosover believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The opportunity to live with He who loves us for an eternity. I want to pose the question contained in the title of today's devotion "Is Jesus Worth It". The "it" in the questions is;" Is He worth you committing your life to and purposing to follow Him?" Do you trust Him enough to follow His commandments. Do you want the life He offers or are you content with the one you have. Are you willing to follow Him. I trust Him. I know He loves me and I believe the things He teaches in the scripture are the best way, the only was to truly live. It is life and life more abundant.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Friday, February 19, 2010
Weeding Out the Thorns
Scripture Reading - Luke 8:4-15 "And when much people were gathered together , and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed , some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down , and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up , it withered away , because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it , and choked it.
And other fell on good ground, and sprang up , and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried , He that hath ears to hear , let him hear . And his disciples asked him, saying , What might this parable be ? And he said , Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see , and hearing they might not understand . Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear ; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved . They on the rock are they, which, when they hear , receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe , and in time of temptation fall away . And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard , go forth , and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection . But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."
I want you to think of the word "thorns" in the above passage as being anything that distracts us from God. When we want other things equal to or more than we want God then we definitely have thorns in the soil of our heart. These thorns are usually thought of as being bad things, sins that we have in our lives that keep our minds from focusing on God. But, there are things that are very good things that can distract us away from God just as effectively as those bad sinful things. Consider the following areas that potentially can distract us from God; the pursuit of money, favorite sports teams, your children's sports teams, golf, commitments to family and church, your job. Each one of these areas of our lives are not bad in themselves, and can be a vital part of our lives, if they are not allowed to distract our focus from God. Take a moment to examine what distracts you from God. List these things on a piece of paper, then pray over them, asking God to help you to not allow these areas of your life to distract you from Him. I have talked to countless people and everyone seems to wish they had more time to pray, read their Bible, do things for God, etc. We have 24 hours in a day, that is all. We do what we choose to do with the time we have. Therein lies the problem. We sometimes (or should I say, most of the time) desire other things more than God. We let the thorns grow in our soil and before long they choke out the truth (Word of God) that God wishes to apply in our lives. Do not let that happen. Seek Him first, pursue after Him. Let your total focus be on Him, and watch and see how much more satisfying our lives become. Matt. 6:33 says,"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Do you believe the Word of God, do you trust it? Is it true? Is this meant for us to practice or did Jesus just suggest these thoughts to us, giving us the option of practicing these principles. Is the Word of God optional?
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW!!!
And other fell on good ground, and sprang up , and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried , He that hath ears to hear , let him hear . And his disciples asked him, saying , What might this parable be ? And he said , Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see , and hearing they might not understand . Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear ; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved . They on the rock are they, which, when they hear , receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe , and in time of temptation fall away . And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard , go forth , and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection . But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."
I want you to think of the word "thorns" in the above passage as being anything that distracts us from God. When we want other things equal to or more than we want God then we definitely have thorns in the soil of our heart. These thorns are usually thought of as being bad things, sins that we have in our lives that keep our minds from focusing on God. But, there are things that are very good things that can distract us away from God just as effectively as those bad sinful things. Consider the following areas that potentially can distract us from God; the pursuit of money, favorite sports teams, your children's sports teams, golf, commitments to family and church, your job. Each one of these areas of our lives are not bad in themselves, and can be a vital part of our lives, if they are not allowed to distract our focus from God. Take a moment to examine what distracts you from God. List these things on a piece of paper, then pray over them, asking God to help you to not allow these areas of your life to distract you from Him. I have talked to countless people and everyone seems to wish they had more time to pray, read their Bible, do things for God, etc. We have 24 hours in a day, that is all. We do what we choose to do with the time we have. Therein lies the problem. We sometimes (or should I say, most of the time) desire other things more than God. We let the thorns grow in our soil and before long they choke out the truth (Word of God) that God wishes to apply in our lives. Do not let that happen. Seek Him first, pursue after Him. Let your total focus be on Him, and watch and see how much more satisfying our lives become. Matt. 6:33 says,"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Do you believe the Word of God, do you trust it? Is it true? Is this meant for us to practice or did Jesus just suggest these thoughts to us, giving us the option of practicing these principles. Is the Word of God optional?
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW!!!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
What Does God Want With Me?
Scripture Reading - Jeremiah 29:13-15"For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."
What is the main thing that you think God wants for you? Is it some sort of service for Him that lies somewhere in the future? Is it your time? Is it Bible reading? Is it church attendance? Is it not cussing, sinning? Is it more time spent in prayer? No, what God wants is for you to desire Him more than anything on this earth. We truly will find God when we search for Him with all our heart. God wants an intimate personal relationship with you. He bought you with a price and very few of us place Him upon the pedestal He deserves to be on. I listened to a message once that discussed the topic of the American church's view of sanctification. We think of sanctification as a place we may get to in our Christian walk when we decide to totally commit to Jesus. A missionary made this statement about the people he was dealing with in Iraq. "What the American church calls sanctification, they (the new converts in Iraq) call prerequisite. In other words, these people totally commit their lives to Jesus the moment they decide to be born again. Does this sound familiar? Read the Gospels. Somehow we have watered down salvation to just being a Heaven and hell thing. How about counting the cost as Jesus preached? Where is the emphasis on commitment? I challenge you today to start presenting the Gospel with an emphasis on commitment to Jesus. Encourage those you share the Gospel with to follow Jesus not just avoid hell. Our lives will drastically change when we make Him number one in our lives. I cannot find one example in the Bible where Jesus demands anything else but a full commitment to Him.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
What is the main thing that you think God wants for you? Is it some sort of service for Him that lies somewhere in the future? Is it your time? Is it Bible reading? Is it church attendance? Is it not cussing, sinning? Is it more time spent in prayer? No, what God wants is for you to desire Him more than anything on this earth. We truly will find God when we search for Him with all our heart. God wants an intimate personal relationship with you. He bought you with a price and very few of us place Him upon the pedestal He deserves to be on. I listened to a message once that discussed the topic of the American church's view of sanctification. We think of sanctification as a place we may get to in our Christian walk when we decide to totally commit to Jesus. A missionary made this statement about the people he was dealing with in Iraq. "What the American church calls sanctification, they (the new converts in Iraq) call prerequisite. In other words, these people totally commit their lives to Jesus the moment they decide to be born again. Does this sound familiar? Read the Gospels. Somehow we have watered down salvation to just being a Heaven and hell thing. How about counting the cost as Jesus preached? Where is the emphasis on commitment? I challenge you today to start presenting the Gospel with an emphasis on commitment to Jesus. Encourage those you share the Gospel with to follow Jesus not just avoid hell. Our lives will drastically change when we make Him number one in our lives. I cannot find one example in the Bible where Jesus demands anything else but a full commitment to Him.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Practice Loving Unconditionally
Scripture Reading - Luke 12:12-14 "Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again , and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just."
In today's scripture reading, Jesus was at the house of a Pharisee eating bread on the sabbath day when He spoke a parable unto them teaching the importance of loving unconditionally. In the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan there is a chapter called "The Profile of the Lukewarm". It is a great chapter which really causes one to examine their own lives and has compelled me to go about prayerfully fixing the areas of my life that need work. One particular statement made me really consider the motives for love. Here is the statement: "Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. There is little love left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally slight them, whose kids are better athletes than theirs, or with whom conversations are awkard or uncomfortable. Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached." As I considered the statement, I realized that I need to work on this truth. I need to love as Christ loves, with no strings attached. This is the very principle Jesus is discussing in Luke 12:12-14. In addition to those who will readily return our love, we need to seek out and love those who will never be able to return it. It will help bring all the love we show to being unconditional.
I personally witnessed a great example of this through my mentor in the Lord, Cecil Lyall. Cecil was a great man of God. He had a better understanding of Christ like love and knew how to give it more so than any person I have ever came in contact with. We were ministering at a juvenile detention center. A young girl about the age of 12 would sit in a chair, curled up in almost a fetal position. Totally unresponsive. Some of the others would taunt her trying to get a response. We even saw one of the counselors bounce a basketball really hard and fast in front of her trying to get her to look up. After we continued on with our activity time after the scripture lesson, Cecil, who was in his late 70's and very stricken with Parkinson's Disease took a brush and very slowly and lovingly brushed this young girls matted hair out. After he had finished, he gave her some peppermint candy. They little girl looked up and thanked him. Cecil proceeded to hug her. I hope I have conveyed this episode well to you because it is the greatest exhibition of love that I have ever seen. I can still see Cecil's shaking hand gently brushing that young girl's hair. 2 weeks later when we returned to minister, the lead counselor came to me. This lady was a wonderful person. She genuinely cared for these children. She asked me what did we do with Anna (the young girl whose hair Cecil had brushed out)? Anna had been totally co-operative, had participated in every activity since we were last there. The little girl had totally been changed. All because my friend Cecil had allowed God to love this child through him. Amen. Amen. and Amen.
Seek out someone to show Christ's love who will probably not be able to return it. Love them as intensely as you can. It will teach you the value of unconditional love. Be Blessed and Live in the NOW.
In today's scripture reading, Jesus was at the house of a Pharisee eating bread on the sabbath day when He spoke a parable unto them teaching the importance of loving unconditionally. In the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan there is a chapter called "The Profile of the Lukewarm". It is a great chapter which really causes one to examine their own lives and has compelled me to go about prayerfully fixing the areas of my life that need work. One particular statement made me really consider the motives for love. Here is the statement: "Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. There is little love left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally slight them, whose kids are better athletes than theirs, or with whom conversations are awkard or uncomfortable. Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached." As I considered the statement, I realized that I need to work on this truth. I need to love as Christ loves, with no strings attached. This is the very principle Jesus is discussing in Luke 12:12-14. In addition to those who will readily return our love, we need to seek out and love those who will never be able to return it. It will help bring all the love we show to being unconditional.
I personally witnessed a great example of this through my mentor in the Lord, Cecil Lyall. Cecil was a great man of God. He had a better understanding of Christ like love and knew how to give it more so than any person I have ever came in contact with. We were ministering at a juvenile detention center. A young girl about the age of 12 would sit in a chair, curled up in almost a fetal position. Totally unresponsive. Some of the others would taunt her trying to get a response. We even saw one of the counselors bounce a basketball really hard and fast in front of her trying to get her to look up. After we continued on with our activity time after the scripture lesson, Cecil, who was in his late 70's and very stricken with Parkinson's Disease took a brush and very slowly and lovingly brushed this young girls matted hair out. After he had finished, he gave her some peppermint candy. They little girl looked up and thanked him. Cecil proceeded to hug her. I hope I have conveyed this episode well to you because it is the greatest exhibition of love that I have ever seen. I can still see Cecil's shaking hand gently brushing that young girl's hair. 2 weeks later when we returned to minister, the lead counselor came to me. This lady was a wonderful person. She genuinely cared for these children. She asked me what did we do with Anna (the young girl whose hair Cecil had brushed out)? Anna had been totally co-operative, had participated in every activity since we were last there. The little girl had totally been changed. All because my friend Cecil had allowed God to love this child through him. Amen. Amen. and Amen.
Seek out someone to show Christ's love who will probably not be able to return it. Love them as intensely as you can. It will teach you the value of unconditional love. Be Blessed and Live in the NOW.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Application of the Word
Scripture Verse - James 1:22 "but be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your ownselves."
The Word of the Lord has great power. It can change our lives greatly. It comes to us in a several ways. We get inspiration from our Bible reading, from the teachings we receive in our churches, from books and other writings, through the testimonies of people. I have even been greatly inspired by several Christian movies; Facing the Giants, Fireproof, The Passion of Christ. Tyler Perry's films usually carry a strong spiritual message in them. His latest film; I Can do Bad All By Myself has a scene in which a pastor preachs a powerful sermon. I was greatly moved by it. But, it is not enough to be inspired. The Word has to be applied to our lives for it to do us any good. The Word is profitable for correction, reproof, and instruction in righteousness. For the Word to take hold in our lives we need to prayerfully practice these 3 things. First, we need to prayerfully ask God to reveal problem areas in our lives. Second, we need to ask God to help us come up with a plan to fix these problems. And third, we need to execute the plan.
In Matt. 21:28-31 Jesus was speaking to the the chief priests and elders in the temple when He gave the following illustration; There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.' 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted? They answered, "the first." It is not enough to intend to do things. We must do them. Take the inspiration God gives you and let Him help you apply these things to you life.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
The Word of the Lord has great power. It can change our lives greatly. It comes to us in a several ways. We get inspiration from our Bible reading, from the teachings we receive in our churches, from books and other writings, through the testimonies of people. I have even been greatly inspired by several Christian movies; Facing the Giants, Fireproof, The Passion of Christ. Tyler Perry's films usually carry a strong spiritual message in them. His latest film; I Can do Bad All By Myself has a scene in which a pastor preachs a powerful sermon. I was greatly moved by it. But, it is not enough to be inspired. The Word has to be applied to our lives for it to do us any good. The Word is profitable for correction, reproof, and instruction in righteousness. For the Word to take hold in our lives we need to prayerfully practice these 3 things. First, we need to prayerfully ask God to reveal problem areas in our lives. Second, we need to ask God to help us come up with a plan to fix these problems. And third, we need to execute the plan.
In Matt. 21:28-31 Jesus was speaking to the the chief priests and elders in the temple when He gave the following illustration; There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.' 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted? They answered, "the first." It is not enough to intend to do things. We must do them. Take the inspiration God gives you and let Him help you apply these things to you life.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Monday, February 15, 2010
The Power of Praying with One Another
Scripture Reading - James 5:16-17 "Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months."
What great truths can be gained from today's scripture reading. First there is the power of praying with one another. We are told to confess our faults one to another. I want you to consider faults as areas of lack that we have in our lives. Another way to look at it would be areas in which we have need. We need to share the things we need to pray to the Lord for with others who we trust. The more specific I can be in my prayers, the more effectively I can pray for someone. A lot of times we don't want others to know just how much we need God to intervene. We paint a picture that we have everything together and all is well, when a lot of times this just isn't the case. Within your inner prayer circle be very specific and detailed with your requests. In will increase the intensity of others prayer for you.
The second great truth found in today's scripture is that we are told the same power and effectiveness that we see in the Bible is available to us. Elias (Elijah) was a man just like us, he faced the same temptations and opposition as we do. But he was able to connect with God in such a way that it did not even rain for the space of 3 years and 6 months. How many of us would even dare to pray for such a thing. Is God any less powerful, has He changed any? Why did He leave this particular scripture for us? Does God intend for us to believe we will get what we pray for? We need to stop making excuses for our lack of faith and really start putting the principles that God lays out for us in His word. I know for sure, if we do things will radically change. You will begin to see evidences of the great things God can do. Remember what God's Word says, "Ye have not, because you ask not."
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
What great truths can be gained from today's scripture reading. First there is the power of praying with one another. We are told to confess our faults one to another. I want you to consider faults as areas of lack that we have in our lives. Another way to look at it would be areas in which we have need. We need to share the things we need to pray to the Lord for with others who we trust. The more specific I can be in my prayers, the more effectively I can pray for someone. A lot of times we don't want others to know just how much we need God to intervene. We paint a picture that we have everything together and all is well, when a lot of times this just isn't the case. Within your inner prayer circle be very specific and detailed with your requests. In will increase the intensity of others prayer for you.
The second great truth found in today's scripture is that we are told the same power and effectiveness that we see in the Bible is available to us. Elias (Elijah) was a man just like us, he faced the same temptations and opposition as we do. But he was able to connect with God in such a way that it did not even rain for the space of 3 years and 6 months. How many of us would even dare to pray for such a thing. Is God any less powerful, has He changed any? Why did He leave this particular scripture for us? Does God intend for us to believe we will get what we pray for? We need to stop making excuses for our lack of faith and really start putting the principles that God lays out for us in His word. I know for sure, if we do things will radically change. You will begin to see evidences of the great things God can do. Remember what God's Word says, "Ye have not, because you ask not."
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Overcoming Depression
Scripture Reading - 1 John 1:4 "and these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full."
The Webster's definition of joy is as follows; "the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune, or by the prospect of possessing what one desires." I see people all the time who are just overcome by depression. I myself have been through bouts of this terrible problem. The symptoms are almost always the same, isolation (no desire to go anywhere or do any thing), crying for no reason, inability to bring simple tasks to completion, sitting in dark places, trouble with memory. It is a great problem in our society today. The answer to this problem, along with any other problem we face can be found in God's word.
The word of God was written that our joy may be full. True joy is found in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But to experience this joy, we have to have a conscienceness of actually being in the presence of God. In Heb. 4:16 we are told, "let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." God allows and desires us to enter into His presence. To go there we must focus upon Him, and seek Him above all things. Have you ever heard the words, "But seek ye first the kingdom of heaven" or have you heard these words before, "draw near unto God and He will draw near unto you" I am confident that if you have been raised in a church going environment then you have probably heard these words. If we place our focus upon God and He becomes our reason for everything we do, depression disappears and we are able to experience joy and the abundant life He desires for us. Always remember, it is not about us, it is all about Him.
I don't know what triggers depression with people or even what triggers it within myself. It could be the death of a loved one, a situation that pops up in your life that you don't know how to handle, an illness that suddenly comes upon you, financial distresses, etc. Many things can bring this on. When these things happen and you start not feeling like your normal self (when my bouts with depression have came, I always know when it is coming on) start focusing on the Lord Jesus Christ and trust in His Word that He desires to have you in His presence as many times as you will come, confide in people you trust and ask them to join with you in praying about your situation. God will guide you through this. It is impossible to be depressed in His presence.
Be Blessed and Live in the Now
The Webster's definition of joy is as follows; "the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune, or by the prospect of possessing what one desires." I see people all the time who are just overcome by depression. I myself have been through bouts of this terrible problem. The symptoms are almost always the same, isolation (no desire to go anywhere or do any thing), crying for no reason, inability to bring simple tasks to completion, sitting in dark places, trouble with memory. It is a great problem in our society today. The answer to this problem, along with any other problem we face can be found in God's word.
The word of God was written that our joy may be full. True joy is found in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But to experience this joy, we have to have a conscienceness of actually being in the presence of God. In Heb. 4:16 we are told, "let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." God allows and desires us to enter into His presence. To go there we must focus upon Him, and seek Him above all things. Have you ever heard the words, "But seek ye first the kingdom of heaven" or have you heard these words before, "draw near unto God and He will draw near unto you" I am confident that if you have been raised in a church going environment then you have probably heard these words. If we place our focus upon God and He becomes our reason for everything we do, depression disappears and we are able to experience joy and the abundant life He desires for us. Always remember, it is not about us, it is all about Him.
I don't know what triggers depression with people or even what triggers it within myself. It could be the death of a loved one, a situation that pops up in your life that you don't know how to handle, an illness that suddenly comes upon you, financial distresses, etc. Many things can bring this on. When these things happen and you start not feeling like your normal self (when my bouts with depression have came, I always know when it is coming on) start focusing on the Lord Jesus Christ and trust in His Word that He desires to have you in His presence as many times as you will come, confide in people you trust and ask them to join with you in praying about your situation. God will guide you through this. It is impossible to be depressed in His presence.
Be Blessed and Live in the Now
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Honoring God in All Things
Scripture Reading - Col. 3:23 "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
Everyone remembers the bracelet that came out 15 years ago or so. You know the W.W. J.D. acronym. It really was a wonderful thing that had people thinking those words before they done an act, any act. I lately have been learning to process another thought throughout each and every day; this has been my thinking, how can the Lord be honored by my actions. When I first get up in the morning, how can I honor God? When I first greet my wife and children how can I honor God? As I meet the many people the Lord puts in my path, how can I honor God? When I am at my church, how can I honor God? When I am at a ballgame, how can I honor God? When I'm tired and don't feel like doing anything and someone calls or stops by, how can I honor God? When I am angry at my boss, how can I honor God? I hope you see the point. Many, many, many times during the day we need to process the "how can I honor God" thought.
It seems a little overwhelming when you first think about it. But, it can be done if we apply the scripture verse of the day, Col. 3:23. People for the most part, tend to "half-butt" it as I like to say. We take the easy way out when we have the opportunity. We only do our very best when we think we have to. Today's scripture completely goes against that thought. In "whatsoever ye do" we are instructed to do it heartily, and that means with zeal and vigor, and excellence. We are to perform the big things that come up in our lives that way. But, at the same time, we are to perform the boring, mundane things we face with the same zeal, vigor, and excellence. Because we are (or should be) living for the Lord. We have been bought by Him with a great price. Everything we do is not only a reflection on us, it is also a reflection on him. It just happens that I am writing this on a Saturday and I will use the day I have before me as an example. Today as I talk with the Lord, I am to do it heartily as unto the Lord. Today as I am showing homes to my clients, I am to do it heartily as unto the Lord. When I take a new listing on a home today, I am to do it heartily as unto the Lord. As I go with my wife shopping for Valentine gifts for my children, I am to do it heartily as unto God. And finally as I enjoy the evening with my wife, son and daughter who are still at home, and my oldest daughter, her husband, and my beautiful little grandson Nathan who are visiting us from Cloumbus, I am to do it heartily as unto the Lord. Practicing this truth in your lives will allow you to live in great joy. It is not about us, it is all about Him (Jesus).
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Everyone remembers the bracelet that came out 15 years ago or so. You know the W.W. J.D. acronym. It really was a wonderful thing that had people thinking those words before they done an act, any act. I lately have been learning to process another thought throughout each and every day; this has been my thinking, how can the Lord be honored by my actions. When I first get up in the morning, how can I honor God? When I first greet my wife and children how can I honor God? As I meet the many people the Lord puts in my path, how can I honor God? When I am at my church, how can I honor God? When I am at a ballgame, how can I honor God? When I'm tired and don't feel like doing anything and someone calls or stops by, how can I honor God? When I am angry at my boss, how can I honor God? I hope you see the point. Many, many, many times during the day we need to process the "how can I honor God" thought.
It seems a little overwhelming when you first think about it. But, it can be done if we apply the scripture verse of the day, Col. 3:23. People for the most part, tend to "half-butt" it as I like to say. We take the easy way out when we have the opportunity. We only do our very best when we think we have to. Today's scripture completely goes against that thought. In "whatsoever ye do" we are instructed to do it heartily, and that means with zeal and vigor, and excellence. We are to perform the big things that come up in our lives that way. But, at the same time, we are to perform the boring, mundane things we face with the same zeal, vigor, and excellence. Because we are (or should be) living for the Lord. We have been bought by Him with a great price. Everything we do is not only a reflection on us, it is also a reflection on him. It just happens that I am writing this on a Saturday and I will use the day I have before me as an example. Today as I talk with the Lord, I am to do it heartily as unto the Lord. Today as I am showing homes to my clients, I am to do it heartily as unto the Lord. When I take a new listing on a home today, I am to do it heartily as unto the Lord. As I go with my wife shopping for Valentine gifts for my children, I am to do it heartily as unto God. And finally as I enjoy the evening with my wife, son and daughter who are still at home, and my oldest daughter, her husband, and my beautiful little grandson Nathan who are visiting us from Cloumbus, I am to do it heartily as unto the Lord. Practicing this truth in your lives will allow you to live in great joy. It is not about us, it is all about Him (Jesus).
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Friday, February 12, 2010
Know Who You Are
Scripture Verse - I Cor. 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
Do you ever wonder why so many people struggle with their Christian walk? How that they are consistently reverting back to previous addictions that they have been tormented with in the past. I can think of no greater example than the power that prescription drug abuse has over people. It is everywhere. It stretches from Hollywood with the rich and famous to the hills of Appalachia. I think it is public enemy number one in America. Sadly, it is in the church also. What can we do? I tell you today there is hope, there is a remedy, and it lies in Christ Jesus. The most powerful thing that can ever come out of your mouth is the Word of God. We must read it, believe it, and even more importantly apply it to our lives. Heb. 10:23 tells us to "hold fast our profession of faith, without wavering , for he is faithful that promised." We must trust what God's Word says. We must speak the Word. We must let the Word become part of our lives.
A great friend of mine who passed away almost 2 years ago had a love for old cars. He had among many others a 36 Plymouth coupe that was beautiful. I have never been involved in the restoration of antique vehicles but, I love to look at them. As beautiful as my friend Tom's car was, it was still a 72 year old car. It has only been restored. We, when we trust Christ as our Lord and Savior and are born again, we have not been restored, we are created as a breand new creature. Let us take a look at the key verse for today I Cor. 5:17. This verse tells us we are a brand new being, one that has never existed before. The old things are passed away, all things are become new. This is the Word of God. It is true. You can count on it. We must speak it, hold to it. Let the Word become part of our lives. If you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior then you can look into the mirror in the morning and tell yourself, I am a new creature in Christ Jesus. My old life has passed away. All things have become new for me. I tell myself this often, many times on some days. When you are tempted to revert back to old addictions and sins, speak the words; I am a new creature in Christ Jesus, old things are passed away, all things are become new. This is a faith thing. The Word must become an active part of our life. I promise the Word of God is true. But, you have to believe it is true. Speak the Word of the Lord, it is the most powerful thing that will ever come out of your mouth.
I encourage everyone that reads this post today to take the names of those you know who are having battles with addictions (prescription drugs, alcohol, etc.), call their names out to God in prayer. Pray hedges of protection around them. Pray that the truth of the Word will become parts of their lives. Above all, love them with the pure, unconditional love of God. If you as the reader face these battles, commit your lives to Christ, speak His Word, trust His Word, apply His Word. Know who are in Christ Jesus.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW!!
Do you ever wonder why so many people struggle with their Christian walk? How that they are consistently reverting back to previous addictions that they have been tormented with in the past. I can think of no greater example than the power that prescription drug abuse has over people. It is everywhere. It stretches from Hollywood with the rich and famous to the hills of Appalachia. I think it is public enemy number one in America. Sadly, it is in the church also. What can we do? I tell you today there is hope, there is a remedy, and it lies in Christ Jesus. The most powerful thing that can ever come out of your mouth is the Word of God. We must read it, believe it, and even more importantly apply it to our lives. Heb. 10:23 tells us to "hold fast our profession of faith, without wavering , for he is faithful that promised." We must trust what God's Word says. We must speak the Word. We must let the Word become part of our lives.
A great friend of mine who passed away almost 2 years ago had a love for old cars. He had among many others a 36 Plymouth coupe that was beautiful. I have never been involved in the restoration of antique vehicles but, I love to look at them. As beautiful as my friend Tom's car was, it was still a 72 year old car. It has only been restored. We, when we trust Christ as our Lord and Savior and are born again, we have not been restored, we are created as a breand new creature. Let us take a look at the key verse for today I Cor. 5:17. This verse tells us we are a brand new being, one that has never existed before. The old things are passed away, all things are become new. This is the Word of God. It is true. You can count on it. We must speak it, hold to it. Let the Word become part of our lives. If you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior then you can look into the mirror in the morning and tell yourself, I am a new creature in Christ Jesus. My old life has passed away. All things have become new for me. I tell myself this often, many times on some days. When you are tempted to revert back to old addictions and sins, speak the words; I am a new creature in Christ Jesus, old things are passed away, all things are become new. This is a faith thing. The Word must become an active part of our life. I promise the Word of God is true. But, you have to believe it is true. Speak the Word of the Lord, it is the most powerful thing that will ever come out of your mouth.
I encourage everyone that reads this post today to take the names of those you know who are having battles with addictions (prescription drugs, alcohol, etc.), call their names out to God in prayer. Pray hedges of protection around them. Pray that the truth of the Word will become parts of their lives. Above all, love them with the pure, unconditional love of God. If you as the reader face these battles, commit your lives to Christ, speak His Word, trust His Word, apply His Word. Know who are in Christ Jesus.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Avoiding Personal Conflict
Scripture Reading - 1 Kings 17:1-51
Key Verse - I Kings 17:30 "and he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner...."
There will be many times today when an opportunity for conflict will confront you. Sometimes the confrontation will come out of the clear blue sky, sometimes you will be able to see it from miles away, and sometimes you will actually invite it. Many lessons can be learned from the great story of David and Goliath. For many, it is one of the favorite passages in the Bible. There are four words found in I Kings 17:30 that I would like you to concentrate on. They are "he turned from him." David the youngest of 8 children born to his father Jesse, had been told by his father to take food to his three elder brothers who were on the battle front for Israel as they were fighting against the Philistine army. He was also asked to see how they fared. As David arrived to carry out his father's request, the Philistine giant, Goliath, was challenging the Israelites as he had done morning and evening for forty days. The Israelite army reacted in fear as they had done for the previous 40 days, everyone except David. The reaction that David had in I Kings 17:26 speaks of the bold faith David had in God "..who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" It was at that time Eliab, David's eldest brother confronted David with great anger. Why have you come, I know your pride? etc. With great wisdom David turned from Eliab toward another. He didn't become involved in the conflict. Had he became involved in an argument with his brother, possibly Goliath would not have been killed that day.
We can learn great things from this lesson. Personal conflicts can and do shift our focus from the Lord. Many times things are said that we wish we could take back and problems are seldom ever solved. They are for the most of times, compounded. When a confrontation comes before you today, take a step back and turn away from it, pray for a solution from God, and react to the potential conflict with Christ-like love. Your focus will be kept on Jesus if you practice this.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Key Verse - I Kings 17:30 "and he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner...."
There will be many times today when an opportunity for conflict will confront you. Sometimes the confrontation will come out of the clear blue sky, sometimes you will be able to see it from miles away, and sometimes you will actually invite it. Many lessons can be learned from the great story of David and Goliath. For many, it is one of the favorite passages in the Bible. There are four words found in I Kings 17:30 that I would like you to concentrate on. They are "he turned from him." David the youngest of 8 children born to his father Jesse, had been told by his father to take food to his three elder brothers who were on the battle front for Israel as they were fighting against the Philistine army. He was also asked to see how they fared. As David arrived to carry out his father's request, the Philistine giant, Goliath, was challenging the Israelites as he had done morning and evening for forty days. The Israelite army reacted in fear as they had done for the previous 40 days, everyone except David. The reaction that David had in I Kings 17:26 speaks of the bold faith David had in God "..who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" It was at that time Eliab, David's eldest brother confronted David with great anger. Why have you come, I know your pride? etc. With great wisdom David turned from Eliab toward another. He didn't become involved in the conflict. Had he became involved in an argument with his brother, possibly Goliath would not have been killed that day.
We can learn great things from this lesson. Personal conflicts can and do shift our focus from the Lord. Many times things are said that we wish we could take back and problems are seldom ever solved. They are for the most of times, compounded. When a confrontation comes before you today, take a step back and turn away from it, pray for a solution from God, and react to the potential conflict with Christ-like love. Your focus will be kept on Jesus if you practice this.
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Take a Love Test
Scripture Reading - I Cor. 13:4-13
Key Verse - II Cor. 13:5 "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith, prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates."
One of my friends ,who is the daughter of my mentor in the Lord, recently suggested that I read a book by Francis Chan called Crazy Love. I will be forever grateful for her suggestion as the prayerful reading, study, and application of the thoughts brought forth in this book have caused radical changes in my walk with Christ. The book will cause you to take a close look at yourself. In a lot of areas I didn't like what I saw. But, I am very thankful because God is changing different aspects of my life. One of the things in the book was an exercise which was very convicting to me. Read the passage below, then read the passage again substituting your name for the words that are in bold type.
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.... faith, hope, and love abide, these three, but the greatest of these is love." I Cor. 13:4-8,13
We need to remember that love is a fruit of the Spirit. If you find out as I did that you are falling short in exhibiting love toward God, your family, your church, your neighbor, the stranger on the street, ask God to help you in these areas. Always consider the perfect, unconditional love He has for us. Keep the cross fresh in your mind and follow the greatest commandment found in Matt. 22:37-39 "thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Key Verse - II Cor. 13:5 "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith, prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates."
One of my friends ,who is the daughter of my mentor in the Lord, recently suggested that I read a book by Francis Chan called Crazy Love. I will be forever grateful for her suggestion as the prayerful reading, study, and application of the thoughts brought forth in this book have caused radical changes in my walk with Christ. The book will cause you to take a close look at yourself. In a lot of areas I didn't like what I saw. But, I am very thankful because God is changing different aspects of my life. One of the things in the book was an exercise which was very convicting to me. Read the passage below, then read the passage again substituting your name for the words that are in bold type.
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.... faith, hope, and love abide, these three, but the greatest of these is love." I Cor. 13:4-8,13
We need to remember that love is a fruit of the Spirit. If you find out as I did that you are falling short in exhibiting love toward God, your family, your church, your neighbor, the stranger on the street, ask God to help you in these areas. Always consider the perfect, unconditional love He has for us. Keep the cross fresh in your mind and follow the greatest commandment found in Matt. 22:37-39 "thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
Be Blessed and Live in the NOW
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Have You Been Listening to Yourself?
Scripture Reading - James 3:1-10
Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue : and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."
It would do us good sometimes if all our spoken words during a day were recorded. I wonder what we would think when we replayed the recording? Our words create the world we live in. They can be positive with a very optimistic outlook, or they can be negative and really reveal our perspective. In James 3:2 we are told that if a man is able to control his words, (speak life giving words from the Word of God), then he will have control of his body. By the same token, if a man's words are vile, destructive, and full of worldly thoughts, he will not have control of his body. It is very important that as a Christian our talk and our walk match. The tongue is very hard to control. It is very powerful. The tongue is a great indicator and a lot of times a precursor to what lies ahead in our walk with God. It will be the first thing that goes astray. Take a moment, consider what is coming out of your mouth. Catch yourself before a possible fall. May God Bless You Today and Live in the NOW.
Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue : and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."
It would do us good sometimes if all our spoken words during a day were recorded. I wonder what we would think when we replayed the recording? Our words create the world we live in. They can be positive with a very optimistic outlook, or they can be negative and really reveal our perspective. In James 3:2 we are told that if a man is able to control his words, (speak life giving words from the Word of God), then he will have control of his body. By the same token, if a man's words are vile, destructive, and full of worldly thoughts, he will not have control of his body. It is very important that as a Christian our talk and our walk match. The tongue is very hard to control. It is very powerful. The tongue is a great indicator and a lot of times a precursor to what lies ahead in our walk with God. It will be the first thing that goes astray. Take a moment, consider what is coming out of your mouth. Catch yourself before a possible fall. May God Bless You Today and Live in the NOW.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Be Purpose Driven Today
Eph. 2:10 "For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Many time we get caught up in seeking God's will for our lives. It is always something that we are waiting for God to show us. What is our purpose? What has Jesus called me to do? I challenge you today to change your thinking a little bit. Allow your thinking today to be, what is God's plan for me this minute. Ask Him to open opportunities for you to help others today, to actually send those who need assistance from Him to you today. Your life will be full of open doors. He will see to it. We are indeed His workmanship. God has definite purposes for each and everyone. It may be with your family, co-workers, a stranger on the street. It may be to spend some time with Him. No day is ordinary, each is a gift from God, loaded with opportunities. Take advantage of them. May God Bless You and Live in the NOW.
Many time we get caught up in seeking God's will for our lives. It is always something that we are waiting for God to show us. What is our purpose? What has Jesus called me to do? I challenge you today to change your thinking a little bit. Allow your thinking today to be, what is God's plan for me this minute. Ask Him to open opportunities for you to help others today, to actually send those who need assistance from Him to you today. Your life will be full of open doors. He will see to it. We are indeed His workmanship. God has definite purposes for each and everyone. It may be with your family, co-workers, a stranger on the street. It may be to spend some time with Him. No day is ordinary, each is a gift from God, loaded with opportunities. Take advantage of them. May God Bless You and Live in the NOW.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Focus Always Increases Intensity
Isa. 29:13 "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their hearts far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by precepts of men:"
Have you ever been caught in the trap of doing things out of obligation and not desire? Many times I have walked through the doors of our church out of routine. It is what I am supposed to do. Take time this day to focus in on your reasons for attending your house of worship. This day in no way is meant to be routine. It is the day that the Lord has made. It is the only time that we are guarenteed to have to give Him praise, honor and worship. Let God be your complete focus as you attend your service today. He is Lord, He is the King, He is the Alpha, He is the Omega, He Was, He IS, and He Is to Come. Above all things God loves you and desires to have an intimate relationship with you. Focus on these thoughts, attend church this day specifically for Him and let everything else feed off that thought. May God Bless You and Live in the NOW!!
Have you ever been caught in the trap of doing things out of obligation and not desire? Many times I have walked through the doors of our church out of routine. It is what I am supposed to do. Take time this day to focus in on your reasons for attending your house of worship. This day in no way is meant to be routine. It is the day that the Lord has made. It is the only time that we are guarenteed to have to give Him praise, honor and worship. Let God be your complete focus as you attend your service today. He is Lord, He is the King, He is the Alpha, He is the Omega, He Was, He IS, and He Is to Come. Above all things God loves you and desires to have an intimate relationship with you. Focus on these thoughts, attend church this day specifically for Him and let everything else feed off that thought. May God Bless You and Live in the NOW!!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Don't Let a Great Opportunity Pass By
I sometimes get into a state of mind in which I seem to be going to do a lot of things. I can get some very good inspiration from God and know that the thoughts I have received from Him are 100 % the right things to do and I purpose to put these thoughts into action. But, for some reason a lot of these thoughts are never materialized into my everyday life. Think for a moment, has the thought of stopping by to see someone been heavy on your mind, and you think it is a good idea but, you never get around to actually visiting that person. Put into action the inspiration that you receive. Don't let it pass by. Tomorrow may never come. All we are sure of having is the time that we now have. It helps me to make a checklist of the things God lays on my mind. Let this to-do-list become actually actions you take in your everyday life. may God Bless You and Live in the NOW
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