Psalm 145:8-9 (KJV) The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
God is good. When the whole world was against Him and trapped in sin, He sent Jesus as a sacrifice for us so we could be made right with Him. Why? Because He made us and He loves each one of us. God is not out to get you, but He is out to love you. When a craftsman creates something, he gets satisfaction in knowing that what he created is excellent, serving a purpose and filling a need. He has no joy in creating junk. Likewise, you are God's creation; His masterpiece. When you are in right standing with Him and you are blessed, prosperous, happy, healed and protected, God gets glory from that. He knows when Jesus is living on the inside of you, you have all the strength, provision, protection, wisdom and understanding you need to be successful in life. But what happens when you mess up? Well, He is right there to be gracious, compassionate and forgiving to help you get back on track again. He is not there just waiting for you to get out of line so He can smack you a good one. The same thing is true for the person at work that no one can get along with; the driver that cuts people off on the highway; the person that says hateful things trying to ruin your day. Why doesn't God smack them instantly? Because He is slow to anger and rich in love, full of compassion, waiting for them to turn to Him and experience His goodness.
Have A Blessed Day
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Do It God's Way
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
This much-quoted verse doesn't mean you can do whatever you want, or even do what somebody else does. No, Paul is saying you can do anything God assigns you to do, for with the assignment comes the ability. This verse actually teaches you to stay within the boundaries of what God's called you to do and not try to undertake things that are not part of His will for you. That's not negativism; it's godly wisdom!
God wants you looking to Him for answers, not others. That doesn't mean you can't learn from others, it just means the plan that will lead you to success - must come from God alone! He has a unique plan for you.
Have A Blessed Day
This much-quoted verse doesn't mean you can do whatever you want, or even do what somebody else does. No, Paul is saying you can do anything God assigns you to do, for with the assignment comes the ability. This verse actually teaches you to stay within the boundaries of what God's called you to do and not try to undertake things that are not part of His will for you. That's not negativism; it's godly wisdom!
God wants you looking to Him for answers, not others. That doesn't mean you can't learn from others, it just means the plan that will lead you to success - must come from God alone! He has a unique plan for you.
Have A Blessed Day
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Promises
Joshua 21:43-45 (KJV) And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.
Anyone can make a promise. People make promises to each other every day. But sadly, people break their promises to each other and fail to live up to their word every day too. You've heard people make statements, even written songs and poetry about who can you trust anymore? Well, you can always trust God. The bible says God is not a man that He should lie. He always lives up to His word and His promises. If we do our part by abiding in Him and meditating His Word, He says we'll make our way prosperous and have good success. If we listen to His voice and do the things He tells us every day, we have no need or reason to fear. He is with us every day wherever we go, and He always keeps His word!
Have A Blessed day
Anyone can make a promise. People make promises to each other every day. But sadly, people break their promises to each other and fail to live up to their word every day too. You've heard people make statements, even written songs and poetry about who can you trust anymore? Well, you can always trust God. The bible says God is not a man that He should lie. He always lives up to His word and His promises. If we do our part by abiding in Him and meditating His Word, He says we'll make our way prosperous and have good success. If we listen to His voice and do the things He tells us every day, we have no need or reason to fear. He is with us every day wherever we go, and He always keeps His word!
Have A Blessed day
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Character
1 Corinthians 15:33 (Amplified Bible) Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character
There is a lot to be said about hanging around the right kind of people. If you hang around positive and enthusiastic people, you'll find yourself developing a more positive outlook on life. On the other hand, if you're always surrounding yourself with naysayers and people who are negative with a "can't-do" mentality, they will eventually drag you down too. The bottom line is, the wisdom of God says if you hang around the wrong people long enough, you're destined to be like them. You can never change someone apart from the works of the Holy Spirit. Unless He is working through you to minister to a certain group of people, you'll be better off keeping your distance from those who would like to persuade you to go their way. Guard your heart and be watchful of who you surround yourself with. It's a good thing to minister to those and be a light to the ones who are always dragging other people down, but to have them be in your "inner circle" and among those who you seek counsel from is not a good thing. A little yeast works its way through the whole lump of dough. In other words, the person who is always belittling everyone and everything, and trying to tear everything down in order to build themselves up will eventually infect the whole group.
Have A Blessed day
There is a lot to be said about hanging around the right kind of people. If you hang around positive and enthusiastic people, you'll find yourself developing a more positive outlook on life. On the other hand, if you're always surrounding yourself with naysayers and people who are negative with a "can't-do" mentality, they will eventually drag you down too. The bottom line is, the wisdom of God says if you hang around the wrong people long enough, you're destined to be like them. You can never change someone apart from the works of the Holy Spirit. Unless He is working through you to minister to a certain group of people, you'll be better off keeping your distance from those who would like to persuade you to go their way. Guard your heart and be watchful of who you surround yourself with. It's a good thing to minister to those and be a light to the ones who are always dragging other people down, but to have them be in your "inner circle" and among those who you seek counsel from is not a good thing. A little yeast works its way through the whole lump of dough. In other words, the person who is always belittling everyone and everything, and trying to tear everything down in order to build themselves up will eventually infect the whole group.
Have A Blessed day
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The Devil Has A Plan For Your Life
John 10:10 (Amplified Bible) The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
In your walk with the Lord, you will experience times when the devil pushes buttons in your emotions to keep you all bound up and depressed. But whenever his attacks occur, just tell the devil to shut up, tell him to hit the road, let him know that you are not going to bite that bait any longer, so he might as well go fishing some where else.Jesus will give you the power to resist every attack and to overcome every strategy the devil ever tries to use against you!
Have A Blessed Day
In your walk with the Lord, you will experience times when the devil pushes buttons in your emotions to keep you all bound up and depressed. But whenever his attacks occur, just tell the devil to shut up, tell him to hit the road, let him know that you are not going to bite that bait any longer, so he might as well go fishing some where else.Jesus will give you the power to resist every attack and to overcome every strategy the devil ever tries to use against you!
Have A Blessed Day
Monday, October 26, 2009
A Little Encouragement
Judges 20:22 (KJV) And the people the men of Israel encouraged themselves, and set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day.
Encouragement is one of the strongest forces in the world. Just a little encouragement from someone can mean the difference between success and failure. A kind word you give someone could mean the difference between life and death. It may cause someone to keep going when they are ready to quit. Words are a powerful force. Harsh words can scar a person for life, but positive words - words of life and encouragement could change someone's whole outlook on life. Never underestimate the smallest amount of encouragement you can give to someone. Perhaps you are the one needing encouragement today. If you need encouragement, find someone to encourage. As you give, you will receive. Find someone to encourage today and affect their life in a positive way.
Have a Blessed day
Encouragement is one of the strongest forces in the world. Just a little encouragement from someone can mean the difference between success and failure. A kind word you give someone could mean the difference between life and death. It may cause someone to keep going when they are ready to quit. Words are a powerful force. Harsh words can scar a person for life, but positive words - words of life and encouragement could change someone's whole outlook on life. Never underestimate the smallest amount of encouragement you can give to someone. Perhaps you are the one needing encouragement today. If you need encouragement, find someone to encourage. As you give, you will receive. Find someone to encourage today and affect their life in a positive way.
Have a Blessed day
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Avenge Evil
Proverbs 20:22 (The Message) Don't ever say, "I'll get you for that!" Wait for God; he'll settle the score.
It is a natural reaction to want to avenge yourself or get revenge when someone has done you wrong, and humanly speaking you would be justified in doing so. However, when we take it upon ourselves to repay evil, evil abounds even more. The Lord has a much better approach than we do, for His conviction and correction can bring about repentance, when our actions only inflict more hurt and pain. If you're dealing with an offense or hurt caused by someone else, make the choice to forgive and let God deal with it. He promises to pay double for your trouble, but he can't deal with what you won't give Him. Don't take matters into your own hands, choose the greater victory by letting the Lord be your defense.
Have A Blessed day
It is a natural reaction to want to avenge yourself or get revenge when someone has done you wrong, and humanly speaking you would be justified in doing so. However, when we take it upon ourselves to repay evil, evil abounds even more. The Lord has a much better approach than we do, for His conviction and correction can bring about repentance, when our actions only inflict more hurt and pain. If you're dealing with an offense or hurt caused by someone else, make the choice to forgive and let God deal with it. He promises to pay double for your trouble, but he can't deal with what you won't give Him. Don't take matters into your own hands, choose the greater victory by letting the Lord be your defense.
Have A Blessed day
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Integrity
Job 2:9-10 (Amplified Bible) Then his wife said to him, Do you still hold fast your blameless uprightness? Renounce God and die! But he said to her, You speak as one of the impious and foolish women would speak. What? Shall we accept [only] good at the hand of God and shall we not accept [also] misfortune and what is of a bad nature? In [spite of] all this, Job did not sin with his lips.
Job's wife had an opinion about integrity at the beginning of his suffering. But Job could not curse God. If Job cursed God it would go against everything he believed about God and himself. Sometimes life can feel like we are in the middle of a contest between God and Satan.
We wonder how much more we can take.We wonder where we will find the strength.We wonder where God is and why He is allowing such pain. Integrity does not mean accepting life's difficulties with a rosy outlook or a Pollyanna attitude. It allows for the depression and the questioning and the anger which sometimes go hand in hand with suffering. But it also allows for holding on to God.
Prayer: Lord in the very midst of our struggles we cling to you, and in doing so we cling to our integrity -- that wholeness which is so often threatened by the pressures of life. Thank you for your Spirit who gives us the strength to hold on.
Have A Blessed day
Job's wife had an opinion about integrity at the beginning of his suffering. But Job could not curse God. If Job cursed God it would go against everything he believed about God and himself. Sometimes life can feel like we are in the middle of a contest between God and Satan.
We wonder how much more we can take.We wonder where we will find the strength.We wonder where God is and why He is allowing such pain. Integrity does not mean accepting life's difficulties with a rosy outlook or a Pollyanna attitude. It allows for the depression and the questioning and the anger which sometimes go hand in hand with suffering. But it also allows for holding on to God.
Prayer: Lord in the very midst of our struggles we cling to you, and in doing so we cling to our integrity -- that wholeness which is so often threatened by the pressures of life. Thank you for your Spirit who gives us the strength to hold on.
Have A Blessed day
Friday, October 23, 2009
Think
Proverbs 4:23 (Amplified Bible) Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.
Be Careful how you think;Your life is shaped by your thoughts.Behind everything you do-there's a thought! So if you want to change your life, you have to change your thinking.The world has us so programmed that we are going around on autopilot and until we reprogram it to Gods manual we are bound for destruction. Thank God there is a better way.Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Change always starts in your mind. The way you think determines the way you fell, and the way you fell determines the way you act. So how can I change the way I think? By reprogramming your mind with God's word.
Have A Blessed day
Be Careful how you think;Your life is shaped by your thoughts.Behind everything you do-there's a thought! So if you want to change your life, you have to change your thinking.The world has us so programmed that we are going around on autopilot and until we reprogram it to Gods manual we are bound for destruction. Thank God there is a better way.Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Change always starts in your mind. The way you think determines the way you fell, and the way you fell determines the way you act. So how can I change the way I think? By reprogramming your mind with God's word.
Have A Blessed day
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Get Inspired
Timothy 3:16-17,( NKJV) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete.thoroughly equipped for every good work.
I have heard well intentioned people express to me, through a tone of regret, that they just cannot get themselves to sit and read the Bible, or that it's too difficult for them to understand. But I have never heard a Christian tell me that he or she spends enough time reading and studying the Word of God. So the question is: How do we get inspired to spend time in God's Word? I'm not sure I know the best answer to that. Perhaps it is one of those things that once you begin to feel the effect of it, you simply crave it more. Maybe that is oversimplifying it a bit. But one thing I know: there is an indescribable joy when God brings back to mind, scripture you have committed to heart. There is an excitement stirred when you hear someone quoting a scripture that has touched or changed your life. There are wonderful treasures that wait for us within the Words that the God of the universe desires to speak to us. And once we commit to open His Word like a treasure chest-it is then that His treasure will be revealed.
Have A Blessed Day
I have heard well intentioned people express to me, through a tone of regret, that they just cannot get themselves to sit and read the Bible, or that it's too difficult for them to understand. But I have never heard a Christian tell me that he or she spends enough time reading and studying the Word of God. So the question is: How do we get inspired to spend time in God's Word? I'm not sure I know the best answer to that. Perhaps it is one of those things that once you begin to feel the effect of it, you simply crave it more. Maybe that is oversimplifying it a bit. But one thing I know: there is an indescribable joy when God brings back to mind, scripture you have committed to heart. There is an excitement stirred when you hear someone quoting a scripture that has touched or changed your life. There are wonderful treasures that wait for us within the Words that the God of the universe desires to speak to us. And once we commit to open His Word like a treasure chest-it is then that His treasure will be revealed.
Have A Blessed Day
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The End?
1 Peter 4:7-11 (The Message)
Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless-cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything-encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
There is a day coming that will shake the very foundations of our way of life. But there is a God who will not be moved. And if we are truly hanging on to Him, looking Him steadfastly in His eyes, while all else crumbles around us-we will not be moved either. But we will remain standing with the hope and assurance we have in Christ our Lord. And we will survive the crumbling world around us by knowing that God is with us-even if we have nothing else.
Have A Blessed Day
Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless-cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything-encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
There is a day coming that will shake the very foundations of our way of life. But there is a God who will not be moved. And if we are truly hanging on to Him, looking Him steadfastly in His eyes, while all else crumbles around us-we will not be moved either. But we will remain standing with the hope and assurance we have in Christ our Lord. And we will survive the crumbling world around us by knowing that God is with us-even if we have nothing else.
Have A Blessed Day
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Teachable
Matthew 5:1-2 (KJV) And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
"His disciples came to Him, and he began to teach them." The Teacher is always ready to teach us. And we as students have much to learn. For us, it is sometimes only a matter of putting ourselves in the right place in order to be taught. We must come to Him-ready in heart, mind, and attitude. For us, this should be a daily thing. It is always easier to hear the words of the Teacher, when you are in the same room with Him.
Have A Blessed Day
"His disciples came to Him, and he began to teach them." The Teacher is always ready to teach us. And we as students have much to learn. For us, it is sometimes only a matter of putting ourselves in the right place in order to be taught. We must come to Him-ready in heart, mind, and attitude. For us, this should be a daily thing. It is always easier to hear the words of the Teacher, when you are in the same room with Him.
Have A Blessed Day
Monday, October 19, 2009
Life Abundant
John 10:10 (NKJV) The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
We may have forgotten that Jesus came to give us freedom and life abundant. We were not created to be a slave to life but to have life, and life more abundantly. There is so much of what we claim we have to do for one reason or another that seems to be sapping the life right out of us, making us tired and often less of the "light of the world" than we could be if we weren't exhausted all of the time. God designed us as such that we flourish when we are balanced in our living. We will be at our best -for everyone?s sake- when we are applying wisdom to our living.
Have A Blessed Day
We may have forgotten that Jesus came to give us freedom and life abundant. We were not created to be a slave to life but to have life, and life more abundantly. There is so much of what we claim we have to do for one reason or another that seems to be sapping the life right out of us, making us tired and often less of the "light of the world" than we could be if we weren't exhausted all of the time. God designed us as such that we flourish when we are balanced in our living. We will be at our best -for everyone?s sake- when we are applying wisdom to our living.
Have A Blessed Day
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Snap Out of It
Psalm 144:3 (NKJV) LORD, what is man, that You take knowledge of him?
Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him?
What are we that God cares for us? We are so small an insignificant in comparison to Him, yet He values us so greatly. But do we take notice of Him? Our lives are filled to the brim with activity, the most of which is centered on selfish desire. God pays attention to us, yet we pay little attention to Him. Many of us enter into each day without thought of Him, without talking to Him, or without inviting Him to go with us into our day. So many of us talk of eternity only to invest ourselves in the pursuits of this life. Though we may not be mindful of God, He is mindful of us. "For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be" (Mt. 24:37-39). Sometimes we walk through this life in a trance, and need to snap out of it. Sometimes we need to a gentle nudge-sometimes we need a good kick to wake us up and get our eyes on what's important.
Have A Blessed Day
Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him?
What are we that God cares for us? We are so small an insignificant in comparison to Him, yet He values us so greatly. But do we take notice of Him? Our lives are filled to the brim with activity, the most of which is centered on selfish desire. God pays attention to us, yet we pay little attention to Him. Many of us enter into each day without thought of Him, without talking to Him, or without inviting Him to go with us into our day. So many of us talk of eternity only to invest ourselves in the pursuits of this life. Though we may not be mindful of God, He is mindful of us. "For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be" (Mt. 24:37-39). Sometimes we walk through this life in a trance, and need to snap out of it. Sometimes we need to a gentle nudge-sometimes we need a good kick to wake us up and get our eyes on what's important.
Have A Blessed Day
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Don't Waste your talent
Matthew 25:15 (NKJV) And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability;
How do you rate your potential? Are you of the mind that something will always go wrong, or nothing good ever happens to you? Do you have a negative outlook on life that causes you to not even put forth any effort? Have you ever asked God what He thinks about you? Maybe it's time to acquaint or reacquaint yourself with what the word of God says concerning you. Things like "In Jesus Christ you are an over comer", "You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you"; "God supplies all your needs"; "God always causes you to triumph"; or "He that began a good work in you will complete it".
God has gifted you with certain talents and abilities to make a difference in this world. But, He didn't stop there. He also provided all the strength, wisdom, knowledge, faith, perseverance, joy, peace, hope, love, patience, life, boldness and courage to get it done in Jesus Christ.
Maybe God has give you a vision to do something that seems impossible or too big. What may seem impossible with men is possible with God. He is not asking you to do anything that He hasn't already provided everything you need to get it done. Be confident in this: God is for you, not against you and the purpose and calling He put on your life is no mistake or accident. Don't waste your talent - put it to use and glorify God.
Have A Blessed Day
How do you rate your potential? Are you of the mind that something will always go wrong, or nothing good ever happens to you? Do you have a negative outlook on life that causes you to not even put forth any effort? Have you ever asked God what He thinks about you? Maybe it's time to acquaint or reacquaint yourself with what the word of God says concerning you. Things like "In Jesus Christ you are an over comer", "You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you"; "God supplies all your needs"; "God always causes you to triumph"; or "He that began a good work in you will complete it".
God has gifted you with certain talents and abilities to make a difference in this world. But, He didn't stop there. He also provided all the strength, wisdom, knowledge, faith, perseverance, joy, peace, hope, love, patience, life, boldness and courage to get it done in Jesus Christ.
Maybe God has give you a vision to do something that seems impossible or too big. What may seem impossible with men is possible with God. He is not asking you to do anything that He hasn't already provided everything you need to get it done. Be confident in this: God is for you, not against you and the purpose and calling He put on your life is no mistake or accident. Don't waste your talent - put it to use and glorify God.
Have A Blessed Day
Friday, October 16, 2009
Just Shake It Off
Acts 28:3, 5 (KJV) And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
You're going about your day doing your work. Your serving your fellow man. You're doing the right thing and there is no cause for evil to come near you. Suddenly, out of nowhere the devil shows his ugly face. Maybe it's in the form of a harsh word from someone. Could be that it's an outright attack on your character or job performance, maybe even your ministry. When the devil comes around trying to put something on you and it seems he's going for blood, don't panic. Don't pour gas on the fire. Remember you are a child of God whom Jesus said would trample over all the works of the enemy. Overcome evil with good and do like Paul did - just shake it off and suffer no evil effects!
Have A Blessed Day
You're going about your day doing your work. Your serving your fellow man. You're doing the right thing and there is no cause for evil to come near you. Suddenly, out of nowhere the devil shows his ugly face. Maybe it's in the form of a harsh word from someone. Could be that it's an outright attack on your character or job performance, maybe even your ministry. When the devil comes around trying to put something on you and it seems he's going for blood, don't panic. Don't pour gas on the fire. Remember you are a child of God whom Jesus said would trample over all the works of the enemy. Overcome evil with good and do like Paul did - just shake it off and suffer no evil effects!
Have A Blessed Day
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Rethinking
Isaiah 55:9 (KJV) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
We will learn a great many things throughout our lives. Some of what we learn will enable us to seek God more fully; while other things will hinder us in our efforts to find His way in our lives. There comes a time where each of us is faced with a decision to make. It is a decision wherein we surrender fully to God though it may mean forsaking all we have been taught, and all we have ever thought we knew. His ways are higher than ours, and we will never attain a full knowledge of Him. But as we come to Him anew, as a child, we will learn anew--and therein build a walk that grows closer to Him each day.
Have A Blessed Day
We will learn a great many things throughout our lives. Some of what we learn will enable us to seek God more fully; while other things will hinder us in our efforts to find His way in our lives. There comes a time where each of us is faced with a decision to make. It is a decision wherein we surrender fully to God though it may mean forsaking all we have been taught, and all we have ever thought we knew. His ways are higher than ours, and we will never attain a full knowledge of Him. But as we come to Him anew, as a child, we will learn anew--and therein build a walk that grows closer to Him each day.
Have A Blessed Day
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Following Good Examples
1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
For a man to say that he believes in something is acceptable to most. But if that man is true to his beliefs, then he may be viewed a fanatic. And should that man's convictions be demonstrated in his life in such a way that others are convicted-then that man is a threat. But not to us, right? For we have put on Christ and put aside the old ways of sin. Therefore, we are open to scrutinize our own deeds, actions and lifestyles-correct? When we see a Christian among Christians, who seeks Jesus with all his heart, are we not inspired to learn from that Christian? Or do we cringe when we see him coming? As we watch some Christians, we might be so inclined to engage ourselves in self-examination. Yet there is a sinful side of us that shrinks back. Our flesh desires to dismiss conviction. Throughout our lives, God will provide examples for us to follow. What a loss it would be if we do not see the examples because we prefer to believe we've nothing there to learn.
Have A Blessed Day
For a man to say that he believes in something is acceptable to most. But if that man is true to his beliefs, then he may be viewed a fanatic. And should that man's convictions be demonstrated in his life in such a way that others are convicted-then that man is a threat. But not to us, right? For we have put on Christ and put aside the old ways of sin. Therefore, we are open to scrutinize our own deeds, actions and lifestyles-correct? When we see a Christian among Christians, who seeks Jesus with all his heart, are we not inspired to learn from that Christian? Or do we cringe when we see him coming? As we watch some Christians, we might be so inclined to engage ourselves in self-examination. Yet there is a sinful side of us that shrinks back. Our flesh desires to dismiss conviction. Throughout our lives, God will provide examples for us to follow. What a loss it would be if we do not see the examples because we prefer to believe we've nothing there to learn.
Have A Blessed Day
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Goodness and Faith
Galatians 5:22 (NKJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Dose the Holy Spirit have enough freedom to produce "goodness" and "faithfulness" in your life today? Are you selfish and self-seeking, consuming every spare dollar on yourself and never showing concern for the needs of those around you? Do others know you as someone who is unstable, undependable, and unreliable? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, doesn't this indicate that you aren't allowing the Holy Spirit to do His work in you? If He truly had the freedom to operate in your life, the fruits of "goodness" and "faithfulness" would be evident in you. When a believer is walking in the Spirit, his eyes are opened to see the needs of humanity, and his heart is moved to meet those needs.
Have a Blessed day
Dose the Holy Spirit have enough freedom to produce "goodness" and "faithfulness" in your life today? Are you selfish and self-seeking, consuming every spare dollar on yourself and never showing concern for the needs of those around you? Do others know you as someone who is unstable, undependable, and unreliable? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, doesn't this indicate that you aren't allowing the Holy Spirit to do His work in you? If He truly had the freedom to operate in your life, the fruits of "goodness" and "faithfulness" would be evident in you. When a believer is walking in the Spirit, his eyes are opened to see the needs of humanity, and his heart is moved to meet those needs.
Have a Blessed day
Monday, October 12, 2009
Excuses, Excuses
Luke 14:17-18 (NKJV) and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, 'Come, for all things are now ready.' But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused
Sometimes it seems the biggest thing holding us back is us. We often know the road to take, the correct way to act or react, or the proper attitude to have, but find ourselves all too often retreating behind a wall of excuses. "I can't," do this or that because..."I don't have the time, or the money, or the energy." Or perhaps, "It's not my gift, or my calling." Or maybe it's because, "They should ask someone better than me because I'm just not good enough." We blaze a trail of excuses that takes us far and away from opportunities to serve, to give, to love, and to live life to the fullest in Christ. In Jesus, we have callings, dreams, desires, and aspirations. We see in ourselves the potential to become something more in Him. We know that all things are possible with Christ, and that He can help us overcome all obstacles. The question then to ask is, :What's holding us back?"
Have A Blessed Day
Sometimes it seems the biggest thing holding us back is us. We often know the road to take, the correct way to act or react, or the proper attitude to have, but find ourselves all too often retreating behind a wall of excuses. "I can't," do this or that because..."I don't have the time, or the money, or the energy." Or perhaps, "It's not my gift, or my calling." Or maybe it's because, "They should ask someone better than me because I'm just not good enough." We blaze a trail of excuses that takes us far and away from opportunities to serve, to give, to love, and to live life to the fullest in Christ. In Jesus, we have callings, dreams, desires, and aspirations. We see in ourselves the potential to become something more in Him. We know that all things are possible with Christ, and that He can help us overcome all obstacles. The question then to ask is, :What's holding us back?"
Have A Blessed Day
Sunday, October 11, 2009
All You Need
2 Corinthians 9:8 ( KJV)
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.
So many of us are waiting for something to happen before we begin the work God has for us. We say, "I am not ready." We wait for all the circumstances to line up in such a way in which we will feel comfortable that we have what we need. All the while, we have had what we needed in Christ. When the Spirit of the Lord moves us to act, we must act. We have to stop listening to the voices of excuse. I may feel I don't have the faith, the time, the money, or the strength to do something at a particular time. But, we do not wait upon a right time, we wait on God--He will take care of accomplishing His will in His time, according to His purposes and plans. It is in our poverty that riches will be uncovered. When we see ourselves without resource, yet say, "Yes, Lord;" we will discover that God is our resource for all things, and at anytime.
Have A Blessed Day
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.
So many of us are waiting for something to happen before we begin the work God has for us. We say, "I am not ready." We wait for all the circumstances to line up in such a way in which we will feel comfortable that we have what we need. All the while, we have had what we needed in Christ. When the Spirit of the Lord moves us to act, we must act. We have to stop listening to the voices of excuse. I may feel I don't have the faith, the time, the money, or the strength to do something at a particular time. But, we do not wait upon a right time, we wait on God--He will take care of accomplishing His will in His time, according to His purposes and plans. It is in our poverty that riches will be uncovered. When we see ourselves without resource, yet say, "Yes, Lord;" we will discover that God is our resource for all things, and at anytime.
Have A Blessed Day
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Repentance
Proverbs 28:13 (Amplified Bible)
He who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes his sins will obtain mercy.
What is repentance? It is much more than a quick "forgive me" prayer. It involves three things: being truly sorrowful for the sin, actively turning away from that sin, and bringing forth fruit in keeping with repentance. Being really sorry for the sin is to be absolutely devastated by the thought of it. Turning away from the sin. There is no real repentance without it. Prove your repentance by a change of action! Matthew 3:8 says. Bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance [let your lives prove your change of heart]; Yes, God's Word tells us that true repentance is being truly sorrowful for the sin, actively turning away from that sin, and bringing "forth fruit in keeping with repentance." Not just the big brazen sins, but all sins! Oh, how far from this we have fallen in our modern-day understanding and handling of sin.
Have A Blessed Day
He who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes his sins will obtain mercy.
What is repentance? It is much more than a quick "forgive me" prayer. It involves three things: being truly sorrowful for the sin, actively turning away from that sin, and bringing forth fruit in keeping with repentance. Being really sorry for the sin is to be absolutely devastated by the thought of it. Turning away from the sin. There is no real repentance without it. Prove your repentance by a change of action! Matthew 3:8 says. Bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance [let your lives prove your change of heart]; Yes, God's Word tells us that true repentance is being truly sorrowful for the sin, actively turning away from that sin, and bringing "forth fruit in keeping with repentance." Not just the big brazen sins, but all sins! Oh, how far from this we have fallen in our modern-day understanding and handling of sin.
Have A Blessed Day
Friday, October 9, 2009
Conscience
2 Corinthians 1:12 (NKJV) For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.
The conscience God designed works from the inside out, while man works from the outside in. conscience is inborn sense of right and wrong. So how can people change? To many times, we try to change people by working on the outside. We send drug addicts to rehab programs; we send criminals to prison. But any program that works only on the outside of a man is doomed to fail. Only a program that seeks to change a man through faith in Christ will have a everlasting effect. Has the Holy Spirit pricked your conscience about something? Too many Christians are like the church member who once prayed, Oh, God if there is any ungodly thing in my life, show me. Then when the Holy Spirit touched His finger to an area of the man's life, he reared back and hollered, "I rebuke you, Devil !" When a man won't listen to his conscience, it's usually because he doesn't want to accept advice from a stranger.
Have A Blessed Day
The conscience God designed works from the inside out, while man works from the outside in. conscience is inborn sense of right and wrong. So how can people change? To many times, we try to change people by working on the outside. We send drug addicts to rehab programs; we send criminals to prison. But any program that works only on the outside of a man is doomed to fail. Only a program that seeks to change a man through faith in Christ will have a everlasting effect. Has the Holy Spirit pricked your conscience about something? Too many Christians are like the church member who once prayed, Oh, God if there is any ungodly thing in my life, show me. Then when the Holy Spirit touched His finger to an area of the man's life, he reared back and hollered, "I rebuke you, Devil !" When a man won't listen to his conscience, it's usually because he doesn't want to accept advice from a stranger.
Have A Blessed Day
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Giving
2 Corinthians 8:12 (KJV) For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
Money, talents, time, gifts; we have each been given our own lot. What we do with what we have may very well define us to an extent. Eleanor Powell said, "What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God." But to become that gift can be quite a struggle. We lose sight of the potential within us when it becomes eclipsed by personal inadequacies; or to the other extent, pride. It seems that what we are, have, have been given, and could become is seldom enough to please us. This often causes us to pursue wants and aspirations that do not fit who God has made us to be. But God did not give us this life, who we are, or what we can do in order to please us. Yet when we take what He has given, work with it, and deliver it back to Him as a love offering, it is then we find true pleasure. It is then we understand the old saying, "It is better to give than to receive."
Have a Blessed day
Money, talents, time, gifts; we have each been given our own lot. What we do with what we have may very well define us to an extent. Eleanor Powell said, "What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God." But to become that gift can be quite a struggle. We lose sight of the potential within us when it becomes eclipsed by personal inadequacies; or to the other extent, pride. It seems that what we are, have, have been given, and could become is seldom enough to please us. This often causes us to pursue wants and aspirations that do not fit who God has made us to be. But God did not give us this life, who we are, or what we can do in order to please us. Yet when we take what He has given, work with it, and deliver it back to Him as a love offering, it is then we find true pleasure. It is then we understand the old saying, "It is better to give than to receive."
Have a Blessed day
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Noah
Genesis 6:8 (Amplified Bible)
But Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord.
Why did God save Noah? The Bible tells us, "Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God"( Gen.6:9 ). The Hebrew word for perfect involves the idea of completeness, so we know Noah's life was complete, with no aspect missing. Noah was not sinless, for no man is, but he accepted and applied God's standard to his life and actions. When all around him people were immersing themselves in evil and earning the wrath of God, Noah chose to follow God's standards.As a result, " Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord".What standards are you applying to your life?
Have A Blessed day
But Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord.
Why did God save Noah? The Bible tells us, "Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God"( Gen.6:9 ). The Hebrew word for perfect involves the idea of completeness, so we know Noah's life was complete, with no aspect missing. Noah was not sinless, for no man is, but he accepted and applied God's standard to his life and actions. When all around him people were immersing themselves in evil and earning the wrath of God, Noah chose to follow God's standards.As a result, " Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord".What standards are you applying to your life?
Have A Blessed day
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Are you Jesus
2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV)
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Do people mistake you for Jesus?
That's our Destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would.
Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day. Too many Christians are no longer fishers of men but keepers of the aquarium.
Have A Blessed Day
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Do people mistake you for Jesus?
That's our Destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would.
Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day. Too many Christians are no longer fishers of men but keepers of the aquarium.
Have A Blessed Day
Monday, October 5, 2009
REBELLION
1 Samuel 15:23 (NKJV) For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
The Spirit of rebellion is alive and well today. If there is one lesson we can learn from lucifer's fall, it is this: Rebellion and satan are like the sea and the shore-you can't have one without the other. satan's pride led him to rebel against God, and every sin that man commits springs from rebellion against God or a God ordained authority. We know that everything God dose' He does through righteous authority, and he has established a righteous chain of command, in the home it is the Father, in the church it is the pastor and in government there can be many authorities. Just as satan manipulated Eva he is alive today trying to use his lies of manipulation on us. Keep your eyes on Jesus.
Have A Blessed Day
The Spirit of rebellion is alive and well today. If there is one lesson we can learn from lucifer's fall, it is this: Rebellion and satan are like the sea and the shore-you can't have one without the other. satan's pride led him to rebel against God, and every sin that man commits springs from rebellion against God or a God ordained authority. We know that everything God dose' He does through righteous authority, and he has established a righteous chain of command, in the home it is the Father, in the church it is the pastor and in government there can be many authorities. Just as satan manipulated Eva he is alive today trying to use his lies of manipulation on us. Keep your eyes on Jesus.
Have A Blessed Day
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The Lord is My Shepherd
Psalm 23:1-3, KJV: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
A sheep seldom knows where the shepherd leads it, but it has learned to trust the shepherd's leading. The shepherd knows where the sheep will find food, water, and rest. The shepherd knows where the sheep will be safe and on what paths to safely take the sheep. The sheep simply needs to follow. The sheep does not have to understand why one path is better than another, or why one pasture is chosen over another. The sheep simply must heed the shepherds voice and obey. For in so doing, the sheep will truly find peace and contentment. Can you imagine how Jesus pleads with us at times, "Dear child, if only you would heed my voice and follow me-there is so much I have in store for you." How marvelous it would be, if we could simply learn to be better sheep-then perhaps we would discover the remarkable wonders of the Shepherd.
Have a Blessed day
A sheep seldom knows where the shepherd leads it, but it has learned to trust the shepherd's leading. The shepherd knows where the sheep will find food, water, and rest. The shepherd knows where the sheep will be safe and on what paths to safely take the sheep. The sheep simply needs to follow. The sheep does not have to understand why one path is better than another, or why one pasture is chosen over another. The sheep simply must heed the shepherds voice and obey. For in so doing, the sheep will truly find peace and contentment. Can you imagine how Jesus pleads with us at times, "Dear child, if only you would heed my voice and follow me-there is so much I have in store for you." How marvelous it would be, if we could simply learn to be better sheep-then perhaps we would discover the remarkable wonders of the Shepherd.
Have a Blessed day
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Three in One
Ephesians 4:4-6 (NKJV)
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Perhaps you find it difficult to understand how God could be three distinct persons and yet one.Consider water: In moderate temperatures, it flows freely as a liquid. In freezing weather, water forms a solid. In extremely hot temperatures, water becomes steam. In any state, the chemical structure of water is H2O, yet it can appear in three distinct forms. In the same way, God is one God, yet He is three-in-one. He is God the Spirit, who indwells believers and empowers them. He is God the Son, who possesses a human form and a divine nature. And He is God the Father, the eternal I Am.
Have A Blessed Day
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Perhaps you find it difficult to understand how God could be three distinct persons and yet one.Consider water: In moderate temperatures, it flows freely as a liquid. In freezing weather, water forms a solid. In extremely hot temperatures, water becomes steam. In any state, the chemical structure of water is H2O, yet it can appear in three distinct forms. In the same way, God is one God, yet He is three-in-one. He is God the Spirit, who indwells believers and empowers them. He is God the Son, who possesses a human form and a divine nature. And He is God the Father, the eternal I Am.
Have A Blessed Day
Friday, October 2, 2009
Where Is Your Faith
Luke 8:25 (KJV)
And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
We have little trouble believing in the prophesies that have already come true, but what shall we say of those yet to come? We claim to believe that what God has said will happen, will indeed happen, yet we often live as though it will not. Christ's return, for instance, is something we most certainly believe in, yet we find that it is something that is often not at the forefront of our thoughts. We believe that any day we could wake up and it be the very day that He comes back, yet our actions would often dictate otherwise. We often seem more preoccupied in the day to day than the possibilities within the day. Nevertheless, we agree God's promises are true. God's promises and prophesies should bring us hope, yet we often do not hold on to Him or to them in such a way as to have our lives impacted by them. God might still ask us today, "Where is your faith?" For we have indeed placed more trust in that which is sure to be gone one day, rather than in He who will always be. Where is the faith that can move mountains?
Have A Blessed Day
And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
We have little trouble believing in the prophesies that have already come true, but what shall we say of those yet to come? We claim to believe that what God has said will happen, will indeed happen, yet we often live as though it will not. Christ's return, for instance, is something we most certainly believe in, yet we find that it is something that is often not at the forefront of our thoughts. We believe that any day we could wake up and it be the very day that He comes back, yet our actions would often dictate otherwise. We often seem more preoccupied in the day to day than the possibilities within the day. Nevertheless, we agree God's promises are true. God's promises and prophesies should bring us hope, yet we often do not hold on to Him or to them in such a way as to have our lives impacted by them. God might still ask us today, "Where is your faith?" For we have indeed placed more trust in that which is sure to be gone one day, rather than in He who will always be. Where is the faith that can move mountains?
Have A Blessed Day
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The World?s Grip
1 John 2:17 (NKJV)
And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
The influence of this world is very powerful. It can hold us in its grip. It can enslave us and keep us captive to its will. It can convince us of its own importance, making itself out to be more real to us than God. Wisdom cries out to us, desiring to guide us to the Truth. The truth is that the things of God are real and lasting, and the things of this world are passing. And yet we are consumed by this world, the cares of this life, the pursuit of personal happiness, and more. Day after day we invest time and energy into making a life in this world. And the longer we continue doing so, the more we become like those in the world around us. We think as they do. We live as they do. We seek the same material things, the same successes, and the same pleasures. Our thinking, that is to be transformed to the likeness of Christ's, clings instead to the patterns of worldly thought. We believe in faith and miracles as long as they are subject to common sense and practicality. The influence of this world is very powerful. It can hold us in its grip. How much hold does it have on you?
Have a blessed Day
And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
The influence of this world is very powerful. It can hold us in its grip. It can enslave us and keep us captive to its will. It can convince us of its own importance, making itself out to be more real to us than God. Wisdom cries out to us, desiring to guide us to the Truth. The truth is that the things of God are real and lasting, and the things of this world are passing. And yet we are consumed by this world, the cares of this life, the pursuit of personal happiness, and more. Day after day we invest time and energy into making a life in this world. And the longer we continue doing so, the more we become like those in the world around us. We think as they do. We live as they do. We seek the same material things, the same successes, and the same pleasures. Our thinking, that is to be transformed to the likeness of Christ's, clings instead to the patterns of worldly thought. We believe in faith and miracles as long as they are subject to common sense and practicality. The influence of this world is very powerful. It can hold us in its grip. How much hold does it have on you?
Have a blessed Day
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