Proverbs 16:28, NIV: A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.
All the sugar coating in the world does not change the truth about gossip. Your words may be dipped in honey, and spoken softly, light-heartedly to another. But don’t be fooled. For many there are of us who justify ourselves, slipping our words beneath the cover of so called concern. What is it that stirs in us a need to gossip? Is it envy, anger, jealousy, or strife? Is it an insatiable curiosity that peaks and all the more when we peak the curiosity of someone else? Is it the fact that we just have to hear our self talk? Whatever the reasons, all are rooted in sin. It is truly amazing how powerful words can be--and how easy it is for some to act as though their words are no big deal. Gossip is spread, the damage is done, and when caught by our words we say, “Oh, you’re blowing it out of proportion.” Do we blame the victim as though he somehow deserved it? Do we try to act as though we did nothing wrong? Jesus does not take a soft position on such things. He tells us, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment,” and, “with what judgment you judge, you will be judged.” It is trouble enough as we look on others with the sinful judgments of our hearts, but how much more terrible for us to allow the cancerous thoughts to be spread from our lips to the ears of others. My Daddy always said Son put your brain in gear before you put your mouth in to action. What he meant was, think about what you are about to say before you say it.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Top Priority
1 Timothy 2:1: I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.
What is the best time of day to pray? The Bible instructs us to pray without ceasing. How we do so is basically by keeping an attitude of prayer throughout our day—we pray, as we go. There are also those times we pause to enter into our prayer closet—so to speak—and lift up our praises, petitions, and requests unto God. There are many ways and times we can pray, but I have discovered something beneficial in praying on the behalf of others early in my day. Simply said, when I start my day in thought of others concerns, I have found that my mind remains more steadfast in a Christ-like attitude toward others throughout my day. As I go, I see the ones I prayed for earlier, and my mind is instantly taken back to the thoughts of my time with God on their behalf. As I go, I go better equipped to witness, serve and love those I come in contact with—simply because I made them a top priority, at the beginning of my day.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
What is the best time of day to pray? The Bible instructs us to pray without ceasing. How we do so is basically by keeping an attitude of prayer throughout our day—we pray, as we go. There are also those times we pause to enter into our prayer closet—so to speak—and lift up our praises, petitions, and requests unto God. There are many ways and times we can pray, but I have discovered something beneficial in praying on the behalf of others early in my day. Simply said, when I start my day in thought of others concerns, I have found that my mind remains more steadfast in a Christ-like attitude toward others throughout my day. As I go, I see the ones I prayed for earlier, and my mind is instantly taken back to the thoughts of my time with God on their behalf. As I go, I go better equipped to witness, serve and love those I come in contact with—simply because I made them a top priority, at the beginning of my day.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
I Stand Amazed
Psalm 95:4-6, NIV: In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
The morning sun peeks over the mountain top, laying golden streams across the treetops in the hollers. This is just one of the many scenes that draws my mind to God. The hymn writer writes, “I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder. Thy power throughout the universe displayed...” Many beautiful wonders surround us everyday. Yet there are times that God displays His wonders to us and it is truly breathtaking. And yet, none of those moments will hold a candle to the day we see God in His glory. At the instant our eyes behold Him, we will stand amazed. If, in that moment, I am able to speak, I imagine I might say something like, “Wow... Look at You... I had no idea.” Sometimes we take for granted the wonders of God’s creation. And often, throughout our living, we forget to consider the Glory of God. But a day will come when we will be faced with the most incredible experience we could ever know–the day we come into His Glory–the day we will truly stand amazed.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
The morning sun peeks over the mountain top, laying golden streams across the treetops in the hollers. This is just one of the many scenes that draws my mind to God. The hymn writer writes, “I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder. Thy power throughout the universe displayed...” Many beautiful wonders surround us everyday. Yet there are times that God displays His wonders to us and it is truly breathtaking. And yet, none of those moments will hold a candle to the day we see God in His glory. At the instant our eyes behold Him, we will stand amazed. If, in that moment, I am able to speak, I imagine I might say something like, “Wow... Look at You... I had no idea.” Sometimes we take for granted the wonders of God’s creation. And often, throughout our living, we forget to consider the Glory of God. But a day will come when we will be faced with the most incredible experience we could ever know–the day we come into His Glory–the day we will truly stand amazed.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Children
Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Raising children can be a great adventure. You may be thinking, “That’s one way to put it.” From infant to adolescent, and into adulthood, we find joys as well as sorrows—easy times and challenging ones. And finally the day comes where its time for the baby bird to spread its wings. You look back at the long road you traveled to get where you are, and reflect. You look ahead to what is held in an uncertain future and you pray, and you hope, and you pray some more. Being a parent is not easy, as any parent will testify. It is so very hard when you see your children make poor choices, or finding themselves in the middle of suffering the consequences of their actions. You wonder, you worry, and you weep. Yet we are offered hope. We can place our children in the arms of our Lord—trust Him with their safety—knowing He will actively work in their lives to draw the children back home. I can testify to this for it has happen in our family with a number of our children.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Raising children can be a great adventure. You may be thinking, “That’s one way to put it.” From infant to adolescent, and into adulthood, we find joys as well as sorrows—easy times and challenging ones. And finally the day comes where its time for the baby bird to spread its wings. You look back at the long road you traveled to get where you are, and reflect. You look ahead to what is held in an uncertain future and you pray, and you hope, and you pray some more. Being a parent is not easy, as any parent will testify. It is so very hard when you see your children make poor choices, or finding themselves in the middle of suffering the consequences of their actions. You wonder, you worry, and you weep. Yet we are offered hope. We can place our children in the arms of our Lord—trust Him with their safety—knowing He will actively work in their lives to draw the children back home. I can testify to this for it has happen in our family with a number of our children.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Truth Serum
2 Timothy 2:24-25, NIV: And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
We do not truly understand our own plight, and most refuse to understand the plight of others. For it is easier to criticize, ostracize and judge than it is to love and minister. It is far easier to point out the sins of the godless than it is to help them find the Truth that will sustain them and fill their needs in full. We feel secure in our faith, saying that our void has been filled by the presence of God in Christ, then turn to gnash our teeth at those who don't agree with our theology. Have we forgotten the plight we once endured? How we once had no direction and sought to fill the void of our soul with anything that seemed it might fit? Can we not understand how people who have never heard of or seen examples of Christ might try just about anything to find love, acceptance and fulfillment?
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
We do not truly understand our own plight, and most refuse to understand the plight of others. For it is easier to criticize, ostracize and judge than it is to love and minister. It is far easier to point out the sins of the godless than it is to help them find the Truth that will sustain them and fill their needs in full. We feel secure in our faith, saying that our void has been filled by the presence of God in Christ, then turn to gnash our teeth at those who don't agree with our theology. Have we forgotten the plight we once endured? How we once had no direction and sought to fill the void of our soul with anything that seemed it might fit? Can we not understand how people who have never heard of or seen examples of Christ might try just about anything to find love, acceptance and fulfillment?
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
No Gift to Bring
Matthew 2:11, NIV: On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
Imagine the difference of the scene if the wise men came to see Jesus with nothing in their hands. But instead, reached out their hands expecting them to be filled. There is a part of our Christmas time culture that seems to depict that very image. More focus is often fixed on the distribution of material goods, than on the consideration of what we might instead give to Christ. In preparation for Christmas, gift lists are exchanged so everyone will know what everyone else wants. If we were to ask Jesus what He wants for Christmas, what do you think He would say? What could it be He wants from us? Are we prepared to give it to Him? With each passing Christmas, how do we come to Christ? Do we come with no gift to bring? Or do we come ready to give to Him whatever it might be He would ask?
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Imagine the difference of the scene if the wise men came to see Jesus with nothing in their hands. But instead, reached out their hands expecting them to be filled. There is a part of our Christmas time culture that seems to depict that very image. More focus is often fixed on the distribution of material goods, than on the consideration of what we might instead give to Christ. In preparation for Christmas, gift lists are exchanged so everyone will know what everyone else wants. If we were to ask Jesus what He wants for Christmas, what do you think He would say? What could it be He wants from us? Are we prepared to give it to Him? With each passing Christmas, how do we come to Christ? Do we come with no gift to bring? Or do we come ready to give to Him whatever it might be He would ask?
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Jesus and Family
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. - Luke 2:16
The first Christmas finds Mary & Joseph together and Jesus, who was just born, in their midst. There will be many people this time of year who will be stressed about trying to find the perfect gift for someone special. They will be stressed with the crowds and the pressures of shopping. Many will be stressed possibly about the shortage of money and the ability to buy gifts for one another. Let's not forget a simple lesson that God showed us on that first Christmas over 2000 years ago. It wasn't about all the time and money they spent to go to Bethlehem, or the even the place they had sought out to spend the night. The two most important things are for families to be together and to have Jesus as the center of our focus and attention. You may not be able to find or afford the perfect gift, but the most important thing you can do this season is spend time with family and celebrate the birth of the Savior.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
The first Christmas finds Mary & Joseph together and Jesus, who was just born, in their midst. There will be many people this time of year who will be stressed about trying to find the perfect gift for someone special. They will be stressed with the crowds and the pressures of shopping. Many will be stressed possibly about the shortage of money and the ability to buy gifts for one another. Let's not forget a simple lesson that God showed us on that first Christmas over 2000 years ago. It wasn't about all the time and money they spent to go to Bethlehem, or the even the place they had sought out to spend the night. The two most important things are for families to be together and to have Jesus as the center of our focus and attention. You may not be able to find or afford the perfect gift, but the most important thing you can do this season is spend time with family and celebrate the birth of the Savior.
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Encourage One Another
Hebrews 3:13-14 (The Message) So watch your step, friends. Make sure there's no evil unbelief lying around that will trip you up and throw you off course, diverting you from the living God. For as long as it's still God's Today, keep each other on your toes so sin doesn't slow down your reflexes. If we can only keep our grip on the sure thing we started out with, we're in this with Christ for the long haul.
When it comes to attending church, how often is often enough? Some have said they do not need to go to church to worship God, but that they can worship Him anywhere. That is true. And if the only purpose for church was to worship God, perhaps that reasoning might stand. But there is so much more that takes place in a body of believers than corporate worship. The writer of Hebrews entreats Christians to "encourage one another daily." Throughout the New Testament, we are taught the principles of caring for fellow Christians-that, "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Phil 2:4). Brief Sunday morning encounters seldom provide opportunity to truly encourage, or to be encouraged. Anyone who believes he does not need the church does not understand the purpose of the church, and is driven more by selfish desire than godly vision. Therefore, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Heb. 10:25).
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
When it comes to attending church, how often is often enough? Some have said they do not need to go to church to worship God, but that they can worship Him anywhere. That is true. And if the only purpose for church was to worship God, perhaps that reasoning might stand. But there is so much more that takes place in a body of believers than corporate worship. The writer of Hebrews entreats Christians to "encourage one another daily." Throughout the New Testament, we are taught the principles of caring for fellow Christians-that, "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Phil 2:4). Brief Sunday morning encounters seldom provide opportunity to truly encourage, or to be encouraged. Anyone who believes he does not need the church does not understand the purpose of the church, and is driven more by selfish desire than godly vision. Therefore, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Heb. 10:25).
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Content to Be Content
Proverbs 1:22-24 (The Message) "Simpletons! How long will you wallow in ignorance? Cynics! How long will you feed your cynicism? Idiots! How long will you refuse to learn? About face! I can revise your life. Look, I'm ready to pour out my spirit on you; I'm ready to tell you all I know. As it is, I've called, but you've turned a deaf ear; I've reached out to you, but you've ignored me.
The Spirit of God stirs within us. He stirs our hearts to be moved to become something more. He stirs us to be like Christ. He stirs us to settle for nothing less than God’s will. He stirs us so we are not content with simply living in this world, and challenges us to let the Life (who is Jesus) live in us--allowing God to affect change in the world through us. Yet there are many of us who belong to Christ who do not feel this stirring. We have settled to become like the world around us, and have bought into the philosophy of self-contentedness. Through our search for pleasure, and comfortable living, we have squelched the stirring of the Spirit and become numb to His movement. We have pacified ourselves into a lifeless state and, as a result, we are a part of a dying and decaying world. How long will we quench the stirring of the Spirit? How long will we seek simplicity over and above the wisdom of God?
Have A Blessed day
The Spirit of God stirs within us. He stirs our hearts to be moved to become something more. He stirs us to be like Christ. He stirs us to settle for nothing less than God’s will. He stirs us so we are not content with simply living in this world, and challenges us to let the Life (who is Jesus) live in us--allowing God to affect change in the world through us. Yet there are many of us who belong to Christ who do not feel this stirring. We have settled to become like the world around us, and have bought into the philosophy of self-contentedness. Through our search for pleasure, and comfortable living, we have squelched the stirring of the Spirit and become numb to His movement. We have pacified ourselves into a lifeless state and, as a result, we are a part of a dying and decaying world. How long will we quench the stirring of the Spirit? How long will we seek simplicity over and above the wisdom of God?
Have A Blessed day
Monday, December 20, 2010
Rough Edges
Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV) These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
We often compare the process of God's work in our lives as one of smoothing off the rough edges. The sinful nature and selfish characteristics that once defined who we were are no longer desirable, and if they are to remain they will hinder God's desired outcome of who we are to be in Him. The rough edges are the thorns that distract us from God's purpose, they are the eyesores that keep others from seeing the nature of Christ within us, and they are the calluses that prevent us from being sensitive to the movement of the Spirit of the living God. Where is it that you see yourself? How will you deal with rough edges? God has a perfect way to deal with the rough edges in our personal lives and in the body of the church, let's not pretend the rough edges don't exist, but instead, give them up to God for His loving hand to smooth all that is rough.
Have A Blessed day
We often compare the process of God's work in our lives as one of smoothing off the rough edges. The sinful nature and selfish characteristics that once defined who we were are no longer desirable, and if they are to remain they will hinder God's desired outcome of who we are to be in Him. The rough edges are the thorns that distract us from God's purpose, they are the eyesores that keep others from seeing the nature of Christ within us, and they are the calluses that prevent us from being sensitive to the movement of the Spirit of the living God. Where is it that you see yourself? How will you deal with rough edges? God has a perfect way to deal with the rough edges in our personal lives and in the body of the church, let's not pretend the rough edges don't exist, but instead, give them up to God for His loving hand to smooth all that is rough.
Have A Blessed day
Friday, December 17, 2010
Be A Listener
But God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. -Psalm 66:19
Listening. Sometimes it seems to be a lost art. Most people are more interested in expressing themselves than they are listening to what the other person has to say. In Native American cultures they have what is known as the "talking stick". The talking stick has been used for centuries as a means of just and impartial hearing, and to designate who had the right to speak. During discussions, the leader had the talking stick and when he finished what he had to say he would hold out the talking stick, and whoever wished to speak after him would take it. In this manner the stick was passed from one person to another until all who wished to speak had done so. Also, there were no interruptions of the person speaking or trying to finish someone else's sentences for them. We could learn a lot from this tradition. Take the time to learn to be a listener. Listen to your kids, listen to your spouse and listen to your friends. There is great healing that takes place sometimes when someone finds a person who will listen to them. There is great wisdom and knowledge to be gained by listening. If you have trouble finding someone who will listen to you, be encouraged that God always listens. He is always ready to hear from you and will always be there to lend an ear. If we are to be like our Father in heaven, then it is wise for us to learn to be a listener.
Have A Blessed Day
Listening. Sometimes it seems to be a lost art. Most people are more interested in expressing themselves than they are listening to what the other person has to say. In Native American cultures they have what is known as the "talking stick". The talking stick has been used for centuries as a means of just and impartial hearing, and to designate who had the right to speak. During discussions, the leader had the talking stick and when he finished what he had to say he would hold out the talking stick, and whoever wished to speak after him would take it. In this manner the stick was passed from one person to another until all who wished to speak had done so. Also, there were no interruptions of the person speaking or trying to finish someone else's sentences for them. We could learn a lot from this tradition. Take the time to learn to be a listener. Listen to your kids, listen to your spouse and listen to your friends. There is great healing that takes place sometimes when someone finds a person who will listen to them. There is great wisdom and knowledge to be gained by listening. If you have trouble finding someone who will listen to you, be encouraged that God always listens. He is always ready to hear from you and will always be there to lend an ear. If we are to be like our Father in heaven, then it is wise for us to learn to be a listener.
Have A Blessed Day
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Storms of Life
King James Version (KJV) And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. 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.
The storms of life come upon everyone. No one is exempt from the storms of life, they eventually present themselves to all of us. The question is, how do we handle the storms? The storm in your life may be a Water heater that has busted and flooded your house, or a financial setback, a loss of a job, a problem with a loved one, a deadline you can't meet, a problem you can't solve, etc. Keep in mind, everyone in the boat was in the midst of the storm. Jesus was right there with the disciples in the same storm they were in. They were in a panic because what they saw around them affected them deeply. However, Jesus was in a place of rest. Wait a minute, you may say, Jesus is the Son of God! While that is true, the bible says in Philippians 2:5-8 that Jesus had no unfair advantage. He emptied himself and did everything he did as a man. What does this mean? It means that you can have the same peace that Jesus had. In the midst of the storm, you can enter in and be in that same place of rest that Jesus was. Jesus operated in faith and was in constant fellowship with the Father. When you follow His example, you can walk in the same peace and rest that Jesus did in the midst of the storm. And, just like Jesus, when everyone else is in a panic, you can also be in the storm, but not have the storm in you!
Have A Blessed day
The storms of life come upon everyone. No one is exempt from the storms of life, they eventually present themselves to all of us. The question is, how do we handle the storms? The storm in your life may be a Water heater that has busted and flooded your house, or a financial setback, a loss of a job, a problem with a loved one, a deadline you can't meet, a problem you can't solve, etc. Keep in mind, everyone in the boat was in the midst of the storm. Jesus was right there with the disciples in the same storm they were in. They were in a panic because what they saw around them affected them deeply. However, Jesus was in a place of rest. Wait a minute, you may say, Jesus is the Son of God! While that is true, the bible says in Philippians 2:5-8 that Jesus had no unfair advantage. He emptied himself and did everything he did as a man. What does this mean? It means that you can have the same peace that Jesus had. In the midst of the storm, you can enter in and be in that same place of rest that Jesus was. Jesus operated in faith and was in constant fellowship with the Father. When you follow His example, you can walk in the same peace and rest that Jesus did in the midst of the storm. And, just like Jesus, when everyone else is in a panic, you can also be in the storm, but not have the storm in you!
Have A Blessed day
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Nothing New Under The Sun
Ecclesiastes 1:9 (Amplified Bible) The thing that has been--it is what will be again, and that which has been done is that which will be done again; and there is nothing new under the sun.
Every man made religion that has ever come along was just a counterfeit to the real thing. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - the creator of the universe, was the first positive thinker. He was the first to send light and love. God instructed Joshua to meditate on His word. Jesus said to love others and do unto them as you would have them do unto you. Jesus was in the beginning with God, and Jesus is God, so Jesus said it first. Every good and perfect thing comes from above, from the Father of lights. Don't go looking and settle for some cheap imitation, seek God through His son, Jesus Christ. He said if you seek Him, you will find Him. Yes, when you seek Him with all of your heart. (Jeremiah 29:12-13)
Have A Blessed day
Every man made religion that has ever come along was just a counterfeit to the real thing. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - the creator of the universe, was the first positive thinker. He was the first to send light and love. God instructed Joshua to meditate on His word. Jesus said to love others and do unto them as you would have them do unto you. Jesus was in the beginning with God, and Jesus is God, so Jesus said it first. Every good and perfect thing comes from above, from the Father of lights. Don't go looking and settle for some cheap imitation, seek God through His son, Jesus Christ. He said if you seek Him, you will find Him. Yes, when you seek Him with all of your heart. (Jeremiah 29:12-13)
Have A Blessed day
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Healthy Choices
Ephesians 5:11-20 (The Message)
Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.
Wake up from your sleep,
Climb out of your coffins;
Christ will show you the light!
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants. Don't drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him. Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ.
When I learned I had high cholesterol, I knew changes were going to have to be made. I would need to get proper exercise, and change my diet. I knew if I was going to be serious, some things had to go, while other things must become part of my daily living. As with physical food, there are many spiritual foods to choose from. With what is available, it would be easy for Christians to be saturated with worldly ways through entertainment, books, television, movies, and so on. But, there comes a point when we have to face facts. We are effected by what we put into our minds just as we are by what goes into our bodies. If we are serious about being Christ-like, we will recognize that some things will have to go, while other things will need to become a part of our daily living.
Have A Blessed Day
Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.
Wake up from your sleep,
Climb out of your coffins;
Christ will show you the light!
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants. Don't drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him. Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ.
When I learned I had high cholesterol, I knew changes were going to have to be made. I would need to get proper exercise, and change my diet. I knew if I was going to be serious, some things had to go, while other things must become part of my daily living. As with physical food, there are many spiritual foods to choose from. With what is available, it would be easy for Christians to be saturated with worldly ways through entertainment, books, television, movies, and so on. But, there comes a point when we have to face facts. We are effected by what we put into our minds just as we are by what goes into our bodies. If we are serious about being Christ-like, we will recognize that some things will have to go, while other things will need to become a part of our daily living.
Have A Blessed Day
Friday, December 10, 2010
Everything that Hinders
Hebrews 12:1 NIV: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
We wear them like shackles around our ankles, and often bear them as heavy weights upon our shoulders. Even when we try to take great care to keep them from heaping upon us, they seem so often to gradually grow—dragging us down—stealing our joy. They are the cares of this life and the sins that deceive us. They are the things that take our focus off of the Author and Perfector our faith. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” Like a runner tripped up by obstacles in his path who continues forward, we must find within Christ our determination to press on.
Have A Blessed day
We wear them like shackles around our ankles, and often bear them as heavy weights upon our shoulders. Even when we try to take great care to keep them from heaping upon us, they seem so often to gradually grow—dragging us down—stealing our joy. They are the cares of this life and the sins that deceive us. They are the things that take our focus off of the Author and Perfector our faith. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” Like a runner tripped up by obstacles in his path who continues forward, we must find within Christ our determination to press on.
Have A Blessed day
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Possess The Kingdom
Daniel 7:22 (NKJV) until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.
Jesus said the Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. His is the kingdom of light and life. The devil, on the other hand, is battling to get people to stay in, accept and possess the kingdom of darkness. Jesus came that you might possess life to the full. The devil comes that you might possess death, loss and destruction. When you believe the devil's lies, you are on your way to possessing what he wants to give you. However, when you believe the promises of God you are on your way to possessing what He has said, and what He wants to give you. Possession is 9/10ths of the law. If the devil can get you to accept his lie, he gains legal spiritual right to have you possess his destruction. For example, if you're sick, it may be a fact, but it's not the truth. The truth is that you are healed by the stripes of Jesus. The truth is Jesus bore your sicknesses and carried away your grief and pains. Arthritis, cancer or any other sickness, disease or negative emotion may become present in your body, but you don't need to take possession of it by saying "my arthritis, my cancer," etc... The time has come for you to possess the kingdom! Your confession should be "my healing", "my peace", "my joy", "my Jesus", "my salvation", "my deliverance" etc... The devil comes to give you poverty, but God wants you to possess prosperity! The devil comes to give you fear, but God wants you to possess faith and boldness! The devil comes to give you hopelessness & depression, but God wants you to possess peace, joy, love, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The devil wants you to be overcome and defeated, but God says it is time for you to possess His authority and His righteousness and His kingdom! How does it happen? Not by living and believing the world. But by seeking first the kingdom and His righteousness, then all these things will be added unto you.
Have A Blessed Day
Jesus said the Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. His is the kingdom of light and life. The devil, on the other hand, is battling to get people to stay in, accept and possess the kingdom of darkness. Jesus came that you might possess life to the full. The devil comes that you might possess death, loss and destruction. When you believe the devil's lies, you are on your way to possessing what he wants to give you. However, when you believe the promises of God you are on your way to possessing what He has said, and what He wants to give you. Possession is 9/10ths of the law. If the devil can get you to accept his lie, he gains legal spiritual right to have you possess his destruction. For example, if you're sick, it may be a fact, but it's not the truth. The truth is that you are healed by the stripes of Jesus. The truth is Jesus bore your sicknesses and carried away your grief and pains. Arthritis, cancer or any other sickness, disease or negative emotion may become present in your body, but you don't need to take possession of it by saying "my arthritis, my cancer," etc... The time has come for you to possess the kingdom! Your confession should be "my healing", "my peace", "my joy", "my Jesus", "my salvation", "my deliverance" etc... The devil comes to give you poverty, but God wants you to possess prosperity! The devil comes to give you fear, but God wants you to possess faith and boldness! The devil comes to give you hopelessness & depression, but God wants you to possess peace, joy, love, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The devil wants you to be overcome and defeated, but God says it is time for you to possess His authority and His righteousness and His kingdom! How does it happen? Not by living and believing the world. But by seeking first the kingdom and His righteousness, then all these things will be added unto you.
Have A Blessed Day
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Step By Step
Proverbs 20:24 (NKJV) A man’s steps are of the LORD; How then can a man understand his own way?
Sporting events are very popular in our culture here in the USA. From football, baseball, NASCAR to rodeo, each sport has it's climatic event such as the Super bowl in football or the NFR for rodeo. We are an "event" focused society, but often overlook or forget about the process it takes to get to the big "event". Most people never see or stop to think about the countless hours an athlete spends practicing and honing his or her skills to make it to the top of their game. It is no different in our spiritual life. The bible talks of God as being like a potter and us being like the clay. He is constantly molding us and forming us into what He wants us to be. Like a ship in the middle of the ocean, the captain sails his ship in faith knowing that there is land ahead even though he looks 360 degrees around him and sees nothing but water. Our walk with the Lord is a step-by-step walk of faith. It's not just an event, but a process. We may see "water" all around us, but step by step we are walking in faith towards the "land" of our destiny in life. Don't be so focused on the event of where you're going that you overlook the process of getting there. Keep your eyes on the Lord and not self.The Lord is directing each one of your steps, trust Him to lead you in the way you should go.
Have a Blessed day
Sporting events are very popular in our culture here in the USA. From football, baseball, NASCAR to rodeo, each sport has it's climatic event such as the Super bowl in football or the NFR for rodeo. We are an "event" focused society, but often overlook or forget about the process it takes to get to the big "event". Most people never see or stop to think about the countless hours an athlete spends practicing and honing his or her skills to make it to the top of their game. It is no different in our spiritual life. The bible talks of God as being like a potter and us being like the clay. He is constantly molding us and forming us into what He wants us to be. Like a ship in the middle of the ocean, the captain sails his ship in faith knowing that there is land ahead even though he looks 360 degrees around him and sees nothing but water. Our walk with the Lord is a step-by-step walk of faith. It's not just an event, but a process. We may see "water" all around us, but step by step we are walking in faith towards the "land" of our destiny in life. Don't be so focused on the event of where you're going that you overlook the process of getting there. Keep your eyes on the Lord and not self.The Lord is directing each one of your steps, trust Him to lead you in the way you should go.
Have a Blessed day
Monday, December 6, 2010
Hearsay
Proverbs 16:28 (NKJV) A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friend
Sometimes well-intended, sometimes meant to harm—they are the words spoken in the secret places that will not remain in secret. They are perhaps one of Satan’s greatest tools. He wields gossip like a cat-o'-nine-tails to rip apart the body of Christ. Through it, churches divide, lives are broken, hearts are torn, and forgiveness is not easily found. It is yet another device of the devil that, as a church, we must stand united against. We must do all we can to prevent gossip from getting a foothold in our church body. Have nothing to do with it. When it comes across your ears, you must go straight to God and obey His instruction. If you have said something, why have you said it? Is it because you are seeking God’s will in the matter? Is it because you are seeking the best interest of the body of Christ? Gossip is deceptive. It clouds the motives, burrows into curiosity, and festers like a sore. It will not sleep until it has claimed a life.
Have A Blessed day
Sometimes well-intended, sometimes meant to harm—they are the words spoken in the secret places that will not remain in secret. They are perhaps one of Satan’s greatest tools. He wields gossip like a cat-o'-nine-tails to rip apart the body of Christ. Through it, churches divide, lives are broken, hearts are torn, and forgiveness is not easily found. It is yet another device of the devil that, as a church, we must stand united against. We must do all we can to prevent gossip from getting a foothold in our church body. Have nothing to do with it. When it comes across your ears, you must go straight to God and obey His instruction. If you have said something, why have you said it? Is it because you are seeking God’s will in the matter? Is it because you are seeking the best interest of the body of Christ? Gossip is deceptive. It clouds the motives, burrows into curiosity, and festers like a sore. It will not sleep until it has claimed a life.
Have A Blessed day
Sunday, December 5, 2010
One bite at a time
Psalm 119:105, KJV: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
How do you read the Bible? One bite at a time, perhaps. There is a lot there and sometimes it can seem a bit overwhelming. But just like in many things, its all in how you look at it. The first thing you must keep in mind is to consider Who you are listening to. If you listen to the wrong voice, it might tell you that the Bible is too difficult for you to understand. But God has provided you all you need. His Holy Spirit will lead you as you seek God in His Word. God wants to reveal Himself to you and has promised that He will reward those who diligently seek Him. Whoever seeks Him wholeheartedly will find Him. Remember that it takes time, so don’t be discouraged if you are not understanding everything. Keep at it. God tells us, “you will reap the reward, if you do not give up.” Be faithful to open His Word and trust God to bring the results. I promise...you will not be let down. The benefits are truly eternal.
Have A blessed day
How do you read the Bible? One bite at a time, perhaps. There is a lot there and sometimes it can seem a bit overwhelming. But just like in many things, its all in how you look at it. The first thing you must keep in mind is to consider Who you are listening to. If you listen to the wrong voice, it might tell you that the Bible is too difficult for you to understand. But God has provided you all you need. His Holy Spirit will lead you as you seek God in His Word. God wants to reveal Himself to you and has promised that He will reward those who diligently seek Him. Whoever seeks Him wholeheartedly will find Him. Remember that it takes time, so don’t be discouraged if you are not understanding everything. Keep at it. God tells us, “you will reap the reward, if you do not give up.” Be faithful to open His Word and trust God to bring the results. I promise...you will not be let down. The benefits are truly eternal.
Have A blessed day
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Rewards
Matthew 6:1 (NKJV) Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
You open a door for a stranger. It is a kind gesture, and a simple act you are willing to perform. But as the stranger walks through the open door you hold, he does not so much as acknowledge your presence. It is not an act you do "to be seen" by others. But you feel somewhat slighted by the stranger's behavior. Or do you? Consider the things God does for us that go unnoticed. For Him, the act of love is in itself a great reward. As we seek to walk in the steps of our Lord, may it be so that we find the reward in the doing, and not what we get back in return.
Have A Blessed day
You open a door for a stranger. It is a kind gesture, and a simple act you are willing to perform. But as the stranger walks through the open door you hold, he does not so much as acknowledge your presence. It is not an act you do "to be seen" by others. But you feel somewhat slighted by the stranger's behavior. Or do you? Consider the things God does for us that go unnoticed. For Him, the act of love is in itself a great reward. As we seek to walk in the steps of our Lord, may it be so that we find the reward in the doing, and not what we get back in return.
Have A Blessed day
Friday, December 3, 2010
Beware the Big Fish
Jonah 1:1-3 (NKJV) Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” 3 But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.
Jonah learned the hard way what happens when a child of God does not yield to the will of God. In our lives as believers, it is probable that God is going to lead us in a direction we did not expect, or lead us to do a work we would never have chosen to do. And within that moment, we (like Jonah) have a choice: we can be obedient to God’s will, thus allowing God to work through us as He wishes; or we can run from God’s will and, essentially, be miserable. It is not God’s intention to make you miserable. But rest assured that since we are His, and since we have a purpose of God’s desire, we must function accordingly if we are to have peace. The benefits far outweigh the costs. Letting go of what we think or want is difficult, but necessary, if God is to complete His perfect work in us. The best thing we can do is simply follow His way, and stop trying to force our will above His.
Have A Blessed day
Jonah learned the hard way what happens when a child of God does not yield to the will of God. In our lives as believers, it is probable that God is going to lead us in a direction we did not expect, or lead us to do a work we would never have chosen to do. And within that moment, we (like Jonah) have a choice: we can be obedient to God’s will, thus allowing God to work through us as He wishes; or we can run from God’s will and, essentially, be miserable. It is not God’s intention to make you miserable. But rest assured that since we are His, and since we have a purpose of God’s desire, we must function accordingly if we are to have peace. The benefits far outweigh the costs. Letting go of what we think or want is difficult, but necessary, if God is to complete His perfect work in us. The best thing we can do is simply follow His way, and stop trying to force our will above His.
Have A Blessed day
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