"You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 1:6
How many times has your mood changed because of a difficulty? We can snap at our spouse, our kids, our co-workers and our friends for nothing they did simply because of a difficult circumstance, or situation that changed our outlook on things. Paul reminds us that they Holy Spirit has, and can bring us great joy again no matter how severe things may be at the time. Our joy does not always need to be outwardly shiny, but we must keep in mind who gives us our happiness and joy. Instead of dwelling on all the negatives of the blaring situation, we should be intentional about trying to keep things in perspective and bring to remembrance all the times Christ has come through for us so that our faith is strongest when the enemy attacks and we can strike back with full confidence. Then the joy and peace that the Holy Spirit brings us, that is not dependent on our circumstances, will flood our spirits! It has to be rooted in the Lord Jesus Christ and nothing more! The Heavenly Father knows we will have trials, in fact, He promises them, but the question is what we do with His joy under pressure and sometimes down right hot fire! Blessed is the man who can conform to the example of Christ and His joy. Help us to become better examples of life giving joy to those around us! In Jesus, there can be joy abundant if it's rooted in the belief that His will is always best! ~
Monday, April 23, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Each Other
This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other." ~ Zechariah 7:9-10
Do you ever feel like "taking matters into your own hands?" That is exactly what we are called NOT to do according to this very precise scripture. He reminds us that we are supposed to think fairly of each other and to give everyone the 'benefit of the doubt' in every situation no matter how huge, or deeply hurtful it may be. In order to be kind and compassionate in this manner, we need to make sure we are more Christ like and less wickedly worldly. We need to be in His Word daily suiting up not only for the battle of the sneaky devil, but also suiting up with righteousness so we can prepare ourselves to act Christ like in a very narcissistic, "give it to me NOW" neurotic and chaotic world - a world that almost instinctively turns the other way without a second glance, or thought. Because we can't expect to be close to our Heavenly Father when people, and the treatment of them, isn't our first priority. Loving everyone starts where you are, and I for one, could practice improving my skills within the four walls I call my home. Let's get started! ~
Do you ever feel like "taking matters into your own hands?" That is exactly what we are called NOT to do according to this very precise scripture. He reminds us that we are supposed to think fairly of each other and to give everyone the 'benefit of the doubt' in every situation no matter how huge, or deeply hurtful it may be. In order to be kind and compassionate in this manner, we need to make sure we are more Christ like and less wickedly worldly. We need to be in His Word daily suiting up not only for the battle of the sneaky devil, but also suiting up with righteousness so we can prepare ourselves to act Christ like in a very narcissistic, "give it to me NOW" neurotic and chaotic world - a world that almost instinctively turns the other way without a second glance, or thought. Because we can't expect to be close to our Heavenly Father when people, and the treatment of them, isn't our first priority. Loving everyone starts where you are, and I for one, could practice improving my skills within the four walls I call my home. Let's get started! ~
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Look Always
Look to the Lord and his strength, seek his face always. ~ Psalm 105:4
How often do you feel like you just can't go on? That you want to give up? We are mortal beings that sometimes struggle, but we are invited to His supernatural strength. How amazing! We all need extra strength at times and we could all use the reminder of his empowering grace graciously given if we just ask. We must look to Him daily for strength, or spiritually we could constantly live a defeated life. When you feel stuck, afraid, or swallowed up whole by this wasting world, we need to call on His strength and expect to see his presence and faithful goodness even if we don't understand. Is God where you run, or do you run circles around figuring things out for yourself? Is God's face what you seek, or do you seek the solution through your own ideas and strength? Mighty is the Lord and worthy of our ever giving praise! Until we learn to whole heartily seek His face in every situation, or circumstance - good, or bad, we will never know what we can accomplish as a child of God wrapped up in his mighty strength! In all of our hurried and busy days we can see His face and His splendid strength if we only take the time to look. ~
How often do you feel like you just can't go on? That you want to give up? We are mortal beings that sometimes struggle, but we are invited to His supernatural strength. How amazing! We all need extra strength at times and we could all use the reminder of his empowering grace graciously given if we just ask. We must look to Him daily for strength, or spiritually we could constantly live a defeated life. When you feel stuck, afraid, or swallowed up whole by this wasting world, we need to call on His strength and expect to see his presence and faithful goodness even if we don't understand. Is God where you run, or do you run circles around figuring things out for yourself? Is God's face what you seek, or do you seek the solution through your own ideas and strength? Mighty is the Lord and worthy of our ever giving praise! Until we learn to whole heartily seek His face in every situation, or circumstance - good, or bad, we will never know what we can accomplish as a child of God wrapped up in his mighty strength! In all of our hurried and busy days we can see His face and His splendid strength if we only take the time to look. ~
Friday, January 20, 2012
Must Preach
But He said, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." ~ Luke 4:43
When you think about your purpose, or your calling in this life, and even on this planet period, what do you think about? Do you know what your purpose is? Jesus was clearly sent to this hungry planet for one reason - to tell of the gospel, and of God's great love. Most Christians, including me, may be waiting for someone else to tell others of God's great love, and hope when in fact, we need to be also spreading the good news. "The timing wasn't right." "I had to go pick up the boys from the bus." "I was in a hurry to get to work." These are all bad excuses that I know I have personally told myself to justify my ignoring the opportunity to listen to Gods small whisper when it comes to sharing the good news with someone. Then I think, "What if I was designed, or that moment was specifically designed for ME to plant that seed and now I've just blown it? Thank God He doesn't give up on us, but I seriously need to be a better listener to that still small voice! In my heart, I want a fresh revival, a renewed strength, and the boldness to go forth for my Mighty King! There is no "Plan B"; God made us his "Plan A" to reach the lost....(thanks Pastor Troy for that wake up call)....so I had better buckle on those running shoes and run the race that God had laid out in front of ME! ~
When you think about your purpose, or your calling in this life, and even on this planet period, what do you think about? Do you know what your purpose is? Jesus was clearly sent to this hungry planet for one reason - to tell of the gospel, and of God's great love. Most Christians, including me, may be waiting for someone else to tell others of God's great love, and hope when in fact, we need to be also spreading the good news. "The timing wasn't right." "I had to go pick up the boys from the bus." "I was in a hurry to get to work." These are all bad excuses that I know I have personally told myself to justify my ignoring the opportunity to listen to Gods small whisper when it comes to sharing the good news with someone. Then I think, "What if I was designed, or that moment was specifically designed for ME to plant that seed and now I've just blown it? Thank God He doesn't give up on us, but I seriously need to be a better listener to that still small voice! In my heart, I want a fresh revival, a renewed strength, and the boldness to go forth for my Mighty King! There is no "Plan B"; God made us his "Plan A" to reach the lost....(thanks Pastor Troy for that wake up call)....so I had better buckle on those running shoes and run the race that God had laid out in front of ME! ~
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Glorious Joy
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. Let us fix out eyes on Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ~ Hebrews 12:1-3
Have you ever read that passage? I mean REALLY picked it apart and read it? I don't know how may times I have read this passage in Hebrews, or heard it from the pulpit, if fact, two years ago I decided to memorize it, but today during my time with God, I read it with a fresh pair of spiritual eyes and it rocked my world. I was fine until I got to this part of the passage: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. JOY? Wait, what? What joy? Shouldn't it say something like, who for the command of God, endured the cross.....? Anything but joy? Why use the word joy there? Who for joy set before him endured the cross.... Are You telling me that it was a joy for You to endure the cross for me? You didn't even know if I would accept you yet, but you were glad too take on the cross for me? You actually consider that a joy? Scorning it's shame....You were persecuted beyond my comprehension for me. You knew you were going to be beaten, captured and nailed to a tree....this is joy? Yes, I know You prayed and wept to Your Father for relief, but You could have saved yourself and You didn't. You took my sins with joy? How selfish am I than, when I can't find the joy I need to help a friend in need? Why do I get so upset when my bank account is low, or how can I possibly get upset when You don't answer my prayer in the way I want You too? How can I justify being upset about ANYTHING when you consider enduring the cross a joy.........for me? Yes, I know the real joy was that You found yourself back at the right hand of the Father, but that's the whole point: you found joy in your pain, and so can we. We can find joy in our pain. I need to learn that lesson; show me how to live, and I mean really LIVE in that lesson. There truly can be joy in every and all pain if we keep our eyes fixed on You. If I really digest that nugget, than I that's one step closer to You, trusting you , not worrying about anything; another step to truly letting go of my control and living in Your presence. Thank you for saving me! Thank you Lord, that You considered dieing on the cross for me a joy when You weren't even sure I'd accept You. Fill me with that kind of joy. Joy that endures, perseveres, and comes up from the ashes.
Needless to say, I started uncontrollably weeping and went to my knees in humble, thankful, praise-filled gratitude. I cried so much, in a good way, that my cat started licking my face for the tears, but they were tears of JOY and I was overwhelmed. As the psalmist would say, my cup overrunneth this morning and it was GLORIOUS! ~
Have you ever read that passage? I mean REALLY picked it apart and read it? I don't know how may times I have read this passage in Hebrews, or heard it from the pulpit, if fact, two years ago I decided to memorize it, but today during my time with God, I read it with a fresh pair of spiritual eyes and it rocked my world. I was fine until I got to this part of the passage: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. JOY? Wait, what? What joy? Shouldn't it say something like, who for the command of God, endured the cross.....? Anything but joy? Why use the word joy there? Who for joy set before him endured the cross.... Are You telling me that it was a joy for You to endure the cross for me? You didn't even know if I would accept you yet, but you were glad too take on the cross for me? You actually consider that a joy? Scorning it's shame....You were persecuted beyond my comprehension for me. You knew you were going to be beaten, captured and nailed to a tree....this is joy? Yes, I know You prayed and wept to Your Father for relief, but You could have saved yourself and You didn't. You took my sins with joy? How selfish am I than, when I can't find the joy I need to help a friend in need? Why do I get so upset when my bank account is low, or how can I possibly get upset when You don't answer my prayer in the way I want You too? How can I justify being upset about ANYTHING when you consider enduring the cross a joy.........for me? Yes, I know the real joy was that You found yourself back at the right hand of the Father, but that's the whole point: you found joy in your pain, and so can we. We can find joy in our pain. I need to learn that lesson; show me how to live, and I mean really LIVE in that lesson. There truly can be joy in every and all pain if we keep our eyes fixed on You. If I really digest that nugget, than I that's one step closer to You, trusting you , not worrying about anything; another step to truly letting go of my control and living in Your presence. Thank you for saving me! Thank you Lord, that You considered dieing on the cross for me a joy when You weren't even sure I'd accept You. Fill me with that kind of joy. Joy that endures, perseveres, and comes up from the ashes.
Needless to say, I started uncontrollably weeping and went to my knees in humble, thankful, praise-filled gratitude. I cried so much, in a good way, that my cat started licking my face for the tears, but they were tears of JOY and I was overwhelmed. As the psalmist would say, my cup overrunneth this morning and it was GLORIOUS! ~
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Even Darkness
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. ~ Psalm 112:4 (NIV)
What does this mean for you? Just think about it; I know what it means for me, but what does it mean for you? Does this promise bring you comfort, or do you shrug at it? The Lord says that even though we may be sinking into a spiritual abyss with no hope in sight right now, the Holy Spirit promises reprieve even if we can't see it, or know when it will happen. The darkness of Satan and his reign here on this earth will not accompany me to my final destination, Praise God! Satan's wickedness cannot hold a candle next to the Light of the World and will be denied entrance into the Holy of Holies. As long as we keep our faith and ourselves righteous in a very unrighteous world, then hope comes from knowing and remembering that in the end we believers know who wins and that the darkness will disappear. Keep your hearts pure, show compassion to others and be gracious to those in need whenever the opportunity arises. God will forgive our sinful ways as long as we continue to profess Him as our Lord and Savior, confess to him our sins and accept the gift he has given us through his son Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins....watch the hope rise and the darkness dissipate. ~ AMEN
What does this mean for you? Just think about it; I know what it means for me, but what does it mean for you? Does this promise bring you comfort, or do you shrug at it? The Lord says that even though we may be sinking into a spiritual abyss with no hope in sight right now, the Holy Spirit promises reprieve even if we can't see it, or know when it will happen. The darkness of Satan and his reign here on this earth will not accompany me to my final destination, Praise God! Satan's wickedness cannot hold a candle next to the Light of the World and will be denied entrance into the Holy of Holies. As long as we keep our faith and ourselves righteous in a very unrighteous world, then hope comes from knowing and remembering that in the end we believers know who wins and that the darkness will disappear. Keep your hearts pure, show compassion to others and be gracious to those in need whenever the opportunity arises. God will forgive our sinful ways as long as we continue to profess Him as our Lord and Savior, confess to him our sins and accept the gift he has given us through his son Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins....watch the hope rise and the darkness dissipate. ~ AMEN
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Self Controlled
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. ~ 1 Peter 1:13
The thought of self control in a world out of control is hard to imagine. What does that look like? If we are to prepare our minds for action and be self controlled, that's kind of hard to do; especially when we want what we want now to meet this selfish worlds ranks of "success". Prepare to be self controlled; I think God Almighty knew we would need mounds of holy help here. We are to live for the home that we have yet to journey to; a home that does not exist here on Earth, but our eternal home situated in the great heavenly host. We are to practice delayed gratification; which is a lost art, instead of deadly debt. To prepare my mind is one thing, but to actually actively live that out day by dragging day is a definite challenge! There is no hard time being self controlled in criminal, sexual, illegal, or immoral activities for me, but to be self controlled with my thoughts is to take them by high command and capture them thoroughly. Someone figure out how to do that without God and I'll show you a very worldly man, for only with His mighty power can my mind by completely captured and ready for honest and holy action. ~
The thought of self control in a world out of control is hard to imagine. What does that look like? If we are to prepare our minds for action and be self controlled, that's kind of hard to do; especially when we want what we want now to meet this selfish worlds ranks of "success". Prepare to be self controlled; I think God Almighty knew we would need mounds of holy help here. We are to live for the home that we have yet to journey to; a home that does not exist here on Earth, but our eternal home situated in the great heavenly host. We are to practice delayed gratification; which is a lost art, instead of deadly debt. To prepare my mind is one thing, but to actually actively live that out day by dragging day is a definite challenge! There is no hard time being self controlled in criminal, sexual, illegal, or immoral activities for me, but to be self controlled with my thoughts is to take them by high command and capture them thoroughly. Someone figure out how to do that without God and I'll show you a very worldly man, for only with His mighty power can my mind by completely captured and ready for honest and holy action. ~
Friday, August 26, 2011
Without Hindrance
Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Acts 28:31 (NIV)
So often I have the opportunity to preach the word of God, but it is often WITH great hindrance and I would venture to say there is no "bold" to any kind of my lifestyle evangelism even in the slightest. Throughout my day I could run into a gamut of people pushing their life along also, but how many of them truly know that I have a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ? God expects that the gospel and the Holy Spirit would continue to penetrate this world until the very end of time; that people would continue to preach of his love, grace, wisdom and unbelievable understanding and not just with our words, but with our actions. Loving each other, caring for each other, taking a meal to an elderly couple, or even helping a single mom care for her young children could all be ways in which to boldly show our love for Christ. Making triumphal noises to the Holy Spirit when He shuts down the sometime elusive enemy is a great proclamation for Christ's children and we need to shout it out and make a joyful noise! ~
So often I have the opportunity to preach the word of God, but it is often WITH great hindrance and I would venture to say there is no "bold" to any kind of my lifestyle evangelism even in the slightest. Throughout my day I could run into a gamut of people pushing their life along also, but how many of them truly know that I have a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ? God expects that the gospel and the Holy Spirit would continue to penetrate this world until the very end of time; that people would continue to preach of his love, grace, wisdom and unbelievable understanding and not just with our words, but with our actions. Loving each other, caring for each other, taking a meal to an elderly couple, or even helping a single mom care for her young children could all be ways in which to boldly show our love for Christ. Making triumphal noises to the Holy Spirit when He shuts down the sometime elusive enemy is a great proclamation for Christ's children and we need to shout it out and make a joyful noise! ~
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Exalted Lord
O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.
~ Isaiah 25:1 (NIV)
While I may not always agree, or see where God is leading me, I always find that every one of His promises are true and He is far more faithful to me than I am to Him on a daily basis. While I sometimes forget all the wonders God has performed, I still can't deny that He has defeated evil principalities that have surrounded me and my family. Amazing comfort and peace has come to me in the midst of oppressing trails and puzzling pain; which can only be explained one way - the Holy Spirit. Thank you God that you have a perfect plan for me even when I feel like I have driven this train called life into the ditch. Thank you for being faithful in the good times and in the trials. Thank you for loving me even before I loved you. Praise be your name! Please help me to be mindful of everything you have done and help me to honor you always. In everything you have planned for me, good & bad, help me to give glory to you and exalt your glorious name always. Amen. ~
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Unjust Laws
Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. ~ Isaiah 10:1-2 (NIV)
WOE TO AMERICA! WAKE UP! Absolute ignorance turns their cheek on those in need (sound like a governing system you know ? Me too). Power turns evil when used only for personal gain instead of the betterment of the world in which we live. Our need for control and power has only created rebellion rapidly shouting for unmoral, ridiculous rights and laws. But to valiantly fight for such oppression of Gods laws is not only ungodly, but will have phenomenal repercussions in the long run. Hey, don't get mad at me, I'm just the messenger...pick up a Bible again America! Not to mention the fact that the Almighty God looks on the widows and fatherless with massive amounts of lavishing love and to prey on them is to prey of God. Please take a hard look at yourself; do you like to be in charge because it fees good to have huge amounts of control over people and to secure your gain, or do you enjoy power to help those who could use your unmerited favor? In your community their are probably plenty of widows and fatherless children along with countless other hurting people that you could help. Find them and reach out to them. Do not make anyone feel less of a person, or less important; they are also God's children and made in His image incredibly designed and unconditionally loved. WOE TO AMERICA! WAKE UP! ~
WOE TO AMERICA! WAKE UP! Absolute ignorance turns their cheek on those in need (sound like a governing system you know ? Me too). Power turns evil when used only for personal gain instead of the betterment of the world in which we live. Our need for control and power has only created rebellion rapidly shouting for unmoral, ridiculous rights and laws. But to valiantly fight for such oppression of Gods laws is not only ungodly, but will have phenomenal repercussions in the long run. Hey, don't get mad at me, I'm just the messenger...pick up a Bible again America! Not to mention the fact that the Almighty God looks on the widows and fatherless with massive amounts of lavishing love and to prey on them is to prey of God. Please take a hard look at yourself; do you like to be in charge because it fees good to have huge amounts of control over people and to secure your gain, or do you enjoy power to help those who could use your unmerited favor? In your community their are probably plenty of widows and fatherless children along with countless other hurting people that you could help. Find them and reach out to them. Do not make anyone feel less of a person, or less important; they are also God's children and made in His image incredibly designed and unconditionally loved. WOE TO AMERICA! WAKE UP! ~
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Bruised Reed
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice, he will not falter, or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope.
~ Isaiah 42:3-4 (NIV)
God requires justice; maybe not here on this faltering earth while we are here, but one day He will bring forth his mighty justice. In the same way, he will protect the innocent and the weak during times of injustice and give them the courageous strength to toil on. The real hope, strength and peace comes from knowing that true justice will come and so we can let go of the vengeful thoughts we have and trust in Him. Come to grips with what you need justice about and pray to the Lord Almighty that He would clear your thoughts and that you would be able to let go of the wrongs done to you intentionally, or unintentionally through his awesome grace. Righteousness will be gladly given to those who put their hope and sometimes smoldering faith in Him. Please hold on and remember that only His children will win in the end and final justice will then take charge! ~
~ Isaiah 42:3-4 (NIV)
God requires justice; maybe not here on this faltering earth while we are here, but one day He will bring forth his mighty justice. In the same way, he will protect the innocent and the weak during times of injustice and give them the courageous strength to toil on. The real hope, strength and peace comes from knowing that true justice will come and so we can let go of the vengeful thoughts we have and trust in Him. Come to grips with what you need justice about and pray to the Lord Almighty that He would clear your thoughts and that you would be able to let go of the wrongs done to you intentionally, or unintentionally through his awesome grace. Righteousness will be gladly given to those who put their hope and sometimes smoldering faith in Him. Please hold on and remember that only His children will win in the end and final justice will then take charge! ~
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