In my almost 38 years on the planet, I’ve never seen anyone get something for nothing. Good and lasting blessings never come easy. If you want to have happiness, you must pursue it. If you want lasting earthly wealth, you must be prepared to work hard for it and if you want good relationships with others, you must be willing to work at it. But regardless of what your heart’s desire is, you will need to start somewhere. Consider an apple seed – you will need to plant the seed and nurture the plant in order for it to become an apple tree and produce the apples you want. Every harvest starts with a seed. What seed are you holding in your hand? If you carefully examine the seed in your hand right now, can you have enough faith to see a forest – in your spirit?
We so underestimate ourselves and our potential. Sometimes it’s because we have given the wrong people access to our lives for too long a time and as such our dreams have been either crushed or paralyzed. Or it maybe that we are unmotivated to do the work needed to achieve our dreams. But a New Year is approaching – it’s time to move all obstacles to the side. Understand that no-one can stop you but you. Release all limitations whether real or perceived and start to use what you have in your hand.
If you are fed up with where you are right now and want a shift in your position, the time has come. If you are a woman trying desperately to be something God has really not created you to be, your time is now. If you are fed up trying desperately to fit in and to be accepted by everyone, there’s not time like now to start anew. Don’t settle for what the world expects another day. It really doesn’t matter what they expect, think or say. Accept that folks will always have something to say regardless so why not make it easier for them! It’s time to do you; time to be you; time to start sowing the seed God has placed in your hand.
The scripture above really encourages me to work hard and never give up. It allows me to see that what I have in my hand is really all that I need to begin. Every keystroke that I type gets me closer to my dream – every single one of them.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
You Will Get There
Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light – Micah 7:8
We all face hard times. The common language we all understand is suffering. Rich people suffer and poor people suffer. We all make mistakes as none of us are perfect. In humility we must acknowledge when we are wrong and make amends to those we have crossed. Arrogance and disrespect has no place in the Word of God – even when we believe that we are in the right.
When we do things to make others suffer and gloat over their plight, we are sinning against God in two ways – one for making another person face hard times and two for gloating over the suffering of our fellow man. God is not happy when believers frustrate and antagonize one another. He is not impressed with blatant disobedience to his Holy Word.
God himself is the one who puts one man down and promotes another. By gloating over the suffering of others, we are assuming that we will never be in the same position they are in. We are playing God who knows the end of the beginning which we don’t. 1 Samuel 12:16 says “Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes!" If you are having a hard time today and people think that you are dead and will never live again, rest in the assurance that it is God who has the last word on your life not man. Believe that every suffering, shame, ridicule and disgrace that you go through is for a purpose and when the time is right all will be revealed. The Lord is indeed doing a great thing in your life; it’s a shame that the world cannot perceive it.
We all face hard times. The common language we all understand is suffering. Rich people suffer and poor people suffer. We all make mistakes as none of us are perfect. In humility we must acknowledge when we are wrong and make amends to those we have crossed. Arrogance and disrespect has no place in the Word of God – even when we believe that we are in the right.
When we do things to make others suffer and gloat over their plight, we are sinning against God in two ways – one for making another person face hard times and two for gloating over the suffering of our fellow man. God is not happy when believers frustrate and antagonize one another. He is not impressed with blatant disobedience to his Holy Word.
God himself is the one who puts one man down and promotes another. By gloating over the suffering of others, we are assuming that we will never be in the same position they are in. We are playing God who knows the end of the beginning which we don’t. 1 Samuel 12:16 says “Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes!" If you are having a hard time today and people think that you are dead and will never live again, rest in the assurance that it is God who has the last word on your life not man. Believe that every suffering, shame, ridicule and disgrace that you go through is for a purpose and when the time is right all will be revealed. The Lord is indeed doing a great thing in your life; it’s a shame that the world cannot perceive it.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Not All Ears Will Hear
Be ever hearing but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving. Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed. – Isaiah 6:9-10
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is extremely simple. There is nothing complicated about it. That is why faith has absolutely nothing to do with intellect such that no-one can say I went to hell because I did not understand. God has a supernatural way of meeting every being he created at his or her level. God means different things to many people – He is so omniscient, He can be whatever you want him to be. He’s a Healer, a Provider, a Husband, a Friend that sticks closer than a brother, a Strong Refuge, a Deliverer, a Loving Father, a Wonderful Counselor, a Great Comforter – the list is endless. Whatever you need God can be but that is if only you will hear and heed his word.
When we come in contact with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we really see our lives and our decisions change. We start to see the world in a whole different and new light. All the immaterial things that used to concern and bother us before no longer matter to us. We are renewed creatures, eager to dedicate and live our lives for God. All these wonderful changes happen only when we really hear. When we fail to hear and heed the Word of God, we say all the right words but do all the wrong things. We “amen” everything the preacher says knowing in our hearts that we do not plan to change our ways. We go from church to church trying to find wholeness that only God can bring. Our words are that of a believer but our attitude and behavior speaks contrary to the Word of God. When our hearts are dulled and calloused, we are beyond conviction.
As the scripture above clearly says – it is only when we make a decision to change and open up our hearts to receive and be sensitive to the teachings of Jesus Christ via the Holy Spirit that dwells in each and every believer can we be truly healed.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is extremely simple. There is nothing complicated about it. That is why faith has absolutely nothing to do with intellect such that no-one can say I went to hell because I did not understand. God has a supernatural way of meeting every being he created at his or her level. God means different things to many people – He is so omniscient, He can be whatever you want him to be. He’s a Healer, a Provider, a Husband, a Friend that sticks closer than a brother, a Strong Refuge, a Deliverer, a Loving Father, a Wonderful Counselor, a Great Comforter – the list is endless. Whatever you need God can be but that is if only you will hear and heed his word.
When we come in contact with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we really see our lives and our decisions change. We start to see the world in a whole different and new light. All the immaterial things that used to concern and bother us before no longer matter to us. We are renewed creatures, eager to dedicate and live our lives for God. All these wonderful changes happen only when we really hear. When we fail to hear and heed the Word of God, we say all the right words but do all the wrong things. We “amen” everything the preacher says knowing in our hearts that we do not plan to change our ways. We go from church to church trying to find wholeness that only God can bring. Our words are that of a believer but our attitude and behavior speaks contrary to the Word of God. When our hearts are dulled and calloused, we are beyond conviction.
As the scripture above clearly says – it is only when we make a decision to change and open up our hearts to receive and be sensitive to the teachings of Jesus Christ via the Holy Spirit that dwells in each and every believer can we be truly healed.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Brokenness Causes Praises
So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” – Job 2:7-10
It is so easy to praise God when everything is going great but how many will praise God even when things aren’t all that good. It is important to make our praises to God consistent regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. Job’s wife could not see the sense in her husband holding on to any kind of integrity. As far as she was concerned, he really needed to call it a day.
We all fall into the trap of sulking when we don’t get our way. I remember praying about an issue for years and God brought no relieve in that area. I was disappointed that God did not do exactly what I wanted. For a minute, I thought maybe God didn’t even love me. I stopped praying and it showed! As I studied the scriptures and walked with God, I learnt that God said No for a reason. He was trying to save me from an inevitable calamity that was to come that I could not see. He wanted to save me greater heartache down the line. Based on where I am now with my peace and my joy, I am glad I did not get my will and I have learnt to praise God even when things are bad. I have learned to go back to God and let him hold my hand through the bad times.
If you read the above scripture carefully, you will find comfort in knowing that Satan needed God’s permission to afflict Job. The enemy cannot do anything to us that God does not allow. God sees the end from the beginning and He never gives us more than we can bear. So when we are broken and in the valley, we must praise God just as vehemently as we do when we are on the mountain enjoying the blessings that only God can bring.
It is so easy to praise God when everything is going great but how many will praise God even when things aren’t all that good. It is important to make our praises to God consistent regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. Job’s wife could not see the sense in her husband holding on to any kind of integrity. As far as she was concerned, he really needed to call it a day.
We all fall into the trap of sulking when we don’t get our way. I remember praying about an issue for years and God brought no relieve in that area. I was disappointed that God did not do exactly what I wanted. For a minute, I thought maybe God didn’t even love me. I stopped praying and it showed! As I studied the scriptures and walked with God, I learnt that God said No for a reason. He was trying to save me from an inevitable calamity that was to come that I could not see. He wanted to save me greater heartache down the line. Based on where I am now with my peace and my joy, I am glad I did not get my will and I have learnt to praise God even when things are bad. I have learned to go back to God and let him hold my hand through the bad times.
If you read the above scripture carefully, you will find comfort in knowing that Satan needed God’s permission to afflict Job. The enemy cannot do anything to us that God does not allow. God sees the end from the beginning and He never gives us more than we can bear. So when we are broken and in the valley, we must praise God just as vehemently as we do when we are on the mountain enjoying the blessings that only God can bring.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Guarding the Truth
“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.” – Matthew 13:3
Whether a seasoned believer or new to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, guarding the truth that we now know in our hearts is very crucial. A lot of us learn the truth but the roots of what has been learnt never get the opportunity to travel deeps into the recesses of our hearts and very soon after, we fall back into our old ways. The Word of God is like precious seeds that need nurturing to grow. If you are not careful, the enemy will come and steal those seeds so the glory of God does not come to fruition in your life.
Be vigilant now that you have been introduced to the truth. Refuse to fall prey to the attractions of this world that will more than likely lead to nothing. Spend your time studying the Word of God so that His truth will never be far from your hearts. If you need to make new friends do so; if you need to find a better environment to work in, find another job. Do whatever it takes to ensure that you do not fall by the wayside and miss your turn. Being careless with what you know can send you back to where you once were or even worse.
The more you guard the truth you have learnt, the more the Lord will reveal to you. Holding on to the truth can be the difference between achieving your destiny and missing out completely on the purpose God has for your life.
Whether a seasoned believer or new to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, guarding the truth that we now know in our hearts is very crucial. A lot of us learn the truth but the roots of what has been learnt never get the opportunity to travel deeps into the recesses of our hearts and very soon after, we fall back into our old ways. The Word of God is like precious seeds that need nurturing to grow. If you are not careful, the enemy will come and steal those seeds so the glory of God does not come to fruition in your life.
Be vigilant now that you have been introduced to the truth. Refuse to fall prey to the attractions of this world that will more than likely lead to nothing. Spend your time studying the Word of God so that His truth will never be far from your hearts. If you need to make new friends do so; if you need to find a better environment to work in, find another job. Do whatever it takes to ensure that you do not fall by the wayside and miss your turn. Being careless with what you know can send you back to where you once were or even worse.
The more you guard the truth you have learnt, the more the Lord will reveal to you. Holding on to the truth can be the difference between achieving your destiny and missing out completely on the purpose God has for your life.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Will You Do as the Lord Commands?
But after he had quietly considered this, am angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:20-21
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. – Matthew 1:24
Imagine yourself as Joseph. What would you have done? You were hoping to get a wife but now you have a pregnant wife; a package deal as they call it. I know for a fact that many men in my culture will not accept Mary – not for all the tea in China! Not only would they refuse to marry her, they will tell the whole world how scandalous the woman is and how she is trying to pawn another man’s child off on them.
But the Bible records that Joseph was a righteous man (Matthew 1:19). Even though he knew that she was pregnant, he refused to abandon her. Instead, he was planning to divorce her quietly once the child is born to avoid her suffering any disgrace. How many men today will do that? When the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and told him to marry Mary anyhow, he did not hesitate to obey the commands of God.
Would you obey God even though your rational man is telling you to do otherwise? Would you choose to follow the instructions of the Lord even when things do not make sense to you and those and around you? It pays to obey God at all times. There is great reward in obedience to the Lord. Joseph as a righteous man loved God, he saw no other choice but to do His will.
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. – Matthew 1:24
Imagine yourself as Joseph. What would you have done? You were hoping to get a wife but now you have a pregnant wife; a package deal as they call it. I know for a fact that many men in my culture will not accept Mary – not for all the tea in China! Not only would they refuse to marry her, they will tell the whole world how scandalous the woman is and how she is trying to pawn another man’s child off on them.
But the Bible records that Joseph was a righteous man (Matthew 1:19). Even though he knew that she was pregnant, he refused to abandon her. Instead, he was planning to divorce her quietly once the child is born to avoid her suffering any disgrace. How many men today will do that? When the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and told him to marry Mary anyhow, he did not hesitate to obey the commands of God.
Would you obey God even though your rational man is telling you to do otherwise? Would you choose to follow the instructions of the Lord even when things do not make sense to you and those and around you? It pays to obey God at all times. There is great reward in obedience to the Lord. Joseph as a righteous man loved God, he saw no other choice but to do His will.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
The True Meaning of Christmas
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:16-17
What does Christmas really mean to you? Is it just a holiday, a day off from work and/or a day to get and give gifts? Do you ignore what Christmas really means and focus on the paganism of it all? Do you ignore the words Christ and Mass in the Christmas and use the “Happy Holidays” or “Xmas” slogans instead?
Christmas represents one thing and one thing alone – God’s incredible love for all mankind. It is common knowledge that Jesus Christ was not actually born on December 25 but it is a day that has been chosen to celebrate His birth. Why do we celebrate and rejoice? God himself came in the person of Jesus Christ because of the incredible love He has for us. The Bible tells us that God Himself is Love so His love for us all cannot be questioned. His Only Son, Jesus Christ suffered and died on the Cross for us all so that we can have eternal life through Him. The bondage of sin and death has been removed from our lives. Glory Be to Almighty God!
As you celebrate today, exchange gifts and enjoy yourself, do not forget or ignore the real reason behind the celebrations. Take time to acknowledge Jesus Christ and what He has done for you.
What does Christmas really mean to you? Is it just a holiday, a day off from work and/or a day to get and give gifts? Do you ignore what Christmas really means and focus on the paganism of it all? Do you ignore the words Christ and Mass in the Christmas and use the “Happy Holidays” or “Xmas” slogans instead?
Christmas represents one thing and one thing alone – God’s incredible love for all mankind. It is common knowledge that Jesus Christ was not actually born on December 25 but it is a day that has been chosen to celebrate His birth. Why do we celebrate and rejoice? God himself came in the person of Jesus Christ because of the incredible love He has for us. The Bible tells us that God Himself is Love so His love for us all cannot be questioned. His Only Son, Jesus Christ suffered and died on the Cross for us all so that we can have eternal life through Him. The bondage of sin and death has been removed from our lives. Glory Be to Almighty God!
As you celebrate today, exchange gifts and enjoy yourself, do not forget or ignore the real reason behind the celebrations. Take time to acknowledge Jesus Christ and what He has done for you.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Ten Commandments of Christmas
- Thou shall not leave "Christ" out of Christmas.
- Thou shall not value thy gifts by their costs, for many shall signify love that is more blessed and beautiful than silver and gold.
- Thou shall give thyself with thy gifts. Thy love, thy personality, and thy service shall increase the value of thy gifts a hundredfold, and he that receiveth them shall treasure them forever.
- Thou shall not let Santa Clause take the place of Christ, lest Christmas become a fairy-tale rather than a sublime reality in the spiritual realm.
- Thou shall not burden thy servants, the sales-girl, the mail- carrier and the merchant. They all shall have thy consideration.
- Thou shall not neglect the church. Its Christmas services are planned to help spiritualize the Christmas season for thee, thy family and thy friends.
- Thou shall not neglect the needy. Let thy bountiful blessings be shared with the many who will go hungry and cold unless thou art generous at Christmas.
- Thou shall be as a little child. Christmas is the day of the Christ-child; not until thou hast become in spirit as a little child art thou ready to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
- Thou shall prepare thy soul for Christmas. Verily, most of us spend much time and money getting gifts ready, but few seconds in the preparing of our souls.
- Thou shall give thy heart to Christ. Let thy Christmas list have Christ in thy heart at thetop, as thy gift to Him this Christmas.
http://www.our.homewithgod.com/ourallinall/christmascommandments.htm
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas: A Season for Giving Our Hearts to Christ
After they had heard the King, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. – Matthew 2:9-11
God is the ultimate giver. He gave His Only Son so that we can all be saved and live forever with him in eternity. Christmas is known as a time we exchange gifts with friends and family but we are never to forget the real reason for the season. We are called to give the most important present to the Savior which is our hearts. He must be first on our Christmas List every single year. Every Christmas, we must re-dedicate our hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ and keep him first place even as we share gifts with friends, sing carols and decorate trees.
Jesus Christ is the real reason for the season. It makes no sense trying to take Christ out of Christmas when that is who the celebration is all about. Imagine a world with no Christmas. Think of an economy with no Christmas – most retailers will go bankrupt if there were no Christmas. Jesus is the key part of celebrating Christmas. Invite Him into your heart and into your life today. Do not go another minute without the ultimate giver in your life. There is no other gift that can be given to you of monetary value that can ever compare to the gift of salvation that only Christ can give.
God is the ultimate giver. He gave His Only Son so that we can all be saved and live forever with him in eternity. Christmas is known as a time we exchange gifts with friends and family but we are never to forget the real reason for the season. We are called to give the most important present to the Savior which is our hearts. He must be first on our Christmas List every single year. Every Christmas, we must re-dedicate our hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ and keep him first place even as we share gifts with friends, sing carols and decorate trees.
Jesus Christ is the real reason for the season. It makes no sense trying to take Christ out of Christmas when that is who the celebration is all about. Imagine a world with no Christmas. Think of an economy with no Christmas – most retailers will go bankrupt if there were no Christmas. Jesus is the key part of celebrating Christmas. Invite Him into your heart and into your life today. Do not go another minute without the ultimate giver in your life. There is no other gift that can be given to you of monetary value that can ever compare to the gift of salvation that only Christ can give.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Immanuel, God with Us
The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, “God with us.” – Matthew 1:23
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel. – Isaiah 7:14
God has existed since the beginning of time; before the foundations of the earth. And the birth of Jesus Christ signifies that God himself has come down from the heavens to dwell amongst us. This statement – “God with Us” tells us that Jesus is God in the flesh. Without God taking the form of man and descending to the earth, we can never have any hope of ascending into heaven as believers in Jesus Christ. We will be forever doomed in our state of sin and be separated from God. Jesus Christ brought salvation and hope to a world that seems to sinking further and further into oblivion. The Bible tells us salvation can be found in no-one else for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
God can also be with you as promised to all when you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and your Savior. He can surround you with his love, protection and comfort. His very nature can be revealed through you. He is the very light we all need in our lives when everything else seems to be fading into darkness. Jesus Christ was sent by God to be a Savior to all – men and women; Jews and Gentiles. His name means Savior, the Anointed One.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel. – Isaiah 7:14
God has existed since the beginning of time; before the foundations of the earth. And the birth of Jesus Christ signifies that God himself has come down from the heavens to dwell amongst us. This statement – “God with Us” tells us that Jesus is God in the flesh. Without God taking the form of man and descending to the earth, we can never have any hope of ascending into heaven as believers in Jesus Christ. We will be forever doomed in our state of sin and be separated from God. Jesus Christ brought salvation and hope to a world that seems to sinking further and further into oblivion. The Bible tells us salvation can be found in no-one else for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
God can also be with you as promised to all when you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and your Savior. He can surround you with his love, protection and comfort. His very nature can be revealed through you. He is the very light we all need in our lives when everything else seems to be fading into darkness. Jesus Christ was sent by God to be a Savior to all – men and women; Jews and Gentiles. His name means Savior, the Anointed One.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
A Phenomenal Woman
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. – Matthew 1:18-19
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” – Luke 1:26-28
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. – Luke 1:38
Imagine yourself as a young lady, pledged to a good and righteous man and looking forward to marriage. You have kept yourself pure until now; you have remained a virgin. All of a sudden you get a visit from an angel telling you that you have been highly favored amongst all other women and that you are pregnant with the Son of God. I don’t think I will react the same way that she did (Luke 1:38). But Mary was like no other, I guess that is why she was chosen by God. Even though the Bible records that Joseph protected her honor by not disclosing that she was pregnant out of wedlock, she must have felt a little strange. She must have felt all alone as her predicament was not one that could be shared with others. How do you tell people you are pregnant but have never been with any man? No-one will believe you. Mary was a phenomenal woman. She accepted God’s plan for her life with faith and with trust.
Sometimes God gives us stuff we never prayed for and we feel all alone. Mary didn’t pray to be the woman who would deliver Jesus Christ; God hand-picked her for this purpose. When we go through difficult times due to no fault of our own, it may help to know that God has a plan in mind for our lives. If there was no plan for our good, God will not allow any misfortune to come our way. In difficult times, we must always remember that God has something on His mind; especially when we have done nothing wrong to cause the problems that we are facing. We must lean to trust in the faithfulness and goodness of God because He is good all of the time. I can testify that even when we get ourselves in a big and glorious mess, God can still work things out for our good and to His glory.
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” – Luke 1:26-28
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. – Luke 1:38
Imagine yourself as a young lady, pledged to a good and righteous man and looking forward to marriage. You have kept yourself pure until now; you have remained a virgin. All of a sudden you get a visit from an angel telling you that you have been highly favored amongst all other women and that you are pregnant with the Son of God. I don’t think I will react the same way that she did (Luke 1:38). But Mary was like no other, I guess that is why she was chosen by God. Even though the Bible records that Joseph protected her honor by not disclosing that she was pregnant out of wedlock, she must have felt a little strange. She must have felt all alone as her predicament was not one that could be shared with others. How do you tell people you are pregnant but have never been with any man? No-one will believe you. Mary was a phenomenal woman. She accepted God’s plan for her life with faith and with trust.
Sometimes God gives us stuff we never prayed for and we feel all alone. Mary didn’t pray to be the woman who would deliver Jesus Christ; God hand-picked her for this purpose. When we go through difficult times due to no fault of our own, it may help to know that God has a plan in mind for our lives. If there was no plan for our good, God will not allow any misfortune to come our way. In difficult times, we must always remember that God has something on His mind; especially when we have done nothing wrong to cause the problems that we are facing. We must lean to trust in the faithfulness and goodness of God because He is good all of the time. I can testify that even when we get ourselves in a big and glorious mess, God can still work things out for our good and to His glory.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
God of Mercy and Grace
It was recently brought to my attention the significance of the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-17. There are two women mentioned that clearly display the mercy and grace available to all who approach the throne of God. These two women are Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11) and Rahab.
Let’s take a brief synopsis of the lives of these two women:
Bathsheba: She was the wife of Uriah the Hittite. King David killed her husband Uriah so he could marry her (2 Samuel 11). She later became the mother of Solomon who succeeded David as King of Israel and Judah. She was called in by David and she committed adultery with him even though she was married and conceived a child in the process. But even with being an adulterous woman, God showed her mercy such that she is remembered in the Bible regarding the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:6).
Rahab: She protected the two spies whom Joshua sent to spy over the land of Jericho. She was able to save their lives lying to the servants of the king saying that they had left her home even though they were hidden inside her roof (Joshua 2:4). Even though she made a living from prostitution, she knew about the power of God. She knew that the same God who parted the Red Sea and had given the people of Israel many victories in the past would give Jericho to them. Because of her faith in God, she is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). She is also mentioned amongst the people of great faith in Hebrews 11:31.
It does not matter what you have done or where you have been, God can show you the same kind of mercy and grace that he has shown these two women. God is indeed just and you may have to suffer the consequences of your sins but the state of sin can be removed from your life. Make the right choice today and accept the mercy and grace of God only available through Jesus Christ His Son.
Let’s take a brief synopsis of the lives of these two women:
Bathsheba: She was the wife of Uriah the Hittite. King David killed her husband Uriah so he could marry her (2 Samuel 11). She later became the mother of Solomon who succeeded David as King of Israel and Judah. She was called in by David and she committed adultery with him even though she was married and conceived a child in the process. But even with being an adulterous woman, God showed her mercy such that she is remembered in the Bible regarding the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:6).
Rahab: She protected the two spies whom Joshua sent to spy over the land of Jericho. She was able to save their lives lying to the servants of the king saying that they had left her home even though they were hidden inside her roof (Joshua 2:4). Even though she made a living from prostitution, she knew about the power of God. She knew that the same God who parted the Red Sea and had given the people of Israel many victories in the past would give Jericho to them. Because of her faith in God, she is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). She is also mentioned amongst the people of great faith in Hebrews 11:31.
It does not matter what you have done or where you have been, God can show you the same kind of mercy and grace that he has shown these two women. God is indeed just and you may have to suffer the consequences of your sins but the state of sin can be removed from your life. Make the right choice today and accept the mercy and grace of God only available through Jesus Christ His Son.
Friday, December 19, 2008
True Sacrifice for Us All
“You see, at jut the right time, when we were powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a righteous man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him.” – Romans 5:6-9
Even though some believers rest better at night with the notion that Christ died for the elect; the bible states clearly states that he died for the sins of all. Having said that, not all have been able to accept and enjoy this privilege. The knowledge that even while I was all up in the muck and mire of my sin, someone thought me worthy enough to die for me makes me want to be better. My unrighteousness makes the righteousness of God clearer. The sacrifice of his beloved Son so that I might gain eternal life makes me want to prove that what was done for me was worth the effort. Not that I really need to prove myself to the God of the Universe, but the desire still exists.
It doesn’t really matter if you attend church 7 days a week or are the director of the chicken frying committee, no one is righteous not one. No-one will ever be declared righteous in the sight of God by observing the law. Rather through the law we are aware of how much of a sinner we really are. We are all sinners and while we were sinners, God sent Jesus Christ to save us. Only Jesus could forever take away the sins of the world – once and for all. No-one or nothing else would do. Only a true God would go that far and give up his only Son for a sinful people.
In the world we live in today, very few are willing to lay their lives down for another. Truth be told, only very few are willing to stretch out a helping hand. I’ve heard people say things like “I’ll die for my wife or for my child”; all I can say is that I pray that their assertions never get tested! We live in a cruel and selfish world where everyone kind of look out for themselves and themselves alone. Even within the same family, a child is suffering and people don’t care simply because the suffering child is not theirs but only happens to be from another member of the family. As a parent, I can’t understand how you will not care for any child – yours or not. Caring about another and the well-being of your neighbor is rare these days only a few practice the act of lending a hand.
For believers who understand the world and how it functions, it is imperative that you keep Christ first in your life and everything you do because when push comes to shove, He is all you have! The majority may hang around initially when things are not too good but at the same time not all that bad. When things get really deplorable, folks varnish fast. They cannot afford to be seen with you anymore. Only the Christ who died for you will really stand up for you when things get difficult. The love of God cannot be compared to any love we feel or experience in this realm. It’s like a wind, you can’t see it but you can surely feel its effects – once you have it, it never really leaves you.
Even though some believers rest better at night with the notion that Christ died for the elect; the bible states clearly states that he died for the sins of all. Having said that, not all have been able to accept and enjoy this privilege. The knowledge that even while I was all up in the muck and mire of my sin, someone thought me worthy enough to die for me makes me want to be better. My unrighteousness makes the righteousness of God clearer. The sacrifice of his beloved Son so that I might gain eternal life makes me want to prove that what was done for me was worth the effort. Not that I really need to prove myself to the God of the Universe, but the desire still exists.
It doesn’t really matter if you attend church 7 days a week or are the director of the chicken frying committee, no one is righteous not one. No-one will ever be declared righteous in the sight of God by observing the law. Rather through the law we are aware of how much of a sinner we really are. We are all sinners and while we were sinners, God sent Jesus Christ to save us. Only Jesus could forever take away the sins of the world – once and for all. No-one or nothing else would do. Only a true God would go that far and give up his only Son for a sinful people.
In the world we live in today, very few are willing to lay their lives down for another. Truth be told, only very few are willing to stretch out a helping hand. I’ve heard people say things like “I’ll die for my wife or for my child”; all I can say is that I pray that their assertions never get tested! We live in a cruel and selfish world where everyone kind of look out for themselves and themselves alone. Even within the same family, a child is suffering and people don’t care simply because the suffering child is not theirs but only happens to be from another member of the family. As a parent, I can’t understand how you will not care for any child – yours or not. Caring about another and the well-being of your neighbor is rare these days only a few practice the act of lending a hand.
For believers who understand the world and how it functions, it is imperative that you keep Christ first in your life and everything you do because when push comes to shove, He is all you have! The majority may hang around initially when things are not too good but at the same time not all that bad. When things get really deplorable, folks varnish fast. They cannot afford to be seen with you anymore. Only the Christ who died for you will really stand up for you when things get difficult. The love of God cannot be compared to any love we feel or experience in this realm. It’s like a wind, you can’t see it but you can surely feel its effects – once you have it, it never really leaves you.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Practice Obedience
“Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.”- Jeremiah 17:5-6
When we truly love God, we desire to do his will. Even when we make a mistake fall short, (which we sometimes will) the Holy Spirit that dwells in us lets us know and we are quick to make necessary amends to get us back on the right track. When you are really walking with God, you can never be blatantly disobedient and make no attempts to take responsibility and change your ways. When you find folks who call themselves Christians that are openly disobedient, the light of God in them is questionable. The reason that I say this is that the Holy Spirit is like a navigation system. You cannot get lost for too long; it will keep speaking and re-directing your steps. You may choose to turn it off and continue in the path to destruction but that’s a choice you make because the spirit has since departed from you.
When you knowingly and brazenly disobey God’s law, you place a curse on your life. You will be living but you will have no life. I remember in Luke 5 when Jesus told Simon to go out into deep waters and let the nets down for a catch. He was an experienced fisherman. Simon’s flesh commented that he had worked all night and caught nothing. But obedience made him agree that even though he was experienced and he knew what he was doing, nevertheless because Jesus said so, he will let down the nets. We all know what happened after that. Sometimes we think we know it all and we openly disobey God and follow our own instincts and what our flesh desires. We kill our anointing just because we are set in our own ways and refuse to change.
You can never disobey your way into the promises of God. You can’t do wrong to make things right – never. It’s time to start doing God’s thing instead of doing your thing! If you are struggling with obedience, the good news is that you care – some folks are beyond conviction. Remember God loves you and he will help you if your heart is willing and in the right place.
When we truly love God, we desire to do his will. Even when we make a mistake fall short, (which we sometimes will) the Holy Spirit that dwells in us lets us know and we are quick to make necessary amends to get us back on the right track. When you are really walking with God, you can never be blatantly disobedient and make no attempts to take responsibility and change your ways. When you find folks who call themselves Christians that are openly disobedient, the light of God in them is questionable. The reason that I say this is that the Holy Spirit is like a navigation system. You cannot get lost for too long; it will keep speaking and re-directing your steps. You may choose to turn it off and continue in the path to destruction but that’s a choice you make because the spirit has since departed from you.
When you knowingly and brazenly disobey God’s law, you place a curse on your life. You will be living but you will have no life. I remember in Luke 5 when Jesus told Simon to go out into deep waters and let the nets down for a catch. He was an experienced fisherman. Simon’s flesh commented that he had worked all night and caught nothing. But obedience made him agree that even though he was experienced and he knew what he was doing, nevertheless because Jesus said so, he will let down the nets. We all know what happened after that. Sometimes we think we know it all and we openly disobey God and follow our own instincts and what our flesh desires. We kill our anointing just because we are set in our own ways and refuse to change.
You can never disobey your way into the promises of God. You can’t do wrong to make things right – never. It’s time to start doing God’s thing instead of doing your thing! If you are struggling with obedience, the good news is that you care – some folks are beyond conviction. Remember God loves you and he will help you if your heart is willing and in the right place.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
True Joy is Found Only in the Lord
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” - Matthew 16:24-25
When all you really believe is all you can physically see, the power of God is foreign to you. To appreciate, embrace and understand the supernatural power of God requires seeing with more than your natural eyes. Many go through life fumbling around, in search of something outside of themselves that they will never find. Everything you really need for godly living has been placed in the single place you can never miss it – inside of you.
Searching for happiness is a senseless journey and a journey for pagans. Pleasure, yes you would find but no intelligent being will confuse pleasure with happiness. I’ve lived long enough to know the difference. You have within you all you need to attain the joy you so desperately seek by looking for a new spouse, a new job and a new home. All these “new” things will never really bring true happiness. You didn’t have it before you acquired these things; you wouldn’t have it when you get them. Your chronic unhappiness has nothing to do with what’s around you but more to do with your attitude to life.
The pursuit of happiness is a fruitless pursuit. Many have turned their lives into experimental laboratories whilst seeking this elusive feeling. They have tried 10 employers in 5 years; 2 wives in the last two decades and still nothing. Searching for happiness externally is like traveling through a bottomless pit; you just keep going and going. It is like a mirage of water on a dry day as soon as you get close, it varnishes. You look down the road and there lies another promise.
The reality is nothing external will make you happy. When you realize that you’re not God and that there’s more to life than satisfying your fleshy cravings, you would soon realize the truth in this message. Once you realize that true joy only comes from God and that only He and He alone has the power to change your circumstances not the things around you, you can begin to experience the happiness you are desperately seeking.
Embarking on a pursuit of happiness for yourself simply means that happiness will always elude you. Happiness is a by-product of giving yourself for others. It comes as a dividend of a self-sacrificial life – giving yourself for your spouse, your children or your elderly parents, a needy neighbor or a sibling.
When all you really believe is all you can physically see, the power of God is foreign to you. To appreciate, embrace and understand the supernatural power of God requires seeing with more than your natural eyes. Many go through life fumbling around, in search of something outside of themselves that they will never find. Everything you really need for godly living has been placed in the single place you can never miss it – inside of you.
Searching for happiness is a senseless journey and a journey for pagans. Pleasure, yes you would find but no intelligent being will confuse pleasure with happiness. I’ve lived long enough to know the difference. You have within you all you need to attain the joy you so desperately seek by looking for a new spouse, a new job and a new home. All these “new” things will never really bring true happiness. You didn’t have it before you acquired these things; you wouldn’t have it when you get them. Your chronic unhappiness has nothing to do with what’s around you but more to do with your attitude to life.
The pursuit of happiness is a fruitless pursuit. Many have turned their lives into experimental laboratories whilst seeking this elusive feeling. They have tried 10 employers in 5 years; 2 wives in the last two decades and still nothing. Searching for happiness externally is like traveling through a bottomless pit; you just keep going and going. It is like a mirage of water on a dry day as soon as you get close, it varnishes. You look down the road and there lies another promise.
The reality is nothing external will make you happy. When you realize that you’re not God and that there’s more to life than satisfying your fleshy cravings, you would soon realize the truth in this message. Once you realize that true joy only comes from God and that only He and He alone has the power to change your circumstances not the things around you, you can begin to experience the happiness you are desperately seeking.
Embarking on a pursuit of happiness for yourself simply means that happiness will always elude you. Happiness is a by-product of giving yourself for others. It comes as a dividend of a self-sacrificial life – giving yourself for your spouse, your children or your elderly parents, a needy neighbor or a sibling.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Seek the Counsel of God
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. – Proverbs 2:1-6
Life can be difficult sometimes and we find ourselves in really bad spots. We look for answers everywhere except from the right source. When we seek solutions from the world at large, we often end up in more trouble than we originally were in. I have been there. Trouble comes and the first place I look for answers is from my friends and family. They give me solutions based on what they know – their realm of influence; their point of reference. Let’s face it; how can they advice me based on what they do not know? After a few cycles of wrong sowing and devastating reaping, I quickly learned to turn to God first at all times. If I encounter a problem that I cannot solve, I take it to God and I am gently guided by His Holy Word. What can the world offer me that the Word of God cannot? Absolutely nothing!
God must always be our first port of call every single day – when we know what we are doing or think we know and when we have absolutely no idea where this crazy world of ours is headed. God knows everything. He sees everything. His realm of influence and point of reference is complete. He is the Only One with the power to show us which road we ought to travel.
Life can be difficult sometimes and we find ourselves in really bad spots. We look for answers everywhere except from the right source. When we seek solutions from the world at large, we often end up in more trouble than we originally were in. I have been there. Trouble comes and the first place I look for answers is from my friends and family. They give me solutions based on what they know – their realm of influence; their point of reference. Let’s face it; how can they advice me based on what they do not know? After a few cycles of wrong sowing and devastating reaping, I quickly learned to turn to God first at all times. If I encounter a problem that I cannot solve, I take it to God and I am gently guided by His Holy Word. What can the world offer me that the Word of God cannot? Absolutely nothing!
God must always be our first port of call every single day – when we know what we are doing or think we know and when we have absolutely no idea where this crazy world of ours is headed. God knows everything. He sees everything. His realm of influence and point of reference is complete. He is the Only One with the power to show us which road we ought to travel.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Do Not Ignore the Voice of the Lord
If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you. But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you – when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. – Proverbs 1:23-27
Has God been speaking to you lately and you’ve been ignoring him? Has he given you specific instructions you have refused to follow? Maybe he is warning you about a destructive behavior you keep on indulging in and you are deliberately ignoring that still small voice inside? God talks to all his children through the help of His Holy Spirit that dwells within us. It is up to us whether we choose to follow His leading or not. God will never force us to choose His way; it is entirely up to us how we decide to live our lives. Whatever choices we make however, we must face the full effects of the consequences – those never go away.
If God has been talking to you and warning you about the way that you are living, repent now and interrupt the impending cycle of sowing and reaping. Heed the Word of the Lord and His commandments. The Bible is available as a guide for every believer – to direct us on how to live our lives. It is time to start using it and stop relying on our own feelings, intelligence and wisdom. If we fail to heed the Word of the Lord, we may create errors in our lives that we can never erase.
Has God been speaking to you lately and you’ve been ignoring him? Has he given you specific instructions you have refused to follow? Maybe he is warning you about a destructive behavior you keep on indulging in and you are deliberately ignoring that still small voice inside? God talks to all his children through the help of His Holy Spirit that dwells within us. It is up to us whether we choose to follow His leading or not. God will never force us to choose His way; it is entirely up to us how we decide to live our lives. Whatever choices we make however, we must face the full effects of the consequences – those never go away.
If God has been talking to you and warning you about the way that you are living, repent now and interrupt the impending cycle of sowing and reaping. Heed the Word of the Lord and His commandments. The Bible is available as a guide for every believer – to direct us on how to live our lives. It is time to start using it and stop relying on our own feelings, intelligence and wisdom. If we fail to heed the Word of the Lord, we may create errors in our lives that we can never erase.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Forgive and Let Go
“If your brother sins against you go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” – Matthew 18:15-17
It may sometimes seem that some folks are designed to get on your last nerve but in reality they may be placed in your path to teach you patience. We will always offend one another; that is life. When we are angered, we must approach our offender as God stipulates. If we are not successful, we can call witnesses to help with the matter and if that still does not good, we are to approach the church. But I have experienced cases when even doing all that does no good. And when there is no resolution, we are told to let people like these go.
We must however still forgive and forget but forgiving and forgetting is not as easy as we think sometimes. Even when you say that you forgive, new situations arise to show you that you may have forgiven but you never really forgot to begin with. True forgives is essentially two-fold – forgiving others and then forgiving yourself. Forgetting is not about suddenly developing Alzheimer’s – It’s about remembering without pain and without anger. Some say you cannot truly forgive if you don’t forget. I don’t agree – unless you get a brain transplant, the chances of forgetting are pretty slim. It’s not remembering that’s the issue, it’s how you remember.
Don’t waste your anger and emotions on people who are unrepentant. Holding on negatively to situations of the past can give painful memories a strong hold over your life. Unconsciously, the wrong-doings control you and holding on to the past like a crutch just makes the pain worse. It’s like having a wound and continuously picking at it such that the wound never really gets a chance to heal.
Truly choose to forgive and let go. Our forgiveness must never be dependent on whether our oppressor sees things our way; it must be dependant on God’s directive.
It may sometimes seem that some folks are designed to get on your last nerve but in reality they may be placed in your path to teach you patience. We will always offend one another; that is life. When we are angered, we must approach our offender as God stipulates. If we are not successful, we can call witnesses to help with the matter and if that still does not good, we are to approach the church. But I have experienced cases when even doing all that does no good. And when there is no resolution, we are told to let people like these go.
We must however still forgive and forget but forgiving and forgetting is not as easy as we think sometimes. Even when you say that you forgive, new situations arise to show you that you may have forgiven but you never really forgot to begin with. True forgives is essentially two-fold – forgiving others and then forgiving yourself. Forgetting is not about suddenly developing Alzheimer’s – It’s about remembering without pain and without anger. Some say you cannot truly forgive if you don’t forget. I don’t agree – unless you get a brain transplant, the chances of forgetting are pretty slim. It’s not remembering that’s the issue, it’s how you remember.
Don’t waste your anger and emotions on people who are unrepentant. Holding on negatively to situations of the past can give painful memories a strong hold over your life. Unconsciously, the wrong-doings control you and holding on to the past like a crutch just makes the pain worse. It’s like having a wound and continuously picking at it such that the wound never really gets a chance to heal.
Truly choose to forgive and let go. Our forgiveness must never be dependent on whether our oppressor sees things our way; it must be dependant on God’s directive.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Don’t Quit Now
No one puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God. – Luke 9:62
You work hard and the mismanagement of funds by the people in authority make you lose out on all you have slaved for. You want to throw in the towel. Why bother? It doesn’t make a difference anyway. Being part of middle-class America now seems like a curse. You believed that if you worked hard, you will be taken care of. Everything you ever knew has now come to nothing. You are tempted to take matters into you own hands. You are becoming double-minded in your walk with God. You so desperately want to quit.
But the Bible clearly states in the Book of James that a double-minded man is unstable. He is like a wave in the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. He is described as being double-minded and unstable in all that he does. Regardless of what we might be going through, we are to remain single-minded; focused on the Lord at all times. Jesus is the greatest example of a winner. Even when he would have had enough excuses to quit, he didn’t. He stayed true to the work laid out by the Father. We are called to do the same.
You work hard and the mismanagement of funds by the people in authority make you lose out on all you have slaved for. You want to throw in the towel. Why bother? It doesn’t make a difference anyway. Being part of middle-class America now seems like a curse. You believed that if you worked hard, you will be taken care of. Everything you ever knew has now come to nothing. You are tempted to take matters into you own hands. You are becoming double-minded in your walk with God. You so desperately want to quit.
But the Bible clearly states in the Book of James that a double-minded man is unstable. He is like a wave in the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. He is described as being double-minded and unstable in all that he does. Regardless of what we might be going through, we are to remain single-minded; focused on the Lord at all times. Jesus is the greatest example of a winner. Even when he would have had enough excuses to quit, he didn’t. He stayed true to the work laid out by the Father. We are called to do the same.
Friday, December 12, 2008
What’s Your Self-Image Like?
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7
When you look in the mirror what do you see? Do you see someone who’s not quite there yet but on his/her way? Or do you see a failure that is never going to make it? Do you see someone beautiful, created in the image of God or do you see someone ugly whose appearance is below the mark? How do you define and measure your self-worth? What or who do you use as a yard stick when you evaluate yourself and your life?
The impression we have of ourselves today may have been marred by what someone told us, said about us or our accomplishments. Often time’s people say things that are hurtful in the heat of the moment that they don’t really mean. But once the words are out, they have the potential of creating self image issues that can last a lifetime. I’ve seen people who spend thousands of dollars fixing the way they look on the outside when what they really want fixed are the issues going on within them. All the changes on the outside will never take away the self-image issues on the inside - only God has the power to change that. Only the Word of God can transform our minds and give us the wisdom to look at ourselves and our lives in the right way. It really doesn’t matter what the neighbors think or our friends say. It makes no difference how our colleagues at work rate us. The buck stops with God. It is what the Bible says about us and who we are that counts.
So if you are feeling like you are the bottom of the barrel, you just don’t measure up or you’ll never be good enough, make a decision to release those negative feelings today. Refuse to own the curses anyone has spoken over your life even if it is someone posing as a messenger from God. God never sends people with curses. Take time to find out what God says about you in his word – how he loves you and the great promises he has for your life. He never promised us that life would be a bed of roses but he does promise that we will win if we don’t quit.
When you look in the mirror what do you see? Do you see someone who’s not quite there yet but on his/her way? Or do you see a failure that is never going to make it? Do you see someone beautiful, created in the image of God or do you see someone ugly whose appearance is below the mark? How do you define and measure your self-worth? What or who do you use as a yard stick when you evaluate yourself and your life?
The impression we have of ourselves today may have been marred by what someone told us, said about us or our accomplishments. Often time’s people say things that are hurtful in the heat of the moment that they don’t really mean. But once the words are out, they have the potential of creating self image issues that can last a lifetime. I’ve seen people who spend thousands of dollars fixing the way they look on the outside when what they really want fixed are the issues going on within them. All the changes on the outside will never take away the self-image issues on the inside - only God has the power to change that. Only the Word of God can transform our minds and give us the wisdom to look at ourselves and our lives in the right way. It really doesn’t matter what the neighbors think or our friends say. It makes no difference how our colleagues at work rate us. The buck stops with God. It is what the Bible says about us and who we are that counts.
So if you are feeling like you are the bottom of the barrel, you just don’t measure up or you’ll never be good enough, make a decision to release those negative feelings today. Refuse to own the curses anyone has spoken over your life even if it is someone posing as a messenger from God. God never sends people with curses. Take time to find out what God says about you in his word – how he loves you and the great promises he has for your life. He never promised us that life would be a bed of roses but he does promise that we will win if we don’t quit.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Make Time for Worship
One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. – Psalm 27:4-5
I know the rushes of life prevent many of us from spending time with God as we would like. We rush to work and we rush back – try to spend time with our children and make sure school work is all done. Some of us have to-do lists that look extremely scary. But in the midst of all our earthly tasks, we need to make time for our Heavenly Father.
God is our light and our salvation and the stronghold of our lives. It’s important that we spend time in worship. Worshipping God consistently in spirit and truth allows us to keep God in full view. He no longer becomes a God that we bring out of the closet on Sundays, he becomes our everyday God. The more time we spend with God, the more wisdom and confidence we have in his mighty power and the less we have in ours. The kind of wisdom we get with God is the kind that allows us to make the right choices. We sometimes don’t know what to do so we ask others who are probably also lost, so we get answers that are wrong. God doesn’t tell us exactly what to do but he shows us the real truth behind our options so that making the right choice becomes a piece of cake.
The things of life that we spend so much more time on does not always give a good return on our investment but when tough times come, a true worshipper can raise his or her head above his or her circumstances. God is always there to keep us safe in times of trouble. When we worship, we become strong in spirit and we are able to remain standing even when the toughest adversities come our way.
We all need to spend time with God – consistent time. It will make a huge difference in the quality of our lives.
I know the rushes of life prevent many of us from spending time with God as we would like. We rush to work and we rush back – try to spend time with our children and make sure school work is all done. Some of us have to-do lists that look extremely scary. But in the midst of all our earthly tasks, we need to make time for our Heavenly Father.
God is our light and our salvation and the stronghold of our lives. It’s important that we spend time in worship. Worshipping God consistently in spirit and truth allows us to keep God in full view. He no longer becomes a God that we bring out of the closet on Sundays, he becomes our everyday God. The more time we spend with God, the more wisdom and confidence we have in his mighty power and the less we have in ours. The kind of wisdom we get with God is the kind that allows us to make the right choices. We sometimes don’t know what to do so we ask others who are probably also lost, so we get answers that are wrong. God doesn’t tell us exactly what to do but he shows us the real truth behind our options so that making the right choice becomes a piece of cake.
The things of life that we spend so much more time on does not always give a good return on our investment but when tough times come, a true worshipper can raise his or her head above his or her circumstances. God is always there to keep us safe in times of trouble. When we worship, we become strong in spirit and we are able to remain standing even when the toughest adversities come our way.
We all need to spend time with God – consistent time. It will make a huge difference in the quality of our lives.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Let’s Not Judge One Another
“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?” - Romans 2:1-3
Are you in the business of judging others? Do you only see black and white or do you have room in your life for gray areas? Are you patient and compassionate with others or do you judge them because they have made choices different from yours? When we alienate other people and disengage from people because we feel their lives are not up to par, we are acting in a way contrary to how Jesus would act. Jesus did not typically hand around the “righteous”; he had a burden for those who were far from perfect. Jesus was kind and available to all – not looking at status or background.
Just because someone is weak in an area different from ours does not make us better than they are. When we are judgmental, we become what are called “fruit monitors” or the “fruit police”. We start complaining about the presence or lack of fruits of the spirit in other people. We forget that no one is perfect but we go around thinking and acting like we are, crucifying others for their weaknesses. We are imperfect but we are looking around for perfect people. Someone makes a mistake or is living in sin and we talk down to them and refuse to associate with them. When we insist on abandoning wrong-doers who will demonstrate God’s love to them? The Bible clearly states that if you break one law, you are essentially guilty of breaking them all. No-one is innocent – no-one!
While we were yet sinners, Christ dies for us all – not for some but for all. Let’s learn how to love people into the Kingdom of God, faults and all. People have to be able to see God through us. God is the Only One who can stand in judgment of another.
Are you in the business of judging others? Do you only see black and white or do you have room in your life for gray areas? Are you patient and compassionate with others or do you judge them because they have made choices different from yours? When we alienate other people and disengage from people because we feel their lives are not up to par, we are acting in a way contrary to how Jesus would act. Jesus did not typically hand around the “righteous”; he had a burden for those who were far from perfect. Jesus was kind and available to all – not looking at status or background.
Just because someone is weak in an area different from ours does not make us better than they are. When we are judgmental, we become what are called “fruit monitors” or the “fruit police”. We start complaining about the presence or lack of fruits of the spirit in other people. We forget that no one is perfect but we go around thinking and acting like we are, crucifying others for their weaknesses. We are imperfect but we are looking around for perfect people. Someone makes a mistake or is living in sin and we talk down to them and refuse to associate with them. When we insist on abandoning wrong-doers who will demonstrate God’s love to them? The Bible clearly states that if you break one law, you are essentially guilty of breaking them all. No-one is innocent – no-one!
While we were yet sinners, Christ dies for us all – not for some but for all. Let’s learn how to love people into the Kingdom of God, faults and all. People have to be able to see God through us. God is the Only One who can stand in judgment of another.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Sin Only Brings Misery
You rebuke and discipline men for their sin; you consume their wealth like a moth – each man is but a breath. – Psalm 39:11
Sin has no value - any pleasure it brings is simply temporary. Before long we dig ourselves into a hole that we can’t get out of. When we chose sin over the Word of God, it’s like making a conscious decision to do what we want and not what God will have us do. We start to believe that we think we need supersedes what God has for us. All sin will bring into our lives is misery and regret – nothing else. Even if it feels like we are having a good time and have made good decisions, it’s only a matter of time before woe descends.
The real basis or reasoning behind sin is pride. We arrogantly think we know best. We are unhappy with our situation so we decide to move ahead of God, knowing fully well that our plans are contrary to the Word of God. And just in time, the enemy will send people to us to tell us that the choice we are making is what is best for us. The folks for the enemy will be more than those that are speaking for God. Before long, lack of faith allows us to commit one sin after another because we fail to believe God can bring us out and we take matters into our own hands. All DIY jobs concerning the things of God will definitely fail.
Thankfully God knows what we are planning to do even before we do it. Remember he sees our thoughts. He may be cringing about our decision to sin but he loves us in the midst of it all. The consequences for our sins we will surely pay – no doubt but if we are his, all things that the enemy meant for harm including the sins we fall into can be turned around for good under his mighty power. We must learn to wait patiently for the Lord’s timing. We may be delayed but we can never be denied.
Sin has no value - any pleasure it brings is simply temporary. Before long we dig ourselves into a hole that we can’t get out of. When we chose sin over the Word of God, it’s like making a conscious decision to do what we want and not what God will have us do. We start to believe that we think we need supersedes what God has for us. All sin will bring into our lives is misery and regret – nothing else. Even if it feels like we are having a good time and have made good decisions, it’s only a matter of time before woe descends.
The real basis or reasoning behind sin is pride. We arrogantly think we know best. We are unhappy with our situation so we decide to move ahead of God, knowing fully well that our plans are contrary to the Word of God. And just in time, the enemy will send people to us to tell us that the choice we are making is what is best for us. The folks for the enemy will be more than those that are speaking for God. Before long, lack of faith allows us to commit one sin after another because we fail to believe God can bring us out and we take matters into our own hands. All DIY jobs concerning the things of God will definitely fail.
Thankfully God knows what we are planning to do even before we do it. Remember he sees our thoughts. He may be cringing about our decision to sin but he loves us in the midst of it all. The consequences for our sins we will surely pay – no doubt but if we are his, all things that the enemy meant for harm including the sins we fall into can be turned around for good under his mighty power. We must learn to wait patiently for the Lord’s timing. We may be delayed but we can never be denied.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Realize Your Dreams
What do people think when they see you? Is your life an inspirational story? Do you inspire others to be the best they can be? What mud did you have to wade through to get to where you are today? Did you realize a dream that everyone thought was impossible to achieve? Where you constantly laughed at growing up just because you were different?
Every body has a story; a story of loses and a story of gains. A story of joy but at the same time filled with some pain. If you have been criticized all your life, don’t despair; you are in good company. Jesus Christ was criticized over and over again. But he stayed true to his mission and he fulfilled his destiny. It doesn’t matter where you are right now, tell someone about your life. It could help one person out of the prison they have created for themselves. It could bring hope to someone who feels they have nothing left to live for. It could help a lost soul get a brand new lease on life. You could be the lifeline someone somewhere out there is desperately waiting for.
What was that dream you had but believed you could never achieve? What is that desire in your heart that keeps you up late at night? What is that one thing you want to do more than anything else? If you know what it is, you are halfway there. If you don’t you do yourself a great disservice if you do not take the time to find out. When you find your dream, pursue it. Never give up on your dreams. Never focus on what people are saying. People will always talk – regardless of what you are doing.
Not everyone will like us or understand us. Not everyone will see things from our point of view. But does that mean that we should run and hide and abandon our dreams? Does that mean that we must not remain true to ourselves? Absolutely not! We ought to be happy with who we are – our personalities and the way we were created. Nothing about us is an accident. If we have flaws in our character we must aspire to be better and use the Word of God to change our lives for the better. But we must never allow the words of others make us question ourselves.
Share your story – believe in yourself. There is no-one else on the planet like you. You are unique and what you have to offer the world, no-one else can give it like you can. You can realize your dreams if you step out in faith. Give God something to work with.
Every body has a story; a story of loses and a story of gains. A story of joy but at the same time filled with some pain. If you have been criticized all your life, don’t despair; you are in good company. Jesus Christ was criticized over and over again. But he stayed true to his mission and he fulfilled his destiny. It doesn’t matter where you are right now, tell someone about your life. It could help one person out of the prison they have created for themselves. It could bring hope to someone who feels they have nothing left to live for. It could help a lost soul get a brand new lease on life. You could be the lifeline someone somewhere out there is desperately waiting for.
What was that dream you had but believed you could never achieve? What is that desire in your heart that keeps you up late at night? What is that one thing you want to do more than anything else? If you know what it is, you are halfway there. If you don’t you do yourself a great disservice if you do not take the time to find out. When you find your dream, pursue it. Never give up on your dreams. Never focus on what people are saying. People will always talk – regardless of what you are doing.
Not everyone will like us or understand us. Not everyone will see things from our point of view. But does that mean that we should run and hide and abandon our dreams? Does that mean that we must not remain true to ourselves? Absolutely not! We ought to be happy with who we are – our personalities and the way we were created. Nothing about us is an accident. If we have flaws in our character we must aspire to be better and use the Word of God to change our lives for the better. But we must never allow the words of others make us question ourselves.
Share your story – believe in yourself. There is no-one else on the planet like you. You are unique and what you have to offer the world, no-one else can give it like you can. You can realize your dreams if you step out in faith. Give God something to work with.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. – Psalm 37:7
Life is full of ups and downs. If it's not this, it's that. You just finished dealing with one issue and as you are about to heave a sign of relief, another issue comes down the pipeline. You watch the news on television and you are shocked. These days all there is bad news. Suddenly all the money flowing around in the economy seven years ago has simply varnished into thin air! You can no longer watch the tube with your kids as most of the channels are not appropriate – even the news channel. Everyday CEO’s are at Capitol Hill looking to be bailed out even though they arrived in expensive private jets. Violence has escalated as people are getting frustrated with their lives. Somebody either got shot or has shot somebody. You wonder when things will get better.
In the midst of all this negativity and hardship, the Bible tells us to be of good cheer and rest in the confidence that God is us. He hears our prayers and sees everything that we are going through. He’s right by our side. He walks alongside us like no other friend could ever do. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is our ever present help in times of trouble. He sees the world we live in today and how everything is upside down.
We can be rest assured that He never takes a break and there is never a time that He turns a deaf ear or is not listening. He knows what's best for us - exactly what we need and exactly when we need it. No matter how bad things get, we must remember that He has not forgotten us or his promises to us. As believers in the work of Jesus Christ at the Cross of Calvary, we must not be troubled. We must rest in the shadow of the wings of the Almighty God
Life is full of ups and downs. If it's not this, it's that. You just finished dealing with one issue and as you are about to heave a sign of relief, another issue comes down the pipeline. You watch the news on television and you are shocked. These days all there is bad news. Suddenly all the money flowing around in the economy seven years ago has simply varnished into thin air! You can no longer watch the tube with your kids as most of the channels are not appropriate – even the news channel. Everyday CEO’s are at Capitol Hill looking to be bailed out even though they arrived in expensive private jets. Violence has escalated as people are getting frustrated with their lives. Somebody either got shot or has shot somebody. You wonder when things will get better.
In the midst of all this negativity and hardship, the Bible tells us to be of good cheer and rest in the confidence that God is us. He hears our prayers and sees everything that we are going through. He’s right by our side. He walks alongside us like no other friend could ever do. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is our ever present help in times of trouble. He sees the world we live in today and how everything is upside down.
We can be rest assured that He never takes a break and there is never a time that He turns a deaf ear or is not listening. He knows what's best for us - exactly what we need and exactly when we need it. No matter how bad things get, we must remember that He has not forgotten us or his promises to us. As believers in the work of Jesus Christ at the Cross of Calvary, we must not be troubled. We must rest in the shadow of the wings of the Almighty God
Saturday, December 6, 2008
A Letter to You From God
My child, get up and get ready.
Every minute you waste cannot be recovered.
I know what you are going through; I am right here with you.
I tell you, you are going to get a whole lot out of it.
Do not despise the day of small beginnings. All your labor is not in vain.
I hear you when you agonize in your spirit. I catch every tear as you cry.
Every minute you waste cannot be recovered.
I know what you are going through; I am right here with you.
I tell you, you are going to get a whole lot out of it.
Do not despise the day of small beginnings. All your labor is not in vain.
I hear you when you agonize in your spirit. I catch every tear as you cry.
What you are dealing with right now is for a reason.
My ultimate plan for you so desperately needs this experience.
You will be helping to lead many to me.
Many will glorify my name because you told them about me.
But before all that can happen, you must know me for yourself.
I did not create you to simply survive.
I created you to thrive; to excel; to be the best you can possibly be.
My ultimate plan for you so desperately needs this experience.
You will be helping to lead many to me.
Many will glorify my name because you told them about me.
But before all that can happen, you must know me for yourself.
I did not create you to simply survive.
I created you to thrive; to excel; to be the best you can possibly be.
Everything I created, I made for a specific reason.
Thought and design always come before creation.
I made you specifically for what I want you to do.
Your personality is not an accident neither is your gender.
You are made perfect – every single part contemplated and made to perfection.
You are indeed complete; nothing more is needed.
Every thing that you need to be great is nestled right there inside of you.
Thought and design always come before creation.
I made you specifically for what I want you to do.
Your personality is not an accident neither is your gender.
You are made perfect – every single part contemplated and made to perfection.
You are indeed complete; nothing more is needed.
Every thing that you need to be great is nestled right there inside of you.
I placed the seeds gently inside of you – one at a time.
Put your hand in mine and I will guide you in the way that you should go.
I will never leave you on your own. Wherever you go, I will be.
Put your hand in mine and I will guide you in the way that you should go.
I will never leave you on your own. Wherever you go, I will be.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Just One Word
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.” Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.” The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. – Matthew 8:5-8
We often get into situations we think we will never get out of. We dig ourselves into holes do deep that we know that only a miracle can make a way of escape for us. God is that miracle. He holds the answers to all the problems that the world faces today. The only issue is that we either fail to consult him or we wait until we have exhausted all earthly possibilities. In the meantime, we suffer and endure all sorts of hardships that may have otherwise been avoided.
God’s Word is the answer to all the issues that we face. When we speak the Word of God into our lives, miracles happen. Just one single word is enough to change our situation for the better. God is so powerful that His Word obeys Him. The Bible tells us in John 1: 1 that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” This means that God and His Word are one and the same. If we use the Word of God that is available to us and speak it into our situations, God immediately goes to work in our lives whether we see instant evidence of that or not. The centurion knew that he did not need Jesus to make the long trip to his home. He knew that the Word obeyed the Lord. He had enough faith to be satisfied that his servant will be healed so long as the Word is spoken over the illness.
In order to use the Word of God effectively, we need to have faith. Without faith, we will not be able to speak the Word of God with great confidence. Even if we do, we do it with great doubt and cannot receive the miracle we so desperately need. Jesus was moved by the faith of the centurion. The Bible goes on to tell us in Matthew 8:13 that Jesus said to the centurion – “Go! It will be done as just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that very hour.
We often get into situations we think we will never get out of. We dig ourselves into holes do deep that we know that only a miracle can make a way of escape for us. God is that miracle. He holds the answers to all the problems that the world faces today. The only issue is that we either fail to consult him or we wait until we have exhausted all earthly possibilities. In the meantime, we suffer and endure all sorts of hardships that may have otherwise been avoided.
God’s Word is the answer to all the issues that we face. When we speak the Word of God into our lives, miracles happen. Just one single word is enough to change our situation for the better. God is so powerful that His Word obeys Him. The Bible tells us in John 1: 1 that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” This means that God and His Word are one and the same. If we use the Word of God that is available to us and speak it into our situations, God immediately goes to work in our lives whether we see instant evidence of that or not. The centurion knew that he did not need Jesus to make the long trip to his home. He knew that the Word obeyed the Lord. He had enough faith to be satisfied that his servant will be healed so long as the Word is spoken over the illness.
In order to use the Word of God effectively, we need to have faith. Without faith, we will not be able to speak the Word of God with great confidence. Even if we do, we do it with great doubt and cannot receive the miracle we so desperately need. Jesus was moved by the faith of the centurion. The Bible goes on to tell us in Matthew 8:13 that Jesus said to the centurion – “Go! It will be done as just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that very hour.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
What Fruits Are You Bearing?
Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. – Matthew 7:17-20
It is important that we continuously take inventory of our lives. How do we get better if we do not continuously re-evaluate our lives? We must ask ourselves the most important question of all – “What kinds of fruits am I bearing?” The Bible verse above is clear. We are either producing good fruit or bad fruit; there is no middle ground. A good tree will never produce bad fruit and vice-versa.
We are all capable of producing good fruit because we were created in the image of Almighty God. However not all of us will produce good fruit as there are conditions that go along with bearing good fruit. One of the most important conditions is that we cannot produce the kind of good fruit the Bible alludes to without a fellowship with Jesus Christ. A close relationship and walk with Christ is mandatory to bear good and lasting fruit. When we give our lives to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell inside of us. The presence of the Holy Spirit is what helps us change our lives from the inside out. We must also be willing to spend time in the Word of God. The Bible is the manual for all believers. It is where the instructions from God are held to help us live better lives.
If you are confused about the kind of fruit you are producing, ask yourself the following questions:
- What do you spend your spare time doing?
- Do you stand out amongst unbelieving friends and co-workers or are you focused on blending in?
- What kind of friend are you? Do you find yourself encouraging others with humility or do you join them in dysfunctional behavior while trying to tell them they ought to believe in the God you claim to serve?
- What kind of parent are you? Are you plugged in with your family or are you absent from their day to day existence – throwing money and presents at them as your conscience leads?
- What kind of husband or wife are you?
- Does your attitude to life attract others to God or deter them? Is your life a testimony of God’s glory?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The God of Restoration
“In that day I will restore David’s fallen tent. I will repair its broken places, restore its ruins and build it as it used to be.” – Amos 9:11
We all fall at one point or another; in one respect or another in this lifetime. In one or more occasions, we will find ourselves backed into a corner or trapped in a difficult situation. Someday, sometime, somewhere we will all feel broken and in despair. Maybe you’ll lose someone you love; somebody that you believe will always be around; maybe you’ll lose a close relationship like a marriage. Or maybe a friend you trusted with everything you are and that you own will let you down. It could be that you will be struck with an illness that stops you from doing what you want to do or go where you’d like to go with your life. Disappointment and suffering is a fact of life. These feelings do not discriminate. They touch the rich and the poor and when they hit, they really hurt and bring pain.
The good news is that God is a God of Restoration. Even though things may look bleak and life may hurt right now, the Lord offers comfort and a way out for anyone who wants it. All we have to do is ask. When we are broken and all hope is lost, God is an expert at repairing our broken parts. He heals us with the balm of Gilead and makes us whole again. He goes to work as we walk with Him to repair and re-build the ruins that the trials of life have created. He starts working from the inside out so that we come back better and stronger than before. If life is hitting you hard right now, call on the God of Restoration.
We all fall at one point or another; in one respect or another in this lifetime. In one or more occasions, we will find ourselves backed into a corner or trapped in a difficult situation. Someday, sometime, somewhere we will all feel broken and in despair. Maybe you’ll lose someone you love; somebody that you believe will always be around; maybe you’ll lose a close relationship like a marriage. Or maybe a friend you trusted with everything you are and that you own will let you down. It could be that you will be struck with an illness that stops you from doing what you want to do or go where you’d like to go with your life. Disappointment and suffering is a fact of life. These feelings do not discriminate. They touch the rich and the poor and when they hit, they really hurt and bring pain.
The good news is that God is a God of Restoration. Even though things may look bleak and life may hurt right now, the Lord offers comfort and a way out for anyone who wants it. All we have to do is ask. When we are broken and all hope is lost, God is an expert at repairing our broken parts. He heals us with the balm of Gilead and makes us whole again. He goes to work as we walk with Him to repair and re-build the ruins that the trials of life have created. He starts working from the inside out so that we come back better and stronger than before. If life is hitting you hard right now, call on the God of Restoration.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Sowing and Reaping
“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.” – Jeremiah 17:10
We must understand that God cannot be mocked and what a man sows, he will indeed reap. One cannot plant onions intending to reap apples; life just does not work that way. We cannot keep doing wrong and expect things to turn out right. We cannot insist on staying on the wrong road hoping we arrive at the right destination. The law of sowing and reaping is very clear so it is imperative that we watch the kinds of seeds we are sowing. What are we saying to ourselves and the people around us? What are we saying about our situations? Are we negative or positive? Do we put ourselves and others down because we have an unrealistic expectation of perfection? Are we being kind to ourselves and the people around us the way God commands us to be?
The truth is we get what we put out. If we sow negativity, we will reap negativity. God knows and sees what we are thinking – every time. If we harbor anger, bitterness, resentment, malice and discord in our hearts towards ourselves and others, we will reap anger, bitterness, resentment, malice and discord. It is virtually impossible to feel these negative feelings without it translating into the way that we act. Our actions are products of our thoughts. If we saturate our hearts and our minds with negative thoughts, we will act and behave in negative ways – regardless of whether we acknowledge it or not.
The only thing that interrupts the cycle of sowing and reaping is true repentance. When we repent and truly release all anger, bitterness, resentment, malice and discord from our hearts, trusting that God is the Only One who has the right to judge another, we can begin to feel real joy and happiness again.
We must understand that God cannot be mocked and what a man sows, he will indeed reap. One cannot plant onions intending to reap apples; life just does not work that way. We cannot keep doing wrong and expect things to turn out right. We cannot insist on staying on the wrong road hoping we arrive at the right destination. The law of sowing and reaping is very clear so it is imperative that we watch the kinds of seeds we are sowing. What are we saying to ourselves and the people around us? What are we saying about our situations? Are we negative or positive? Do we put ourselves and others down because we have an unrealistic expectation of perfection? Are we being kind to ourselves and the people around us the way God commands us to be?
The truth is we get what we put out. If we sow negativity, we will reap negativity. God knows and sees what we are thinking – every time. If we harbor anger, bitterness, resentment, malice and discord in our hearts towards ourselves and others, we will reap anger, bitterness, resentment, malice and discord. It is virtually impossible to feel these negative feelings without it translating into the way that we act. Our actions are products of our thoughts. If we saturate our hearts and our minds with negative thoughts, we will act and behave in negative ways – regardless of whether we acknowledge it or not.
The only thing that interrupts the cycle of sowing and reaping is true repentance. When we repent and truly release all anger, bitterness, resentment, malice and discord from our hearts, trusting that God is the Only One who has the right to judge another, we can begin to feel real joy and happiness again.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Start at Home
The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. – Luke 8:38-39
Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. – Psalm 105:1
There was a man possessed with demons that Jesus healed. This man had been ostracized and relegated to living in the tombs. He had been isolated from his family and friends for a long time. He had probably been abandoned and forgotten. No-one wants to hang out with a man who has lost his mind. But Jesus was able to set him free. Jesus gave him a new lease on life and he wanted to follow his savior.
Instead of allowing this newly converted man to follow him, Jesus instructed him to go back to his hometown and proclaim the Word of God. Many of us want to go and evangelize in other countries when we have failed to talk about Jesus in the very community we live in. I heard a man of God say today that rather than praying to be sent to China, start in the Chinese restaurants around town!
We are called to tell our story. We can start in our families and at our places of employment. We must tell others what Christ has done in our personal lives; how he brought us back from the brink of destruction or maybe he healed you from disease or addiction. He may have healed a broken relationship when it seemed as if there was no hope. Whatever your story is, you must tell it. You never know – your testimony may change the life of one person and bring them to the knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. – Psalm 105:1
There was a man possessed with demons that Jesus healed. This man had been ostracized and relegated to living in the tombs. He had been isolated from his family and friends for a long time. He had probably been abandoned and forgotten. No-one wants to hang out with a man who has lost his mind. But Jesus was able to set him free. Jesus gave him a new lease on life and he wanted to follow his savior.
Instead of allowing this newly converted man to follow him, Jesus instructed him to go back to his hometown and proclaim the Word of God. Many of us want to go and evangelize in other countries when we have failed to talk about Jesus in the very community we live in. I heard a man of God say today that rather than praying to be sent to China, start in the Chinese restaurants around town!
We are called to tell our story. We can start in our families and at our places of employment. We must tell others what Christ has done in our personal lives; how he brought us back from the brink of destruction or maybe he healed you from disease or addiction. He may have healed a broken relationship when it seemed as if there was no hope. Whatever your story is, you must tell it. You never know – your testimony may change the life of one person and bring them to the knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
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