“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” – Matthew 9:37-38
The world is filled with people who hunger for a touch from God. There is sickness and disease, emotional problems and despair in every corner of this world. God is calling His people to action. God is calling us to join the Great Commission to help bring healing to His people. There is so much work to be done. And with the state of affairs in the world right now, it is little surprise that the harvest is increasing.
Lately I have been having a feeling that we are running out of time. I am unsure of what this unsettling feeling represents but I am convinced all will be revealed sooner rather than later. God is calling each and every believer to start to spread His Word and His love in whichever little way we can. We can all start small and God will use us in a mighty way to bring healing to this sick world. Being a “bench-warmer” believer is no longer appropriate when there is so much work to be done. It is true that we all have our individual issues that we are struggling with and finding time to spread the gospel can be difficult but we must be ready to make the necessary sacrifices. Every little thing we do with God as our motive will help in storing heavenly treasures up in heaven. We cannot focus all our energies in amassing “stuff” here on earth. All this “things” we have gathered will eventually pass away and only the Word of God will stand.
Let us not waste our life trying to make a living such that we have no life in Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us to first seek the things of God and everything else will be added unto us.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Sacrifice to Follow Christ
“No one who as left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and in the age to come, eternal life.” – Luke 18:29-30
We are lucky we live in a nation where there is freedom to worship God. We do not need to assemble in caves or in tunnels; we are free to proclaim our faith. There are some believers like you and I that are not so lucky. They must hide to fellowship and they dare not utter a word about their faith in Jesus Christ in a public forum. Some have fled their homes, friends and families for the gospel of Jesus Christ. They have openly put God first amongst all other things and are isolated because of that choice.
But Jesus makes a promise to these people in the above scripture. He promises to replenish all they have lost and to give them more in this realm and in the heavenly realm to come. Let us take time to pray for others who live in nations that do not afford them the same freedom that we have. Let us pray that they will find peace, joy and contentment in the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us pray that the choice that they have made to follow God in spite of all the obstacles that lay before them will not eradicate their hope but rather strengthen their faith.
We are lucky we live in a nation where there is freedom to worship God. We do not need to assemble in caves or in tunnels; we are free to proclaim our faith. There are some believers like you and I that are not so lucky. They must hide to fellowship and they dare not utter a word about their faith in Jesus Christ in a public forum. Some have fled their homes, friends and families for the gospel of Jesus Christ. They have openly put God first amongst all other things and are isolated because of that choice.
But Jesus makes a promise to these people in the above scripture. He promises to replenish all they have lost and to give them more in this realm and in the heavenly realm to come. Let us take time to pray for others who live in nations that do not afford them the same freedom that we have. Let us pray that they will find peace, joy and contentment in the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us pray that the choice that they have made to follow God in spite of all the obstacles that lay before them will not eradicate their hope but rather strengthen their faith.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Separation of the Wicked from the Righteous
“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” – Matthew 13:47-50
We live in a world full of options. God has given us the freedom to choose in whom we will believe. He does not force Himself on us; He wants us to come to him on our own. When we do eventually accept Christ, there is a pre-selection by God for us to do so. God first chooses us even before we choose Him. Contrary to the popular beliefs of today, there is only one way to God and it is through Jesus Christ. There is no other route. John 14:6 clearly states that “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. Acts 4:12 states that “salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved”.
Acts 10:34 also says that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. So what does God see as being right? Most importantly it is belief in the person of Jesus Christ, His Only Son whom He sacrificed as atonement for the sins of all men. The only unforgivable sin is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ are three in one – there is no separation. Matthew 12:31-32 states that “And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come”.
Choose today to be counted amongst the righteous; the children of the Living God. Accept Jesus Christ into your heart. Your eternal destiny is dependent on this very important choice. Only the acceptance by faith of Jesus’ death on the Cross, His Burial and His Resurrection guarantees our complete forgiveness. Turn to God today through His Son and accept His gracious offer.
We live in a world full of options. God has given us the freedom to choose in whom we will believe. He does not force Himself on us; He wants us to come to him on our own. When we do eventually accept Christ, there is a pre-selection by God for us to do so. God first chooses us even before we choose Him. Contrary to the popular beliefs of today, there is only one way to God and it is through Jesus Christ. There is no other route. John 14:6 clearly states that “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. Acts 4:12 states that “salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved”.
Acts 10:34 also says that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. So what does God see as being right? Most importantly it is belief in the person of Jesus Christ, His Only Son whom He sacrificed as atonement for the sins of all men. The only unforgivable sin is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ are three in one – there is no separation. Matthew 12:31-32 states that “And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come”.
Choose today to be counted amongst the righteous; the children of the Living God. Accept Jesus Christ into your heart. Your eternal destiny is dependent on this very important choice. Only the acceptance by faith of Jesus’ death on the Cross, His Burial and His Resurrection guarantees our complete forgiveness. Turn to God today through His Son and accept His gracious offer.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Gift of Righteousness through His Blood
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. – Romans 3:20
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen; will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:17-20
The Bible tells us that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. It tells us that not a single one of us is righteous. Only belief and faith in the Blood of Jesus can bring righteousness. No amount of obedience to the laws and commandments will bring the righteousness that we need. No one can obey the laws of God by the flesh. Our attempts at righteousness in our own strength are like filthy rags in the sight of God.
As believers who belief in the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary, we understand that no one can achieve the righteousness of God through observance of the law. If not for the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, we will never be righteous enough to approach God’s throne of grace. Jesus stands as an advocate for us before God. There is only one way to get to God and it is through Jesus Christ. That being said, the coming of Christ does not abdicate us of our responsibilities to the law. It is through the law that we understand our need for Christ. The law should act like a mirror to show us who we really are without Jesus – plain sinners. When we receive Christ into our lives, we are no longer under the law; we have been redeemed by His Blood. Our righteousness now comes not from obeying the law but from faith in Jesus Christ. We are now justified by God’s grace through the redemption that comes from Christ. Because of this magnificent sacrifice of atonement that God made for us, we are to be forever in a state of praise and thanksgiving to the Father.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen; will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:17-20
The Bible tells us that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. It tells us that not a single one of us is righteous. Only belief and faith in the Blood of Jesus can bring righteousness. No amount of obedience to the laws and commandments will bring the righteousness that we need. No one can obey the laws of God by the flesh. Our attempts at righteousness in our own strength are like filthy rags in the sight of God.
As believers who belief in the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary, we understand that no one can achieve the righteousness of God through observance of the law. If not for the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, we will never be righteous enough to approach God’s throne of grace. Jesus stands as an advocate for us before God. There is only one way to get to God and it is through Jesus Christ. That being said, the coming of Christ does not abdicate us of our responsibilities to the law. It is through the law that we understand our need for Christ. The law should act like a mirror to show us who we really are without Jesus – plain sinners. When we receive Christ into our lives, we are no longer under the law; we have been redeemed by His Blood. Our righteousness now comes not from obeying the law but from faith in Jesus Christ. We are now justified by God’s grace through the redemption that comes from Christ. Because of this magnificent sacrifice of atonement that God made for us, we are to be forever in a state of praise and thanksgiving to the Father.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Be a Lamp to the World
“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bad. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.” – Luke 8:16
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put in under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16
The Word of God is designed to transform our lives. When we give our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, we move from darkness into His marvelous light. Our lives are changed and the changes in our personalities are drastic. We become bold and confident, not in anything that we have done or will do, but in the work of the Son of God on the Cross of Calvary. We find that we become and inspiration to others. We apply ourselves in the work we do because we know we do all in the name of the Lord. People who encounter us know that there is something different about us. They notice that we are running on a completely different and higher grade of fuel. They suddenly want what we have and it is part of God’s Great Commission to show them the road to salvation and eternal life through His Precious Son, Jesus Christ. We become a beacon of light in this world filled with so much darkness. We are like lamps in rooms that will otherwise be filled with complete darkness.
Every believer is called to be a lamp on a stand. We are called to shine the light of God in this world so that others can get to know his love. When we are walking in the Light of God, God is glorified. You are called to make your own individual light shine. Ask yourself this very important question – “Am I light for God?”
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put in under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16
The Word of God is designed to transform our lives. When we give our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, we move from darkness into His marvelous light. Our lives are changed and the changes in our personalities are drastic. We become bold and confident, not in anything that we have done or will do, but in the work of the Son of God on the Cross of Calvary. We find that we become and inspiration to others. We apply ourselves in the work we do because we know we do all in the name of the Lord. People who encounter us know that there is something different about us. They notice that we are running on a completely different and higher grade of fuel. They suddenly want what we have and it is part of God’s Great Commission to show them the road to salvation and eternal life through His Precious Son, Jesus Christ. We become a beacon of light in this world filled with so much darkness. We are like lamps in rooms that will otherwise be filled with complete darkness.
Every believer is called to be a lamp on a stand. We are called to shine the light of God in this world so that others can get to know his love. When we are walking in the Light of God, God is glorified. You are called to make your own individual light shine. Ask yourself this very important question – “Am I light for God?”
Monday, January 26, 2009
It Could Be You
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. – Proverbs 18-19
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you”. – Matthew 7:1-2
AS believers, it is possible to believe that we will never have trouble because we walk with God. But the Bible tells us that those that believe in him will suffer persecution. We see people time and time again in the media who seem to be at the top of their game self-sabotage themselves with various acts of self-destruction. We ask with pride, “Why did she let that happen” Why did he do that? What were they thinking?” Some of us even go as far as saying, “I could never do that?” But if we are to be completely honest, we have all displayed behaviors and qualities that are contrary to our beliefs. Some of us have even gone far enough and done things that we never imagined we would eve do. The truth is bad things happen to good people and good people will sometimes do bad things.
So, before you sit up high and look down on others who have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar, be aware that it could very well be you that has fallen from grace to grass. It could be you who has fallen as far as you had once risen. Rather than gloating at the mishaps of others, thank God that His grace and mercy has stopped the enemy within you from totally destroying you.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you”. – Matthew 7:1-2
AS believers, it is possible to believe that we will never have trouble because we walk with God. But the Bible tells us that those that believe in him will suffer persecution. We see people time and time again in the media who seem to be at the top of their game self-sabotage themselves with various acts of self-destruction. We ask with pride, “Why did she let that happen” Why did he do that? What were they thinking?” Some of us even go as far as saying, “I could never do that?” But if we are to be completely honest, we have all displayed behaviors and qualities that are contrary to our beliefs. Some of us have even gone far enough and done things that we never imagined we would eve do. The truth is bad things happen to good people and good people will sometimes do bad things.
So, before you sit up high and look down on others who have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar, be aware that it could very well be you that has fallen from grace to grass. It could be you who has fallen as far as you had once risen. Rather than gloating at the mishaps of others, thank God that His grace and mercy has stopped the enemy within you from totally destroying you.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
God’s Purpose Always Prevails
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. – Proverbs 19:21
Every goal-oriented and driven individual has goals and ambitions. We all have things we want to do; things we’d like to achieve. Some of us embark on venture after venture without consulting God on how he’d like us to proceed. We trust only our own judgment and our own intellect. If truth cannot be comprehended by our finite brains, we refuse to believe in the ways of an Infinite God. Bur regardless of how many things we plan and chase after, only the purpose of God will prevail. If God signs off on our plans, there is no stopping us but if we are pursuing things that are contrary to his will and purpose, we will be met with frustration time and time again.
As believers, we are to continually seek God’s face on everything we want to do. We are not to pray on the type of hairstyle we want to have or the color attire we want to wear but on life changing plans. God is always at hand to direct and guide us in line with his will or we need to do is ask.
Every goal-oriented and driven individual has goals and ambitions. We all have things we want to do; things we’d like to achieve. Some of us embark on venture after venture without consulting God on how he’d like us to proceed. We trust only our own judgment and our own intellect. If truth cannot be comprehended by our finite brains, we refuse to believe in the ways of an Infinite God. Bur regardless of how many things we plan and chase after, only the purpose of God will prevail. If God signs off on our plans, there is no stopping us but if we are pursuing things that are contrary to his will and purpose, we will be met with frustration time and time again.
As believers, we are to continually seek God’s face on everything we want to do. We are not to pray on the type of hairstyle we want to have or the color attire we want to wear but on life changing plans. God is always at hand to direct and guide us in line with his will or we need to do is ask.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Got Peace?
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. – Matthew 5:9
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
It is impossible to have a peaceful life if we do not have a peaceful mind. A peaceful mind can only come from Jesus Christ. Peace cannot come from position, money or material possessions. To live in peace with others, we must first be at peace with ourselves. I realized that if I have trouble getting alone with anyone, I needed to do a personal inventory. More than likely the issue is with me and not with them. Living with peace means finding peace with God, peace in ourselves and in relationships with others and peace in the world that surrounds us. Even with all the chaos going on in the world, we can have God’s peace in the midst of the storms.
When we come to Christ, we get His peace as part of the package. The love of God that starts to flow through our veins brings it peace along with it. But we must make a decision to live in peace. If we choose to entertain fear of the uncertainties of tomorrow or choose to live in disagreement and discord with others, we will not have peace even though we have been saved. This begs the question – What is the point of being saved if we have no peace? This means Jesus died for nothing.
Choose today to embrace the peace of God and live without fear. Try to be a person who brings a sense of peace to others and to situations. Regardless of what tomorrow may bring, God is in control. He has his mighty hand on the thermostat of our lives. We are living in a controlled environment. We will not be without trouble but we will have peace and hope of a better tomorrow and the power to bring about change in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. – Matthew 5:9
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
It is impossible to have a peaceful life if we do not have a peaceful mind. A peaceful mind can only come from Jesus Christ. Peace cannot come from position, money or material possessions. To live in peace with others, we must first be at peace with ourselves. I realized that if I have trouble getting alone with anyone, I needed to do a personal inventory. More than likely the issue is with me and not with them. Living with peace means finding peace with God, peace in ourselves and in relationships with others and peace in the world that surrounds us. Even with all the chaos going on in the world, we can have God’s peace in the midst of the storms.
When we come to Christ, we get His peace as part of the package. The love of God that starts to flow through our veins brings it peace along with it. But we must make a decision to live in peace. If we choose to entertain fear of the uncertainties of tomorrow or choose to live in disagreement and discord with others, we will not have peace even though we have been saved. This begs the question – What is the point of being saved if we have no peace? This means Jesus died for nothing.
Choose today to embrace the peace of God and live without fear. Try to be a person who brings a sense of peace to others and to situations. Regardless of what tomorrow may bring, God is in control. He has his mighty hand on the thermostat of our lives. We are living in a controlled environment. We will not be without trouble but we will have peace and hope of a better tomorrow and the power to bring about change in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Do It All for God
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17
Our lives will be spent in activity. Whether fruitful or not, we will all be busy in this world doing something. Even when we are resting, our thought life is at work. What do you spend your time doing? What are you constantly thinking about? It is possible to make every waking moment of our lives count for God. Yes it is doable. The question is always what we choose to do. God has given us everything we need for holy living. He has given us the Holy Spirit that Lives inside of us. He has also given us His Holy Word as a manual for living. We have all that we’ll ever need to live right.
We can choose what we will think and what we will do. We can do it all, thoughts and actions, to the glory of God. The transformation of our mind and thought processes are only possible through the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. If you find yourself engulfed in the wrong thoughts, replace the bad thoughts with good thoughts. It works every single time. Basically the only time you should be plagued with bad thoughts if you lose your Bible! In time you will find that as your thoughts change so will your actions. Our thoughts dictate our actions. When we choose to think good thoughts, we ultimately do good things.
Keep your mind on Jesus Christ and do everything to His Glory. Even when you are at your job, serve with Jesus Christ at the forefront of your mind. While you perform your recreational activities, do it with good thoughts. Whatever you do, do it all in the Name of God.
Our lives will be spent in activity. Whether fruitful or not, we will all be busy in this world doing something. Even when we are resting, our thought life is at work. What do you spend your time doing? What are you constantly thinking about? It is possible to make every waking moment of our lives count for God. Yes it is doable. The question is always what we choose to do. God has given us everything we need for holy living. He has given us the Holy Spirit that Lives inside of us. He has also given us His Holy Word as a manual for living. We have all that we’ll ever need to live right.
We can choose what we will think and what we will do. We can do it all, thoughts and actions, to the glory of God. The transformation of our mind and thought processes are only possible through the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. If you find yourself engulfed in the wrong thoughts, replace the bad thoughts with good thoughts. It works every single time. Basically the only time you should be plagued with bad thoughts if you lose your Bible! In time you will find that as your thoughts change so will your actions. Our thoughts dictate our actions. When we choose to think good thoughts, we ultimately do good things.
Keep your mind on Jesus Christ and do everything to His Glory. Even when you are at your job, serve with Jesus Christ at the forefront of your mind. While you perform your recreational activities, do it with good thoughts. Whatever you do, do it all in the Name of God.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Servant Hood - The True Meaning of Leadership
“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:42-45
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. – John 13:3-5
The sons of Zebedee, James and John wanted to sit at the right and left of Jesus Christ. They wanted power and authority but they did not understand what they were asking. With any kind of power, comes a great deal of responsibility. Many want the power but do not want to shoulder the accompanying challenge of responsibility. We live in a world that is power crazy. People are desperate for power so they can use it to abuse others or exhibit greed. The economies of this world are in a mess for two reasons – abuse of power and extreme greed. Those in authority fail to recognize that their actions or inactions affect everyone else. They persist in holding a myopic view of life – “If it doesn’t affect me, why should I care?”
True leadership is all about servant hood not servitude. Leaders are meant to serve others not put people in a condition that prevents freedom. Jesus Christ displayed the true meaning of leadership – He came into this world to serve others, not to be served. A real leader is a master but he is also a servant. God is the greatest servant of all times. He provides for us all that we need for our daily existence – the air we breathe, the sunlight we rise to in the morning and the darkness of night that allows us rest.
If we are to lead others, we must develop an attitude of servant hood. We must never expect anything from our subordinates that we cannot do ourselves. We are to treat those that work under us with dignity and respect. We must make it easier for them to do their jobs by serving them. One of the greatest ways of acquiring humility is by exhibiting acts of kindness to others. By being good to others regardless of the man-made rankings that separate us, we show them a beautiful picture of God.
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. – John 13:3-5
The sons of Zebedee, James and John wanted to sit at the right and left of Jesus Christ. They wanted power and authority but they did not understand what they were asking. With any kind of power, comes a great deal of responsibility. Many want the power but do not want to shoulder the accompanying challenge of responsibility. We live in a world that is power crazy. People are desperate for power so they can use it to abuse others or exhibit greed. The economies of this world are in a mess for two reasons – abuse of power and extreme greed. Those in authority fail to recognize that their actions or inactions affect everyone else. They persist in holding a myopic view of life – “If it doesn’t affect me, why should I care?”
True leadership is all about servant hood not servitude. Leaders are meant to serve others not put people in a condition that prevents freedom. Jesus Christ displayed the true meaning of leadership – He came into this world to serve others, not to be served. A real leader is a master but he is also a servant. God is the greatest servant of all times. He provides for us all that we need for our daily existence – the air we breathe, the sunlight we rise to in the morning and the darkness of night that allows us rest.
If we are to lead others, we must develop an attitude of servant hood. We must never expect anything from our subordinates that we cannot do ourselves. We are to treat those that work under us with dignity and respect. We must make it easier for them to do their jobs by serving them. One of the greatest ways of acquiring humility is by exhibiting acts of kindness to others. By being good to others regardless of the man-made rankings that separate us, we show them a beautiful picture of God.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Testify
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life and he who wins souls is wise. – Proverbs 11:30
So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immorality to light through the gospel. – 2 Timothy 1:8-10
Once we have received the gift of salvation for ourselves, God commands us to share the Good News of the Gospel with others. The Greatest Commandment of all calls us to love one another. What better way to show love to others than to seize the opportunities that come our way to share Jesus with others. If you know and are confident about what Jesus has done for you and how He has brought joy, peace and love into your life, why not share that with somebody else so they can get the same gifts that you have received? Winning souls for Christ is evidence of the wisdom we have received from God.
Be a fisher of men like the Bible commands us disciples to do. Share Christ with others – starting with your own immediate family. If there is anyone in your family that is yet to come to Christ, let them know what Christ has done for you. To do that successfully, there must be change in you that is evident to them. If you are still living a sinful life, it may be difficult to convince them that God’s way is the right way for them. Your life and the way that you are living it will be the greatest testimony that you have.
We must never be afraid or ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ because it is through the power of this gospel that we have been saved. God has given us the grace that we need to share and the Holy Spirit is waiting to guide us on what we are to say. So don’t delay, step out in faith and testify.
So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immorality to light through the gospel. – 2 Timothy 1:8-10
Once we have received the gift of salvation for ourselves, God commands us to share the Good News of the Gospel with others. The Greatest Commandment of all calls us to love one another. What better way to show love to others than to seize the opportunities that come our way to share Jesus with others. If you know and are confident about what Jesus has done for you and how He has brought joy, peace and love into your life, why not share that with somebody else so they can get the same gifts that you have received? Winning souls for Christ is evidence of the wisdom we have received from God.
Be a fisher of men like the Bible commands us disciples to do. Share Christ with others – starting with your own immediate family. If there is anyone in your family that is yet to come to Christ, let them know what Christ has done for you. To do that successfully, there must be change in you that is evident to them. If you are still living a sinful life, it may be difficult to convince them that God’s way is the right way for them. Your life and the way that you are living it will be the greatest testimony that you have.
We must never be afraid or ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ because it is through the power of this gospel that we have been saved. God has given us the grace that we need to share and the Holy Spirit is waiting to guide us on what we are to say. So don’t delay, step out in faith and testify.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Patience
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. – James 5:7-8
In a world of instant gratification, waiting can be hard. If we are hungry, rather than cook a healthy meal, we can drive through a fast food joint and get a burger in record time. We can make instant coffee, instant noodles, instant macaroni and cheese. There is no limit of what we can get instantly if waiting is not our thing. Unfortunately, for those who find it hard to wait, the Kingdom of God can be challenging. In God’s economy, you cannot plant today and reap today – you must wait.
Being patient must be learnt in order to be joyful in one’s Christian walk. We must learn how to lay our burdens and request at the feet of God and allow God’s timing to take control, understanding that His time is always the best time. Once we have given our needs over to God, we must now stand firm and be patient as we wait on God. If we give something over to God because we cannot fix it ourselves, we must leave it with God. While we are waiting for God, we must not allow ourselves to be plagued with doubt or have a bad attitude. We need to have a good attitude while God is at work on our behalf.
In a world of instant gratification, waiting can be hard. If we are hungry, rather than cook a healthy meal, we can drive through a fast food joint and get a burger in record time. We can make instant coffee, instant noodles, instant macaroni and cheese. There is no limit of what we can get instantly if waiting is not our thing. Unfortunately, for those who find it hard to wait, the Kingdom of God can be challenging. In God’s economy, you cannot plant today and reap today – you must wait.
Being patient must be learnt in order to be joyful in one’s Christian walk. We must learn how to lay our burdens and request at the feet of God and allow God’s timing to take control, understanding that His time is always the best time. Once we have given our needs over to God, we must now stand firm and be patient as we wait on God. If we give something over to God because we cannot fix it ourselves, we must leave it with God. While we are waiting for God, we must not allow ourselves to be plagued with doubt or have a bad attitude. We need to have a good attitude while God is at work on our behalf.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Empathy and Compassion
What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. As it is written; there is no one righteous, not even one. – Romans 3:9-10
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you – who are you to judge your neighbor? – James 4:12
I once went through a very difficult situation in my life and the very people from whom one would expect understanding were the very folks who stood in righteous judgment. As Christians, we are called not to judge one another. For whatever measure in which we judge another, is the very same measure by which we will be judged We should never look at the “fall” of another and say with an air of arrogance “that can never be me” because it could be you. We must all live our lives by the motto – “There but for the grace of God go I”. The disaster that may befall others due to their own recklessness may be visited upon us if we do not act toward them as God commands us to.
The Bible tells us that only God saves. It tells us that we are not saved by desire nor effort but on God’s mercy. It reminds us that God shows mercy and compassion on whomever He chooses. His choice for the benefactor of His grace, mercy and compassion may not meet our standards but God’s ways are not our ways. So the very person that you mocked in his or her time of difficulty may be the very person that God will use in a big and mighty way. God can bring folks from the back of the line right up to the front. God is just but He is not fair by man’s standards.
So if you are the judgmental type, watch out! Learn empathy and compassion from the Greatest Teacher of all – Jesus Christ. Try to show others some measure of the grace and mercy that God has shown to you because you have no idea where people have been, what kind of lives they have had or what they are dealing with.
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you – who are you to judge your neighbor? – James 4:12
I once went through a very difficult situation in my life and the very people from whom one would expect understanding were the very folks who stood in righteous judgment. As Christians, we are called not to judge one another. For whatever measure in which we judge another, is the very same measure by which we will be judged We should never look at the “fall” of another and say with an air of arrogance “that can never be me” because it could be you. We must all live our lives by the motto – “There but for the grace of God go I”. The disaster that may befall others due to their own recklessness may be visited upon us if we do not act toward them as God commands us to.
The Bible tells us that only God saves. It tells us that we are not saved by desire nor effort but on God’s mercy. It reminds us that God shows mercy and compassion on whomever He chooses. His choice for the benefactor of His grace, mercy and compassion may not meet our standards but God’s ways are not our ways. So the very person that you mocked in his or her time of difficulty may be the very person that God will use in a big and mighty way. God can bring folks from the back of the line right up to the front. God is just but He is not fair by man’s standards.
So if you are the judgmental type, watch out! Learn empathy and compassion from the Greatest Teacher of all – Jesus Christ. Try to show others some measure of the grace and mercy that God has shown to you because you have no idea where people have been, what kind of lives they have had or what they are dealing with.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Choose Wisely
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. – Ephesians 5:15-17
The Bible calls us to live purposefully; to live with intention. Time is very valuable and unfortunately, it waits for no one. Yesterday is gone, the time cannot be recovered. Today is here and we must make the best use of the present. Tomorrow is yet to come but we must plan for its arrival. Our lives are simply a dash between two dates; dates that we do not have the power to dictate. Those two dates are up to Almighty God. The good news is that in between those two days, God presents us with numerous opportunities; chances to fulfill his will for our lives. It is up to us to seize these God-given opportunities and run with them.
There are two saying that comes to mind with choosing to use one’s time wisely – “Time waits for no one” and “Opportunity lost can never be regained”. Make a decision to invest your time wisely. Be a person who has a God-give agenda in his or her lifetime. Do not allow life to dictate how you will live and what you will do. You make life work in line with what you want to do with your existence. Regardless of where you are or what you have done, God has a purpose for your life. Take time to find out what your mission is and get to work making each second count.
The Bible calls us to live purposefully; to live with intention. Time is very valuable and unfortunately, it waits for no one. Yesterday is gone, the time cannot be recovered. Today is here and we must make the best use of the present. Tomorrow is yet to come but we must plan for its arrival. Our lives are simply a dash between two dates; dates that we do not have the power to dictate. Those two dates are up to Almighty God. The good news is that in between those two days, God presents us with numerous opportunities; chances to fulfill his will for our lives. It is up to us to seize these God-given opportunities and run with them.
There are two saying that comes to mind with choosing to use one’s time wisely – “Time waits for no one” and “Opportunity lost can never be regained”. Make a decision to invest your time wisely. Be a person who has a God-give agenda in his or her lifetime. Do not allow life to dictate how you will live and what you will do. You make life work in line with what you want to do with your existence. Regardless of where you are or what you have done, God has a purpose for your life. Take time to find out what your mission is and get to work making each second count.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
True and Honest Repentance
No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother. – 1 John 3:9-10
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. – Proverbs 21:3
The Greatest Commandment God has given to us is to love him with all our heart, mind and soul and to love one another. And when you truly love and care about someone, you cannot continue to engage in activities that hurt their feelings. True love commands that we do everything in our power to live in a way that makes the one that we love happy. Similarly, if we truly love God with all our heart, soul and mind, it comes naturally that we will examine what we do and the actions that we take to make sure that they do not make God unhappy.
God’s love changes us from the inside out. When we accept the work of His Son, Jesus Christ at the Cross of Calvary, it forever changes who we are. As we spend time in His Holy Word, we find ourselves making different, better choices little by little. Little by little, we see our thought lives being transformed. We grow in the love of God such that true and honest repentance becomes a gift that we receive with the help of the Holy Spirit. We find out the sinful practices we once engaged in have no value and we refuse to participate in them any longer. If you are like me, you may even look back at some of those things and wonder what you were thinking at the time! You wonder because you are different now – you have the love that God’s so graciously and mercifully showered upon your life that you know for certain you will never ever live like that again.
Examine your Christian walk today. Is your repentance true and honest? Is God really working on you? Are you being transformed in the new creature Jesus promises that you will become?
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. – Proverbs 21:3
The Greatest Commandment God has given to us is to love him with all our heart, mind and soul and to love one another. And when you truly love and care about someone, you cannot continue to engage in activities that hurt their feelings. True love commands that we do everything in our power to live in a way that makes the one that we love happy. Similarly, if we truly love God with all our heart, soul and mind, it comes naturally that we will examine what we do and the actions that we take to make sure that they do not make God unhappy.
God’s love changes us from the inside out. When we accept the work of His Son, Jesus Christ at the Cross of Calvary, it forever changes who we are. As we spend time in His Holy Word, we find ourselves making different, better choices little by little. Little by little, we see our thought lives being transformed. We grow in the love of God such that true and honest repentance becomes a gift that we receive with the help of the Holy Spirit. We find out the sinful practices we once engaged in have no value and we refuse to participate in them any longer. If you are like me, you may even look back at some of those things and wonder what you were thinking at the time! You wonder because you are different now – you have the love that God’s so graciously and mercifully showered upon your life that you know for certain you will never ever live like that again.
Examine your Christian walk today. Is your repentance true and honest? Is God really working on you? Are you being transformed in the new creature Jesus promises that you will become?
Friday, January 16, 2009
Pray!
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. – Mark 1:35
Prayer is a great privilege that we have as Christians. There is no such thing as the “gift of prayer”; all believers in Jesus Christ are called to pray. Prayer allows us to have heartfelt conversations with God. Through prayer we can lift the burden, the joys, and the concerns in our hearts to God. When we pray, we think of God, we listen to God and we speak to God. Scripture records that even Jesus Christ rose up early in the morning and left the house to pray to His Father. Jesus is showing us an example that we must follow. Prayer allows us to grow in our personal relationship with God. With prayer, we are strengthened and our hearts are slowly transformed. We are more in line with God’s will for our lives as we listen to Him and get our matching orders from the God who created the heavens and the earth. When we pray, we learn to put the will of God above our own. We love more and we begin to intercede for others in prayer. Prayer changes us from the inside out.
Prayer is a great privilege that we have as Christians. There is no such thing as the “gift of prayer”; all believers in Jesus Christ are called to pray. Prayer allows us to have heartfelt conversations with God. Through prayer we can lift the burden, the joys, and the concerns in our hearts to God. When we pray, we think of God, we listen to God and we speak to God. Scripture records that even Jesus Christ rose up early in the morning and left the house to pray to His Father. Jesus is showing us an example that we must follow. Prayer allows us to grow in our personal relationship with God. With prayer, we are strengthened and our hearts are slowly transformed. We are more in line with God’s will for our lives as we listen to Him and get our matching orders from the God who created the heavens and the earth. When we pray, we learn to put the will of God above our own. We love more and we begin to intercede for others in prayer. Prayer changes us from the inside out.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Rational Faith
A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. – Mark 5:25-29
We are called to pray and to make our requests known to God. It is a commandment in the Bible. But when we ask God to do things for us, are we asking Him to do things that we can do by ourselves? Are we relegating our responsibilities to God? Christians have to be rational with their faith and being rational means we take responsibility for our lives. Oftentimes we ask God to do things for us that we can do for ourselves.
We ask God to help us find a job but we refuse to do the work that getting a job entails. To get a job, one must have a resume, fill in applications and attend job interviews. We have to be presentable when we show up to a hiring organization and prepare before the interview occurs. We can of course pray fro God’s guidance and help as we do our part but we cannot fold our arms and expect that a hiring company will simply show up on our doorstep with the offer of a job. Some of us pray to God about getting healthy and losing weight, yet we chow down on huge amounts of unhealthy food. We refuse to exercise or educate ourselves on what healthy eating is all about. Or maybe it’s debt that we are trying to reduce, yet we cannot seem to stop making new purchases. We don’t take active steps to create a budget and a plan and stick to it.
As believers we must exhibit and practice rational faith. God is not going to send resumes; neither is he going to join a gym. We have to start using the wisdom and understanding that is provided in the Word of God to help ourselves. When we start out with a practical and rational faith that God can see, He opens supernatural doors and helps us along. Sometimes we have to be practical to experience the supernatural. Just like the paraplegic that was brought in through the roof by four of his friends; Jesus has to see our faith. The woman with the issue of blood had exhausted all possibilities. She had endured immense suffering for twelve years. She tried to help herself. The Bible records that she has been under the care of many doctors and spent all she had trying to get well. She pursued the supernatural when she had done everything that she could do for herself.
If you are facing a difficult challenge today, examine God’s word and yourself - Is there something you can do practically to get yourself out of the hole that you are in? God has not called us to pray up our requests and simply sit here with our arms crossed. If there is work that you can do about your situation, get practical while praying for God’s leading and help as you go along.
We are called to pray and to make our requests known to God. It is a commandment in the Bible. But when we ask God to do things for us, are we asking Him to do things that we can do by ourselves? Are we relegating our responsibilities to God? Christians have to be rational with their faith and being rational means we take responsibility for our lives. Oftentimes we ask God to do things for us that we can do for ourselves.
We ask God to help us find a job but we refuse to do the work that getting a job entails. To get a job, one must have a resume, fill in applications and attend job interviews. We have to be presentable when we show up to a hiring organization and prepare before the interview occurs. We can of course pray fro God’s guidance and help as we do our part but we cannot fold our arms and expect that a hiring company will simply show up on our doorstep with the offer of a job. Some of us pray to God about getting healthy and losing weight, yet we chow down on huge amounts of unhealthy food. We refuse to exercise or educate ourselves on what healthy eating is all about. Or maybe it’s debt that we are trying to reduce, yet we cannot seem to stop making new purchases. We don’t take active steps to create a budget and a plan and stick to it.
As believers we must exhibit and practice rational faith. God is not going to send resumes; neither is he going to join a gym. We have to start using the wisdom and understanding that is provided in the Word of God to help ourselves. When we start out with a practical and rational faith that God can see, He opens supernatural doors and helps us along. Sometimes we have to be practical to experience the supernatural. Just like the paraplegic that was brought in through the roof by four of his friends; Jesus has to see our faith. The woman with the issue of blood had exhausted all possibilities. She had endured immense suffering for twelve years. She tried to help herself. The Bible records that she has been under the care of many doctors and spent all she had trying to get well. She pursued the supernatural when she had done everything that she could do for herself.
If you are facing a difficult challenge today, examine God’s word and yourself - Is there something you can do practically to get yourself out of the hole that you are in? God has not called us to pray up our requests and simply sit here with our arms crossed. If there is work that you can do about your situation, get practical while praying for God’s leading and help as you go along.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Nothing Without Him
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
Talking from experience, living without a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ is no living at all. There is a special place that God has placed in each and everyone of us that He must occupy. No one else can take that spot. If we try to replace that special place with material things and other people, we are bound to get disappointed. Life will disappoint us; people will disappoint us, you can bet on it. The Only One that does not disappoint is God.
God is every believers sustaining power. He is the Only One that has what we need to be fruitful in this world. Anyone can be busy but not all that are busy will be fruitful. In order to fulfill our purpose in this life, we must be connected to our creator. The scripture above is clear – this is not a question of percentages. Without God, we will achieve nothing of spiritual value. In our spiritual walk with God, we must be united with God through His Son, Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit that dwells inside of us. When we are in unison with God, there is nothing we cannot achieve. The Bible tells us that with mere human beings some things are impossible but with God all things are possible.
We all need help to live the best lives that God has for us. We cannot do it alone. We need God by our side.
Talking from experience, living without a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ is no living at all. There is a special place that God has placed in each and everyone of us that He must occupy. No one else can take that spot. If we try to replace that special place with material things and other people, we are bound to get disappointed. Life will disappoint us; people will disappoint us, you can bet on it. The Only One that does not disappoint is God.
God is every believers sustaining power. He is the Only One that has what we need to be fruitful in this world. Anyone can be busy but not all that are busy will be fruitful. In order to fulfill our purpose in this life, we must be connected to our creator. The scripture above is clear – this is not a question of percentages. Without God, we will achieve nothing of spiritual value. In our spiritual walk with God, we must be united with God through His Son, Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit that dwells inside of us. When we are in unison with God, there is nothing we cannot achieve. The Bible tells us that with mere human beings some things are impossible but with God all things are possible.
We all need help to live the best lives that God has for us. We cannot do it alone. We need God by our side.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Keep His Word
“If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me”. – John 14:23-24
When we love someone, we do all we can to please them. If we make a mistake and hurt them in any way, we are quick to apologize and make amends. As believers, we are called to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, body and mind. Everything we do should be to the glory of God. To say that we love God means that we must yield and be obedient to His will.
Loving God means that our manual for operation in life must be His Holy Word. There is nothing that we are going through that Jesus did not experience. There is no feeling, no emotion, no hardship or circumstance that does not have a point of reference from the Bible. Loving God and being obedient to Him does not mean that we will not make mistakes. But it means that when we do, we approach the throne of grace in true repentance. Being obedient to God means that we do our best to make sure that our thoughts and actions are pleasing to God.
We are to aim to try to please God in everything that we do. We are not obedient because we are afraid of the whipping we will get when we do wrong, but we obey because of the love we have for God knowing He loves us unconditionally in return. When we truly love, we do not take the other for granted. Similarly, taking God’s grace and mercy for granted constitutes abuse of His compassion.
When we love someone, we do all we can to please them. If we make a mistake and hurt them in any way, we are quick to apologize and make amends. As believers, we are called to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, body and mind. Everything we do should be to the glory of God. To say that we love God means that we must yield and be obedient to His will.
Loving God means that our manual for operation in life must be His Holy Word. There is nothing that we are going through that Jesus did not experience. There is no feeling, no emotion, no hardship or circumstance that does not have a point of reference from the Bible. Loving God and being obedient to Him does not mean that we will not make mistakes. But it means that when we do, we approach the throne of grace in true repentance. Being obedient to God means that we do our best to make sure that our thoughts and actions are pleasing to God.
We are to aim to try to please God in everything that we do. We are not obedient because we are afraid of the whipping we will get when we do wrong, but we obey because of the love we have for God knowing He loves us unconditionally in return. When we truly love, we do not take the other for granted. Similarly, taking God’s grace and mercy for granted constitutes abuse of His compassion.
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Greatest Commandment
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment”. – Matthew 22:37-38
Love is the greatest gift of all. God is love and anything that He does for His children, He does in love. All the commandments can be summed up very simply: we are to love God and one another. The Bible is clear that it really does not matter what else we do or what other fruits of the spirit we display, without love they are all meaningless. When we do things for others, the amount of love we put into our efforts mean more to God than the material value of our help. This is because the currency in heaven is not dollars but is measured in love; it is based on what is in the heart.
God does not command us to do anything that He has not placed the capacity within us to do. I hear some say “I am just not the loving and affectionate type”. But God has given us all the ability to love, the question is whether we choose to or not. When the Bible talks about love, it is not referring to earthly feelings that have become a pre-requisite for love in our world. Love from God’s perspective is an action word. It is representative of the way we act and our attitude towards others. It is not dependent on the way we feel but that we always act and present an attitude that genuinely wants the best for others.
True love is a choice and the Bible commands that we must make the decision to love. That is what pleases God.
Love is the greatest gift of all. God is love and anything that He does for His children, He does in love. All the commandments can be summed up very simply: we are to love God and one another. The Bible is clear that it really does not matter what else we do or what other fruits of the spirit we display, without love they are all meaningless. When we do things for others, the amount of love we put into our efforts mean more to God than the material value of our help. This is because the currency in heaven is not dollars but is measured in love; it is based on what is in the heart.
God does not command us to do anything that He has not placed the capacity within us to do. I hear some say “I am just not the loving and affectionate type”. But God has given us all the ability to love, the question is whether we choose to or not. When the Bible talks about love, it is not referring to earthly feelings that have become a pre-requisite for love in our world. Love from God’s perspective is an action word. It is representative of the way we act and our attitude towards others. It is not dependent on the way we feel but that we always act and present an attitude that genuinely wants the best for others.
True love is a choice and the Bible commands that we must make the decision to love. That is what pleases God.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Seek Him
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”. – Matthew 6:33
In a world where materialism seems to define success, how do we keep the main thing the main thing? How do we put God first above all things? How do we keep him at the tippy-top of our list of priorities? How much time and effort do we really devote to the things of God compared to the time we spend shopping, working on our projects and businesses, playing and watching TV? What are we willing to let go of in order to pursue a life with God?
God’s commandment is clear. Jesus commands us to seek Him first and everything else in our lives will be taken care of. I guess this is where trust comes in. If we really spend five minutes in the morning talking to God before leaving the house, are we sure that God will take care of traffic such that we are not late for our appointments? If we spend a couple of hours every weekend studying the Word of God, doesn’t that mean that we might have to give up some TV and family time? How do we make up this “lost” time?
In order to have the abundant life that God has promised, we must seek Him more than anything else. If we run around seeking the things of the world and put God at the bottom of our priority list, it will not be too long before we realize that all those things really don’t matter in the grand scale of life. We have to make seeking God and pursuing the things of God our passion in life. That is the only way we can have the abundant and fruitful life that He has promised. Make God your principal focus today. Allow Him to take His rightful place in your heart and watch all other things fall perfectly into place.
In a world where materialism seems to define success, how do we keep the main thing the main thing? How do we put God first above all things? How do we keep him at the tippy-top of our list of priorities? How much time and effort do we really devote to the things of God compared to the time we spend shopping, working on our projects and businesses, playing and watching TV? What are we willing to let go of in order to pursue a life with God?
God’s commandment is clear. Jesus commands us to seek Him first and everything else in our lives will be taken care of. I guess this is where trust comes in. If we really spend five minutes in the morning talking to God before leaving the house, are we sure that God will take care of traffic such that we are not late for our appointments? If we spend a couple of hours every weekend studying the Word of God, doesn’t that mean that we might have to give up some TV and family time? How do we make up this “lost” time?
In order to have the abundant life that God has promised, we must seek Him more than anything else. If we run around seeking the things of the world and put God at the bottom of our priority list, it will not be too long before we realize that all those things really don’t matter in the grand scale of life. We have to make seeking God and pursuing the things of God our passion in life. That is the only way we can have the abundant and fruitful life that He has promised. Make God your principal focus today. Allow Him to take His rightful place in your heart and watch all other things fall perfectly into place.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
When God Says No
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8
Jesus commands us in the scripture to make our requests known to him. He Himself always asked the Father for His needs. All earthly Dads want to give their children the best; how much more our Father in heaven. God wants the best for us. What God wants for us is better than what we could ever wish for ourselves - even though we may not always feel that this is the case. He knows what is best for us because He created us. And there are some times when God will say no to our requests. Just my like my earthly Dad always said no to my lame requests when I was growing up, God will tells us no sometimes.
This is where trust comes into play. God can see what we cannot see. He is a God who sees the end from the beginning. Even if we think our requests make sense; it may only be good for us in the short-term. God can see the long-term ramifications of some of the things we pray for and may decide that our requests will not be granted. The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 encourages us to pray for two key things: for God’s Kingdom to come here on earth and for His will to be done. When next you pray, see if you can fit your request into any of these two categories.
We must trust that God will always give us better than what we ask for. He will never put us in a situation where we are worse off. We must always remember that prayer is not a magic bullet but an avenue to develop and maintain a close personal relationship with Almighty God. We are called to pray constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17) understanding and in assurance that when we ask, God certainly listens. Sometimes the answer is yes, other times it is wait and often it can be no. Regardless of the answer we get to our prayers, we must trust that it is the right answer for us at this juncture of our lives. God never does anything except it is in love. Even when He says no, He does so because He loves us.
Jesus commands us in the scripture to make our requests known to him. He Himself always asked the Father for His needs. All earthly Dads want to give their children the best; how much more our Father in heaven. God wants the best for us. What God wants for us is better than what we could ever wish for ourselves - even though we may not always feel that this is the case. He knows what is best for us because He created us. And there are some times when God will say no to our requests. Just my like my earthly Dad always said no to my lame requests when I was growing up, God will tells us no sometimes.
This is where trust comes into play. God can see what we cannot see. He is a God who sees the end from the beginning. Even if we think our requests make sense; it may only be good for us in the short-term. God can see the long-term ramifications of some of the things we pray for and may decide that our requests will not be granted. The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 encourages us to pray for two key things: for God’s Kingdom to come here on earth and for His will to be done. When next you pray, see if you can fit your request into any of these two categories.
We must trust that God will always give us better than what we ask for. He will never put us in a situation where we are worse off. We must always remember that prayer is not a magic bullet but an avenue to develop and maintain a close personal relationship with Almighty God. We are called to pray constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17) understanding and in assurance that when we ask, God certainly listens. Sometimes the answer is yes, other times it is wait and often it can be no. Regardless of the answer we get to our prayers, we must trust that it is the right answer for us at this juncture of our lives. God never does anything except it is in love. Even when He says no, He does so because He loves us.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Watch What You Say
If you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. – Proverbs 6:2
Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. – Proverbs 6:5
What are you saying about your situation? What do you confess when things get rough? Do you constantly murmur and complain? We all have a natural propensity to grumble when things don't turn out right but the longer we stay negative, the longer we will continue to live in defeat. People who are always negative in most cases have a negative life to show for it. One cannot ignore a bad situation but at the same time, confessing that the rough time will pass is crucial.
As we walk through the shadow of death, we can rest in the comfort that God is always with us. We never stay in tough times forever, as believers we only go through tough times. The agenda of the enemy of your soul is to constantly keep you in defeat. He will allow you to go around town and complain about everything that is wrong with your life. With your own negative words, you curse your life. The words we speak are like seeds, negative seeds result in larger problems.
Stop talking about defeat today; speak the victory of Jesus Christ into your life and watch your circumstances change. Watch the joy in your life increase as God shines his love and grace upon your life.
Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. – Proverbs 6:5
What are you saying about your situation? What do you confess when things get rough? Do you constantly murmur and complain? We all have a natural propensity to grumble when things don't turn out right but the longer we stay negative, the longer we will continue to live in defeat. People who are always negative in most cases have a negative life to show for it. One cannot ignore a bad situation but at the same time, confessing that the rough time will pass is crucial.
As we walk through the shadow of death, we can rest in the comfort that God is always with us. We never stay in tough times forever, as believers we only go through tough times. The agenda of the enemy of your soul is to constantly keep you in defeat. He will allow you to go around town and complain about everything that is wrong with your life. With your own negative words, you curse your life. The words we speak are like seeds, negative seeds result in larger problems.
Stop talking about defeat today; speak the victory of Jesus Christ into your life and watch your circumstances change. Watch the joy in your life increase as God shines his love and grace upon your life.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Freedom in Christ
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. – Galatians 5:1
A friend called me recently and mentioned that as middle-class Americans, we are all salves in suits. Judging by the recklessness, greed and dishonesty of those in power and the clowns on Wall Street, I had to agree. What we are doing is working very hard so that a privileged few can screw up the system and still get bailed-out for their irresponsibility.
In reality, no-one can make you a slave without your continued consent; especially not in a country that is built on freedom. As Christians, we are reminded throughout scripture that as children of God, we are indeed free. So why do we often feel so burdened and enslaved? I believe it’s because we don’t really lay hold of the freedom we have acquired through the work of Christ on the Cross of Calvary. We need to constantly remind ourselves about the price that Our Lord paid to get us that freedom.
Understanding what this freedom entails is key. This freedom is not the same as the kind of freedom the world dictates. It is not a license to do whatever we want when we want and how we want. On the contrary, it is the freedom to live by guidelines dictated by the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. The Bible tells us never to worry. Truth be told, worry is a sin. If because of the state of the economy, we have to lose material possessions, we should not let that loss drive us into the ground. It may cause us anger, annoyance and irritation but we must believe that we will recover and that God will restore all that we have lost in His time. The only things we need to do are stand firm and refuse to be aggravated. Regardless of what is happening with the stock market and the economy, we are anchored securely to the God of the universe.
I am not trying to minimize the hardships that the recent downturn in the state of the economy might be causing some, but our focus must never shift from Almighty God. We are to keep our eyes centered on Him and our prayers directed to Him. Let’s face it; worrying does not really change anything.
A friend called me recently and mentioned that as middle-class Americans, we are all salves in suits. Judging by the recklessness, greed and dishonesty of those in power and the clowns on Wall Street, I had to agree. What we are doing is working very hard so that a privileged few can screw up the system and still get bailed-out for their irresponsibility.
In reality, no-one can make you a slave without your continued consent; especially not in a country that is built on freedom. As Christians, we are reminded throughout scripture that as children of God, we are indeed free. So why do we often feel so burdened and enslaved? I believe it’s because we don’t really lay hold of the freedom we have acquired through the work of Christ on the Cross of Calvary. We need to constantly remind ourselves about the price that Our Lord paid to get us that freedom.
Understanding what this freedom entails is key. This freedom is not the same as the kind of freedom the world dictates. It is not a license to do whatever we want when we want and how we want. On the contrary, it is the freedom to live by guidelines dictated by the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. The Bible tells us never to worry. Truth be told, worry is a sin. If because of the state of the economy, we have to lose material possessions, we should not let that loss drive us into the ground. It may cause us anger, annoyance and irritation but we must believe that we will recover and that God will restore all that we have lost in His time. The only things we need to do are stand firm and refuse to be aggravated. Regardless of what is happening with the stock market and the economy, we are anchored securely to the God of the universe.
I am not trying to minimize the hardships that the recent downturn in the state of the economy might be causing some, but our focus must never shift from Almighty God. We are to keep our eyes centered on Him and our prayers directed to Him. Let’s face it; worrying does not really change anything.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
God’s Presence Brings Transformation
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12: 2
The presence of God in our lives brings change. The change we go through is not predicated upon our effort but the work of God. When we turn over our lives to God, the process of change begins as the Holy Spirit immediately comes to dwell inside of us. As we study and listen to the Word of God, we are slowly guided by the Spirit and not the flesh. We are now totally in the hands of the Manufacturer. He knows what we created us to be so when we truly allow Him free reign in our lives, we are able to become what He wants us to be. We need to trust God enough to allow Him show us what and who we ought to be. Jesus tells us to follow Him and He will make us fishers of men. “Make” here means that He will transform us to His own will and desire. He will gently take us from where we once were to where we truly need to be. We cannot make ourselves fishers of men – we can try but the effort at best will be fake and very superficial.
John 1:12 says “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” For our lives to be completely transformed for the better it’s time to look for change in the only One who never changes. If you’ve tried all that you know and exhausted all your options and still feel empty and void, give your life to Jesus Christ. Your life will surely be transformed for the better.
The presence of God in our lives brings change. The change we go through is not predicated upon our effort but the work of God. When we turn over our lives to God, the process of change begins as the Holy Spirit immediately comes to dwell inside of us. As we study and listen to the Word of God, we are slowly guided by the Spirit and not the flesh. We are now totally in the hands of the Manufacturer. He knows what we created us to be so when we truly allow Him free reign in our lives, we are able to become what He wants us to be. We need to trust God enough to allow Him show us what and who we ought to be. Jesus tells us to follow Him and He will make us fishers of men. “Make” here means that He will transform us to His own will and desire. He will gently take us from where we once were to where we truly need to be. We cannot make ourselves fishers of men – we can try but the effort at best will be fake and very superficial.
John 1:12 says “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” For our lives to be completely transformed for the better it’s time to look for change in the only One who never changes. If you’ve tried all that you know and exhausted all your options and still feel empty and void, give your life to Jesus Christ. Your life will surely be transformed for the better.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
What Does Being a New Creature in Christ Mean to You?
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come!” – 1 Corinthians 5:17.
This verse is truly a verse that must being comfort to anyone who desperately wants a new start; a fresh beginning. Jesus Christ is telling us that when we come to Him, He makes us anew. He tells us that old things have passed away and we can have a brand new start in Him. I am particularly grateful for this verse. There are some areas of my life in the past that I don’t want to be a part of anymore. Jesus Christ tells me that I have a new life – that is mine for the taking.
Here are some of the things this scripture verse reinforces in my heart:
1. I can proudly renounce everything contrary to the Word of God because God has given me the power of self-control through his Spirit. I am no longer controlled by sin. I have been given victory over sin and death through the Blood of Jesus Christ.
2. I can pursue all the dreams that God has placed in my heart because I am no longer the timid, insecure girl I was once. I see myself doing things and being the person that God created me to be without fear or intimidation.
3. All my insecurities evaporated with the old creature. Now I am confident – not in me – but in the God that I serve who has purposed and predestined me for greatness.
4. My relationships with others are different as I am no longer the same person I once was.
5. Even when I am treated in ways that I ought not to be treated, my worth in Jesus Christ convinces me that it’s OK. Others treatment of me does not in any way dictate who I am.
6. Its a brand new beginning; a brand new start. The old me is no more. When I am reminded in anyway of the past, I make a choice to look forward to the future Jesus Christ has in store for me; to continue to allow reminders of the past means deliberately bringing the past into the future.
7. As a new creature, everything is re-constructed, re-defined and re-created. It’s all brand new; a renewal from the inside out.
8. Because of God’s love for me and His gift of salvation, my new life can never be taken for granted. Not that I will never make another mistake – No. I may stumble and I may fall but I am confident that because of His grace and His mercy I am forgiven. I know that I will rise again but I will never stray too far from the house of my Heavenly Father.
9. Brand new I understand that whatever wrong I’ve done in the past and will do in the future does not in any way define who I am. My personhood and my actions are two different things. What defines who I is written in the scriptures – I am a child of the Living God.
What does being a new creature in Christ mean to you?
This verse is truly a verse that must being comfort to anyone who desperately wants a new start; a fresh beginning. Jesus Christ is telling us that when we come to Him, He makes us anew. He tells us that old things have passed away and we can have a brand new start in Him. I am particularly grateful for this verse. There are some areas of my life in the past that I don’t want to be a part of anymore. Jesus Christ tells me that I have a new life – that is mine for the taking.
Here are some of the things this scripture verse reinforces in my heart:
1. I can proudly renounce everything contrary to the Word of God because God has given me the power of self-control through his Spirit. I am no longer controlled by sin. I have been given victory over sin and death through the Blood of Jesus Christ.
2. I can pursue all the dreams that God has placed in my heart because I am no longer the timid, insecure girl I was once. I see myself doing things and being the person that God created me to be without fear or intimidation.
3. All my insecurities evaporated with the old creature. Now I am confident – not in me – but in the God that I serve who has purposed and predestined me for greatness.
4. My relationships with others are different as I am no longer the same person I once was.
5. Even when I am treated in ways that I ought not to be treated, my worth in Jesus Christ convinces me that it’s OK. Others treatment of me does not in any way dictate who I am.
6. Its a brand new beginning; a brand new start. The old me is no more. When I am reminded in anyway of the past, I make a choice to look forward to the future Jesus Christ has in store for me; to continue to allow reminders of the past means deliberately bringing the past into the future.
7. As a new creature, everything is re-constructed, re-defined and re-created. It’s all brand new; a renewal from the inside out.
8. Because of God’s love for me and His gift of salvation, my new life can never be taken for granted. Not that I will never make another mistake – No. I may stumble and I may fall but I am confident that because of His grace and His mercy I am forgiven. I know that I will rise again but I will never stray too far from the house of my Heavenly Father.
9. Brand new I understand that whatever wrong I’ve done in the past and will do in the future does not in any way define who I am. My personhood and my actions are two different things. What defines who I is written in the scriptures – I am a child of the Living God.
What does being a new creature in Christ mean to you?
Monday, January 5, 2009
Benefits of Faith in God
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1
Whether we choose to have faith or chose to live in unbelief, God notices our choice. Faith is only manifested when there are things that you are hoping for. If you have all you could have ever wanted, why would you need faith? If you do not have a relative sick with a debilitating illness, of what use is faith to you. Faith only makes sense when you hope that all the consequences for the wrongs you have done in this realm has been handled by a Savior. Faith works when you believe in a god other than yourself. If you are depending on you to save yourself, you have no use for faith. Works can never make up for faith – faith is in a class all by itself and is never distracted by the things we are doing or not doing. So if you are running around trying to get into heaven by the works of your hands, you may be doing all that work for nothing. There is only one way to God and it is through Christ Jesus. There is no other way.
When I think about faith I always remember the woman with the issue of blood in the Bible. She was confident that if she could simply touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, she would be healed. She didn’t need to talk to him nor did she want to be noticed by him, she simply wanted to touch what he was wearing. Her faith was so much that she knew in her heart simply touching his garment would be enough. And she did receive her healing. Her faith made her well. People of faith touch God. They inspire God to move on their behalf.
As for those that don’t believe, God shows them the might in his power also. God does not choose people based on what anyone thinks. I have seen many situations where God chooses the one that no-one expects; the very one that was going around and persecuting Christians. The outcast that no-one wants; the one that has been condemned by all, God takes them from the back of the line and brings them right upfront for all to see. So that all those who said they could never be anything would know that they can be whatever God says they should be. There were others who were more qualified but God selects the one that no one expects. That is why it is only appropriate that Christians speak the truth; we are not called to judge and condemn others based on what they believe. God is not fair but he is certainly just.
In the case of the Christian who believes in the work of Jesus Christ at the Cross of Calvary and has accepted salvation by faith, God does for us according to the measure of our faith and what He believes we truly need. We must be patient for God’s timing because when we truly believe; we wait, believing in nothing less than what comes from God. Faith is a wonderful thing that’s always growing as we live more, hear God’s word more and go through lives various experiences.
Whether we choose to have faith or chose to live in unbelief, God notices our choice. Faith is only manifested when there are things that you are hoping for. If you have all you could have ever wanted, why would you need faith? If you do not have a relative sick with a debilitating illness, of what use is faith to you. Faith only makes sense when you hope that all the consequences for the wrongs you have done in this realm has been handled by a Savior. Faith works when you believe in a god other than yourself. If you are depending on you to save yourself, you have no use for faith. Works can never make up for faith – faith is in a class all by itself and is never distracted by the things we are doing or not doing. So if you are running around trying to get into heaven by the works of your hands, you may be doing all that work for nothing. There is only one way to God and it is through Christ Jesus. There is no other way.
When I think about faith I always remember the woman with the issue of blood in the Bible. She was confident that if she could simply touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, she would be healed. She didn’t need to talk to him nor did she want to be noticed by him, she simply wanted to touch what he was wearing. Her faith was so much that she knew in her heart simply touching his garment would be enough. And she did receive her healing. Her faith made her well. People of faith touch God. They inspire God to move on their behalf.
As for those that don’t believe, God shows them the might in his power also. God does not choose people based on what anyone thinks. I have seen many situations where God chooses the one that no-one expects; the very one that was going around and persecuting Christians. The outcast that no-one wants; the one that has been condemned by all, God takes them from the back of the line and brings them right upfront for all to see. So that all those who said they could never be anything would know that they can be whatever God says they should be. There were others who were more qualified but God selects the one that no one expects. That is why it is only appropriate that Christians speak the truth; we are not called to judge and condemn others based on what they believe. God is not fair but he is certainly just.
In the case of the Christian who believes in the work of Jesus Christ at the Cross of Calvary and has accepted salvation by faith, God does for us according to the measure of our faith and what He believes we truly need. We must be patient for God’s timing because when we truly believe; we wait, believing in nothing less than what comes from God. Faith is a wonderful thing that’s always growing as we live more, hear God’s word more and go through lives various experiences.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Be Persistent
Perseverance is defined as persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness. No matter what people say or do, the sun is still going to come up tomorrow. The tide pays the shoreline no mind. Life would sometimes throw us unexpected curves. People will come up with all sorts of noise, trying to rattle your cage and shake you off your mission but you cannot be stopped because He that is in you is greater than all those things in the world. No one can stop the realization of your dreams but you. Focus and disregard distractions that will show up in various forms. Be persistent; keep you eye on the ultimate goal. The source of strength to face the sunshine of tomorrow and keep going is not in us but in Christ Jesus who lives in us. So if you feel like throwing in the towel in today, these famous quotes are for you:
The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't. ~Henry Ward Beecher
The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places. ~Author Unknown
When the world says, "Give up,"Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."~Author Unknown
Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves. ~Dale Carnegie
Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain. ~Author Unknown
When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt
Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there. ~Josh Billings
Fall seven times, stand up eight. ~Japanese Proverb
The greatest oak was once a little nut that held its ground. ~Author Unknown
If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again. ~Flavia Weedn, Flavia and the Dream Maker, © Flavia.com
How long should you try? Until ~ John Rohn
Try and fail, but don’t try to fail ~ Stephen Kaggwa
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Let Go
As we begin in the first few days of 2009, I hope and pray that this year is your year of supernatural breakthrough and immense increase – and I don’t necessarily mean materially. I pray that God will give you the strength that you need to achieve all the great things Our Heavenly Father has laid on your heart for you to do. I pray that this year will be a million times better than the last for you. One thing is of uttermost importance – this year must begin with a fresh and renewed mind. You will need a new mindset to start afresh this year by letting go of all the wrong things that have happened to you in the past. Let go of any insecurities, low self esteem, anger, jealousy, envy, depression, despair, mistakes and release all obstacles (people included) to your harmony.
One of our greatest assets can be to develop the ability to view each day as an opportunity to start anew; to make new and right decisions about our lives; a chance to follow our dreams with fresh vigor. This New Year will provide yet another opportunity to let some things go; to release some unnecessary baggage. To embrace forgiveness of ourselves and others regardless of how unmerited our forgiving may be. The forgiveness is more for us not for our offenders. To free us and free our Spirit so that we can move into all that God has for us.
I have learnt that people will only have whatever power you allot to them. When people annoy you and you don’t let it go, you give to them power that they do not deserve. No-one has the right to do you wrong but they do. They only have one mission – to kill your dreams and bring you crashing down. But that will only happen if you let them.
So if you have some unresolved issues from 2008, it’s time to let those go. Let it go and move on with your life and what God has in store for you for 2009. Renew your mind for 2009 – don’t bring the old junk from 2008.
One of our greatest assets can be to develop the ability to view each day as an opportunity to start anew; to make new and right decisions about our lives; a chance to follow our dreams with fresh vigor. This New Year will provide yet another opportunity to let some things go; to release some unnecessary baggage. To embrace forgiveness of ourselves and others regardless of how unmerited our forgiving may be. The forgiveness is more for us not for our offenders. To free us and free our Spirit so that we can move into all that God has for us.
I have learnt that people will only have whatever power you allot to them. When people annoy you and you don’t let it go, you give to them power that they do not deserve. No-one has the right to do you wrong but they do. They only have one mission – to kill your dreams and bring you crashing down. But that will only happen if you let them.
So if you have some unresolved issues from 2008, it’s time to let those go. Let it go and move on with your life and what God has in store for you for 2009. Renew your mind for 2009 – don’t bring the old junk from 2008.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Believe in the Impossible
Today I add another year to my life chronologically and as I look back at my existence, I am amazed at how far the Lord has brought me. My attitude to life, to others and to my mission has been totally transformed. I am not as easily distracted by “noise” as I once used to be and my focus is sharper than ever. I can testify that the power of God is amazing. With God anything – anything is possible. Life always seems to give everyone a story. Everyone has a message as they go through their own personal journey of life. I believe that all the things we go through and come out of in life is for one reason and one reason alone – so that we can help others and comfort them as they go through the same things we have victoriously come through. We all have a God-given mission in life if we would accept our mission; we all have a mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our won unique way. But it all starts with believing in the God of the impossible.
If you are dealing with any trials right now, understand that they are not going to last. But the work of God that we have been called to engage in is eternal. Understand that I am not talking from the point of view of someone who grew up in a Christian home, in the church and has had the privilege of a wonderful marriage. I am coming to you as someone who has seen the amazing power of God. I am someone who has been brought back from the brink of death over and over again. I am a walking and talking testimony of the power of Jesus Christ. I am happy for those who have lived a life close to perfection but I have nothing in common with that kind of life. My life has been different – perfectly orchestrated by the God who has something very important for me to do.
As I wait for certain things to be revealed and in the meantime possess absolute faith regarding these things that are yet to be revealed, I glorify the Lord of the Impossible and I bless His Holy Name.
If you are dealing with any trials right now, understand that they are not going to last. But the work of God that we have been called to engage in is eternal. Understand that I am not talking from the point of view of someone who grew up in a Christian home, in the church and has had the privilege of a wonderful marriage. I am coming to you as someone who has seen the amazing power of God. I am someone who has been brought back from the brink of death over and over again. I am a walking and talking testimony of the power of Jesus Christ. I am happy for those who have lived a life close to perfection but I have nothing in common with that kind of life. My life has been different – perfectly orchestrated by the God who has something very important for me to do.
As I wait for certain things to be revealed and in the meantime possess absolute faith regarding these things that are yet to be revealed, I glorify the Lord of the Impossible and I bless His Holy Name.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year
Happy New Year
A time for new beginnings
A time to start afresh
A time to make lasting changes
To spend our resources on ventures worthwhile
To reach out and lend another a helping hand
A time to join hands with like minds
And touch the world in a magical way
A time to believe deep in your heart
That this year will bring great increase
All the negatives in life will begin to decrease
But with every promise comes conditions
Clean out your closet and prepare your prayer chambers
Make a vow to hold on tight to what you’ve always believed
Never let anyone or anything steal you away.
Time has once again proven beyond a doubt
That only those who are well anchored will remain
Anchored tightly by the Word of God and His Spirit.
A time for new beginnings
A time to start afresh
A time to make lasting changes
To spend our resources on ventures worthwhile
To reach out and lend another a helping hand
A time to join hands with like minds
And touch the world in a magical way
A time to believe deep in your heart
That this year will bring great increase
All the negatives in life will begin to decrease
But with every promise comes conditions
Clean out your closet and prepare your prayer chambers
Make a vow to hold on tight to what you’ve always believed
Never let anyone or anything steal you away.
Time has once again proven beyond a doubt
That only those who are well anchored will remain
Anchored tightly by the Word of God and His Spirit.
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