Sunday, October 29, 2006
Finding God's Law in Your Heart
Scripture:
since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.
Romans 2:15
Saints,
Have you ever found yourself in a position where you were tempted to do something wrong? Maybe you were tempted to lie about something, or cheat on a test, or maybe even take something that didn’t belong to you.
However, a voice deep down inside of you said, “No, you can’t do that.” Now some people say it’s their conscience talking to them. For the most part, they are right. The Merriam-Webster dictionary gives this definition of conscience: the sense or consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one's own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good.
Most of us who have been taught the Word of God know that doing something wrong is a sin. It is taught to us time and time again, in the written word of God. We all know the Ten Commandment, you know, “the though shall nots.” They are so deeply ingrained in us that even when we don’t listen to that still small voice that speaks to us and do those things that we know we aren’t supposed to, we are convicted.
We are convicted because we KNOW the Word of God. We KNOW that there are consequences to our actions. We KNOW that sin is displeasing to God.
Once you have met God and studied His word, and you know the difference between right and wrong; you will be self-convicted. Saints of God, I just want you to know, that no matter what you may be going through, God’s Word has not changed. It is the same yesterday, today and forevermore.
So I urge you, listen to your conscience.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to You, O Lord; teach me your decrees. Lord, I come before the throne of grace asking that You would forgive me for all the wrong I’ve done. O Lord, let us draw near to You with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. We worship you Lord, will all of our being. We thank You Father, for the absolution that has been given to us through the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, it is in His name we pray. Amen.
since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.
Romans 2:15
Saints,
Have you ever found yourself in a position where you were tempted to do something wrong? Maybe you were tempted to lie about something, or cheat on a test, or maybe even take something that didn’t belong to you.
However, a voice deep down inside of you said, “No, you can’t do that.” Now some people say it’s their conscience talking to them. For the most part, they are right. The Merriam-Webster dictionary gives this definition of conscience: the sense or consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one's own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good.
Most of us who have been taught the Word of God know that doing something wrong is a sin. It is taught to us time and time again, in the written word of God. We all know the Ten Commandment, you know, “the though shall nots.” They are so deeply ingrained in us that even when we don’t listen to that still small voice that speaks to us and do those things that we know we aren’t supposed to, we are convicted.
We are convicted because we KNOW the Word of God. We KNOW that there are consequences to our actions. We KNOW that sin is displeasing to God.
Once you have met God and studied His word, and you know the difference between right and wrong; you will be self-convicted. Saints of God, I just want you to know, that no matter what you may be going through, God’s Word has not changed. It is the same yesterday, today and forevermore.
So I urge you, listen to your conscience.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to You, O Lord; teach me your decrees. Lord, I come before the throne of grace asking that You would forgive me for all the wrong I’ve done. O Lord, let us draw near to You with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. We worship you Lord, will all of our being. We thank You Father, for the absolution that has been given to us through the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, it is in His name we pray. Amen.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Thank God for Your Gift
Scripture:
I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. 1 Corinthians 7:7
Saints, has there ever been a time when you became jealous of someone else? Did they have something that you desired? Money, looks, prestige?
Do you ever wish that you had someone else’s talent? Maybe their husband or wife? Do you ever feel jealous because someone else who didn’t work as hard as you got the promotion or acknowledgement?
Sometimes, it will appear that life isn’t fair. We work so hard at our relationships, in our careers and raising our families and more times than not, it seems we just can’t get ahead. We look around at other people in our lives and they seem to be doing so much better than us, with little or no effort.
Well, today I am not going to sugar coat it. Everyone is not created equal. There are specific reasons for it all. Some by our own design and some are according to God’s plan.
God has a desire and a plan for each of our lives. It doesn’t always coincide with what we want, but rather, what God wants for us. God knows what we can handle and what we can’t.
Our gifts, both spiritually and in the natural, are all from Him. They are meted out according to his will. So remember, this, don’t be jealous of what others have accomplished or have gained in this world. God has a special gift, just for your.
And Remember, Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons. ~Ruth Ann Schabacker
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come before the throne of grace to thank You for what You have given us. Lord, I know there are times when I feel that I deserve more, but I stop and realize that more isn’t always what’s best for me. I am reminded that I have so much because of You. I have the gift of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. As the seasons change and the nights become dark and cold, I am reminded just how blessed I truly am. I have a home, food, friends, and most of all, the gift of love. Love of family and friends. I have hope for tomorrow and I have the gift of salvation. I realize that the things of this world are just for a season. I will rejoice in my season, for I know that the harvest is near. Thank You Father, for my gifts. Thank You Lord, for my health, my strength and my life. Thank you most of all for Christ Jesus, it is in His name that we pray. Amen.
I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. 1 Corinthians 7:7
Saints, has there ever been a time when you became jealous of someone else? Did they have something that you desired? Money, looks, prestige?
Do you ever wish that you had someone else’s talent? Maybe their husband or wife? Do you ever feel jealous because someone else who didn’t work as hard as you got the promotion or acknowledgement?
Sometimes, it will appear that life isn’t fair. We work so hard at our relationships, in our careers and raising our families and more times than not, it seems we just can’t get ahead. We look around at other people in our lives and they seem to be doing so much better than us, with little or no effort.
Well, today I am not going to sugar coat it. Everyone is not created equal. There are specific reasons for it all. Some by our own design and some are according to God’s plan.
God has a desire and a plan for each of our lives. It doesn’t always coincide with what we want, but rather, what God wants for us. God knows what we can handle and what we can’t.
Our gifts, both spiritually and in the natural, are all from Him. They are meted out according to his will. So remember, this, don’t be jealous of what others have accomplished or have gained in this world. God has a special gift, just for your.
And Remember, Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons. ~Ruth Ann Schabacker
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come before the throne of grace to thank You for what You have given us. Lord, I know there are times when I feel that I deserve more, but I stop and realize that more isn’t always what’s best for me. I am reminded that I have so much because of You. I have the gift of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. As the seasons change and the nights become dark and cold, I am reminded just how blessed I truly am. I have a home, food, friends, and most of all, the gift of love. Love of family and friends. I have hope for tomorrow and I have the gift of salvation. I realize that the things of this world are just for a season. I will rejoice in my season, for I know that the harvest is near. Thank You Father, for my gifts. Thank You Lord, for my health, my strength and my life. Thank you most of all for Christ Jesus, it is in His name that we pray. Amen.
Monday, October 09, 2006
We Are Blessed!
Scripture:
There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you. Deuteronomy 12:7
Saints of God, how many of your realize that you are blessed, even in the midst of your trials and tribulations. How many of you realize that it is only because of his grace and mercy that we are still standing.
So often, we feel as though God doesn't always hear our prayers. Or, doesn't answer our prayers in the time or in the way we want him to. One thing that I have come to realize is that we go through many of the things that we do for our own spiritual development and for his edification.
So remember, even when it seems as though God may not be listening to you or answering you in your time, He is listening. Like the elders say, "He may not come when you want him, but he's always right on time.
He will show up and show out! If you let him.
Be Blessed
PRAYER:
Father God, we come this morning just to say thank You. Thank You Lord for blessing us in spite of us. Thank You Lord, for Your faithfulness. Thank You Lord, for fresh grace and mercy. Lord, we know that there is nothing that we could ever do to deserve Your favor, but You favor us anyhow. Thank You. Yesterday, we may have sinned and yet, You still forgave us when we asked. Thank You. Yesterday we may have done or said something that was not pleasing to You. But You still overlooked our faults and didn't give up on us. Thank You Lord. Today we ask that You would guide and direct us in all that we do and say. We ask that You would help us to keep You at the forefront of our lives. We Love You because You first loved us. We come humbling ourselves before You and uplifting and exalting Your Holy Name. We thank You for the death and resurrection of Your son, Jesus the Christ, in whose name we pray. Hallelujah, Glory to god. Amen.
There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you. Deuteronomy 12:7
Saints of God, how many of your realize that you are blessed, even in the midst of your trials and tribulations. How many of you realize that it is only because of his grace and mercy that we are still standing.
So often, we feel as though God doesn't always hear our prayers. Or, doesn't answer our prayers in the time or in the way we want him to. One thing that I have come to realize is that we go through many of the things that we do for our own spiritual development and for his edification.
So remember, even when it seems as though God may not be listening to you or answering you in your time, He is listening. Like the elders say, "He may not come when you want him, but he's always right on time.
He will show up and show out! If you let him.
Be Blessed
PRAYER:
Father God, we come this morning just to say thank You. Thank You Lord for blessing us in spite of us. Thank You Lord, for Your faithfulness. Thank You Lord, for fresh grace and mercy. Lord, we know that there is nothing that we could ever do to deserve Your favor, but You favor us anyhow. Thank You. Yesterday, we may have sinned and yet, You still forgave us when we asked. Thank You. Yesterday we may have done or said something that was not pleasing to You. But You still overlooked our faults and didn't give up on us. Thank You Lord. Today we ask that You would guide and direct us in all that we do and say. We ask that You would help us to keep You at the forefront of our lives. We Love You because You first loved us. We come humbling ourselves before You and uplifting and exalting Your Holy Name. We thank You for the death and resurrection of Your son, Jesus the Christ, in whose name we pray. Hallelujah, Glory to god. Amen.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Encourage One Another
Scripture:
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. Romans 1:11-12
Saints, how many times have you been in a situation and just wanted to give up? How often have you been on a mission or had a set goal but wanted to call it quits before you got there? Have you ever gotten mad at God because it seems as though he doesn't hear your prayers?
For the past couple of years, I have noticed that more and more saints are going through some trying times. Financially, the situations are so bad that people aren't trying to get ahead; they are just trying to catch up. There have been several couples that I know of who have divorced after being married for over twenty-years.
Finding a full-time job that pays a decent wage is almost impossible if you don't already have one. I know that personally, even with over twenty-years of experience, and all of my credentials, I still haven't found a full-time permanent position.
Then we see death and destruction all around us. Man-made and Natural disasters. Here in Detroit, we have the distinction of being #1. We are number one in unemployment and now we have been ranked as the poorest city in America.
Discouraging, isn't it? But there is one thing that God wants of you. That is to be and stay encouraged. Since the beginning of time, God's people have been faced with adversities after adversities. Death and destruction. Persecution, war and famine aren't things that are new to the body of Christ.
Having, Keeping and maintaining your faith through it all is what God wants for us. We must always remember, this is not God's world. He has a better place for us. A place where there is no death and destruction. No famine. We don't have to worry about bills or anything else for that matter.
Remember, be encouraged, trouble don't last always.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, when we awakened this morning, we realized just how blessed we were. We were able to open our eyes in a warm bed, with a roof over our heads and food in our cupboards. Lord, sometimes it takes a disastrous situation for us to realize just how blessed we are. For even in the midst of our trials and tribulations, we must always remember, that you kept us safe from all hurt, harm and danger last night. Thank you. Someone didn't wake up this morning, but we did. Thank you. Someone doesn't know where their loved one are, but we do. Thank you. Lord, you have said that many are the afflictions of the righteous. We don't claim to be righteous, but we are always striving to be all that you want us to be. Lord, thank you. Father, touch the hearts and minds of your saints. May we always be there to encourage, love and support one another Just as you and your Word encourages and supports us. Thank you Lord for loving me. Thank you Lord for keeping me. Thank you Lord for blessing me. But most of all, thank you Lord, for your Son, Christ the Kings, in whose name we pray. Amen.
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. Romans 1:11-12
Saints, how many times have you been in a situation and just wanted to give up? How often have you been on a mission or had a set goal but wanted to call it quits before you got there? Have you ever gotten mad at God because it seems as though he doesn't hear your prayers?
For the past couple of years, I have noticed that more and more saints are going through some trying times. Financially, the situations are so bad that people aren't trying to get ahead; they are just trying to catch up. There have been several couples that I know of who have divorced after being married for over twenty-years.
Finding a full-time job that pays a decent wage is almost impossible if you don't already have one. I know that personally, even with over twenty-years of experience, and all of my credentials, I still haven't found a full-time permanent position.
Then we see death and destruction all around us. Man-made and Natural disasters. Here in Detroit, we have the distinction of being #1. We are number one in unemployment and now we have been ranked as the poorest city in America.
Discouraging, isn't it? But there is one thing that God wants of you. That is to be and stay encouraged. Since the beginning of time, God's people have been faced with adversities after adversities. Death and destruction. Persecution, war and famine aren't things that are new to the body of Christ.
Having, Keeping and maintaining your faith through it all is what God wants for us. We must always remember, this is not God's world. He has a better place for us. A place where there is no death and destruction. No famine. We don't have to worry about bills or anything else for that matter.
Remember, be encouraged, trouble don't last always.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, when we awakened this morning, we realized just how blessed we were. We were able to open our eyes in a warm bed, with a roof over our heads and food in our cupboards. Lord, sometimes it takes a disastrous situation for us to realize just how blessed we are. For even in the midst of our trials and tribulations, we must always remember, that you kept us safe from all hurt, harm and danger last night. Thank you. Someone didn't wake up this morning, but we did. Thank you. Someone doesn't know where their loved one are, but we do. Thank you. Lord, you have said that many are the afflictions of the righteous. We don't claim to be righteous, but we are always striving to be all that you want us to be. Lord, thank you. Father, touch the hearts and minds of your saints. May we always be there to encourage, love and support one another Just as you and your Word encourages and supports us. Thank you Lord for loving me. Thank you Lord for keeping me. Thank you Lord for blessing me. But most of all, thank you Lord, for your Son, Christ the Kings, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Life In The Spirit
Scripture:
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. Romans 8: 1-8
This past week, I have heard on more than one occasion about how we are trapped in bondage. Things, people, situations, and experiences bind us and keep us from truly seeking God's word. Our living our lives in the natural, going about our daily lives doing our own thing, and not seeking God or His council before we proceed on things, will put us in a trap.
The desires of our hearts and our selfish nature will cause us to do what we want to do and not what God has directed us to do. We become slaves to the very things that we thought would bring us pleasure. Then and only then when we find ourselves caught up, strung out, and in a corner will we bow down and seek God's council.
Saints, don't allow your selfish nature to keep you from seeking God's word. Don't allow things or people to put you in a trap.
Wake up and realize that when we seek God first, everything else will fall into place.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, we come kneeling before the throne of grace, seeking Your face and Your council. Help us Lord to put You first in everything that we do. Allow us to live our lives and see things, not in the natural but in the Spirit. Help us Lord to seek You first before we make our decisions. Help us Lord to learn to stop, be still, and take our concerns about life to the alter of sacrificing. Lord, continue to be with the Saints, their families, our friends, and our co-workers this day. Continue to bless those who have come asking for intercessory prayer. We ask that You would continue to grant us fresh grace and mercy this day and forever more. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. Romans 8: 1-8
This past week, I have heard on more than one occasion about how we are trapped in bondage. Things, people, situations, and experiences bind us and keep us from truly seeking God's word. Our living our lives in the natural, going about our daily lives doing our own thing, and not seeking God or His council before we proceed on things, will put us in a trap.
The desires of our hearts and our selfish nature will cause us to do what we want to do and not what God has directed us to do. We become slaves to the very things that we thought would bring us pleasure. Then and only then when we find ourselves caught up, strung out, and in a corner will we bow down and seek God's council.
Saints, don't allow your selfish nature to keep you from seeking God's word. Don't allow things or people to put you in a trap.
Wake up and realize that when we seek God first, everything else will fall into place.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, we come kneeling before the throne of grace, seeking Your face and Your council. Help us Lord to put You first in everything that we do. Allow us to live our lives and see things, not in the natural but in the Spirit. Help us Lord to seek You first before we make our decisions. Help us Lord to learn to stop, be still, and take our concerns about life to the alter of sacrificing. Lord, continue to be with the Saints, their families, our friends, and our co-workers this day. Continue to bless those who have come asking for intercessory prayer. We ask that You would continue to grant us fresh grace and mercy this day and forever more. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Why Ya Playin?
Scripture:
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:9-11
As I sat in church this past Sunday, listening to my Pastor talk about the promises of God, it caused me to think about what I wasn't doing for God in return for what he has done for me. You see, unlike God we are not forever faithful.
Now many of probably believe that you are being faithful, all the time. But if you take a really hard look at your life, like me, you will realize that there are probably some things in you life that God may not be pleased with. I won't go into detail about what my sins are, but I had to stop and say; My God, what am I doing!
You see, I realized that my sins were not big sins like, killing someone, robbing someone, or something that would cause harm to someone else. But I realized that my sins are enough to displease God and keep me from being Christ like. I realized that I was not truly doing what I was supposed to be doing. I realized that I was not living in appreciation for what Jesus had done for me on the Cross at Calvary.
So today saints I ask you, Why Ya Playin? Why Ya Playin at being more Christlike?
Why Ya Playin with God?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, we come before the throne of grace this morning to ask that You would forgive us Lord. Father, forgive us for not being as faithful to You as You are to us. Forgive us Lord, for not seeing our sins for what they truly are. Father, Search us Lord, cleans us Lord, convict us Lord. Help us Father to recognize the lies of satan. Father God, Your word tells us we are to not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Lord, help us to stop accepting everything that the world has to offer, but rather to seek Your kingdom first. We ask O'Lord, that You would give us a discerning spirit so that we can see sin for what it truly is; the lies of the evil one who seeks to destroy us. Father, we ask that You would continue to bless those saints who have come asking for intercessory prayer. Bless each and every saint reading this prayer right now, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:9-11
As I sat in church this past Sunday, listening to my Pastor talk about the promises of God, it caused me to think about what I wasn't doing for God in return for what he has done for me. You see, unlike God we are not forever faithful.
Now many of probably believe that you are being faithful, all the time. But if you take a really hard look at your life, like me, you will realize that there are probably some things in you life that God may not be pleased with. I won't go into detail about what my sins are, but I had to stop and say; My God, what am I doing!
You see, I realized that my sins were not big sins like, killing someone, robbing someone, or something that would cause harm to someone else. But I realized that my sins are enough to displease God and keep me from being Christ like. I realized that I was not truly doing what I was supposed to be doing. I realized that I was not living in appreciation for what Jesus had done for me on the Cross at Calvary.
So today saints I ask you, Why Ya Playin? Why Ya Playin at being more Christlike?
Why Ya Playin with God?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, we come before the throne of grace this morning to ask that You would forgive us Lord. Father, forgive us for not being as faithful to You as You are to us. Forgive us Lord, for not seeing our sins for what they truly are. Father, Search us Lord, cleans us Lord, convict us Lord. Help us Father to recognize the lies of satan. Father God, Your word tells us we are to not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Lord, help us to stop accepting everything that the world has to offer, but rather to seek Your kingdom first. We ask O'Lord, that You would give us a discerning spirit so that we can see sin for what it truly is; the lies of the evil one who seeks to destroy us. Father, we ask that You would continue to bless those saints who have come asking for intercessory prayer. Bless each and every saint reading this prayer right now, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Monday, October 02, 2006
God Is Not Pleased!
Scripture:
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20. (NIV)
Saints, not a day goes by that I don’t hear from someone who is going through a difficult time. Many of them are out of work, involved in difficult relationships, or struggling financially. Some folks are even experiencing all three. We look around and see death and destruction everywhere. It raises the question, why?
I for one seldom watch television or listen to popular radio because of all of the negative messages that we are being bombarded with. However, this past weekend I watched three episodes from the HBO series, “The Wire.”
Without getting into a lot of details, it is a continuing series about life in Baltimore Maryland. During the course of the three hours I saw, a corrupt city government, murders being committed, people being robbed, a mother chastising her son for not being diligent in his duties as a drug dealer, a young boy struggling to survive in the midst of a family of drug addicts, homosexuality, and the list goes on.
Now I must state that the problems that I saw are not unique to Baltimore alone, but rather repeated in cities all across this country. Even though I was watching television, I realized that these are very real situations that are being played out on a daily basis.
As I reflect on these things, I came to the conclusion that God is not pleased. He couldn’t be. His children, His beloved have once again turned to the things that are destroying us. We have lost hope and are living lives born out of the desperation just to survive.
Now many of you may ask, “What has that got to do with me? That’s not how I am living. I don’t know anyone like that.” Well saints I ask you, why don’t you?
As Children of God I have to remind you that as Christian Disciples we have been instructed through the “Great Commission” to teach the world what they must know and do to be saved.
Remember, Jesus gave it all, can’t you give just a little bit back?
To Whom must is given, Much is required.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Jesus Wept. Amen.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20. (NIV)
Saints, not a day goes by that I don’t hear from someone who is going through a difficult time. Many of them are out of work, involved in difficult relationships, or struggling financially. Some folks are even experiencing all three. We look around and see death and destruction everywhere. It raises the question, why?
I for one seldom watch television or listen to popular radio because of all of the negative messages that we are being bombarded with. However, this past weekend I watched three episodes from the HBO series, “The Wire.”
Without getting into a lot of details, it is a continuing series about life in Baltimore Maryland. During the course of the three hours I saw, a corrupt city government, murders being committed, people being robbed, a mother chastising her son for not being diligent in his duties as a drug dealer, a young boy struggling to survive in the midst of a family of drug addicts, homosexuality, and the list goes on.
Now I must state that the problems that I saw are not unique to Baltimore alone, but rather repeated in cities all across this country. Even though I was watching television, I realized that these are very real situations that are being played out on a daily basis.
As I reflect on these things, I came to the conclusion that God is not pleased. He couldn’t be. His children, His beloved have once again turned to the things that are destroying us. We have lost hope and are living lives born out of the desperation just to survive.
Now many of you may ask, “What has that got to do with me? That’s not how I am living. I don’t know anyone like that.” Well saints I ask you, why don’t you?
As Children of God I have to remind you that as Christian Disciples we have been instructed through the “Great Commission” to teach the world what they must know and do to be saved.
Remember, Jesus gave it all, can’t you give just a little bit back?
To Whom must is given, Much is required.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Jesus Wept. Amen.
