Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Playing The Cards I have Been Dealt
Remember, It is not the cards you are dealt but what you do with them that counts. ~ Anonymous
Scripture:
Three times I begged the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak." So I am very happy to brag about how weak I am. Then Christ's power can rest on me. 2 Corinthian 12:8-9.
Every now and then we will be faced with severe adversities in our lifetimes and will ask the question; why me? We feel as though we are being punished for something that we may have done wrong. At times, our suffering may seem more than we can bear.
What I have learned is this; trials and tribulations will come against you through no fault of your own. How you deal with these adversities is the true measure of your character. More times than not, we have no control over what we are going through. However, we can control how we respond.
If you have lost your job, your house or your car, know that God is still on your side. If the bill collectors are ringing your phone of the hook, don’t despair. God can make a way out of know way. Maybe the man or woman that you loved is gone. Know that God sometimes needs for us to be alone so that we can develop a relationship with Him first.
Whatever your situation may be, know that God has already said, He would never leave you nor forsake you. He can provide all of your needs. He is Your mother and your father. He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek him.
No matter what cards life deals you; God is still in control.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
God, sometimes the burdens of life tend to get me down. I suffer in the late night hours, crying tears of anguish, beseeching you to take away my burdens. I sometimes forget that even though I have no job, you still provide. I sometimes pray for a mate, not realizing that I must first develop a relationship with you. I want more for my family and don’t realize that we have more than most. Forgive me Lord, for my selfish spirit. Father, come asking for the patience of Job, the faithfulness of David, and the commitment of Paul. I pray that You would forgive me for feeding my fears instead of my faith. Help me Lord, to be still and listen for Your voice alone. Lord, I ask that You would answer the prayers of my brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, I don’t know all of their needs, but you do. Some have not the strength to endure. Strengthen them Heavenly Father, speak a word into their spirits so that they too would be encouraged. Thank You father for Your many blessings. Thank You Lord, for the death and resurrection of Your son, Jesus Christ. It is in His
Scripture:
Three times I begged the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak." So I am very happy to brag about how weak I am. Then Christ's power can rest on me. 2 Corinthian 12:8-9.
Every now and then we will be faced with severe adversities in our lifetimes and will ask the question; why me? We feel as though we are being punished for something that we may have done wrong. At times, our suffering may seem more than we can bear.
What I have learned is this; trials and tribulations will come against you through no fault of your own. How you deal with these adversities is the true measure of your character. More times than not, we have no control over what we are going through. However, we can control how we respond.
If you have lost your job, your house or your car, know that God is still on your side. If the bill collectors are ringing your phone of the hook, don’t despair. God can make a way out of know way. Maybe the man or woman that you loved is gone. Know that God sometimes needs for us to be alone so that we can develop a relationship with Him first.
Whatever your situation may be, know that God has already said, He would never leave you nor forsake you. He can provide all of your needs. He is Your mother and your father. He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek him.
No matter what cards life deals you; God is still in control.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
God, sometimes the burdens of life tend to get me down. I suffer in the late night hours, crying tears of anguish, beseeching you to take away my burdens. I sometimes forget that even though I have no job, you still provide. I sometimes pray for a mate, not realizing that I must first develop a relationship with you. I want more for my family and don’t realize that we have more than most. Forgive me Lord, for my selfish spirit. Father, come asking for the patience of Job, the faithfulness of David, and the commitment of Paul. I pray that You would forgive me for feeding my fears instead of my faith. Help me Lord, to be still and listen for Your voice alone. Lord, I ask that You would answer the prayers of my brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, I don’t know all of their needs, but you do. Some have not the strength to endure. Strengthen them Heavenly Father, speak a word into their spirits so that they too would be encouraged. Thank You father for Your many blessings. Thank You Lord, for the death and resurrection of Your son, Jesus Christ. It is in His
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
What Do You Have?
Remember, Happiness is the delicate balance between what one is and what one has. ~ F.H. Denison
Scripture:
for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:25-26 (New International Version)
Some people go through life collecting things. They collect houses, cars, jewelry and a myriad of various objects. They are of the belief that the more things they have the happier they will be.
This is not to say that obtaining certain things in life is wrong or that we should feel guilty about it, but rather realizing that the collecting of things will not necessarily lead them to the road of happiness. Recognizing what is really important; God, family, and friends are more important than things.
Learning to embrace where you are in life, is sometimes more important than embracing the things that fill our lives. Recognizing where you are in your spiritual walk is often more important than the journey. Learning to enjoy who you are is more important than trying to impress others.
Saints of God, having things is not the most important thing in life. Having God and people who love you is far more important than any material thing that you could ever have. Having peace of mind, body and spirit is something that you will be able to keep with you always.
Wisdom, knowledge and happiness will always be more valuable than silver or gold.
Prayer:
Father, sometimes as we journey through this life, we become lost. We find that we have somehow become separated from You. We look around us and nothing looks familiar, or we recognize that the things around us are not of You. We don't know how to find our way back to You because we don't know how we got to this place. But Lord, You have told us time and time again, that You are just a prayer away. Thank You Lord, for the power of prayer. Father, help us to recognize those times when we find ourselves in a far country, far away from Your grace and mercy. Help us Lord, to recognize Your angels who will help us to find our way home. Father, we thank You for Your under-Shepard’s who You have given charge over us. Because there have been times when we didn't even recognize just how lost we have been, but You have sent them out to bring us back into the fold. Now Lord, we ask that You would continue to touch our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as our unsaved families members and friends. So many need so much. We don't know the need of each individual but we know You do. Bless us Lord in the area of our lives that we have need of. Father God, our hearts are overflowing with Your love. Thank You Lord, for that love. We come before the throne of grace once again, just to give You honor, glory and praise. Bless the name of the Lord. Glory to Your name Lord. Thank You for loving me enough to sacrifice Your only begotten son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen.
Scripture:
for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:25-26 (New International Version)
Some people go through life collecting things. They collect houses, cars, jewelry and a myriad of various objects. They are of the belief that the more things they have the happier they will be.
This is not to say that obtaining certain things in life is wrong or that we should feel guilty about it, but rather realizing that the collecting of things will not necessarily lead them to the road of happiness. Recognizing what is really important; God, family, and friends are more important than things.
Learning to embrace where you are in life, is sometimes more important than embracing the things that fill our lives. Recognizing where you are in your spiritual walk is often more important than the journey. Learning to enjoy who you are is more important than trying to impress others.
Saints of God, having things is not the most important thing in life. Having God and people who love you is far more important than any material thing that you could ever have. Having peace of mind, body and spirit is something that you will be able to keep with you always.
Wisdom, knowledge and happiness will always be more valuable than silver or gold.
Prayer:
Father, sometimes as we journey through this life, we become lost. We find that we have somehow become separated from You. We look around us and nothing looks familiar, or we recognize that the things around us are not of You. We don't know how to find our way back to You because we don't know how we got to this place. But Lord, You have told us time and time again, that You are just a prayer away. Thank You Lord, for the power of prayer. Father, help us to recognize those times when we find ourselves in a far country, far away from Your grace and mercy. Help us Lord, to recognize Your angels who will help us to find our way home. Father, we thank You for Your under-Shepard’s who You have given charge over us. Because there have been times when we didn't even recognize just how lost we have been, but You have sent them out to bring us back into the fold. Now Lord, we ask that You would continue to touch our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as our unsaved families members and friends. So many need so much. We don't know the need of each individual but we know You do. Bless us Lord in the area of our lives that we have need of. Father God, our hearts are overflowing with Your love. Thank You Lord, for that love. We come before the throne of grace once again, just to give You honor, glory and praise. Bless the name of the Lord. Glory to Your name Lord. Thank You for loving me enough to sacrifice Your only begotten son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Helping Hands
Remember, The only people to get even with are those who have helped you. ~ Anonymous
Scripture:
Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do. Suppose someone falls down. Then his friend can help him up. But suppose the man who falls down doesn't have anyone to help him up. Then feel sorry for him! Or suppose two people lie down together. Then they'll keep warm. But how can one person keep warm alone? Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 (New International Reader's Version)
Every so often I am asked, how is it that I am willing to share what little I have. As a writer, I am always passing along advice, tips, and information about “calls for submissions“, or marketing ideas. As someone who has worked in sales, I will pass up a sale to help someone else. As a Christian, I am always encouraging others even when I myself, may need to be encouraged. There is something I discovered a long time ago about life and that is whatever you are willing to give away will be returned to you tenfold.
Now, don’t take this the wrong way, but in reality, when I give something away, I don’t give it away expecting that is will even be given back. More importantly, the person to whom I may give something to, may not necessarily be the person from whom I will receive my blessings from.
As I grow nearer to another milestone in my life, I realize that I have could not have made it this far without the help of others. I could have been homeless, car-less, without food for myself or my children, if it had not been for the kind generosity of others. Even the current job that I have, is because someone else helped me. I was hired based on the recommendation of someone word.
Saints of God, no one person has ever achieved anything in life without the help and support of others. Many might claim that they have, but if they truly took a long hard look at those unseen hands that have touched them along the way, they would have to admit, that they too have been helped.
I just want to remind each of you that you cannot receive a gift with a closed fist.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
If I can help somebody as I pass along, If I can cheer somebody with a word or song, If I can show somebody he's traveling wrong, Then my living will not be in vain. If I can do my duty as a Christian ought, If I can bring salvation to a world once wrought, If I can spread the message as the master taught, Then my living will not be in vain. Lord, help me to always be mindful of the hands that have touched me as I have journeyed through this life. The hands that have held mine, caressed me and wiped away my tears when it seemed that all hope was lost. The hands that supported me when I couldn’t stand by myself. The hands that have gently guided me along my chosen path. Thank You Lord, for those helping hands. Father God, in recognizing that without the help of others, I couldn’t have made it this far, may I always be willing to share and give of myself, never expecting anything in return. Father God, today I say a special prayer for my friend Cynthia who lost her sister Claire. Lord, Wrap Your loving arms around the Smith-Bryant family as they prepare to send the loved one on to glory. Father God, I ask that each of us would lend a hand to those in need, even if it’s just a gentle hand of comfort or support. Now Lord, I ask that You would continue to bless each family that is represented in the reading of this message, as we lift Your name on high. Praise God. Glory Hallelujah, in the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do. Suppose someone falls down. Then his friend can help him up. But suppose the man who falls down doesn't have anyone to help him up. Then feel sorry for him! Or suppose two people lie down together. Then they'll keep warm. But how can one person keep warm alone? Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 (New International Reader's Version)
Every so often I am asked, how is it that I am willing to share what little I have. As a writer, I am always passing along advice, tips, and information about “calls for submissions“, or marketing ideas. As someone who has worked in sales, I will pass up a sale to help someone else. As a Christian, I am always encouraging others even when I myself, may need to be encouraged. There is something I discovered a long time ago about life and that is whatever you are willing to give away will be returned to you tenfold.
Now, don’t take this the wrong way, but in reality, when I give something away, I don’t give it away expecting that is will even be given back. More importantly, the person to whom I may give something to, may not necessarily be the person from whom I will receive my blessings from.
As I grow nearer to another milestone in my life, I realize that I have could not have made it this far without the help of others. I could have been homeless, car-less, without food for myself or my children, if it had not been for the kind generosity of others. Even the current job that I have, is because someone else helped me. I was hired based on the recommendation of someone word.
Saints of God, no one person has ever achieved anything in life without the help and support of others. Many might claim that they have, but if they truly took a long hard look at those unseen hands that have touched them along the way, they would have to admit, that they too have been helped.
I just want to remind each of you that you cannot receive a gift with a closed fist.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
If I can help somebody as I pass along, If I can cheer somebody with a word or song, If I can show somebody he's traveling wrong, Then my living will not be in vain. If I can do my duty as a Christian ought, If I can bring salvation to a world once wrought, If I can spread the message as the master taught, Then my living will not be in vain. Lord, help me to always be mindful of the hands that have touched me as I have journeyed through this life. The hands that have held mine, caressed me and wiped away my tears when it seemed that all hope was lost. The hands that supported me when I couldn’t stand by myself. The hands that have gently guided me along my chosen path. Thank You Lord, for those helping hands. Father God, in recognizing that without the help of others, I couldn’t have made it this far, may I always be willing to share and give of myself, never expecting anything in return. Father God, today I say a special prayer for my friend Cynthia who lost her sister Claire. Lord, Wrap Your loving arms around the Smith-Bryant family as they prepare to send the loved one on to glory. Father God, I ask that each of us would lend a hand to those in need, even if it’s just a gentle hand of comfort or support. Now Lord, I ask that You would continue to bless each family that is represented in the reading of this message, as we lift Your name on high. Praise God. Glory Hallelujah, in the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Patience Really Is A Virtue
Remember, If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow. ~ Chinese Epigram
Scripture:
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11
As I reflect on the word patience, I am reminded that patience, is not something that comes easily. So often, when we want something, we want it right now. We don’t want to wait for it. We make a decision to do something and we expect it to manifest itself right now. We live with a right now kind of mind set.
“Many of us want a big beautiful house, a car and all that our parents had but we are not willing to make the same sacrifices that our parents made. We want the connectivity in our marriages that our parents and grandparents had, but we are not willing to INVEST in our relationships the way that they did.
As Christians, patience is not optional. It is something that is required from each and every one of us. It is something that is expected of us each and everyday. Not just every once in a while. It is something that others will be looking for when they observe in our Christian walk. So often if we would just learn to show a little patience in certain situations, we could prevent our lives from becoming more complicated than they already are.
I am reminded of this as I watch the news or read the newspapers and the perpetrator of a crime says, “I didn’t mean it, I didn’t realize what I was doing.” We must learn to exert patience instead of reacting in all things.
Remember, patience truly is a virtue.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, today I became angry and forgot to be patience. I may have said or done something in my anger that caused some one harm or maybe caused someone else to stumbled in their Christian walk. Forgive me Lord. Help me Lord, to call on the fruits of the spirit before I react to certain things or people. Teach me Lord, to have the patience of Job. Help me Lord, to be still and know that everything has its own time and season. Lord, help me to watch my tongue and only use it to quietly correct. Help me Lord, not to be judgmental of others but to realize that each of us must learn in our own time. Now Lord, I ask that You would bless those who I may have slighted. Speak to my heart Holy Spirit and let me always remember that You are greater than any slight I may experience. Continue to bless my brothers and sisters in Christ as well as my family and friends. Touch those who are feeling unloved right now, in the name of Jesus. Keep us all in perfect peace. I humbly submit this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Scripture:
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11
As I reflect on the word patience, I am reminded that patience, is not something that comes easily. So often, when we want something, we want it right now. We don’t want to wait for it. We make a decision to do something and we expect it to manifest itself right now. We live with a right now kind of mind set.
“Many of us want a big beautiful house, a car and all that our parents had but we are not willing to make the same sacrifices that our parents made. We want the connectivity in our marriages that our parents and grandparents had, but we are not willing to INVEST in our relationships the way that they did.
As Christians, patience is not optional. It is something that is required from each and every one of us. It is something that is expected of us each and everyday. Not just every once in a while. It is something that others will be looking for when they observe in our Christian walk. So often if we would just learn to show a little patience in certain situations, we could prevent our lives from becoming more complicated than they already are.
I am reminded of this as I watch the news or read the newspapers and the perpetrator of a crime says, “I didn’t mean it, I didn’t realize what I was doing.” We must learn to exert patience instead of reacting in all things.
Remember, patience truly is a virtue.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, today I became angry and forgot to be patience. I may have said or done something in my anger that caused some one harm or maybe caused someone else to stumbled in their Christian walk. Forgive me Lord. Help me Lord, to call on the fruits of the spirit before I react to certain things or people. Teach me Lord, to have the patience of Job. Help me Lord, to be still and know that everything has its own time and season. Lord, help me to watch my tongue and only use it to quietly correct. Help me Lord, not to be judgmental of others but to realize that each of us must learn in our own time. Now Lord, I ask that You would bless those who I may have slighted. Speak to my heart Holy Spirit and let me always remember that You are greater than any slight I may experience. Continue to bless my brothers and sisters in Christ as well as my family and friends. Touch those who are feeling unloved right now, in the name of Jesus. Keep us all in perfect peace. I humbly submit this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Restore Our Sight
Remember, We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are. ~ Anais Nin
Scripture:
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
How many of you know people who always see only the negative in a situation? They always manage to find something wrong with anybody and everything. They are usually known as pessimist. A pessimist will usually see the glass half empty, never half full.
As I read the above quote I started looking at some of the people around me. I know quite a few people that no matter what, can’t enjoy life because they are always waiting for the other shoe to drop. They usually walk around with a woe is me mentality, spreading gloom and doom in their wake. I even know several Christians who think like that.
Not long ago while talking to a friend, she told me something that really surprised me. She said, that when she finds herself feeling sorry for herself, she calls her friend Job. “Job”, I asked. Who is Job? You are, was her response.
She told me that she has watched me go from bad situation to worse, but through it all, I am always talking about how good things in my life are. What she meant by her words were that I am the eternal optimist. I try not to dwell on the things in my life that are going wrong, but rather I try to focus on the blessings that I do have.
Don’t get me wrong, I have gotten discouraged about some things. Like being without a job for over six months, having my car reposed and having to move. But rather than focus on what I don’t have, I focus on what I do have.
I didn’t have a job but still managed to feed me and my sons. My car was reposed but somehow I got the money to buy another one. I had to move, but I have always had a roof over my head and a bed to sleep in. Even when I didn’t know where my next dime was coming from, somehow God provided.
Saints of God, the one thing that we must always remember is that no matter what you may going through, what you lose, what you don’t have; we always have something to be thankful for.
We are not defined by our circumstances but rather it is us who define our own circumstanced!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, I once was blind but now I see. We come before you as the blind did in days of old. Asking Lord, that you would restore our sight. Help us Lord to find the path that you have chosen for us. Help us Lord, to develop greater faith. Help us Lord, to see the world through the eyes of Jesus. Father, we come surrendering our lives to you. Help us to learn to lean on you. Help us Lord to learn that its not always, about what we see but truly, about what you are teaching us. Teach us Lord to lean upon you. To depend upon you and not the things of this world. Lord, help us to realize that our circumstances do not define us, You do. You have already told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Bless us Lord. Keep us Lord. Restore our sight once again. So that we may lift our eyes towards heaven and see your divine vision for us. Father, we come praising and uplifting your name once again. As we ask and pray this and all things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Scripture:
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
How many of you know people who always see only the negative in a situation? They always manage to find something wrong with anybody and everything. They are usually known as pessimist. A pessimist will usually see the glass half empty, never half full.
As I read the above quote I started looking at some of the people around me. I know quite a few people that no matter what, can’t enjoy life because they are always waiting for the other shoe to drop. They usually walk around with a woe is me mentality, spreading gloom and doom in their wake. I even know several Christians who think like that.
Not long ago while talking to a friend, she told me something that really surprised me. She said, that when she finds herself feeling sorry for herself, she calls her friend Job. “Job”, I asked. Who is Job? You are, was her response.
She told me that she has watched me go from bad situation to worse, but through it all, I am always talking about how good things in my life are. What she meant by her words were that I am the eternal optimist. I try not to dwell on the things in my life that are going wrong, but rather I try to focus on the blessings that I do have.
Don’t get me wrong, I have gotten discouraged about some things. Like being without a job for over six months, having my car reposed and having to move. But rather than focus on what I don’t have, I focus on what I do have.
I didn’t have a job but still managed to feed me and my sons. My car was reposed but somehow I got the money to buy another one. I had to move, but I have always had a roof over my head and a bed to sleep in. Even when I didn’t know where my next dime was coming from, somehow God provided.
Saints of God, the one thing that we must always remember is that no matter what you may going through, what you lose, what you don’t have; we always have something to be thankful for.
We are not defined by our circumstances but rather it is us who define our own circumstanced!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, I once was blind but now I see. We come before you as the blind did in days of old. Asking Lord, that you would restore our sight. Help us Lord to find the path that you have chosen for us. Help us Lord, to develop greater faith. Help us Lord, to see the world through the eyes of Jesus. Father, we come surrendering our lives to you. Help us to learn to lean on you. Help us Lord to learn that its not always, about what we see but truly, about what you are teaching us. Teach us Lord to lean upon you. To depend upon you and not the things of this world. Lord, help us to realize that our circumstances do not define us, You do. You have already told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Bless us Lord. Keep us Lord. Restore our sight once again. So that we may lift our eyes towards heaven and see your divine vision for us. Father, we come praising and uplifting your name once again. As we ask and pray this and all things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Excellence In Wisdom
Remember, We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. ~ Aristotle
Scripture:
Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors: Proverbs 8:1-3 (New King James Version)
As I prayed about what to write tonight, the word wisdom was placed in my spirit. As I further searched for the meaning of the word, I went so far as to look it up in the dictionary. I found the following definition; The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight and ;Common sense; good judgment.
Now many people would disagree with these definitions. Some people think that wisdom in something that it learned in school. Or that wisdom in only gained with age. Now I don’t totally disagree with those definitions either but rather I became challenged in determining what wisdom means to the body of Christ.
As a Christian, to me wisdom means knowing and understanding the word of God. Knowing the word of God means more than being able to quote scripture or believing in a certain doctrine. To me having wisdom means understanding what it means to live the word of God each and everyday.
Living your life as a Christian means doing what is right all the time, not just when someone is watching. Living the word of God means trying to be more Christ like in your daily life. Living the word of God means not pretending to do the right thing sometimes but rather striving to do the right thing ALL the time.
Wisdom to me means reaching out to everyone and not just my family, friends, or people that I know. Wisdom comes when you truly hide the word of God in your heart and Strive for Excellence!
Prayer:
Father, as I contemplate on my life as a Christian I pause and reflect on whether I am striving for excellence. Lord, forgive me when I fall short. I am still learning. Help me to recognize when my actions are not Godly or when I begin to do something that goes against what Your word has taught me. Help me Lord to depend upon the Holy Spirit that dwells in me to take over when my thoughts turn dark. Father God, as I walk down this Roman Road, help me to see my own fallacies rather than see the fallacies in others. Lord I pray that something that I do today would be a blessing unto someone else. May my actions encourage someone to seek Your face and Your council. Thank You Lord, for another chance to get it right. Thank You Lord for fresh grace and mercy. Thank you Lord for a word that reminds me what my true purpose is. Now Lord, I ask that You would continue to bless our loved ones, our prayer list and our brothers and sisters in Christ. We humbly submit our prayers by the Blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture:
Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors: Proverbs 8:1-3 (New King James Version)
As I prayed about what to write tonight, the word wisdom was placed in my spirit. As I further searched for the meaning of the word, I went so far as to look it up in the dictionary. I found the following definition; The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight and ;Common sense; good judgment.
Now many people would disagree with these definitions. Some people think that wisdom in something that it learned in school. Or that wisdom in only gained with age. Now I don’t totally disagree with those definitions either but rather I became challenged in determining what wisdom means to the body of Christ.
As a Christian, to me wisdom means knowing and understanding the word of God. Knowing the word of God means more than being able to quote scripture or believing in a certain doctrine. To me having wisdom means understanding what it means to live the word of God each and everyday.
Living your life as a Christian means doing what is right all the time, not just when someone is watching. Living the word of God means trying to be more Christ like in your daily life. Living the word of God means not pretending to do the right thing sometimes but rather striving to do the right thing ALL the time.
Wisdom to me means reaching out to everyone and not just my family, friends, or people that I know. Wisdom comes when you truly hide the word of God in your heart and Strive for Excellence!
Prayer:
Father, as I contemplate on my life as a Christian I pause and reflect on whether I am striving for excellence. Lord, forgive me when I fall short. I am still learning. Help me to recognize when my actions are not Godly or when I begin to do something that goes against what Your word has taught me. Help me Lord to depend upon the Holy Spirit that dwells in me to take over when my thoughts turn dark. Father God, as I walk down this Roman Road, help me to see my own fallacies rather than see the fallacies in others. Lord I pray that something that I do today would be a blessing unto someone else. May my actions encourage someone to seek Your face and Your council. Thank You Lord, for another chance to get it right. Thank You Lord for fresh grace and mercy. Thank you Lord for a word that reminds me what my true purpose is. Now Lord, I ask that You would continue to bless our loved ones, our prayer list and our brothers and sisters in Christ. We humbly submit our prayers by the Blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
My Living Is Not in Vain
Remember, Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant. ~ Robert Louis Stevenson
Scripture:
I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. "This is what the LORD says: As I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will give them all the prosperity I have promised them. Jeremiah 32:40-42
Have you ever wondered why is it that sometimes when you try to do good it seems as though your efforts are in vain? Your good deeds either go unnoticed, unappreciated or even scorned? Have there have been times when you have grown weary in your well doing?
Well saints of God, I just want to remind you that what we do for others can never be measured in what we get in return. What we do in the name of Jesus is not for our own edification but for His. We do what we do not for personal gain or glory but for HIS edification.
The word of God tells us that our reward will not be given here on earth but our treasures lay in heaven.
So remember:
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come before the throne of grace with praise and thanksgiving on our tongues and in our hearts. We come asking Lord, for peace that passes all understanding. We come asking for strength to stand in the face of adversity. Father God, we ask that when we grow tired from doing good and when our efforts are received with scorn, that we would be reminded that what we do is not about us, but rather, all about You. Master, we need You to speak to the winds of adversity that are blowing against us, peace be still. We come asking that You hold on to our hands and the storms of life toss us about. We come asking that You would hide us under the wings of Your salvation as the roaring lion draws near in an effort to devour us. Lord, we ask that You would keep all of our families, friends, co-workers and brothers and sisters in perfect peace this and every day. Bless us right now in the name of Jesus. Our prayers are not complete until we let You know just how much we love You. Our prayers on not complete until we sing songs of praise to You alone. Lord, we lift Your name on high, we give You all of our love, all of our praise and sing songs of praise all the day long. Thank You Lord for one more day. Bless You Lord. Hallelujah, Praise God thank You Jesus, Amen.
Scripture:
I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. "This is what the LORD says: As I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will give them all the prosperity I have promised them. Jeremiah 32:40-42
Have you ever wondered why is it that sometimes when you try to do good it seems as though your efforts are in vain? Your good deeds either go unnoticed, unappreciated or even scorned? Have there have been times when you have grown weary in your well doing?
Well saints of God, I just want to remind you that what we do for others can never be measured in what we get in return. What we do in the name of Jesus is not for our own edification but for His. We do what we do not for personal gain or glory but for HIS edification.
The word of God tells us that our reward will not be given here on earth but our treasures lay in heaven.
So remember:
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come before the throne of grace with praise and thanksgiving on our tongues and in our hearts. We come asking Lord, for peace that passes all understanding. We come asking for strength to stand in the face of adversity. Father God, we ask that when we grow tired from doing good and when our efforts are received with scorn, that we would be reminded that what we do is not about us, but rather, all about You. Master, we need You to speak to the winds of adversity that are blowing against us, peace be still. We come asking that You hold on to our hands and the storms of life toss us about. We come asking that You would hide us under the wings of Your salvation as the roaring lion draws near in an effort to devour us. Lord, we ask that You would keep all of our families, friends, co-workers and brothers and sisters in perfect peace this and every day. Bless us right now in the name of Jesus. Our prayers are not complete until we let You know just how much we love You. Our prayers on not complete until we sing songs of praise to You alone. Lord, we lift Your name on high, we give You all of our love, all of our praise and sing songs of praise all the day long. Thank You Lord for one more day. Bless You Lord. Hallelujah, Praise God thank You Jesus, Amen.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Making the Right Choice
Remember, Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved. ~ William Jennings Bryan
Scripture:
To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge. Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:9-11
Many people would like to believe that they can’t control their own destinies. They believe that destiny is something that just happens. Not so.
Our destinies are based upon many of the choices that we make. That is why it is so important that we make the right choice, because they will eventually determine your destiny.
When it comes to making life altering choices, like whom are we going to marry? What kind of job will I be stuck in? What kinds of friends will I have? Too often we depend upon how we feel rather than what we know.
As I have grown older, I realize that many of the things that have gone wrong in my life were because of bad choices. Too often, I acted upon how I felt about a certain thing as apposed to what I really knew about something. The word of God tells us that if we seek first the kingdom of God, that everything else will come.
Now I realize that sometimes the choices that we have had to make seemed like the best choice at the time, or maybe we felt that we didn’t have a choice in a particular situation, but I realize that far too often I didn’t seek God’s council BEFORE I made my choice.
Saints of God, when it comes to making the right choice about any and everything, we must first stop and listen for a word from God. If something in your spirit is telling you no, or making you hesitate, maybe that’s not what God wants for you. If something is delaying you in your decision, it might not be just a coincidence.
We must all learn to seek God first, be still and listen to what He is trying to tell you.
Therein lays your true Destiny!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, as I begin a new day in my spiritual life, I ask that You would guide and direct me in all that I do. Help me Father, to be still and listen to what it is that You may be trying to tell me. Lord, I realize that I can’t change many of the things that have happened in my past, but what I can do, is learn to depend upon You for my future. Order my steps Holy Spirit. Guide and direct me down the road that You would have me to travel. Help me to develop a spirit of discernment as I try to make better choices in my life. Father God, we ask that you would bless our friends, our families and our loved ones who have asked for prayer. Someone that I know is in jeopardy of losing her children. Be with her in the courtroom. The father of a dear friend has sickness in his body and faces surgery. Be with him in the operating room. Bless my sister who is looking for a job and my brother who is trying to provide. Keep them all in perfect peace. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge. Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:9-11
Many people would like to believe that they can’t control their own destinies. They believe that destiny is something that just happens. Not so.
Our destinies are based upon many of the choices that we make. That is why it is so important that we make the right choice, because they will eventually determine your destiny.
When it comes to making life altering choices, like whom are we going to marry? What kind of job will I be stuck in? What kinds of friends will I have? Too often we depend upon how we feel rather than what we know.
As I have grown older, I realize that many of the things that have gone wrong in my life were because of bad choices. Too often, I acted upon how I felt about a certain thing as apposed to what I really knew about something. The word of God tells us that if we seek first the kingdom of God, that everything else will come.
Now I realize that sometimes the choices that we have had to make seemed like the best choice at the time, or maybe we felt that we didn’t have a choice in a particular situation, but I realize that far too often I didn’t seek God’s council BEFORE I made my choice.
Saints of God, when it comes to making the right choice about any and everything, we must first stop and listen for a word from God. If something in your spirit is telling you no, or making you hesitate, maybe that’s not what God wants for you. If something is delaying you in your decision, it might not be just a coincidence.
We must all learn to seek God first, be still and listen to what He is trying to tell you.
Therein lays your true Destiny!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, as I begin a new day in my spiritual life, I ask that You would guide and direct me in all that I do. Help me Father, to be still and listen to what it is that You may be trying to tell me. Lord, I realize that I can’t change many of the things that have happened in my past, but what I can do, is learn to depend upon You for my future. Order my steps Holy Spirit. Guide and direct me down the road that You would have me to travel. Help me to develop a spirit of discernment as I try to make better choices in my life. Father God, we ask that you would bless our friends, our families and our loved ones who have asked for prayer. Someone that I know is in jeopardy of losing her children. Be with her in the courtroom. The father of a dear friend has sickness in his body and faces surgery. Be with him in the operating room. Bless my sister who is looking for a job and my brother who is trying to provide. Keep them all in perfect peace. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Embracing God's Gifts
Remember, Don't let other people tell you what you want. ~ Pat Riley
Scripture:
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 (New International Version)
Not long ago a very good friend who happens to be a teacher wrote me to say how distraught she was because one of her most promising students was being discouraged from cultivating her talents. The thing that was most disturbing to her was that the person who was discouraging this gifted student was her mother. The person who had given birth to this girl, couldn’t see just how talented and blessed this young lady truly was.
As we journey through this life, there will be times when others will try to discourage us, even those who profess to love us will try to discourage us from what it is we are supposed to do. Whether it’s to pursue a dream of being a writer, a musician, doctor, lawyer, or even a follower of Christ.
Sometimes, because of things that they may have encountered in their own past that snuffed out their dreams, or maybe because they didn’t have the strength or courage to follow their OWN chosen path, our loved ones will try to extinguish the fire that burns in all of us.
Even as I pursue my dream of being a Christian Author, there have been those who are closest to me who cannot see what I see in myself. I love the word of God. Most of all, I love sharing my talent of the written word, with others.
Saints of God, don’t allow others to define who you are or what your talents are. If God has given you a gift, no matter what that gift may be, it is up to you to pursue your dreams. The world didn’t give you the gifts you posses, God did. It us up to you to cultivate that gift and follow your dreams.
In spite of!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come once again humbling ourselves before the throne of Grace. Lord, we know that we can do all things through Christ Jesus. It is because of Him, that we are who we are and do what we do. Abba, even when the world tries to define who I am, I recognize that I am a child of the Most High King. And because I belong to Him, I am set apart. Father, when others try to tell me that I can’t, help me always to be mindful of Your word that tells me I can. I can do all things through Christ Jesus; am more that a conqueror; I am the head and not the tail; I am above and not below. I am who I am, because God said I am. Glory Hallelujah, Praise God. Thank You Father for my gifts. Most of all thank You for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
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 (New International Version)
Not long ago a very good friend who happens to be a teacher wrote me to say how distraught she was because one of her most promising students was being discouraged from cultivating her talents. The thing that was most disturbing to her was that the person who was discouraging this gifted student was her mother. The person who had given birth to this girl, couldn’t see just how talented and blessed this young lady truly was.
As we journey through this life, there will be times when others will try to discourage us, even those who profess to love us will try to discourage us from what it is we are supposed to do. Whether it’s to pursue a dream of being a writer, a musician, doctor, lawyer, or even a follower of Christ.
Sometimes, because of things that they may have encountered in their own past that snuffed out their dreams, or maybe because they didn’t have the strength or courage to follow their OWN chosen path, our loved ones will try to extinguish the fire that burns in all of us.
Even as I pursue my dream of being a Christian Author, there have been those who are closest to me who cannot see what I see in myself. I love the word of God. Most of all, I love sharing my talent of the written word, with others.
Saints of God, don’t allow others to define who you are or what your talents are. If God has given you a gift, no matter what that gift may be, it is up to you to pursue your dreams. The world didn’t give you the gifts you posses, God did. It us up to you to cultivate that gift and follow your dreams.
In spite of!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come once again humbling ourselves before the throne of Grace. Lord, we know that we can do all things through Christ Jesus. It is because of Him, that we are who we are and do what we do. Abba, even when the world tries to define who I am, I recognize that I am a child of the Most High King. And because I belong to Him, I am set apart. Father, when others try to tell me that I can’t, help me always to be mindful of Your word that tells me I can. I can do all things through Christ Jesus; am more that a conqueror; I am the head and not the tail; I am above and not below. I am who I am, because God said I am. Glory Hallelujah, Praise God. Thank You Father for my gifts. Most of all thank You for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
It's All in Divine Order
Scripture:
for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 (New International Version)
Saints of God, so often we give pause and reflect on the direction our lives are headed in. We seem to be moving right along through life, when something or someone happens to derail us from our chosen course. Well Saints of God, I am here to tell you; “It’s all in Divine Order.”
The job or career that you have chosen hasn’t worked out the way you thought it would. The house you wanted so much to buy was bought by someone else. The man or woman that you thought you were going to marry marries someone else. The dreams and goals that you had in life seem to have fallen by the wayside. I just want to tell you, “It’s all in Divine Order.”
So often the things that we want in life aren’t the things that God wants for us. The path that we ourselves have chosen isn’t necessarily the road that God wants us to travel. Even the person we thought we would spend the rest of our lives with, aren’t inevitably the person we are supposed to be yoked with.
Too often we go through life trying to do everything on our own without seeking a word from God. We set our sights on things that may turn out to be detrimental to our overall well being. We even fall in love with people who we will give our all to, but who themselves aren’t capable of loving us the way God wants them to love us.
I say all this to say, that no matter what obstacles are in your way. It doesn’t matter if your heart has been broken, that you lost your job, or that you are not at the place in your life you think you should be. “It’s all in Divine Order.
Sometimes things have to be the way they are because your plan for your life isn’t God’s plan for your life. Learn to be still, listen for His still small voice, and realize;
That’s it’s All in Divine Order!
Be blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come once again with praises on our tongues and humility in our hearts, seeking Your face, Your grace and Your mercy. Lord, forgive us for doubting You when the things in our lives are not going according to our plans. We realize that everything that we want isn’t necessarily what You want for us. Help us to recognize the bad choices that we have made in our lives, correct them accept them and move on. Help us Father, to find our way. Lord, we pray ask for a spirit of discernment so that we can recognize when our will is not inline with Yours. Help us to remember to always seek you in everything that we do, before we make life altering choices and to be still in the midst of our storms. Thank you Father, for reminding us that You have provided the way out of darkness and into the light. Your Word and Your Son, Jesus Christ. Our Redeemer. It is in His name that we humbly submit our prayers. Amen.
for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 (New International Version)
Saints of God, so often we give pause and reflect on the direction our lives are headed in. We seem to be moving right along through life, when something or someone happens to derail us from our chosen course. Well Saints of God, I am here to tell you; “It’s all in Divine Order.”
The job or career that you have chosen hasn’t worked out the way you thought it would. The house you wanted so much to buy was bought by someone else. The man or woman that you thought you were going to marry marries someone else. The dreams and goals that you had in life seem to have fallen by the wayside. I just want to tell you, “It’s all in Divine Order.”
So often the things that we want in life aren’t the things that God wants for us. The path that we ourselves have chosen isn’t necessarily the road that God wants us to travel. Even the person we thought we would spend the rest of our lives with, aren’t inevitably the person we are supposed to be yoked with.
Too often we go through life trying to do everything on our own without seeking a word from God. We set our sights on things that may turn out to be detrimental to our overall well being. We even fall in love with people who we will give our all to, but who themselves aren’t capable of loving us the way God wants them to love us.
I say all this to say, that no matter what obstacles are in your way. It doesn’t matter if your heart has been broken, that you lost your job, or that you are not at the place in your life you think you should be. “It’s all in Divine Order.
Sometimes things have to be the way they are because your plan for your life isn’t God’s plan for your life. Learn to be still, listen for His still small voice, and realize;
That’s it’s All in Divine Order!
Be blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come once again with praises on our tongues and humility in our hearts, seeking Your face, Your grace and Your mercy. Lord, forgive us for doubting You when the things in our lives are not going according to our plans. We realize that everything that we want isn’t necessarily what You want for us. Help us to recognize the bad choices that we have made in our lives, correct them accept them and move on. Help us Father, to find our way. Lord, we pray ask for a spirit of discernment so that we can recognize when our will is not inline with Yours. Help us to remember to always seek you in everything that we do, before we make life altering choices and to be still in the midst of our storms. Thank you Father, for reminding us that You have provided the way out of darkness and into the light. Your Word and Your Son, Jesus Christ. Our Redeemer. It is in His name that we humbly submit our prayers. Amen.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
It Is What It Is
Scripture:
As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. Luke 23:27
Everyone in this world will have a defining moment in their lives. No one can predict what that defining moment will be. For some, it will be the loss of a job, a life altering illness, loss of a loved one, or in the case of Simon of Cyrene, just being at a certain place at a certain time.
So often, there will be nothing that we have or haven’t done that has created this defining moment, but it will be something that by its very nature will ultimately change the course of our life. More often than not, there will be several significant events in our lifetimes that will mold and shape us along the way. I was reminded of this once again as I was faced with the affects of my body changing as I grow older.
The word of God tells us that each of us has our own cross to bear. The size and the weight of the cross will be different for each of us. Now, I am not referring to a cross in a literal sense, but rather figuratively. The cross is symbolic of our journey through life.
The cross is representative of the trials and tribulations that we will be faced with along the way. Family, finances, health issues, and just plain old living are some of the crosses we carry. Some, we carry very easily while others weigh us down. Some we don’t mind carrying, while others we wish we could just be rid of.
Life’s reality is this; it is what it is.
Our crosses in life are necessary for our spiritual and physical development. And sometimes, our crosses are necessary so that others can see the Spirit of God working in our lives. Whatever the reason for your cross, remember, Jesus said it best; anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, we come before the throne of grace, to give thanks, honor and praise to the one true God. We come humbling ourselves as we seek refuge in the arms of Your protection. Father God, we come asking for the strength and the courage to bear our cross will all due diligence. Sometimes our cross becomes more than we can bear. Help us always to remember that in those times, You, our strength and our redeemer are always there. Thank You Lord, for strength and comfort. Thank You Lord, for my brothers and sisters in Christ we remind me of Your grace and Your mercy. Thank you Lord, for a word that gives me hope in my time of darkness. I thank You most of all for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in His most Holy name that we submit this prayer. Amen.
As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. Luke 23:27
Everyone in this world will have a defining moment in their lives. No one can predict what that defining moment will be. For some, it will be the loss of a job, a life altering illness, loss of a loved one, or in the case of Simon of Cyrene, just being at a certain place at a certain time.
So often, there will be nothing that we have or haven’t done that has created this defining moment, but it will be something that by its very nature will ultimately change the course of our life. More often than not, there will be several significant events in our lifetimes that will mold and shape us along the way. I was reminded of this once again as I was faced with the affects of my body changing as I grow older.
The word of God tells us that each of us has our own cross to bear. The size and the weight of the cross will be different for each of us. Now, I am not referring to a cross in a literal sense, but rather figuratively. The cross is symbolic of our journey through life.
The cross is representative of the trials and tribulations that we will be faced with along the way. Family, finances, health issues, and just plain old living are some of the crosses we carry. Some, we carry very easily while others weigh us down. Some we don’t mind carrying, while others we wish we could just be rid of.
Life’s reality is this; it is what it is.
Our crosses in life are necessary for our spiritual and physical development. And sometimes, our crosses are necessary so that others can see the Spirit of God working in our lives. Whatever the reason for your cross, remember, Jesus said it best; anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, we come before the throne of grace, to give thanks, honor and praise to the one true God. We come humbling ourselves as we seek refuge in the arms of Your protection. Father God, we come asking for the strength and the courage to bear our cross will all due diligence. Sometimes our cross becomes more than we can bear. Help us always to remember that in those times, You, our strength and our redeemer are always there. Thank You Lord, for strength and comfort. Thank You Lord, for my brothers and sisters in Christ we remind me of Your grace and Your mercy. Thank you Lord, for a word that gives me hope in my time of darkness. I thank You most of all for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in His most Holy name that we submit this prayer. Amen.
