Wednesday, September 30, 2009
The Winds of Adversity
Do not fear the winds of adversity. Remember: A kite rises against the wind rather than with it. ~ Unknown
Scripture:
O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it. Isaiah 30:19-21 (New International Version)
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word adversity as a state, condition, or instance of serious or continued difficulty or adverse fortune. The powers that be describe it as an economic downturn. We here in Michigan recognize it as a way of life.
You see adversity in not new to us. We have been struggling with “adversity” for a number of years. Almost everyone I know here in my home state has been touched by it or we know someone else that has been touched by it. We live with adversity on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, it is just now that others across this great country are beginning to experience our world. Many people believe that we did it to ourselves. And that the financial crisis we are experiencing is born out of greed and our inability to budget our money. What they fail to realize is that when if one part of the body is crippled, the whole body is affected.
However, there is something else that I have noticed about our great state, the resurgence of the church. People have begun turning back to God. Gone are the excuses that we used to make about why we aren’t in church. “I worked too many hours this week, I’m tired.” “Why do I need to go to church? I’m already blessed.” Or one of my favorites; “What does it matter, I don’t need to go to church, I’m fine just the way things are.” Ever heard or used any of those excuses?
Saints of God, we are in a bad place when we think we don’t need God, or when we don’t take time for God. It’s ironic that when we are doing well, we feel as though we don’t need Him. But the moment things start going wrong, we are all up in church telling God all about our troubles and begging Him to help us.
Now the good thing about our God is that He will listen to us and even help us when we are sincere in our prayers. And sometimes the winds of adversity have to blow through our lives to get our attention and bring us back to the one who will supply all of our needs.
The above scripture says; “whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it.”
And remember; "Always seek out the seed of triumph in every adversity."
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. But most of all, we come asking with humbled hearts and minds, that You would hear our prayers and our petitions. 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 lions 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 everyday. 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:
O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it. Isaiah 30:19-21 (New International Version)
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word adversity as a state, condition, or instance of serious or continued difficulty or adverse fortune. The powers that be describe it as an economic downturn. We here in Michigan recognize it as a way of life.
You see adversity in not new to us. We have been struggling with “adversity” for a number of years. Almost everyone I know here in my home state has been touched by it or we know someone else that has been touched by it. We live with adversity on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, it is just now that others across this great country are beginning to experience our world. Many people believe that we did it to ourselves. And that the financial crisis we are experiencing is born out of greed and our inability to budget our money. What they fail to realize is that when if one part of the body is crippled, the whole body is affected.
However, there is something else that I have noticed about our great state, the resurgence of the church. People have begun turning back to God. Gone are the excuses that we used to make about why we aren’t in church. “I worked too many hours this week, I’m tired.” “Why do I need to go to church? I’m already blessed.” Or one of my favorites; “What does it matter, I don’t need to go to church, I’m fine just the way things are.” Ever heard or used any of those excuses?
Saints of God, we are in a bad place when we think we don’t need God, or when we don’t take time for God. It’s ironic that when we are doing well, we feel as though we don’t need Him. But the moment things start going wrong, we are all up in church telling God all about our troubles and begging Him to help us.
Now the good thing about our God is that He will listen to us and even help us when we are sincere in our prayers. And sometimes the winds of adversity have to blow through our lives to get our attention and bring us back to the one who will supply all of our needs.
The above scripture says; “whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it.”
And remember; "Always seek out the seed of triumph in every adversity."
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. But most of all, we come asking with humbled hearts and minds, that You would hear our prayers and our petitions. 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 lions 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 everyday. 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.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Wonderful Gift of Friendship
Remember, The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. ~ Elizabeth Foley
Scripture:
Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.' " Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town. 1 Samuel 20:42 (New International Version)
Recently, I reconnected with an old friend. She and I have been through a lot together as friends and as sisters in Christ. For some reason, we grew apart. The reasons for our lapse in friendship, really don’t matter, what matters is that we have found each other again.
The experience reminds me that during the course of our lives, we will connect with multitude of people whom we will develop friendships with. Some of those friendships will last a short time, while others will endure a lifetime.
Since becoming a Christian I have made some wonderful friends in the Body of Christ. I know that some friendships, will last for only a brief time, while others will endure throughout the years. Some of us with continue to grow in the word with one another, while others will fall off this road we travel together.
I thank God for each and every person that He has brought into my life. Both those who will remain in my life as well as those I may lose along the way. Friends are a precious gift, no matter how long they exist in our lives. I pray that God will continue to bless me with friends in the Body of Christ.
Thank You.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
What a friend we have in Jesus, all my sins and grief to bear. What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer. You have created us to live in community, O God of love. Bless our friends who provide us with the grace and love of an extended family. Endow them with the riches of Your blessings; good health, sight, and mobility, that they may enjoy the wonders of Your creation and share their delight with others. Bless them with keen minds and compassionate hearts that they may create a better life for all. Guard them from injustice, oppression, and evil that they may know freedom and hope lifelong. In their waking and in their sleeping, in their laughter and in their tears, surround them with Your love until the end of their days; and bring them to eternal life in peace. Through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
Scripture:
Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.' " Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town. 1 Samuel 20:42 (New International Version)
Recently, I reconnected with an old friend. She and I have been through a lot together as friends and as sisters in Christ. For some reason, we grew apart. The reasons for our lapse in friendship, really don’t matter, what matters is that we have found each other again.
The experience reminds me that during the course of our lives, we will connect with multitude of people whom we will develop friendships with. Some of those friendships will last a short time, while others will endure a lifetime.
Since becoming a Christian I have made some wonderful friends in the Body of Christ. I know that some friendships, will last for only a brief time, while others will endure throughout the years. Some of us with continue to grow in the word with one another, while others will fall off this road we travel together.
I thank God for each and every person that He has brought into my life. Both those who will remain in my life as well as those I may lose along the way. Friends are a precious gift, no matter how long they exist in our lives. I pray that God will continue to bless me with friends in the Body of Christ.
Thank You.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
What a friend we have in Jesus, all my sins and grief to bear. What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer. You have created us to live in community, O God of love. Bless our friends who provide us with the grace and love of an extended family. Endow them with the riches of Your blessings; good health, sight, and mobility, that they may enjoy the wonders of Your creation and share their delight with others. Bless them with keen minds and compassionate hearts that they may create a better life for all. Guard them from injustice, oppression, and evil that they may know freedom and hope lifelong. In their waking and in their sleeping, in their laughter and in their tears, surround them with Your love until the end of their days; and bring them to eternal life in peace. Through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Do You Want to be Made Whole?
Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish; Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal ~ Thomas More
Scripture:
When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” John 5:6-8 (New King James Version)
As I studied the word of God today, I came across the story of the invalid who was lying by the pool at Bethesda. As Jesus approached the sick man, He asked, “Do you want to be made well?” Jesus asked the question to determine if the man had given up hope for a miracle or if it was still his desire to be healed. Jesus knew that when some people are sick for a long time, they sometimes become so accustomed to the illness that they may no longer care if they are healed or not.
As I read this story, it prompted me to ask myself, “Do I want to be made well?”
Now you may ask am I sick? No my friends. I am not sick in a physical sense, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t have sickness in other areas of my life. I have experienced sickness in my relationships with others, sickness in my finances and even sickness in how I relate to God.
I can relate to that lame man lying by the pool. So close to my miracle or breakthrough for so many years, but not quite able to reach out and touch it. This story made me wonder, “Have I gotten so used to my ailments that I have become accustomed to them, therefore, no longer expecting to be healed?”
Jesus isn’t looking for our excuses. He has already given us the power and the authority to pick up our own beds and walk. So saints of God, stop lying there on your beds of affliction.
Jesus is telling you, PICK UP YOUR BED AND WALK!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace asking that You would forgive me for my unbelief. I have been in the pit of despair for so long that I may have become accustomed to being here. Lord, I don’t want to be here so I ask that You would take my hand and lead me to hallowed ground. Father, my eyes have been opened and now I see. I now ask that You would open my spiritual eyes as well. Help me to move forward with assistance of Your grace and mercy. Thank You Father for new revelations. Thank You Lord, for your Word. I thank You most of all for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in His name I pray. Amen.
Scripture:
When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” John 5:6-8 (New King James Version)
As I studied the word of God today, I came across the story of the invalid who was lying by the pool at Bethesda. As Jesus approached the sick man, He asked, “Do you want to be made well?” Jesus asked the question to determine if the man had given up hope for a miracle or if it was still his desire to be healed. Jesus knew that when some people are sick for a long time, they sometimes become so accustomed to the illness that they may no longer care if they are healed or not.
As I read this story, it prompted me to ask myself, “Do I want to be made well?”
Now you may ask am I sick? No my friends. I am not sick in a physical sense, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t have sickness in other areas of my life. I have experienced sickness in my relationships with others, sickness in my finances and even sickness in how I relate to God.
I can relate to that lame man lying by the pool. So close to my miracle or breakthrough for so many years, but not quite able to reach out and touch it. This story made me wonder, “Have I gotten so used to my ailments that I have become accustomed to them, therefore, no longer expecting to be healed?”
Jesus isn’t looking for our excuses. He has already given us the power and the authority to pick up our own beds and walk. So saints of God, stop lying there on your beds of affliction.
Jesus is telling you, PICK UP YOUR BED AND WALK!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace asking that You would forgive me for my unbelief. I have been in the pit of despair for so long that I may have become accustomed to being here. Lord, I don’t want to be here so I ask that You would take my hand and lead me to hallowed ground. Father, my eyes have been opened and now I see. I now ask that You would open my spiritual eyes as well. Help me to move forward with assistance of Your grace and mercy. Thank You Father for new revelations. Thank You Lord, for your Word. I thank You most of all for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in His name I pray. Amen.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Distractions
You will encounter many distractions and many temptations to put your goal aside: The security of a job, a wife who wants kids, whatever. But if you hang in there, always following your vision, I have no doubt you will succeed. ~ Larry Flynt
Scripture:
Only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Acts 20:23-24 (New International Version)
As a writer, I am told by people that I meet; they too want to write a book. I always ask them why don’t they? The answers are usually the same myriad of excuses. “I don’t have time, I don’t know how to get started” and so on and so on.
I know about excuses. I make them all the time too. What I have discovered on this journey called life is that most excuses are simply distractions to keep us from reaching our goals. Most excuses are a way to avoid our destinies.
As I read the words of the great Apostle Paul, I discovered that he was a determined man; not given to easily to distractions. You see, he was on a mission. He knew that his destiny would force him to face obstacles, pain and suffering. However, he was a man who was about his business. Paul was a man on a mission who would not be tempted or distracted to complete the journey that had been placed before him.
When we examine our lives, we should look at our journeys, whatever they may be, with the same eyes of Paul. A man who could see the journey, keep his eyes fixed on the course and finish the course. Do not allow distractions to take you away from the road that you want to travel.
So keep your eyes on the prize and finish your race and hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.
Be blessed
Prayer:
Thank You Father for blessing us in spite of us. Thank You Lord for keeping us staid on course. Thank You Lord for remaining faithful to us and watching over us even when we don't realize it. Lord, we ask that You help each and every one of us remain faithful to You. We ask that You would give us eyes to see and ears to hear the deception of he who seeks to destroy us. Lord, we just want to thank You. We ask for the continued healing, deliverance, breakthroughs and blessings for all of our saints who are represented here in the body of Christ. We love and adore You Lord. You are Omni present, on time, all knowing and all seeing. You are Jehovah Jira, Jehovah Nissi Jehovah Shalom. Thank You father for being our banner and remaining faithful to us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
Only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Acts 20:23-24 (New International Version)
As a writer, I am told by people that I meet; they too want to write a book. I always ask them why don’t they? The answers are usually the same myriad of excuses. “I don’t have time, I don’t know how to get started” and so on and so on.
I know about excuses. I make them all the time too. What I have discovered on this journey called life is that most excuses are simply distractions to keep us from reaching our goals. Most excuses are a way to avoid our destinies.
As I read the words of the great Apostle Paul, I discovered that he was a determined man; not given to easily to distractions. You see, he was on a mission. He knew that his destiny would force him to face obstacles, pain and suffering. However, he was a man who was about his business. Paul was a man on a mission who would not be tempted or distracted to complete the journey that had been placed before him.
When we examine our lives, we should look at our journeys, whatever they may be, with the same eyes of Paul. A man who could see the journey, keep his eyes fixed on the course and finish the course. Do not allow distractions to take you away from the road that you want to travel.
So keep your eyes on the prize and finish your race and hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.
Be blessed
Prayer:
Thank You Father for blessing us in spite of us. Thank You Lord for keeping us staid on course. Thank You Lord for remaining faithful to us and watching over us even when we don't realize it. Lord, we ask that You help each and every one of us remain faithful to You. We ask that You would give us eyes to see and ears to hear the deception of he who seeks to destroy us. Lord, we just want to thank You. We ask for the continued healing, deliverance, breakthroughs and blessings for all of our saints who are represented here in the body of Christ. We love and adore You Lord. You are Omni present, on time, all knowing and all seeing. You are Jehovah Jira, Jehovah Nissi Jehovah Shalom. Thank You father for being our banner and remaining faithful to us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Take the Limits Off!
The only limits to the possibilities in your life tomorrow are the buts you use today. ~ Les Brown
Scripture:
He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. Psalm 147:4-6 (New International Version)
This past week has been an eye-opener for me. I went on my very first cruise and I went by myself. Now just about everyone who heard this thought I was crazy and or foolish by going on a trip of this magnitude and no one was accompanying me.
Now to clarify, I did seek a cabin mate but no one was available. At first and even up to the point that I actually boarded the ship, I was scared. I started thinking that everyone had been right and that maybe I was making a mistake. I wouldn’t know anybody onboard and I would be miserable and all alone. However, they couldn’t have been further from the truth.
I was actually cruising with a group called “Cruising for Christ.” I had been invited by Kendra Norman-Bellamy who is a fellow Christian author and the group was primarily made up of fellow Christian artists. There were authors, musicians, comedians, mimes and many more onboard who were a part of the group. When I say I was BLESSED, mere words cannot describe just how much.
Today’s message was birthed on this anointed cruise. Pastor Keith Edmonds, or it could have been his identical twin Brother Karl Edmonds, who both happen to be ministers and mimes, spoke this powerful word into my spirit. They reminded that it is each of us who limits ourselves. We hinder our own progress through lack of faith, obedience and confidence; the same faith and confidence that gives us all authority and power in Christ Jesus.
We limit our journey in this life by talking ourselves out of what we can do and accomplish. We talk ourselves out of God’s blessings by stating that what we see as impossible. We miss out on blessings because they are not packaged the way we think they should look.
Saints of God, the word tells us that all things, not some things, but all things are possible with God!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we come seeking Your grace and Your counsel once again. Lord, help us to remove the limits we have placed on our own lives. Help us to see the plans and designs that You have for each of our lives. When satan tells us we can’t, remind us that Your word says we can do ALL things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me. Touch us Lord, as we pause and meditate on Your word. Father, we pause to give thanks for keeping us once again. We know that we are here only because of You. We are blessed, not because of who we are but because of who's we are. Thank You Lord, that You loved us that much. Touch us Lord, for we need You right now. Father, help each and every one of us to be mindful to put on the whole armor of God, for we are still in the midst of a spiritual battle. Protect us Lord, guide us Lord. Keep us Lord. Father, we come give You our thanks. We come praising and uplift Your Holy Name. We love You Lord. As we ask and pray these things in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Scripture:
He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. Psalm 147:4-6 (New International Version)
This past week has been an eye-opener for me. I went on my very first cruise and I went by myself. Now just about everyone who heard this thought I was crazy and or foolish by going on a trip of this magnitude and no one was accompanying me.
Now to clarify, I did seek a cabin mate but no one was available. At first and even up to the point that I actually boarded the ship, I was scared. I started thinking that everyone had been right and that maybe I was making a mistake. I wouldn’t know anybody onboard and I would be miserable and all alone. However, they couldn’t have been further from the truth.
I was actually cruising with a group called “Cruising for Christ.” I had been invited by Kendra Norman-Bellamy who is a fellow Christian author and the group was primarily made up of fellow Christian artists. There were authors, musicians, comedians, mimes and many more onboard who were a part of the group. When I say I was BLESSED, mere words cannot describe just how much.
Today’s message was birthed on this anointed cruise. Pastor Keith Edmonds, or it could have been his identical twin Brother Karl Edmonds, who both happen to be ministers and mimes, spoke this powerful word into my spirit. They reminded that it is each of us who limits ourselves. We hinder our own progress through lack of faith, obedience and confidence; the same faith and confidence that gives us all authority and power in Christ Jesus.
We limit our journey in this life by talking ourselves out of what we can do and accomplish. We talk ourselves out of God’s blessings by stating that what we see as impossible. We miss out on blessings because they are not packaged the way we think they should look.
Saints of God, the word tells us that all things, not some things, but all things are possible with God!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we come seeking Your grace and Your counsel once again. Lord, help us to remove the limits we have placed on our own lives. Help us to see the plans and designs that You have for each of our lives. When satan tells us we can’t, remind us that Your word says we can do ALL things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me. Touch us Lord, as we pause and meditate on Your word. Father, we pause to give thanks for keeping us once again. We know that we are here only because of You. We are blessed, not because of who we are but because of who's we are. Thank You Lord, that You loved us that much. Touch us Lord, for we need You right now. Father, help each and every one of us to be mindful to put on the whole armor of God, for we are still in the midst of a spiritual battle. Protect us Lord, guide us Lord. Keep us Lord. Father, we come give You our thanks. We come praising and uplift Your Holy Name. We love You Lord. As we ask and pray these things in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Playing the Card I've 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 when I had no job, you still provided. 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, I 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. Father, 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 name that we pray. Amen.
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 when I had no job, you still provided. 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, I 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. Father, 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 name that we pray. Amen.
