Sunday, February 27, 2011
Getting Unstuck
If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking.
Scripture:
Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them. Ecclesiastes 9:12
Here in Michigan, we have received more than our usual fair share of snow this past month. As a matter of fact, it has already been recorded as the second largest snowfall in our history. And as a result, it is not unusual to see vehicles stuck in the snow. I too have even been stuck a time or two. I try not to panic when I get stuck because I already know panic doesn’t help.
During one of these recent snowstorms, one of our local television news crews was out covering the storm and they too, just like the people they were reporting about, got stuck in the snow. Luckily for them as so many others, there were good Samaritans that came to their rescue and helped them to get unstuck.
Sometimes, in life we too will get stuck. We may be moving along in the right direction when suddenly, something happens that will prevent us from moving forward. The recent economy is just one of life’s little sticking moments. We keep hearing that the American economy is getting better and that people are getting back to work, but what you rarely here is how many of them are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Yes, they are working but they are still stuck because it’s still barely enough to survive.
The word of God that I used today says that just as fish and birds are caught by unexpected traps, so we can be trapped also. Not because of anything we have done, but rather because of the evil times we live in. We must always be mindful of the fact that the enemy is always laying it wait to trap us. When we travel along this path called life, unexpected storms will come upon us, trapping us and preventing us from moving forward.
What we must always remember is that yes, we make get stuck, but we have something better than AAA. Its call the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
I raise my hands in honor of the Lord of the morning, who rises in glory in the east of the world. Piercer of darkness, illumine my path as I go through my day. Order my steps Holy Spirit and give me eyes to see and ears to hear Your will and Your word this and everyday. Help me to guard my tongue so that the things that are say build up Your kingdom and not tear it down. Help me to guard my thoughts so that I do not think more highly of myself than I should. Help me to keep my mind and my heart staid on thee and Your word. Empower me to go forth and do a good work in Your name. Lord, we humble ourselves before the throne of grace and seek Your face. Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless our families and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, someone will have to make a difficult choice today and will ask You what to do. Guide them Lord as only You can. Someone will come to the realization that their loved one will not be coming back. Have Mercy. Someone will shed tears because something that they have to say to a loved one will cause them pain. Temper their words with Your grace and Your mercy. Lord, today someone will run out of money. Someone will be faced with the hardships that often come in this world. Someone will have to comfort and care for a sick child, parent, brother or sister. Strengthen them for what lies ahead. Lord, each of us comes asking that You would bless all that we do and all that we are this day. Thank You Lord, for Your faithfulness. Thank You Lord, for Your patience. Thank You Lord, for Your Grace and Mercy. But most of all, Thank You Lord, for Your son, Jesus Christ, it is in His name we pray. AMEN!
Scripture:
Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them. Ecclesiastes 9:12
Here in Michigan, we have received more than our usual fair share of snow this past month. As a matter of fact, it has already been recorded as the second largest snowfall in our history. And as a result, it is not unusual to see vehicles stuck in the snow. I too have even been stuck a time or two. I try not to panic when I get stuck because I already know panic doesn’t help.
During one of these recent snowstorms, one of our local television news crews was out covering the storm and they too, just like the people they were reporting about, got stuck in the snow. Luckily for them as so many others, there were good Samaritans that came to their rescue and helped them to get unstuck.
Sometimes, in life we too will get stuck. We may be moving along in the right direction when suddenly, something happens that will prevent us from moving forward. The recent economy is just one of life’s little sticking moments. We keep hearing that the American economy is getting better and that people are getting back to work, but what you rarely here is how many of them are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Yes, they are working but they are still stuck because it’s still barely enough to survive.
The word of God that I used today says that just as fish and birds are caught by unexpected traps, so we can be trapped also. Not because of anything we have done, but rather because of the evil times we live in. We must always be mindful of the fact that the enemy is always laying it wait to trap us. When we travel along this path called life, unexpected storms will come upon us, trapping us and preventing us from moving forward.
What we must always remember is that yes, we make get stuck, but we have something better than AAA. Its call the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
I raise my hands in honor of the Lord of the morning, who rises in glory in the east of the world. Piercer of darkness, illumine my path as I go through my day. Order my steps Holy Spirit and give me eyes to see and ears to hear Your will and Your word this and everyday. Help me to guard my tongue so that the things that are say build up Your kingdom and not tear it down. Help me to guard my thoughts so that I do not think more highly of myself than I should. Help me to keep my mind and my heart staid on thee and Your word. Empower me to go forth and do a good work in Your name. Lord, we humble ourselves before the throne of grace and seek Your face. Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless our families and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, someone will have to make a difficult choice today and will ask You what to do. Guide them Lord as only You can. Someone will come to the realization that their loved one will not be coming back. Have Mercy. Someone will shed tears because something that they have to say to a loved one will cause them pain. Temper their words with Your grace and Your mercy. Lord, today someone will run out of money. Someone will be faced with the hardships that often come in this world. Someone will have to comfort and care for a sick child, parent, brother or sister. Strengthen them for what lies ahead. Lord, each of us comes asking that You would bless all that we do and all that we are this day. Thank You Lord, for Your faithfulness. Thank You Lord, for Your patience. Thank You Lord, for Your Grace and Mercy. But most of all, Thank You Lord, for Your son, Jesus Christ, it is in His name we pray. AMEN!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Learning to Give Thanks
Remember, Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot. ~ The Hausa of Nigeria
Scripture:
the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD, saying, "Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good; his love endures forever." For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,' says the LORD. Jeremiah 33:11 (New International Version)
Every now and then as I reflect upon the things that are or aren’t happening in my life, I begin to feel sorry for myself. Sometimes, I think I should have more, do more or I just want more. I sometimes feel that I am failing in my quest to finding my true destiny. But then, something will happen that will remind to put things back into perspective.
So often these mini revelations that I have, aren’t really that significant at all. It might be seeing a homeless woman on the street and I am reminded that I have a home. It could be hearing how someone loss their child, and then I am reminded that I have two beautiful sons. Or it could simply be seeing someone, all alone, with no one to call friend.
Just this past week, I was depressed because I didn’t feel that I was progressing with my writing. I write everyday but didn’t feel that I had been making any progress as a writer. Then, God started doing what He does best. He reminded me that my writing does matter.
The first reminder came in the form of a message from a dear sister in Christ who told me just how much these messages have meant to her. Then today, I received another message from another friend who said she prints them out to share with her mother each morning. As I started reflecting, these were but two of the many messages that I receive each day from people who find inspiration in the things that I write.
I say all this to say, that even though my dream of publishing my book hasn’t come to fruition, my dream of touching the lives of others through the written word has. I thank God for this forum and this opportunity to share His word and to touch the lives of others.
I give thanks to God for allowing me to find a lot. Each and every one of you!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, sometimes I forget that my purpose isn’t to please myself, it is to please You. I sometimes forget that the gift that You have given me isn’t to please me, it is to be shared with others so they too can see You working in their lives. Father God, forgive me for my selfish nature. Forgive me for not appreciating what I do have. I have love, grace and mercy. I have the gift of life through my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ who bless me always with their kind words, prayers and thoughts. Lord, I ask that as we begin another week, that each and every one of us will remember, to give thanks for even the smallest of things. That each and every one of us will remember to bless someone else, because you have already blessed each of us. Lord, we give thanks to You on high. We praise and uplift Your Holy Name. Great is Thy faithfulness. Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. It is in Your name that we submit this prayer. Amen.
Footnote: I wrote this message sometime ago and came across it this evening as I was preparing to do an evening devotional. My praise report is this; God does answer prayers. My debut novel, “Serving Justice” was released in April of 2009 through “Peace in the Storm Publishing and won a literary award in the category of romance. Praise God!
Scripture:
the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD, saying, "Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good; his love endures forever." For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,' says the LORD. Jeremiah 33:11 (New International Version)
Every now and then as I reflect upon the things that are or aren’t happening in my life, I begin to feel sorry for myself. Sometimes, I think I should have more, do more or I just want more. I sometimes feel that I am failing in my quest to finding my true destiny. But then, something will happen that will remind to put things back into perspective.
So often these mini revelations that I have, aren’t really that significant at all. It might be seeing a homeless woman on the street and I am reminded that I have a home. It could be hearing how someone loss their child, and then I am reminded that I have two beautiful sons. Or it could simply be seeing someone, all alone, with no one to call friend.
Just this past week, I was depressed because I didn’t feel that I was progressing with my writing. I write everyday but didn’t feel that I had been making any progress as a writer. Then, God started doing what He does best. He reminded me that my writing does matter.
The first reminder came in the form of a message from a dear sister in Christ who told me just how much these messages have meant to her. Then today, I received another message from another friend who said she prints them out to share with her mother each morning. As I started reflecting, these were but two of the many messages that I receive each day from people who find inspiration in the things that I write.
I say all this to say, that even though my dream of publishing my book hasn’t come to fruition, my dream of touching the lives of others through the written word has. I thank God for this forum and this opportunity to share His word and to touch the lives of others.
I give thanks to God for allowing me to find a lot. Each and every one of you!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, sometimes I forget that my purpose isn’t to please myself, it is to please You. I sometimes forget that the gift that You have given me isn’t to please me, it is to be shared with others so they too can see You working in their lives. Father God, forgive me for my selfish nature. Forgive me for not appreciating what I do have. I have love, grace and mercy. I have the gift of life through my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ who bless me always with their kind words, prayers and thoughts. Lord, I ask that as we begin another week, that each and every one of us will remember, to give thanks for even the smallest of things. That each and every one of us will remember to bless someone else, because you have already blessed each of us. Lord, we give thanks to You on high. We praise and uplift Your Holy Name. Great is Thy faithfulness. Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. It is in Your name that we submit this prayer. Amen.
Footnote: I wrote this message sometime ago and came across it this evening as I was preparing to do an evening devotional. My praise report is this; God does answer prayers. My debut novel, “Serving Justice” was released in April of 2009 through “Peace in the Storm Publishing and won a literary award in the category of romance. Praise God!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Flying High
If you want to fly at a higher altitude, you will need to check your "baggage.”
Scripture:
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:1-2 (New International Version)
Have you ever packed for a trip and over packed? Or, worse yet, you try to save a few dollars by attempting to take all of your luggage onboard with you? Sometimes, this is not possible and you will be forced to check your bags anyway.
Periodically, we hear news reports about airplanes that crashed because they were overloaded. Even though the FAA has set certain guidelines on weight capacity for all aircrafts, there are those who think they can ignore them and still be able to soar up into the skies. However, what they soon discover is that their flights will begin to experience difficulties and their aircrafts will not respond in ways that they should.
Unfortunately, many of us don’t adhere to some of those same guidelines when it comes to our own lives. We continually over pack and drag the same old luggage around with us from place to place. You know what luggage I am talking about. Disappointment, anger, low self-esteem, and the list goes on and on.
What many of us often fail to realize is that so often we allow our past hurts, our sins, negative relationships, negative situations, and negative people to climb into the bags that we carry with us each and every day.
We allow circumstance and situations to become a weight that we put in the bags that we call our lives. We allow fear and doubt to become like a rock around our necks. We allow our lack of faith to become a heavy object that we place in the bags of our lives that we continue to carry.
In order for each of us to be able to soar high and reach that rock that is higher than I, we must first learn to, check our baggage.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, we come to You this day in humble submission. We ask Lord, that You would help us to realize and recognize to put down those things that are weighing us down and preventing us from truly following Your word. Lord, we come this day placing our all on the altar. We come sacrificing ourselves as in the days of old. We have nothing to truly give You, but ourselves. Help us to become a living sacrifice. Allow something that we may do or say this day to encourage someone to seek Your face and Your word. Help us Lord to walk just a little closer to thee. Father, we come thanking You that You have given us this new day with new opportunities to draw nearer to thee. We give You praise, honor, and glory. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:1-2 (New International Version)
Have you ever packed for a trip and over packed? Or, worse yet, you try to save a few dollars by attempting to take all of your luggage onboard with you? Sometimes, this is not possible and you will be forced to check your bags anyway.
Periodically, we hear news reports about airplanes that crashed because they were overloaded. Even though the FAA has set certain guidelines on weight capacity for all aircrafts, there are those who think they can ignore them and still be able to soar up into the skies. However, what they soon discover is that their flights will begin to experience difficulties and their aircrafts will not respond in ways that they should.
Unfortunately, many of us don’t adhere to some of those same guidelines when it comes to our own lives. We continually over pack and drag the same old luggage around with us from place to place. You know what luggage I am talking about. Disappointment, anger, low self-esteem, and the list goes on and on.
What many of us often fail to realize is that so often we allow our past hurts, our sins, negative relationships, negative situations, and negative people to climb into the bags that we carry with us each and every day.
We allow circumstance and situations to become a weight that we put in the bags that we call our lives. We allow fear and doubt to become like a rock around our necks. We allow our lack of faith to become a heavy object that we place in the bags of our lives that we continue to carry.
In order for each of us to be able to soar high and reach that rock that is higher than I, we must first learn to, check our baggage.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, we come to You this day in humble submission. We ask Lord, that You would help us to realize and recognize to put down those things that are weighing us down and preventing us from truly following Your word. Lord, we come this day placing our all on the altar. We come sacrificing ourselves as in the days of old. We have nothing to truly give You, but ourselves. Help us to become a living sacrifice. Allow something that we may do or say this day to encourage someone to seek Your face and Your word. Help us Lord to walk just a little closer to thee. Father, we come thanking You that You have given us this new day with new opportunities to draw nearer to thee. We give You praise, honor, and glory. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Are You Afraid?
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship. ~ Louisa May Alcott
Scripture:
For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Isaiah 41:13
Saints, Are you afraid of anything? Are you afraid that you won't be able to do something, pay something, get something, overcome something? Have you seen something on television that has you scared? Do you know someone who has been robbed, hurt, faced with and unexpected tragedy and you are afraid that it might happen to you too?
Are you afraid to go after your dream? Declare your independence, leave that abusive relationship, or seek the job or career that you really want? Do you even realize that fear may be keeping you from receiving your blessing?
When we fear the unknown, we are saying to God, we don't trust him. When we become immobilized by fear, we are saying to God, we don't believe in His word. When we don't step out on faith, we are saying to God, “I don't believe who You are and in the promises that have been given to me by the sacrificing of your son, Jesus Christ.”
Learn to overcome your fears, replace your fears with faith. Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and He will move you from fear to faith.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Jesus, You know how scared I am sometimes, even when I hide it from those around me. Please take my fears, Lord. Sometimes they're all I have to give You. Teach me Lord to learn to walk by faith. Replace my insecurities with Your strength. Replace my doubts with Your word. Empower me Lord, through the power and the light of the Holy Spirit. Lord, take my hand and walk with me today. Teach me Lord, to speak to those storms in life that seem to throw me off course. When my fears would begin to overcome me, may Your spirit and Your light shine down on me so that I would learn to walk in Your word and into my blessing. Thank You Father for the comforter that is with me always. The power that comes from the Holy Spirit. Now Lord, I ask Your blessings for my brothers and sisters in Christ who stand in the gap with me for one another. Bless them Lord. Grant them new fresh grace and mercy today. We love You Lord. We praise Your Holy Name. We thank You Lord, who sits on high and looks low and blesses us, despite us. Thank You Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Isaiah 41:13
Saints, Are you afraid of anything? Are you afraid that you won't be able to do something, pay something, get something, overcome something? Have you seen something on television that has you scared? Do you know someone who has been robbed, hurt, faced with and unexpected tragedy and you are afraid that it might happen to you too?
Are you afraid to go after your dream? Declare your independence, leave that abusive relationship, or seek the job or career that you really want? Do you even realize that fear may be keeping you from receiving your blessing?
When we fear the unknown, we are saying to God, we don't trust him. When we become immobilized by fear, we are saying to God, we don't believe in His word. When we don't step out on faith, we are saying to God, “I don't believe who You are and in the promises that have been given to me by the sacrificing of your son, Jesus Christ.”
Learn to overcome your fears, replace your fears with faith. Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and He will move you from fear to faith.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Jesus, You know how scared I am sometimes, even when I hide it from those around me. Please take my fears, Lord. Sometimes they're all I have to give You. Teach me Lord to learn to walk by faith. Replace my insecurities with Your strength. Replace my doubts with Your word. Empower me Lord, through the power and the light of the Holy Spirit. Lord, take my hand and walk with me today. Teach me Lord, to speak to those storms in life that seem to throw me off course. When my fears would begin to overcome me, may Your spirit and Your light shine down on me so that I would learn to walk in Your word and into my blessing. Thank You Father for the comforter that is with me always. The power that comes from the Holy Spirit. Now Lord, I ask Your blessings for my brothers and sisters in Christ who stand in the gap with me for one another. Bless them Lord. Grant them new fresh grace and mercy today. We love You Lord. We praise Your Holy Name. We thank You Lord, who sits on high and looks low and blesses us, despite us. Thank You Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Displaying an Act of Kindness
Remember, Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning. ~ Frederick W. Faber
Scripture:
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 (New International Version)
A few years ago after picking up my youngest son from our neighborhood Boys and Girls Club, I dropped him off at the local McDonald’s while I ran into a nearby grocery store. My son Joseph had asked for a few dollars to get something to eat to tide him over until I could go home and prepare dinner. When I finished making my purchases and exited from the store, I saw my son standing by my car.
I was a little surprised to see him so soon and asked had he gotten his burger? He response was, “yes, but I gave it to a homeless man who was sitting inside the restaurant. He looked hungry so I gave him my burger.” I was pleasantly shocked.
You see, on several different occasions my son had been with me when people asked us for money. I have always tried to make it a habit to give them something. Usually, I give the money to my son to give to the person asking. He once asked why I gave our money away.
I explained to my son that most homeless people aren’t homeless by choice. Something happened in their lives that created their current condition. I further explained that yes, many of them where on drugs or alcoholics, but that it is not our place to judge them. We don’t know what caused them to turn to drugs or alcohol, and maybe, just maybe by showing them some compassion, it might just give them a little bit of hope to try to change things.
Now some people would call us foolish, stating that they were just going to buy more drugs or alcohol. My position is this, maybe they won’t. How can we expect anyone to change if they don’t see any hope around them?
My baby boy is learning how to be compassionate. He saw a man in need and gave all that he had.
Isn’t that a great lesson for all of our children to learn?
Be Blessed.
Prayer:
I complained I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet. Lord, so often we complain about how difficult our lives are without realizing just how blessed we are. We complain about our jobs, without thinking about the man or woman who wished they had one. We complain about are spouses, but give nary a thought to the man or woman who cries out every night for a mate. We complain about our children, without giving thought to the woman who can never bear her own. Lord, forgive me for my complaints. Thank You Lord, for all of my many blessings. I thank You for my job, my children, my home, my family and my friends. Thank You Father for the roof that has been provided over my head. Thank You Lord, for the food on my table. Thank You Father for all the little things that I so often take for granted. Thank You Lord, for my children, who are a gift from You. Thank You Lord, for the compassion that You show to me, a sinner who was destined for hell. But You saw me and reached out to me. For that I am grateful. I give thanks to You oh great Jehovah, for giving me the eternal gift of life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. It is in His name that we submit this prayer. Amen.
Scripture:
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 (New International Version)
A few years ago after picking up my youngest son from our neighborhood Boys and Girls Club, I dropped him off at the local McDonald’s while I ran into a nearby grocery store. My son Joseph had asked for a few dollars to get something to eat to tide him over until I could go home and prepare dinner. When I finished making my purchases and exited from the store, I saw my son standing by my car.
I was a little surprised to see him so soon and asked had he gotten his burger? He response was, “yes, but I gave it to a homeless man who was sitting inside the restaurant. He looked hungry so I gave him my burger.” I was pleasantly shocked.
You see, on several different occasions my son had been with me when people asked us for money. I have always tried to make it a habit to give them something. Usually, I give the money to my son to give to the person asking. He once asked why I gave our money away.
I explained to my son that most homeless people aren’t homeless by choice. Something happened in their lives that created their current condition. I further explained that yes, many of them where on drugs or alcoholics, but that it is not our place to judge them. We don’t know what caused them to turn to drugs or alcohol, and maybe, just maybe by showing them some compassion, it might just give them a little bit of hope to try to change things.
Now some people would call us foolish, stating that they were just going to buy more drugs or alcohol. My position is this, maybe they won’t. How can we expect anyone to change if they don’t see any hope around them?
My baby boy is learning how to be compassionate. He saw a man in need and gave all that he had.
Isn’t that a great lesson for all of our children to learn?
Be Blessed.
Prayer:
I complained I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet. Lord, so often we complain about how difficult our lives are without realizing just how blessed we are. We complain about our jobs, without thinking about the man or woman who wished they had one. We complain about are spouses, but give nary a thought to the man or woman who cries out every night for a mate. We complain about our children, without giving thought to the woman who can never bear her own. Lord, forgive me for my complaints. Thank You Lord, for all of my many blessings. I thank You for my job, my children, my home, my family and my friends. Thank You Father for the roof that has been provided over my head. Thank You Lord, for the food on my table. Thank You Father for all the little things that I so often take for granted. Thank You Lord, for my children, who are a gift from You. Thank You Lord, for the compassion that You show to me, a sinner who was destined for hell. But You saw me and reached out to me. For that I am grateful. I give thanks to You oh great Jehovah, for giving me the eternal gift of life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. It is in His name that we submit this prayer. Amen.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Spiritual Glasses
Remember, try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward. ~ Charlotte Bronte
Scripture:
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
Saints, how many of you wear glasses or contacts? I do. If you are anything like me, I have from time to time lost or broken my glasses. When this happens, I have a hard time seeing things clearly.
Today I want to talk to you about putting on your spiritual glasses. You see, sometimes when we look at life we see things as they appear to be. We may see insurmountable mountains. We may see unconquerable circumstances. We may not see a way out of bondage.
Putting on your spiritual glasses is a way of looking at things through the eyes of Jesus. It is a way of allowing God to take over and make a way out of no way. It is a way of seeing things more clearly. Seeing things not in the natural, but in the super-natural.
Putting on your spiritual glasses allows you to let go and let God lead the way. Putting on your spiritual glasses blinds you to the things of this world and it opens up a whole new view for you to see. God’s way. God’s world. Gods plan for you.
Saints, today pick up those glasses, put them on and learn a whole new way of looking at things. Trust in the Lord and know that he will lead you down the right path.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, I once was blind but now I see. We come today as the blind did in the 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 it’s not always, about what we see but truly, about what You are teaching us. Teach us Lord to lean upon You and to depend upon You and not the things of this world. Father, we ask that You would keep all of Your saints safe and secure this day. Continue to be with our troops during the time of tribulation. 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
Saints, how many of you wear glasses or contacts? I do. If you are anything like me, I have from time to time lost or broken my glasses. When this happens, I have a hard time seeing things clearly.
Today I want to talk to you about putting on your spiritual glasses. You see, sometimes when we look at life we see things as they appear to be. We may see insurmountable mountains. We may see unconquerable circumstances. We may not see a way out of bondage.
Putting on your spiritual glasses is a way of looking at things through the eyes of Jesus. It is a way of allowing God to take over and make a way out of no way. It is a way of seeing things more clearly. Seeing things not in the natural, but in the super-natural.
Putting on your spiritual glasses allows you to let go and let God lead the way. Putting on your spiritual glasses blinds you to the things of this world and it opens up a whole new view for you to see. God’s way. God’s world. Gods plan for you.
Saints, today pick up those glasses, put them on and learn a whole new way of looking at things. Trust in the Lord and know that he will lead you down the right path.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, I once was blind but now I see. We come today as the blind did in the 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 it’s not always, about what we see but truly, about what You are teaching us. Teach us Lord to lean upon You and to depend upon You and not the things of this world. Father, we ask that You would keep all of Your saints safe and secure this day. Continue to be with our troops during the time of tribulation. 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, February 16, 2011
In Between Blessings
It's not so much that we're afraid of change or so in love with the old ways, but it's that place in between that we fear . . . . It's like being between trapezes. It's Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There's nothing to hold on to. ~ Marilyn Ferguson
Scripture:
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 (New International Version)
First of all, let me publicly acknowledge that today’s title and message were inspired by my Pastor, Pastor Larry Smith of New ST. Mark Baptist church. As I sat listening to the man of God, I was taught what it means to be in between blessings. In between blessings are periods of time when one thing has ended and you are waiting on something else to begin where difficulties may occur.
The ending might be a job, a marriage, a relationship or simply a season in your life. What Pastor Smith pointed out was that while we are in between, we must hold on to our hope and our faith. He cited several examples in the bible where different people held out hope and held fast to their faith while they waited for their breakthrough or miracle.
Sarah in the book of Genesis who thought she was too old to bear children; the woman in the book of Mark who had the issue of blood. And what about the lame man who was at the pool of Bethesda for 38 years who never gave up hope that one day, if he could just make it into the pool, he too would be healed. The list goes on and on. These are but a few examples of what it means to hold on to hope and to hold on to your faith.
The quote that I used to day is actually an oxymoron in relationship to today’s message. The line that states being in between is like being between trapezes, there is nothing to hold on to. Personally, I beg to differ. Today’s scripture states that no matter where we travel, what we are going through or where we are, God is right there in the midst with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
In other words, things may look bad now, but hold on to your faith. Romans 15:13 tells us; “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 11:1 reiterates; “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
And most of all remember, On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. Hold on to His unchanging hand.
Be blessed
Prayer:
I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel. Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore. Lord, we come before the throne of grace thanking You for our miracles. Father we come into covenant agreement and standing in the gap for our brothers and sisters who may be weak. Touch them Lord Jesus. Magnifying Your power and Your presence in their lives. Father, our city and our world is full of stress and strife. Allow Your power and Your spirit to rain down on us this day. Father many of our brothers and sisters may be faced with losing jobs. Have mercy Lord. Lord, and as we have to go through our valleys, to GET to the other side, be by our sides. Keeping us in perfect peace. Lord, use us and allow us to bless someone else this day. We love You Lord. We praise and uplift Your name. We give You all honor, all praise, and all the glory to You alone. Hallelujah, anyhow. Hallelujah in spite of. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Praise God, Amen.
Scripture:
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 (New International Version)
First of all, let me publicly acknowledge that today’s title and message were inspired by my Pastor, Pastor Larry Smith of New ST. Mark Baptist church. As I sat listening to the man of God, I was taught what it means to be in between blessings. In between blessings are periods of time when one thing has ended and you are waiting on something else to begin where difficulties may occur.
The ending might be a job, a marriage, a relationship or simply a season in your life. What Pastor Smith pointed out was that while we are in between, we must hold on to our hope and our faith. He cited several examples in the bible where different people held out hope and held fast to their faith while they waited for their breakthrough or miracle.
Sarah in the book of Genesis who thought she was too old to bear children; the woman in the book of Mark who had the issue of blood. And what about the lame man who was at the pool of Bethesda for 38 years who never gave up hope that one day, if he could just make it into the pool, he too would be healed. The list goes on and on. These are but a few examples of what it means to hold on to hope and to hold on to your faith.
The quote that I used to day is actually an oxymoron in relationship to today’s message. The line that states being in between is like being between trapezes, there is nothing to hold on to. Personally, I beg to differ. Today’s scripture states that no matter where we travel, what we are going through or where we are, God is right there in the midst with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
In other words, things may look bad now, but hold on to your faith. Romans 15:13 tells us; “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 11:1 reiterates; “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
And most of all remember, On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. Hold on to His unchanging hand.
Be blessed
Prayer:
I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel. Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore. Lord, we come before the throne of grace thanking You for our miracles. Father we come into covenant agreement and standing in the gap for our brothers and sisters who may be weak. Touch them Lord Jesus. Magnifying Your power and Your presence in their lives. Father, our city and our world is full of stress and strife. Allow Your power and Your spirit to rain down on us this day. Father many of our brothers and sisters may be faced with losing jobs. Have mercy Lord. Lord, and as we have to go through our valleys, to GET to the other side, be by our sides. Keeping us in perfect peace. Lord, use us and allow us to bless someone else this day. We love You Lord. We praise and uplift Your name. We give You all honor, all praise, and all the glory to You alone. Hallelujah, anyhow. Hallelujah in spite of. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Praise God, Amen.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Pushing Past the Pain
Painful as it may be, a significant emotional event can be the catalyst for choosing a direction that serves us-and those around us - more effectively. Look for the learning. ~ Louisa May Alcott
Scripture:
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 (New International Version)
This is the time of year when it’s not unusual to hear someone complaining about their aches ands pains. This is because in January, people often make resolutions that include losing weight by exercising. The challenge that most people with face is the aches, pains and strains associated with using certain muscle groups that haven’t been used in a very long time. The longer they have been sedentary, the harder it will become to stick with a regular exercise routine.
Now if they are smart and have the resources to do this, some will hire a personal trainer to help them reach their targeted goals. A personal trainer actually serves two purposes. The first one is to show us the correct way to do certain exercises and the second is to keep us motivated and help us push past the pain. You see, most of us are quick to quit when things become too painful.
This analogy also hold true in our everyday life as well. When relationships become too painful, we quit. When a job or task becomes too hard, we give up. When our marriages begin to falter, so often it’s easier to just quit and walk away then to stay and fight. Even when we are faced with accomplishing our goals; just because other have told us “kid, you don’t have what it takes” or “I’m sorry, your book just wasn’t good enough.” Whenever we see that big old scary word DENIED, we are ready to pack up our bags and run to the safety of our own little corners rather then face the pain of rejection.
Today’s word simply states that Paul knew that he hadn’t reached his goal and that the journey sometimes will become painful. However he knew that at the end of his journey, there was a prize there waiting for him. He counted it all joy the pain he had already suffered and therefore he would continue to press on or push past the pain because he already knew, the victory was his!
You too have a personal trainer and his name is Jesus Christ. He can keep you motivated and can help you push past the pain.
Be blessed
PRAYER:
Father, when I look around me and see the beauty of Your creation, I realize that I have truly been blessed. I see the glow of the morning sun rising in the distance, I feel the coolness of the morning breeze, and I listen to the wind, whistling near my ear, and I just want to say thank You. Father, recent events have made me stop and look around at where I am and see from where I have come, but most of all, they allow me to see where I am going. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Lord, I come thanking You for the friends and fellowship that have been formed because of You. I thank You Lord for bringing so many wonderful Christians into my life whose love and support keep me going. They let me know that I am not on this spiritual journey alone and that You are with me always. Father, thank You for my angels who help me to fly when I forget I have wings. Thank You Lord, for all the prayer warriors that You have brought together in the name of Jesus. Glory to God, Hallelujah, Amen.
Scripture:
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 (New International Version)
This is the time of year when it’s not unusual to hear someone complaining about their aches ands pains. This is because in January, people often make resolutions that include losing weight by exercising. The challenge that most people with face is the aches, pains and strains associated with using certain muscle groups that haven’t been used in a very long time. The longer they have been sedentary, the harder it will become to stick with a regular exercise routine.
Now if they are smart and have the resources to do this, some will hire a personal trainer to help them reach their targeted goals. A personal trainer actually serves two purposes. The first one is to show us the correct way to do certain exercises and the second is to keep us motivated and help us push past the pain. You see, most of us are quick to quit when things become too painful.
This analogy also hold true in our everyday life as well. When relationships become too painful, we quit. When a job or task becomes too hard, we give up. When our marriages begin to falter, so often it’s easier to just quit and walk away then to stay and fight. Even when we are faced with accomplishing our goals; just because other have told us “kid, you don’t have what it takes” or “I’m sorry, your book just wasn’t good enough.” Whenever we see that big old scary word DENIED, we are ready to pack up our bags and run to the safety of our own little corners rather then face the pain of rejection.
Today’s word simply states that Paul knew that he hadn’t reached his goal and that the journey sometimes will become painful. However he knew that at the end of his journey, there was a prize there waiting for him. He counted it all joy the pain he had already suffered and therefore he would continue to press on or push past the pain because he already knew, the victory was his!
You too have a personal trainer and his name is Jesus Christ. He can keep you motivated and can help you push past the pain.
Be blessed
PRAYER:
Father, when I look around me and see the beauty of Your creation, I realize that I have truly been blessed. I see the glow of the morning sun rising in the distance, I feel the coolness of the morning breeze, and I listen to the wind, whistling near my ear, and I just want to say thank You. Father, recent events have made me stop and look around at where I am and see from where I have come, but most of all, they allow me to see where I am going. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Lord, I come thanking You for the friends and fellowship that have been formed because of You. I thank You Lord for bringing so many wonderful Christians into my life whose love and support keep me going. They let me know that I am not on this spiritual journey alone and that You are with me always. Father, thank You for my angels who help me to fly when I forget I have wings. Thank You Lord, for all the prayer warriors that You have brought together in the name of Jesus. Glory to God, Hallelujah, Amen.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Out of Egypt
Traveling is not just seeing the new; it is also leaving behind. Not just opening doors; also closing them behind you, never to return. But the place you have left forever is always there for you to see whenever you shut your eyes. ~ Jan Myrdal
Scripture:
The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. Exodus 3:7-8 (New International Version)
The decedents of Moses were a chosen people. They were chosen by God because Moses, whom they descended from, was a faithful follower of God who never questioned whatever it was God wanted him to do. Whatever, whenever and however God wanted it done, Moses was his man.
There are those of us who wish we could be more like Moses. Obedient to the point that we would never question anything God told us to do. However, I know I am not that faithful. I sometimes question what it is God wants me to do. What I do know is that God wants for me is to turn away from sin once and for all. Turning away or leaving sin is a lot harder than we want for it to be.
Personally I know that there are still some things that I do that are not pleasing to God. I still have a sinful nature and periodically, I find myself doing or saying things that I know are contrary to being a Christian. Especially when I find myself tempted by certain situations.
Just like the children of Israel, when the going gets tough, I sometimes think that where I came from has to be easier than where I find myself. I sometimes lack the necessary faith that God wants me to have and will look to my past to make it through to my future.
What I find interesting about the above quote was that it said even when I have left my past and shut the door behind me, all I have to do is close my eyes and I see my past right there in front of me. And so it is with our sins. All we have to do is think about our past sins, and there it is; right in front of my eyes.
So my question for you today is, even though you have left Egypt, is Egypt still in you?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, sometimes I think it would be so easy to return to my wicked ways. Satan would have me to believe that my past has to be my present. But Your word tells me that the sins of my past are just that, in my past. Lord, help me always to look forward and not to look backwards. Hold my hand as I continue my journey out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Crossing the wilderness is a journey; a journey into a land of milk and honey. I know that the road I travel is not an easy one, but it is the same one that Joshua traveled and I have the faith and the will to persevere. Thank you Father for the supplication of Your word that would give me the strength to get there. Thank You Father for the power of the Holy Spirit which resides in my heart so that I know that I am never alone. Thank You Lord for my comforter, Jesus Christ. It is in His most Holy name that we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. Exodus 3:7-8 (New International Version)
The decedents of Moses were a chosen people. They were chosen by God because Moses, whom they descended from, was a faithful follower of God who never questioned whatever it was God wanted him to do. Whatever, whenever and however God wanted it done, Moses was his man.
There are those of us who wish we could be more like Moses. Obedient to the point that we would never question anything God told us to do. However, I know I am not that faithful. I sometimes question what it is God wants me to do. What I do know is that God wants for me is to turn away from sin once and for all. Turning away or leaving sin is a lot harder than we want for it to be.
Personally I know that there are still some things that I do that are not pleasing to God. I still have a sinful nature and periodically, I find myself doing or saying things that I know are contrary to being a Christian. Especially when I find myself tempted by certain situations.
Just like the children of Israel, when the going gets tough, I sometimes think that where I came from has to be easier than where I find myself. I sometimes lack the necessary faith that God wants me to have and will look to my past to make it through to my future.
What I find interesting about the above quote was that it said even when I have left my past and shut the door behind me, all I have to do is close my eyes and I see my past right there in front of me. And so it is with our sins. All we have to do is think about our past sins, and there it is; right in front of my eyes.
So my question for you today is, even though you have left Egypt, is Egypt still in you?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, sometimes I think it would be so easy to return to my wicked ways. Satan would have me to believe that my past has to be my present. But Your word tells me that the sins of my past are just that, in my past. Lord, help me always to look forward and not to look backwards. Hold my hand as I continue my journey out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Crossing the wilderness is a journey; a journey into a land of milk and honey. I know that the road I travel is not an easy one, but it is the same one that Joshua traveled and I have the faith and the will to persevere. Thank you Father for the supplication of Your word that would give me the strength to get there. Thank You Father for the power of the Holy Spirit which resides in my heart so that I know that I am never alone. Thank You Lord for my comforter, Jesus Christ. It is in His most Holy name that we pray. Amen.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Be Inspired!
If you can imagine it, you can create it. If you dream it, you can become it. William Arthur Ward
Scripture:
We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (New International Version)
Who or what inspires you? Some might answer; riches fame or power. Others might say their partners, and education or maybe even a community leader. For each of us, inspiration can come from various sources.
For me, inspiration comes from many different sources. I am inspired when I see others writers living their dreams. I get inspired when I by a smile, a touch and yes, even a tear. But most of all, I am inspired by the word of God. To me, inspiration is the food that feeds my hopes and dreams; but most of all, my faith.
Inspiration is the courage to keep pressing on when life wants to stop us dead in our tracks. Inspiration is that thought or concept that renews your and your faith when you thought it was gone.
Inspiration is the faith that you can do anything but fail because the Victory has already been won!
Prayer:
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. I call out to the Lord. He is worthy of praise. He saves me from my enemies. The Lord lives! Give praise to my Rock! Give honor to God, the Rock! He is my Savior! Lord, we come once again singing songs of praise. Lord, we honor You because You are who You said You are. You are the rock of my salvation. You are my strength. You are my salvation. You are the one and only true God! Thank You Lord for saving me. Father, Abba, Great Jehovah, You are known by many names, but no matter which name we call on, You will answer. Thank You Lord, for answering prayer. Now my Lord, we ask that You would continue to do great things in our lives. The world today is ruled by a spirit of darkness. Lord, we ask that we, Your saints, would become those lights that guide others home to You. Father, may something that we do this day, or something that we say this day, be a blessing unto someone else. May we always hide Your word in our hearts. But more importantly, may we always allow Your word and the Holy Spirit to guide us in all we do and say. Now Lord, Bless us, Keep us, Protect us, Strengthen us. Lord, we could never thank You enough for our blessings. But we say thank You anyhow. We could never express just how much we love You, but we say we love You anyhow. We could never be worthy of Your grace and mercy. But we thank You for giving us those gifts anyhow. Thank You Lord. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Glory to God. Amen.
Scripture:
We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (New International Version)
Who or what inspires you? Some might answer; riches fame or power. Others might say their partners, and education or maybe even a community leader. For each of us, inspiration can come from various sources.
For me, inspiration comes from many different sources. I am inspired when I see others writers living their dreams. I get inspired when I by a smile, a touch and yes, even a tear. But most of all, I am inspired by the word of God. To me, inspiration is the food that feeds my hopes and dreams; but most of all, my faith.
Inspiration is the courage to keep pressing on when life wants to stop us dead in our tracks. Inspiration is that thought or concept that renews your and your faith when you thought it was gone.
Inspiration is the faith that you can do anything but fail because the Victory has already been won!
Prayer:
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. I call out to the Lord. He is worthy of praise. He saves me from my enemies. The Lord lives! Give praise to my Rock! Give honor to God, the Rock! He is my Savior! Lord, we come once again singing songs of praise. Lord, we honor You because You are who You said You are. You are the rock of my salvation. You are my strength. You are my salvation. You are the one and only true God! Thank You Lord for saving me. Father, Abba, Great Jehovah, You are known by many names, but no matter which name we call on, You will answer. Thank You Lord, for answering prayer. Now my Lord, we ask that You would continue to do great things in our lives. The world today is ruled by a spirit of darkness. Lord, we ask that we, Your saints, would become those lights that guide others home to You. Father, may something that we do this day, or something that we say this day, be a blessing unto someone else. May we always hide Your word in our hearts. But more importantly, may we always allow Your word and the Holy Spirit to guide us in all we do and say. Now Lord, Bless us, Keep us, Protect us, Strengthen us. Lord, we could never thank You enough for our blessings. But we say thank You anyhow. We could never express just how much we love You, but we say we love You anyhow. We could never be worthy of Your grace and mercy. But we thank You for giving us those gifts anyhow. Thank You Lord. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Glory to God. Amen.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Stand Strong in the Face of Adversity
Remember, Adversity is another way to measure the greatness of individuals. I never had a crisis that didn't make me stronger. ~Lou Holtz
Scripture:
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 30:20-21 (New International Version)
Adversity can be described as a series of unfortunate events. Just when it seems that things are going right in your life, something can happen to change your perspective. It can be something as small as failing a test or something so overwhelming like death that just rocks your world.
Sometimes when we are confronted with adverse situations, we may want to throw up our hands in surrender. At other times, we just say “oh well” and keep on keeping on. And then there will come times, when you want to give up and give in. It is in those times when what we are made of, will surely be tested.
Whether you realize it or not, adversity in your lives is sometimes necessary for your spiritual development. There will be times when it becomes inevitable for us all to truly see just how strong the word of God is embedded in our everyday lives. Or, it may be a necessary process in order for us to move to the next level in our spiritual growth.
It is at those times that we must learn to depend on God even more than we already do. The reality of most individuals is that when things are going well in our lives, we become content with where we are. That is not where God necessarily wants us to be. Being a part of the Body of Christ is being willing to be stretched so that we become more like Him and less like the world.
It is at times like these, that we must learn to stand strong in the face of 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 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, in his name we pray, Amen.
Scripture:
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 30:20-21 (New International Version)
Adversity can be described as a series of unfortunate events. Just when it seems that things are going right in your life, something can happen to change your perspective. It can be something as small as failing a test or something so overwhelming like death that just rocks your world.
Sometimes when we are confronted with adverse situations, we may want to throw up our hands in surrender. At other times, we just say “oh well” and keep on keeping on. And then there will come times, when you want to give up and give in. It is in those times when what we are made of, will surely be tested.
Whether you realize it or not, adversity in your lives is sometimes necessary for your spiritual development. There will be times when it becomes inevitable for us all to truly see just how strong the word of God is embedded in our everyday lives. Or, it may be a necessary process in order for us to move to the next level in our spiritual growth.
It is at those times that we must learn to depend on God even more than we already do. The reality of most individuals is that when things are going well in our lives, we become content with where we are. That is not where God necessarily wants us to be. Being a part of the Body of Christ is being willing to be stretched so that we become more like Him and less like the world.
It is at times like these, that we must learn to stand strong in the face of 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 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, in his name we pray, Amen.
