Wednesday, February 29, 2012
His Grace is Sufficient
Remember, God's love for us is not a love that always exempts us from Trials, but rather, a love that sees us through trials. ~ Anonymous
Scripture:
For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:11-12
Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do the righteous suffer? These are questions that has been asked since the beginning of time. A prominent American Rabbi by the name of Harold Kushner wrote a book entitled, When Bad Things Happen to Good People.
Rabbi Kushner wrote this book as a reaction to his own personal tragedy. His son Aaron had premature aging, which he died from. This provoked a crisis of faith for Kushner, He wrote this book for people "who have been hurt by life", to help them find a faith that can aid in getting through their troubles, rather than making things worse.
In his book, Rabbi Kushner outlined the various ways that people try to salvage their view of God and His orderly world. They explain that misfortune occurs because;
-Someone made a mistake, or failed in the observance of some religious duty.
-God has a hidden purpose, or is making use of knowledge we don't have.
-Suffering itself will turn out to be good for us.
-God's purpose is in the grand design of the Universe (which is good and beautiful),not in the life of the individual.
-Suffering teaches something, either to us or to those who see us suffer.
-Suffering is a test.
-Death leads us and our loved ones to a better place.
Without getting into a long theological dissertation, for or against his arguments, I will try to summarize as best I can. The word of God never said that we didn’t have to suffer. The word of God never said that his people would be except from the cruelties of this world. The word of God does not say that we won’t be faced with pain and suffering in our lifetimes, but rather states emphatically that we can expect to suffer, in His name.
As Christians, we must accept this fact. Yes, we will suffer many things in this life. Most of which will seem unwarranted and even unfair. Even our Lord and Savior endured suffering that was not of his own doing. However, he realized in the garden of Gethsemane as he prayed to God, that suffering is sometimes a necessary process in order to die to the world and live for God.
Be Blessed
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Prayer:
El-Elyon, Most High God , El-Shaddai, Almighty God, El-Olam, Everlasting God, Father, Abba, You who are my everything. Lord, sometimes we get weary and tired. There are days when life seems more than we can bear. There are nights that my pillow is covered in tears and it seems as though no one cares. Father, I have hidden Your word in my heart. I dwell and meditate on Your word night and day. I thank You Lord for Your word that strengthens me. Lord, You have said we can do all things through Christ Jesus. You have told us that You are with us always, even until the end of times. You are in the fiery furnace with, on our ship that is caught in the storm, and in the valley of death. We don't ask that You come into our hearts and lives, only that You magnify Your presence. Touch us today, our minds, our hearts, our spirits, our very souls. Keep us in perfect peace. Strengthen us once again. Father, when I grow weary from the weight of my cross, empower me and order my steps so that I may continue down the path that You have chosen. Thank You Father. Thank You Lord. For the one who first carried my cross, Christ Jesus in his name we pray. Praise God, Hallelujah, Amen.
Scripture:
For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:11-12
Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do the righteous suffer? These are questions that has been asked since the beginning of time. A prominent American Rabbi by the name of Harold Kushner wrote a book entitled, When Bad Things Happen to Good People.
Rabbi Kushner wrote this book as a reaction to his own personal tragedy. His son Aaron had premature aging, which he died from. This provoked a crisis of faith for Kushner, He wrote this book for people "who have been hurt by life", to help them find a faith that can aid in getting through their troubles, rather than making things worse.
In his book, Rabbi Kushner outlined the various ways that people try to salvage their view of God and His orderly world. They explain that misfortune occurs because;
-Someone made a mistake, or failed in the observance of some religious duty.
-God has a hidden purpose, or is making use of knowledge we don't have.
-Suffering itself will turn out to be good for us.
-God's purpose is in the grand design of the Universe (which is good and beautiful),not in the life of the individual.
-Suffering teaches something, either to us or to those who see us suffer.
-Suffering is a test.
-Death leads us and our loved ones to a better place.
Without getting into a long theological dissertation, for or against his arguments, I will try to summarize as best I can. The word of God never said that we didn’t have to suffer. The word of God never said that his people would be except from the cruelties of this world. The word of God does not say that we won’t be faced with pain and suffering in our lifetimes, but rather states emphatically that we can expect to suffer, in His name.
As Christians, we must accept this fact. Yes, we will suffer many things in this life. Most of which will seem unwarranted and even unfair. Even our Lord and Savior endured suffering that was not of his own doing. However, he realized in the garden of Gethsemane as he prayed to God, that suffering is sometimes a necessary process in order to die to the world and live for God.
Be Blessed
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Prayer:
El-Elyon, Most High God , El-Shaddai, Almighty God, El-Olam, Everlasting God, Father, Abba, You who are my everything. Lord, sometimes we get weary and tired. There are days when life seems more than we can bear. There are nights that my pillow is covered in tears and it seems as though no one cares. Father, I have hidden Your word in my heart. I dwell and meditate on Your word night and day. I thank You Lord for Your word that strengthens me. Lord, You have said we can do all things through Christ Jesus. You have told us that You are with us always, even until the end of times. You are in the fiery furnace with, on our ship that is caught in the storm, and in the valley of death. We don't ask that You come into our hearts and lives, only that You magnify Your presence. Touch us today, our minds, our hearts, our spirits, our very souls. Keep us in perfect peace. Strengthen us once again. Father, when I grow weary from the weight of my cross, empower me and order my steps so that I may continue down the path that You have chosen. Thank You Father. Thank You Lord. For the one who first carried my cross, Christ Jesus in his name we pray. Praise God, Hallelujah, Amen.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Guard Your Minds
Remember, your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. Your harvest will be either flower or weeds. ~ Mel Weldon
Scripture:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (New International Version)
Saint of God, how often to you practice the power of positive thinking? By that I mean, do your practice thinking good and positive thoughts about the things that are going on in your life? Do you try to see the good in your situation or do you only the dark and dismal things that are lurking there?
All of our feelings, beliefs and knowledge are based on our internal thoughts, both conscious and subconscious. We are in control, whether we know it or not. We can be can be positive or negative, enthusiastic or dull, active or passive.
Now, I am not saying that we have to be happy about everything in our lives because there are things that happen that cause us great concern and it would be foolish to deal with these things or situations with the wrong attitude. What I am saying is that even in the midst of our trials and tribulations, we must learn to bring our thoughts into line with the word of God.
When we become anxious about our situations, or give in to our anger; hate or anxieties, we are giving that negative thing our energy and our power. When we find ourselves in situations that seem beyond our control, we must learn to give our power to the only one who is in control. God.
When we give ourselves over to him, He will guide and direct our paths.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father let us not forget that even though we may be in the midst of a storm, You are right there with us. Let us not forget, that it is always darkest before the dawn. Let us always remember that You have said that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Father, help us to guard our minds this and every day.. When we grow weak and tired, allow a small wind, Your breath of life, to gently caress our faces, letting us know that You are right there with us. When we grow weary and almost faint, let the bread of life and the living waters, Your word, revitalize us. Father, even in our storms, we must always remember to stop and give You thanks. Even when life is assailing us, we must stop and praise Your name. Even when it seems like we don't have the strength to go a step further, we must muster the strength to uplift and exalt Your most holy name. My Lord, help us always to be mindful and protect our thoughts from the one who seeks to destroy us. Help us to remember to always guard our hearts and minds from those things that are not of You. Father, continue to be with those who are in the hospital, who are ill, who are grieving, who are faced with the challenges of the world. Father God I say a special prayer for my friends who are mothers. Strengthen them and give them what they need to protect their greatest gifts, their children. Lord, we realize that satan is out to destroy our families. We come standing in the gap and standing on Your word. We claim our children in the name of Jesus. We plead the blood of the Lamb over our babies and we refuse to give up on them. We ask and pray these things in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (New International Version)
Saint of God, how often to you practice the power of positive thinking? By that I mean, do your practice thinking good and positive thoughts about the things that are going on in your life? Do you try to see the good in your situation or do you only the dark and dismal things that are lurking there?
All of our feelings, beliefs and knowledge are based on our internal thoughts, both conscious and subconscious. We are in control, whether we know it or not. We can be can be positive or negative, enthusiastic or dull, active or passive.
Now, I am not saying that we have to be happy about everything in our lives because there are things that happen that cause us great concern and it would be foolish to deal with these things or situations with the wrong attitude. What I am saying is that even in the midst of our trials and tribulations, we must learn to bring our thoughts into line with the word of God.
When we become anxious about our situations, or give in to our anger; hate or anxieties, we are giving that negative thing our energy and our power. When we find ourselves in situations that seem beyond our control, we must learn to give our power to the only one who is in control. God.
When we give ourselves over to him, He will guide and direct our paths.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father let us not forget that even though we may be in the midst of a storm, You are right there with us. Let us not forget, that it is always darkest before the dawn. Let us always remember that You have said that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Father, help us to guard our minds this and every day.. When we grow weak and tired, allow a small wind, Your breath of life, to gently caress our faces, letting us know that You are right there with us. When we grow weary and almost faint, let the bread of life and the living waters, Your word, revitalize us. Father, even in our storms, we must always remember to stop and give You thanks. Even when life is assailing us, we must stop and praise Your name. Even when it seems like we don't have the strength to go a step further, we must muster the strength to uplift and exalt Your most holy name. My Lord, help us always to be mindful and protect our thoughts from the one who seeks to destroy us. Help us to remember to always guard our hearts and minds from those things that are not of You. Father, continue to be with those who are in the hospital, who are ill, who are grieving, who are faced with the challenges of the world. Father God I say a special prayer for my friends who are mothers. Strengthen them and give them what they need to protect their greatest gifts, their children. Lord, we realize that satan is out to destroy our families. We come standing in the gap and standing on Your word. We claim our children in the name of Jesus. We plead the blood of the Lamb over our babies and we refuse to give up on them. We ask and pray these things in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Learning to Give From Your Heart
Remember, We may not be able to give much but we can always give the joy that springs in a heart that is in love with God. ~ Mother Teresa
Scripture:
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. Acts 9:36 (New International Version)
I love to study the women of the bible. One of my favorites is a woman by the name of Dorcas. Dorcas stands out in the bible as a woman of good works and charitable deeds. While the record of her in the Christian Scripture is limited to a few verses in the ninth chapter of Acts, her example has inspired women throughout history to take upon themselves the needs of the poor.
Dorcas lived during the first century AD. She made her home in Joppa and was associated with a little band of Christians, most of whom were poor. Dorcas, herself, appeared to be a wealthy woman, for her charitable deeds were numerous.
Dorcas proved herself to be a real “doer” of the Word of God, not just a mere “hearer”. What is significant about the account of her life is that Dorcas not only thought up ways of relieving the needy, but she also carried out her plans. She knew what she could do and she did it! Among her charitable deeds was making clothes for widows and the needy of her church community with her own hands. She was not only willing to give money to a cause, but she was willing to invest herself in the works of kindness.
My admiration for this woman of God is grounded in her willingness to serve. Now I know that I am not a Dorcas. However, I do have a heart to serve. I am not a woman of means, but I do give what I can, when I can and I give it willingly. I give not only financially, but I give of myself. I am not afraid to reach out to others.
Today I challenge you my sisters and my brothers in Christ to become more like Dorcas and less like the selfish individuals we all can be. Giving doesn’t always have to be about money, it can be more about your times, your knowledge and your resources.
Remember, when you reach out to help others, your problems will miraculously seem not to be that big.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father in the name of Jesus, we who have chosen to fellowship together desire that our prayers avail much. Father we realize that You know what we have need of before we ask and that we are not all growing in the same manner or on the same time schedule, but we are growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I personally thank You Father for placing Angels in my life that help me to fly when I forget I have wings. I thank You Lord for the grace and mercy that You bestow not only on me but to every one of Your Saints. . We pray for all who have come before the throne of Grace, Kneeling before the mercy seat. Father, may we always be mindful to help those who are need. We ask Lord, for the courage and the conviction to reach out and help others who may be in need. Keep us all in Your care and under Your protection once again. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. Acts 9:36 (New International Version)
I love to study the women of the bible. One of my favorites is a woman by the name of Dorcas. Dorcas stands out in the bible as a woman of good works and charitable deeds. While the record of her in the Christian Scripture is limited to a few verses in the ninth chapter of Acts, her example has inspired women throughout history to take upon themselves the needs of the poor.
Dorcas lived during the first century AD. She made her home in Joppa and was associated with a little band of Christians, most of whom were poor. Dorcas, herself, appeared to be a wealthy woman, for her charitable deeds were numerous.
Dorcas proved herself to be a real “doer” of the Word of God, not just a mere “hearer”. What is significant about the account of her life is that Dorcas not only thought up ways of relieving the needy, but she also carried out her plans. She knew what she could do and she did it! Among her charitable deeds was making clothes for widows and the needy of her church community with her own hands. She was not only willing to give money to a cause, but she was willing to invest herself in the works of kindness.
My admiration for this woman of God is grounded in her willingness to serve. Now I know that I am not a Dorcas. However, I do have a heart to serve. I am not a woman of means, but I do give what I can, when I can and I give it willingly. I give not only financially, but I give of myself. I am not afraid to reach out to others.
Today I challenge you my sisters and my brothers in Christ to become more like Dorcas and less like the selfish individuals we all can be. Giving doesn’t always have to be about money, it can be more about your times, your knowledge and your resources.
Remember, when you reach out to help others, your problems will miraculously seem not to be that big.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father in the name of Jesus, we who have chosen to fellowship together desire that our prayers avail much. Father we realize that You know what we have need of before we ask and that we are not all growing in the same manner or on the same time schedule, but we are growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I personally thank You Father for placing Angels in my life that help me to fly when I forget I have wings. I thank You Lord for the grace and mercy that You bestow not only on me but to every one of Your Saints. . We pray for all who have come before the throne of Grace, Kneeling before the mercy seat. Father, may we always be mindful to help those who are need. We ask Lord, for the courage and the conviction to reach out and help others who may be in need. Keep us all in Your care and under Your protection once again. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.
Monday, February 06, 2012
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.
