Thursday, January 31, 2013
Choosing to do Things Your Way
Remember, Sometimes He allows us to suffer the worst of it So that when the best
shows up There's no mistaking it. ~ John
Christopher
Scripture:This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. Isaiah 48:17 (New International Version)
I often talk about making choices. I learned a long time ago that for every choice that we make, there are consequences. The consequences can be either good or bad. Too often when we make a choice based on our own selfish desires, the consequences are rarely ever good.
As the mother of two sons, I would like to believe that I have taught my sons the things they need to know in order to make the right choices. However, I also realize in spite of everything I have attempted to teach them, that they will make some wrong choices. They sometimes still choose to do things their way, no matter what.
Not long ago, my youngest son lost one of his privileges because of a bad choice that he made. He chose not to do his math homework, which resulted in him getting a bad grade. As his mother, it was up to me to show him that his choice was the wrong one. The same thing often happens to us in our adult lives as well. We choose to do something that we know is wrong, and as a result, we too must live with the consequences.
The word of God is life’s teaching tool that equips us so that we can make the right choices. However, it is still left up to us to actually do the right thing. As a parent, I try to direct my children to do what is best for them. Just as the word of God teaches us what is best for us.
Won’t you make the right choice today?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, Sometimes we act as little children, refusing to grow up in our faith and pouting over things that we cannot understand. Lord, I want to grow in grace and grow in faith. Lord, I am sorry for not being a more mature Christian. I am sorry for not acknowledging how much You do for me. Lord, I just want to thank You. Because just like we forgive our children and get over their temper tantrums, You forgive me and overlook my faults. Thank Lord. Father, I ask that You continue to touch my brothers and sisters in Christ. Grant them the desires of their hearts. Bless them as only You can. Thank You Father, Bless You Father. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture:This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. Isaiah 48:17 (New International Version)
I often talk about making choices. I learned a long time ago that for every choice that we make, there are consequences. The consequences can be either good or bad. Too often when we make a choice based on our own selfish desires, the consequences are rarely ever good.
As the mother of two sons, I would like to believe that I have taught my sons the things they need to know in order to make the right choices. However, I also realize in spite of everything I have attempted to teach them, that they will make some wrong choices. They sometimes still choose to do things their way, no matter what.
Not long ago, my youngest son lost one of his privileges because of a bad choice that he made. He chose not to do his math homework, which resulted in him getting a bad grade. As his mother, it was up to me to show him that his choice was the wrong one. The same thing often happens to us in our adult lives as well. We choose to do something that we know is wrong, and as a result, we too must live with the consequences.
The word of God is life’s teaching tool that equips us so that we can make the right choices. However, it is still left up to us to actually do the right thing. As a parent, I try to direct my children to do what is best for them. Just as the word of God teaches us what is best for us.
Won’t you make the right choice today?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, Sometimes we act as little children, refusing to grow up in our faith and pouting over things that we cannot understand. Lord, I want to grow in grace and grow in faith. Lord, I am sorry for not being a more mature Christian. I am sorry for not acknowledging how much You do for me. Lord, I just want to thank You. Because just like we forgive our children and get over their temper tantrums, You forgive me and overlook my faults. Thank Lord. Father, I ask that You continue to touch my brothers and sisters in Christ. Grant them the desires of their hearts. Bless them as only You can. Thank You Father, Bless You Father. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Monday, January 28, 2013
The Year of the Open Door
Do the best you can where you are, and when that is accomplished, God will open
a door for you, and a voice will call "Come up hither into a higher sphere.” ~
Henry Ward Beecher
Scripture:
for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance. Yet he gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens; he rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven. Psalm 78:22-24 (New International Version)
Not long ago, I received an email from a very good friend in which the author spoke about 2013 being “The Year of the Open Door.” The premise of the message was that many great and wonderful things would come to pass for the body of Christ.
The author cited several scriptures that indicated that the year 2013 was a year of completion and blessings for those who have been faithful to the word of God. Now, I am not here to dispute the message that was given, but rather, I was reminded that each and every day can be a day of the “OPEN DOOR.”
So often we forget that even in the midst of our trials and tribulations, God can and will open a door. So often we fail to realize that even in the midst of our unbelief, he continues to bless, in spite of us. Too often we spend so much time standing in front of a closed door that we fail to see the new door He has created for us, the Open Door, waiting there for us to walk through.
Saints of God, yes 2013 is the year of the open door. That door has already been opened for us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All we have to do is walk through it.
Be Blessed
May your journey in this year be blessed, and may the Lord, Your God, visit you and lead you upon the path that He has designed for you. Follow the path of life, and you will fulfill your God-given destiny.
Prayer:
Therefore I say unto You, What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Lord, we come before You this day believing that You are the one and only true God. Lord, we thank You for remaining faithful to us. Father we give thanks to You alone for loving us and watching over us. Father, as we begin this year anew, help us always to put You first in all we do and say. Teach us Lord, how to remain faithful in spite of our circumstances. Help us Lord to remain prayerful and diligent in our service to You. Thank You Lord, for blessing us. Thank You Lord, for new grace and mercy. Thank You Lord, for the Blood. The Blood that washes away my sins. The blood that protects, heals, and sanctifies. Thank You Lord, for loving a sinner like me. May the prayers of my brothers and sisters be heard by You alone. May You touch the hearts and minds of all we have come before the throne of grace today. May we always give thanks to You first. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance. Yet he gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens; he rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven. Psalm 78:22-24 (New International Version)
Not long ago, I received an email from a very good friend in which the author spoke about 2013 being “The Year of the Open Door.” The premise of the message was that many great and wonderful things would come to pass for the body of Christ.
The author cited several scriptures that indicated that the year 2013 was a year of completion and blessings for those who have been faithful to the word of God. Now, I am not here to dispute the message that was given, but rather, I was reminded that each and every day can be a day of the “OPEN DOOR.”
So often we forget that even in the midst of our trials and tribulations, God can and will open a door. So often we fail to realize that even in the midst of our unbelief, he continues to bless, in spite of us. Too often we spend so much time standing in front of a closed door that we fail to see the new door He has created for us, the Open Door, waiting there for us to walk through.
Saints of God, yes 2013 is the year of the open door. That door has already been opened for us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All we have to do is walk through it.
Be Blessed
May your journey in this year be blessed, and may the Lord, Your God, visit you and lead you upon the path that He has designed for you. Follow the path of life, and you will fulfill your God-given destiny.
Prayer:
Therefore I say unto You, What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Lord, we come before You this day believing that You are the one and only true God. Lord, we thank You for remaining faithful to us. Father we give thanks to You alone for loving us and watching over us. Father, as we begin this year anew, help us always to put You first in all we do and say. Teach us Lord, how to remain faithful in spite of our circumstances. Help us Lord to remain prayerful and diligent in our service to You. Thank You Lord, for blessing us. Thank You Lord, for new grace and mercy. Thank You Lord, for the Blood. The Blood that washes away my sins. The blood that protects, heals, and sanctifies. Thank You Lord, for loving a sinner like me. May the prayers of my brothers and sisters be heard by You alone. May You touch the hearts and minds of all we have come before the throne of grace today. May we always give thanks to You first. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
In Between Blessing
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 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 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.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Passing Through Darkness
That which causes us trials shall yield us triumph: and that which make our
hearts ache shall fill us with gladness. The only true happiness is to learn, to
advance, and to improve: which could not happen unless we had commence with
error, ignorance, and imperfection. We must pass through the darkness, to reach
the light.
Scripture:
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 (New International Version)
Darkness is described as a condition that is void of light. When darkness is all around you, it is hard to see where you came from and even harder to see in what direction you may be headed. Have you ever been out at night and there was no light anywhere around you; or, in a room that was void of light? But then, you saw a ray of light and started heading in the direction from which the light emanated? That’s how our Christian walk is sometimes.
We find ourselves lost in the night, surrounded by darkness. We can’t see where we came from or where we are headed. We may even begin to panic and start doing irrational things in our quest to find our way home and out of the darkness that threatens to envelop us.
We search for a ray of light in anything, everything and everywhere. Our search may even lead us to the wrong things. We make seek solace in all the wrong places; in sex, drugs or alcohol. Some people get so lost in these places that they may never find their way home. You may know or seen some of these people. I know I have. My youngest sister got lost one day in the world of drugs and never made it home. However, my prayer is that she found the light she so desperately needed. Jesus; the light of the world.
Jesus can lead you out of darkness and into the wonderful light.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Grant unto us, Almighty God, in all time of sore distress, the comfort of the forgiveness of our sins. In time of darkness give us blessed hope, in time of sickness of body give us quiet courage; and when the heart is bowed down, and the soul is very heavy, and life is a burden, and pleasure a weariness, and the sun is too bright, and life too overwhelming, then may that Spirit, the Spirit of the Comforter, come upon us, and after our darkness may there be the clear shining of the heavenly light; that so, being uplifted again by Thy mercy, we may pass on through this our mortal life with quiet courage, patient hope, and unshaken trust, hoping through Thy loving-kindness and tender mercy to be delivered from death into the large life of the eternal years. Continue to touch Your saints who have asked for our prayers. Grant us everlasting mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Scripture:
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 (New International Version)
Darkness is described as a condition that is void of light. When darkness is all around you, it is hard to see where you came from and even harder to see in what direction you may be headed. Have you ever been out at night and there was no light anywhere around you; or, in a room that was void of light? But then, you saw a ray of light and started heading in the direction from which the light emanated? That’s how our Christian walk is sometimes.
We find ourselves lost in the night, surrounded by darkness. We can’t see where we came from or where we are headed. We may even begin to panic and start doing irrational things in our quest to find our way home and out of the darkness that threatens to envelop us.
We search for a ray of light in anything, everything and everywhere. Our search may even lead us to the wrong things. We make seek solace in all the wrong places; in sex, drugs or alcohol. Some people get so lost in these places that they may never find their way home. You may know or seen some of these people. I know I have. My youngest sister got lost one day in the world of drugs and never made it home. However, my prayer is that she found the light she so desperately needed. Jesus; the light of the world.
Jesus can lead you out of darkness and into the wonderful light.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Grant unto us, Almighty God, in all time of sore distress, the comfort of the forgiveness of our sins. In time of darkness give us blessed hope, in time of sickness of body give us quiet courage; and when the heart is bowed down, and the soul is very heavy, and life is a burden, and pleasure a weariness, and the sun is too bright, and life too overwhelming, then may that Spirit, the Spirit of the Comforter, come upon us, and after our darkness may there be the clear shining of the heavenly light; that so, being uplifted again by Thy mercy, we may pass on through this our mortal life with quiet courage, patient hope, and unshaken trust, hoping through Thy loving-kindness and tender mercy to be delivered from death into the large life of the eternal years. Continue to touch Your saints who have asked for our prayers. Grant us everlasting mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Be Encouraged
When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first
place." ~ Unknown
Scripture:
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Psalm 34:18-20
Periodically we will all be faced trials and tribulations. From time to time it will seem as though God doesn't hear or just won't answer our prayers. Then, there are times when we are just plain old tired of fighting against this world.
Recently, I was reminded of a situation that the Prophet Elijah went through. Elijah was a prophet who did great things in the name of God. (See 1 Kings). One day Elijah was sent out to destroy the prophets of Baal. He killed all 450 prophets. When Jezebel heard what he had done she vowed to have him killed as well. Elijah, a great Prophet of the Living God, who had done great things in the name of God, just the day before, became scared and ran away to hide.
This Prophet, one of God's chosen, became scared of one woman. Even though God had manifested himself in Elijah's life and used Elijah to do many things in his name, Elijah ran. Even though Elijah knew God for himself and had seen his power first hand, he felt helpless at the threat of one queen Jezebel.
I use this story because it reminded me that even those who have been on the battlefield for the Lord and have been used by God will become tired. I am reminded of not only Elijah, but of King David and of Job as well. But you know what saints of God? Even in their moments of darkness God was still there. Even when it seemed that there was little or no hope, God was still there. Even when it seemed that they couldn't go on another day, God was still there.
So Saints of God, remember, God is still there! He will never leave us nor forsake us! He hasn't failed us yet!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, we come to You seeking strength, guidance and a little more patience. Father, forgive us when we feel weak in our faith. Forgive us when we seem to give up and give out. Lord, we know that You are not a God of confusion. You have told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Thank You Lord for that word. Father, hide us under Your wings of salvation. Cover us in the blood. Keep us nearer God to thee. Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless our brothers and sisters. Those who are saved and those who have yet to get to know You for themselves. Lord, we pray for financial breakthroughs today. So many need so much, have mercy Lord. Breath on us Lord, cover us Lord, Have mercy on us Lord. We love You Father God and we are thankful for what we do have. We praise, uplift and bless Your holy name. As we submit our prayers and petitions in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
Scripture:
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Psalm 34:18-20
Periodically we will all be faced trials and tribulations. From time to time it will seem as though God doesn't hear or just won't answer our prayers. Then, there are times when we are just plain old tired of fighting against this world.
Recently, I was reminded of a situation that the Prophet Elijah went through. Elijah was a prophet who did great things in the name of God. (See 1 Kings). One day Elijah was sent out to destroy the prophets of Baal. He killed all 450 prophets. When Jezebel heard what he had done she vowed to have him killed as well. Elijah, a great Prophet of the Living God, who had done great things in the name of God, just the day before, became scared and ran away to hide.
This Prophet, one of God's chosen, became scared of one woman. Even though God had manifested himself in Elijah's life and used Elijah to do many things in his name, Elijah ran. Even though Elijah knew God for himself and had seen his power first hand, he felt helpless at the threat of one queen Jezebel.
I use this story because it reminded me that even those who have been on the battlefield for the Lord and have been used by God will become tired. I am reminded of not only Elijah, but of King David and of Job as well. But you know what saints of God? Even in their moments of darkness God was still there. Even when it seemed that there was little or no hope, God was still there. Even when it seemed that they couldn't go on another day, God was still there.
So Saints of God, remember, God is still there! He will never leave us nor forsake us! He hasn't failed us yet!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, we come to You seeking strength, guidance and a little more patience. Father, forgive us when we feel weak in our faith. Forgive us when we seem to give up and give out. Lord, we know that You are not a God of confusion. You have told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Thank You Lord for that word. Father, hide us under Your wings of salvation. Cover us in the blood. Keep us nearer God to thee. Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless our brothers and sisters. Those who are saved and those who have yet to get to know You for themselves. Lord, we pray for financial breakthroughs today. So many need so much, have mercy Lord. Breath on us Lord, cover us Lord, Have mercy on us Lord. We love You Father God and we are thankful for what we do have. We praise, uplift and bless Your holy name. As we submit our prayers and petitions in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Overcoming Our Fears
Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God, no matter what
the danger. ~Anonymous
Scripture:
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3 (New International Version)
What are you afraid of? Many of us fear the emotional or physical pain something may cause. We may fear doing certain things because we think we might fail. Some may be afraid to trust, or love someone because of a past experiences. Others may be afraid to trust in their abilities and God given talents; settling for mediocrity. Still others may fear the simple act of interacting with people for fear of rejection. Secretly, we all fear something.
Life is full of unexplored options. Many of us will never reach our full potentials because we allow fear to hold us hostage. We will often fail to choose the road less traveled because we are horrified of the prospect of the unexpected. Our view of the world is often tainted by our fears.
I live in Detroit, Michigan, a city that has often been defined as the murder capital of the world. Many people fear venturing into the city because of this perception. What they fail to realize is that there is danger everywhere. Even in their nice little suburban towns. The key is always being aware of your surroundings and acting accordingly. Because of their fears, they are missing out on a lot of wonderful things that our great city has to offer. The same rule applies no matter where you live.
Understand that fear is an instrument of the devil. He wants us to be afraid. When we express fear, in essence we are saying we don’t trust God. The word of God tells us; Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. It doesn’t say; be scared, hide out don’t live your life. Saint of God, trust in the Lord. Be diligent.
Learn to feed your faith and starve your fears.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, there is so much in this world to fear. There is death and destruction all around me and I have been hurt by those that I have loved. Teach me Lord, to feed my faith and starve my fears. Help me Lord, to develop a spirit of discernment. Help me to see the tricks and lies of the evil one who seeks to destroy me. Father, teach me to trust in the gifts that You have given me so that I can become all that You want me to be. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. Thank You Lord, for protecting me even when I didn’t realize that I was in danger. Continue to hide us Lord, under the wings of Your Salvation. Lord, we thank You, we praise You and we uplift Your Holy Name. Father God, we humbly submit our prayers in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture:
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3 (New International Version)
What are you afraid of? Many of us fear the emotional or physical pain something may cause. We may fear doing certain things because we think we might fail. Some may be afraid to trust, or love someone because of a past experiences. Others may be afraid to trust in their abilities and God given talents; settling for mediocrity. Still others may fear the simple act of interacting with people for fear of rejection. Secretly, we all fear something.
Life is full of unexplored options. Many of us will never reach our full potentials because we allow fear to hold us hostage. We will often fail to choose the road less traveled because we are horrified of the prospect of the unexpected. Our view of the world is often tainted by our fears.
I live in Detroit, Michigan, a city that has often been defined as the murder capital of the world. Many people fear venturing into the city because of this perception. What they fail to realize is that there is danger everywhere. Even in their nice little suburban towns. The key is always being aware of your surroundings and acting accordingly. Because of their fears, they are missing out on a lot of wonderful things that our great city has to offer. The same rule applies no matter where you live.
Understand that fear is an instrument of the devil. He wants us to be afraid. When we express fear, in essence we are saying we don’t trust God. The word of God tells us; Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. It doesn’t say; be scared, hide out don’t live your life. Saint of God, trust in the Lord. Be diligent.
Learn to feed your faith and starve your fears.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, there is so much in this world to fear. There is death and destruction all around me and I have been hurt by those that I have loved. Teach me Lord, to feed my faith and starve my fears. Help me Lord, to develop a spirit of discernment. Help me to see the tricks and lies of the evil one who seeks to destroy me. Father, teach me to trust in the gifts that You have given me so that I can become all that You want me to be. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. Thank You Lord, for protecting me even when I didn’t realize that I was in danger. Continue to hide us Lord, under the wings of Your Salvation. Lord, we thank You, we praise You and we uplift Your Holy Name. Father God, we humbly submit our prayers in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Monday, January 07, 2013
Making the Right Choice
Destiny is no matter of chance. It is
a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be
achieved. ~ William Jennings Bryan
Scripture:
To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge. Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:9-11
Many people would like to believe that they can’t control their own destinies. They believe that destiny is something that just happens. Not so.
Our destinies are based upon many of the choices that we make. That is why it is so important that we make the right choice, because they will eventually determine your destiny.
When it comes to making life altering choices, like whom are we going to marry? What kind of job will I be stuck in? What kinds of friends will I have? Too often we depend upon how we feel rather than what we know.
As I have grown older, I realize that many of the things that have gone wrong in my life were because of bad choices. Too often, I acted upon how I felt about a certain thing as apposed to what I really knew about something. The word of God tells us that if we seek first the kingdom of God, that everything else will come.
Now I realize that sometimes the choices that we have had to make seemed like the best choice at the time, or maybe we felt that we didn’t have a choice in a particular situation, but I realize that far too often I didn’t seek God’s council BEFORE I made my choice.
Saints of God, when it comes to making the right choice about any and everything, we must first stop and listen for a word from God. If something in your spirit is telling you no, or making you hesitate, maybe that’s not what God wants for you. If something is delaying you in your decision, it might not be just a coincidence.
We must all learn to seek God first, be still and listen to what He is trying to tell you.
Therein lays your true Destiny!
Be Blessed
Scripture:
To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge. Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:9-11
Many people would like to believe that they can’t control their own destinies. They believe that destiny is something that just happens. Not so.
Our destinies are based upon many of the choices that we make. That is why it is so important that we make the right choice, because they will eventually determine your destiny.
When it comes to making life altering choices, like whom are we going to marry? What kind of job will I be stuck in? What kinds of friends will I have? Too often we depend upon how we feel rather than what we know.
As I have grown older, I realize that many of the things that have gone wrong in my life were because of bad choices. Too often, I acted upon how I felt about a certain thing as apposed to what I really knew about something. The word of God tells us that if we seek first the kingdom of God, that everything else will come.
Now I realize that sometimes the choices that we have had to make seemed like the best choice at the time, or maybe we felt that we didn’t have a choice in a particular situation, but I realize that far too often I didn’t seek God’s council BEFORE I made my choice.
Saints of God, when it comes to making the right choice about any and everything, we must first stop and listen for a word from God. If something in your spirit is telling you no, or making you hesitate, maybe that’s not what God wants for you. If something is delaying you in your decision, it might not be just a coincidence.
We must all learn to seek God first, be still and listen to what He is trying to tell you.
Therein lays your true Destiny!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, so often we feel that our lives are not our own. We believe that our destiny in life is chosen by others. Dear Lord, help us to remember that the choice is always ours. When we find ourselves caught up in wrong situations, help us to see our way out. When others see our failures, help us to realize our victories. Help us always to remember, that the right to choose is ours alone. Even You, give us the right to choose. May the choices and decisions I make in my life, be pleasing to You. May I always remember that many of the choices that I make will impact my life forever. Lord, I choose You. I am blessed, that You have also chosen me. I thank You Lord for loving me enough to choose me to serve You. Glory to God. Hallelujah. Thank You Father for the gift of life, Your Son and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in his name that we pray. Amen.
Father, so often we feel that our lives are not our own. We believe that our destiny in life is chosen by others. Dear Lord, help us to remember that the choice is always ours. When we find ourselves caught up in wrong situations, help us to see our way out. When others see our failures, help us to realize our victories. Help us always to remember, that the right to choose is ours alone. Even You, give us the right to choose. May the choices and decisions I make in my life, be pleasing to You. May I always remember that many of the choices that I make will impact my life forever. Lord, I choose You. I am blessed, that You have also chosen me. I thank You Lord for loving me enough to choose me to serve You. Glory to God. Hallelujah. Thank You Father for the gift of life, Your Son and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in his name that we pray. Amen.
