Thursday, September 26, 2013
Change
We can’t change the world until we change ourselves.
Scripture:
This is what the Lord
Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I
will let you live in this place. Do not trust in deceptive
words and say, “This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord!” Jeremiah 7 …..New International Version (NIV)
I
find the word “change” very fascinating.
You see, it is one of those words that holds various meanings and is
both a noun and a verb. It can both, be
something and lead to something. The
word change is a definition and an action.
As
a noun it can be translated as the act or
instance of making or becoming different and as a verb it means to make or
become different. Now at first glance
there doesn’t appear to be much difference between the two. However, if you look closely at the
descriptions, you will notice there is a very distinct and unique difference
between the two. One is a journey to a place and the other is arriving at. And so it is with our Christian walk.
We strive to get to the place where
we become more Christ like and the other defines us when we change or actually
become more Christ like. We believe that
once we arrive at our destination we will become that change we started out be. However, there is a flaw in the design which
is the catalyst for each of us taking the trip in the first place.
We actually believe we can make a
difference and change others along the way merely by convincing them to see
their own journeys through our words alone.
How can we convince others of God’s goodness, grace and mercy if they can’t
see it manifested in more than just idle speech.
How can others see Christ in action,
if we never implement a change in our own actions?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God we come before the throne of
grace seeking change. Change in our
lives and in the lives of others around us.
Lord, as we look at the world around us, so often all we see is
darkness. We strive to make our way back
to the light but sometimes we get lost and can’t see our way. Magnify Your light within us so that others
can see You in each of us. Forgive us when we lose our way and help us to find
our way back. We thank you for the
opportunity to find our way home before the darkness of night overwhelms and
overtakes us. Lord, we thank You for the
light of the world, Your Son, Jesus Christ; it is in His name we pray. Amen. 
Monday, September 23, 2013
What do You Have?
Happiness is the delicate balance between what one is and what one has. ~ F.H. Denison
Scripture:
A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 (New International Version)
Some people go through life collecting things. They collect houses, cars, jewelry and a myriad of objects. They are of the belief that the more things they have the happier they will be. This is not to say that obtaining certain things in life is wrong or that we should feel guilty about it, but rather realizing that the collecting of things will not necessarily lead them to the road of happiness. Recognizing what is really important; God, family, and friends are more important than things.
Learning to embrace where you are in life, is sometimes more important than embracing the things that fill our lives. Recognizing where you are in your spiritual walk is often more important than the journey. Learning to enjoy who you are is more important than trying to impress others.
Saints of God, having things is not the most important thing in life. Having God and people who love you is far more important than any material thing that you could ever have. Having peace of mind, body and spirit is something that you will be able to keep with you always.
Wisdom, knowledge and happiness will always be more valuable than silver or gold.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, sometimes as we journey through this life, we become lost. We find that we have somehow become separated from You. We look around us and nothing looks familiar, or we recognize that the things around us are not of You. We don't know how to find our way back to You because we don't know how we got to this place. But Lord, You have told us time and time again, that You are just a prayer away. Thank You Lord, for the power of prayer. Father, help us to recognize those times when we find ourselves in a far country, far away from Your grace and mercy. Help us Lord, to recognize Your angels who will help us to find our way home. Father, we thank You for Your under-Shepard’s who You have given charge over us. Because there have been times when we didn't even recognize just how lost we have been, but You have sent them out to bring us back into the fold. Now Lord, we ask that You would continue to touch our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as our unsaved families members and friends. So many need so much. We don't know the need of each individual but we know You do. Bless us Lord in the area of our lives that we have need of. Father God, our hearts are overflowing with Your love. Thank You Lord, for that love. We come before the throne of grace once again, just to give You honor, glory and praise. Bless the name of the Lord. Glory to Your name Lord. Thank You for loving me enough to sacrifice Your only begotten son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen.
Scripture:
A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 (New International Version)
Some people go through life collecting things. They collect houses, cars, jewelry and a myriad of objects. They are of the belief that the more things they have the happier they will be. This is not to say that obtaining certain things in life is wrong or that we should feel guilty about it, but rather realizing that the collecting of things will not necessarily lead them to the road of happiness. Recognizing what is really important; God, family, and friends are more important than things.
Learning to embrace where you are in life, is sometimes more important than embracing the things that fill our lives. Recognizing where you are in your spiritual walk is often more important than the journey. Learning to enjoy who you are is more important than trying to impress others.
Saints of God, having things is not the most important thing in life. Having God and people who love you is far more important than any material thing that you could ever have. Having peace of mind, body and spirit is something that you will be able to keep with you always.
Wisdom, knowledge and happiness will always be more valuable than silver or gold.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, sometimes as we journey through this life, we become lost. We find that we have somehow become separated from You. We look around us and nothing looks familiar, or we recognize that the things around us are not of You. We don't know how to find our way back to You because we don't know how we got to this place. But Lord, You have told us time and time again, that You are just a prayer away. Thank You Lord, for the power of prayer. Father, help us to recognize those times when we find ourselves in a far country, far away from Your grace and mercy. Help us Lord, to recognize Your angels who will help us to find our way home. Father, we thank You for Your under-Shepard’s who You have given charge over us. Because there have been times when we didn't even recognize just how lost we have been, but You have sent them out to bring us back into the fold. Now Lord, we ask that You would continue to touch our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as our unsaved families members and friends. So many need so much. We don't know the need of each individual but we know You do. Bless us Lord in the area of our lives that we have need of. Father God, our hearts are overflowing with Your love. Thank You Lord, for that love. We come before the throne of grace once again, just to give You honor, glory and praise. Bless the name of the Lord. Glory to Your name Lord. Thank You for loving me enough to sacrifice Your only begotten son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
God's Rare and Precious Jewel
Remember, the gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials. ~ Chinese Proverb
Scripture:
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 1 Peter 1:6-8 (New International Version)
Did you know that diamonds are made of carbon, one of the softest materials on earth? But when carbon is under extreme pressure buried deep below more than 75 miles of rock and is in temperatures more than 2, 192° F, it changes in to a diamond. What starts out as an inert object deep in the bowls of the earth, is transformed into a rare and precious jewel by pressure.
I often liken our lives to diamonds. We start out as; apathetic, asleep, closed down, dead, dormant, down, dull, idle, immobile, impassive, impotent, inactive, inanimate, indolent, languid, languorous, lazy, leaden, listless, motionless, numb, on ice, paralyzed, passive, phlegmatic, powerless, quiescent, quiet, slack, sleepy, slothful, sluggard, sluggish, slumberous, static, still, stolid, torpid, unmoving, unresponsive, (I’m using the thesaurus tonight), individuals who are usually full of themselves with selfish motivations and no real concept of who we are without God.
As things begin to happen in our lives that put us under pressure, we too begin to change. We start searching for that someone or that something that will be the catalyst for our transformation. Those of us, who are lucky, will soon discover that the something or someone who will be the motivating factor for our change will be God.
However, it won’t stop there. As we grow in faith, so will our situations. God isn’t content with us just being a Christian. God wants us to be the best Christian we can be. So in an effort to force out any impurities that may still remain in our lives, he keeps the pressure on.
The pressure is not to break us, but rather to make is into a flawless diamond; a rare and precious jewel.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, sometimes it seems as though I am fighting a never ending battle. Some days are filled with stress and strife. Sometimes, I become weary from the war that wages around me. I realized that sometimes it is I who has caused the war from within. Lord, help me to be strong and resist temptation. Help me to develop patience, perseverance and peace within. Father, as I pause to spend time with You, I ask that you would quiet the conflict that rages within me. When I am faced with trials and tribulations help me to be still and remain calm and turn control over to the Holy Spirit. It's Your spirit Lord, that dwells in me. It that same spirit that can give me rest if I would just succumb to it. It’s in that spirit I can find peace, joy and contentment. It's in that Spirit that I can find the answer to the questions that plague me. Father, sometimes it seems as though satan’s entire army has come against me. But Your word tells me that no army can defeat me with the Lord on my side. Thank You Father. I know that as long as I follow You, I am on the right path. I also realize that as long as I follow You, satan will be there trying to discourage me. I rebuke the devil in the name of Jesus. I call upon the name of the Lord, and I will surrender my will to his and allow the Lord to fight my battles. Thank You Father for the power and authority that has been given to me through Christ Jesus. Lord, bless my family, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. Keep me nearer God to Thee. Glory to God, Praise the name of the Lord. Hallelujah, Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. Amen.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
The art of Helping Others
Nothing makes you like other human beings so much as doing things for them. ~ Zora Neale Hurston
Scripture:
Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:22-24
A few years ago I met a man who like me, had a desire to be a published author. As our friendship developed he asked me to help him with a project he wanted to start. You see, my friend wanted to create a platform to help promote other Christian authors, but didn't know where to begin.
Needless to say, I didn't help him create his blog and then he did something I found strange, he complimented me on being there for him. He told me that my willingness to help him, even though I really didn’t know him that well, inspired him in his own Christian walk. I was a little taken aback by his words as I was feeling that I hadn’t done as much for him as I had expected I should have.
As we discussed our relationship and the willingness to help others birth a dream, the, the reality of what we were doing really hit home. You see, his initial intent in starting the project was to sell more books. However, what he discovered along the way became the thing that was of most value. What he discovered was that his own self-ambitions were diminished as he pushed others ahead of himself. It is something that each of us can and will discover when we learn to put the needs of others ahead of our own.
I will share something today that most don’t know about me. My secret is this; whenever I become discouraged and want to give up, God always manages to put people in my life that I have to help. What I mean by this is that someone will contact me with a need that I have to address, whether it be prayer, counseling, our just being there to talk. That need forces me to put me aside and put that other persons needs ahead of my own.
By the time I get back to what my situation is, I am usually better prepared to put it in its proper perspective. God is teaching me to be selfless and in doing so, I am being blessed by it. And so it should be with each of us.
The dawning of each day brings with it it’s own set of challenges and blessings. We usually have a choice to make. That choice it to wallow in our own self-pity or reach out and impact and effect the lives of others. When we take our eyes off our own problems and reach out to others, God is right there to carry the weight of it all.
My challenge to you today is to take your hands of your own troubles and help someone else carry theirs.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, today I got caught up in my own pity party. Forgive me. I often forget that the things that I see as problems, You see as possibilities. You see the possibility of my elevation and in the process seeing others being uplifted by me. You see the possibility of me winning someone over to Christ. You see the possibility of me becoming more Christ like. Thank You Lord, not for my problems but for my possibilities. Help me Lord always to be mindful that when I am down, all I have to do is look up, because You are always there, waiting on me to reach to You. Lord, may I always remember to lend a hand, be a friend and to put the needs of others before my own. May something that I do or say today, be a blessing to someone else. I pray that the words that I speak would be a reflection of He who resides in my heart, my Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. Now Lord, we ask for Your continued blessings, Your grace and Your mercy. Touch, bless and anoint our families, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. We humbly submit our prayers in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
Scripture:
Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:22-24
A few years ago I met a man who like me, had a desire to be a published author. As our friendship developed he asked me to help him with a project he wanted to start. You see, my friend wanted to create a platform to help promote other Christian authors, but didn't know where to begin.
Needless to say, I didn't help him create his blog and then he did something I found strange, he complimented me on being there for him. He told me that my willingness to help him, even though I really didn’t know him that well, inspired him in his own Christian walk. I was a little taken aback by his words as I was feeling that I hadn’t done as much for him as I had expected I should have.
As we discussed our relationship and the willingness to help others birth a dream, the, the reality of what we were doing really hit home. You see, his initial intent in starting the project was to sell more books. However, what he discovered along the way became the thing that was of most value. What he discovered was that his own self-ambitions were diminished as he pushed others ahead of himself. It is something that each of us can and will discover when we learn to put the needs of others ahead of our own.
I will share something today that most don’t know about me. My secret is this; whenever I become discouraged and want to give up, God always manages to put people in my life that I have to help. What I mean by this is that someone will contact me with a need that I have to address, whether it be prayer, counseling, our just being there to talk. That need forces me to put me aside and put that other persons needs ahead of my own.
By the time I get back to what my situation is, I am usually better prepared to put it in its proper perspective. God is teaching me to be selfless and in doing so, I am being blessed by it. And so it should be with each of us.
The dawning of each day brings with it it’s own set of challenges and blessings. We usually have a choice to make. That choice it to wallow in our own self-pity or reach out and impact and effect the lives of others. When we take our eyes off our own problems and reach out to others, God is right there to carry the weight of it all.
My challenge to you today is to take your hands of your own troubles and help someone else carry theirs.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, today I got caught up in my own pity party. Forgive me. I often forget that the things that I see as problems, You see as possibilities. You see the possibility of my elevation and in the process seeing others being uplifted by me. You see the possibility of me winning someone over to Christ. You see the possibility of me becoming more Christ like. Thank You Lord, not for my problems but for my possibilities. Help me Lord always to be mindful that when I am down, all I have to do is look up, because You are always there, waiting on me to reach to You. Lord, may I always remember to lend a hand, be a friend and to put the needs of others before my own. May something that I do or say today, be a blessing to someone else. I pray that the words that I speak would be a reflection of He who resides in my heart, my Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. Now Lord, we ask for Your continued blessings, Your grace and Your mercy. Touch, bless and anoint our families, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. We humbly submit our prayers in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
Friday, September 20, 2013
From Victim to Victor!
Scripture:
Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Romans 8:34-36 (New International Version)
For more than the better part of last year, I was paralyzed by a number of unexpected changes in my life. My inability to adequately effect positive change to counter all of the negative forces coming against me rendered me practically useless. I was dazed and confused; punch drunk by all the blows life seemed to be sending my way. I was content to sleep my life away and do nothing to fight back against the forces that threatened to destroy me. It’s a brand new year and you ask, “What’s changed?” And my answer is nothing except my attitude.
At the beginning of a new year, many of us make resolutions to change some things in our lives. Those resolutions might be to lose weight, exercise more or quit smoking. Some make resolutions to go back to school or find a better job. For the most part, many will fail at these supposedly life changing resolutions. However, there are those who will in fact succeed. And do you want to know the secret to their success? It’s their attitude. They simply made up their minds to achieve their goals.
Somewhere along the way, I had forgotten all the life lessons I had been taught as a Christian. You know the ones; “I am more than I conqueror”, “I can do all things”, “I have not because I ask not” and the list goes on and on. Someway somehow I had started believing the lies that the enemy had started whispering in my ear; you know those too; “you aren’t worthy”, you can’t do anything right and that list goes on and on as well.
Far too often when things are going wrong in our lives, we tend to forget that we already have everything we need. It’s called the word of God. We just have to learn not to look down but to look up instead.
We must focus our attention to the heavens from which cometh our help, keep our eyes on the prize and remember that we already have the Victory!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, sometimes I try to pray and the words won't come. I toss and turn and feel nothing. My mind is dry, my heart is dull, my soul longs for life. Hear my silent cry, my God, hear me. Breathe on us Lord renewing a right spirit within us. Even in our times of sorrow, we praise Your holy name. Lord, open our eyes and give us a discerning spirit, so that we may recognize the tricks of the evil one. Lord, we come before the throne of grace once again asking that You would forgive us for not depending on You. We come asking that You who are rock and our salvation, would help us to starve our fears and doubts and feed our faith. Lord, I personally ask for forgiveness and direction for myself. I know that sometimes, we take You for granted and in doing so, leave ourselves open to attack. Lord, we stand before You again, putting on the whole armor of God. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, wielding our shield of faith and the sword of the spirit, and placing upon our heads, the helmet of salvation. Lord, let us always be diligent against attack from he who seeks to destroy us. Continue to bless our brothers and sisters in Christ. Continue to anoint our leaders. Help us always to be able to call upon the name of the Lord in our times of distress. Thank You Lord, for Your faithfulness. Thank You Lord, for Your covering. Thank You Lord, that You pick us up, when we have been knocked down. We will the name of the Lord at all times, and His praises shall continuously be in our mouths. Praise his name saints of God. Glory Hallelujah, thank You Jesus, in His name we pray, Amen.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Give Thanks Today
When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself. ~ Tecumseh, Shawnee Chief
Scripture:
ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. 1 Chronicles 16:29
Too often it becomes easier for us to see only the bad things that are going on in our lives. We get up each morning and put on the same garments of despair, hurt, anger and resentment that we had on the day before. Instead of seeing the dawning of a new day as another opportunity to begin again, we see only our problems of yesterday.
We would rather dwell on the problems of our past, then rejoice in the blessings of the day. It rarely occurs to us that maybe our inability to rejoice in the blessings that we have already been given, as being a part of the reason we don’t receive our blessings of today.
As a mother, I often compare my relationship to God to my relationship with my children. You see, its hard for me to give them something new, when I feel they don’t appreciate what they already have. I cannot in good conscious give them a new thing if they don’t take care of the old.
So I have to ask, how can God in good conscious bless us with a new thing, when we can’t appreciate what we already have. As I read the above quote, there was one statement that really stood out to me; If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself.
Don’t you have something to be thankful for?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Lord, we come once again praising and uplifting the name of Jesus. We lift up Holy hands and bow down before the throne of grace in reverence and honor to You Lord. Father, no matter what this day may bring, I will continue to praise You. Lord, this joy that I have deep down in my soul, the world didn't give it to me. You did. I will not allow anyone to take back what You have given me. Thank You Father, for my gifts. I thank You for waking me up and breathing life into my lungs once again. I thank You for family, friends and loved ones who encourage when the world tells me I can't. I thank You for guiding and directing me especially during those times I seem to stray. Lord, continue to place Your hedge of protection around the saints who are represented here. Strengthen all of my brothers and sisters in Christ who are going through. Manifest and magnify Your Power and Your presence in our lives today. Thank You Lord, Thank You Jesus. Amen.
Scripture:
ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. 1 Chronicles 16:29
Too often it becomes easier for us to see only the bad things that are going on in our lives. We get up each morning and put on the same garments of despair, hurt, anger and resentment that we had on the day before. Instead of seeing the dawning of a new day as another opportunity to begin again, we see only our problems of yesterday.
We would rather dwell on the problems of our past, then rejoice in the blessings of the day. It rarely occurs to us that maybe our inability to rejoice in the blessings that we have already been given, as being a part of the reason we don’t receive our blessings of today.
As a mother, I often compare my relationship to God to my relationship with my children. You see, its hard for me to give them something new, when I feel they don’t appreciate what they already have. I cannot in good conscious give them a new thing if they don’t take care of the old.
So I have to ask, how can God in good conscious bless us with a new thing, when we can’t appreciate what we already have. As I read the above quote, there was one statement that really stood out to me; If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself.
Don’t you have something to be thankful for?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Lord, we come once again praising and uplifting the name of Jesus. We lift up Holy hands and bow down before the throne of grace in reverence and honor to You Lord. Father, no matter what this day may bring, I will continue to praise You. Lord, this joy that I have deep down in my soul, the world didn't give it to me. You did. I will not allow anyone to take back what You have given me. Thank You Father, for my gifts. I thank You for waking me up and breathing life into my lungs once again. I thank You for family, friends and loved ones who encourage when the world tells me I can't. I thank You for guiding and directing me especially during those times I seem to stray. Lord, continue to place Your hedge of protection around the saints who are represented here. Strengthen all of my brothers and sisters in Christ who are going through. Manifest and magnify Your Power and Your presence in our lives today. Thank You Lord, Thank You Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
If You Can Still Hope
If you are reduced to God being your only hope, you are in a good place. ~ Jim Laffoon
Scripture:
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Psalm 33:20-21 (New International Version)
Many people believe that hope is a useless emotion. They believe that hope is a thing that fairytales are built on. Hope is the innate ability to believe that something can happen out of nothing. Hope is defined as to want or expect something: to have a wish to get or do something or for something to happen or be true. It is a feeling that something desirable is likely to happen. What I have learned is that hope is necessary part of our existence.
Hope; like the air that we breathe and the water that we drink sustains us so that we can live to fight another day. Where there is no hope, the people perish. Hope is akin to faith. Neither can be seen but that doesn’t lessen the importance of either in our lives. Hope like faith is our ability to see beyond the natural and trust in the supernatural abilities of God. Hope like faith is the knowledge that there is something greater than what we can see, hear, feel and taste. Hope and faith are both roads that lead to God.
When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try it one more time." Hope begins in the dark; the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.
The bible is a book of hope. It teaches us that no matter what you are going through, God is still in the midst of it all. It teaches us to see beyond the natural and to lift up our eyes toward the heavens where He resides.
Remember, Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence.
Be blessed
Prayer:
Father, there were times this past week that I became weak. Forgive me. I doubted Your word and Your promises. Forgive me. I allowed satan to deceive me with his lies. Forgive me. I wanted to give up, but You wouldn't let me. Thank You Father, for keeping me once again. Lord, I come boldly before Your throne of grace. Your word says that You give strength to the weary, so I ask that You would strengthen me Lord, for I am weary. Bless me Lord with Your presence, that my heart might be encouraged. Help me remember Your faithfulness and Your love that I might stand in faith against the issues that face me. I bind the schemes of the enemy to tear me down, and I rebuke the spirits that have been assigned to harass me. I ask You Lord to minister fresh strength and joy to me. I agree with Your word, that says, Your plans for me are to give me hope and a future. Father, protect Your saints against the spirit of depression during these perilous times. Let it be so Lord Jesus, according to Your will. I pray in Your mighty name, Amen!
Scripture:
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Psalm 33:20-21 (New International Version)
Many people believe that hope is a useless emotion. They believe that hope is a thing that fairytales are built on. Hope is the innate ability to believe that something can happen out of nothing. Hope is defined as to want or expect something: to have a wish to get or do something or for something to happen or be true. It is a feeling that something desirable is likely to happen. What I have learned is that hope is necessary part of our existence.
Hope; like the air that we breathe and the water that we drink sustains us so that we can live to fight another day. Where there is no hope, the people perish. Hope is akin to faith. Neither can be seen but that doesn’t lessen the importance of either in our lives. Hope like faith is our ability to see beyond the natural and trust in the supernatural abilities of God. Hope like faith is the knowledge that there is something greater than what we can see, hear, feel and taste. Hope and faith are both roads that lead to God.
When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try it one more time." Hope begins in the dark; the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.
The bible is a book of hope. It teaches us that no matter what you are going through, God is still in the midst of it all. It teaches us to see beyond the natural and to lift up our eyes toward the heavens where He resides.
Remember, Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence.
Be blessed
Prayer:
Father, there were times this past week that I became weak. Forgive me. I doubted Your word and Your promises. Forgive me. I allowed satan to deceive me with his lies. Forgive me. I wanted to give up, but You wouldn't let me. Thank You Father, for keeping me once again. Lord, I come boldly before Your throne of grace. Your word says that You give strength to the weary, so I ask that You would strengthen me Lord, for I am weary. Bless me Lord with Your presence, that my heart might be encouraged. Help me remember Your faithfulness and Your love that I might stand in faith against the issues that face me. I bind the schemes of the enemy to tear me down, and I rebuke the spirits that have been assigned to harass me. I ask You Lord to minister fresh strength and joy to me. I agree with Your word, that says, Your plans for me are to give me hope and a future. Father, protect Your saints against the spirit of depression during these perilous times. Let it be so Lord Jesus, according to Your will. I pray in Your mighty name, Amen!
Sunday, September 08, 2013
The Game of Life: A Real Character Builder
Remember, Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward. ~ Henry Ford
Scripture:
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5 (New International Version)
I often wonder, why does life have to be so hard? It seems as though we are confronted with one trial after another. We are met with challenges almost on a daily basis. I have come to the realization that how we meet our challenges will help define our true character.
There are people that I know who meet their challenges with anger. They are just mad at the world and they show it in every thing that they do and say. These people could be described as mean or evil. Very seldom do they have anything nice to say and they actions are often contrived and undermining. You could label them as bullies.
Then, there are those who go through life acting as if they are invisible. They don’t want anyone to notice them or say anything to them. When confronted with a problem, they just try to fade into the background. They don’t want to be seen or heard and would be content if the rest of the world would just leave them be.
Another group of folks that I notice, are the fence sitters. They don’t really stand for anything. They sit on the fence and just kinda go with which ever way the wind is blowing. They don’t really meet challenges but rather, just kind of go with the crowd.
But my favorite group of people are those who meet their challenges head on. These are the types of people I like to be around. You see, they realize that in order to become better people, they meet their challenges with a spirit of determination and with the resolve that they will the victors. They realize that God has not given them a spirit of fear but rather a spirit of hope.
A hope that can be found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, sometimes it seems that life is full of grief and sorrow. We look around and see only death and destruction. We see our brothers and sisters forsaken by the powers that be. In the midst of riches, we see the poverty. In a country of abundance, many suffer from hunger. We see arrogance instead of humility. But even in the midst of the darkness that surrounds us, we can still see the light. Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Father God, we come before the throne of grace, seeking Your face, Your grace and mercy. Lord, we seek the comfort of Your loving arms. Lord, help us to always remember that this world will one day pass away. You are not of this world and neither are Your saints. Your Son was sent to save a dying world; we come thanking You for saving us. We realize that weeping will endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning. Thank You Father, for that promise. Now Lord, we ask that You would empower us to help a dying world. Magnify Your light that is within us. Strengthen us so that we may look outside of ourselves and reach out to help others. May Your light so shine within us that others may see it and be drawn to You. Comfort our grieving, strengthen or weak, heal our sick, give us new hope where there is none and unspeakable joy. The joy of the Lord. The joy that the world can't give nor can the world take it away. Thank You Lord, for second chance. I know that I didn't get it all right yesterday, but I thank You for another chance today. I love the Lord, he heard my cry. Thank You for wiping away my tears and giving me new hope in Christ Jesus, it is in His name we pray, amen.
Scripture:
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5 (New International Version)
I often wonder, why does life have to be so hard? It seems as though we are confronted with one trial after another. We are met with challenges almost on a daily basis. I have come to the realization that how we meet our challenges will help define our true character.
There are people that I know who meet their challenges with anger. They are just mad at the world and they show it in every thing that they do and say. These people could be described as mean or evil. Very seldom do they have anything nice to say and they actions are often contrived and undermining. You could label them as bullies.
Then, there are those who go through life acting as if they are invisible. They don’t want anyone to notice them or say anything to them. When confronted with a problem, they just try to fade into the background. They don’t want to be seen or heard and would be content if the rest of the world would just leave them be.
Another group of folks that I notice, are the fence sitters. They don’t really stand for anything. They sit on the fence and just kinda go with which ever way the wind is blowing. They don’t really meet challenges but rather, just kind of go with the crowd.
But my favorite group of people are those who meet their challenges head on. These are the types of people I like to be around. You see, they realize that in order to become better people, they meet their challenges with a spirit of determination and with the resolve that they will the victors. They realize that God has not given them a spirit of fear but rather a spirit of hope.
A hope that can be found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, sometimes it seems that life is full of grief and sorrow. We look around and see only death and destruction. We see our brothers and sisters forsaken by the powers that be. In the midst of riches, we see the poverty. In a country of abundance, many suffer from hunger. We see arrogance instead of humility. But even in the midst of the darkness that surrounds us, we can still see the light. Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Father God, we come before the throne of grace, seeking Your face, Your grace and mercy. Lord, we seek the comfort of Your loving arms. Lord, help us to always remember that this world will one day pass away. You are not of this world and neither are Your saints. Your Son was sent to save a dying world; we come thanking You for saving us. We realize that weeping will endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning. Thank You Father, for that promise. Now Lord, we ask that You would empower us to help a dying world. Magnify Your light that is within us. Strengthen us so that we may look outside of ourselves and reach out to help others. May Your light so shine within us that others may see it and be drawn to You. Comfort our grieving, strengthen or weak, heal our sick, give us new hope where there is none and unspeakable joy. The joy of the Lord. The joy that the world can't give nor can the world take it away. Thank You Lord, for second chance. I know that I didn't get it all right yesterday, but I thank You for another chance today. I love the Lord, he heard my cry. Thank You for wiping away my tears and giving me new hope in Christ Jesus, it is in His name we pray, amen.
