Sunday, December 22, 2013
The Reason for the Season
Somehow, not only for Christmas but all the long year through, The joy that you give to others Is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing The poor and lonely and sad, The more of your heart's possessing Returns to you glad. ~ John Greenleaf Whittier
Scripture:
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:8-11 NIV
Saints, have you been busy this holiday season? Have you been running around to this place and that place? Attending holiday parties, taking the kids to rehearsals, attending their plays and concerts? We won't even talk about decorating, shopping and cooking.
This time of year finds us running from this place to that place, stretching the limits of our endurance. We try to pack everything into our little 24 hour day. What should be a joyous time of year, turns into a race to see just how far we can go before we snap.!
So before we go another step further, let's remember just what this holy season is about. It's a time to reflect on God's love for us. It's a time when we should be in prayer and worship with and for one another, sharing God's love with each other. It's a time to truly teach our children what this season is all about. Not the gifts or the parties, or the plays.
But the true meaning of Christmas. CHRIST!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, as we enter into Your gates with praise and thanksgiving on our tongues and in our hearts, we want to say thank You for this season. We thank You Lord, not for the material things that we see advertised, but to the spiritual gift that was given that cannot be bought. We thank You Lord, for loving us that much. We thank You Lord, for family, friends and fellowship. Lord, keep us during this season. Let us not lose sight of the reason for the season. Christ Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:8-11 NIV
Saints, have you been busy this holiday season? Have you been running around to this place and that place? Attending holiday parties, taking the kids to rehearsals, attending their plays and concerts? We won't even talk about decorating, shopping and cooking.
This time of year finds us running from this place to that place, stretching the limits of our endurance. We try to pack everything into our little 24 hour day. What should be a joyous time of year, turns into a race to see just how far we can go before we snap.!
So before we go another step further, let's remember just what this holy season is about. It's a time to reflect on God's love for us. It's a time when we should be in prayer and worship with and for one another, sharing God's love with each other. It's a time to truly teach our children what this season is all about. Not the gifts or the parties, or the plays.
But the true meaning of Christmas. CHRIST!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, as we enter into Your gates with praise and thanksgiving on our tongues and in our hearts, we want to say thank You for this season. We thank You Lord, not for the material things that we see advertised, but to the spiritual gift that was given that cannot be bought. We thank You Lord, for loving us that much. We thank You Lord, for family, friends and fellowship. Lord, keep us during this season. Let us not lose sight of the reason for the season. Christ Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Embrace your Uniqueness
Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone else's life. ~ Kobi Yamada
Scripture:
but my dove, my perfect one, is unique, the only daughter of her mother, the favorite of the one who bore her. The maidens saw her and called her blessed; the queens and concubines praised her. Song of Solomon 6:9 (New International Version)
As I think back to my childhood, I realize that many people thought me to be a bit strange. I was the type of child who would rather spend time with books than with people. Part of my reasoning was that books were my friends. Not so with all people.
My books didn’t judge me but rather offered a safe place of solace from what could be a cold and cruel world. I could find refuge in the pages of my books or travel to far away places that the other children had never heard of. My books could make me laugh, cry, and they even caused me to see the world outside of my own little neighborhood.
Even now, as I find myself in the throws of middle age, some people still think me to be a little strange. My family included. You see, I have moved beyond just reading books to writing them as well. I can often be found sitting in from of my computer into the wee hours of the morning, filling page after page with stories that make me laugh, make me cry, and see the world beyond my little own neighborhood.
And to make matters even worse, most of what I write is about God. Even my oldest son has asked why would I study religion as apposed to getting a degree in something more marketable like business or computer technology. He thinks I am wasting my time on a degree that won’t pay me as much as the others mentioned.
My answer to my son and to others is this; All of my life I have tried to please everyone else. My parents, my friends and even my associates. I had to reach the ripe old age of forty-something before I realized that the only ones I had to please, were God and myself.
So my friends, I embrace my uniqueness. It’s what make me happy. I urge you all to discover your uniqueness and embrace it as I have.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace celebrating my uniqueness. Thank You Father for giving me the wisdom to recognize the gifts that You have bestowed upon me. Thank You Lord, for allowing me to celebrate You in the things that I do. Lord, I pray that someone will read this message and see this prayer and realize that there is great rejoicing and celebrating in uplifting the name of Jesus. We are not placed here on this earth to please others, our mission is to please and serve only You. Thank You Father God for that honor. Glory Hallelujah. In the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Scripture:
but my dove, my perfect one, is unique, the only daughter of her mother, the favorite of the one who bore her. The maidens saw her and called her blessed; the queens and concubines praised her. Song of Solomon 6:9 (New International Version)
As I think back to my childhood, I realize that many people thought me to be a bit strange. I was the type of child who would rather spend time with books than with people. Part of my reasoning was that books were my friends. Not so with all people.
My books didn’t judge me but rather offered a safe place of solace from what could be a cold and cruel world. I could find refuge in the pages of my books or travel to far away places that the other children had never heard of. My books could make me laugh, cry, and they even caused me to see the world outside of my own little neighborhood.
Even now, as I find myself in the throws of middle age, some people still think me to be a little strange. My family included. You see, I have moved beyond just reading books to writing them as well. I can often be found sitting in from of my computer into the wee hours of the morning, filling page after page with stories that make me laugh, make me cry, and see the world beyond my little own neighborhood.
And to make matters even worse, most of what I write is about God. Even my oldest son has asked why would I study religion as apposed to getting a degree in something more marketable like business or computer technology. He thinks I am wasting my time on a degree that won’t pay me as much as the others mentioned.
My answer to my son and to others is this; All of my life I have tried to please everyone else. My parents, my friends and even my associates. I had to reach the ripe old age of forty-something before I realized that the only ones I had to please, were God and myself.
So my friends, I embrace my uniqueness. It’s what make me happy. I urge you all to discover your uniqueness and embrace it as I have.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace celebrating my uniqueness. Thank You Father for giving me the wisdom to recognize the gifts that You have bestowed upon me. Thank You Lord, for allowing me to celebrate You in the things that I do. Lord, I pray that someone will read this message and see this prayer and realize that there is great rejoicing and celebrating in uplifting the name of Jesus. We are not placed here on this earth to please others, our mission is to please and serve only You. Thank You Father God for that honor. Glory Hallelujah. In the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Getting Unstuck
If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking.
Scripture:
Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them. Ecclesiastes 9:12
Here in Michigan, we have received more than our usual fair share of snow this weekend. And as a result, it is not unusual to see vehicles stuck in the snow. I too have even been stuck a time or two. I try not to panic when I get stuck because I already know panic doesn't help.
I can recall watching the news in years past and one of our local television news crews was out covering the storm and they too, just like the people they were reporting about, got stuck in the snow. Luckily for them as so many others, there were good Samaritans that came to their rescue and helped them to get unstuck.
Sometimes, in life we too will get stuck. We may be moving along in the right direction when suddenly, something happens that will prevent us from moving forward. The recent economy is just one of life’s little sticking moments. We keep hearing that the American economy is getting better and that people are getting back to work, but what you rarely here is how many of them are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Yes, they are working but they are still stuck because it’s still barely enough to survive.
The word of God that I used today says that just as fish and birds are caught by unexpected traps, so we can be trapped also. Not because of anything we have done, but rather because of the evil times we live in. We must always be mindful of the fact that the enemy is always laying it wait to trap us. When we travel along this path called life, unexpected storms will come upon us, trapping us and preventing us from moving forward.
What we must always remember is that yes, we make get stuck, but we have something better than AAA. Its call the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
I raise my hands in honor of the Lord of the morning, who rises in glory in the east of the world. Piercer of darkness, illumine my path as I go through my day. Order my steps Holy Spirit and give me eyes to see and ears to hear Your will and Your word this and everyday. Help me to guard my tongue so that the things that are say build up Your kingdom and not tear it down. Help me to guard my thoughts so that I do not think more highly of myself than I should. Help me to keep my mind and my heart staid on thee and Your word. Empower me to go forth and do a good work in Your name. Lord, we humble ourselves before the throne of grace and seek Your face. Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless our families and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, someone will have to make a difficult choice today and will ask You what to do. Guide them Lord as only You can. Someone will come to the realization that their loved one will not be coming back. Have Mercy. Someone will shed tears because something that they have to say to a loved one will cause them pain. Temper their words with Your grace and Your mercy. Lord, today someone will run out of money. Someone will be faced with the hardships that often come in this world. Someone will have to comfort and care for a sick child, parent, brother or sister. Strengthen them for what lies ahead. Lord, each of us comes asking that You would bless all that we do and all that we are this day. Thank You Lord, for Your faithfulness. Thank You Lord, for Your patience. Thank You Lord, for Your Grace and Mercy. But most of all, Thank You Lord, for Your son, Jesus Christ, it is in His name we pray. AMEN!
Scripture:
Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them. Ecclesiastes 9:12
Here in Michigan, we have received more than our usual fair share of snow this weekend. And as a result, it is not unusual to see vehicles stuck in the snow. I too have even been stuck a time or two. I try not to panic when I get stuck because I already know panic doesn't help.
I can recall watching the news in years past and one of our local television news crews was out covering the storm and they too, just like the people they were reporting about, got stuck in the snow. Luckily for them as so many others, there were good Samaritans that came to their rescue and helped them to get unstuck.
Sometimes, in life we too will get stuck. We may be moving along in the right direction when suddenly, something happens that will prevent us from moving forward. The recent economy is just one of life’s little sticking moments. We keep hearing that the American economy is getting better and that people are getting back to work, but what you rarely here is how many of them are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Yes, they are working but they are still stuck because it’s still barely enough to survive.
The word of God that I used today says that just as fish and birds are caught by unexpected traps, so we can be trapped also. Not because of anything we have done, but rather because of the evil times we live in. We must always be mindful of the fact that the enemy is always laying it wait to trap us. When we travel along this path called life, unexpected storms will come upon us, trapping us and preventing us from moving forward.
What we must always remember is that yes, we make get stuck, but we have something better than AAA. Its call the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
I raise my hands in honor of the Lord of the morning, who rises in glory in the east of the world. Piercer of darkness, illumine my path as I go through my day. Order my steps Holy Spirit and give me eyes to see and ears to hear Your will and Your word this and everyday. Help me to guard my tongue so that the things that are say build up Your kingdom and not tear it down. Help me to guard my thoughts so that I do not think more highly of myself than I should. Help me to keep my mind and my heart staid on thee and Your word. Empower me to go forth and do a good work in Your name. Lord, we humble ourselves before the throne of grace and seek Your face. Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless our families and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, someone will have to make a difficult choice today and will ask You what to do. Guide them Lord as only You can. Someone will come to the realization that their loved one will not be coming back. Have Mercy. Someone will shed tears because something that they have to say to a loved one will cause them pain. Temper their words with Your grace and Your mercy. Lord, today someone will run out of money. Someone will be faced with the hardships that often come in this world. Someone will have to comfort and care for a sick child, parent, brother or sister. Strengthen them for what lies ahead. Lord, each of us comes asking that You would bless all that we do and all that we are this day. Thank You Lord, for Your faithfulness. Thank You Lord, for Your patience. Thank You Lord, for Your Grace and Mercy. But most of all, Thank You Lord, for Your son, Jesus Christ, it is in His name we pray. AMEN!
Sunday, December 01, 2013
Giving Your Soul a Rise!
Each Warrior wants to leave the mark of his will, his signature, on important acts he touches. This is not the voice of ego but of the human spirit, rising up and declaring that it has something to contribute to the solution of the hardest problems, no matter how vexing! ~ Pat Riley
Scripture:
He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. Deuteronomy 20:3-5 (New International Version)
Today I want to talk about warriors. Warriors are those people who go out and confront situations that exist that will not be easy to overcome. They will be met opposition, naysayers and people just waiting for them to fail. Yes, even those who are closest to them will often try to sabotage their efforts by interjecting a spirit of doubt. Yet, these warriors will fight against the odds and continue into battle to fight the good fight of faith.
I happen to have been blessed with several friends who are warriors. Angela and Cynthia battled cancer. Rhonda went back to school to get her masters and is now an assistant principle. I know several warriors who are single parents whose children didn’t become statistics or fall through the cracks. I know several children who didn’t have their fathers in their lives who still have achieved great success. Elissa, started a publishing company and helped eleven other authors achieve their dreams. Saints of God, you too can be a warrior.
The word of God reminds us that no matter what giants may be against us, the Lord our God is with us. Just as David had mustard seed faith as he faced Goliath, so should we all. The giants of depression, fear, poverty, and loneliness don’t stand a chance when God is on your side. That mountainous goal you have before you can be achieved when you lift up the shield of faith and the sword of the spirit, the word of God.
The word of God can give your soul a rise, when you put on the whole armor of God and always remember, you too can be a warrior!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, as we face another day, we come kneeling before the throne of grace to say thank you Lord. Thank you for one more day. Father, many of your children are under a multitude of attacks during this holiest of seasons. Father, we ask that you would keep us safe and secure in your arms. Lord, someone cannot put into words the heaviness of the burdens they must carry. Have Mercy Lord. Some mother or father is grieving this morning because they cannot save their child. Have mercy Lord. Someone feels so overwhelmed that they cannot function right now. Have mercy. We come pleading the blood of Jesus over these situations. We come thanking you Lord, for loving us anyhow. Lord, give us eyes to see and ears to hear your word and the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Father, help us to be diligent and aware of the tricks of he who seeks to destroy us. Help us to remember to put on the whole armor of God as we enter into another day fought with he who wants our souls. Our souls that have been bought with a price. That price was Jesus. Wonderful Counselor. Jesus, Prince of Peace. Jesus, my Rock and my Strength. Jesus, who is my redeemer. Thank you Lord, for Jesus Christ, my intercessor. Jesus, who allows us to come to the throne of grace with our prayers and petitions. Thank you Jesus, Amen.
Scripture:
He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. Deuteronomy 20:3-5 (New International Version)
Today I want to talk about warriors. Warriors are those people who go out and confront situations that exist that will not be easy to overcome. They will be met opposition, naysayers and people just waiting for them to fail. Yes, even those who are closest to them will often try to sabotage their efforts by interjecting a spirit of doubt. Yet, these warriors will fight against the odds and continue into battle to fight the good fight of faith.
I happen to have been blessed with several friends who are warriors. Angela and Cynthia battled cancer. Rhonda went back to school to get her masters and is now an assistant principle. I know several warriors who are single parents whose children didn’t become statistics or fall through the cracks. I know several children who didn’t have their fathers in their lives who still have achieved great success. Elissa, started a publishing company and helped eleven other authors achieve their dreams. Saints of God, you too can be a warrior.
The word of God reminds us that no matter what giants may be against us, the Lord our God is with us. Just as David had mustard seed faith as he faced Goliath, so should we all. The giants of depression, fear, poverty, and loneliness don’t stand a chance when God is on your side. That mountainous goal you have before you can be achieved when you lift up the shield of faith and the sword of the spirit, the word of God.
The word of God can give your soul a rise, when you put on the whole armor of God and always remember, you too can be a warrior!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, as we face another day, we come kneeling before the throne of grace to say thank you Lord. Thank you for one more day. Father, many of your children are under a multitude of attacks during this holiest of seasons. Father, we ask that you would keep us safe and secure in your arms. Lord, someone cannot put into words the heaviness of the burdens they must carry. Have Mercy Lord. Some mother or father is grieving this morning because they cannot save their child. Have mercy Lord. Someone feels so overwhelmed that they cannot function right now. Have mercy. We come pleading the blood of Jesus over these situations. We come thanking you Lord, for loving us anyhow. Lord, give us eyes to see and ears to hear your word and the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Father, help us to be diligent and aware of the tricks of he who seeks to destroy us. Help us to remember to put on the whole armor of God as we enter into another day fought with he who wants our souls. Our souls that have been bought with a price. That price was Jesus. Wonderful Counselor. Jesus, Prince of Peace. Jesus, my Rock and my Strength. Jesus, who is my redeemer. Thank you Lord, for Jesus Christ, my intercessor. Jesus, who allows us to come to the throne of grace with our prayers and petitions. Thank you Jesus, Amen.
