Sunday, January 19, 2014
Trouble Don't Last Always
Remember, God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty. ~ Peter Marshall
Scripture:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3
Everyone I know will eventually have to go through some sort of trial or tribulation. These seemingly unexpected events can happen at almost anytime. We work hard at our careers only to be faced with economic downturns. We raise up our children according to the word of God and still, some will falter. We stand before God and pledge eternal love and dedication to our spouses and yet, divorce rates, even among Christian households is on the rise. We ask the question “why me Lord?”
None of us like adversity in our lives. However, sometimes it is necessary for our own good. I personally know first hand how difficult these situations can be. I have lost it all; material things, that is. I have lost a house, a car, a job and almost lost my oldest son to the streets. My marriage is gone and friendships that I thought were “forever” have disintegrated. But the good news is that through it all, God has continued to bless me.
In everything that we go through, know that God has a plan. We may not always see it, but He does. I believe that through my pain, I birthed a greater understanding and application of His Word. I have learned that it is not the material things that matter, but rather the intangible things in our lives that we will come to cherish the most. The things that I appreciate the most, cannot be weighted and judged by what the worlds sees as success, but rather by how I feel about my life at the end of each day.
Know that weeping may endure for a night, but troubles don’t last always.
Be blessed
PRAYERFather, I thank You that You have blessed me with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the Holy Spirit Who helps me develop and exercise patience, a fruit of the spirit. Lord, we don't know what this day may bring, but what we do know is that You are with us always, even in our times of need. We don't know what lies ahead, but as long as You travel life’s road with us, we will always be able to depend on You to guide and direct us. Lord, satan is still trying to destroy families. He has turned husbands against wives and wives against husbands. He has set children at odds against their parents and against one another. Father, today we ask that You would heal all families. Satan is a liar, and he cannot have our families. In the name of Jesus we bind every trick, every attempt at deception. We rebuke satan and all of his demons, in the name of Jesus. We put on our whole armor of God and pledge to fight the good fight of faith this day and each and everyday. Father, You have told us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. We come standing on that word today. Lord, we thank You for Your word that brings both peace and comfort. We stand on Your word and on our spiritual blessings that have been given to us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen
Scripture:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3
Everyone I know will eventually have to go through some sort of trial or tribulation. These seemingly unexpected events can happen at almost anytime. We work hard at our careers only to be faced with economic downturns. We raise up our children according to the word of God and still, some will falter. We stand before God and pledge eternal love and dedication to our spouses and yet, divorce rates, even among Christian households is on the rise. We ask the question “why me Lord?”
None of us like adversity in our lives. However, sometimes it is necessary for our own good. I personally know first hand how difficult these situations can be. I have lost it all; material things, that is. I have lost a house, a car, a job and almost lost my oldest son to the streets. My marriage is gone and friendships that I thought were “forever” have disintegrated. But the good news is that through it all, God has continued to bless me.
In everything that we go through, know that God has a plan. We may not always see it, but He does. I believe that through my pain, I birthed a greater understanding and application of His Word. I have learned that it is not the material things that matter, but rather the intangible things in our lives that we will come to cherish the most. The things that I appreciate the most, cannot be weighted and judged by what the worlds sees as success, but rather by how I feel about my life at the end of each day.
Know that weeping may endure for a night, but troubles don’t last always.
Be blessed
PRAYERFather, I thank You that You have blessed me with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the Holy Spirit Who helps me develop and exercise patience, a fruit of the spirit. Lord, we don't know what this day may bring, but what we do know is that You are with us always, even in our times of need. We don't know what lies ahead, but as long as You travel life’s road with us, we will always be able to depend on You to guide and direct us. Lord, satan is still trying to destroy families. He has turned husbands against wives and wives against husbands. He has set children at odds against their parents and against one another. Father, today we ask that You would heal all families. Satan is a liar, and he cannot have our families. In the name of Jesus we bind every trick, every attempt at deception. We rebuke satan and all of his demons, in the name of Jesus. We put on our whole armor of God and pledge to fight the good fight of faith this day and each and everyday. Father, You have told us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. We come standing on that word today. Lord, we thank You for Your word that brings both peace and comfort. We stand on Your word and on our spiritual blessings that have been given to us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen
Thursday, January 09, 2014
Praise Your Way Through!
Most of the verses written about praise in God's Word were voiced by people faced with crushing heartaches, injustice, treachery, slander, and scores of other difficult situations. ~ Joni Eareckson Tada
Scripture:
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:1-3 (New King James Version)
Sometimes the crushing weight of the world is almost too much to bear. We get angry about our situations and often times throw up our hands in despair. But instead of raising fists of anger, why not trying lifting your hands in praise? Believe it or not, it works.
So often we are faced with situations that make us just want to give up and throw in the towel. But what we will eventually realize is that is exactly what satan wants us to do. He wants us to turn away from God instead of turning towards Him.
King David often found himself in the pit of despair, but he managed to write some of the most beautiful God inspired Psalms and continued to sing songs of praise during some of his darkest hours. Job lost everything and still found the strength and the fortitude to sing God’s praises. And Paul who is considered by some as the greatest Christian who ever lived continued to worship and praise God even as he spent many years imprisoned.
What can be learned from each of these individuals is not to hang our heads in hopelessness and despair but rather to lift up Holy hands and turn our faces towards the hills. 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.
When praises go up, Blessings come down.
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.
Scripture:
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:1-3 (New King James Version)
Sometimes the crushing weight of the world is almost too much to bear. We get angry about our situations and often times throw up our hands in despair. But instead of raising fists of anger, why not trying lifting your hands in praise? Believe it or not, it works.
So often we are faced with situations that make us just want to give up and throw in the towel. But what we will eventually realize is that is exactly what satan wants us to do. He wants us to turn away from God instead of turning towards Him.
King David often found himself in the pit of despair, but he managed to write some of the most beautiful God inspired Psalms and continued to sing songs of praise during some of his darkest hours. Job lost everything and still found the strength and the fortitude to sing God’s praises. And Paul who is considered by some as the greatest Christian who ever lived continued to worship and praise God even as he spent many years imprisoned.
What can be learned from each of these individuals is not to hang our heads in hopelessness and despair but rather to lift up Holy hands and turn our faces towards the hills. 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.
When praises go up, Blessings come down.
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.
Monday, January 06, 2014
Thank God for your Gift
Remember, Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons. ~Ruth Ann Schabacker
Scripture:I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. 1 Corinthians 7:7
Saints, has there ever been a time when you became jealous of someone else? Did they have something that you desired? Money, looks, prestige?
Do you ever wish that you had someone else’s talent? Maybe their husband or wife? Do you ever feel jealous because someone else who didn’t work as hard as you got the promotion or acknowledgement?
Sometimes, it will appear that life isn’t fair. We work so hard at our relationships, in our careers and raising our families and more times than not, it seems we just can’t get ahead. We look around at other people in our lives and they seem to be doing so much better than us, with little or no effort.
Well, today I am not going to sugar coat it. Everyone is not created equal. There are specific reasons for it all. Some by our own design and some are according to God’s plan.
God has a desire and a plan for each of our lives. It doesn’t always coincide with what we want, but rather, what God wants for us. God knows what we can handle and what we can’t.
Our gifts, both spiritually and in the natural, are all from Him. They are meted out according to his will. So remember, this, don’t be jealous of what others have accomplished or have gained in this world. God has a special gift, just for you.
Be Blessed
Prayer:Father God, we come before the throne of grace to thank You for what You have given us. Lord, I know there are times when I feel that I deserve more, but I stop and realize that more isn't always what’s best for me. I am reminded that I have so much because of You. I have the gift of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. As the seasons change and the nights become dark and cold, I am reminded just how blessed I truly am. I have a home, food, friends, and most of all, the gift of love. Love of family and friends. I have hope for tomorrow and I have the gift of salvation. I realize that the things of this world are just for a season. I will rejoice in my season, for I know that the harvest is near. Thank You Father, for my gifts. Thank You Lord, for my health, my strength and my life. Thank you most of all for Christ Jesus, it is in His name that we pray. Amen.
Scripture:I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. 1 Corinthians 7:7
Saints, has there ever been a time when you became jealous of someone else? Did they have something that you desired? Money, looks, prestige?
Do you ever wish that you had someone else’s talent? Maybe their husband or wife? Do you ever feel jealous because someone else who didn’t work as hard as you got the promotion or acknowledgement?
Sometimes, it will appear that life isn’t fair. We work so hard at our relationships, in our careers and raising our families and more times than not, it seems we just can’t get ahead. We look around at other people in our lives and they seem to be doing so much better than us, with little or no effort.
Well, today I am not going to sugar coat it. Everyone is not created equal. There are specific reasons for it all. Some by our own design and some are according to God’s plan.
God has a desire and a plan for each of our lives. It doesn’t always coincide with what we want, but rather, what God wants for us. God knows what we can handle and what we can’t.
Our gifts, both spiritually and in the natural, are all from Him. They are meted out according to his will. So remember, this, don’t be jealous of what others have accomplished or have gained in this world. God has a special gift, just for you.
Be Blessed
Prayer:Father God, we come before the throne of grace to thank You for what You have given us. Lord, I know there are times when I feel that I deserve more, but I stop and realize that more isn't always what’s best for me. I am reminded that I have so much because of You. I have the gift of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. As the seasons change and the nights become dark and cold, I am reminded just how blessed I truly am. I have a home, food, friends, and most of all, the gift of love. Love of family and friends. I have hope for tomorrow and I have the gift of salvation. I realize that the things of this world are just for a season. I will rejoice in my season, for I know that the harvest is near. Thank You Father, for my gifts. Thank You Lord, for my health, my strength and my life. Thank you most of all for Christ Jesus, it is in His name that we pray. Amen.
