Sunday, March 30, 2014
What Are You Planting in Your Garden?
The garden is a mirror of the heart. ~ Unknown
Scripture:
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. John 15:1
Saints, whether you realize it or not, spring is here. As we turn our thoughts towards spring, we start thinking about our yards and our gardens. Many of you have probably already started thinking about what type of seeds you will be planting this year. Some may choose to plant only flowers. Others may choose to plant only vegetable and some still will plant both.
As I reflect back to biblical times, I have noticed that the garden was very important to all. You see the lands in which they resided where often barren and would sometimes lack water. So they had to be very diligent in what they grew because they knew their very lives depended on their crops. Unlike us, if their gardens failed, they couldn’t just run out to the corner store to get something for dinner.
The same holds true today in our own gardens. What you decide to plant has a distinct bearing on your well-being. You see, I am not talking about your flower garden or your vegetable garden. I am talking about your spiritual garden. Whatever a man soweth, so shall he reap. What seeds are being planted in your spiritual garden? I pray that you plant seeds of love, seeds of hope, seeds of forgiveness, but most of all, seeds of faith.
You see, when we start our gardens at just the right time, give them the love, care, nurturing, and attention that all gardens need, we can grow a bountiful crop that can and will last until our next planting season.
Be blessed
Prayer:
Oh kind and gracious and merciful Father, we come this day as humbly as we know how. We lift up our eyes unto the heavens from which all of our blessings flow. Father, we know that we are not worthy of fresh grace, but You give it to us anyway. We know that somewhere along the way we have sinned, but You forgave us anyway. We know that sometimes we disappoint You, but You love us anyway. Thank You Father that You love and forgive me despite me. Father we come standing in the gap for our fellow saints, for our family members, and for our friends. So many need so much, but we know that there is nothing too hard for God. Continue to touch, bless, anoint and heal those saints among us who are afflicted. Keep us all just a little closer to You this day and give us the wisdom to choose the right seeds for our gardens. Now Lord we pause to praise You. We give thanks to You this day, we magnify and uplift Your most holy name. We ask and pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Scripture:
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. John 15:1
Saints, whether you realize it or not, spring is here. As we turn our thoughts towards spring, we start thinking about our yards and our gardens. Many of you have probably already started thinking about what type of seeds you will be planting this year. Some may choose to plant only flowers. Others may choose to plant only vegetable and some still will plant both.
As I reflect back to biblical times, I have noticed that the garden was very important to all. You see the lands in which they resided where often barren and would sometimes lack water. So they had to be very diligent in what they grew because they knew their very lives depended on their crops. Unlike us, if their gardens failed, they couldn’t just run out to the corner store to get something for dinner.
The same holds true today in our own gardens. What you decide to plant has a distinct bearing on your well-being. You see, I am not talking about your flower garden or your vegetable garden. I am talking about your spiritual garden. Whatever a man soweth, so shall he reap. What seeds are being planted in your spiritual garden? I pray that you plant seeds of love, seeds of hope, seeds of forgiveness, but most of all, seeds of faith.
You see, when we start our gardens at just the right time, give them the love, care, nurturing, and attention that all gardens need, we can grow a bountiful crop that can and will last until our next planting season.
Be blessed
Prayer:
Oh kind and gracious and merciful Father, we come this day as humbly as we know how. We lift up our eyes unto the heavens from which all of our blessings flow. Father, we know that we are not worthy of fresh grace, but You give it to us anyway. We know that somewhere along the way we have sinned, but You forgave us anyway. We know that sometimes we disappoint You, but You love us anyway. Thank You Father that You love and forgive me despite me. Father we come standing in the gap for our fellow saints, for our family members, and for our friends. So many need so much, but we know that there is nothing too hard for God. Continue to touch, bless, anoint and heal those saints among us who are afflicted. Keep us all just a little closer to You this day and give us the wisdom to choose the right seeds for our gardens. Now Lord we pause to praise You. We give thanks to You this day, we magnify and uplift Your most holy name. We ask and pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
A Woman of Noble Character
Remember, Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wing, and only character endures. ~ Horace Greeley
Scripture:
And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character. Ruth 3:11 (New International Version)
As a mother, I always try to set a good example for my children by doing what is right. As a woman, I try to set a good example for all the younger women who may be watching me as they are trying to learn about life. As a writer, I try to maintain my integrity by adhering and deferring to the word of God in my written word. As a Christian, I try to do what’s right because God is always watching.
Too often some people would rather do the wrong thing for what they feel are the right reasons. For example, I recently read an article about a mother who gave her son a gun so that he could “handle his business.” Or how about the women who walk around scantily clad just to attract the attention of the opposite sex. Or, how about the writer who will write an expose` that they know is not true and will ultimately harm those they are writing about, just so that their book will sell. And last but definitely not least, the person who calls himself a Christian to the world, but does things behind closed doors that they know are wrong but because know one can see them, believe it’s okay.
So often we will conform to the things of this world because we want attention; we want to be accepted; or we just want to do whatever we want to do because we can. Too often we are willing to compromise who we are for all the wrong reasons and are unwilling to accept that there are consequences to all of our actions.
Personally, I would rather pass on the riches, the fame and all the hype and simply just want to be remembered as a woman of character.
What do you want to be remembered for?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, sometimes we allow the things of this world to influence who we are. 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-Shepards 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, it is in His name we pray, Amen.
Scripture:
And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character. Ruth 3:11 (New International Version)
As a mother, I always try to set a good example for my children by doing what is right. As a woman, I try to set a good example for all the younger women who may be watching me as they are trying to learn about life. As a writer, I try to maintain my integrity by adhering and deferring to the word of God in my written word. As a Christian, I try to do what’s right because God is always watching.
Too often some people would rather do the wrong thing for what they feel are the right reasons. For example, I recently read an article about a mother who gave her son a gun so that he could “handle his business.” Or how about the women who walk around scantily clad just to attract the attention of the opposite sex. Or, how about the writer who will write an expose` that they know is not true and will ultimately harm those they are writing about, just so that their book will sell. And last but definitely not least, the person who calls himself a Christian to the world, but does things behind closed doors that they know are wrong but because know one can see them, believe it’s okay.
So often we will conform to the things of this world because we want attention; we want to be accepted; or we just want to do whatever we want to do because we can. Too often we are willing to compromise who we are for all the wrong reasons and are unwilling to accept that there are consequences to all of our actions.
Personally, I would rather pass on the riches, the fame and all the hype and simply just want to be remembered as a woman of character.
What do you want to be remembered for?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, sometimes we allow the things of this world to influence who we are. 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-Shepards 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, it is in His name we pray, Amen.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Compassion
Compassion is sometimes the fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else's skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too. ~ Frederick Buechner
Scripture:
I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men. So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Luke 15:19-21
Recently I had a conversation with a very good friend about having compassion for those who for whatever reason have failed in accomplishing something in life. As we talked I tried to explain why I thought it was important for us to remember that there are various reasons that some people fail to achieve what society views as life's significant accomplishments.
Now those things of which I speak may be as simple as graduating high school. As we all know that without an education, we have very little choices in what we might be able to accomplish. It might be that they got strung out on drugs, became an alcoholic, or a teenage mother/father. What ever reasons that a person may have for not accomplishing what we as individuals deem as important, does not mean that they are any less or that we are any more important to God.
The reality of life is this; we have all done things that we have come to regret. Sometimes we can correct our mistakes, and at other times it's too late. Some of our mistakes we will overcome, other mistakes we will live with for the rest of our lives.
How can Jesus show compassion towards us when we make mistakes, if we can't be big enough to show compassion to those who society has labeled failures in life.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we come seeking Your grace and Your counsel. Father, we pause to give thanks for keeping us once again. We know that we are here only because of You. We are blessed, not because of who we are but because of who's we are. Thank You Lord, that You loved us that much. Touch us Lord, for we need You right now. Touch, bless, and anoint our brothers and sisters. Father, help each and every one of us to be mindful to put on the whole armor of God, for we are still in the midst of a spiritual battle. Protect us Lord, guide us Lord. Keep us Lord. Father, we come give You our thanks. We come praising and uplift Your Holy Name. We love You Lord. As we ask and pray these things in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Scripture:
I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men. So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Luke 15:19-21
Recently I had a conversation with a very good friend about having compassion for those who for whatever reason have failed in accomplishing something in life. As we talked I tried to explain why I thought it was important for us to remember that there are various reasons that some people fail to achieve what society views as life's significant accomplishments.
Now those things of which I speak may be as simple as graduating high school. As we all know that without an education, we have very little choices in what we might be able to accomplish. It might be that they got strung out on drugs, became an alcoholic, or a teenage mother/father. What ever reasons that a person may have for not accomplishing what we as individuals deem as important, does not mean that they are any less or that we are any more important to God.
The reality of life is this; we have all done things that we have come to regret. Sometimes we can correct our mistakes, and at other times it's too late. Some of our mistakes we will overcome, other mistakes we will live with for the rest of our lives.
How can Jesus show compassion towards us when we make mistakes, if we can't be big enough to show compassion to those who society has labeled failures in life.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we come seeking Your grace and Your counsel. Father, we pause to give thanks for keeping us once again. We know that we are here only because of You. We are blessed, not because of who we are but because of who's we are. Thank You Lord, that You loved us that much. Touch us Lord, for we need You right now. Touch, bless, and anoint our brothers and sisters. Father, help each and every one of us to be mindful to put on the whole armor of God, for we are still in the midst of a spiritual battle. Protect us Lord, guide us Lord. Keep us Lord. Father, we come give You our thanks. We come praising and uplift Your Holy Name. We love You Lord. As we ask and pray these things in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Sunday, March 02, 2014
What is Faith?
Faith is the refusal to panic. ~ David Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Scripture:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:1-3 (New King James Version)
So often we hear the phrase “Just have faith,” but how many of you truly understand just what faith is? Faith is often described as; believing and trusting in the power of the unknown. The dictionary defines faith as the confident belief or trust in the truth or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.
I love to study the word of God and as I looked up the passage in the NKJ version of the bible, it had a title that stated as part of the lesson, by faith we understand. It raises the question, how can we understand something that we cannot truly touch, taste or feel?
In the flesh we are often taught to believe only in the tangible. Our minds often will not process information that does not make sense to us. In many ways we are too literal for our own good.
Now trust, that’s a whole other topic. However, when we talk about faith, we must also talk about trust. Trust is an emotion that I believe each of us is essentially born with. It is not until we learn betrayal that we begin to lose our trust in others.
Understanding is described as the ability grasp the meaning of, or to accept as a fact or truth or regard as plausible without utter certainty.
Faith is the belief and trust in and loyalty to God, the firm belief in something for which there is no proof and/or complete trust.
Now when I put those two definitions together I see; I understand and grasp and accept as fact or truth or regard as plausible without utter certainty in the trust and loyalty of God and I firmly believe that even though there is not proof of His existence, I totally and completely Trust Him.
That my friends, is the basis of faith!
Prayer:
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Father, when trouble comes my way, help me to learn to trust and have faith in You. Help me to remember that if I but have mustard seed faith, that I can do all things through Christ Jesus. Lord, sometimes we forget that You are our ever present help in the time of trouble. Thank You Lord, for being there when we need You. Lord, when we begin to falter and start to worry about our problems, help us to remember to be still and pray. When the problems of life seem to overwhelm us, help us to remember You are right there with us. God help us to realize that weeping may endure for a night, and that sometimes it is necessary for trouble to assail us so that we can see You power and Your glory manifested in our lives. Lord, We ask for strength today; the strength to stand and fight the good fight of faith yet another day. Lord, grant us peace today. Your peace that passes all understanding. Lord, fill our hearts with Your love. Your love that is not our selfish definition, but the love of Christ Jesus, that strengthens us. Now Lord, we come together on one accord to pray for one another. For no matter how heavy our cross seems, we recognize that we are blessed beyond our own imaginations. Bless our brothers and sisters in Christ. Bless our loved ones who have not come to know You yet. But most of all, we Bless Your holy name. In Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:1-3 (New King James Version)
So often we hear the phrase “Just have faith,” but how many of you truly understand just what faith is? Faith is often described as; believing and trusting in the power of the unknown. The dictionary defines faith as the confident belief or trust in the truth or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.
I love to study the word of God and as I looked up the passage in the NKJ version of the bible, it had a title that stated as part of the lesson, by faith we understand. It raises the question, how can we understand something that we cannot truly touch, taste or feel?
In the flesh we are often taught to believe only in the tangible. Our minds often will not process information that does not make sense to us. In many ways we are too literal for our own good.
Now trust, that’s a whole other topic. However, when we talk about faith, we must also talk about trust. Trust is an emotion that I believe each of us is essentially born with. It is not until we learn betrayal that we begin to lose our trust in others.
Understanding is described as the ability grasp the meaning of, or to accept as a fact or truth or regard as plausible without utter certainty.
Faith is the belief and trust in and loyalty to God, the firm belief in something for which there is no proof and/or complete trust.
Now when I put those two definitions together I see; I understand and grasp and accept as fact or truth or regard as plausible without utter certainty in the trust and loyalty of God and I firmly believe that even though there is not proof of His existence, I totally and completely Trust Him.
That my friends, is the basis of faith!
Prayer:
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Father, when trouble comes my way, help me to learn to trust and have faith in You. Help me to remember that if I but have mustard seed faith, that I can do all things through Christ Jesus. Lord, sometimes we forget that You are our ever present help in the time of trouble. Thank You Lord, for being there when we need You. Lord, when we begin to falter and start to worry about our problems, help us to remember to be still and pray. When the problems of life seem to overwhelm us, help us to remember You are right there with us. God help us to realize that weeping may endure for a night, and that sometimes it is necessary for trouble to assail us so that we can see You power and Your glory manifested in our lives. Lord, We ask for strength today; the strength to stand and fight the good fight of faith yet another day. Lord, grant us peace today. Your peace that passes all understanding. Lord, fill our hearts with Your love. Your love that is not our selfish definition, but the love of Christ Jesus, that strengthens us. Now Lord, we come together on one accord to pray for one another. For no matter how heavy our cross seems, we recognize that we are blessed beyond our own imaginations. Bless our brothers and sisters in Christ. Bless our loved ones who have not come to know You yet. But most of all, we Bless Your holy name. In Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
