Sunday, December 28, 2014
The Life Changing Word of God
Remember, we don't change God's message -- His message changes us.
Scripture:
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:17-19 (New International Version)
I remember a time when I wasn't saved, sanctified and Holy-Ghost filled. I used to believe that people who believed in God were stupid and foolish. I mean, how could they believe in something that they could not see?
Yeah, I used to go to church and listen to the Man of God preach about heaven, but I found it hard to believe that there could be a heaven with so much hell on earth. I saw poverty and despair all around me. I saw supposedly “good” people suffering in ways that they didn't deserve. I watched as a very good “Christian” friend suffered through the pain and agony of a cancer that would one day take her life. Yes, I knew about God but somehow, I found it hard to believe that he knew about me.
Then one Sunday as I sat in church listening to the preacher talk about how God knows and sees our struggles and about how we needed to see beyond our natural and start looking at God through His supernatural eye; I felt something that I had never before experienced; A peace that passes all understanding. My eyes were opened for the very first time.
On that all important day, I began to see and experience the true power of the Holy Spirit as it landed on me and changed the course of my life. I finally got it. I finally understood with my heart what God’s message was all about. It wasn't about what we see and hear around us, it is about what a relationship with God truly meant.
I finally understood that what I had been going to church for all those years weren't meant to change the world around me. Rather, it was meant to change my world; A world that places God at its center. The word of God is an instrument that is used to lead us and teach us as we journey through this world. The word of God is a lesson to aid us as we are reconciled to the kingdom of God. The word of God is the key to the kingdom.
Aren't you glad for His Word?
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Father God, we come before the throne of grace to give thanks for Your word. Your word that gives us life eternal through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We thank You for the gift of life: for the breath that sustains life, for the food of this earth that nurtures life, for the love of family and friends without which there would be no life. O Lord, Your compassion never fail and Your mercies are new every morning: We give You thanks for giving each of us relief from pain and hope of health renewed. Continue in us, we pray, the good work You have begun; that we, daily increasing in bodily strength, and rejoicing in Your goodness, may so order our lives and conduct that we may always think and do those things that please You; through Jesus Christ our Lord. We give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Amen.
Scripture:
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:17-19 (New International Version)
I remember a time when I wasn't saved, sanctified and Holy-Ghost filled. I used to believe that people who believed in God were stupid and foolish. I mean, how could they believe in something that they could not see?
Yeah, I used to go to church and listen to the Man of God preach about heaven, but I found it hard to believe that there could be a heaven with so much hell on earth. I saw poverty and despair all around me. I saw supposedly “good” people suffering in ways that they didn't deserve. I watched as a very good “Christian” friend suffered through the pain and agony of a cancer that would one day take her life. Yes, I knew about God but somehow, I found it hard to believe that he knew about me.
Then one Sunday as I sat in church listening to the preacher talk about how God knows and sees our struggles and about how we needed to see beyond our natural and start looking at God through His supernatural eye; I felt something that I had never before experienced; A peace that passes all understanding. My eyes were opened for the very first time.
On that all important day, I began to see and experience the true power of the Holy Spirit as it landed on me and changed the course of my life. I finally got it. I finally understood with my heart what God’s message was all about. It wasn't about what we see and hear around us, it is about what a relationship with God truly meant.
I finally understood that what I had been going to church for all those years weren't meant to change the world around me. Rather, it was meant to change my world; A world that places God at its center. The word of God is an instrument that is used to lead us and teach us as we journey through this world. The word of God is a lesson to aid us as we are reconciled to the kingdom of God. The word of God is the key to the kingdom.
Aren't you glad for His Word?
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Father God, we come before the throne of grace to give thanks for Your word. Your word that gives us life eternal through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We thank You for the gift of life: for the breath that sustains life, for the food of this earth that nurtures life, for the love of family and friends without which there would be no life. O Lord, Your compassion never fail and Your mercies are new every morning: We give You thanks for giving each of us relief from pain and hope of health renewed. Continue in us, we pray, the good work You have begun; that we, daily increasing in bodily strength, and rejoicing in Your goodness, may so order our lives and conduct that we may always think and do those things that please You; through Jesus Christ our Lord. We give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Amen.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Do Not be Afraid
Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. ~ T.S. Eliot
Scripture:
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.Revelation 2:10 (New International Version)
As a child, I remember having to say the Pledge of Allegiance each morning before the start of class. I remember that God was held in high reverence and people were actually respectful at the mere mention of His name. I remember that the Christmas holiday was a true celebration of his birth, as families traveled long distances to share in the joy of the season, together. We would go to church as a family and drive around, looking for houses that had been decorated in honor of the season.
As time as progressed, life centered around God started changing. Children are forbidden to say the words UNDER GOD, when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Now, prayer isn't even allowed in school for fear of offending anyone. Christmas has become a celebration of gifts, not God. And nativity scenes are brought under fire and in many cases removed for fear of litigation.
As I reflect upon many of the things that are currently transpiring in today’s world, I often ask; Lord, what have we done by allowing those who supposedly support free speech, to take our Christian voices away. Why are we so afraid to take a stand for what we believe in, namely, You? Why are we being silenced from doing what we were charged with, spreading the Good News of the Gospel.
So many of us who believe in the one true God have been bullied, badgered and persecuted until we have lost the will and desire to stand up for what we believe in. We are unwilling to pray in public, banished from the school houses and giving honor to God for victories, because of those people out there who don’t believe in what we believe in.
When we will say, ENOUGH? I love the Lord and I am not afraid to say it.
Remember, if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Almighty God, whose beloved Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption: Give us courage to take up our cross and follow Him; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. O Lord, help me in all things to rely upon Your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal Your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to greet all who come my way with peace with a firm conviction that Your will governs all. In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by You. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear whatever the coming day shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray. Lord, You are to be blessed and praised; all good things come from You: You are in our words and in our thoughts, and in all that we do. AMEN!
Scripture:
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.Revelation 2:10 (New International Version)
As a child, I remember having to say the Pledge of Allegiance each morning before the start of class. I remember that God was held in high reverence and people were actually respectful at the mere mention of His name. I remember that the Christmas holiday was a true celebration of his birth, as families traveled long distances to share in the joy of the season, together. We would go to church as a family and drive around, looking for houses that had been decorated in honor of the season.
As time as progressed, life centered around God started changing. Children are forbidden to say the words UNDER GOD, when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Now, prayer isn't even allowed in school for fear of offending anyone. Christmas has become a celebration of gifts, not God. And nativity scenes are brought under fire and in many cases removed for fear of litigation.
As I reflect upon many of the things that are currently transpiring in today’s world, I often ask; Lord, what have we done by allowing those who supposedly support free speech, to take our Christian voices away. Why are we so afraid to take a stand for what we believe in, namely, You? Why are we being silenced from doing what we were charged with, spreading the Good News of the Gospel.
So many of us who believe in the one true God have been bullied, badgered and persecuted until we have lost the will and desire to stand up for what we believe in. We are unwilling to pray in public, banished from the school houses and giving honor to God for victories, because of those people out there who don’t believe in what we believe in.
When we will say, ENOUGH? I love the Lord and I am not afraid to say it.
Remember, if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Almighty God, whose beloved Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption: Give us courage to take up our cross and follow Him; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. O Lord, help me in all things to rely upon Your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal Your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to greet all who come my way with peace with a firm conviction that Your will governs all. In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by You. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear whatever the coming day shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray. Lord, You are to be blessed and praised; all good things come from You: You are in our words and in our thoughts, and in all that we do. AMEN!
Sunday, December 07, 2014
Take a Stand
Remember, Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened. ~ -Billy Graham
Scripture:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 (New International Version)
So often in our quest to be accepted by the world, we begin to accept what the world accepts. Stop it! Take A Stand! We will go against everything we know to be true, to satisfy this intense search for acceptance by man and by the world. Don’t do it! Take a Stand!
Over the course of time, because we put our own needs and desires before what God wants for us, we are creating a problem that continues to perpetuate itself in each and every new relationship that we form. We are creating and establishing new generational curses for our descendants. We are crippling our children just to satisfy our own personal selfishness. We lose just a little bit more of our salvation with each new generation; because we have become so far removed from what God intended for our lives to be about.
Too often those things that others in this world accept as their reality destroy our choices and our belief system. Sex and not love is exploited everywhere. Things that we should find insulting and demeaning to us as women, are just overlooked for the sake of free speech.
Things that should only be shared between a husband and his wife are shared with the whole world watching including our children. In our quest to become more informed and more technologically advanced, we leave out a very important ingredient. Morality.
Even our children who are raised in the church must begin their battles earlier and earlier in life as they are faced with issues that no adult, and certainly no child should have to face. How do you explain to your little one who looks up to those in authority not to trust anyone, including those in the church, in their own family, in their schools, and even the police, for fear of what might happen.
How do we explain to our daughters and sons that sex does not equal love and it’s not about self gratification but more importantly that they learn to give love through their actions and concern for others. How do we tell them that being a parent means more than creating a child and then being unable to give that child the emotional support that it needs. That it is not about the clothes on their backs, but the content of ones character that defines who they really are.
How do we explain to our children that life is just a fleeting moment but eternity is forever?
If we won’t take a Stand, who will?
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Father, I come once again asking that you would forgive me of my sins. I have done things that I know were not acceptable to you, unaware that others were watching and learning from me. Forgive me Lord, for leading others astray. Father, teach me to walk in your word, to be a living testimony to you and not to the sins of this world. Father, may the things that I do and say be acceptable in your sight. May others see you light shining in me. Teach me Lord to hide your word in my heart. Father, we come asking that you would continue to bless your saints. Breath on us Lord, cleansing us, renewing your power and your strength within us and healing us. Bless your name Lord. We thank you Lord as we ask and submit our prayers in the Blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Scripture:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 (New International Version)
So often in our quest to be accepted by the world, we begin to accept what the world accepts. Stop it! Take A Stand! We will go against everything we know to be true, to satisfy this intense search for acceptance by man and by the world. Don’t do it! Take a Stand!
Over the course of time, because we put our own needs and desires before what God wants for us, we are creating a problem that continues to perpetuate itself in each and every new relationship that we form. We are creating and establishing new generational curses for our descendants. We are crippling our children just to satisfy our own personal selfishness. We lose just a little bit more of our salvation with each new generation; because we have become so far removed from what God intended for our lives to be about.
Too often those things that others in this world accept as their reality destroy our choices and our belief system. Sex and not love is exploited everywhere. Things that we should find insulting and demeaning to us as women, are just overlooked for the sake of free speech.
Things that should only be shared between a husband and his wife are shared with the whole world watching including our children. In our quest to become more informed and more technologically advanced, we leave out a very important ingredient. Morality.
Even our children who are raised in the church must begin their battles earlier and earlier in life as they are faced with issues that no adult, and certainly no child should have to face. How do you explain to your little one who looks up to those in authority not to trust anyone, including those in the church, in their own family, in their schools, and even the police, for fear of what might happen.
How do we explain to our daughters and sons that sex does not equal love and it’s not about self gratification but more importantly that they learn to give love through their actions and concern for others. How do we tell them that being a parent means more than creating a child and then being unable to give that child the emotional support that it needs. That it is not about the clothes on their backs, but the content of ones character that defines who they really are.
How do we explain to our children that life is just a fleeting moment but eternity is forever?
If we won’t take a Stand, who will?
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Father, I come once again asking that you would forgive me of my sins. I have done things that I know were not acceptable to you, unaware that others were watching and learning from me. Forgive me Lord, for leading others astray. Father, teach me to walk in your word, to be a living testimony to you and not to the sins of this world. Father, may the things that I do and say be acceptable in your sight. May others see you light shining in me. Teach me Lord to hide your word in my heart. Father, we come asking that you would continue to bless your saints. Breath on us Lord, cleansing us, renewing your power and your strength within us and healing us. Bless your name Lord. We thank you Lord as we ask and submit our prayers in the Blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Tuesday, December 02, 2014
When Your Soul Feels Empty
Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering you own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew. ~ Saint Francis de Sales
Scripture:
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:37-39 (New International Version)
Depression is never easy, but it's especially hard during the holidays. The holiday season for most people is a fun time of the year filled with parties, celebrations, and social gatherings with family and friends. But for many people, it is a time filled with sadness, self-reflection, loneliness, and anxiety. And unfortunately, with an economy that is still faltering the pressures during what is supposed to be a holy time continue to increase.
We have allowed one of the holiest times of the year to become one of the most commercialized times as well. Christmas has become a celebration of gifts, not God. And nativity scenes are brought under fire and in many cases removed or never even erected for fear of being sued. Far too often we look to those materialistic things of this world to fill the void in our empty souls. We find ourselves wandering about in the desert like the children of Israel unable to find our way home.
However, I want you to know, there is something that can make you feel whole again; the undeniable, indisputable, everlasting word of God. When we begin to feel our souls being emptied out by the world around us, all we have to do is go before the throne of grace and drink from a fountain that never runs dry.
"If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Lord, we come before the throne of grace to intercede for one another. We come asking for blessings and breakthroughs, not for ourselves but for our family members, friends, co-workers, on-line family members and brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, we don't know the needs of Your children, but You do Lord. We ask that You would lift and bind the spirits of depression, despair, loneliness, anger, resentment, hurt, poverty and all others that are not of You. Lord, we ask that You would bless us and deliver us as only You can. Place Your hedge of protection securely around every person and all families that are represented here today. Allow this season of Your son to be filled with blessings and joy that have been given with the birth of Your son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:37-39 (New International Version)
Depression is never easy, but it's especially hard during the holidays. The holiday season for most people is a fun time of the year filled with parties, celebrations, and social gatherings with family and friends. But for many people, it is a time filled with sadness, self-reflection, loneliness, and anxiety. And unfortunately, with an economy that is still faltering the pressures during what is supposed to be a holy time continue to increase.
We have allowed one of the holiest times of the year to become one of the most commercialized times as well. Christmas has become a celebration of gifts, not God. And nativity scenes are brought under fire and in many cases removed or never even erected for fear of being sued. Far too often we look to those materialistic things of this world to fill the void in our empty souls. We find ourselves wandering about in the desert like the children of Israel unable to find our way home.
However, I want you to know, there is something that can make you feel whole again; the undeniable, indisputable, everlasting word of God. When we begin to feel our souls being emptied out by the world around us, all we have to do is go before the throne of grace and drink from a fountain that never runs dry.
"If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Lord, we come before the throne of grace to intercede for one another. We come asking for blessings and breakthroughs, not for ourselves but for our family members, friends, co-workers, on-line family members and brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, we don't know the needs of Your children, but You do Lord. We ask that You would lift and bind the spirits of depression, despair, loneliness, anger, resentment, hurt, poverty and all others that are not of You. Lord, we ask that You would bless us and deliver us as only You can. Place Your hedge of protection securely around every person and all families that are represented here today. Allow this season of Your son to be filled with blessings and joy that have been given with the birth of Your son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
