So many times God becomes the "punching bag" for people who are going through something rough. They are looking for something or someone to blame, and most of the time God is at the top of that list. People want to say "He's in control" when things don't turn out right and say things like "why would He let this happen". But then when things do turn out right they rarely go back and look at all the doors He opened, all the situations He changed, all the ways he guided them and all the blessings He poured out on them. So we become quick to question His goodness when something goes wrong or even not as expected, but we aren't so quick to see His amazing goodness when something good, whether small or big, happens to us.
All my life growing up I've heard people take verses, or snippets of verses, and use them to fit certain situations....I'm sure at one time or another I was even guilty of this. We even use them to teach on. But unless you are teaching out of Proverbs, its really hard to just take a single verse and use it without understanding the context behind it. We have to look at the verses before and after the verse...understanding the entire message God was trying to convey to us. And so today I take yet another snippet of a verse that is often misquoted and want bring more light to it. We hear "God will make good out of a bad situation", and even though I do believe that everything about God IS good therefore He does want bring good into bad situations, I don't think we can take this verse and say "we make it where God always is able to". Romans 8:28 is where this comes from and the verse actually says "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." So what is this verse really saying? Does God make bad out of good, or not? Well again, yes, God wants to make good out of every bad situation, but you have to align your life in a way that enables Him to be able to do so. The verse actually says "..to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose". Another translation says "...and are called according to His purpose for them". So we have to go back to the understanding that God knows what His purpose is for us. He knows if changing a situation in our life is going to be good for the purpose He has called us to. This means we may have to endure some suffering to build us up to the place He wants us to be. It also means it may be a while before "the good" that comes out of the situations can be seen. It's all about His timing and keeping ourselves lined up with His will for us. IF we do this, we are enabling God to take things that seem bad to in the eyes of the world, and teach us, strengthen us and build up our faith. It gives us a chance to say "I may not see the good in this right now, but I trust you...and I know in time you will show me".
God does not cause bad in our life. He also does not bail us out of every situation we get ourselves into. However, He will help us when the enemy brings bad into our life that was outside of our doing. He LOVES us and doesn't want to see us suffer, but He can and will use those times to allow us to see His goodness if we will open our hearts and eyes up to see Him in all situations.
If you want to see God make good out of bad in your life, then line yourself up with Him and trust Him. Don't tell Him what that has to look like or when it has to happen....just honor Him with your unconditional love and trust!
God, thank You that You have given us every reason to always trust You. Holy Spirit help us not allow the enemy to bring doubt into our lives when the days look dark, but to just trust God and be patient. Then allow others to see us honor Him in this way and bring glory to His name. In Jesus name, Amen
Friday, October 30, 2015
Thursday, October 29, 2015
You Have Not Because Why?
I have often heard the scripture "you have not because you ask not" used in ways that seem like if we just ask God then He will supply, right? But today I want to challenge that mindset a little bit. First by saying that God does not just supply the things we ask for, and second by saying that we can ask all we want, but we must remember that as we ask God, He is searching our heart.
The first point that I want to go into is that God does not just supply the things we ask for. Not things in the natural or the supernatural. He is not a God that is waiting on our requests so He can hand things out to us. God has one concern when it comes to us as individuals, and that is to draw us closer to Him. No matter what it is we are asking for, it must line up with His will for our life, it must be something that is going to draw us closer to Him and it must be something that is going to bring honor and glory to His name (not ours). IF we remember those things then it will make it so much more clear what we should be asking for, and why it seems like some things we ask for never seem to come about. It is not that God is holding back from "you", it might just be that God is growing you and the thing you "think" you need right now is not going to get you to the place the desires for you to be. Even if in our own natural minds it makes perfect sense for God to just answer this prayer, we have to trust and believe that He sees far beyond what we can and if that prayer it taking a while or just not happening, it is because He knows what we need better than we do.
The second point I mentioned is that God searches out heart when we come to Him asking. And I believe this is the most important of the 2 points. Why? Because sometimes we have a hard time getting honest with ourselves and we can justify things in our hearts and in our minds that God can see right past. Like I stated early, people tend to quote the end of James 4:2 a lot saying "You have not because you ask not", but then they leave out the very next verse, verse 3. I love the way the New Living Translation (NLT) puts it...."And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure". You see God sees deep into the heart of man, and the only way God is going to grant us things is when He sees that we are ready for them. Picture it like this: A good farmer would not go plant seed in the ground if the ground was not ready to grow the seed into what it is meant to be. A good farmer knows the soil in which he is planting into, and he knows the condition it needs to be in and the exact time in which "the planting" needs to take place. That is God....He knows us better than we know ourselves. And He knows when is the right time to grant us certain things and when is not. Even the spiritual gifts He has waiting for us cannot come until the condition of our heart is ready for them. What kind of God would He be if He just said "ok, because you ask and ask I will give you this, but I really don't think you are ready for it"? He is a good good Father who does not want to give to His children just to satisfy them, but to teach them, grow them, bless them, and enable them to bless others through Him.
He has one goal, and that is to advance His kingdom...and He wants to use you to do that. So when you are thinking about going into a time of prayer to ask God for something, first go into a time of preparation asking God to search your heart so that when you come asking, you will be prepared to receive. A good parent does not spoil their child, but instead teaches their child to appreciate the things they have, so when they do receive more they will feel the blessing behind it, not just the satisfaction of getting it. Ask God today to help you feel truly blessed for what you have right now, so when the time is right and the heart is right, He can bless you with the "more" that you He has waiting for you.
I certainly wouldn't want to rewrite scripture, but maybe if we could put those 2 verses together into one sentence it would like something like this: "You have not because you have not prepared your heart in a way that you can ask and receive".
God, thank You that You are a good good Father. Thank You that You have blessings for us, but You will not ruin us by just handing them out. Holy Spirit prepare our hearts for ALL that God has waiting for us, so that when we coming asking, He searches a prepared heart, and is able to bless us. Then allow others to seen the glory of God in every blessing we receive. In Jesus name, Amen
The first point that I want to go into is that God does not just supply the things we ask for. Not things in the natural or the supernatural. He is not a God that is waiting on our requests so He can hand things out to us. God has one concern when it comes to us as individuals, and that is to draw us closer to Him. No matter what it is we are asking for, it must line up with His will for our life, it must be something that is going to draw us closer to Him and it must be something that is going to bring honor and glory to His name (not ours). IF we remember those things then it will make it so much more clear what we should be asking for, and why it seems like some things we ask for never seem to come about. It is not that God is holding back from "you", it might just be that God is growing you and the thing you "think" you need right now is not going to get you to the place the desires for you to be. Even if in our own natural minds it makes perfect sense for God to just answer this prayer, we have to trust and believe that He sees far beyond what we can and if that prayer it taking a while or just not happening, it is because He knows what we need better than we do.
The second point I mentioned is that God searches out heart when we come to Him asking. And I believe this is the most important of the 2 points. Why? Because sometimes we have a hard time getting honest with ourselves and we can justify things in our hearts and in our minds that God can see right past. Like I stated early, people tend to quote the end of James 4:2 a lot saying "You have not because you ask not", but then they leave out the very next verse, verse 3. I love the way the New Living Translation (NLT) puts it...."And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure". You see God sees deep into the heart of man, and the only way God is going to grant us things is when He sees that we are ready for them. Picture it like this: A good farmer would not go plant seed in the ground if the ground was not ready to grow the seed into what it is meant to be. A good farmer knows the soil in which he is planting into, and he knows the condition it needs to be in and the exact time in which "the planting" needs to take place. That is God....He knows us better than we know ourselves. And He knows when is the right time to grant us certain things and when is not. Even the spiritual gifts He has waiting for us cannot come until the condition of our heart is ready for them. What kind of God would He be if He just said "ok, because you ask and ask I will give you this, but I really don't think you are ready for it"? He is a good good Father who does not want to give to His children just to satisfy them, but to teach them, grow them, bless them, and enable them to bless others through Him.
He has one goal, and that is to advance His kingdom...and He wants to use you to do that. So when you are thinking about going into a time of prayer to ask God for something, first go into a time of preparation asking God to search your heart so that when you come asking, you will be prepared to receive. A good parent does not spoil their child, but instead teaches their child to appreciate the things they have, so when they do receive more they will feel the blessing behind it, not just the satisfaction of getting it. Ask God today to help you feel truly blessed for what you have right now, so when the time is right and the heart is right, He can bless you with the "more" that you He has waiting for you.
I certainly wouldn't want to rewrite scripture, but maybe if we could put those 2 verses together into one sentence it would like something like this: "You have not because you have not prepared your heart in a way that you can ask and receive".
God, thank You that You are a good good Father. Thank You that You have blessings for us, but You will not ruin us by just handing them out. Holy Spirit prepare our hearts for ALL that God has waiting for us, so that when we coming asking, He searches a prepared heart, and is able to bless us. Then allow others to seen the glory of God in every blessing we receive. In Jesus name, Amen
Monday, October 26, 2015
Together In Unity!
Today is not so much of an original piece as it is a recap of a service I went to last night. The service was a combination of 4 different churches coming together to celebrate as the body of Christ. Not to stand apart over our differences, but to celebrate that ONE true thing that makes us all alike. And that is our love for and desire to serve Jesus!
The atmosphere was amazing, taking communion with so many brothers and sisters in Christ was amazing and the words spoken by the 4 different pastors were amazing.....but knowing that there were not 4 "different" churches there, but instead 1 church, Jesus's church, was the most amazing part. Each pastor brought their own style and flavor of speaking as each one focused on one thing, UNITY. It was a night of talking about what all we have in common and how much we need each other in the body of Christ. It was a night of celebrating our uniqueness within the body, but not our differences. It was a night of talking about how important it is that we are there for each other....tearing down denominational walls. It was a night of hearing how we are ALL a part of God's master plan and the more we can learn to work together, love one another and HELP each other, the more we will allow the world to see our lights shine. And for me personally, it was a night of celebrating the name of Jesus with with a group of believers who ALL have one thing in common...HIM!
Several scriptures were given that promoted us forgetting our differences and realizing out need for each other. Several examples were given of what that should look like when it works correctly, and unfortunately what it will look like if it doesn't. The theme of the night was "why church?", and I believe by the end of the night was all learned it's because we ARE the church. The one true thing I think we all walked away with was that because WE are the THE CHURCH, we need to act like it, we need to love like it and we need to fellowship like it. We can't call our selves the "body of christ" and then all like we are not all a part of the same body, because we are.
I hope and pray to see more things like this take place in our city. Unity is something that God has placed heavy on my heart, and like it was said last night, "the only way we are going to impact and change our community, city and county, state or country is together in the name of Jesus". This is so true!
No matter what our denominations are, no matter how different our worship styles are, no matter our race or age...we should all be able to come together when the thing we do have in common is JESUS. A believe in His life, His death, His resurrection and the trinity(Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is why we carry the banner of "Christian" anyway, and that should always come before the word Baptist, Methodist, Non-Denominational or anything else. If you love Christ with all your heart and have excepted Him as your personal Savior, then you are my brother and sister in Christ. And I will love, help, pray for and worship with you any time!
It is my prayer today that more and more we can put down our differences and serve our God and our communities together. Sharing unity because we share the same common love and believe in Jesus Christ!
God, thank You that YOU choice who You use. That You have showed us we can do more together than we can apart, and that our number one goal should be to see others come to You. Holy Spirit help us lay down our differences at the feet of Jesus and find it in our hearts to serve God TOGETHER. And let the darkness not just be pierced by our light, but let it be drowned out by all of our lights together. In Jesus name, Amen
The atmosphere was amazing, taking communion with so many brothers and sisters in Christ was amazing and the words spoken by the 4 different pastors were amazing.....but knowing that there were not 4 "different" churches there, but instead 1 church, Jesus's church, was the most amazing part. Each pastor brought their own style and flavor of speaking as each one focused on one thing, UNITY. It was a night of talking about what all we have in common and how much we need each other in the body of Christ. It was a night of celebrating our uniqueness within the body, but not our differences. It was a night of talking about how important it is that we are there for each other....tearing down denominational walls. It was a night of hearing how we are ALL a part of God's master plan and the more we can learn to work together, love one another and HELP each other, the more we will allow the world to see our lights shine. And for me personally, it was a night of celebrating the name of Jesus with with a group of believers who ALL have one thing in common...HIM!
Several scriptures were given that promoted us forgetting our differences and realizing out need for each other. Several examples were given of what that should look like when it works correctly, and unfortunately what it will look like if it doesn't. The theme of the night was "why church?", and I believe by the end of the night was all learned it's because we ARE the church. The one true thing I think we all walked away with was that because WE are the THE CHURCH, we need to act like it, we need to love like it and we need to fellowship like it. We can't call our selves the "body of christ" and then all like we are not all a part of the same body, because we are.
I hope and pray to see more things like this take place in our city. Unity is something that God has placed heavy on my heart, and like it was said last night, "the only way we are going to impact and change our community, city and county, state or country is together in the name of Jesus". This is so true!
No matter what our denominations are, no matter how different our worship styles are, no matter our race or age...we should all be able to come together when the thing we do have in common is JESUS. A believe in His life, His death, His resurrection and the trinity(Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is why we carry the banner of "Christian" anyway, and that should always come before the word Baptist, Methodist, Non-Denominational or anything else. If you love Christ with all your heart and have excepted Him as your personal Savior, then you are my brother and sister in Christ. And I will love, help, pray for and worship with you any time!
It is my prayer today that more and more we can put down our differences and serve our God and our communities together. Sharing unity because we share the same common love and believe in Jesus Christ!
God, thank You that YOU choice who You use. That You have showed us we can do more together than we can apart, and that our number one goal should be to see others come to You. Holy Spirit help us lay down our differences at the feet of Jesus and find it in our hearts to serve God TOGETHER. And let the darkness not just be pierced by our light, but let it be drowned out by all of our lights together. In Jesus name, Amen
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Give God Your Extra!
Recently I was going through a strange place in my relationship with God. I don't even know if I would use the word "distant", but I could certainly tell that something was just off. In a time like this I know that the one thing we need to do is a self examination of our life. I've talked about this in past blogs, how we need to see what we have added or taken away from out life that could be doing harm to our relationship with God, but I nothing stood out to me. So I began to seek from the Lord what He wanted from me...and the answer was "extra". It wasn't that I started giving Him less, He just simply wanted more.
An analogy that I have used in the past is getting good as something. Whether it be a sport, a hobby, or simply a skill, if you want to take it to another level it is probably going to take more. More practice, more time spent doing it, more time learning about it, so why if God wants to take us to another level with Him would it not be the same way? Of course He would, but He needs us to be willing to do more, give more, spend more time with Him. 1 Chronicles 16:11 tells us "Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually". And Acts 17:27-28 says "so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being...". It's when I read verses like this that I see it can't just be about giving God some of our time....and if we aren't giving enough then we need to give more! I don't believe He will call us to more if we are not at a place with Him where we can handle it. God always sees our hearts, he sees the desires of our hearts....and He knows what it may take to get our hearts ready for more from Him....and in my case, I think it meant I needed to give more to Him. So I carved out more time in my day to spend with Him, and the difference I have felt from this change has been amazing.
I don't know to many people who truly love God that don't want to go to a deeper level with Him. But that may require asking Him what "extra" He would want from you. Then be willing to go there. The blessing that comes from it might be exactly what you need in your life right now, so don't miss out on all that He has for you by not taking the time to ask Him what He wants from you. My "extra" may not be the same as yours. Only God knows your heart the best and knows what is needed to get you to either a place you once were, a new place He wants you to be, or in preparation to take you to a place that He has for you in the future. God loves to see constant growth out of us. He loves to see us chasing after the desires of His heart for us. And the world we live in is constantly throwing obstacles our way to prevent this. Today, seek God's face, seek God's will and seek out if He is calling you to anything extra in your life.
God, thank You that You never want to leave us where we are. Please open our hearts to be obedient to Your call for more. Holy Spirit speak into us and show us the places we can go deeper if we only try. Then let that new level of deepness prepare us to be used even more by God. In Jesus name, Amen.
An analogy that I have used in the past is getting good as something. Whether it be a sport, a hobby, or simply a skill, if you want to take it to another level it is probably going to take more. More practice, more time spent doing it, more time learning about it, so why if God wants to take us to another level with Him would it not be the same way? Of course He would, but He needs us to be willing to do more, give more, spend more time with Him. 1 Chronicles 16:11 tells us "Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually". And Acts 17:27-28 says "so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being...". It's when I read verses like this that I see it can't just be about giving God some of our time....and if we aren't giving enough then we need to give more! I don't believe He will call us to more if we are not at a place with Him where we can handle it. God always sees our hearts, he sees the desires of our hearts....and He knows what it may take to get our hearts ready for more from Him....and in my case, I think it meant I needed to give more to Him. So I carved out more time in my day to spend with Him, and the difference I have felt from this change has been amazing.
I don't know to many people who truly love God that don't want to go to a deeper level with Him. But that may require asking Him what "extra" He would want from you. Then be willing to go there. The blessing that comes from it might be exactly what you need in your life right now, so don't miss out on all that He has for you by not taking the time to ask Him what He wants from you. My "extra" may not be the same as yours. Only God knows your heart the best and knows what is needed to get you to either a place you once were, a new place He wants you to be, or in preparation to take you to a place that He has for you in the future. God loves to see constant growth out of us. He loves to see us chasing after the desires of His heart for us. And the world we live in is constantly throwing obstacles our way to prevent this. Today, seek God's face, seek God's will and seek out if He is calling you to anything extra in your life.
God, thank You that You never want to leave us where we are. Please open our hearts to be obedient to Your call for more. Holy Spirit speak into us and show us the places we can go deeper if we only try. Then let that new level of deepness prepare us to be used even more by God. In Jesus name, Amen.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
When It's Done ONLY Before God
Today God really put it on my heart to talk about the things that are done only before Him. I know in my personal life the times when I was really struggling with sin it seems like the enemy used to use that whole "who would know if you did this" thing the most with me. It wasn't that I didn't realize God would know, but my justifications were in the fact that I wasn't hurting anyone else in my "secret sin". Which is completely a lie. There will never be a time in this world where our sins won't have some kind of ripple affect on others. Even if you feel like nobody knows, therefore nobody is being affected by your sin..THAT IS A LIE! And I had to get that statement out of the way before I could go into what God really put on my heart today. Because today God wasn't talking to be about our secret sins, He was talking to me about our secret obedience. If we are being defeated by our secret sin because the enemy is convincing us to do things through lies...then how much more are we defeating satan with our secret obedience?
You may ask, what does he mean by our "secret obedience".....so let me explain. Have you ever had something happen that could get a reaction out of you that nobody but you and God would really know about? Have you ever been tempted to do something (not even horrible, but definitely wrong), and you knew that that only you and God would know about it? Well what happens when we react in a way that honors God in those secret moments? I believe it is when we defeat satan the most! If satan can't get you to fall to temptation when nobody would even know, then how much more are you beat temptations in your public life? And by public life I mean when other eyes that you may not even know about are watching you to see IF you really do represent God or not. Whether we like it or not, there are always eyes on us when we claim to follow Jesus. And most of the time it is people who may not know Jesus on a personal level, wanting to see if He really has changed us. And when they see that He has, the glory He gets from that is amazing. It is testimony without words! But, let me go back to what is done before only the eyes of God. The first place the enemy tries to attack us is in our thoughts. I've made the statement several times...that no action has ever been committed that didn't start as a thought first. So one of the first things the enemy whispers to us when we think there are no eyes on us is, "It's ok, do it". "It" could be anything from yelling out to someone in your car because they cut you off in traffic. Or saying something hurtful under your breath to someone in another room because they made you mad. Or clicking on something on that phone or computer screen because no one is around. However, we can stop in those moments and literally say out loud "no, I know this is exactly what you would want me to do satan, and I choose to bring God glory and honor right now even if He is the only one that will ever know I did", then you immediately thank God and give Him the glory for helping you in that exact moment. When we tap into God's strength and beat satan, then we immediately give God glory, we are defeating satan twice.
Going against our fleshly desires is going against satan. Like my pastor has said on many occasions, there are not 3 ways..God's way, satan's way and you're way. It is either God's way or you're way. You're way is acting in the flesh and that is exactly what the enemy wants you to do. So when you beat that, you beat him. And when you do it in secret, you do it with so much more of an impact. These are the times when you are allowing God to build up your spirit man.
Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all things through Christ who give me strength"....and when we use that strength to make the right choices in secret, not only are we defeating satan and bringing God glory, but I firmly believe we are putting a huge smile on God's face.
God, thank You that we are able to tap into and draw from Your strength! Help us to remember to do this when the enemy is trying so hard to speak lies into us. Holy Spirit, God's says you were sent to be our helper (John 14:26), so please help us in the times that we are alone to make choices that are pleasing before the Lord, and defeat satan...then use those choices to build up our spirit man. In Jesus name, Amen
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Go Out Of Your Way To Go Out Of Your Way!
How many times a day do you make it a point to go out of your way to be kind to someone? And I don't mean paying for someone's fast food behind you in line, or paying for someone's groceries...but I do mean just making it a point to be extra kind, hold a door, ask someone how they are...and then actually stopping and listening for an answer...things like this. The daily common courtesies can be lost by us when we get wrapped up in our busy schedules, or our own problems, or even just our own thoughts. When I think about what it would have been like to walk around with Jesus I can't help but think how welcoming he probably was to people. Never making them feel like He had someplace else to be or they were taking up to much of His time. I would imagine that He was kind and just had a way of making people feel that He cared when He spoke to them. So why can't we be more like this?
A verse that comes to my mind when I think about how God would want us to be kind to anyone that crosses out path is Ephesians 4:32. The first part of it states "You must be kind to each other. Think of the other person...". In fact the entire second half of Ephesians 4 is a good read on how we are expected to act as we claim to represent Christ. If there is anything the stands out more to a person who is not in a relationship with Jesus, it's when someone who claims to love Jesus is just not pleasant to be around. I mean, how can you claim to be in a close relationship with the one is all about love when you don't even seem to know how to smile at someone, or even act like you like other people, let alone love them?
Our tiny actions can make such a difference in the lives of people each and every day, and they can also open doors of opportunity for us to share the gospel with them. But the first step is always going to be allowing God to show you how to be kind to others in all situations. When God is able to do this He'll be able to grow you as well. There is nothing like being able to overcome a situation you are in so you can reach out and be there for someone else. And that is not to say that we are not allowed to have bad days, of course we are. But this is when we lean on the believers around us and lift each other up. It's another important reason to be included in a body of believers, so you too will have someone there when you need them.
The thing that I really feel like God wants us to get is this; Are you capable of using what God has put in you to show love to others in this lost world...all the time, not just when you "feel" like it? Some days it can be quite challenging. We run into people who are rude, self consumed and sometimes just mean, but this is when we also have the chance to see them as lost, possibly hurting and going through things we have no idea about. We can sometimes so easily forget that one of the reasons the people around us act the way they do is because they are going through things without God, and we are going through things with Him. But let's not forget what that felt like because it will help us relate to why people act the way they do. Then you ask God to give you His eyes of compassion to see them with.
This is not my statement, and it probably isn't going to be the first time you have heard it, but it's very true... "Hurt people, hurt people and healed people help heal people." At one time or another you were that hurting person who didn't know how to react to unexpected kindness, but then you found God....and now it is your turn to be the unexpected kindness that someone else finds in their day today.
God, thank You for Your healing. It is what allows our hearts to become whole again. Help us go out of our way to be what someone else needs today. Holy Spirit be alive in us and teach us how to be kind to those around us, not for the reaction that we might get out of them, but so we can plant seeds and represent Christ in a way that brings Him honor and glory. In Jesus name, Amen
A verse that comes to my mind when I think about how God would want us to be kind to anyone that crosses out path is Ephesians 4:32. The first part of it states "You must be kind to each other. Think of the other person...". In fact the entire second half of Ephesians 4 is a good read on how we are expected to act as we claim to represent Christ. If there is anything the stands out more to a person who is not in a relationship with Jesus, it's when someone who claims to love Jesus is just not pleasant to be around. I mean, how can you claim to be in a close relationship with the one is all about love when you don't even seem to know how to smile at someone, or even act like you like other people, let alone love them?
Our tiny actions can make such a difference in the lives of people each and every day, and they can also open doors of opportunity for us to share the gospel with them. But the first step is always going to be allowing God to show you how to be kind to others in all situations. When God is able to do this He'll be able to grow you as well. There is nothing like being able to overcome a situation you are in so you can reach out and be there for someone else. And that is not to say that we are not allowed to have bad days, of course we are. But this is when we lean on the believers around us and lift each other up. It's another important reason to be included in a body of believers, so you too will have someone there when you need them.
The thing that I really feel like God wants us to get is this; Are you capable of using what God has put in you to show love to others in this lost world...all the time, not just when you "feel" like it? Some days it can be quite challenging. We run into people who are rude, self consumed and sometimes just mean, but this is when we also have the chance to see them as lost, possibly hurting and going through things we have no idea about. We can sometimes so easily forget that one of the reasons the people around us act the way they do is because they are going through things without God, and we are going through things with Him. But let's not forget what that felt like because it will help us relate to why people act the way they do. Then you ask God to give you His eyes of compassion to see them with.
This is not my statement, and it probably isn't going to be the first time you have heard it, but it's very true... "Hurt people, hurt people and healed people help heal people." At one time or another you were that hurting person who didn't know how to react to unexpected kindness, but then you found God....and now it is your turn to be the unexpected kindness that someone else finds in their day today.
God, thank You for Your healing. It is what allows our hearts to become whole again. Help us go out of our way to be what someone else needs today. Holy Spirit be alive in us and teach us how to be kind to those around us, not for the reaction that we might get out of them, but so we can plant seeds and represent Christ in a way that brings Him honor and glory. In Jesus name, Amen
Monday, October 19, 2015
Don't Allow Your Own Mind To Be Your Biggest Stumbling Block
There are so many things pulling at us throughout our day, our week and our life. Some things require our attention, and some things just want our attention. It is very important to know the difference between the two. Some things are building up your life and some things want to either hold you where you are....or take you in the wrong direction. The best way to always know the difference is to allow God to direct you...even in your thoughts. When you begin to direct yourself and allow your own mind (or flesh) to make decisions without involving God, you have entered into a very dangerous place. And one of the things the enemy does to us the most is to use our own minds against us, and then use our pride, or stubbornness, or even fleshly desires to justify those thoughts and choices.
Nothing breaks my heart worse then ministering to someone who just flat out refuses to see the truth. God could be standing in front of them waving a huge flag to get their attention, but in their own mind they will be questioning if God is real, or questioning His love for them, or questioning if they can trust Him. It's so hard to see too....it really breaks my heart. Their heart will believe everything God's Word says about who He is, who Jesus is, all that Jesus did for them....but then their next sentence will be something like "but I'm just not sure if I trust the places God wants to take me, or the things He is asking me to do. I'm just need more from Him before I'm ready to go "all in" for Him". I know a few times when I've been ministering to people, and I've heard statements like this, my jaw has hit the floor. I have literally said "so Jesus dying for you was not enough...you need more?". I know that might have sounded a little harsh in the moment, but it was the only words I could muster up at that time. I just couldn't imagine standing before God some day and saying "I know You gave Your son for me, and You tried to guide and direct every foot step I took...but couldn't You have done something a little bigger for me to really show Yourself?". But I literally meet people everyday who feel like God owes them something. Where does this thought come from? It comes from a mind that is being bombarded by thoughts from the enemy. The enemy has done his best to convince the world that IF there was a God, He would do more for you. He would not allow the suffering that goes on....and He certainly wouldn't allow you to suffer. And isn't that just like satan, the one who causes heartache and trouble, to then turn and say "where's your God now?". And it is in that moment where we must battle the thoughts of doubt and come to the realization that we live in a very lost and corrupted world, and the things that go on in it are not a reflection of who God is....but the good that can still be found in this corrupt place IS. The mere fact that God can still change the heart of men and women who live in this corrupt place, and create good out of negative and bad situations, is amazing!
The enemy battles for a place in our mind. If he can get us to think it, then there is a good chance that he can get us to do it....and he knows that. Battle him back for your thoughts by calling on Jesus, not rejecting Him. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says "We break down every thought and proud thing that puts itself up against the wisdom of God. We take hold of every thought and make it obey Christ." YOU have the power to call every thought that runs through your mind to be obedient to Jesus. And just us having that knowledge sends fear through the enemy's camp. Of course it is a choice. God will allow you to act on your own free will right up until the moment you take your last breath. Then from that moment on free will no longer exists. Judgement for your choices, actions and thoughts will be the very next thing you face. And I don't know about you, but I want to be able to stand before Him and KNOW that from the moment I came into a relationship with Him I stopped playing games and I surrendered my thoughts, my choices and my actions to Him. And I chased after His good and perfect will for my life.
As for God, His way is perfect. The Word of the Lord is proven true. He is a covering to all who go to Him to be safe. “For who is God, but the Lord? Who is a Rock, except our God? God is my strong place. He has made my way safe. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer. He sets me safe on high places. 2 Samuel 22:31-34
Nothing breaks my heart worse then ministering to someone who just flat out refuses to see the truth. God could be standing in front of them waving a huge flag to get their attention, but in their own mind they will be questioning if God is real, or questioning His love for them, or questioning if they can trust Him. It's so hard to see too....it really breaks my heart. Their heart will believe everything God's Word says about who He is, who Jesus is, all that Jesus did for them....but then their next sentence will be something like "but I'm just not sure if I trust the places God wants to take me, or the things He is asking me to do. I'm just need more from Him before I'm ready to go "all in" for Him". I know a few times when I've been ministering to people, and I've heard statements like this, my jaw has hit the floor. I have literally said "so Jesus dying for you was not enough...you need more?". I know that might have sounded a little harsh in the moment, but it was the only words I could muster up at that time. I just couldn't imagine standing before God some day and saying "I know You gave Your son for me, and You tried to guide and direct every foot step I took...but couldn't You have done something a little bigger for me to really show Yourself?". But I literally meet people everyday who feel like God owes them something. Where does this thought come from? It comes from a mind that is being bombarded by thoughts from the enemy. The enemy has done his best to convince the world that IF there was a God, He would do more for you. He would not allow the suffering that goes on....and He certainly wouldn't allow you to suffer. And isn't that just like satan, the one who causes heartache and trouble, to then turn and say "where's your God now?". And it is in that moment where we must battle the thoughts of doubt and come to the realization that we live in a very lost and corrupted world, and the things that go on in it are not a reflection of who God is....but the good that can still be found in this corrupt place IS. The mere fact that God can still change the heart of men and women who live in this corrupt place, and create good out of negative and bad situations, is amazing!
The enemy battles for a place in our mind. If he can get us to think it, then there is a good chance that he can get us to do it....and he knows that. Battle him back for your thoughts by calling on Jesus, not rejecting Him. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says "We break down every thought and proud thing that puts itself up against the wisdom of God. We take hold of every thought and make it obey Christ." YOU have the power to call every thought that runs through your mind to be obedient to Jesus. And just us having that knowledge sends fear through the enemy's camp. Of course it is a choice. God will allow you to act on your own free will right up until the moment you take your last breath. Then from that moment on free will no longer exists. Judgement for your choices, actions and thoughts will be the very next thing you face. And I don't know about you, but I want to be able to stand before Him and KNOW that from the moment I came into a relationship with Him I stopped playing games and I surrendered my thoughts, my choices and my actions to Him. And I chased after His good and perfect will for my life.
As for God, His way is perfect. The Word of the Lord is proven true. He is a covering to all who go to Him to be safe. “For who is God, but the Lord? Who is a Rock, except our God? God is my strong place. He has made my way safe. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer. He sets me safe on high places. 2 Samuel 22:31-34
God, thank You that Your ways and Your thoughts are perfect. Holy Spirit help us battle the thoughts that the world and the enemy tries to put in us and KNOW that when we submit it all to You, You will help us and see us through to the end. In Jesus name, Amen
Friday, October 16, 2015
Finding Joy...Not Chasing Happiness
Nothing defeats the enemy more than JOY! I wanted to start this blog with a sentence that could stick with you throughout the day. Nothing defeats the enemy more than joy. Simple, yet profound thought. Why? Because it is a choice to either hand him over your joy, or refuse to let him take it from you. Each and ever day, from the moment you step out of bed, the enemy wants to steal something from you....your joy. He knows that with the joy you receive from having Jesus as your Lord and Savior you are a dangerous weapon to him and everything he is trying to accomplish. However, the moment he can rob you from that joy he has rendered you ineffective to your calling today. He may only get 1 day or even 1 hour of from you, but that is 1 day or 1 hour that might be worth holding onto, and walking in your joy may have been the most important thing to do.
It truly is a choice to decide to let him rob you of your joy. And in today's world we have HUGE misconception between joy and happiness. It seems like everywhere you turn anymore you are seeing people tell others "oh, just do what makes you happy". Do you know how dangerous of statement that is? Even the idea of living in that kind of carelessness is scary. And sadly enough it has become they way of thinking for an entire generation. The idea of consequences, or structure, or boundaries, or even living wise has almost gone out the window. This ideology of "if it feels good, do it" has swept over our nation in ways that are shocking if you step back and really take a look. And now not only do we have kids that are thinking this way, but we have an entire generation of parents who are promoting this thinking. And that is even more scary. We have parents who are saying things like "oh I don't want my child to miss out on things in life" or "I just want him or her to be happy" or "I just need to let them do what they want and find their own way in life"....WHAT? What happen to the generation of parents who were set out to make sure their kids learn good strong morals and values. Raising kids who understood the respect for boundaries and why they were so important. And teaching our kids the consequences of chasing happiness? What may "seem" to make you happy today could come with great consequences tomorrow...remember that!
So what is the difference between joy and happiness...aren't they the same thing? I found it interesting when looked up the world's definition for both because what I found is that the word happiness was found in the definition of the word joy.....but the word joy was not found in the definition of the word happy. What is my point in that? That when you have joy, happiness will be found. But when you only have happiness...you may not really have joy. Joy is listed as one of the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22). And in Romans 15:13 it says "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit". Joy is something you are filled with, something God gives you. It is not situational or based on circumstances. It is something that He puts in you and it must be taken out of you in order to lose it. Happiness however, happiness is completely situational and circumstantial. You may be happy in the moment, and the second you get bad news or your circumstances change...it can be gone in an instant. But joy... joy and peace from God can carry you through many tough times....trust me, I know.
God's Word is full of scriptures about the joy of The Lord. Being filled with joy. How no one can take the joy that comes from God away from you. Joy and peace are things that only God can sustain in you. And when you find true joy in God, happiness will be a by product of that. Don't be fooled by the world into thinking you have to chase after the things that make you happy. As soon as one thing "makes you happy", you will find yourself chasing something else because that kind of happiness can only last so long. But if you allow God to lead you down the path He has designed for you, then the joy that you find in that will be in you and be seen by others.
God, thank You that You are the source of our joy. You can fill us with an everlasting joy that is renewed by You daily. Please help those who are deceived into believing that doing what makes them happy is the way to go. And may Your truth break up the lies and open the eyes, ears and hearts of those how have been chasing after the happiness that this world has to offer. In Jesus name, Amen
It truly is a choice to decide to let him rob you of your joy. And in today's world we have HUGE misconception between joy and happiness. It seems like everywhere you turn anymore you are seeing people tell others "oh, just do what makes you happy". Do you know how dangerous of statement that is? Even the idea of living in that kind of carelessness is scary. And sadly enough it has become they way of thinking for an entire generation. The idea of consequences, or structure, or boundaries, or even living wise has almost gone out the window. This ideology of "if it feels good, do it" has swept over our nation in ways that are shocking if you step back and really take a look. And now not only do we have kids that are thinking this way, but we have an entire generation of parents who are promoting this thinking. And that is even more scary. We have parents who are saying things like "oh I don't want my child to miss out on things in life" or "I just want him or her to be happy" or "I just need to let them do what they want and find their own way in life"....WHAT? What happen to the generation of parents who were set out to make sure their kids learn good strong morals and values. Raising kids who understood the respect for boundaries and why they were so important. And teaching our kids the consequences of chasing happiness? What may "seem" to make you happy today could come with great consequences tomorrow...remember that!
So what is the difference between joy and happiness...aren't they the same thing? I found it interesting when looked up the world's definition for both because what I found is that the word happiness was found in the definition of the word joy.....but the word joy was not found in the definition of the word happy. What is my point in that? That when you have joy, happiness will be found. But when you only have happiness...you may not really have joy. Joy is listed as one of the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22). And in Romans 15:13 it says "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit". Joy is something you are filled with, something God gives you. It is not situational or based on circumstances. It is something that He puts in you and it must be taken out of you in order to lose it. Happiness however, happiness is completely situational and circumstantial. You may be happy in the moment, and the second you get bad news or your circumstances change...it can be gone in an instant. But joy... joy and peace from God can carry you through many tough times....trust me, I know.
God's Word is full of scriptures about the joy of The Lord. Being filled with joy. How no one can take the joy that comes from God away from you. Joy and peace are things that only God can sustain in you. And when you find true joy in God, happiness will be a by product of that. Don't be fooled by the world into thinking you have to chase after the things that make you happy. As soon as one thing "makes you happy", you will find yourself chasing something else because that kind of happiness can only last so long. But if you allow God to lead you down the path He has designed for you, then the joy that you find in that will be in you and be seen by others.
God, thank You that You are the source of our joy. You can fill us with an everlasting joy that is renewed by You daily. Please help those who are deceived into believing that doing what makes them happy is the way to go. And may Your truth break up the lies and open the eyes, ears and hearts of those how have been chasing after the happiness that this world has to offer. In Jesus name, Amen
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Meditate On These Things
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever thingsare just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever thingsare just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:4-9
The mind is a powerful thing. When it is being led by God it can produce such good things. And when it being led by anything other than God it can lead us down paths that we never dreamed we would go down. I know I'm not the first person in history to look back a path I've gone down at one point in my life and think "how did I get here?". I got there because I let my mind go there first, then my life followed. What we allow our minds to meditate on is what our lives will reflect. We can sometimes put up a pretty good show for everyone around us, but when our thoughts are not in alignment with God it will eventually show. He is the one being we can not hide our thoughts from. And in love He will send the Holy Spirit to correct and direct us, but He will not force anything on us. If we don't allow room for correction and direction then He will lovingly take His hands off and let you take control of your own life. And one of the most dangerous places we can ever be is when we think that we can do better by controlling our life instead of surrendering control to Him.
To meditate on something is simply to think deeply about it. And if you are truly honest with yourself, then you already know when you are meditating on the wrong things, and when you are meditating on the right things. We hear a lot about how we have to have the things in our life in the right priority, but I would challenge you to start that in your thoughts first. When you are not even meditating on things in the right priority, then you certainly will not have them in the right priority in your natural life. The fruit our lives produce starts by the thoughts our minds produce. And according to Matthew 12:33, our lives are going to produce the kind of fruit that represents where we really are with Jesus. I promise you that when you are spending time with Him in your secret place, filling your minds with the things from God's Word, chasing after His will for you life...then the thoughts that come from that will produce a life full of Godly fruit.
Even Jesus had to step away from the scene and spend alone time with God to keep His mind focused on the task before Him. If Jesus, the Son of God, had to do this, then we must realize how much more important it is for us. And when the enemy came to attack Jesus during His 40 day fast what did He try to do...he tried to tempt Jesus by challenging Him in His thoughts. And Jesus battled this by having a mind full of scripture that He was able to throw right back at satan. Jesus had a mind that was prepared for the moment. And He obtained this by meditating on it ahead of time...making Him ready on the day of battle. (Matthew 4:1-11)
It is never to late for change. As long as you still have a breath in your lungs it's never to late to come to God for the first time, or come back to God again. It starts with a prayer of surrender and a transformation of the mind. (Romans 12:12) He desires us to surrender our heart and our mind to Him. He knows it will take both to really live a life for Him. Romans 8:6 says "For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace". Today, choose peace and defeat the enemy that battles for your thoughts. Through Christ is can be done!
God, thank You that You help us with anything and everything we bring to You. Today, please help those battle their thoughts. Holy Spirit give them the strength needed to overcome and seek the things that will produce good fruit in their lives. And let all of those who have overcome share their stories to increase the faith of those who need to hear it. In Jesus name, Amen
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
A Love Worth Dying For
Who do you love enough that you would give your life for? Of course our children are probably the first people that come to our mind....our parents, brothers, sisters, spouses...all the people we feel the closest too perhaps? Love is a strong emotion that would allow us to give our very life to save another if we had to. But even our love has a limit. I mean, would you die for your neighbor....or the person you see at the store a few times a week? What about an old friend from school? And then lastly, would you give your own life to save the life of a stranger?
The reason I bring this up is because today God really put love on my heart. If you have fallen in love then you know the feelings that love can create in your heart. If you have close family, then you know the feeling of love that family brings to you. If you have close friends, then you know that even that is a different kind of love. To us, we have degrees of love, and as we step further down our "ladder of love" in our life, the degree in which we would express that love changes. However, could you imagine if it didn't. What if there was no such thing as "degrees of love" and the love you felt for your child was the exact same kind of love you felt for every other person you ever met. Hard to imagine huh? Now take that very thought and put a name to it....It's God. The very idea that God loves you as much as He does me...as much as He does your neighbor...as much as He does the criminal in sitting in a prison somewhere....His love has no end, no limit. Now take my first question and think about it again. We tend to show love based on how we are loved back, but what if we didn't. Would you die for someone who didn't even love you back....or didn't even claim to like you? Would you allow the life of your child to be taken to save the life of that person? Again, this is God. Imagine a love so strong, a love so perfect, a love so deep that you would die, or allow your child to die, for someone who didn't even recognize your existence. For someone who didn't even care that you did this for them.....And this is the world we live in. God the Father sent His son Jesus to die for us just to open the opportunity for us to love Him back...knowing there would be some that wouldn't. I don't know about you, but I can't even wrap my head around a love like that.
Today as you move through your day, if you feel alone, if you feel like your not loved in a way that you would like to be, or if you even feel a sense of disconnect....stop and think about the love that is being offered to you. Jesus felt real pain, Jesus died a real death...And on the day that this took place, YOU were on His mind. If you have ever doubted that then please know that is nothing more than the enemy. The last thing satan wants you to realize is how much you are actually loved. He knows the danger to his existence if this world could actually realize how much God loves them. And today that could start with you! The moment that kind of love sinks in....it also comes out of you. You will begin to see others the way God sees them... and their pain will become more real to you...their need for Him will become more real to you.....and your ability to show them HIS love will become more real to you. Each and every person that crosses your path today was worth dying for to God.....just as much as you and I were.
I want to leave you with 3 powerful pieces of scripture as you allow the message of love to sink in today:
John 15:13 - Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
1 Corinthians 16:14 - Let all that you do be done with love.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 - Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails...
Redefine love in your life today. Not as the world would define it, but as God would.
God, thank You for Your love. There has been and never will be anything like that love You offer to us. Today, allow the message of Your love to sink deep into our hearts and be reflected to every person we meet. Heal broken hearts, mend broken relationships and restore people to the wholeness that you created them to be.....all through love. In Jesus name, Amen
The reason I bring this up is because today God really put love on my heart. If you have fallen in love then you know the feelings that love can create in your heart. If you have close family, then you know the feeling of love that family brings to you. If you have close friends, then you know that even that is a different kind of love. To us, we have degrees of love, and as we step further down our "ladder of love" in our life, the degree in which we would express that love changes. However, could you imagine if it didn't. What if there was no such thing as "degrees of love" and the love you felt for your child was the exact same kind of love you felt for every other person you ever met. Hard to imagine huh? Now take that very thought and put a name to it....It's God. The very idea that God loves you as much as He does me...as much as He does your neighbor...as much as He does the criminal in sitting in a prison somewhere....His love has no end, no limit. Now take my first question and think about it again. We tend to show love based on how we are loved back, but what if we didn't. Would you die for someone who didn't even love you back....or didn't even claim to like you? Would you allow the life of your child to be taken to save the life of that person? Again, this is God. Imagine a love so strong, a love so perfect, a love so deep that you would die, or allow your child to die, for someone who didn't even recognize your existence. For someone who didn't even care that you did this for them.....And this is the world we live in. God the Father sent His son Jesus to die for us just to open the opportunity for us to love Him back...knowing there would be some that wouldn't. I don't know about you, but I can't even wrap my head around a love like that.
Today as you move through your day, if you feel alone, if you feel like your not loved in a way that you would like to be, or if you even feel a sense of disconnect....stop and think about the love that is being offered to you. Jesus felt real pain, Jesus died a real death...And on the day that this took place, YOU were on His mind. If you have ever doubted that then please know that is nothing more than the enemy. The last thing satan wants you to realize is how much you are actually loved. He knows the danger to his existence if this world could actually realize how much God loves them. And today that could start with you! The moment that kind of love sinks in....it also comes out of you. You will begin to see others the way God sees them... and their pain will become more real to you...their need for Him will become more real to you.....and your ability to show them HIS love will become more real to you. Each and every person that crosses your path today was worth dying for to God.....just as much as you and I were.
I want to leave you with 3 powerful pieces of scripture as you allow the message of love to sink in today:
John 15:13 - Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
1 Corinthians 16:14 - Let all that you do be done with love.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 - Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails...
Redefine love in your life today. Not as the world would define it, but as God would.
God, thank You for Your love. There has been and never will be anything like that love You offer to us. Today, allow the message of Your love to sink deep into our hearts and be reflected to every person we meet. Heal broken hearts, mend broken relationships and restore people to the wholeness that you created them to be.....all through love. In Jesus name, Amen
Monday, October 12, 2015
Past The Point Of Fear
In our physical lives there things we won't do because we know our limits. Most of the time those limits come from a very natural reaction to fear. Fear in our natural life can be a God given thing to keep us safe. It is the thing that says "you're going to fast", or "you're too high up", or "this doesn't seem safe to try". We tell ourselves these things all the time to keep ourselves out of danger, and most of the time we are kept safe because a very natural sense of fear kicks in as our "early warning system". But then if you watch any extreme sports you will see men and woman do things that just seem like they don't have a fear at all. They break speed records, do things at unheard of heights, walk across things like a tight rope, and push their body past crazy limits that most people wouldn't even attempt. And time after time I have watched interviews with the people who are the best at the sports and heard this question asked again and again, "How do you do what you do? Do you have no fear?". And most of the time the answer is not "yep, I have no fear", but instead it's "I have learned how to overcome, or go past the limits of my fear". It's actually pretty amazing to see too, when someone just goes all out and leaves their fear behind them.
Now we take that same topic and we look at the spiritual, psychological and emotional sides of humans. Again, we all have fear in one area or another. And those fears, which can keep us safe in the natural world, can almost become debilitating in these areas of our life. God didn't create the fear that lives within us that shuts us down emotionally, spiritually or psychologically. Almost 100% of the time they were created by some circumstance that didn't involve God at all. A situation, or even another person, can create fears in us that cause us to build up walls and shut people or even God Himself out. And this fear is a fear that was created by the enemy. From as far back as Adam and Eve this fear has existed. Adam and Eve did not fear God until sin came into the picture. It was a situation that didn't involve God, and went directly against God, that caused them to experience fear for the first time. And that fear (and shame) caused them to attempt to hide from God (or put up a wall between them and Him). And that same fear today will cause us to hide from all kinds of things. There is so much that God wants us to experience that we can miss out on simply due to fear. For some it may be a healthy loving relationship with their spouse. For others it may be trusting someone like a friend or a loved one. For someone else it may be reaching out and having the courage to do God's work. The list truly goes on and on of the things that we can miss out on simply due to fear. The things that we fear in these situations are never of God. They are things like rejection, abandonment, being mistreated, having our trust abused and so on...all the works of the enemy. But God supplies us with ways to combat this fear all throughout His Word. And He promises that IF we rely on Him, He will will supply what we need to get past fear. And just like the people in extreme sports, you will be able to overcome and get past the fears that stop you.
When I look back over bible history and I think of how much history would have been majorly altered if certain people didn't step out past the point of fear and obey God, it is pretty overwhelming. Abraham would not have taken his son up on the mountain and found out how much he really could trust God, Moses would not have come up against Pharaoh and set an entire population of people free, David would not have slain Goliath and became the man that he did, Jesus would not have gone to the cross and faced death head on, and the disciples would not have continued to preach the word after Jesus left the earth and helped build the Christian faith we have today. All of these things took place because of men and woman trusted God past their point of fear and accomplished great things. And no matter what you are facing in your life, you can do the same thing! Figuring our what fears the enemy has put in you, and trusting God to help you overcome them, will be by far one of the best decisions you will ever make in your life. If there is any verse I could leave you with that should bring you peace in ANY situation, it is Isaiah 41:10... "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand".
For more on fear please see the following scriptures: 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 John 4:18, Psalms 23:1-6, Psalms 34:4, Proverbs 29:25, Philippines 4:6, Psalms 56:3-4, Romans 8:15, Joshua 1:9, Romans 8:38-39
God, thank You that Your Word addresses our fears. Today help those who have allowed fear to rule over them and stop them to put fear in it's place! Show them that Jesus Christ has defeated the enemy and through Him we have the authority and ability to defeat the enemy and the fear he is using to stop us from being all that You created us to be. Please help those who are missing out on the fullness of love, life and doing Your work due to fear...help them be overcomers today, and step out past their fears. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Times Change...God Does Not
At the age of 41 I have already seen so much change in my life. I've seen technology come into the picture during my life, and then watched it just take off. I've watched things that used to take forever become so quick and so easy. I've watched the ability to keep in touch go from a letter in the mail, to a face to face video phone call with someone on the other side of the world. It's all pretty amazing stuff and I appreciate how much technology has advanced out lives. However, we have to be careful that because we watch technology change our lives, that we don't become demanding and expecting from God the way we do technology. We've gotten the point in our society that if something takes 1 minute and we feel like it should have only taken 30 seconds, then we get upset about it. As much of a fan as I am of technology, I don't ever want to cause me to have unreal expectations from God. My prayers to Him cannot be like an email that I send off and expect an answer NOW. My praises to Him can't be like checking Facebook, just something a do for a few minutes throughout the day. My time in the Word can't be like checking my Instagram, where I just skim through it for a few minutes and then I'm done. God deserves our undivided attention. We cannot forget the words in Psalms 145:3, which says "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable". He is worthy and deserving of more than we give to anything else.
God's Word tells us that God's timing is always perfect. (Psalms 27:41, Ecclesiastes 8:6, Proverbs 3:5-6) And by perfect it means it cannot be rushed, we cannot grow weary while we wait and we must trust Him. Just because our world has changed and become so rushed, demanding and impatient, it doesn't mean that God now moves faster than He ever has because He needs to keep up with the changing times. He is who He has always been and He will do things the way He has always done them. It is the number one thing that establishes trust between us and God, simply waiting and believing on Him and in Him.
Again, let me say that I love technology. I work in it for a living every day of my life. I love the fact that I can have my bible right on my phone and I can pull it out to reference or read any time I want. But again, this can't become my "time with God". We can become so accustom to squeezing things in like checking our emails, Facebook, iMessages, Twitter feeds, Instagram or whatever when we "have time" that if we are not careful we will find that we are doing the same thing to God...just squeezing Him in when we have time. God wants us to take time to be with Him....make time to be with Him...and then trust Him enough that we wait on His perfect timing when He is moving in our lives. And please always remember, the more you are where He wants you to be in your life, the more you are giving Him the ability to move freely in your life. You can't give Him little and expect much. It just doesn't work that way.
God, thank You that You have given us such intelligence to create the technology around us. We give you all the honor and the glory for what You have allowed man to create. Please help us to alway use it for good, but also not to let it change our time with You, our devotion to You, or our expectations from You. You are God and You do not just deserve a "place" in our life, You deserve ALL of our life. Correct us today in the areas where we need it and guide us to the exact place that You want us. In Jesus name, Amen
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Being Spiritually Sick
I've been under the weather for a few days now, and as I have been struggling to find things to help me feel better, it has really made me think about how we can become "spiritually under the weather" too... and how we might look for a quick fix when this happens.
When we become physically sick, a lot of the time, not all the time, we look at what we are not getting enough of and then we all the sudden add this to our bodies as fast as we can. We take extra vitamin C, or we drink tea with antioxidants in it, or we blast our bodies with other vitamins and such that we don't normally take. And so many times I've heard things like.."well if you would have been taking that stuff all along then you immune system would be stronger and you wouldn't have gotten sick", and I'll admit there is probably a lot of truth to that... So there is also a lot of truth to this is our spiritual life as well. Sometimes we get on a good streak in our spiritual life where all we are firing on all cylinders with God. We are hitting our devotionals every day, we are making time to pray and spend time with Him, and we are getting to everything that's going on at church. But then over time, little by little, we begin to slip a little here and slip a little there. And before you know it you don't have the constancy in your life that you once had. But where we can become very foolish is by thinking that the enemy doesn't see what's going on in our life too. He sees that we are becoming spiritually weak, even when we refuse to see it. And it's in these moments that he will hit you with something out of the ordinary just to see if he can get you to trip or fall. Maybe something comes along and really tests your patience, or maybe a new temptation comes your way, or even worse, an old one that you really thought would never be an issue again. Or this can be the time that he delivers a hardship into your life to see if he can get you to blame God and just give up. What is going on when this happens?...You are spiritually sick. And just like when you are physically sick, there is not a magical quick fix. The physical body will need to build it's immune system back up and become strong again so it can kick this thing that is attacking it....and the the spiritual body will need to do the same thing. You WILL need to bring things back into your spiritual life to build up your spirit man and be able to face the things the enemy is hitting you with. You'll need to build your faith back up as well. Remember, in times like this, it's not God who has moved, it is us. And you may need to take a good hard look at your daily routines to see what you have let slide away, or what things you have allowed to slide in. If you are like me, then you never really appreciate how healthy you were until you get sick. When you feel run down you just want to feel 100% again. And when you are not at 100% with God you will know it too. Sometimes we want to go into denial and say we're fine, but the best thing you can do is admit to yourself that you aren't, and then do what it takes to get back. Denial of the truth just leaves room for satan to slip in. Just like denying you are physically sick just leaves room to get even more sick. It's just now worth it!
Please know that the things I'm talking about are not "works" simply for the sake of works. That will not strengthen your spirit. I am talking about getting back to a place with God. A place where the heart desires and longs for the good things you once had in place in your life. 1 Samuel 16:7 says "...For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart". God always knows the status of our heart. Even if you are trying with everything that is in your to keep up your good works, God knows when the heart has grown distant from Him. Don't find out that you are growing distant by allowing the enemy room to move in. Instead let the Holy Spirit point out your weaknesses, and then do what it takes to regain your spiritual health again.
God, thank You that you are so patient with us. We do go through ups and downs with you. We climb to the mountain and then slide back down in the valley. But You are always with us. Help us to hear when the Holy Spirit is warning us that we are slipping away from you and help us to welcome your correction and direction so we can maintain a good spiritual health with You. In Jesus name, Amen
When we become physically sick, a lot of the time, not all the time, we look at what we are not getting enough of and then we all the sudden add this to our bodies as fast as we can. We take extra vitamin C, or we drink tea with antioxidants in it, or we blast our bodies with other vitamins and such that we don't normally take. And so many times I've heard things like.."well if you would have been taking that stuff all along then you immune system would be stronger and you wouldn't have gotten sick", and I'll admit there is probably a lot of truth to that... So there is also a lot of truth to this is our spiritual life as well. Sometimes we get on a good streak in our spiritual life where all we are firing on all cylinders with God. We are hitting our devotionals every day, we are making time to pray and spend time with Him, and we are getting to everything that's going on at church. But then over time, little by little, we begin to slip a little here and slip a little there. And before you know it you don't have the constancy in your life that you once had. But where we can become very foolish is by thinking that the enemy doesn't see what's going on in our life too. He sees that we are becoming spiritually weak, even when we refuse to see it. And it's in these moments that he will hit you with something out of the ordinary just to see if he can get you to trip or fall. Maybe something comes along and really tests your patience, or maybe a new temptation comes your way, or even worse, an old one that you really thought would never be an issue again. Or this can be the time that he delivers a hardship into your life to see if he can get you to blame God and just give up. What is going on when this happens?...You are spiritually sick. And just like when you are physically sick, there is not a magical quick fix. The physical body will need to build it's immune system back up and become strong again so it can kick this thing that is attacking it....and the the spiritual body will need to do the same thing. You WILL need to bring things back into your spiritual life to build up your spirit man and be able to face the things the enemy is hitting you with. You'll need to build your faith back up as well. Remember, in times like this, it's not God who has moved, it is us. And you may need to take a good hard look at your daily routines to see what you have let slide away, or what things you have allowed to slide in. If you are like me, then you never really appreciate how healthy you were until you get sick. When you feel run down you just want to feel 100% again. And when you are not at 100% with God you will know it too. Sometimes we want to go into denial and say we're fine, but the best thing you can do is admit to yourself that you aren't, and then do what it takes to get back. Denial of the truth just leaves room for satan to slip in. Just like denying you are physically sick just leaves room to get even more sick. It's just now worth it!
Please know that the things I'm talking about are not "works" simply for the sake of works. That will not strengthen your spirit. I am talking about getting back to a place with God. A place where the heart desires and longs for the good things you once had in place in your life. 1 Samuel 16:7 says "...For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart". God always knows the status of our heart. Even if you are trying with everything that is in your to keep up your good works, God knows when the heart has grown distant from Him. Don't find out that you are growing distant by allowing the enemy room to move in. Instead let the Holy Spirit point out your weaknesses, and then do what it takes to regain your spiritual health again.
God, thank You that you are so patient with us. We do go through ups and downs with you. We climb to the mountain and then slide back down in the valley. But You are always with us. Help us to hear when the Holy Spirit is warning us that we are slipping away from you and help us to welcome your correction and direction so we can maintain a good spiritual health with You. In Jesus name, Amen
Monday, October 5, 2015
The Answer To The Call
It's in our darkest hour it seems
That You are always near
You hear our words before they're prayed
And calm our every fear
When the enemy comes at us
To remind us of our past
You wrap Your arms around us
With a love and hope that lasts
You remind us who we are
Since we've come to You
And You remind of whose we are
We're bought and paid for too
You remind us of the blood of Christ
Spilt out for our sins
You remind us who defeated death
And rose up once again
You remind us who holds the power
And where our strength comes from
You remind of our Risen King
The One that You call Son
You remind us that You sent Him
To this broken, sin filled place
So instead of dying to our sins
We'd be washed pure by Your grace
So when satan comes to fight us
Through temptation, guilt or shame
It's in Your name we will find rest
When we don't give into him
So, thank You for Your promise
Thank You for Your word
We stand upon it now
Hoping to be heard
We speak of hope, joy, peace and love
We preach it out to all
And show them what You've done for us
Because You answer when we call
That You are always near
You hear our words before they're prayed
And calm our every fear
When the enemy comes at us
To remind us of our past
You wrap Your arms around us
With a love and hope that lasts
You remind us who we are
Since we've come to You
And You remind of whose we are
We're bought and paid for too
You remind us of the blood of Christ
Spilt out for our sins
You remind us who defeated death
And rose up once again
You remind us who holds the power
And where our strength comes from
You remind of our Risen King
The One that You call Son
You remind us that You sent Him
To this broken, sin filled place
So instead of dying to our sins
We'd be washed pure by Your grace
So when satan comes to fight us
Through temptation, guilt or shame
It's in Your name we will find rest
When we don't give into him
So, thank You for Your promise
Thank You for Your word
We stand upon it now
Hoping to be heard
We speak of hope, joy, peace and love
We preach it out to all
And show them what You've done for us
Because You answer when we call
Friday, October 2, 2015
Don't Play Hide & Seek
There have been periods of time in my life when my life was not where it should have been with God. I am humble enough to admit that to anyone reading this because I have already admitted it to God. And even though that has been dealt with, the memories (not guilt and shame...just memories) of what it felt like to be distant from Him are still there. This isn't something that I hope goes away any time soon either. There is much to be learned by remembering what life felt like when I wasn't this close to God. But the one thing I will never forget is the games I was playing with God. Going to church each Sunday, but hiding from Him at the same time. A game many people play when it comes to their relationship with Him if they have un-dealt-with sin in their life.
The game of "hide and seek" with God isn't something new. It started with Adam and Eve and has been a problem for us (people) since then. It's what happens when the enemy tries to convince us of a few different things. One, that whatever sin is in our life it's "too big" for God to forgive...and even if He did, He certainly would make you live with guilt or consequences for sinning against Him. Two, the sin in your life is worth holding on to..it's not "hurting" anyone, so why should you have to give it up? Or three, you are already messed up in this thing now, so it would be impossible to get back to a good place with God now. You couldn't possibly be usable by God anymore. Lies, lies and more lies. Satan is the master of lies and it is the thing that he pumps into our heads ever day. When Adam and Eve sinned the bible tells us in Genesis 3:9-10, "Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he (Adam) said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”". And this is the game we play. The enemy says "you're no good", so we believe or even partially believe this. Then God comes looking for us because He can see we are not where we used to be. Then we hide our face from Him in shame. But what we fail to release...and I'm sorry for how blunt this is....but what we fail to realize is that each time we go through this cycle we put Jesus back on the cross again. WE hang Him there. Why do I say this?...because the very sin you are involved in, the very sin that is making you hide (spiritually or physically) from God, is the very sin that Jesus already dealt with on the cross. He already died and paid the penalty for it so you don't have to pay it. And that is the truth we forget.....we don't have to, but we will allow ourselves to. Any sin left un-dealt-with is NOT good. In order for God to forgive it He needs you to humble yourself and come to Him. What He can do in that very moment words almost can't explain. At a time when you expect to feel condemnation, guilt, shame, regret.....He has an amazing way of making you feel loved, sought after, forgiven, set free and delivered.
We have to see that God sending Jesus to the cross was a lot like a parent sitting down and putting their arm around their child as they discuss the wrong that was done. This is one of those times that the parent knows the lesson here is WAY bigger and more necessary than the punishment. So the parent explains through love why that wasn't good for the child and relationship grows stronger. But the child also understands that the ONLY reason it was able to be dealt with this way is because the child faced the parent ready to get it all out and have it be dealt with. Getting to this place with God is critical. We have to allow Him to deal with everything in our life. We can't hide from Him...and we can't hide things from Him. And even though we know He is all knowing, the enemy still has a way of convincing us we are actually hiding something from Him. I know, because this was my life for many years. But now instead of playing "hide and seek" with God, I know when I mess up and I seek Him first. And when He wraps His arm around me and offers me correction and forgiveness, I feel loved and closer to Him. And I know love knowing that the plans of the enemy were just defeated.
God, thank You for seeking us. Please help us see that You are always seeking us. The only way sin can come between us is when we let it....when we don't deal with it. Holy Spirit, search our hearts and bring anything to the surface that needs to be dealt with. Help us have courage and faith to take it to God and not hide it or ourselves from Him anymore. In Jesus name, Amen
The game of "hide and seek" with God isn't something new. It started with Adam and Eve and has been a problem for us (people) since then. It's what happens when the enemy tries to convince us of a few different things. One, that whatever sin is in our life it's "too big" for God to forgive...and even if He did, He certainly would make you live with guilt or consequences for sinning against Him. Two, the sin in your life is worth holding on to..it's not "hurting" anyone, so why should you have to give it up? Or three, you are already messed up in this thing now, so it would be impossible to get back to a good place with God now. You couldn't possibly be usable by God anymore. Lies, lies and more lies. Satan is the master of lies and it is the thing that he pumps into our heads ever day. When Adam and Eve sinned the bible tells us in Genesis 3:9-10, "Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he (Adam) said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”". And this is the game we play. The enemy says "you're no good", so we believe or even partially believe this. Then God comes looking for us because He can see we are not where we used to be. Then we hide our face from Him in shame. But what we fail to release...and I'm sorry for how blunt this is....but what we fail to realize is that each time we go through this cycle we put Jesus back on the cross again. WE hang Him there. Why do I say this?...because the very sin you are involved in, the very sin that is making you hide (spiritually or physically) from God, is the very sin that Jesus already dealt with on the cross. He already died and paid the penalty for it so you don't have to pay it. And that is the truth we forget.....we don't have to, but we will allow ourselves to. Any sin left un-dealt-with is NOT good. In order for God to forgive it He needs you to humble yourself and come to Him. What He can do in that very moment words almost can't explain. At a time when you expect to feel condemnation, guilt, shame, regret.....He has an amazing way of making you feel loved, sought after, forgiven, set free and delivered.
We have to see that God sending Jesus to the cross was a lot like a parent sitting down and putting their arm around their child as they discuss the wrong that was done. This is one of those times that the parent knows the lesson here is WAY bigger and more necessary than the punishment. So the parent explains through love why that wasn't good for the child and relationship grows stronger. But the child also understands that the ONLY reason it was able to be dealt with this way is because the child faced the parent ready to get it all out and have it be dealt with. Getting to this place with God is critical. We have to allow Him to deal with everything in our life. We can't hide from Him...and we can't hide things from Him. And even though we know He is all knowing, the enemy still has a way of convincing us we are actually hiding something from Him. I know, because this was my life for many years. But now instead of playing "hide and seek" with God, I know when I mess up and I seek Him first. And when He wraps His arm around me and offers me correction and forgiveness, I feel loved and closer to Him. And I know love knowing that the plans of the enemy were just defeated.
God, thank You for seeking us. Please help us see that You are always seeking us. The only way sin can come between us is when we let it....when we don't deal with it. Holy Spirit, search our hearts and bring anything to the surface that needs to be dealt with. Help us have courage and faith to take it to God and not hide it or ourselves from Him anymore. In Jesus name, Amen
Thursday, October 1, 2015
The Manual
One of the things I love about the internet is how easy it is to find instructions, how tos, or manuals to do things. It's become my first go to if I need to work on something that I've never worked on before. And being a person who works in the I.T. world, it is our go to for things we run across, because chances are someone else has already seen this problem and you can find the fix for it somewhere on the web. It's just a great place to find a collection of helpful information...
But today I want to talk about another place to go for answers. It's a manual that has an answer for everything that that ever was, is and ever will be. The Bible is the manual for our life. It not just a book that has stories and commandments, but it is THE God inspired word that has something in it for every area of our life. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness". And I think the most important part in the verse (other than it being inspired by God) is that we need the bible to show us correction and instructions. It not only offers us a way to look back on exactly what God did all throughout history, but it also shows us what man did, the good and the bad. It teaches us about men that chased after God's heart and allows us to learn from the right and wrong that they did. It also shows us how to maintain a close relationship with God. The most important part of our walk with him. It is not a book to be read and looked over without conviction, it should grab out attention and allow us to actually hear God through the words that we read. James 1:22 says "But be doers of the word, not hearers only, deceiving yourselves". This is one of the 2 ways that the enemy tries to get into our head when comes to God's word, especially when we read something that steps on our own toes. We will tend to dismiss it with the "that was then and this is now" statement, or the "times have changed" statement. But those kind of statements are lies from the enemy to keep us from trusting God's word. James 1:17 tells us that God never changes and since we know this is true, then this also means that God's word never changes. It is foundational...or least it should be. When something is built on a foundation then that is what it rests on. You can try to change the looks of it, you can redesign it, but the foundation that is was built on will still be the same. This is how we should see God's word and this is how it should apply to our lives. Isaiah 40:8 says "The grass withers, the flower fades,But the word of our God stands forever". FOREVER...it will stand against all tests and it will endure all times. It tells us what happened in the beginning and it tells us what will happen in the end. But even more important it tells us how we should live our lives in between those times.
I said earlier that there are 2 ways the enemy tries to keep us from the word, one way trying to disproof it, but the 2nd way is by trying to convince people that they can't grasp it. I have spoken to numerous people that just don't get in the word because they either don't know where to start, or they are afraid they just won't understand it. And even though I do believe there are some great reading plans out there, this is also another great area that I use the internet. There are great sites out there to help you find answers in Gods' word. Another place where God has allowed technology to be used for good. There are sites like www.biblegateway.com that will give you many different translations of The Word in case you are struggling with the meaning of a verse, as well as www.openbible.info (one of my person favorites) that will help you find verses on a topic. And if either of of those are not quite helping you, then you can always just hit Google. Any time I am struggling with finding a verse I'm looking for I start a Google search with these words..."Verse about.....". It might be tithing, love, faith, patience, healing...whatever. If you search it, you'll find it.
God has blessed us with a manual, THE manual, to help us with life. Yes, if you pray and listen for the Holy Spirit He will help you as well, but what an awesome thing that He has left us with His Word as a light to guide us (Psalms 119:105), a method to correct us before we stray from Him and even a moral compass. It offers us hope, healing, love and it offers us a great way to share all of this with others. But it offers no help at all, if you don't get into it. So today defeat the enemy by picking up God's Word and letting it start to come to life in your life.
God, thank You that You inspired men to write ONLY what you would have them write. That You word proves itself to be true and that every word is ALIVE (Hebrews 4:12). Help us get into it and see the power that it can have on our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.
But today I want to talk about another place to go for answers. It's a manual that has an answer for everything that that ever was, is and ever will be. The Bible is the manual for our life. It not just a book that has stories and commandments, but it is THE God inspired word that has something in it for every area of our life. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness". And I think the most important part in the verse (other than it being inspired by God) is that we need the bible to show us correction and instructions. It not only offers us a way to look back on exactly what God did all throughout history, but it also shows us what man did, the good and the bad. It teaches us about men that chased after God's heart and allows us to learn from the right and wrong that they did. It also shows us how to maintain a close relationship with God. The most important part of our walk with him. It is not a book to be read and looked over without conviction, it should grab out attention and allow us to actually hear God through the words that we read. James 1:22 says "But be doers of the word, not hearers only, deceiving yourselves". This is one of the 2 ways that the enemy tries to get into our head when comes to God's word, especially when we read something that steps on our own toes. We will tend to dismiss it with the "that was then and this is now" statement, or the "times have changed" statement. But those kind of statements are lies from the enemy to keep us from trusting God's word. James 1:17 tells us that God never changes and since we know this is true, then this also means that God's word never changes. It is foundational...or least it should be. When something is built on a foundation then that is what it rests on. You can try to change the looks of it, you can redesign it, but the foundation that is was built on will still be the same. This is how we should see God's word and this is how it should apply to our lives. Isaiah 40:8 says "The grass withers, the flower fades,But the word of our God stands forever". FOREVER...it will stand against all tests and it will endure all times. It tells us what happened in the beginning and it tells us what will happen in the end. But even more important it tells us how we should live our lives in between those times.
I said earlier that there are 2 ways the enemy tries to keep us from the word, one way trying to disproof it, but the 2nd way is by trying to convince people that they can't grasp it. I have spoken to numerous people that just don't get in the word because they either don't know where to start, or they are afraid they just won't understand it. And even though I do believe there are some great reading plans out there, this is also another great area that I use the internet. There are great sites out there to help you find answers in Gods' word. Another place where God has allowed technology to be used for good. There are sites like www.biblegateway.com that will give you many different translations of The Word in case you are struggling with the meaning of a verse, as well as www.openbible.info (one of my person favorites) that will help you find verses on a topic. And if either of of those are not quite helping you, then you can always just hit Google. Any time I am struggling with finding a verse I'm looking for I start a Google search with these words..."Verse about.....". It might be tithing, love, faith, patience, healing...whatever. If you search it, you'll find it.
God has blessed us with a manual, THE manual, to help us with life. Yes, if you pray and listen for the Holy Spirit He will help you as well, but what an awesome thing that He has left us with His Word as a light to guide us (Psalms 119:105), a method to correct us before we stray from Him and even a moral compass. It offers us hope, healing, love and it offers us a great way to share all of this with others. But it offers no help at all, if you don't get into it. So today defeat the enemy by picking up God's Word and letting it start to come to life in your life.
God, thank You that You inspired men to write ONLY what you would have them write. That You word proves itself to be true and that every word is ALIVE (Hebrews 4:12). Help us get into it and see the power that it can have on our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)