1 Peter 2: 6-8
As the Scriptures express it, "See I am sending Christ to be the carefully chosen, precious Cornerstone of my church, and I will never disappoint those who trust in him."
Yes, he is very precious to you who believe; and to those who reject him, well-- "The same Stone that was rejected by the builders has become the Cornerstone, the most honored and important part of the building." And the Scriptures also say, "He is the Stone that some will stumble over, and the Rock that will make them fall." to God's Word, nor obey it, and so this punishment must follow--that they will fall.
Reflections from Natalie:
Picture if you will a building being built but what is needed to keep the building standing is missing. This building while it may look pretty will not stand long because it is not built on strong foundation. One key piece is missing and that can cause a disaster. When we think about today's scripture along these lines it's meaning has great depth. Jesus was sent to be our foundation. To hold us up and keep us from falling. He can only be that foundation, Cornerstone if we believe in him. He was chosen carefully by God to be that Cornerstone. This text also says to me that we are chosen by God to build up his house here on Earth. In God's eyes we are precious, and for those who believe in Him he chooses to bless you with strength.
Let's clearly understand this Scripture. This scripture is part of a letter from Peter. Peter who was also known as Simon received his name from Jesus. In his letter he was expressing what the Scriptures are telling us about what God expects and wants for our lives. He was sending this letter to the Jewish Christians who were driven out of Jerusalem and were scattered about in the surrounding counties. He was telling them that God desires them. That while they were still in their mother's womb he had a plan for their lives. He was telling them that he was cleansing their hearts so that they would receive him. He was telling them no matter where you are in your life I am there and I knew you before you were. God desires for us to listen to his Word. That is why there was Simon which means Hearkening or Listening. He wanted us to listen and hear what sayeth the Lord so that once Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter (which means Rock) we would stand on the solid Rock. Simon told us about God and Peter prepared us for God. If we are still and listen what we will hear is as strong as a rock. It is solid and firm, and that is just how God's Word is.
Now let's look at what happens when you do not believe. Donny Mc Curklin say, "We fall down, but we get up." And how this is so true as it relates to the scripture. When we don't believe or when we backslide, we have to fall in order for God to pick us back up. Oh there will be times when you will fall because you are not in line with God's word. There will be times when you will not always believe, lack of faith, but the good thing is that you can and will get back up. You see long ago God knew you were going to be one of his children. So he began molding and shaping you to be the Cornerstone that he needs you to be. We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood as the Bible tells us, and in us there is greatness. We are strong enough to hold up buildings if we believe. Have you ever heard the saying, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. Well that is not faith. When you rely on faith you say, I know I can, I know I can, I know I can. That person will be the main stone in the building.
In the 8th verse it says, "He is the Stone that some will stumble over and the rock that will make them fall." Have you noticed that there are so many who do not believe in what they are doing and that is why they fail at it. Have you started something but because within your heart you don't believe in it fails. Look at the stock market, When a business does not do what is expected the shareholders move somewhere else and therefore the stock market closes down. When we do not believe God will bring us down. He does his best work when we are down because that is when we are most vulnerable. I rejoice in the fact that I believe and because of that I can be a Cornerstone in someone's building. I once was lost but now I am found and because I believe God is bringing to pass his plan for my life. Do you believe in what God has called you to do or are you falling? There is someone that will receive this message that does not believe, that does not have a right relationship with God, who keeps on stumbling over what God has for them. If you want to be save, ask God to come into your life, tell him that you believe. That you are tired of falling and want him to pick you up. Tell him that you believe in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and that you believe that Christ died, and that he rose three days later and now sits at the right hand of the Father. And watch God build you up to be strong, a solid rock.
Be Blessed and Encouraged
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Just a Touch
Luke 8:40-48, Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. "Who touched me?" Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you." But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me." Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
This scripture has been preached many times, by many different pastors, in many different churches, of many different demoninations however the overall message is the same. This passage of Scripture reflects a dying situation and restoration by faith. As Jesus prepared to go to the home of Jarius to help his daughter this woman who many tried to help knew that all she needed was a touch. Now unlike many who were in the crowd she was not looking for a touch from him because that seemed like an impossible task given the magnitude of the crowd so she purposed in her mind that if only I could put my finger on something of his I will be healed. Have you ever felt like you were in a hopeless situation and the only thing you could do to get helped seemed like an impossible task? The woman in this scripture did not know the outcome of the action she just knew she needed to take the action. Have you ever read this scripture and wondered how she knew she was healed? I mean did the bleeding instantly stop when she touched the hem, or at that moment was she not instantly looking for a manifestation but just the hope? A lot of times we as believers want instant gratification and/or an instant manifestation that God has heard our cries. Yes that would be great and also soothing but that is not always the case. We don't know whether her bleeding stopped right away but what we do know that as soon as she touched Jesus' cloak power left Him. There was a transfer of power and it was that power that healed her. Whether she stopped bleeding instantly is not the case but rather that she knew that she had nothing to lose and took steps to help herself. There is a scripture (1Samuel 30:6) that says sometimes you have to encourage yourself and this woman’s faith in Jesus caused her to encourage herself enough to push through for just a touch of His garment.
For some of you, your situation seems hopeless. You may feel like you are dying in your stuff or that the way things are going in your life there is nothing you can do to change it. The Lord dropped this scripture in my spirit for someone who like this woman is bleeding. You may or may not have had this issue for as many years as the woman did but your issue seems bigger than you and/or anyone who can help. But I came today to let you know that the crowd is passing by you and Jesus is in the middle, push through the hurt, push through the heartache, push through what seems impossible and touch His garment. Purpose in your mind that you may not know the outcome but no matter what it looks like, even when the task seems impossible, just a touch will heal me. Purpose in your heart that a touch of His Garment will change your situation. This woman was healed by faith and the power that comes from faith. Now I don't want to leave you hanging as to what happened to Jarius' daughter. Remember when the woman touched His cloak, Jesus was on His way to Jarius' house for his dying daughter. When Jesus got there the daughter was dead however Jesus, even having had some power removed from him by the woman with the blood issue still had the power to bring the dead to life. God has heard your cries, He knows what you are facing, He knows that to you the situation is dead-hopeless but for Him and through Him all things are possible if you just believe. Just a touch of faith can calm the storms, stop the bleeding and raise the dead. The Bible tells us that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. Our power is greater when we are connected to Jesus' power through faith. Be Blessed and Encouraged.
This scripture has been preached many times, by many different pastors, in many different churches, of many different demoninations however the overall message is the same. This passage of Scripture reflects a dying situation and restoration by faith. As Jesus prepared to go to the home of Jarius to help his daughter this woman who many tried to help knew that all she needed was a touch. Now unlike many who were in the crowd she was not looking for a touch from him because that seemed like an impossible task given the magnitude of the crowd so she purposed in her mind that if only I could put my finger on something of his I will be healed. Have you ever felt like you were in a hopeless situation and the only thing you could do to get helped seemed like an impossible task? The woman in this scripture did not know the outcome of the action she just knew she needed to take the action. Have you ever read this scripture and wondered how she knew she was healed? I mean did the bleeding instantly stop when she touched the hem, or at that moment was she not instantly looking for a manifestation but just the hope? A lot of times we as believers want instant gratification and/or an instant manifestation that God has heard our cries. Yes that would be great and also soothing but that is not always the case. We don't know whether her bleeding stopped right away but what we do know that as soon as she touched Jesus' cloak power left Him. There was a transfer of power and it was that power that healed her. Whether she stopped bleeding instantly is not the case but rather that she knew that she had nothing to lose and took steps to help herself. There is a scripture (1Samuel 30:6) that says sometimes you have to encourage yourself and this woman’s faith in Jesus caused her to encourage herself enough to push through for just a touch of His garment.
For some of you, your situation seems hopeless. You may feel like you are dying in your stuff or that the way things are going in your life there is nothing you can do to change it. The Lord dropped this scripture in my spirit for someone who like this woman is bleeding. You may or may not have had this issue for as many years as the woman did but your issue seems bigger than you and/or anyone who can help. But I came today to let you know that the crowd is passing by you and Jesus is in the middle, push through the hurt, push through the heartache, push through what seems impossible and touch His garment. Purpose in your mind that you may not know the outcome but no matter what it looks like, even when the task seems impossible, just a touch will heal me. Purpose in your heart that a touch of His Garment will change your situation. This woman was healed by faith and the power that comes from faith. Now I don't want to leave you hanging as to what happened to Jarius' daughter. Remember when the woman touched His cloak, Jesus was on His way to Jarius' house for his dying daughter. When Jesus got there the daughter was dead however Jesus, even having had some power removed from him by the woman with the blood issue still had the power to bring the dead to life. God has heard your cries, He knows what you are facing, He knows that to you the situation is dead-hopeless but for Him and through Him all things are possible if you just believe. Just a touch of faith can calm the storms, stop the bleeding and raise the dead. The Bible tells us that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. Our power is greater when we are connected to Jesus' power through faith. Be Blessed and Encouraged.
Calling the Twelve to Himself-Mark 6:4-12
Jesus calling the twelve to Him, He sought them out which was not customary at that time*. His primary purpose in calling them was to send them out. When God calls us, it is not for us to keep His message to ourselves. Many who have been called act as Jonah did (Jonah 1 & 2), they run from the calling. And in running, they live a stressful life, always wondering why. When Jonah could not run anymore he had to finally accept his call, what is God calling you to?
In this portion of scripture (verse 4-11) Jesus has just been rejected by his own people yet continued to do the work of His father despite the rejection. He also recognized the need to have others, ordinary people, work with Him, you can't do it alone. So He called them, gave them instructions then sent them out in pairs, again not alone. So what am I saying? I am suggesting that the Lord did not intend for those He called to work alone. He Himself knew rejection but He also knew commitment. As He did with Jonah and the twelve, so He will do for us. He has equipped us with the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth so that we may fulfill that which He has called us to.
The twelve followed the instructions given to them and were powerful in their calling. His instructions also tell the twelve how to handle rejection and they utilized these instructions and were able to heal the sick and drive out demons. Our calling is to reach the unreachable and share what was given to us, salvation. The only thing keeping us from doing this is us. It is important that we have no hidden agenda when sharing the Good news. God's instruction to the twelve was to take nothing with them. That means no preconceived notions, no impure motives, and no hidden agendas. If you are not accepted, Jesus does not say, carry a grudge, He simple says leave. Remember that it is not our responsibility what people do with what we share with them, it is our responsibility only to share it. God is calling us to now do as He instructed us to do. He has given us all we need to fulfill the calling. There is no time like the present (which is a gift from Him).
*During the time of Jesus it was not customary for the Rabbi to seek out his followers but instead those who wanted to follow the Rabbi sought them (the Rabbi) out. This scripture in Mark and throughout the Gospels Jesus (who has been called Rabbi) seeks out His followers. God can not be put in an ordinary box cause He is not an ordinary God.
In this portion of scripture (verse 4-11) Jesus has just been rejected by his own people yet continued to do the work of His father despite the rejection. He also recognized the need to have others, ordinary people, work with Him, you can't do it alone. So He called them, gave them instructions then sent them out in pairs, again not alone. So what am I saying? I am suggesting that the Lord did not intend for those He called to work alone. He Himself knew rejection but He also knew commitment. As He did with Jonah and the twelve, so He will do for us. He has equipped us with the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth so that we may fulfill that which He has called us to.
The twelve followed the instructions given to them and were powerful in their calling. His instructions also tell the twelve how to handle rejection and they utilized these instructions and were able to heal the sick and drive out demons. Our calling is to reach the unreachable and share what was given to us, salvation. The only thing keeping us from doing this is us. It is important that we have no hidden agenda when sharing the Good news. God's instruction to the twelve was to take nothing with them. That means no preconceived notions, no impure motives, and no hidden agendas. If you are not accepted, Jesus does not say, carry a grudge, He simple says leave. Remember that it is not our responsibility what people do with what we share with them, it is our responsibility only to share it. God is calling us to now do as He instructed us to do. He has given us all we need to fulfill the calling. There is no time like the present (which is a gift from Him).
*During the time of Jesus it was not customary for the Rabbi to seek out his followers but instead those who wanted to follow the Rabbi sought them (the Rabbi) out. This scripture in Mark and throughout the Gospels Jesus (who has been called Rabbi) seeks out His followers. God can not be put in an ordinary box cause He is not an ordinary God.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
It’s Getting Hot in Here
Daniel 3:19-26
Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire.
Reflections:
If ever we needed proof on just how awesome God is this is a good example. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego worshipped only one God. They did this with pride and Nebuchadnezzar was angry because they would not worship his god. You have to understand that his god was not our God. When music played he expected everyone to bow down before an idol god. Nebuchadnezzar knew of God but did not worship him. He built an idol that he worshipped. In our scripture we see how OUR GOD works. When you are dedicated to God he protects you from all harm. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego loved the Lord our God and wanted nothing to do with Nebuchadnezzar's god. Because of that they were sentenced to death by fire. Wasn't it a burning bush that spoke to Moses giving the Ten Commandments? When we are at our lowest point and call upon the Lord He steps in and proves himself. Shadrach which means "Command of Aku" Aku is the name of the Babylonian god of the moon, Meshach means "Who is what Aku is?", and Abednego means Servant of Nebo (Nebo being the Babylonian god of wisdom. So let's see the command of god, god himself and the god of wisdom is thrown in a fiery furnace and you think they are going to be destroyed? Nebuchadnezzar must have lost his mind if he thought he would be able to harm these men of God.
Our life can present itself as a blazing furnace. We go through bad times but never get burnt, we have hardship but our hair is never burnt. We get to our lowest point and God picks us up. Did you notice in our text that the men who were ordered to put them in the furnace were killed in the process? Interesting isn't it that those who try to destroy us are the ones who end up being destroyed themselves? God had better things in store for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He wanted to make them rulers but in order for them to get there they had to be tested, they had to overcome some stuff in their lives, they had to go through the furnace. When things around you get really hot, call upon the Lord to bring you out of it. When Satan has you bound, call upon the Lord to take the shackles off your feet so you can praise him. When Nebuchadnezzar saw how great God was he began to bless Our God. When the army of the Lord stands up Satan has to bow down. The Devil is already defeated and when we stand as one body in Christ we are putting him further and further in his place, Hell. God wants to place the evil people in your life to be your footstool so you can grow higher in Him. God has much in store for you but you have to go into the furnace and allow him to bring you out. I don't know about you but "IT"S GETTING HOT IN HERE!!"
Be Blessed and Encouraged
Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire.
Reflections:
If ever we needed proof on just how awesome God is this is a good example. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego worshipped only one God. They did this with pride and Nebuchadnezzar was angry because they would not worship his god. You have to understand that his god was not our God. When music played he expected everyone to bow down before an idol god. Nebuchadnezzar knew of God but did not worship him. He built an idol that he worshipped. In our scripture we see how OUR GOD works. When you are dedicated to God he protects you from all harm. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego loved the Lord our God and wanted nothing to do with Nebuchadnezzar's god. Because of that they were sentenced to death by fire. Wasn't it a burning bush that spoke to Moses giving the Ten Commandments? When we are at our lowest point and call upon the Lord He steps in and proves himself. Shadrach which means "Command of Aku" Aku is the name of the Babylonian god of the moon, Meshach means "Who is what Aku is?", and Abednego means Servant of Nebo (Nebo being the Babylonian god of wisdom. So let's see the command of god, god himself and the god of wisdom is thrown in a fiery furnace and you think they are going to be destroyed? Nebuchadnezzar must have lost his mind if he thought he would be able to harm these men of God.
Our life can present itself as a blazing furnace. We go through bad times but never get burnt, we have hardship but our hair is never burnt. We get to our lowest point and God picks us up. Did you notice in our text that the men who were ordered to put them in the furnace were killed in the process? Interesting isn't it that those who try to destroy us are the ones who end up being destroyed themselves? God had better things in store for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He wanted to make them rulers but in order for them to get there they had to be tested, they had to overcome some stuff in their lives, they had to go through the furnace. When things around you get really hot, call upon the Lord to bring you out of it. When Satan has you bound, call upon the Lord to take the shackles off your feet so you can praise him. When Nebuchadnezzar saw how great God was he began to bless Our God. When the army of the Lord stands up Satan has to bow down. The Devil is already defeated and when we stand as one body in Christ we are putting him further and further in his place, Hell. God wants to place the evil people in your life to be your footstool so you can grow higher in Him. God has much in store for you but you have to go into the furnace and allow him to bring you out. I don't know about you but "IT"S GETTING HOT IN HERE!!"
Be Blessed and Encouraged
Monday, December 6, 2010
A Means To An End
Revelations 1:8
"I am the A and the Z, the beginning and the ending of all things, says God, who is the Lord, the all powerful one who is, and was, and is coming again."
Prayer:
Father in Jesus name give me your direction Lord that I may speak to someone who needs to hear a special word from you. O Lord I ask right now that you will allow the Holy Spirit to guide me. Hide me behind your Word so that my words will not come forth but that your words will reign power in someone's life. Touch someone's heart so that they get a closer walk with you. For this is the time in which we need you the most Lord. Bless all that will read this and receive the message. Lord speak healing to someone who is sick, give direction to someone who is lost and we will continue to give your name Glory, Honor and Praise. In Jesus name we pray,
Amen
Reflection:
Early philosopher Immanuel Kant believed that it was morally wrong to use someone merely as a means to an end. He based that on the fact that if we used people to satisfy our own desires that it was morally wrong. He further felt that people are priceless and by using someone you are placing a value on their person. Further philosophers Socrates and Plato felt that living a decent life is the only way to get the inner contentment; freedom and self-control that we need to feel good about life. Is moral virtue then the ultimate way to achieve happiness? So what would the Lord say? He would agree that inner contentment freedom and self-control are needed to have a good life and that these things can be obtained by having a relationship with Him. God is the means to our end. He is, as our scripture tells us, the A and the Z, the beginning and the End. If, in order to get His goodness I need to be used then I will gladly be used as a means to an end. Because I believe that if I walk with the Lord He is able to make my enemies my footstool then I will be used to praise His name.
In Ephesians 6:11 it says "Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil." If we do this then the end result will be God's Grace on our lives. Based on both scriptures it sounds like the Lord wants us to use His goodness, His Grace, His Mercy and His power as a means to achieve the end result of eternal life with Him. There is a saying that says God made people to love and things to use and it should never be reversed. If my sharing God's word helps someone else than God please use me to help others. If my words are comforting then Lord use me to continue comforting those in need. Although we Humans should never use other people God has the ability and the authority to use people to serve His purpose. Your pastor is used by God to share the good news. God uses His chosen people to build a kingdom here on earth to bring Glory to His Father. Are you using someone or are you being used as a means to an end for another human? Or are you allowing God to use you as a means to an end for His sake? Are you living your life with the joy of knowing that God will give you inner contentment, freedom and self-control you need? If not then the time has come, in this 12th month to get a relationship with someone who can provide you with the joy, comfort, peace and inner contentment that is necessary to be happy. That person is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Remember it only take 30days to develop a habit, so I would encourage everyone to develop the habit of praising God and allow Him to use you.
Be Blessed and encouraged
"I am the A and the Z, the beginning and the ending of all things, says God, who is the Lord, the all powerful one who is, and was, and is coming again."
Prayer:
Father in Jesus name give me your direction Lord that I may speak to someone who needs to hear a special word from you. O Lord I ask right now that you will allow the Holy Spirit to guide me. Hide me behind your Word so that my words will not come forth but that your words will reign power in someone's life. Touch someone's heart so that they get a closer walk with you. For this is the time in which we need you the most Lord. Bless all that will read this and receive the message. Lord speak healing to someone who is sick, give direction to someone who is lost and we will continue to give your name Glory, Honor and Praise. In Jesus name we pray,
Amen
Reflection:
Early philosopher Immanuel Kant believed that it was morally wrong to use someone merely as a means to an end. He based that on the fact that if we used people to satisfy our own desires that it was morally wrong. He further felt that people are priceless and by using someone you are placing a value on their person. Further philosophers Socrates and Plato felt that living a decent life is the only way to get the inner contentment; freedom and self-control that we need to feel good about life. Is moral virtue then the ultimate way to achieve happiness? So what would the Lord say? He would agree that inner contentment freedom and self-control are needed to have a good life and that these things can be obtained by having a relationship with Him. God is the means to our end. He is, as our scripture tells us, the A and the Z, the beginning and the End. If, in order to get His goodness I need to be used then I will gladly be used as a means to an end. Because I believe that if I walk with the Lord He is able to make my enemies my footstool then I will be used to praise His name.
In Ephesians 6:11 it says "Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil." If we do this then the end result will be God's Grace on our lives. Based on both scriptures it sounds like the Lord wants us to use His goodness, His Grace, His Mercy and His power as a means to achieve the end result of eternal life with Him. There is a saying that says God made people to love and things to use and it should never be reversed. If my sharing God's word helps someone else than God please use me to help others. If my words are comforting then Lord use me to continue comforting those in need. Although we Humans should never use other people God has the ability and the authority to use people to serve His purpose. Your pastor is used by God to share the good news. God uses His chosen people to build a kingdom here on earth to bring Glory to His Father. Are you using someone or are you being used as a means to an end for another human? Or are you allowing God to use you as a means to an end for His sake? Are you living your life with the joy of knowing that God will give you inner contentment, freedom and self-control you need? If not then the time has come, in this 12th month to get a relationship with someone who can provide you with the joy, comfort, peace and inner contentment that is necessary to be happy. That person is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Remember it only take 30days to develop a habit, so I would encourage everyone to develop the habit of praising God and allow Him to use you.
Be Blessed and encouraged
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The Unwanted Guest
Job 1:1-12
Where have you come from? (ver 7) This is the question God asked satan when the Heavenly court was open. Satan, the master of disquise slipped in where there was a crack, a breech if you will. Let's do a little history.
The name satan is derived from the Hebrew and means to obstruct or oppose. satan was an angel who became self-centered, selfish and wanted control; he was envious and jealous of God's power and set up plans to bring the other angels out of alignment with God and to follow him. In his plan, satan began recruiting the other angels and invited them to turn from God's plan and jump on his train. Some of the angel liked what satan was talking about and turned from God, these are satan's imps. Be careful who you let speak into your life.
Now let's look at satans attempts to turn us humans from God's plan for our life. If you remember in Genesis 2 Adam had lived with God for some time before Eve came along and satan knew that Adam would not disobey God so he sought Eve. While the story of the fall shows us satans craftiness and the use of his limited power in opposition to God, God still provided for Adam and Eve after the fall. Yes there were consequences to pay for disobedience but God still provided for their needs, they just had to work. (nothing can separate us from the love of God-Romans 8:38-39)
There were many more accounts where satan tried to turn man from God, but now here we are, at Job's story and again we see satan trying his hand at obstruction. Satan's ability to come in front of God along with the heavenly council (the angels) was not by chance. Remember God knows all and sees all; He gives and He takes away. And while He asked satan the question, where have you come from, He already knew. (Nothing you will go through will get passed God). We know from Job 1 that Job was an upright man who had everything going for him (riches, social standing and strong family ties). However, nothing that he had could keep him from the test (without a test there is no testimony). We have to be careful that the things we have do not stand in the way of the Lord's place in our lives. Job, even after losing it all, did not throw in the towel, he praised God. Satan's job is to tempt and by the mere definition of his name he tries to obstruct us from what God has for us. he is the opposing party.
Have you ever had someone stop by your house without an invitation? You know, the person who does not think that they need to let you know they are coming and just shows up. Most often those people come at inconvienent times and interrupts our plans. That is how satan is. He comes just when we are making the most progress; when we are closer and closer to the Lord; when our path seems clear and without our knowledge he plants a negative reminder of our past to keep us from moving any closer to God. When someone comes unannounced you have the ability to tell them that its not a good time and not let them in and the same is true with satan. He has no power unless you give it to him. You can stop any attacks he sends your way by using the word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit living in you.
Remember when satan tempted Jesus? Satan tried to turn Jesus from His Divine plan and he (satan) even tried to use the Word of God, but we know that Jesus did not fall. Instead, Jesus used the tools His Father had given him, the truth in the Word. Satan will confront you with your past but you can confront him with the truth, stand on the Word and he will leave (James 4:7). He's an unwanted guest and it's his time to leave!
Where have you come from? (ver 7) This is the question God asked satan when the Heavenly court was open. Satan, the master of disquise slipped in where there was a crack, a breech if you will. Let's do a little history.
The name satan is derived from the Hebrew and means to obstruct or oppose. satan was an angel who became self-centered, selfish and wanted control; he was envious and jealous of God's power and set up plans to bring the other angels out of alignment with God and to follow him. In his plan, satan began recruiting the other angels and invited them to turn from God's plan and jump on his train. Some of the angel liked what satan was talking about and turned from God, these are satan's imps. Be careful who you let speak into your life.
Now let's look at satans attempts to turn us humans from God's plan for our life. If you remember in Genesis 2 Adam had lived with God for some time before Eve came along and satan knew that Adam would not disobey God so he sought Eve. While the story of the fall shows us satans craftiness and the use of his limited power in opposition to God, God still provided for Adam and Eve after the fall. Yes there were consequences to pay for disobedience but God still provided for their needs, they just had to work. (nothing can separate us from the love of God-Romans 8:38-39)
There were many more accounts where satan tried to turn man from God, but now here we are, at Job's story and again we see satan trying his hand at obstruction. Satan's ability to come in front of God along with the heavenly council (the angels) was not by chance. Remember God knows all and sees all; He gives and He takes away. And while He asked satan the question, where have you come from, He already knew. (Nothing you will go through will get passed God). We know from Job 1 that Job was an upright man who had everything going for him (riches, social standing and strong family ties). However, nothing that he had could keep him from the test (without a test there is no testimony). We have to be careful that the things we have do not stand in the way of the Lord's place in our lives. Job, even after losing it all, did not throw in the towel, he praised God. Satan's job is to tempt and by the mere definition of his name he tries to obstruct us from what God has for us. he is the opposing party.
Have you ever had someone stop by your house without an invitation? You know, the person who does not think that they need to let you know they are coming and just shows up. Most often those people come at inconvienent times and interrupts our plans. That is how satan is. He comes just when we are making the most progress; when we are closer and closer to the Lord; when our path seems clear and without our knowledge he plants a negative reminder of our past to keep us from moving any closer to God. When someone comes unannounced you have the ability to tell them that its not a good time and not let them in and the same is true with satan. He has no power unless you give it to him. You can stop any attacks he sends your way by using the word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit living in you.
Remember when satan tempted Jesus? Satan tried to turn Jesus from His Divine plan and he (satan) even tried to use the Word of God, but we know that Jesus did not fall. Instead, Jesus used the tools His Father had given him, the truth in the Word. Satan will confront you with your past but you can confront him with the truth, stand on the Word and he will leave (James 4:7). He's an unwanted guest and it's his time to leave!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Just Be a Man About It
Matthew 1:18-25
These are the facts concerning the birth of Jesus Christ: His mother, Mary was engaged to be married to Joseph. But while she was still a virgin she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. The Joseph, her fiancé', being a man of stern principle, decided to break the engagement but to do it quietly, as he didn't want to publicly disgrace her. As he lay awake considering this, he fell into a dream, and saw an angel standing beside him. "Joseph, son of David," the angel said, "don't hesitate to take Mary as your wife! For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a Son, and you shall name him Jesus (meaning 'Savior'), for he will save his people from their sins. This will fulfill God's message through his prophets--
"Listen! The virgin shall conceive a child! She shall give birth to a Son, and he shall be called "Emmanuel" (meaning, "God is with us")." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel commanded, and brought Mary home to be his wife, but she remained a virgin until her Son was born; and Joseph named him "Jesus".
Reflection:
As a single parent I have encountered, as I am sure many others have, men who did not date women that have children. I am in no way ashamed of my son and since I am a package deal I would turn from those men. If my son is not accepted then I can not deal. I am also reminded of a woman I knew who would not allow her dates to come home because she did not want them to know she had children. This man, for her, had all the characteristics she liked in a man but he did not like to date women with children and she had three. Then on the other hand I know a woman who has two children and every man she meets comes home and it is not long before her children are calling this man "daddy". We have to be careful that we do not either abandon our children for the sake of a man or rush the man into something he may not be ready for.
In today's scripture we see Joseph, who is a righteous man (a man who lives his life according to God's plan). Joseph is engaged to Mary who, as far as he knows is a virgin. During their engagement Mary ends up pregnant. Joseph was like 'Hold up', I did not sleep with her so how is she pregnant and by who? I can not marry her if she is not going to be faithful. But you see Joseph was a noble man and did not want to hurt Mary so he decided to quietly break the engagement. When God has a plan He executes His plan. That is why He sent the angel to Joseph. The angel explained that the baby Mary was carrying was from the Holy Spirit and was being sent to save people of their sins. Joseph was told that he should not only marry Mary, He should also raise Jesus as his own child. Being obedient, Joseph married Mary.
So many men lay down with a woman and do not take into consideration the consequences of their actions. If the woman has children, this kind of man is careful to come over once the children are sleep. "A BOOTIE CALL!" Let's examine our text in relation to today's times. Joseph a strong man has the woman of his dreams in his life. This woman, he believes was heaven sent, and he loves her. Despite all the hell he will get from his boys about being with a woman who has a child by someone else, Joseph not only marries Mary, he raises Jesus as if he were is own. Joseph does not do it for recognition or praise but because he loves Mary and it is what God wanted. A big man is the man that despite the fact that the child is not his biologically loves the woman and her child.
When a farmer buys land he has to take all that comes with the land. Now he may groom the land but ultimately he has to handle ALL that comes with it. When someone buys a home that was previously lived in, they accept with the purchase of that home, all the problems that may come with it. Yes they will do some repairs but once they have closed the deal it is their responsibility to keep the house at acceptable standards according to the real estate law. The same is true of a man who dates a woman with children. This man has to understand that the woman is a package deal. If you date her you also date her children. Women if you are dating a man who does not appreciate all of you (which includes your children) you need to kick him to the curb. Do not think for one minute that you have to slight your children in order to be happy. I am sure that if Joseph was not obedient and did not marry Mary, God would have place another man in her life to raise Jesus the way he wanted him to be raised. There are men in this world that want to be a father, mentor or even just a friend to child (especially male) who do not have an active father in their lives. There are also men who will not only date you but be very active with your children. Men don't think that God does not know when you are not responsible and when you are only using the woman for self gain.
Years ago the secular music artict Toni Braxton had a song. Her song suggest, that men step up to the plate, accept the package and ‘Just be a man about it.’
Be Blessed and Encouraged
These are the facts concerning the birth of Jesus Christ: His mother, Mary was engaged to be married to Joseph. But while she was still a virgin she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. The Joseph, her fiancé', being a man of stern principle, decided to break the engagement but to do it quietly, as he didn't want to publicly disgrace her. As he lay awake considering this, he fell into a dream, and saw an angel standing beside him. "Joseph, son of David," the angel said, "don't hesitate to take Mary as your wife! For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a Son, and you shall name him Jesus (meaning 'Savior'), for he will save his people from their sins. This will fulfill God's message through his prophets--
"Listen! The virgin shall conceive a child! She shall give birth to a Son, and he shall be called "Emmanuel" (meaning, "God is with us")." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel commanded, and brought Mary home to be his wife, but she remained a virgin until her Son was born; and Joseph named him "Jesus".
Reflection:
As a single parent I have encountered, as I am sure many others have, men who did not date women that have children. I am in no way ashamed of my son and since I am a package deal I would turn from those men. If my son is not accepted then I can not deal. I am also reminded of a woman I knew who would not allow her dates to come home because she did not want them to know she had children. This man, for her, had all the characteristics she liked in a man but he did not like to date women with children and she had three. Then on the other hand I know a woman who has two children and every man she meets comes home and it is not long before her children are calling this man "daddy". We have to be careful that we do not either abandon our children for the sake of a man or rush the man into something he may not be ready for.
In today's scripture we see Joseph, who is a righteous man (a man who lives his life according to God's plan). Joseph is engaged to Mary who, as far as he knows is a virgin. During their engagement Mary ends up pregnant. Joseph was like 'Hold up', I did not sleep with her so how is she pregnant and by who? I can not marry her if she is not going to be faithful. But you see Joseph was a noble man and did not want to hurt Mary so he decided to quietly break the engagement. When God has a plan He executes His plan. That is why He sent the angel to Joseph. The angel explained that the baby Mary was carrying was from the Holy Spirit and was being sent to save people of their sins. Joseph was told that he should not only marry Mary, He should also raise Jesus as his own child. Being obedient, Joseph married Mary.
So many men lay down with a woman and do not take into consideration the consequences of their actions. If the woman has children, this kind of man is careful to come over once the children are sleep. "A BOOTIE CALL!" Let's examine our text in relation to today's times. Joseph a strong man has the woman of his dreams in his life. This woman, he believes was heaven sent, and he loves her. Despite all the hell he will get from his boys about being with a woman who has a child by someone else, Joseph not only marries Mary, he raises Jesus as if he were is own. Joseph does not do it for recognition or praise but because he loves Mary and it is what God wanted. A big man is the man that despite the fact that the child is not his biologically loves the woman and her child.
When a farmer buys land he has to take all that comes with the land. Now he may groom the land but ultimately he has to handle ALL that comes with it. When someone buys a home that was previously lived in, they accept with the purchase of that home, all the problems that may come with it. Yes they will do some repairs but once they have closed the deal it is their responsibility to keep the house at acceptable standards according to the real estate law. The same is true of a man who dates a woman with children. This man has to understand that the woman is a package deal. If you date her you also date her children. Women if you are dating a man who does not appreciate all of you (which includes your children) you need to kick him to the curb. Do not think for one minute that you have to slight your children in order to be happy. I am sure that if Joseph was not obedient and did not marry Mary, God would have place another man in her life to raise Jesus the way he wanted him to be raised. There are men in this world that want to be a father, mentor or even just a friend to child (especially male) who do not have an active father in their lives. There are also men who will not only date you but be very active with your children. Men don't think that God does not know when you are not responsible and when you are only using the woman for self gain.
Years ago the secular music artict Toni Braxton had a song. Her song suggest, that men step up to the plate, accept the package and ‘Just be a man about it.’
Be Blessed and Encouraged
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Your Prescription is ready
Romans 10:5-10
For Moses wrote that if a person could be perfectly good and hold out against temptation all his life and never sin once, only then could he be pardoned and saved. But the salvation that comes through faith says, "You don't need to search the heavens to find Christ and bring him down to help you," and, "You don't need to go among the dead to bring Christ back to life again."
For salvation that comes from trusting Christ--which is what we preach--is already within easy reach of each of us; in fact, it is as near as our own hearts and mouths. For if you tell others with your own mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord, and believe in your own heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is believing in his heart that a man becomes right with God; and with his mouth he tells others of his faith, confirming his salvation.
Reflections:
One Sunday, my son, while at church was asked if he was saved. He turned to the woman and said yes. I looked at him in amazement because I did not know that he had confessed Jesus as his savior. I looked him in the face and said, you are? He said, yes don't you remember when I was little and you had me saved at church? I realized that he was confusing being dedicated by the pastor of my previous church as being saved. I then explained to him what it meant to be saved. He said, "Oh I did not know." I then looked around church and wondered how many other people in here are confusing one thing for another. How many were in church, praising God but not sure what it took to be saved. As the scripture tells us that Moses wrote that if a man held out against temptation and never sin once then he would be saved. Well for most of us who have sinned that is bad news. Why would we need to be saved if we've never done anything? Saved, rescued, redeemed, these words indicate that you are coming out of something. However unlike what Moses writes in the Old Testament, the New Testament tells us that all we have to do is have faith, confess Jesus as our Savior and we will be saved. So while you are in the midst of something all you have to do is call out to Jesus, believe in your heart, confess him and you will be saved. Now that is good news.
Salvation comes from trusting God and for so many of us that can be hard when you are not sure who God is. God is the joy and the strength of your life, he moves all pain, misery, and strife. God is my all and ALL. I don't know about you but I love this God just for the things He has done when I did not even know him. I love this God just for being who He is in my life, I love this God because He loved me when I did not even love myself. So I want to know more about this God so that when I say that God saved me and His Mercy carries me through I will know more about Him.
For a week I was feeling ill, not sure why but my chest was hurting and my stomach was upset. I called my doctor and asked her what could I take to help get rid of this pain. She said well you can take some over the counter antacid or you can come in and I will prescribe you something. I told her that I had some pills that she prescribed before when I had the same thing happening and she told me to take them for 6 days. I began taking them and the symptoms began to disappear. This is the prescription for your life:
1.Confess to someone with your own mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord.
2.Believe in your heart that God raise him from the dead
3.Read the Word daily: Your Daily Dose
4.Give your life, cares and worries over to God
You will be saved. So fill your prescription today!
Be Blessed and Encouraged
For Moses wrote that if a person could be perfectly good and hold out against temptation all his life and never sin once, only then could he be pardoned and saved. But the salvation that comes through faith says, "You don't need to search the heavens to find Christ and bring him down to help you," and, "You don't need to go among the dead to bring Christ back to life again."
For salvation that comes from trusting Christ--which is what we preach--is already within easy reach of each of us; in fact, it is as near as our own hearts and mouths. For if you tell others with your own mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord, and believe in your own heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is believing in his heart that a man becomes right with God; and with his mouth he tells others of his faith, confirming his salvation.
Reflections:
One Sunday, my son, while at church was asked if he was saved. He turned to the woman and said yes. I looked at him in amazement because I did not know that he had confessed Jesus as his savior. I looked him in the face and said, you are? He said, yes don't you remember when I was little and you had me saved at church? I realized that he was confusing being dedicated by the pastor of my previous church as being saved. I then explained to him what it meant to be saved. He said, "Oh I did not know." I then looked around church and wondered how many other people in here are confusing one thing for another. How many were in church, praising God but not sure what it took to be saved. As the scripture tells us that Moses wrote that if a man held out against temptation and never sin once then he would be saved. Well for most of us who have sinned that is bad news. Why would we need to be saved if we've never done anything? Saved, rescued, redeemed, these words indicate that you are coming out of something. However unlike what Moses writes in the Old Testament, the New Testament tells us that all we have to do is have faith, confess Jesus as our Savior and we will be saved. So while you are in the midst of something all you have to do is call out to Jesus, believe in your heart, confess him and you will be saved. Now that is good news.
Salvation comes from trusting God and for so many of us that can be hard when you are not sure who God is. God is the joy and the strength of your life, he moves all pain, misery, and strife. God is my all and ALL. I don't know about you but I love this God just for the things He has done when I did not even know him. I love this God just for being who He is in my life, I love this God because He loved me when I did not even love myself. So I want to know more about this God so that when I say that God saved me and His Mercy carries me through I will know more about Him.
For a week I was feeling ill, not sure why but my chest was hurting and my stomach was upset. I called my doctor and asked her what could I take to help get rid of this pain. She said well you can take some over the counter antacid or you can come in and I will prescribe you something. I told her that I had some pills that she prescribed before when I had the same thing happening and she told me to take them for 6 days. I began taking them and the symptoms began to disappear. This is the prescription for your life:
1.Confess to someone with your own mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord.
2.Believe in your heart that God raise him from the dead
3.Read the Word daily: Your Daily Dose
4.Give your life, cares and worries over to God
You will be saved. So fill your prescription today!
Be Blessed and Encouraged
Friday, November 5, 2010
Play to Win
Acts 14:22
Where they helped the believers to grow in love for God and each other. They encouraged them to continue in the faith in spite of all the persecutions, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.
Reflection:
I was thinking back the other day to when I was a child and the childhood games I used to play. Many of them came to mind but I can remember getting a lot of enjoyment from playing "Jacks." Now it has not been that long since some of you have played Jacks. But for those who seem to have forgotten, it is the game you play by tossing Jacks onto the floor then bouncing a small ball and picking them up one by one while keeping the others from falling back out. Let's look at this game in a metaphorical sense. When you are not saved you become scattered about. Working to please every Tom, Dick, and Harry. You party and commit other sins, and are living in the valley. Our lives represent the jacks and are scattered around. God is the ball, who comes to lift us up. When you are at the lowest point in your life God bounces down and picks you up. Now with jacks you have to do this several times because you can't grab all of the pieces on the first try. Some of the pieces may slip between the cracks of your fingers; some may be too far to reach while the ones that are ready are in easy reach. If our lives were one neat little package it would be easy to say that we have it all together. It would also be easy to say that when we get saved everything will change, but the reality is that we don't have it all together, our lives have not always been a neat little package. Like many we have had our piece scattered about, and it may seem like no matter what you do things do not come together. Aren't you glad that God being the ball in this game of life, comes down and picks you up, not once but as long as you need him to.
God has called us to a higher place and he is working in each of our lives to help us get our scattered pieces together to form one body in Christ. The thing about the scattered pieces is that it forms a testimony. In today's scripture we see that if we work together to encourage and remind each other that getting into the Kingdom of God requires many tribulations we will enter God's Kingdom.. Tribulations build character. Look at Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman. They had to overcome obstacles but when they finished they came forth on top. When you go through stuff it is to make you stronger and when you rely on your faith to get you through you end up on top. I know while you are in the midst of your mess it is hard to see that it will come together. God is holding you and all your mess in the palms of his hands. In order to win at the game of jacks you have to pick up all the pieces and hold them in your hand. Once you have done that you are considered a winner. In Life you are a winner when you allow God to hold you and your scattered pieces in the palm of His hand. Remember that it was God's hands that made you and it is God's hands that will save you. Some may slip through the cracks but once you are leaning on faith, you know that even though you slipped God will bounce back down and pick you up. We are not perfect and from time to time we will fall but like Donny McCurklin said, we can get up and get back in line. While you are in the midst of your storm hold on to God's hand and know he is picking up the pieces in your life. Once they are all picked up and you are molded according to God's Divine plan, you shall win.
Be Blessed and Encouraged
Where they helped the believers to grow in love for God and each other. They encouraged them to continue in the faith in spite of all the persecutions, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.
Reflection:
I was thinking back the other day to when I was a child and the childhood games I used to play. Many of them came to mind but I can remember getting a lot of enjoyment from playing "Jacks." Now it has not been that long since some of you have played Jacks. But for those who seem to have forgotten, it is the game you play by tossing Jacks onto the floor then bouncing a small ball and picking them up one by one while keeping the others from falling back out. Let's look at this game in a metaphorical sense. When you are not saved you become scattered about. Working to please every Tom, Dick, and Harry. You party and commit other sins, and are living in the valley. Our lives represent the jacks and are scattered around. God is the ball, who comes to lift us up. When you are at the lowest point in your life God bounces down and picks you up. Now with jacks you have to do this several times because you can't grab all of the pieces on the first try. Some of the pieces may slip between the cracks of your fingers; some may be too far to reach while the ones that are ready are in easy reach. If our lives were one neat little package it would be easy to say that we have it all together. It would also be easy to say that when we get saved everything will change, but the reality is that we don't have it all together, our lives have not always been a neat little package. Like many we have had our piece scattered about, and it may seem like no matter what you do things do not come together. Aren't you glad that God being the ball in this game of life, comes down and picks you up, not once but as long as you need him to.
God has called us to a higher place and he is working in each of our lives to help us get our scattered pieces together to form one body in Christ. The thing about the scattered pieces is that it forms a testimony. In today's scripture we see that if we work together to encourage and remind each other that getting into the Kingdom of God requires many tribulations we will enter God's Kingdom.. Tribulations build character. Look at Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman. They had to overcome obstacles but when they finished they came forth on top. When you go through stuff it is to make you stronger and when you rely on your faith to get you through you end up on top. I know while you are in the midst of your mess it is hard to see that it will come together. God is holding you and all your mess in the palms of his hands. In order to win at the game of jacks you have to pick up all the pieces and hold them in your hand. Once you have done that you are considered a winner. In Life you are a winner when you allow God to hold you and your scattered pieces in the palm of His hand. Remember that it was God's hands that made you and it is God's hands that will save you. Some may slip through the cracks but once you are leaning on faith, you know that even though you slipped God will bounce back down and pick you up. We are not perfect and from time to time we will fall but like Donny McCurklin said, we can get up and get back in line. While you are in the midst of your storm hold on to God's hand and know he is picking up the pieces in your life. Once they are all picked up and you are molded according to God's Divine plan, you shall win.
Be Blessed and Encouraged
Claim your Baggage
Philippians 3:13
No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.
Psalm 51:7, 9-10
Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow......Don't keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.
Reflections:
When you take a flight you check your baggage at the ticket counter. They place a tag on the bag indicating where you are going and who you are. The bag then goes through a series of slot before making it onto the plane. While you are sitting inside the plane, your baggage is underneath the plane in a special compartment. The thing about your baggage is that no matter how many layovers you have, your baggage goes with you and will meet you at your final destination. Many different people along the way handle your baggage but when it gets to you it is still the same baggage. If for some reason your baggage does not arrive the same time you do the airport has a designated area called 'baggage claim'. In this room are many pieces of baggage. You stop by a bag that looks exactly like yours but upon looking at the tag you realize that it is not your bag. You say to yourself, someone has the same baggage as me. So you move on to the next bag that looks like yours but again you find that it is not your bag. Again saying to yourself, “not mine but we have the same taste.” After looking at several bags that look like yours you find your bag. You go to the counter and make your claim.
In our lives we have made many mistakes. At some point we opened up our bag and each hurtful experience gets put in. We sometimes overload the bag with stuff we can not control. As we move forward in life we carry our baggage with us. For some, who have the same baggage, they are able to acknowledge their part in the problems that make up their baggage and they can move forward leaving their baggage in the special compartment. Oh it will always be with them, but they have put it behind them and are looking toward the future. Too many people however, not only carry their baggage with them, they open it and reveal the contents. When you walk out of a bad relationship and find a new man or woman, lock the bag. Don't throw the contents at the new person because he or she did not break your heart. When you enter a new job, don't go into the bag because this job is not your last job. You can't see ahead if you are constantly looking behind. As our scripture shows us, God can cleanse you and once you are cleanse you will be whiter than snow. Yes there will be people who will constantly remind you of the things you used to do. Claim your baggage and move on. You can look at that person and say, yes I used to do that, yeah I was the one who did this, but thank God I do not do that any more. You can look at the person who is revealing your baggage contents and say; my past is redeem through the Blood of the Lamb. As long as you hold on and keep opening up the baggage you can not move to the place God wants you to be.
God wants to cleanse you, he wants to renew your spirit and he wants to clear your path but you have to let go of the past. So, walk up to God' s ticket counter and check your baggage. And when you do, you will be able to see where you are going and you will arrive at a place of peace. And the good news is that you do not have to open up the door to the baggage claim because once God locks the door, it is sealed.
Walk into your season
No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.
Psalm 51:7, 9-10
Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow......Don't keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.
Reflections:
When you take a flight you check your baggage at the ticket counter. They place a tag on the bag indicating where you are going and who you are. The bag then goes through a series of slot before making it onto the plane. While you are sitting inside the plane, your baggage is underneath the plane in a special compartment. The thing about your baggage is that no matter how many layovers you have, your baggage goes with you and will meet you at your final destination. Many different people along the way handle your baggage but when it gets to you it is still the same baggage. If for some reason your baggage does not arrive the same time you do the airport has a designated area called 'baggage claim'. In this room are many pieces of baggage. You stop by a bag that looks exactly like yours but upon looking at the tag you realize that it is not your bag. You say to yourself, someone has the same baggage as me. So you move on to the next bag that looks like yours but again you find that it is not your bag. Again saying to yourself, “not mine but we have the same taste.” After looking at several bags that look like yours you find your bag. You go to the counter and make your claim.
In our lives we have made many mistakes. At some point we opened up our bag and each hurtful experience gets put in. We sometimes overload the bag with stuff we can not control. As we move forward in life we carry our baggage with us. For some, who have the same baggage, they are able to acknowledge their part in the problems that make up their baggage and they can move forward leaving their baggage in the special compartment. Oh it will always be with them, but they have put it behind them and are looking toward the future. Too many people however, not only carry their baggage with them, they open it and reveal the contents. When you walk out of a bad relationship and find a new man or woman, lock the bag. Don't throw the contents at the new person because he or she did not break your heart. When you enter a new job, don't go into the bag because this job is not your last job. You can't see ahead if you are constantly looking behind. As our scripture shows us, God can cleanse you and once you are cleanse you will be whiter than snow. Yes there will be people who will constantly remind you of the things you used to do. Claim your baggage and move on. You can look at that person and say, yes I used to do that, yeah I was the one who did this, but thank God I do not do that any more. You can look at the person who is revealing your baggage contents and say; my past is redeem through the Blood of the Lamb. As long as you hold on and keep opening up the baggage you can not move to the place God wants you to be.
God wants to cleanse you, he wants to renew your spirit and he wants to clear your path but you have to let go of the past. So, walk up to God' s ticket counter and check your baggage. And when you do, you will be able to see where you are going and you will arrive at a place of peace. And the good news is that you do not have to open up the door to the baggage claim because once God locks the door, it is sealed.
Walk into your season
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Times Like This I Wish......
Jude 1:1-7
From: Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and a brother of James.
To: Christians everywhere----beloved of God and chosen by him. May you be given more and more of God's kindness, peace, and love.
Dearly loved friends, I had been planning to write you some thoughts about the salvation God has given us, but now I find I must write of something else instead, urging you to stoutly defend the truth which God gave, once for all, to his people to keep without change throughout the years. I say this because some godless teachers have wormed their way in among you, saying that after we become Christians we can do just as we without fear of God's punishment. The fate of such people was written long ago, for they have turned against our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
My answer to them is: Remember this fact--which you know already--that the Lord saved a whole nation of people out of the land of Egypt, and then killed every one of them who did not trust and obey him. And I remind you of those angels who were once pure and holy, but turned to a life of sin. Now God has them chained up in prison of darkness, waiting for the judgment day. And don' forget the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, all full of lust of every kind including lust of men for other men. Those cities were destroyed by fire and continue to be a warning to us that there is a hell in which sinners are punished.
Reflection:
Our scripture today says it all. It is a constant reminder of what can happen when the Lord takes his hand off of you, when you disobey him and his laws, when you listen to false prophets. The bible tells us to beware of those who come to you like a sheep but inside are raging wolves. Not everyone that speaks about life as a Christian are people of God. So beware. If you build a personal relationship with God you will be able to recognize these wolves for yourself. Lamentations 5:19 says, "O Lord, forever you remain the same! Your throne continues from generation to generation." This is said also in today's scripture. Jude is (in verse 3) urging us to "defend the truth which God gave, Once and for all, to his people to keep without change throughout the years. Isn't that just like God to be the same throughout the years. In Luke 1:50 we see that "His Mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all that fear him." God does not change but we do. We forget all that he has done for us, we forget about the sacrifice he gave us. We are living in trying times. Some say we are living in Sodom and Gomorrah. But there is one thing that we will never forget and that is that we can always come back to God. We may stray, we may even sin but we can come back in line with Jesus if we repent and ask for forgiveness.
The times we are living in right now are seen in Revelations. There is nothing greater right now then having a right relationship with God. Remember that if you do not get right with God, you will as our text says be chained in a prison of darkness waiting for the judgment day. If you get right with God, repent, let him into your heart you will be free to the light of eternal life. Call upon him today for forgiveness, defend him and remember that in Christ Jesus there is power and Salvation is his name.
Be Blessed and Encouraged
From: Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and a brother of James.
To: Christians everywhere----beloved of God and chosen by him. May you be given more and more of God's kindness, peace, and love.
Dearly loved friends, I had been planning to write you some thoughts about the salvation God has given us, but now I find I must write of something else instead, urging you to stoutly defend the truth which God gave, once for all, to his people to keep without change throughout the years. I say this because some godless teachers have wormed their way in among you, saying that after we become Christians we can do just as we without fear of God's punishment. The fate of such people was written long ago, for they have turned against our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
My answer to them is: Remember this fact--which you know already--that the Lord saved a whole nation of people out of the land of Egypt, and then killed every one of them who did not trust and obey him. And I remind you of those angels who were once pure and holy, but turned to a life of sin. Now God has them chained up in prison of darkness, waiting for the judgment day. And don' forget the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, all full of lust of every kind including lust of men for other men. Those cities were destroyed by fire and continue to be a warning to us that there is a hell in which sinners are punished.
Reflection:
Our scripture today says it all. It is a constant reminder of what can happen when the Lord takes his hand off of you, when you disobey him and his laws, when you listen to false prophets. The bible tells us to beware of those who come to you like a sheep but inside are raging wolves. Not everyone that speaks about life as a Christian are people of God. So beware. If you build a personal relationship with God you will be able to recognize these wolves for yourself. Lamentations 5:19 says, "O Lord, forever you remain the same! Your throne continues from generation to generation." This is said also in today's scripture. Jude is (in verse 3) urging us to "defend the truth which God gave, Once and for all, to his people to keep without change throughout the years. Isn't that just like God to be the same throughout the years. In Luke 1:50 we see that "His Mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all that fear him." God does not change but we do. We forget all that he has done for us, we forget about the sacrifice he gave us. We are living in trying times. Some say we are living in Sodom and Gomorrah. But there is one thing that we will never forget and that is that we can always come back to God. We may stray, we may even sin but we can come back in line with Jesus if we repent and ask for forgiveness.
The times we are living in right now are seen in Revelations. There is nothing greater right now then having a right relationship with God. Remember that if you do not get right with God, you will as our text says be chained in a prison of darkness waiting for the judgment day. If you get right with God, repent, let him into your heart you will be free to the light of eternal life. Call upon him today for forgiveness, defend him and remember that in Christ Jesus there is power and Salvation is his name.
Be Blessed and Encouraged
Did You Get The Valley Lesson?
Job 2:1-10
Now the angels came again to present themselves before the Lord and Satan with them. "Where have you come from?" the Lord asked Satan. "From Earth, where I've been watching everything that's going on, Satan replied. "Well, have you noticed my servant Job?" the Lord asked. "He is the finest man in all the earth--a good man, who fears God and turns away from all evil. And he has kept his faith in me despite the fact that you persuaded me to let you harm him without cause." "Skin for skin, Satan replied. "A man will give anything to save his life. Touch his body with sickness and he will curse you to your face!" "Do with him as you please," the Lord replied; "only spare his life." So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with a terrible case of boils from head to foot. Then Job took a broken piece of pottery to scrape himself, and sat among the ashes. His wife said to him, "Are you still trying to be godly when God has done all this to you? Curse him and die."
Job 4:7-9
Stop and think! Have you ever known a truly good and innocent person who was punished? Experience teaches that it is those who sow sin and trouble who harvest the same. They die beneath the hand of God.
Reflection:
Again we see Satan back in front of God because his plan failed. Although he was allowed to take away Job's wealth and family, Job still praised God. So here we see Satan again asking permission to now touch Job's body in an attempt to get him to curse God. Isn't that just like Satan, to attempt to bring us down but I guess he has not figured out that when we are at our lowest that is when God truly blesses us. Let's take Job for example. If he would have listened to his wife, he would have cursed God and died, instead he took a piece of clay to scrape himself. Now he could have used anything else but the clay would give the most comfort. We could consider the text in the bible that tells us that God is the potter and we are the clay. Like a potter molds and shapes the clay to form is art, God molds and shapes us taking us from simple clay and forming his masterpiece. "Masterpiece" is an interesting word when you break down it's definition. The word Master means, a person with the ability or power to control, a person highly skilled in an art, craft, etc, a male teacher. The word Piece means, a quantity of some material forming a separate entity, an example, specimen, or instance of something, to mend by adding a piece or pieces, to make by or as if joining pieces. So when God forms a masterpiece it is a piece of himself. Job was not only receive physically comfort from the clay he was summonsing the potter to recreate the masterpiece.
When Job was in his valley experience he choose the only thing that he knew would bring him a bit of comfort, the clay. When we are going through our valley experience we can call out to the only person that will bring us comfort and that is to call upon the Potter, the Master, our Lord and Savior. In Job's valley experience he heard a word from his friends. They share with him that only those who sow sin and trouble will receive the same. Those who harvest trouble and sin will die beneath the hand of God. Did Job learn something in his valley experience? I say yes. He learned that even when everything else was taken away, when his body was wrath with pain, when it seems that there is no way out he kept his faith and his eyes toward heaven and learned that God will never leave us nor forsake us. In every low in our lives there is a lesson to be learned. We may not get it the first time but in due time and many valley experiences something will click symbolized a learning experience. So while you are in your valley experience, look for the lesson. If indeed you are like Job, a good obedient person you will not die beneath the hand of God; You will not die in the valley; you will come through with power and knowledge. When you are in the valley, grab a piece of clay and ask the Lord to rebuild his Masterpiece, then walk with the Lord.
Be Blessed and Encouraged
Now the angels came again to present themselves before the Lord and Satan with them. "Where have you come from?" the Lord asked Satan. "From Earth, where I've been watching everything that's going on, Satan replied. "Well, have you noticed my servant Job?" the Lord asked. "He is the finest man in all the earth--a good man, who fears God and turns away from all evil. And he has kept his faith in me despite the fact that you persuaded me to let you harm him without cause." "Skin for skin, Satan replied. "A man will give anything to save his life. Touch his body with sickness and he will curse you to your face!" "Do with him as you please," the Lord replied; "only spare his life." So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with a terrible case of boils from head to foot. Then Job took a broken piece of pottery to scrape himself, and sat among the ashes. His wife said to him, "Are you still trying to be godly when God has done all this to you? Curse him and die."
Job 4:7-9
Stop and think! Have you ever known a truly good and innocent person who was punished? Experience teaches that it is those who sow sin and trouble who harvest the same. They die beneath the hand of God.
Reflection:
Again we see Satan back in front of God because his plan failed. Although he was allowed to take away Job's wealth and family, Job still praised God. So here we see Satan again asking permission to now touch Job's body in an attempt to get him to curse God. Isn't that just like Satan, to attempt to bring us down but I guess he has not figured out that when we are at our lowest that is when God truly blesses us. Let's take Job for example. If he would have listened to his wife, he would have cursed God and died, instead he took a piece of clay to scrape himself. Now he could have used anything else but the clay would give the most comfort. We could consider the text in the bible that tells us that God is the potter and we are the clay. Like a potter molds and shapes the clay to form is art, God molds and shapes us taking us from simple clay and forming his masterpiece. "Masterpiece" is an interesting word when you break down it's definition. The word Master means, a person with the ability or power to control, a person highly skilled in an art, craft, etc, a male teacher. The word Piece means, a quantity of some material forming a separate entity, an example, specimen, or instance of something, to mend by adding a piece or pieces, to make by or as if joining pieces. So when God forms a masterpiece it is a piece of himself. Job was not only receive physically comfort from the clay he was summonsing the potter to recreate the masterpiece.
When Job was in his valley experience he choose the only thing that he knew would bring him a bit of comfort, the clay. When we are going through our valley experience we can call out to the only person that will bring us comfort and that is to call upon the Potter, the Master, our Lord and Savior. In Job's valley experience he heard a word from his friends. They share with him that only those who sow sin and trouble will receive the same. Those who harvest trouble and sin will die beneath the hand of God. Did Job learn something in his valley experience? I say yes. He learned that even when everything else was taken away, when his body was wrath with pain, when it seems that there is no way out he kept his faith and his eyes toward heaven and learned that God will never leave us nor forsake us. In every low in our lives there is a lesson to be learned. We may not get it the first time but in due time and many valley experiences something will click symbolized a learning experience. So while you are in your valley experience, look for the lesson. If indeed you are like Job, a good obedient person you will not die beneath the hand of God; You will not die in the valley; you will come through with power and knowledge. When you are in the valley, grab a piece of clay and ask the Lord to rebuild his Masterpiece, then walk with the Lord.
Be Blessed and Encouraged
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Second Time Around
Matthew 14:17-20
"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered. "Bring them here to me", he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves of bread and the two fish and looking up to heaven he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketsful of broken pieces that were left over.
Reflection:
For many people leftovers are an intrinsic part of their meals. Often working parents will make a large pot of something and the purpose is to eat from it for a couple of days. Leftovers have become an American existence. When there is not much food, we can rely on our leftovers to give us nourishment. Many people have "pot luck" where they use leftovers to create a new meal. When we have leftovers that says that you had more than enough food to feed our family. Sometimes it may not look like enough but when it is time to serve the food you find that is more than enough.
As we look at our scripture we should get excited about leftovers. We should rejoice each time we pull out the Tupperware containers for the food: because that shows us that God supplied more than enough. Many years ago there was a song called The Second Time Around. In this song they declared that the second time around is better than the first time. The same is true with leftovers. Have you noticed that with certain foods the leftovers are better than the first time? That is because the seasonings have had time to sink in. The same is true for us. the first time we go through something but when we have hit the bottom, God talks to us, we hear and as we wake up for the second time things are better because God's Word was able to sink in us. When we look at our scripture I am sure that although the disciples had seen Jesus perform miracles, they were amazed when Jesus took five loaves of bread and two fish and fed thousands and had leftovers. If we examine our scripture we see Jesus, who was trying to be alone after hearing about his friend, John the Baptist, being beheaded. But when the people heard they followed him. You see they wanted whatever blessing they could get; even if it was a left over blessing. When Jesus saw them he had compassion for them and healed their sick. Realizing the time Jesus, from five loaves of bread and two fish fed approximately 5000 and had leftovers. That should encourage someone who is in pain and going through feelings of loneliness and feeling as though they don't have enough. You will have more than enough food, friends, money and faith, when you lean on Jesus you will see things will be better the second time around.
The first time you tried things your way and that was how Satan wanted things to go. But now following Jesus he will have compassion on you and the second time around will be better than the first time. The second time you will not have just enough but because you walk with Jesus you will have more than enough. So follow Jesus and get out your Tupperware because your blessings will be abundant and there will be leftovers.
Be Blessed and Encouraged
"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered. "Bring them here to me", he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves of bread and the two fish and looking up to heaven he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketsful of broken pieces that were left over.
Reflection:
For many people leftovers are an intrinsic part of their meals. Often working parents will make a large pot of something and the purpose is to eat from it for a couple of days. Leftovers have become an American existence. When there is not much food, we can rely on our leftovers to give us nourishment. Many people have "pot luck" where they use leftovers to create a new meal. When we have leftovers that says that you had more than enough food to feed our family. Sometimes it may not look like enough but when it is time to serve the food you find that is more than enough.
As we look at our scripture we should get excited about leftovers. We should rejoice each time we pull out the Tupperware containers for the food: because that shows us that God supplied more than enough. Many years ago there was a song called The Second Time Around. In this song they declared that the second time around is better than the first time. The same is true with leftovers. Have you noticed that with certain foods the leftovers are better than the first time? That is because the seasonings have had time to sink in. The same is true for us. the first time we go through something but when we have hit the bottom, God talks to us, we hear and as we wake up for the second time things are better because God's Word was able to sink in us. When we look at our scripture I am sure that although the disciples had seen Jesus perform miracles, they were amazed when Jesus took five loaves of bread and two fish and fed thousands and had leftovers. If we examine our scripture we see Jesus, who was trying to be alone after hearing about his friend, John the Baptist, being beheaded. But when the people heard they followed him. You see they wanted whatever blessing they could get; even if it was a left over blessing. When Jesus saw them he had compassion for them and healed their sick. Realizing the time Jesus, from five loaves of bread and two fish fed approximately 5000 and had leftovers. That should encourage someone who is in pain and going through feelings of loneliness and feeling as though they don't have enough. You will have more than enough food, friends, money and faith, when you lean on Jesus you will see things will be better the second time around.
The first time you tried things your way and that was how Satan wanted things to go. But now following Jesus he will have compassion on you and the second time around will be better than the first time. The second time you will not have just enough but because you walk with Jesus you will have more than enough. So follow Jesus and get out your Tupperware because your blessings will be abundant and there will be leftovers.
Be Blessed and Encouraged
Preparation, Preparation, Preparation
In so many business and even personal circles, preparation is an important component to success. When heading to a board meeting, many top executives take the weeks and even days before the meeting to prepare and when the meeting occurs they are exhausted because of all the preparations. They approach the meeting with feelings of disgust in all they had to do to get ready that it is hard to show their softer side. They present their material, attempt to buy their investors by selling them dreams and then they work overtime to close the deal. Missing from this meeting is the interaction with the board members. In any good partnership, relationship is the most important element. The Bible shows us both sides of the coin, preparation without relationship and preparation and relationship in the lives of Martha and Mary Luke 10: 38-42.
Martha invited Jesus to the house that she shared with her sister Mary. After Martha had invited him they both got busy. Martha cleaned, cooked, set a “perfect” table, called all her friends and organized the troubles of her life so that she could welcome Jesus in. When He arrived Martha was still busy preparing for his visit that she lost sight of what was really important. After all, why did she invite him over? Was it to never spend time with him? She worked so hard that she forgot that what’s Jesus desires is relationship and the only thing she was relating to was what she thought was necessary for his visit. Now I am in no way saying that preparation isn’t important but you have to remember what and who you are preparing for. Now Mary had done her share of cleaning but when Jesus arrived she stopped and took up residence at His feet. Her focus shifted from preparation to relationship. Mary remembered that spending quality time with Jesus is necessary for receiving guidance, wisdom, and healing, and given that the town they lived in, Bethany was known as a place where the sick was cared for Mary wanted to get all that she could from the Master Healer. What vital information Mary was receiving that she could later use to care for sick people.
You can spend your whole life trying to clean up the mess you made of your life but you will never achieve complete cleanliness until you rest, as Mary did, at the feet of Jesus. While Martha had organized her troubles for Jesus, Mary was sitting in a posture to pour her troubles out (1 Peter 5:7). Martha was so disgusted with her sister that she thought surely Jesus will understand the necessity of preparation and tell Mary to help her but to her surprise, Jesus told her that Mary had it all right. Martha’s preparations only yielded her frustration. At the end of Jesus’ visit, all Martha had was dishes to clean, dusting and sweeping to do (the roads during this time were dusty roads), organized troubles and a broken heart. She never got to experience Jesus for herself. We can tell someone all about what Jesus has done for us but unless they experience Him for themselves they will never know personally what the Lord can and will do in their life. On this rainy “Hump Day” why don’t you prepare a place for the Lord then sit at His feet. Spending this quality He is sure to get you over the hump.
Many Blessings
Martha invited Jesus to the house that she shared with her sister Mary. After Martha had invited him they both got busy. Martha cleaned, cooked, set a “perfect” table, called all her friends and organized the troubles of her life so that she could welcome Jesus in. When He arrived Martha was still busy preparing for his visit that she lost sight of what was really important. After all, why did she invite him over? Was it to never spend time with him? She worked so hard that she forgot that what’s Jesus desires is relationship and the only thing she was relating to was what she thought was necessary for his visit. Now I am in no way saying that preparation isn’t important but you have to remember what and who you are preparing for. Now Mary had done her share of cleaning but when Jesus arrived she stopped and took up residence at His feet. Her focus shifted from preparation to relationship. Mary remembered that spending quality time with Jesus is necessary for receiving guidance, wisdom, and healing, and given that the town they lived in, Bethany was known as a place where the sick was cared for Mary wanted to get all that she could from the Master Healer. What vital information Mary was receiving that she could later use to care for sick people.
You can spend your whole life trying to clean up the mess you made of your life but you will never achieve complete cleanliness until you rest, as Mary did, at the feet of Jesus. While Martha had organized her troubles for Jesus, Mary was sitting in a posture to pour her troubles out (1 Peter 5:7). Martha was so disgusted with her sister that she thought surely Jesus will understand the necessity of preparation and tell Mary to help her but to her surprise, Jesus told her that Mary had it all right. Martha’s preparations only yielded her frustration. At the end of Jesus’ visit, all Martha had was dishes to clean, dusting and sweeping to do (the roads during this time were dusty roads), organized troubles and a broken heart. She never got to experience Jesus for herself. We can tell someone all about what Jesus has done for us but unless they experience Him for themselves they will never know personally what the Lord can and will do in their life. On this rainy “Hump Day” why don’t you prepare a place for the Lord then sit at His feet. Spending this quality He is sure to get you over the hump.
Many Blessings
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)