For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. (Jer. 29:11 NASB)
Step number 9 is be expectant. Far too often we walk around thinking about all the what ifs & waiting on the other shoe to fall. That is not how God wants us to live. He's telling us here that He is in control & He has good plans for us. We should wake up every morning with that attitude. If we wake up, God has a plan & a purpose for us that day. We need to say God is in control, He loves me, & He has a good plan for me today. Believe it & declare it all throughout 2013. It's having faith & trust in God & allowing Him to work. It's hard to walk around with joy, peace, & expectancy when you don't understand Gods plans for you. You're His child. Just like we want good things for our kids, God wants good things for His. So in 2013, expect good things & be on the lookout for them to happen!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
Encourage
Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing (1 Thess. 5:11 NASB)t
Step 8 is encourage. I don't know about you but I can always use more encouragement. Sometimes you just need somebody to tell you you can do it. I have had a couple of times in my life when I had a lot of people & "experts" telling me I couldn't overcome certain obstacles & I just needed one person to tell me I could. Fortunately, God sent me the people I needed & they gave me the encouragement I needed. You might be the person God is wanting to use to give someone that lift that they need. It might be a simple word,phone call, letter, visit, etc. . People often get way to much of being torn down & a little encouragement produces great results. Encouragement multiplies. It spreads rapidly. Look for the good in others & take every opportunity to encourage them.
Step 8 is encourage. I don't know about you but I can always use more encouragement. Sometimes you just need somebody to tell you you can do it. I have had a couple of times in my life when I had a lot of people & "experts" telling me I couldn't overcome certain obstacles & I just needed one person to tell me I could. Fortunately, God sent me the people I needed & they gave me the encouragement I needed. You might be the person God is wanting to use to give someone that lift that they need. It might be a simple word,phone call, letter, visit, etc. . People often get way to much of being torn down & a little encouragement produces great results. Encouragement multiplies. It spreads rapidly. Look for the good in others & take every opportunity to encourage them.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Share
So proclaim the message with intensity; Keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, & urge your people. Don't ever quit. Just keep it simple (2 Tim. 4:2 Mess.)
Step 7 is proclaim the message. We don't have to be preachers or authors to do this step. We all have people that we come in contact with who we can share with about what God is doing in our lives. If He's not doing anything in your life, pleas go back & re-read the first six steps. Your testimony is one of the best ways to share. If you can show how God is helping you it may show someone else that He can do the same for them. Pray for opportunities to share. God will provide them. Ask God to speak through you & He will. He just needs us to be willing to be used. You may have the message of hope someone needs. Its a great feeling to be able to give someone that hope. Sometimes you might not see immediate results but realize your job is to share & then allow God to work. He can do amazing things!
Step 7 is proclaim the message. We don't have to be preachers or authors to do this step. We all have people that we come in contact with who we can share with about what God is doing in our lives. If He's not doing anything in your life, pleas go back & re-read the first six steps. Your testimony is one of the best ways to share. If you can show how God is helping you it may show someone else that He can do the same for them. Pray for opportunities to share. God will provide them. Ask God to speak through you & He will. He just needs us to be willing to be used. You may have the message of hope someone needs. Its a great feeling to be able to give someone that hope. Sometimes you might not see immediate results but realize your job is to share & then allow God to work. He can do amazing things!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Serve
I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you. (John 13:15 NIV)
Step 6 is serve . In this passage, Jesus had just washed His disciples feet. He was serving the disciples. He gave them the example that if He (the Savior of the world) was not above serving, neither were they. Now this is not always a popular concept today because a lot of people want to know "what's in it for me". Trust me you will reap huge rewards if you will follow this step. We can serve our family, friends, neighbors, church, fellow workers, community, country etc. . Many people I know do random acts of kindness. This is a great opportunity to share Gods love & serve. He will constantly provide opportunities for us to do those if we will ask & look for opportunities. To those who are doing those, keep it up. What a difference we can make if we will serve. It was Christs example & today Hes asking us to take our focus off of ourselves , follow His example & serve.
Step 6 is serve . In this passage, Jesus had just washed His disciples feet. He was serving the disciples. He gave them the example that if He (the Savior of the world) was not above serving, neither were they. Now this is not always a popular concept today because a lot of people want to know "what's in it for me". Trust me you will reap huge rewards if you will follow this step. We can serve our family, friends, neighbors, church, fellow workers, community, country etc. . Many people I know do random acts of kindness. This is a great opportunity to share Gods love & serve. He will constantly provide opportunities for us to do those if we will ask & look for opportunities. To those who are doing those, keep it up. What a difference we can make if we will serve. It was Christs example & today Hes asking us to take our focus off of ourselves , follow His example & serve.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Be different
Don't become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out (Rom. 12:2 Mess.)
Step number 5- be different. Don't blend in with society but be something different. Reflect the hope that only Christ can give. Show the peace that only He provides. Stand firm on His word not on the worlds standards. We are called to be set apart. God has high standards for us & we are to reflect those. The only way we can do that is to fix our focus on Him. Follow Gods word, it's the guide. Talk to God often, He wants to direct you. It says here if you will do this He will change you from the inside out. If you're like me that's a major key to your best 2013. When everything around you is crazy, when all hope is gone, when you feel like giving up, stay focused on God & let Him do the changing.
Step number 5- be different. Don't blend in with society but be something different. Reflect the hope that only Christ can give. Show the peace that only He provides. Stand firm on His word not on the worlds standards. We are called to be set apart. God has high standards for us & we are to reflect those. The only way we can do that is to fix our focus on Him. Follow Gods word, it's the guide. Talk to God often, He wants to direct you. It says here if you will do this He will change you from the inside out. If you're like me that's a major key to your best 2013. When everything around you is crazy, when all hope is gone, when you feel like giving up, stay focused on God & let Him do the changing.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Worship
The secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face & worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you. (1 Cor. 14:25 NASB)
Fourth key is worship. Worship is not just song service on Sunday. We can worship God anytime, anywhere. Worship is coming into Gods presence, setting aside time for Him. Get off in a quiet spot, seek Him, worship Him, study Him & talk to Him. Tell Him your concerns & frustrations. He knows them anyway but He wants to hear them from you. Seek His guidance & tell Him you love Him. Ask for His protection & healing. And please don't forget to listen. You might be surprised what He has to tell you. If you will spend time with Him everyday you will be amazed at what God will do through you.
Fourth key is worship. Worship is not just song service on Sunday. We can worship God anytime, anywhere. Worship is coming into Gods presence, setting aside time for Him. Get off in a quiet spot, seek Him, worship Him, study Him & talk to Him. Tell Him your concerns & frustrations. He knows them anyway but He wants to hear them from you. Seek His guidance & tell Him you love Him. Ask for His protection & healing. And please don't forget to listen. You might be surprised what He has to tell you. If you will spend time with Him everyday you will be amazed at what God will do through you.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Forgive
But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matt. 6:15 NLT)
Key 3- forgive. I think first of all you have to forgive yourself. If you're holding on to something you've done in the past even though you have asked God to forgive you,you are wasting your time. When God forgives, He forgets. If Hes forgotten it why do we remember? Secondly forgive others. It says if we don't, God won't forgive us. I don't know about you but I definitely want His forgiveness. I not only want it, I need it. The third part of forgiveness is asking others for forgiveness when necessary. We all mess up sometimes. If we need to ask God for forgiveness, ask. If we need forgiveness from someone else, ask. If we'll practice forgiveness, it will take a huge burden off of us. That sounds like it is well worth it.
Key 3- forgive. I think first of all you have to forgive yourself. If you're holding on to something you've done in the past even though you have asked God to forgive you,you are wasting your time. When God forgives, He forgets. If Hes forgotten it why do we remember? Secondly forgive others. It says if we don't, God won't forgive us. I don't know about you but I definitely want His forgiveness. I not only want it, I need it. The third part of forgiveness is asking others for forgiveness when necessary. We all mess up sometimes. If we need to ask God for forgiveness, ask. If we need forgiveness from someone else, ask. If we'll practice forgiveness, it will take a huge burden off of us. That sounds like it is well worth it.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Let God Lead
Commit everything you do to the Lord, trust Him & he will help you (Ps. 37:5 NLT)
My second key is let God lead. The first step was making Him Lord of your life. If you have done this, it only makes sense to let Him lead. But to often we like to hold onto the reins. One of the bad things about that is we have limited vision. Gods vision is unlimited, He can see all of the things we cant see . He knows what is best for us & where He needs us. He is never confused or distracted like we sometimes become. So this year when we're making our goals, pray for guidance as to what God would have them to be & then pray that He will help you accomplish them. As the second part of this verse says, you have to trust God in order for you to let Him lead. It takes trust to say "I'm in your hands what do you need me to do" ? Just remember He wants what's best for you . Knowing that makes it easier to let Him lead.
My second key is let God lead. The first step was making Him Lord of your life. If you have done this, it only makes sense to let Him lead. But to often we like to hold onto the reins. One of the bad things about that is we have limited vision. Gods vision is unlimited, He can see all of the things we cant see . He knows what is best for us & where He needs us. He is never confused or distracted like we sometimes become. So this year when we're making our goals, pray for guidance as to what God would have them to be & then pray that He will help you accomplish them. As the second part of this verse says, you have to trust God in order for you to let Him lead. It takes trust to say "I'm in your hands what do you need me to do" ? Just remember He wants what's best for you . Knowing that makes it easier to let Him lead.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
First things first
Over the next ten days or so I am going to discuss ten important keys to having your best 2013. I will discuss one a day & I hope it will get us all off to a great start in the new year.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your strength. (Deut. 6:5 NIV)
First of the keys is to keep first things first. If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior, this is where you need to begin. It is the best decision you will ever make. He loves you & He wants you to spend eternity with Him. If you have already made the decision then love Him enough to develop your relationship with Him. Seek to learn more about Him daily. Ask God to reveal Himself to you. He wants you to know Him. Seek Him, study Him, make Him a priority. Your first & only priority. Make Him the first thing you think of in the morning. Talk to Him all during the day. Listen to what He has to tell you. Don't just let Him be a Sunday thing but a 24/7 thing. If you will do this you will have taken a great first step & you will be amazed at how He will reveal Himself to you.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your strength. (Deut. 6:5 NIV)
First of the keys is to keep first things first. If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior, this is where you need to begin. It is the best decision you will ever make. He loves you & He wants you to spend eternity with Him. If you have already made the decision then love Him enough to develop your relationship with Him. Seek to learn more about Him daily. Ask God to reveal Himself to you. He wants you to know Him. Seek Him, study Him, make Him a priority. Your first & only priority. Make Him the first thing you think of in the morning. Talk to Him all during the day. Listen to what He has to tell you. Don't just let Him be a Sunday thing but a 24/7 thing. If you will do this you will have taken a great first step & you will be amazed at how He will reveal Himself to you.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Coming soon
Probably starting next week I am going to start posting some important keys to a great 2013. I have preached about keys to a great new year before but I have some new thoughts. So please keep checking out the blog & please tell others who might find it helpful.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Choose
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one & love the other or he will be devoted to the one & despise the other. You cannot serve both God & money. (Matt. 6:24 NIV)
Too many people are trying to serve two masters. Trying to be "good enough" to get to heaven yet live as the world lives. First of all you can't be good enough to get to heaven because it requires a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Secondly, God judges your heart so there has to be a change there. Some go to church on Sunday but live anything but a Christian life the rest of the week. Some think they don't need all that religion & that they can worship God on their own. While its true you can worship God anywhere it's not religion you need it's a relationship with Jesus Christ. He died for you & He wants all of you. As Joshua said in the Old Testament, "choose this day whom you will serve". He didn't say go back & forth. That little baby that you see in the manger at Christmas time is the King of Kings! He's the one we need to serve.
Too many people are trying to serve two masters. Trying to be "good enough" to get to heaven yet live as the world lives. First of all you can't be good enough to get to heaven because it requires a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Secondly, God judges your heart so there has to be a change there. Some go to church on Sunday but live anything but a Christian life the rest of the week. Some think they don't need all that religion & that they can worship God on their own. While its true you can worship God anywhere it's not religion you need it's a relationship with Jesus Christ. He died for you & He wants all of you. As Joshua said in the Old Testament, "choose this day whom you will serve". He didn't say go back & forth. That little baby that you see in the manger at Christmas time is the King of Kings! He's the one we need to serve.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Let me know you
Ow therefore, I pray to you, if I have found favor in your sight, let me know your ways that I may know you, so that I may find favor in your sight. Consider too, that this nation is your people. (Ex. 33:13 NASB)
Sometimes we think we know the path to get where we want to go. But sometimes God has other plans. What we need to seek is to know what God wants to do in us & to know Him more. You see it isn't enough to just pray the prayer. There needs to be a change in us. We need to continually learn more about God. As we do that we can trust Him more, put His will first, & accomplish our purpose. God wants us to know Him better everyday. He is not trying to hide from us. When we know Him better we learn to rely on His power & His resources which are much greater than ours. He will take "weak ordinary" people to accomplish His great purpose because then it shows His power & nature. So seek Him daily. Wise men do still seek Him. He's the best friend you'll ever have,
Sometimes we think we know the path to get where we want to go. But sometimes God has other plans. What we need to seek is to know what God wants to do in us & to know Him more. You see it isn't enough to just pray the prayer. There needs to be a change in us. We need to continually learn more about God. As we do that we can trust Him more, put His will first, & accomplish our purpose. God wants us to know Him better everyday. He is not trying to hide from us. When we know Him better we learn to rely on His power & His resources which are much greater than ours. He will take "weak ordinary" people to accomplish His great purpose because then it shows His power & nature. So seek Him daily. Wise men do still seek Him. He's the best friend you'll ever have,
Devotion, expectancy, thankfulness
Had a great time this weekend with the choir for te Christmas performance. Great group of people!
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Col. 4:2 NIV)
To be devoted means that you make something important to you. Whether that's your family, church, job, etc. we make it a priority. Here God is telling us to make prayer important in our lives. Not just when things are coming against us but all the time. He tells us this because He knows the benefits of being devoted t prayer. Pray for ourselves, others, our family, church, country, & many other things. We have plenty to keep us devoted to our prayer time. He also says to be watchful & thankful. That tells me when we pray we need to be expecting & looking for the answer & be thanking God ahead of time for the answer. God is a big God who wants to do great things. He's waiting for a faithful, thankful, people to devote ourselves to prayer. Why don't we follow this plan & watch God work.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Christmas joy
She will give birth to a Son, & you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. (Matt. 1:21 NIV)
It seems like this year a lot of people I have been around seem to be missing the Christmas spirit. I've heard complaints about Christmas music. People fighting at the stores. People complaining about how much work they have to do to get ready for Christmas. People acting terrible at ball games. We can't let kids at school see the Charlie Brown Christmas, can't say Merry Christmas, & a Christmas tree is ow a holiday tree. At least in Rhode Island. The angel said he was bringing us tidings of great joy. What was that joy? It was a Savior! Christmas was meant to be enjoyed. It's a celebration! If God hadn't sent us this great gift, our debt wouldn't be paid. Now it's been paid in full if we just accept it. So keep your focus on Christ this Christmas & remember "tidings of great joy" not "tidings of great stress".
It seems like this year a lot of people I have been around seem to be missing the Christmas spirit. I've heard complaints about Christmas music. People fighting at the stores. People complaining about how much work they have to do to get ready for Christmas. People acting terrible at ball games. We can't let kids at school see the Charlie Brown Christmas, can't say Merry Christmas, & a Christmas tree is ow a holiday tree. At least in Rhode Island. The angel said he was bringing us tidings of great joy. What was that joy? It was a Savior! Christmas was meant to be enjoyed. It's a celebration! If God hadn't sent us this great gift, our debt wouldn't be paid. Now it's been paid in full if we just accept it. So keep your focus on Christ this Christmas & remember "tidings of great joy" not "tidings of great stress".
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Christs loving arms
When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. (Ps. 94:19 NLT)
Satan loves nothing more than to fill our minds with doubt. How am I going to pay the bills? Does God love me? How am I going to overcome that obstacle? What's the future going to be like? Many, many doubts & questions that Satan is more than happy to give us. But this verse gives me a picture. I'm sitting at a table filled with worry when Christ comes up behind me, puts His arms around me & says " I love you and it's going to be alright" . My focus changes from worry to refreshment. I low He loves me& He is working out what is best for me. He's not a distant far off God but He's one close enough to hold me when I need it. He is a God of comfort, restoration, hope, & cheer. So next time the doubts come think of that picture & just sit there with God.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
I hope to provide encouragement, things God is trying to show me, & possibly challenge people to get more active for Christ. I am also hoping to show you that Gods word is alive & active in your life. In the process I am seeking a closer relationship with my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Please join me in my quest.
But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit & follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, & his descendants will inherit it. (Num. 14:24 NIV)
So twelve went out & came back & gave their reports. They all saw the same conditions & the same giants but only two believed they could have what God promised. The end result- the other ten were struck with a plague & died while Joshua & Caleb were blessed. Joshua was promoted & Caleb was allowed into the Promised Land & both he & his descendants were blessed. Why Joshua & Caleb? They had a different spirit & followed God. So because of their spirit & obedience not only them but also their descendants were blessed. It wasn't that they weren't afraid of those circumstances but they knew what God had promised & they believed He would deliver. So our job is to be obedient, have courage, & have faith that God will do what He has promised. I'll bet the other ten wish they had.
But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit & follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, & his descendants will inherit it. (Num. 14:24 NIV)
So twelve went out & came back & gave their reports. They all saw the same conditions & the same giants but only two believed they could have what God promised. The end result- the other ten were struck with a plague & died while Joshua & Caleb were blessed. Joshua was promoted & Caleb was allowed into the Promised Land & both he & his descendants were blessed. Why Joshua & Caleb? They had a different spirit & followed God. So because of their spirit & obedience not only them but also their descendants were blessed. It wasn't that they weren't afraid of those circumstances but they knew what God had promised & they believed He would deliver. So our job is to be obedient, have courage, & have faith that God will do what He has promised. I'll bet the other ten wish they had.
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