For You are God, O Soverign Lord. Your works are truth, & You have promised these good things to Your servant (2Sam. 7:28 NLT)
Three important truths here. First, God is God. He created everything, Hes in charge of everything, & He saved us. He knows what we need & what's best for us. He knows the answers to the questions we haven't even heard yet. Hopefully, He is Lord of your life. Secondly, His words are truth. If He said it, we can count on it. If He promised it, we can claim it. Thirdly, he has promised good things to His children. At our church, we are to find one promise each week, & share it in church. It has been a great blessing. We don't access the power we have been given because we often don't know what He has promised us. We need to know & we need to claim it. Get in Gods word! Find His promises! Don't be a spiritual weakling! We have a great power living within us. There is power in Gods word. We need that power right now. God can still do great things & He wants to in your life! It's up to us to access the power!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Drop the weight
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses, surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance & the sin which so easily entangles us, & let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. (Heb. 12:1 NASB)
My grandpa was a minister & I was blessed with 3 other grandparents who also taught me about God. I was also blessed with many Christian examples in my life who have gone on to their reward. I often think about them cheering me on now as I go through struggles & victories. I think about grandpa watching me go through ministry telling me " hang in there, I went through that too." I look forward to talking to Him about it one day as he didn't & I didn't know I was going to do this when he went to heaven. He's also cheering on my cousins blog & my sisters Facebook page on keeping Christmas alive all year.
Today I want you to think of being in a race. The witnesses are cheering you on & you're running the race with a bunch of baggage & weights attached to you holding you back. They're telling you to get rid of those weights. When you learn to, suddenly the race gets easier & you start seeing what you can actually do when you're not dragging around all of that extra weight. Also in a race, sometimes you get tired but run with endurance. Don't give up!
So when the race gets hard, think about your witnesses. Family & friends cheering you on! Also think about Moses, David, Peter, & Paul, & others encouraging you forward. As Gods child, you are in their bloodline. They've all been through all of the stuff the world has to offer. They have received their reward. Now it's up to us to run our race. Throw off all of the fear, anger, hurt, disappointments, unforgiveness, etc. & run hard! Run the race to win it!
My grandpa was a minister & I was blessed with 3 other grandparents who also taught me about God. I was also blessed with many Christian examples in my life who have gone on to their reward. I often think about them cheering me on now as I go through struggles & victories. I think about grandpa watching me go through ministry telling me " hang in there, I went through that too." I look forward to talking to Him about it one day as he didn't & I didn't know I was going to do this when he went to heaven. He's also cheering on my cousins blog & my sisters Facebook page on keeping Christmas alive all year.
Today I want you to think of being in a race. The witnesses are cheering you on & you're running the race with a bunch of baggage & weights attached to you holding you back. They're telling you to get rid of those weights. When you learn to, suddenly the race gets easier & you start seeing what you can actually do when you're not dragging around all of that extra weight. Also in a race, sometimes you get tired but run with endurance. Don't give up!
So when the race gets hard, think about your witnesses. Family & friends cheering you on! Also think about Moses, David, Peter, & Paul, & others encouraging you forward. As Gods child, you are in their bloodline. They've all been through all of the stuff the world has to offer. They have received their reward. Now it's up to us to run our race. Throw off all of the fear, anger, hurt, disappointments, unforgiveness, etc. & run hard! Run the race to win it!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Build up
Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good & helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them (Eph. 4:29 NLT)
Often we have the power to build up or tear down. It might be our spouse, our kids, friends, relatives,or complete strangers. Sometimes we do one or the other & don't even think about it. It might be that our words have a big impact sometimes for a long time on those we speak to. A lot of times we think about encouraging words to tell someone & that's as far as it gets, & yet the negative words fly without thinking. Filter the negative. It should only be done in love. Take every opportunity to encourage. Your words might be what pushes someone to do great things. God might use your encouragement to push someone to do the work He has for them to do. Your encouragement might be the change in a situation. Find someone today to encourage. Look for something in everyone that you could encourage them about. It might change how you view others & how they view you.
Often we have the power to build up or tear down. It might be our spouse, our kids, friends, relatives,or complete strangers. Sometimes we do one or the other & don't even think about it. It might be that our words have a big impact sometimes for a long time on those we speak to. A lot of times we think about encouraging words to tell someone & that's as far as it gets, & yet the negative words fly without thinking. Filter the negative. It should only be done in love. Take every opportunity to encourage. Your words might be what pushes someone to do great things. God might use your encouragement to push someone to do the work He has for them to do. Your encouragement might be the change in a situation. Find someone today to encourage. Look for something in everyone that you could encourage them about. It might change how you view others & how they view you.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Gods requirements
No, O people,the Lord has told you what is good, & this is what he requires of you; to do what is right, to love mercy, & to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8 NLT)
I think it's good to know what God requires of us. Number 1) To do what is right. How do we know what that is. By spending time with God. Talk to Him early & often. Start your day with prayer, finish it with prayer, & talk to Him throughout the day. Also spend time listening to Him. Then the key since you know His will is to follow it. Requirement number 2) love mercy. Show forgiveness, don't seek revenge, & also it means when you could stepon someone, take the opportunity to show Gods grace instead. Forgiving someone who doesn't deserve it & helping someone who hurt you , that's showing mercy. And thirdly, walk humbly with your God. I think this means living with Him as Lord of your life. Putting His will & desires first. Making Him your only thought. If you do that, He will show you how to take care of everything & everyone else. If you follow Gods requirements, everything else works out. Follow these three requirements & live the abundant life God has planned for you!
I think it's good to know what God requires of us. Number 1) To do what is right. How do we know what that is. By spending time with God. Talk to Him early & often. Start your day with prayer, finish it with prayer, & talk to Him throughout the day. Also spend time listening to Him. Then the key since you know His will is to follow it. Requirement number 2) love mercy. Show forgiveness, don't seek revenge, & also it means when you could stepon someone, take the opportunity to show Gods grace instead. Forgiving someone who doesn't deserve it & helping someone who hurt you , that's showing mercy. And thirdly, walk humbly with your God. I think this means living with Him as Lord of your life. Putting His will & desires first. Making Him your only thought. If you do that, He will show you how to take care of everything & everyone else. If you follow Gods requirements, everything else works out. Follow these three requirements & live the abundant life God has planned for you!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
A touch of His garment
And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over" (Mk. 5:34 NLT)
This woman had been sick for 12 years. She was probably tired, frustrated, & afraid. She had been to all the places she could go to to get help with no results. Now she hears Jesus the Great Physician is going to be in her town. This is her chance. She gets there & apparently everyone else heard He was going to be there too because there was a huge crowd. But she knows all she needed was to touch His garment. She mustered up all of her strength & determination, pushed through the crowd, & she did it. She touched His garment! Immediately she was healed! Finally! When Jesus realized who had touched Him, He gave her the words she was longing to hear. "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over." Maybe youre in need of healing. We all need healing from something. It could be physical, emotional, the past, a relationship, etc. . It could even be for your home or your country. Have her determination & her faith. Expect healing. Reach out for the Healer. If you have made Him Lord of your life, it's a short reach because He lives inside of you. Believe your suffering is over. Believe He wants you to live in peace. Release your faith & allow Him to work!
This woman had been sick for 12 years. She was probably tired, frustrated, & afraid. She had been to all the places she could go to to get help with no results. Now she hears Jesus the Great Physician is going to be in her town. This is her chance. She gets there & apparently everyone else heard He was going to be there too because there was a huge crowd. But she knows all she needed was to touch His garment. She mustered up all of her strength & determination, pushed through the crowd, & she did it. She touched His garment! Immediately she was healed! Finally! When Jesus realized who had touched Him, He gave her the words she was longing to hear. "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over." Maybe youre in need of healing. We all need healing from something. It could be physical, emotional, the past, a relationship, etc. . It could even be for your home or your country. Have her determination & her faith. Expect healing. Reach out for the Healer. If you have made Him Lord of your life, it's a short reach because He lives inside of you. Believe your suffering is over. Believe He wants you to live in peace. Release your faith & allow Him to work!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Plenty left over
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need & plenty left over to share with others (2 Cor. 9:8 NLT)
Lay offs, rising unemployment, rising gas prices, rising grocery prices, on & on. Trying to figure out how ends are going to meet is becoming more & more difficult. The good news is this verse gives us Gods promise to provide for our needs. Then it goes on to say that we wi. Have "plenty left over to share wit others.". So we can stop worrying so much & start looking for opportunities to help others. We need to pray for not just enough to get by but for more to be able to help others. We need to pray for God to show us people we can help. It might be financially. Maybe you have a skill to help someone. Maybe you can encourage someone. Get rid of the mediocre, get by attitude. God wants to bless you so that you can bless others & share His love. Get a bigger vision! Look for others to help! Fill someone's need! He is the God of more than enough!
Lay offs, rising unemployment, rising gas prices, rising grocery prices, on & on. Trying to figure out how ends are going to meet is becoming more & more difficult. The good news is this verse gives us Gods promise to provide for our needs. Then it goes on to say that we wi. Have "plenty left over to share wit others.". So we can stop worrying so much & start looking for opportunities to help others. We need to pray for not just enough to get by but for more to be able to help others. We need to pray for God to show us people we can help. It might be financially. Maybe you have a skill to help someone. Maybe you can encourage someone. Get rid of the mediocre, get by attitude. God wants to bless you so that you can bless others & share His love. Get a bigger vision! Look for others to help! Fill someone's need! He is the God of more than enough!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Love one another
Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples (John 13:35 NLT)
A lot of times anymore, there is so much fighting,arguing, & I'm right-you're wrong going on that love gets lost along the way. Sometimes we get so caught up in the "religion"that we lose the relationship part. We get busy trying to show were doing all the right things that we miss the most important thing. I do believe we must stand firm on Gods word but we can do that while demonstrating Gods love. Our love for Christ should be so strong & so sincere that it overflows to those around us. That's how we show love to others because as Gods love lives in us it flows out to others. Michael W. Smith wrote a song that says "love isn't love till you give it away". Gods love is not meant to be bottled upon you. He wants you to give it away. He won't let you run out. He has a never ending supply & the more you use it, the more he refills you. A lot of people may not come to church to see Christ but you can take Christ to them. Christ showed His love to us, & we show how much we love Him by loving others.
A lot of times anymore, there is so much fighting,arguing, & I'm right-you're wrong going on that love gets lost along the way. Sometimes we get so caught up in the "religion"that we lose the relationship part. We get busy trying to show were doing all the right things that we miss the most important thing. I do believe we must stand firm on Gods word but we can do that while demonstrating Gods love. Our love for Christ should be so strong & so sincere that it overflows to those around us. That's how we show love to others because as Gods love lives in us it flows out to others. Michael W. Smith wrote a song that says "love isn't love till you give it away". Gods love is not meant to be bottled upon you. He wants you to give it away. He won't let you run out. He has a never ending supply & the more you use it, the more he refills you. A lot of people may not come to church to see Christ but you can take Christ to them. Christ showed His love to us, & we show how much we love Him by loving others.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Send me
Then I heard the voice of the Lord , saying, "Whom shall I send, & who will go for us?" The I said "Here am I. Send me!" (Is. 6:8 NASB)
God is looking for people to send out to share His love & message. He's not checking your education level, or if you've been to seminary. He's not checking to see if there is something in your past that might make you unusable. He wants to know you love Him & you're willing. He wants people who are willing to go to their schools, their jobs, the store, their neighbors, etc. to share Him. That might be by your actions or by your words. If you think you couldn't speak to someone about Christ, ask God to give you the words. He will. He'll do the talking, He just needs your hands & feet. He needs you to care about Him & others enough to share Him. Maybe you can send someone a card, text them, message them on Facebook, etc. . Just be willing! He's asking whom can I send. I'm hoping you say "send me!"
God is looking for people to send out to share His love & message. He's not checking your education level, or if you've been to seminary. He's not checking to see if there is something in your past that might make you unusable. He wants to know you love Him & you're willing. He wants people who are willing to go to their schools, their jobs, the store, their neighbors, etc. to share Him. That might be by your actions or by your words. If you think you couldn't speak to someone about Christ, ask God to give you the words. He will. He'll do the talking, He just needs your hands & feet. He needs you to care about Him & others enough to share Him. Maybe you can send someone a card, text them, message them on Facebook, etc. . Just be willing! He's asking whom can I send. I'm hoping you say "send me!"
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Bless us 1000 times
And may the Lord, the God of your ancestors, multiply you a thousand times more & bless you as He promised! (Deut. 1:11 NLT)
I'd like you to get this vision for your life. A thousand times increase. That's hard to fathom. Maybe your strengths a little low. How about a thousand times increase. Maybe your peace is empty. How about a thousand times increase. Maybe your bank accounts low on funds. How about a thousand times increase. You might be thinking I haven't seen the economic forcast lately. Maybe I haven't seen gas prices rising or grocery costs rising. Or maybe I haven't seen your medical report. I'm quite aware that there are a lot of things we wish we're different right now. I'm also aware that we serve a big God Who wants to bless us. I think Satan has been working overtime to distract us from that fact but were going to get that vision & keep our focus on God! He is not bound by bad reports or bad circumstances, & were not going to do it by thinking too small. I'm going to say it again, get a God sized vision for your life! Believe it & hold onto it.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Gods goodness today
Yet I am confident I will see the Lords goodness while I am here in the land of the living (Ps. 27:3 NLT)
David had a lot of ups & downs just like we all do. Sometimes he was really up & sometimes he was really down. Even in the midst of his struggles, trials, & failures, David believed that God had good things ahead for him. He didn't just believe God had good things for him in heaven but he believed God had good things for him here on earth as well. We need to have that same attitude. Wake up in the morning & instead of focusing on the possible problems of the day, focus on the good things He has planned for you. He's already planned them out & lined them up. Thank Him for the opportunities ahead of time. God is a good(great) God & He wants good(great) things for you. Get in your head that He loves you! If something comes against you, believe you will see His goodness next. Expect it! Ask for it! He has amazing things ahead for His children. Don't believe your best days are behind you, they are still coming today & in the future!
David had a lot of ups & downs just like we all do. Sometimes he was really up & sometimes he was really down. Even in the midst of his struggles, trials, & failures, David believed that God had good things ahead for him. He didn't just believe God had good things for him in heaven but he believed God had good things for him here on earth as well. We need to have that same attitude. Wake up in the morning & instead of focusing on the possible problems of the day, focus on the good things He has planned for you. He's already planned them out & lined them up. Thank Him for the opportunities ahead of time. God is a good(great) God & He wants good(great) things for you. Get in your head that He loves you! If something comes against you, believe you will see His goodness next. Expect it! Ask for it! He has amazing things ahead for His children. Don't believe your best days are behind you, they are still coming today & in the future!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
A strong tree
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season And it's leaf does not wither; Andin whatever he does, he prospers (Ps. 1:3 NASB)
This verse talks about the person seeking God & following Him. It says he will be like a tree firmly planted by the water. We need to be firmly planted on Gods word. I believe the water is God & His Word. Thats where I want to be planted! His word hasn't changed. We don't need to change it but it should change us! The world needs people to stay firm in their commitment to Christ & not be wishy washy. Also it says we will bear fruit. If we live our witness according to Gods word we can't help but bear fruit. If we're bearing fruit, we won't wither which tells me we will remain strong. I think that means personally & as the church. Plant yourself by the water (God & His Word). Be a strong tree. It says if you will do these things, whatever you will do will prosper. The reason for that is because you will be following Gods will because you are planted by the water. You will be growing, strong, & fruitful.
This verse talks about the person seeking God & following Him. It says he will be like a tree firmly planted by the water. We need to be firmly planted on Gods word. I believe the water is God & His Word. Thats where I want to be planted! His word hasn't changed. We don't need to change it but it should change us! The world needs people to stay firm in their commitment to Christ & not be wishy washy. Also it says we will bear fruit. If we live our witness according to Gods word we can't help but bear fruit. If we're bearing fruit, we won't wither which tells me we will remain strong. I think that means personally & as the church. Plant yourself by the water (God & His Word). Be a strong tree. It says if you will do these things, whatever you will do will prosper. The reason for that is because you will be following Gods will because you are planted by the water. You will be growing, strong, & fruitful.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Where our power comes from
The Spirit of God Who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you (Rom. 8:11 NLT)
Gods amazing resurrection power! This verse says that Gods power lives within us through the Holy Spirit. I think we don't understand that power & what it does in our lives. Once you are Gods child, you have that power inside of you. That doesn't mean you have magical powers & you can make anything happen that you want. But it is there to lead us & guide us. It's there to make us strong. It's there to help us overcome. No longer can we say something is too hard for us. We can truly love & forgive others because of how God has loved & forgiven us. We can resist temptations & our old ways because of the power that lives within us. Christs resurrection gives us victory over sin & death & that same power is working in us everyday. We don't need to walk around defeated, but we need to live in victory! Not because of us but because of the work of the Holy Spirit within us. So don't rely on your power, resources, & strength because they will fail. Rely on the One with limitless power, limitless resources, & limitless strength because God never fails!
Gods amazing resurrection power! This verse says that Gods power lives within us through the Holy Spirit. I think we don't understand that power & what it does in our lives. Once you are Gods child, you have that power inside of you. That doesn't mean you have magical powers & you can make anything happen that you want. But it is there to lead us & guide us. It's there to make us strong. It's there to help us overcome. No longer can we say something is too hard for us. We can truly love & forgive others because of how God has loved & forgiven us. We can resist temptations & our old ways because of the power that lives within us. Christs resurrection gives us victory over sin & death & that same power is working in us everyday. We don't need to walk around defeated, but we need to live in victory! Not because of us but because of the work of the Holy Spirit within us. So don't rely on your power, resources, & strength because they will fail. Rely on the One with limitless power, limitless resources, & limitless strength because God never fails!
Friday, February 15, 2013
More than a condemned building
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1 NLT)
One of my favorite chapters in the Bible, so we are going to spend a few days here. We spend way too much time living condemned. It makes us like a condemned building which is hard to be used. It says here there is no condemnation for the Christian. Satan will try to condemn us, others will try to, & sometimes we do it to ourselves. Unfortunately, authority figures often do this to kids &end up tearing down kids they could be helping. God however, does not see you as a condemned building. You might have made mistakes in the past. You might not be good enough. You might have failed before. But through Christ, none of that matters because Christ has erased all of that. He has made your mistakes go away. He has made you more than good enough & He has turned your failures into victories. Sometimes we like to bring up past mistakes but God says "not here". Don't do it to yourself, allow others to do it to you, or do it to someone else. If God doesn't remember it, why should we?
One of my favorite chapters in the Bible, so we are going to spend a few days here. We spend way too much time living condemned. It makes us like a condemned building which is hard to be used. It says here there is no condemnation for the Christian. Satan will try to condemn us, others will try to, & sometimes we do it to ourselves. Unfortunately, authority figures often do this to kids &end up tearing down kids they could be helping. God however, does not see you as a condemned building. You might have made mistakes in the past. You might not be good enough. You might have failed before. But through Christ, none of that matters because Christ has erased all of that. He has made your mistakes go away. He has made you more than good enough & He has turned your failures into victories. Sometimes we like to bring up past mistakes but God says "not here". Don't do it to yourself, allow others to do it to you, or do it to someone else. If God doesn't remember it, why should we?
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
You can't imagine
God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply & gently within us. Eph. 3:20 Mess.)
Another mind blowing verse. It says we're not even capable of imagining what God is capable of. First of all that signifies to me that everyone who thinks they can explain why God can't be Who He says He is , are thinking too small. They can't even comprehend His ways. Secondly, everyone who thinks something is impossible, don't understand His power. In any event, I think we think & ask too small. Even if we ask as big or bigger than we think possible, it is nothing to God! I think He would like us to enlarge our vision of what He can do in our personal lives, as well as our country & world. As I've said before, have God sized faith & let Him work through us. Find a work that's bigger than you & watch God move! Find a problem too big for you & let God fix it! We can't imagine what God is capable of doing!
Another mind blowing verse. It says we're not even capable of imagining what God is capable of. First of all that signifies to me that everyone who thinks they can explain why God can't be Who He says He is , are thinking too small. They can't even comprehend His ways. Secondly, everyone who thinks something is impossible, don't understand His power. In any event, I think we think & ask too small. Even if we ask as big or bigger than we think possible, it is nothing to God! I think He would like us to enlarge our vision of what He can do in our personal lives, as well as our country & world. As I've said before, have God sized faith & let Him work through us. Find a work that's bigger than you & watch God move! Find a problem too big for you & let God fix it! We can't imagine what God is capable of doing!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
God loves you
And may you have the power to understand, as all Gods people should, how wide, how long, how high, & how deep His love is (Eph. 3:18 NLT)
I think this is hard to fathom. I'm not sure I can comprehend or come up with words to express how much God loves us. He sent His only Son to die on the cross for my sins & then Christ was resurrected so that we can have eternal life with Him. There is not anything we have done or could do that could make Him stop loving us. We think it's really something to see or meet a celebrity but the Creator of the universe loves us. He knows our names & every detail of our lives. He knows our worries & our fears & He is there with us every step. Even when were not living as He has asked us , He still loves us. He is working all things for our good. I've known a few "celebrities" & none of them have wanted a personal relationship with me. But Jesus gave His life so that we could have one with Him.
I think this is hard to fathom. I'm not sure I can comprehend or come up with words to express how much God loves us. He sent His only Son to die on the cross for my sins & then Christ was resurrected so that we can have eternal life with Him. There is not anything we have done or could do that could make Him stop loving us. We think it's really something to see or meet a celebrity but the Creator of the universe loves us. He knows our names & every detail of our lives. He knows our worries & our fears & He is there with us every step. Even when were not living as He has asked us , He still loves us. He is working all things for our good. I've known a few "celebrities" & none of them have wanted a personal relationship with me. But Jesus gave His life so that we could have one with Him.
Monday, February 11, 2013
No ifs
Jesus said,"There are no 'ifs' among believers. Anything can happen." (Mark 9:23 Mess.)
Now I'm not a health, wealth, & prosperity person. God has a will& a plan & we can't just expect Him to be a candy dispenser. Trials & struggles do happen. Having said that I absolutely believe we underestimate God. He is still the almighty God! But I think we let "ifs"enter into our thinking far too often. Christ says here that there are no "ifs" . He is capable of anything. The person Jesus was talking too admitted he needed help with his faith. I need help with my faith sometimes which I think we all do. We need to pray & tell God that we want to have God sized faith. I want to see what can happen if we remove the "ifs" &have the faith that Hecan do ALL things. He didn't just do great things in the Bible, He still does today. We realize our limitations but He has none. There is no problem that he can't overcome. I believe that is how the things we are dealing with in our personal lives as well as the things we are dealing with our country & world are going to be turned around. Enlarge your faith, remove the "ifs" , & allow God to move! Believe anything can happen through God! Start living in victory instead of defeat! Jesus just wants us to take out the "ifs".
Now I'm not a health, wealth, & prosperity person. God has a will& a plan & we can't just expect Him to be a candy dispenser. Trials & struggles do happen. Having said that I absolutely believe we underestimate God. He is still the almighty God! But I think we let "ifs"enter into our thinking far too often. Christ says here that there are no "ifs" . He is capable of anything. The person Jesus was talking too admitted he needed help with his faith. I need help with my faith sometimes which I think we all do. We need to pray & tell God that we want to have God sized faith. I want to see what can happen if we remove the "ifs" &have the faith that Hecan do ALL things. He didn't just do great things in the Bible, He still does today. We realize our limitations but He has none. There is no problem that he can't overcome. I believe that is how the things we are dealing with in our personal lives as well as the things we are dealing with our country & world are going to be turned around. Enlarge your faith, remove the "ifs" , & allow God to move! Believe anything can happen through God! Start living in victory instead of defeat! Jesus just wants us to take out the "ifs".
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Go deeper
When He finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Now go out where it is deeper, & let down your nets to catch some fish" (Luke 5:4 NLT)
So they had worked hard all night, they had seen no results, they were tired, & Jesus says go out deeper & let down the nets one more time. What do you do, tell the Savior of the world "No I tired". I do think sometimes we do that & we miss out on the reward. Peter would have if he hadn't listened. We think,"I've tried that & it didn't work so we give up one time too soon. Maybe it was on a dream, maybe it was witnessing to someone, or o a ministry God has called you to do. Sometimes we just need to do it one more time. Other times He wants us to go out deeper. Deeper can be scary but it can be very rewarding. When God takes us out deeper, he does so to prepare us for a great work. That's where our faith grows & we learn to depend on Him. So I want to encourage you if you're tired or feeling like giving up. Don't be afraid to go out deeper, God is there too. Don't quit one time too soon, God will give you the strength you need. Go deeper, cast out your nets one more time, & pull in the reward God has for you!
So they had worked hard all night, they had seen no results, they were tired, & Jesus says go out deeper & let down the nets one more time. What do you do, tell the Savior of the world "No I tired". I do think sometimes we do that & we miss out on the reward. Peter would have if he hadn't listened. We think,"I've tried that & it didn't work so we give up one time too soon. Maybe it was on a dream, maybe it was witnessing to someone, or o a ministry God has called you to do. Sometimes we just need to do it one more time. Other times He wants us to go out deeper. Deeper can be scary but it can be very rewarding. When God takes us out deeper, he does so to prepare us for a great work. That's where our faith grows & we learn to depend on Him. So I want to encourage you if you're tired or feeling like giving up. Don't be afraid to go out deeper, God is there too. Don't quit one time too soon, God will give you the strength you need. Go deeper, cast out your nets one more time, & pull in the reward God has for you!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Strong foundation
Anyone who listens to my teaching & follows is wise, like a person who builds a house on a solid rock. ( Matt. 7:24 NLT)
My son & I were talking this week about the importance of a strong foundation. This applies to anything in life. Sometimes we try to skip past the foundation part to what we think is the more exciting part. However, if we ignore the foundation, everything else crumbles. We have nothing to help us stand strong when the winds blow & the waters rise. We start that foundation by getting into Gods word, talking with Him daily, & fellowship with other believers. Those of us who are parents, it is also our responsibility to help give our kids that strong foundation as well. If we don't we will find ourselves wondering one day why they have drifted away from God & have fallen into the pitfalls that are out there for our kids. We talk about problems in the world, maybe it's because we have gotten away from the strong Foundation. It's not too late. Go back & rebuild if necessary. Jesus Christ is the solid foundation. Invite Him into your life, ask Him for forgiveness of you're sins,& make Him your foundation. Then allow Him to build the life He has for you on top of that foundation!
My son & I were talking this week about the importance of a strong foundation. This applies to anything in life. Sometimes we try to skip past the foundation part to what we think is the more exciting part. However, if we ignore the foundation, everything else crumbles. We have nothing to help us stand strong when the winds blow & the waters rise. We start that foundation by getting into Gods word, talking with Him daily, & fellowship with other believers. Those of us who are parents, it is also our responsibility to help give our kids that strong foundation as well. If we don't we will find ourselves wondering one day why they have drifted away from God & have fallen into the pitfalls that are out there for our kids. We talk about problems in the world, maybe it's because we have gotten away from the strong Foundation. It's not too late. Go back & rebuild if necessary. Jesus Christ is the solid foundation. Invite Him into your life, ask Him for forgiveness of you're sins,& make Him your foundation. Then allow Him to build the life He has for you on top of that foundation!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Resist, stand firm, encourage
But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world (1 Peter 5:9 NASB)
Satan will try to wear you down with trials & struggles. Sometimes you get tired of fighting. This verse is encouraging us as we go through those struggles, to stay strong & keep your trust in God. A lot of times when we're going through them we think we have to handle them on our own. God is asking us to trust Him & follow His directions. It's that peace & joy in the midst of the struggle that others can't understand. That's the peace & joy that comes from knowing no matter what is going on around us, God is in control of the storm! Also it is telling us that we are not the only ones going through our circumstances. That's a lie that Satan tells us to isolate us. I think here God is telling us to encourage & uplift each other through our struggles. It's alright to let people know what you're going through & to let them know where your peace & strength come from. Resist Satan, stand firm, & encourage each other!
Satan will try to wear you down with trials & struggles. Sometimes you get tired of fighting. This verse is encouraging us as we go through those struggles, to stay strong & keep your trust in God. A lot of times when we're going through them we think we have to handle them on our own. God is asking us to trust Him & follow His directions. It's that peace & joy in the midst of the struggle that others can't understand. That's the peace & joy that comes from knowing no matter what is going on around us, God is in control of the storm! Also it is telling us that we are not the only ones going through our circumstances. That's a lie that Satan tells us to isolate us. I think here God is telling us to encourage & uplift each other through our struggles. It's alright to let people know what you're going through & to let them know where your peace & strength come from. Resist Satan, stand firm, & encourage each other!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Stay alert
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 NLT)
This verse says we have an enemy & he wants to destroy us. Now while you might be thinking you could list several "enemies", our real enemy is Satan. He absolutely wants to destroy us. He wants to take our peace, our joy, our witness, & most importantly he wants to keep us from a relationship with Christ. Some people think he's not real. He likes it that way. He's a deceiver & that's one of his lies. If he can deceive us, he can beat us. However, God is greater than Satan. If you are a Christian, you have a greater power living in you than the power of Satan. We have the victory. The Holy Spirit is there to lead us & guide us & give us the victory, but we have to remain sensitive to His leading. We must stay in Gods Word, talk with Him daily, & spend time with other believers. We cannot become complacent & let our guard down. So stay alert & remember , God gives US the victory!
This verse says we have an enemy & he wants to destroy us. Now while you might be thinking you could list several "enemies", our real enemy is Satan. He absolutely wants to destroy us. He wants to take our peace, our joy, our witness, & most importantly he wants to keep us from a relationship with Christ. Some people think he's not real. He likes it that way. He's a deceiver & that's one of his lies. If he can deceive us, he can beat us. However, God is greater than Satan. If you are a Christian, you have a greater power living in you than the power of Satan. We have the victory. The Holy Spirit is there to lead us & guide us & give us the victory, but we have to remain sensitive to His leading. We must stay in Gods Word, talk with Him daily, & spend time with other believers. We cannot become complacent & let our guard down. So stay alert & remember , God gives US the victory!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Leave your worries with me
Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you (1Peter 5:7 NASB)
Lately, I've talked to a lot of people losing their jobs, dealing with sickness, having relationship problems etc. . I've had my own experiences going on as well. When I've tried to deal with things on my own, I've been frustrated, tired, & defeated. When I take them to God & leave them there & trust Him, it's like a huge weight being taken away. He wants you to bring them to Him. He wants to take your worries & your fears. He loves you that much. He will not leave you, He's just waiting on you to allow Him to take care of them for you. He also didn't say only to give Ho some of your worries. He wants them all. He wants to show you He's working in your life so you can share that with others. Don't hold on to the problems, worries, doubts, & fears. Leave them at His feet. He loves you more than a parent loves their kids. We want our kids to allow us to help & He wants to do the same for us.
Lately, I've talked to a lot of people losing their jobs, dealing with sickness, having relationship problems etc. . I've had my own experiences going on as well. When I've tried to deal with things on my own, I've been frustrated, tired, & defeated. When I take them to God & leave them there & trust Him, it's like a huge weight being taken away. He wants you to bring them to Him. He wants to take your worries & your fears. He loves you that much. He will not leave you, He's just waiting on you to allow Him to take care of them for you. He also didn't say only to give Ho some of your worries. He wants them all. He wants to show you He's working in your life so you can share that with others. Don't hold on to the problems, worries, doubts, & fears. Leave them at His feet. He loves you more than a parent loves their kids. We want our kids to allow us to help & He wants to do the same for us.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Be lifted up
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, & at the right time He will lift you up in honor. (1 Peter 5:6 NLT)
I'm going to spend the next few days in first Peter. If you remember, Peter earlier in his discipleship could have a pretty healthy ego. He told Jesus that he would not turn away from Jesus even if everyone else did. He also said he would never deny Christ. Sometimes we all can get like that. Things are going smooths & we think we have things a little more under control than some others. But Peter learned & we need to as well, that the way to do great things is to realize WE can do nothing & that it's only through Christ that we can do anything. Peter became so humble that he rejoiced that he was considered worthy to suffer for Christ. It was only after he humbled himself to Gods authority that he was used to do his greatest work for Christ. Keep your focus on God, humble yourself under his power & authority & then He will lift you up. He can do far greater things than we ever can.
I'm going to spend the next few days in first Peter. If you remember, Peter earlier in his discipleship could have a pretty healthy ego. He told Jesus that he would not turn away from Jesus even if everyone else did. He also said he would never deny Christ. Sometimes we all can get like that. Things are going smooths & we think we have things a little more under control than some others. But Peter learned & we need to as well, that the way to do great things is to realize WE can do nothing & that it's only through Christ that we can do anything. Peter became so humble that he rejoiced that he was considered worthy to suffer for Christ. It was only after he humbled himself to Gods authority that he was used to do his greatest work for Christ. Keep your focus on God, humble yourself under his power & authority & then He will lift you up. He can do far greater things than we ever can.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Go tell
"Go home & tell everything God did in you." So he went back & preached all over town everything Jesus had done in him. (Luke 8:39 Mess.)
How many times when we come home from school or work, do we go inside & begin telling all of our problems for the day? Do we go out & tell people how bad everything is, how the sky is falling, & what bad things are "probably" getting ready to happen? What if we got home & told the ones there about what God had done in our lives that day? What if we went to the ball game, store, our job, etc. & couldn't contain what God was doing in us? If you don't think you have anything to tell anybody about what God is doing, why not? God is moving & He wants to move in you. You have to be available. As Christians, God wants us to be spreading what He's doing in us so that non-Christians can see what God can do. We should be spreading joy, Christs love, & hope. He wants us to not be able to hold in what He's doing in our lives. I am praying for Gods movement like that in my life & yours. I am praying that we won't be able to contain it!
How many times when we come home from school or work, do we go inside & begin telling all of our problems for the day? Do we go out & tell people how bad everything is, how the sky is falling, & what bad things are "probably" getting ready to happen? What if we got home & told the ones there about what God had done in our lives that day? What if we went to the ball game, store, our job, etc. & couldn't contain what God was doing in us? If you don't think you have anything to tell anybody about what God is doing, why not? God is moving & He wants to move in you. You have to be available. As Christians, God wants us to be spreading what He's doing in us so that non-Christians can see what God can do. We should be spreading joy, Christs love, & hope. He wants us to not be able to hold in what He's doing in our lives. I am praying for Gods movement like that in my life & yours. I am praying that we won't be able to contain it!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
He's got your back
Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off & leave you," we can boldly quote, God is there ready to help; I'm fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me? (Heb. 13:5&6 MESS.)
If you're like a lot of people today you are worried how ends are going to meet or maybe you need that one more possession to make you happy. God is telling you here not to worry about all of that because He is never going to let us down. He knows our needs & He has them covered. He didn't say He was going to be there if He didn't have anything else going on. But He said He would NEVER let us down. Sometimes we even worry about what man has planned for us. However, even if they are planning things for our harm, God has promised to be there again. If He is ready to help, we don't need to worry. Nothing is too big that God can't handle it. He knows about it before it happened anyway. So when the scary voices & circumstances are going on around you, be bold, trust God, & say this ones yours. Then thank Him for having your back.
If you're like a lot of people today you are worried how ends are going to meet or maybe you need that one more possession to make you happy. God is telling you here not to worry about all of that because He is never going to let us down. He knows our needs & He has them covered. He didn't say He was going to be there if He didn't have anything else going on. But He said He would NEVER let us down. Sometimes we even worry about what man has planned for us. However, even if they are planning things for our harm, God has promised to be there again. If He is ready to help, we don't need to worry. Nothing is too big that God can't handle it. He knows about it before it happened anyway. So when the scary voices & circumstances are going on around you, be bold, trust God, & say this ones yours. Then thank Him for having your back.
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