"Come to Me, all of you who labor & are heavy laden, & I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28 NKJV)
Anybody out there tired? Anybody feel like you've been beaten down & you just need to catch your breath & get your second wind? Christ is the place to go. You can go to Him & rest there in His strength & in His arms. Too often we try to go on our own & that's what wears us down. If we would just rely on Him & trust in Him, our burden would be so much lighter. As in one of my favorite books, "Pilgrims Progress" we spend too much time carrying around that backpack of the past, our fears, worries , & failures. If we would take that backpack to the cross & leave it there, Christ will dispose of it for us & we can walk much lighter. Sometimes, we get tired & its hard to take that rest but we can always go to the One Who gives us rest. If youre feeling tired & worn down claim this promise for your day & rest in our Redeemer. He will refresh you.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Whats their need
Jesus went throughout Gaililee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, & healing every disease & sickness among the people. ( Matt. 4:23 NIV)
Christ is our example. This was an example of His ministry. A model that I would think would be good for us to follow. First He went. He went to the people were who needed Him. As Christians we need to be in the world making a difference. How do we do that? Follow Christs example. He preached. He healed. He met their needs. Our preaching carries a lot more weight when we're showing enough concern for them to meet their needs. God can multiply our abilities, talents, & resources to do just that. If we will be about following His example, He will use us to do great things. I believe God is wanting to unleash His power through believers who trust Him enough to allow Him to work through them. Would you like to be one of those believers who had the power of the Holy Spirit moving through them? Lets set about following His example & watch what He does.
Christ is our example. This was an example of His ministry. A model that I would think would be good for us to follow. First He went. He went to the people were who needed Him. As Christians we need to be in the world making a difference. How do we do that? Follow Christs example. He preached. He healed. He met their needs. Our preaching carries a lot more weight when we're showing enough concern for them to meet their needs. God can multiply our abilities, talents, & resources to do just that. If we will be about following His example, He will use us to do great things. I believe God is wanting to unleash His power through believers who trust Him enough to allow Him to work through them. Would you like to be one of those believers who had the power of the Holy Spirit moving through them? Lets set about following His example & watch what He does.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Know the Power
I want to know Christ & the power of His resurrection & the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, & so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Phillipians 3:10 NIV)
As Christians, I think we often underestimate the power that we have available to us. We have the same power as was used to raise Christ from the dead. I think we have not even come close to seeing what God can do through us if we would only let that power work through us. I think part of the reason for that is when struggles & difficulties come we give up too soon. God uses those struggles to grow us, refine us, & to make us more fruitful for Him. We have to remember that as we go through those struggles, we still have that same power available to us. Instead of being defeated & turning back too soon, we need to access that power that comes from Almighty God & move those mountains. There will be struggles in life but God promises to use them for our good. So when they come, stay faithful & use the power & watch what God does with you.
As Christians, I think we often underestimate the power that we have available to us. We have the same power as was used to raise Christ from the dead. I think we have not even come close to seeing what God can do through us if we would only let that power work through us. I think part of the reason for that is when struggles & difficulties come we give up too soon. God uses those struggles to grow us, refine us, & to make us more fruitful for Him. We have to remember that as we go through those struggles, we still have that same power available to us. Instead of being defeated & turning back too soon, we need to access that power that comes from Almighty God & move those mountains. There will be struggles in life but God promises to use them for our good. So when they come, stay faithful & use the power & watch what God does with you.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Keep on Speaking
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, don't be silent. For I am with you, & no one is going to attack you & harm you , because I have many people in this city. (Acts 18: 9&10 NIV)
Today I think it has become increasingly easy to be quiet & not share Gods word with others because we can feel concerned with what others might say or do in response. However, Christs words to Paul apply to us today as well. We need to keep sharing Gods word. We need to live it, speak it & walk it. The world needs Gods word now more than ever. There are many out there misrepresenting it & its up to us to speak the truth. We can do this because we know that Christ goes with us. If Christ is with us, we have nothing to fear. Also, the world will tell us that there aren't many Christians left but just as God says here in His word He has many of us left. We need to work together to continue speaking His word, encouraging each other, & doing the work Christ has given us to do. I encourage you today, don't be afraid, keep speaking, keep working. God has a great work for us to do & remember, He goes with us.
Today I think it has become increasingly easy to be quiet & not share Gods word with others because we can feel concerned with what others might say or do in response. However, Christs words to Paul apply to us today as well. We need to keep sharing Gods word. We need to live it, speak it & walk it. The world needs Gods word now more than ever. There are many out there misrepresenting it & its up to us to speak the truth. We can do this because we know that Christ goes with us. If Christ is with us, we have nothing to fear. Also, the world will tell us that there aren't many Christians left but just as God says here in His word He has many of us left. We need to work together to continue speaking His word, encouraging each other, & doing the work Christ has given us to do. I encourage you today, don't be afraid, keep speaking, keep working. God has a great work for us to do & remember, He goes with us.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Why work
We continually remember before our God & Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, & your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thess. 1:3 NIV)
So salvation is a free gift from God. We don't have to do anything to receive it. This fact brings up the question then of why work. In todays society this can be a popular idea of why work when you can get it for free. The answer to that question is because of our love for our Lord & Savior which causes us to want to do what pleases Him. It is because of our love for others that we want to share Christ with them. The world today is in desperate need of hope & as Christians we have that hope to share with the world. We don't (or shouldn't) work to get something but its out of love (the two greatest commandments) that we work. And the last thing it talks about here is endurance. If youre getting tired & sometimes feel like youre not seeing results, remember where our hope rests. It rests in the Most High God, the Creator of the Universe, Jehovah Jireh, & Jehovah Rapha. So I want to encourage you to get your second wind & keep working. God will bring about the results if we show His love & continue to do His work.
So salvation is a free gift from God. We don't have to do anything to receive it. This fact brings up the question then of why work. In todays society this can be a popular idea of why work when you can get it for free. The answer to that question is because of our love for our Lord & Savior which causes us to want to do what pleases Him. It is because of our love for others that we want to share Christ with them. The world today is in desperate need of hope & as Christians we have that hope to share with the world. We don't (or shouldn't) work to get something but its out of love (the two greatest commandments) that we work. And the last thing it talks about here is endurance. If youre getting tired & sometimes feel like youre not seeing results, remember where our hope rests. It rests in the Most High God, the Creator of the Universe, Jehovah Jireh, & Jehovah Rapha. So I want to encourage you to get your second wind & keep working. God will bring about the results if we show His love & continue to do His work.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Sing
About midnight Paul & Silas were praying & singing hymns to God, & the other prisoners were listening to them. (Acts 16:25 NIV)
So there was Paul & Silas in terrible conditions in prison, & they were praying & singing. Yes, It says praying & singing, not complaining & crying. They weren't having a good day but they knew they had hope because of Jesus Christ. The thing I find interesting is that it says here that the other prisoners were listening. They were probably amazed about two people in prison praying & singing. The point is that the world is watching. How are Christians responding to bad circumstances? Are we praying & singing or grumbling & complaining. Are we joining in with the gloom & doom of the news reports or are we praising God because He is still on the throne & in control? Are we acting differently than the rest of the world? You see the other prisoners were listening because Paul & Silas were different than the others. The other prisoners wanted what they had. Can the same be said of us today? So eyes off of the circumstances, & back on your true Hope & get that song back in your heart & out of your mouth>
So there was Paul & Silas in terrible conditions in prison, & they were praying & singing. Yes, It says praying & singing, not complaining & crying. They weren't having a good day but they knew they had hope because of Jesus Christ. The thing I find interesting is that it says here that the other prisoners were listening. They were probably amazed about two people in prison praying & singing. The point is that the world is watching. How are Christians responding to bad circumstances? Are we praying & singing or grumbling & complaining. Are we joining in with the gloom & doom of the news reports or are we praising God because He is still on the throne & in control? Are we acting differently than the rest of the world? You see the other prisoners were listening because Paul & Silas were different than the others. The other prisoners wanted what they had. Can the same be said of us today? So eyes off of the circumstances, & back on your true Hope & get that song back in your heart & out of your mouth>
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Papa
This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. Its adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next Papa?" (Rom. 8:15 Message)
This was the perfect verse for me today. There are times in life when you just cant wait to tell your mom or dad something because you know as a child they can take care of it. As you get older, you often cant wait to tell your spouse about something because youre looking for support. I even now find myself wishing I still had my grandparents to ask something & learn from their wisdom. In ministry, I often wish I has my grandpa, (a pastor) to ask Him how he handled certain things. I will also admit that this week I have been feeling kind of beaten down. But this verse says we shouldn't be timid as Christians but that we should be expectant. The reason we can do so is because we can still run to our Father (papa), climb up in His lap & watch with child-like faith as He gladly helps us. Even though I no longer have my grandpa to ask those questions to, I can go to anytime, anywhere. If you don't know that relationship with Almighty God, I want to encourage you to take care of that today. There is no greater comfort than His loving arms. So if youre tired & lifes battles seem to be beating you down, know that your Heavenly Father is there with arms open to strengthen you & fight those battles for you.
This was the perfect verse for me today. There are times in life when you just cant wait to tell your mom or dad something because you know as a child they can take care of it. As you get older, you often cant wait to tell your spouse about something because youre looking for support. I even now find myself wishing I still had my grandparents to ask something & learn from their wisdom. In ministry, I often wish I has my grandpa, (a pastor) to ask Him how he handled certain things. I will also admit that this week I have been feeling kind of beaten down. But this verse says we shouldn't be timid as Christians but that we should be expectant. The reason we can do so is because we can still run to our Father (papa), climb up in His lap & watch with child-like faith as He gladly helps us. Even though I no longer have my grandpa to ask those questions to, I can go to anytime, anywhere. If you don't know that relationship with Almighty God, I want to encourage you to take care of that today. There is no greater comfort than His loving arms. So if youre tired & lifes battles seem to be beating you down, know that your Heavenly Father is there with arms open to strengthen you & fight those battles for you.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
What does it mean to you
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, for He taught with real authority- quite unlike their teachers of religious law. (Matt. 7:28-29 NLT)
Did you know the Bible was meant for you? Yes, you personally. Too often we get hung up on trying to explain the Greek & Hebrew or the laws & the thee's & thou"s. Now I think those are important things & I thank God that there arte people & books that can explain those things but I think theres something more. We need to know how Gods Word applies to us. Christ Im sure explained all those things when needed & He had all the knowledge there was on Gods word but He made the Word apply to people. Gods word should impact your everyday life. It should make a difference in our lives. It should impact our priorities, how we are with others, & our view of God. His Word is meant to be shared. When you do, make it applicable to the person you are sharing it with. Make it what God reveals to you. I could never share Gods Word, especially in front of people if I had to reveal what all the words meant. But I have to rely on God to reveal it to me & to be able to explain how that applys to them. Some might call it simple or "country preaching" but that's my calling. When you study Gods word ask God to reveal to you how it applies to you. It will be music to His ears.
Did you know the Bible was meant for you? Yes, you personally. Too often we get hung up on trying to explain the Greek & Hebrew or the laws & the thee's & thou"s. Now I think those are important things & I thank God that there arte people & books that can explain those things but I think theres something more. We need to know how Gods Word applies to us. Christ Im sure explained all those things when needed & He had all the knowledge there was on Gods word but He made the Word apply to people. Gods word should impact your everyday life. It should make a difference in our lives. It should impact our priorities, how we are with others, & our view of God. His Word is meant to be shared. When you do, make it applicable to the person you are sharing it with. Make it what God reveals to you. I could never share Gods Word, especially in front of people if I had to reveal what all the words meant. But I have to rely on God to reveal it to me & to be able to explain how that applys to them. Some might call it simple or "country preaching" but that's my calling. When you study Gods word ask God to reveal to you how it applies to you. It will be music to His ears.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Open Door
I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word & have not denied my name. (Rev. 3:8 NIV)
Think about open doors & closed doors for a second. Closed doors often seem like a terrible thing to us because it often represents a "no" to something. But think about a closed door to your home. Often that door is closed for your protection. But here God says He has placed an open door before the people & this door no one can shut. That means that as hard as people may try to stop Gods work or whatever obstacles & forces come against it, nothing is capable of shutting a door that Christ has opened. I believe God has placed before us an open door. Im praying for it everyday. Sometimes it feels like there are strong forces trying to push it closed on us, but Gods word promises that they are not strong enough. Take advantage of the open door, let God hold it open against the opposition & just keep sharing it. As I think about my journey through ministry, my desire is to work full time in ministry, & I know that God has placed that open door before me to do just that if I will keep His word & keep sharing Him. So your strength might be shrinking & you might be getting tired but Im encouraging you to get that second wind & allow God to take care of the door.
Think about open doors & closed doors for a second. Closed doors often seem like a terrible thing to us because it often represents a "no" to something. But think about a closed door to your home. Often that door is closed for your protection. But here God says He has placed an open door before the people & this door no one can shut. That means that as hard as people may try to stop Gods work or whatever obstacles & forces come against it, nothing is capable of shutting a door that Christ has opened. I believe God has placed before us an open door. Im praying for it everyday. Sometimes it feels like there are strong forces trying to push it closed on us, but Gods word promises that they are not strong enough. Take advantage of the open door, let God hold it open against the opposition & just keep sharing it. As I think about my journey through ministry, my desire is to work full time in ministry, & I know that God has placed that open door before me to do just that if I will keep His word & keep sharing Him. So your strength might be shrinking & you might be getting tired but Im encouraging you to get that second wind & allow God to take care of the door.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Humble Pray Seek Turn
If My people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves & pray & seek my face & turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven & will forgive their sins & will hear their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)
If we want things to be different in our land, here is the instructions. We have had politicians & political parties tell us they have the soloution. We have had economic experts that promise they have the secret to turning things around. Weve heard if we just had more money thrown at the problem or if we could just better educate people about this problem, then things could be better. I still haven't seen a turnaround from any of those groups. I know it might not be politically correct or a popular idea, but maybe its time to try what God says. Heres the first place we probably lose a lot of people, humble ourselves. Humility can often be in short supply. Once we realize its not about us but about God, then we need to pray to Him. He wants to hear from His people. Next, we must seek Him. Instead of constantly trying to push Him out, we need to be inviting Him in. We need to invite Him into our lives, our churches, our country, & the world. And last, heres the real toughy today, turn from our wicked ways. We don't like to be told things are wrong or things are sin. But we need to turn from those things that are displeasing to God. Search your life & see if theres something in your life that is displeasing to God. Weve tried the other ways & they haven't worked. Its time to go back to Gods Holy Word & follow it.
If we want things to be different in our land, here is the instructions. We have had politicians & political parties tell us they have the soloution. We have had economic experts that promise they have the secret to turning things around. Weve heard if we just had more money thrown at the problem or if we could just better educate people about this problem, then things could be better. I still haven't seen a turnaround from any of those groups. I know it might not be politically correct or a popular idea, but maybe its time to try what God says. Heres the first place we probably lose a lot of people, humble ourselves. Humility can often be in short supply. Once we realize its not about us but about God, then we need to pray to Him. He wants to hear from His people. Next, we must seek Him. Instead of constantly trying to push Him out, we need to be inviting Him in. We need to invite Him into our lives, our churches, our country, & the world. And last, heres the real toughy today, turn from our wicked ways. We don't like to be told things are wrong or things are sin. But we need to turn from those things that are displeasing to God. Search your life & see if theres something in your life that is displeasing to God. Weve tried the other ways & they haven't worked. Its time to go back to Gods Holy Word & follow it.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Hold To His Teaching
So then brothers, stand firm & hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. (2 Thess. 2:15 NIV)
In todays world, we need to make sure we are holding to Gods word. In order to do that we must know Gods word. There are to many people making subtle changes to Gods word, watering it down, & trying to change it to meet their desire. Gods word needs no help. It has not changed & it will not change. Our responsibility is to share it with others just as it is. The world needs Gods word just as it is written to meet the needs of this struggling word. It is life changing. Spend time in it & spend time passing it on to others. Use it as your guide in life so that you know what God wants you to be doing. Know that it applies to your life. Its for you! Gods word will transform you if you will let it. Don't let yourself be deceived by ones who try to use part of it or try to twist it to meet their thoughts. Gods word does not change with the latest polls or society trends. Stand firm on Gods word & you will never go wrong.
In todays world, we need to make sure we are holding to Gods word. In order to do that we must know Gods word. There are to many people making subtle changes to Gods word, watering it down, & trying to change it to meet their desire. Gods word needs no help. It has not changed & it will not change. Our responsibility is to share it with others just as it is. The world needs Gods word just as it is written to meet the needs of this struggling word. It is life changing. Spend time in it & spend time passing it on to others. Use it as your guide in life so that you know what God wants you to be doing. Know that it applies to your life. Its for you! Gods word will transform you if you will let it. Don't let yourself be deceived by ones who try to use part of it or try to twist it to meet their thoughts. Gods word does not change with the latest polls or society trends. Stand firm on Gods word & you will never go wrong.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Know Him
Oh that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in the early spring." (Hosea 6:3 NLT)
The most important relationship we can have is one with our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Its the relationship that makes everything else & every one of our other relationships better. If we will put in the time getting to know Him, learning about Him, & trusting Him it will be the best investment we will ever make. Sometimes you can have someone in your life who you really invest a lot of time in getting to know only to have them ignore you. Jesus Christ is not like that. He promises to respond to you & draw close to you. You can have that closeness. You can have that Friend who is like no other. Spend time seeking Him. Study His word. Talk to Him daily & all through the day. Talk to Him in the good & the bad times. Be honest with Him, He knows anyway. Learn that you can trust Him no matter what. Satan will try to distract you from getting closer to God but press through those distractions. Seek Him above all else. Without Him everything else is meaningless. You will never have a better friend.
The most important relationship we can have is one with our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Its the relationship that makes everything else & every one of our other relationships better. If we will put in the time getting to know Him, learning about Him, & trusting Him it will be the best investment we will ever make. Sometimes you can have someone in your life who you really invest a lot of time in getting to know only to have them ignore you. Jesus Christ is not like that. He promises to respond to you & draw close to you. You can have that closeness. You can have that Friend who is like no other. Spend time seeking Him. Study His word. Talk to Him daily & all through the day. Talk to Him in the good & the bad times. Be honest with Him, He knows anyway. Learn that you can trust Him no matter what. Satan will try to distract you from getting closer to God but press through those distractions. Seek Him above all else. Without Him everything else is meaningless. You will never have a better friend.
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