We all are sinners. Sin is sin is sin. Today in the world we are told to accept some sin as an alternate lifestyle or tolerate sin. But sin is still sin. Since we are all sinners though, we are not to act holier than thou and kick certain types of sinners out of the church. We are all wounded in some way but certain "worse sins" may appall some and people in the church may not be able to deal with things and so stick their noses up in the air and want nothing to do with 'certain people.' Jesus would not do this. Remember the woman caught in the act of adultery? He did not throw her into a pit but said " go and sin no more". Many churches are making up their own rules. Yet again other churches are make believing sin does not exist and are afraid to even preach sermons against certain ones to bring conviction on people of their need for a saviour.
In the Bible there are some pretty imperfect people. Many messed up and seemingly today if these types of people came into some churches they would be shunned. What about King David for instance? Yikes!! He seduced and slept with a married woman but was forgiven and used mightily by God. Corrupt Saul became Paul. Change can occur. Satan loves to drive wedges in churches or within Christians and make us seem we are so wonderful and "oh my gosh can you believe so and so and what they did?" Self righteousness is sinful in itself as it sets you up to think highly of yourself and condemn others. Romans 12:3 says "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." Isaiah 64:6 says "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." 1 Corinthians 10:12 says "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!"
Jesus does want us to repent of our sin. Repent means to turn away from. Many are blinded to their sin especially in today's society where you just do not want to offend anyone or speak up. Tolerance is the buzz word. "If they are not hurting you leave them alone" some people exclaim. Like a frog in a pan of water on a stove where the heat is slowly increased and before you know it the frog is cooked and dead, is how we are in the world we live in. Once you compromised your values and convictions it is easier each time to not think something is really all that bad. Look at Sodom and Gomorrah. I think of television when I was growing up and now. The things that are on some commercials would have made people blush at one time but we have been so exposed to garbage that now we have become immune and desensitized to it. Romans 3:23 tells us "we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory." Just because you are not a murderer does not mean your sin is better to God. I could list sins here right now but may offend lots of my readers. All of us have done something bad at one time or another. Our society is accepting of certain sins now like divorce, fornication, homosexuality, and adultery but they are still in the Bible listed as wrong but the point here being that they are not the worse sins. If you gossip that is just as bad according to God. Do not start thinking " oh I am pretty good."
When folks like this come to be in church, we are not to condone and overlook their sin but we too are not to act like they have no right to sit in the church pew. Each of us needs healing and salvation. God does not wish any to perish it says in 2 Peter 3:9. Everyone needs forgiveness.
So Mr., Miss, and Mrs. Christian watch that attitude you have towards others. Be careful not to get too high and mighty or you too might take a tumble off your holy pedestal and need the help, love and comfort of those around you. Luke 19:10 reminds us "Jesus Came to Save the Lost." Without Jesus we are all lost. If you have not asked him into your heart do so today. And if you are doing something you know displeases God repent and turn away from it and sin no more. Luke 13:3 says "I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
PRAYER: Lord help me to remember to reach out to those who are wounded. You want us to comfort those in pain. Help get rid of any attitude within me that certain sins are worse than others because all sin is bad in God's eyes. He wants us to reach out to Him so He can save us and set us free. Change any attitude in me that looks down on people with sins that the world seems to put in a worse category. Forgive me of any self righteousness I may have. In Jesus name. Amen!
http://youtu.be/z4wojcSO9Ww
Friday, October 14, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
WHY IS IT SO HARD TO WAIT??
Being patient is a spiritual discipline. Here in this 'instant' society we want things to happen and we want them to happen now. Things do not happen overnight. If you push, pry and nag to find out things or wonder why something is not happening faster than it is then you are going to get yourself all wound up and in some sort of emotional tsunami. Just try to relax and get involved someplace else to take your mind off whatever it is you can not wait for. Hastiness causes words to be spoken that you wish you would not have ever come out of your mouth or makes you do things because you can not be still and wait.(See Psalm 46:10). Taking matters into your own hands is usually a disaster waiting to happen.
The following brief paragraphs are a few examples of things we have to wait on and sometimes do not enjoy very much.
Patience waiting for a baby to arrive is commonplace for a young married couple especially waiting for a first child. You get a hypothetical due date but then that date comes and goes and no baby. What happened? Did someone miscalculate something?
You do not hear back from a friend in quite a while and start wondering what is wrong when in effect you find out the friend or a family member is sick or dying then your huffy inpatient spirit made you feel stupid.
You are excited about an interactive display at the store where a demonstrator is telling you how wonderful some new gadget is, so you succumb to his sales pressure, take the item home, and regret ever buying it. What you should have done is waited and thought about it and most likely you would have left it in the store.
At times we speak out of impatience and are sorry we did. We can not wait on some action so you 'shoot off' your mouth to someone and are sorry.
The computer is not printing something so you keep hitting the print button repeatedly. Finally you give up and the next day 25 copies of the same page come shooting out of the printer.
There is a place you want to reserve for a special function and you can not get them on the phone and you are getting so frustrated.You assume things that may not even be factual about why this place is treating you rudely.Things take time.
If you are building a house or pouring concrete for a sidewalk you need to be able to wait for cement to cure and dry or your home or sidewalk will not be stable.
Waiting for an internet signal sometimes is maddening at the local coffee shop or at home.
Raising a child takes patience but in the end yields a wonderful reward.
We call some business and are transferred multiple times or put on hold then disconnected. Now there is an exercise in patience! So you see by these examples that patience is a valuable spiritual discipline to learn and practice.
Why is it so hard to wait? We want things and we want them now! If you have small children it is good to start early instilling in them the value of waiting and not making them think everything in life comes easy or they are 'entitled' to it. Isaiah 40:31 says "But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak." Proverbs 20:21 has something to say about waiting and money and it says "A large gift received at one time in a hurry will not bring good in the end."
Do not make snap judgements. Think things through. Pray at all times. Pray over business decisions, marriage partner decisions, job decisions, major purchases and many other things.
You have to work hard to get things and not think things should be just dropped into your lap. This too is an area that requires patience in saving for the future and things you want to have. Only through diligent hard work and waiting on God can a person have success. A person does not become a doctor without much study, sacrifice, and hard work .Today in the world people think they should get things without the effort. Things worth anything take effort. We live in a society in America where people do not want to wait or work and think they are 'entitled' to things.Sadly our own government is perpetuating this attitude which is not Biblical might I add. It takes hard work and patience to build up savings. If you give up, you may think you need government assistance or you just use credit cards because you can not wait. Be patient until you build up the money. Do not fall into the trap today of the 'class warfare' going on in our nation. If you want something go to school, learn a skill and work hard. Do not sit around thinking other people should not have their wealth. In America we all have a chance to succeed. It is so sad becasue this mentality is teaching people to envy those who worked hard, took the time, and did what they did to gain their wealth. You mature and grow by working hard for something , not being envious of others. Work hard and wait and you will receive a reward.
2 Corinthians 9:6 says "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." Work hard at all you do as if you were working for the Lord because you really are. (See Colossians 3:23).
Patience is in fact a fruit of the spirit(See Galatians 5:22). Proverbs 21:5 says "The plans of those who do their best lead only to having all they need, but all who are in a hurry come only to want." Do not be quick and hasty in deciding everything. There are those persons whose jobs often depend on snap decisions such as in the military, medicine or pilots but most people can have time to think through things if it is not some dire emergency. Proverbs 29:20 says "Do you see a man who is quick with his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him."
It truly is a spiritual fruit of the spirit and discipline to be able to wait. Rushing into things only leads to trouble in many instances. Listen to the warnings of God in the Bible and pray. Cast your cares upon him and give him your impatient spirit. Before you decide a matter perhaps sleep on it overnight .It might save you lots of heartache in the end.
PRAYER: Lord it is so very hard to wait at times. We speak before we think and then regret it and end up apologizing. We do things without thinking how they will affect other people. We jump to conclusions and rush to judgment. Lord help me to not be hasty to do anything but slow me down Lord. Help me sit and rest and wait for your timing in all things. In Jesus Name .Amen.
Song included: click link to enjoy this worship song...While I'm Waiting
http://youtu.be/hbRVm0wJVi0
The following brief paragraphs are a few examples of things we have to wait on and sometimes do not enjoy very much.
Patience waiting for a baby to arrive is commonplace for a young married couple especially waiting for a first child. You get a hypothetical due date but then that date comes and goes and no baby. What happened? Did someone miscalculate something?
You do not hear back from a friend in quite a while and start wondering what is wrong when in effect you find out the friend or a family member is sick or dying then your huffy inpatient spirit made you feel stupid.
You are excited about an interactive display at the store where a demonstrator is telling you how wonderful some new gadget is, so you succumb to his sales pressure, take the item home, and regret ever buying it. What you should have done is waited and thought about it and most likely you would have left it in the store.
At times we speak out of impatience and are sorry we did. We can not wait on some action so you 'shoot off' your mouth to someone and are sorry.
The computer is not printing something so you keep hitting the print button repeatedly. Finally you give up and the next day 25 copies of the same page come shooting out of the printer.
There is a place you want to reserve for a special function and you can not get them on the phone and you are getting so frustrated.You assume things that may not even be factual about why this place is treating you rudely.Things take time.
If you are building a house or pouring concrete for a sidewalk you need to be able to wait for cement to cure and dry or your home or sidewalk will not be stable.
Waiting for an internet signal sometimes is maddening at the local coffee shop or at home.
Raising a child takes patience but in the end yields a wonderful reward.
We call some business and are transferred multiple times or put on hold then disconnected. Now there is an exercise in patience! So you see by these examples that patience is a valuable spiritual discipline to learn and practice.
Why is it so hard to wait? We want things and we want them now! If you have small children it is good to start early instilling in them the value of waiting and not making them think everything in life comes easy or they are 'entitled' to it. Isaiah 40:31 says "But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak." Proverbs 20:21 has something to say about waiting and money and it says "A large gift received at one time in a hurry will not bring good in the end."
Do not make snap judgements. Think things through. Pray at all times. Pray over business decisions, marriage partner decisions, job decisions, major purchases and many other things.
You have to work hard to get things and not think things should be just dropped into your lap. This too is an area that requires patience in saving for the future and things you want to have. Only through diligent hard work and waiting on God can a person have success. A person does not become a doctor without much study, sacrifice, and hard work .Today in the world people think they should get things without the effort. Things worth anything take effort. We live in a society in America where people do not want to wait or work and think they are 'entitled' to things.Sadly our own government is perpetuating this attitude which is not Biblical might I add. It takes hard work and patience to build up savings. If you give up, you may think you need government assistance or you just use credit cards because you can not wait. Be patient until you build up the money. Do not fall into the trap today of the 'class warfare' going on in our nation. If you want something go to school, learn a skill and work hard. Do not sit around thinking other people should not have their wealth. In America we all have a chance to succeed. It is so sad becasue this mentality is teaching people to envy those who worked hard, took the time, and did what they did to gain their wealth. You mature and grow by working hard for something , not being envious of others. Work hard and wait and you will receive a reward.
2 Corinthians 9:6 says "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." Work hard at all you do as if you were working for the Lord because you really are. (See Colossians 3:23).
Patience is in fact a fruit of the spirit(See Galatians 5:22). Proverbs 21:5 says "The plans of those who do their best lead only to having all they need, but all who are in a hurry come only to want." Do not be quick and hasty in deciding everything. There are those persons whose jobs often depend on snap decisions such as in the military, medicine or pilots but most people can have time to think through things if it is not some dire emergency. Proverbs 29:20 says "Do you see a man who is quick with his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him."
It truly is a spiritual fruit of the spirit and discipline to be able to wait. Rushing into things only leads to trouble in many instances. Listen to the warnings of God in the Bible and pray. Cast your cares upon him and give him your impatient spirit. Before you decide a matter perhaps sleep on it overnight .It might save you lots of heartache in the end.
PRAYER: Lord it is so very hard to wait at times. We speak before we think and then regret it and end up apologizing. We do things without thinking how they will affect other people. We jump to conclusions and rush to judgment. Lord help me to not be hasty to do anything but slow me down Lord. Help me sit and rest and wait for your timing in all things. In Jesus Name .Amen.
Song included: click link to enjoy this worship song...While I'm Waiting
http://youtu.be/hbRVm0wJVi0
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
GRUDGES: GOOD FOR NO ONE
Has someone or something hurt you in the past and you just feel so mad you can hardly think straight? You say you do not 'hate' anyone but yet you can not seem to let this hurt or offense go. It is time to move on in life and let God take this off your shoulders and if this person is still in your life do not be ugly to them. Should they ever contact you try to be nice. Show mercy and forgiveness even when you do not feel like it. If you do not think you can do this alone you do not have to. Call on Jesus who is always there ready to help you with your battles. The problem could be a variety of things such as broken marriages, broken friendships, betrayals, loss of a job for no apparent reason, stolen ideas at work, being passed over for something you felt deserving of and on the list goes.
Let things go. Move on. Do not look back. Stay positive. Know that you will not be in this rut forever. Let go of disappointments and pain.Focus on something good even if it is hard to. Start praising God even if you do not feel like it. Admit there is nothing you can do alone and God has a plan and will direct your steps. 1 Peter 5:7 says "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
Ephesians 4:31 says "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." Psalm 37:8 says "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to evil." Proverbs 3:5-6 says to "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Romans 12:17-21 says "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Release your bitterness over things you do not understand to God. Do not get bitter, upset, confused and angry but ask God to calm your spirit and soul. Ask God for peace. Instead of getting bitter get better. Learn from problems in life and move on and use them to grow more into the person Christ wants you to be. If you have not asked Jesus to be Lord of your life you can do that right now. Don't allow anger and bitterness to get you defeated.
James 1:2-3 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." Thank the Lord for the things that happen to help your faith grow.
PRAYER: Lord thank you for family and friends you have in my life. I thank you for situations I have had to go through that have made me aware of my need for you Lord. Forgive me if I have harbored bitterness towards anyone in my heart. I release that to you now. Give me your strength to walk each day victoriously with you. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Note: I have included a link to another wonderful praise song that will help lift your spirits.
http://youtu.be/KuGRaCrg9hE
Let things go. Move on. Do not look back. Stay positive. Know that you will not be in this rut forever. Let go of disappointments and pain.Focus on something good even if it is hard to. Start praising God even if you do not feel like it. Admit there is nothing you can do alone and God has a plan and will direct your steps. 1 Peter 5:7 says "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
Ephesians 4:31 says "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." Psalm 37:8 says "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to evil." Proverbs 3:5-6 says to "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Romans 12:17-21 says "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Release your bitterness over things you do not understand to God. Do not get bitter, upset, confused and angry but ask God to calm your spirit and soul. Ask God for peace. Instead of getting bitter get better. Learn from problems in life and move on and use them to grow more into the person Christ wants you to be. If you have not asked Jesus to be Lord of your life you can do that right now. Don't allow anger and bitterness to get you defeated.
James 1:2-3 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." Thank the Lord for the things that happen to help your faith grow.
PRAYER: Lord thank you for family and friends you have in my life. I thank you for situations I have had to go through that have made me aware of my need for you Lord. Forgive me if I have harbored bitterness towards anyone in my heart. I release that to you now. Give me your strength to walk each day victoriously with you. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Note: I have included a link to another wonderful praise song that will help lift your spirits.
http://youtu.be/KuGRaCrg9hE
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
MEDDLE? WHO ME? NOT!!!
Do you like to know everything? Women have a tendency to want to know things. That is probably why talk shows abound on daytime television and movie star magazines fly off bookstore shelves. It is a spiritual discipline to not be nosy and to not think you have to be privy to every tidbit of info that 'comes down the pike' so to speak.
If you have adult children you need to learn to back off and not be snooping into every detail of their life especially if they are married. Facebook does not help as it is tempting to delve in there and see it all and be a 'stalker', as some children affectionately like to call it. A Wall Street Journal article a while back had a headline that read something like "The Helicopter Moms Are Hovering on Facebook". This is why it is important to probably not put everything out there for all to see. As for Facebook, my rule is to let 'young people' friend me and not other way around. As one of my sons kindly reminded me, "they are my friends mom, not yours". Good point, don't you think?
So what does the Bible have to say about all this? In this so called mission of 'information seeking' or meddling of sorts, we could have a tendency to comment on things we see. Better the less said the better. In Proverbs 10:19 it says"when there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise." Best to move on. Why do we feel compelled to know it all? You heard the saying from one well known gossip paper which said 'inquiring minds want to know. I want to know!'
James 1:19 might be a good verse to also have in your arsenal if you feel like commenting and it says " My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,". This verse can help out in so many areas of life but can pertain to trying to be nosy as well. Few people enjoy being "put on the witness stand" so to speak.
In the 1963 movie, Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds', actor Rod Taylor, said to his characters mother in the film when she was asking(prying) way too many questions about the character played by Tippi Hedren whom Taylor had taken a liking too, "since when did you get your law degree mother?" In other words, with all due respect 'back off mom'!
Proverbs 17:27 says " A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered." Ecclesiastes 5:3 says " As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words."
The Bible does mention busybodies, which is a person who just likes to snoop. I urge all readers to ask themselves why they really need to know some things. Life will go on without details. 1 Timothy 5:13 refers to busybodies. It is not just women who are nosy, although typically we do like to know more. Just relax and be a friend, be a mom, be a dad and let God orchestrate and direct your conversation.
Psalm 19:14 says "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
PRAYER: Lord I desire to be known as one who does not snoop and pry. Help me Lord to let you guide my conversation and may it bring glory and honor to you. In Jesus name. Amen!
Note: Turn up speakers and click on link of following worship song:
http://youtu.be/zUAQdd2ELuE
If you have adult children you need to learn to back off and not be snooping into every detail of their life especially if they are married. Facebook does not help as it is tempting to delve in there and see it all and be a 'stalker', as some children affectionately like to call it. A Wall Street Journal article a while back had a headline that read something like "The Helicopter Moms Are Hovering on Facebook". This is why it is important to probably not put everything out there for all to see. As for Facebook, my rule is to let 'young people' friend me and not other way around. As one of my sons kindly reminded me, "they are my friends mom, not yours". Good point, don't you think?
So what does the Bible have to say about all this? In this so called mission of 'information seeking' or meddling of sorts, we could have a tendency to comment on things we see. Better the less said the better. In Proverbs 10:19 it says"when there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise." Best to move on. Why do we feel compelled to know it all? You heard the saying from one well known gossip paper which said 'inquiring minds want to know. I want to know!'
James 1:19 might be a good verse to also have in your arsenal if you feel like commenting and it says " My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,". This verse can help out in so many areas of life but can pertain to trying to be nosy as well. Few people enjoy being "put on the witness stand" so to speak.
In the 1963 movie, Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds', actor Rod Taylor, said to his characters mother in the film when she was asking(prying) way too many questions about the character played by Tippi Hedren whom Taylor had taken a liking too, "since when did you get your law degree mother?" In other words, with all due respect 'back off mom'!
Proverbs 17:27 says " A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered." Ecclesiastes 5:3 says " As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words."
The Bible does mention busybodies, which is a person who just likes to snoop. I urge all readers to ask themselves why they really need to know some things. Life will go on without details. 1 Timothy 5:13 refers to busybodies. It is not just women who are nosy, although typically we do like to know more. Just relax and be a friend, be a mom, be a dad and let God orchestrate and direct your conversation.
Psalm 19:14 says "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
PRAYER: Lord I desire to be known as one who does not snoop and pry. Help me Lord to let you guide my conversation and may it bring glory and honor to you. In Jesus name. Amen!
Note: Turn up speakers and click on link of following worship song:
http://youtu.be/zUAQdd2ELuE
Monday, October 10, 2011
GOD LOVES YOU, NO MATTER WHAT
No matter how much you reject God he is waiting for you with arms wide open and calling you back. Today too many people seem to fit God into their little box and some even change scriptures to fit the things they are doing to make it seem that God is okay with their particular sin. God does not like to see us rejecting him or following a lifestyle that shuts him out or erases part of the Bible but He is patiently knocking on your hearts door waiting for you to let him back in. (See Revelation 3:20).
A few years ago someone came up with the acronym WWJD(what would Jesus do) and really it is a good reminder to use when we are in a situation where we wonder if God would approve or not. Now there are those whose hearts have been seared and deluded and as it says in Romans 1 God gave them over to a reprobate mind.Read Romans Chapter 1 when you have a moment. You can either believe the truth of God or follow Satan. There is no in between. In Revelation 3:16 it says "Because you are lukewarm I will spit you out of my mouth." Satan can send a strong delusional spirit to blind the minds of people that is why it is so important to follow the truth of God's word.
The Bible does say that "All we like sheep have gone astray." (See Isaiah 53:6). Satan loves it when we go astray and his goal is to keep us captive away from the truth. In Psalm 12:8 it says "The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men." Sounds a bit like our world today. Even well meaning Christians can be tricked and taken off God's path.
1 Peter 5:8 says "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." And that he will. Satan will get you to believe a lie as truth and may even turn some against those who love them. Satan is the master deceiver. John 10:10 says "The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it more abundantly."
In Moms in Touch prayer ministry we often pray scriptures personalizing them with our childrens' names. Let's say there is a girl named Suzy Q so we pray Colossians 1:9-10 for her. It says "For this reason, since the day we heard about Suzy Q, we have not stopped praying for Suzy Q. We continually ask God to fill Suzy Q with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that Suzy Q may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God." It is powerful when you add a name to pray for in the verses. Try it with your own children's names.
God is waiting for you to come to Him with your whole heart. Turn from your wicked ways and run back to Him. He will not say "I gave you a chance. Get out of my sight!!" Lots of people may do that but not God. Matthew 11:28 says "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." No matter what you have done God is not going to be shocked. Isaiah 64:6 says "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away."
Come back to Jesus now. 1 Peter 2:25 says "For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." Return to Jesus now. He is waiting for you to repent and He is waiting to forgive. He loves you so let Him have your heart and be Lord of your life. Stop being sucked into Satans' scheme to tear you down. Call out for Jesus now. He is ready to hear and heal and forgive.
PRAYER: Lord I need you in my life 24/7. I thank you that no matter what has happened you do not care. You are patient not wishing anyone to perish. Father help me resist the enemies lies so he has to flee. Father I pray this for any family members as well who need to come back to you. Open their ears to hear your truth. Block Satan's lies. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Worship the Lord by listening to this wonderful song by Chris Tomlin..Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone .Click on link.
http://youtu.be/p8YRapsaRfE
A few years ago someone came up with the acronym WWJD(what would Jesus do) and really it is a good reminder to use when we are in a situation where we wonder if God would approve or not. Now there are those whose hearts have been seared and deluded and as it says in Romans 1 God gave them over to a reprobate mind.Read Romans Chapter 1 when you have a moment. You can either believe the truth of God or follow Satan. There is no in between. In Revelation 3:16 it says "Because you are lukewarm I will spit you out of my mouth." Satan can send a strong delusional spirit to blind the minds of people that is why it is so important to follow the truth of God's word.
The Bible does say that "All we like sheep have gone astray." (See Isaiah 53:6). Satan loves it when we go astray and his goal is to keep us captive away from the truth. In Psalm 12:8 it says "The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men." Sounds a bit like our world today. Even well meaning Christians can be tricked and taken off God's path.
1 Peter 5:8 says "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." And that he will. Satan will get you to believe a lie as truth and may even turn some against those who love them. Satan is the master deceiver. John 10:10 says "The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it more abundantly."
In Moms in Touch prayer ministry we often pray scriptures personalizing them with our childrens' names. Let's say there is a girl named Suzy Q so we pray Colossians 1:9-10 for her. It says "For this reason, since the day we heard about Suzy Q, we have not stopped praying for Suzy Q. We continually ask God to fill Suzy Q with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that Suzy Q may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God." It is powerful when you add a name to pray for in the verses. Try it with your own children's names.
God is waiting for you to come to Him with your whole heart. Turn from your wicked ways and run back to Him. He will not say "I gave you a chance. Get out of my sight!!" Lots of people may do that but not God. Matthew 11:28 says "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." No matter what you have done God is not going to be shocked. Isaiah 64:6 says "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away."
Come back to Jesus now. 1 Peter 2:25 says "For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." Return to Jesus now. He is waiting for you to repent and He is waiting to forgive. He loves you so let Him have your heart and be Lord of your life. Stop being sucked into Satans' scheme to tear you down. Call out for Jesus now. He is ready to hear and heal and forgive.
PRAYER: Lord I need you in my life 24/7. I thank you that no matter what has happened you do not care. You are patient not wishing anyone to perish. Father help me resist the enemies lies so he has to flee. Father I pray this for any family members as well who need to come back to you. Open their ears to hear your truth. Block Satan's lies. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Worship the Lord by listening to this wonderful song by Chris Tomlin..Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone .Click on link.
http://youtu.be/p8YRapsaRfE
Sunday, October 9, 2011
HONOR YOUR PARENTS
Most of us have parents or were at least born, right? That is a fact. The Bible tells us in Exodus 20:12 to 'honor our fathers and mothers'. What does that mean to show honor? It means to show respect, primarily, and treat with dignity. You may be an adult with elderly parents but your mom and dad, if still alive, deserve your respect and admiration. Maybe your childhood was not all that good. If that is the case, try to find it in your heart to forgive them if you can. But the ones who did a superb job raising you deserve love and kindness and perhaps an occasional thank you.
Parents who do the right thing teach their children boundaries and discipline and say things like "Play with fire you will get burned' or "don't cross your eyes or they will freeze that way' or 'can't never tried' and a host of other tidbits of wise wisdom we will never forget. Even though many parents have done all the right things there are times children as adults grow up and go their own way and cause heartbreak to many a mom and dad. The parents may 'beat themselves up' so to speak and go through much anguish but each person has a free will. You can make wrong choices or right choices. You can hang out with the wrong friends and be exposed to bad stuff that can get you off course. I think of serial killer Ted Bundy, who was exposed to pornography at age 12 and ended up acting out his fantasies.Scientists tried to explain it away in his DNA but he said it was in huge part as a result of pornography. He accepted Christ and asked forgiveness and requested to be interviewed on tape with Dr James Dobson to share his story before he was executed. Imagine the heartache, guilt and pain of his mom and dad. They did not put porn in his lunchbox. Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, and founder of Samaritans Purse was once a wild rebellious young man but look at him now!! Glory be to God!!
Parents who thought they were being honored are hurt when a child goes completely against what they have been taught. They feel very dishonored. But the promise in scripture is there to comfort them and give them hope. Proverbs 22:6 says "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." That verse is the hope and comfort of many parents who can not wait til their child 'sees the light' and returns from the enemies camp or their time in the 'wilderness'. These parents need love and hugs, not judgemental stares. No one asks for this stuff to happen so if you look down on folks going through this painful time then look out and watch out as you never know if it could happen to you. We are not to judge but we are to show unconditional love.
Even for those parents who did think they were doing the right thing occasionally have a child who strays off the path to their dismay and breaks their hearts. You continue to pray, like in the story of the prodigal son(See Luke 15:11-32), that they will return and follow the teachings of God's word again. In God's word it says"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." (See John 8:7). 2 Timothy 3:5 says "and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."
Some parents are not honored or respected. One of saddest things for parents is when their children turn their back on the faith and way they were raised. If they get in with the wrong crowd, listen to the wrong voices, date the wrong people it is easy to turn their back on family and God. Not all seemingly 'perfect' families raise perfect children either and if something does go wrong you want to beat yourself up over it, but God can restore the years the locust has eaten (See Joel 2:25) and bring your child back. You have to believe and have to hang on. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says "Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
Recently I heard of a young lady who was bragging about leaving her faith and following some dictator regime and made a disrespectful comment about her parents on her social networking page. How heart wrenching if they were to see this but I doubt she has 'friended' them. This truly is not honoring to parents who brought you up. Sure we want our children to grow up and think for themselves but part of that thinking is hopefully not taking them away from God and the Bible and believing a delusion spirit and lies of the enemy. We do not want them to be puppets but we want them to love God and follow Him. I think of children who have left their families for cults who have brainwashed them. How painful that must be to endure.
If you are reading this today and know of someone who has gone through this, be their friend and pray for them. Do not judge and condemn as you do not know the whole story and it is not our business anyway. Just know that in 1 Peter 5:8 it says "Satan is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may destroy'. Just cover your children with the blood of Jesus and say out loud "in Jesus Name, you can not have my children devil as they belong to Jesus and they will come back from the land of the enemy!"
For further reading besides reading the Bible which is the ultimate source of comfort I suggest two books by author and mother Carol Kent who I have had the privilege to meet several years ago. She and her husband went through the unspeakable agony with their son Jason who had never done anything wrong and now is in prison for life. Read her first book "When I Lay My Isaac Down" and a followup book entitled "A New Kind of Normal:Hope Filled Choices When Life Turns Upside Down".
The verse we use in Moms in Touch which is sort of a theme verse is Lamentations 2:19 which says "Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord; lift up your hands toward Him for the life of your children." Be blessed today and go give your folks a hug if they live in same town and if not why not give them a call.
PRAYER: Oh Lord I reach out to those who may be reading this today who feel guilty over a child who has gone their own way and do not know what to do. Comfort their hearts Lord and surround them with friends who will love them not judge or condemn them. Father we thank you for your saving grace and we thank you that you are there calling out to us and calling out to our children. Soften the hard hearts and help all those reading to remember to show honor and respect to your mom and dad if they are still living. We thank you for Christian parents who did the right thing! In Jesus Name. Amen.
Note: Turn up your speakers and listen to this wonderful song by Christian artists Third Day..Cry out to Jesus!
http://youtu.be/yLSKSlJ0-2s
Parents who do the right thing teach their children boundaries and discipline and say things like "Play with fire you will get burned' or "don't cross your eyes or they will freeze that way' or 'can't never tried' and a host of other tidbits of wise wisdom we will never forget. Even though many parents have done all the right things there are times children as adults grow up and go their own way and cause heartbreak to many a mom and dad. The parents may 'beat themselves up' so to speak and go through much anguish but each person has a free will. You can make wrong choices or right choices. You can hang out with the wrong friends and be exposed to bad stuff that can get you off course. I think of serial killer Ted Bundy, who was exposed to pornography at age 12 and ended up acting out his fantasies.Scientists tried to explain it away in his DNA but he said it was in huge part as a result of pornography. He accepted Christ and asked forgiveness and requested to be interviewed on tape with Dr James Dobson to share his story before he was executed. Imagine the heartache, guilt and pain of his mom and dad. They did not put porn in his lunchbox. Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, and founder of Samaritans Purse was once a wild rebellious young man but look at him now!! Glory be to God!!
Parents who thought they were being honored are hurt when a child goes completely against what they have been taught. They feel very dishonored. But the promise in scripture is there to comfort them and give them hope. Proverbs 22:6 says "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." That verse is the hope and comfort of many parents who can not wait til their child 'sees the light' and returns from the enemies camp or their time in the 'wilderness'. These parents need love and hugs, not judgemental stares. No one asks for this stuff to happen so if you look down on folks going through this painful time then look out and watch out as you never know if it could happen to you. We are not to judge but we are to show unconditional love.
Even for those parents who did think they were doing the right thing occasionally have a child who strays off the path to their dismay and breaks their hearts. You continue to pray, like in the story of the prodigal son(See Luke 15:11-32), that they will return and follow the teachings of God's word again. In God's word it says"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." (See John 8:7). 2 Timothy 3:5 says "and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."
Some parents are not honored or respected. One of saddest things for parents is when their children turn their back on the faith and way they were raised. If they get in with the wrong crowd, listen to the wrong voices, date the wrong people it is easy to turn their back on family and God. Not all seemingly 'perfect' families raise perfect children either and if something does go wrong you want to beat yourself up over it, but God can restore the years the locust has eaten (See Joel 2:25) and bring your child back. You have to believe and have to hang on. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says "Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
Recently I heard of a young lady who was bragging about leaving her faith and following some dictator regime and made a disrespectful comment about her parents on her social networking page. How heart wrenching if they were to see this but I doubt she has 'friended' them. This truly is not honoring to parents who brought you up. Sure we want our children to grow up and think for themselves but part of that thinking is hopefully not taking them away from God and the Bible and believing a delusion spirit and lies of the enemy. We do not want them to be puppets but we want them to love God and follow Him. I think of children who have left their families for cults who have brainwashed them. How painful that must be to endure.
If you are reading this today and know of someone who has gone through this, be their friend and pray for them. Do not judge and condemn as you do not know the whole story and it is not our business anyway. Just know that in 1 Peter 5:8 it says "Satan is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may destroy'. Just cover your children with the blood of Jesus and say out loud "in Jesus Name, you can not have my children devil as they belong to Jesus and they will come back from the land of the enemy!"
For further reading besides reading the Bible which is the ultimate source of comfort I suggest two books by author and mother Carol Kent who I have had the privilege to meet several years ago. She and her husband went through the unspeakable agony with their son Jason who had never done anything wrong and now is in prison for life. Read her first book "When I Lay My Isaac Down" and a followup book entitled "A New Kind of Normal:Hope Filled Choices When Life Turns Upside Down".
The verse we use in Moms in Touch which is sort of a theme verse is Lamentations 2:19 which says "Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord; lift up your hands toward Him for the life of your children." Be blessed today and go give your folks a hug if they live in same town and if not why not give them a call.
PRAYER: Oh Lord I reach out to those who may be reading this today who feel guilty over a child who has gone their own way and do not know what to do. Comfort their hearts Lord and surround them with friends who will love them not judge or condemn them. Father we thank you for your saving grace and we thank you that you are there calling out to us and calling out to our children. Soften the hard hearts and help all those reading to remember to show honor and respect to your mom and dad if they are still living. We thank you for Christian parents who did the right thing! In Jesus Name. Amen.
Note: Turn up your speakers and listen to this wonderful song by Christian artists Third Day..Cry out to Jesus!
http://youtu.be/yLSKSlJ0-2s
Saturday, October 8, 2011
YOUR MONEY OR GOD'S MONEY?
Many people when they go to work say this is "my money"or "my paycheck". Is that really true? Even in some marriages the breadwinner, who in most cases is still the male, may think it is his money but when you say "I do" you have a shared joint life which includes a 'joint' checking account with your wife. She is not to be treated disrespectfully or like a second class citizen and the two should have a plan for how money is spent. It is the source of lots of major conflicts in marriages. For a man to make a stay home mom feel she is not earning, so therefore, it is not her money too, is wrong. Marriage means equal and a man and a wife. Trust is necessary and commitment. But the point is that the money is really not who earns it but it belongs to God anyway. We are to be good stewards of what God has given us. If we have an abundance too then hopefully you would share with those experiencing a need through no fault of their own.
Deuteronomy 8:18 says "But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today."
1 Samuel 2:7 says " The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts." Proverbs 10:22 says "The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it."
Matthew 6:24 says "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." When God blesses you with money make sure to give him some back. Malachi 3:10 says " Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."
Luke 6:38 says " Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Enjoy the blessings God has given you but do not keep it all to yourself. Remember it is his anyway. So next time you see a person in need and you give money to them or something to help them through their hard time be sure to give God the glory as it is not your money anyway.
PRAYER: All I have is yours Lord. Sometimes I tend to forget that. Forgive me when I have used my money for things that would not please you. Help me to not abuse credit cards and give me the ability to not buy things I do not need. Help me have a more generous heart and a cheerful giver heart. In Jesus Name. Amen!
IDEA FOR MY LOCAL READERS: WAY FM RADIO HAS The Drive Thur Difference. Go to their website and down load a letter that you hand the cashier at your local drive thru like Mc Donald's or Arbys and pay for the person behind you. No strings attached. You drive off feeling good and the person behind is blessed. Click link below for more info and bless someone today.
http://wayh.wayfm.com/on-the-way/137-drive-thru-difference.html
Deuteronomy 8:18 says "But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today."
1 Samuel 2:7 says " The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts." Proverbs 10:22 says "The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it."
Matthew 6:24 says "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." When God blesses you with money make sure to give him some back. Malachi 3:10 says " Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."
Luke 6:38 says " Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Enjoy the blessings God has given you but do not keep it all to yourself. Remember it is his anyway. So next time you see a person in need and you give money to them or something to help them through their hard time be sure to give God the glory as it is not your money anyway.
PRAYER: All I have is yours Lord. Sometimes I tend to forget that. Forgive me when I have used my money for things that would not please you. Help me to not abuse credit cards and give me the ability to not buy things I do not need. Help me have a more generous heart and a cheerful giver heart. In Jesus Name. Amen!
IDEA FOR MY LOCAL READERS: WAY FM RADIO HAS The Drive Thur Difference. Go to their website and down load a letter that you hand the cashier at your local drive thru like Mc Donald's or Arbys and pay for the person behind you. No strings attached. You drive off feeling good and the person behind is blessed. Click link below for more info and bless someone today.
http://wayh.wayfm.com/on-the-way/137-drive-thru-difference.html
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