In our country today there is much talk about raising the debt ceiling and fear the United States is going to financially collapse because of poor financial management by leadership in the White House and elsewhere. Even with the fear mongers out there we know where our real hope and trust is. It is not in riches. Yes this is a vitally important time and the stupidity and selfishness of a few men and women could get us into a huge amount of trouble but our ultimate trust is not in man but in God. Our current leadership is trying to pit the classes of people in society against each other in an attempt to say it is not fair for rich people to keep their money. Tyrants are the ones who do things like this not a democracy where we are supposed to have freedom. Never the less it is God who is ultimately in control of everything. We may have to go through some difficult times to make up for our ignoring Him for so long, who knows. I hope not but we will see.
Proverbs 23:5 says "Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle." 1 Timothy 6:17 continues and says "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." Then there is Proverbs 27:24 which says "for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations." There may be evil in this present world trying to destroy the purse strings of the greatest nation on earth in order to disable our economy and way of life but God is on the throne. He is really in charge anyway. Do not let your heart fear.
Fear will defeat you. It is from the enemy Satan. The devil would love us to be weak and pitiful and powerless. Fear, lies, discouragement, and worry are from the enemy not from God. The Lord is our hope and strength. He will not let the righteous be forsaken or our seed beg bread. (see Psalm 37:25). In John 14:1 tells us to 'not be afraid.'
Money is spoken of lots in the Bible. People can get mad at preachers for talking too much about money or get mad at those preachers who seems to preach what folks call 'prosperity' preaching. But the money we have is all really God's anyway. We are not supposed to squander it, gamble it, get in debt, borrow needlessly and use it for ill gotten gain but we are to share it with others and take care of our family. We are not ever to trust in wealth. It can be gone in an instant.God is not pleased with the evil men who are doing things to hurt us but sometimes he may allow things to happen to wake us up as a nation too. Psalm 52:7 says "Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!" God will ultimately take care of the evil man in this world. Our job is to keep praying and trusting.
Money can make us or destroy us. Do you share the things God blesses you with or do you hoard things? Share what you have with others. Proverbs 11:25 says " A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Do not be greedy. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Do you hold on to what you have too tight? It is all God's anyway. We are only stewards of what he has blessed us with. Ecclesiastes 5:19 says "Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. "
So when you earn more money in the stock market or get that bonus check at work do not place your hope in that. Psalm 62:10 says "Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them." Your wealth is only temporary. When we leave this earth someday we do not take a Wells Fargo bank truck with us to the cemetery. What good would it do?
So you are worried about what is going on in Washington DC right now? These mere men and women are messing with our lives you say. Just remember Proverbs 11:8 says "The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead." Also remember in Proverbs 11:28 it says "Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." Do not let human fear of financial failure ruin your day. God is not going anywhere.
PRAYER: Father this world will one day pass away but your word will never pass away. Men may fail us, bank accounts may fail us, humans may fail us but your word is our strength and in it we trust. We know we need not fear what mere men can do to us. Father thank you that you are watching over us and protecting us. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Here is a song I attached which may help encourage your heart today.
http://youtu.be/_mX6Ez5wFJM
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
LET IT GO
We all have people or situations in life that push our buttons, so to speak. You feel like sometimes you can not take their verbal abuse anymore and just want to tell them off but you know this is not the thing to do. These people might be friends( what kind of friend would that be anyway?), co workers or a boss, a family member( which is hard to understand especially if it is a spouse who is supposed to love you), perhaps someone on the phone from a company you are talking to or someone at a business who is rude. First we are not to use our mouth for evil but for good. To keep fueling the fire is no good. You just have to learn to let things go and 'blow it off'. I got that term from a friend I had in Iowa. It is wise. Continuing to get irritated will do nothing. You have to give situations to the Lord. If you are the kind of person who has never had any verbal conflicts with anyone then you are indeed rare and blessed. Throughout the Bible there are verses on controlling our mouth and our tongues in various situations.
It truly is better to overlook something than to think we have to 'be right' and win the battle. Be it a conflict at work or whatever it is most the time it is better to give it to the Lord than to 'fuel the fire' as mentioned previously. Proverbs 17:9 says "He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends." What is this saying? Let it go! 1 Corinthians 13:5 tells us in speaking about love "It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." So if you are mad at a friend or loved one or perhaps a spouse you need to let it go once again and give it to God. Keeping a list of wrong things to throw up in their face will only keep the battle going. So what do we do? Let it go! And pray of course.
Prayer is the key. Anger is a love killer. Ephesians 4:26 says "In your anger do not sin, Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." Human nature likes to pick fights but that is not God's nature. You have probably heard from a parent at one time "If you do not have anything good to say then do not say anything at all?" Well let's say we practice this even when confronted with mean spirited people who do not necessarily have that same upbringing or if they did totally forgot about it. You do not show the character of Christ by being vindictive and argumentative. Be the 'bigger person' and calm the battle down.
In life you will deal with all sorts of people. Try no matter how hard to act like Christ would act. Bite your tongue. Calm yourself down. Do not overreact to things. This does not mean you do not have an opinion and will never disagree. But remember that this too shall pass and continuing to 'go at it' with someone does not do one bit of good or really achieve anything. Ephesians 4:29 says " Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." No matter where you are be it at home, business, or in the market place make an effort to show the love of Christ in everything you say and do. It truly is a challenge at times but God can help you. Let the Holy Spirit deal with the other person involved.
The verse to shape your behaviour would be Colossians 4:6 which says "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Go into this day with the attitude that you will represent Jesus no matter what comes your way and let Jesus love shine out of you to those he puts in your path today.
PRAYER: Dear Lord the tongue is a mighty weapon. As in your word it says it can be used for blessing or cursing, help me today to use it for blessing. Help me Lord to overlook an offense and not pick fights or get mad. It takes your strength to do this at times. Lord I want you to guide what I do and say today. Help me show your love to others no matter how they treat me. As I go throughout my day help me to remember to show love simply by smiling at people who are around me. Forgive me for times I have not had control of my tongue. I want to do better and with your help I can. In Jesus Name, amen.
It truly is better to overlook something than to think we have to 'be right' and win the battle. Be it a conflict at work or whatever it is most the time it is better to give it to the Lord than to 'fuel the fire' as mentioned previously. Proverbs 17:9 says "He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends." What is this saying? Let it go! 1 Corinthians 13:5 tells us in speaking about love "It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." So if you are mad at a friend or loved one or perhaps a spouse you need to let it go once again and give it to God. Keeping a list of wrong things to throw up in their face will only keep the battle going. So what do we do? Let it go! And pray of course.
Prayer is the key. Anger is a love killer. Ephesians 4:26 says "In your anger do not sin, Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." Human nature likes to pick fights but that is not God's nature. You have probably heard from a parent at one time "If you do not have anything good to say then do not say anything at all?" Well let's say we practice this even when confronted with mean spirited people who do not necessarily have that same upbringing or if they did totally forgot about it. You do not show the character of Christ by being vindictive and argumentative. Be the 'bigger person' and calm the battle down.
In life you will deal with all sorts of people. Try no matter how hard to act like Christ would act. Bite your tongue. Calm yourself down. Do not overreact to things. This does not mean you do not have an opinion and will never disagree. But remember that this too shall pass and continuing to 'go at it' with someone does not do one bit of good or really achieve anything. Ephesians 4:29 says " Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." No matter where you are be it at home, business, or in the market place make an effort to show the love of Christ in everything you say and do. It truly is a challenge at times but God can help you. Let the Holy Spirit deal with the other person involved.
The verse to shape your behaviour would be Colossians 4:6 which says "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Go into this day with the attitude that you will represent Jesus no matter what comes your way and let Jesus love shine out of you to those he puts in your path today.
PRAYER: Dear Lord the tongue is a mighty weapon. As in your word it says it can be used for blessing or cursing, help me today to use it for blessing. Help me Lord to overlook an offense and not pick fights or get mad. It takes your strength to do this at times. Lord I want you to guide what I do and say today. Help me show your love to others no matter how they treat me. As I go throughout my day help me to remember to show love simply by smiling at people who are around me. Forgive me for times I have not had control of my tongue. I want to do better and with your help I can. In Jesus Name, amen.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW
It is easy to get ourselves down in the dumps by daily situations in our lives. The way to escape from this daily doomsday or feeling gloomy, sad, or bad is to praise Jesus and think of all the good things he has done. It is the enemy who brings thoughts of condemnation, guilt, worry, fear, sadness, and a host of other negative emotions to us. Negativity is not a 'God thing' and for sure the enemy likes to keep us down in the dumps then we do not 'feel' like praising him or thinking good things. We get in a rut of worrying over goofy things we can not control. Maybe you fret over a situation but instead we need to say "I thank you God ahead of time for going before me and working this out." Start purposely praising God when you start feeling yourself dropping into a worry or pity mode. Start thinking of ways he has blessed you and listing them and start thinking of ways you can share your blessings with others.
It is time to release Gods' power inside of you and stand up and take authority over negative thoughts. I have heard it said we need to be powerful not pitiful. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." You have to make yourself think good thoughts. Anyone can easily bury themselves in a pit of doom, gloom, and 'woe is me' mentality. To be victorious and positive in Christ you have to 'purpose' in your heart you are not going to think on bad things. Start literally making a list of wonderful things in your life you can thank God for. For instance, thank you Lord for the ability to see. Thank you Lord for the ability to think and reason. Thank you Lord for my home and food on the table when many are homeless and hungry. Thank you Lord for my job even though it may not be what I want right now I thank you that it supplies and income for me and you can use me there where I am. Thank you Lord for my friends because it is sure nice to have people to share things with. You get the idea. I am sure if you sit and think you can have many things to lift you up out of any pit you may have fallen into with bad thinking.
Get up and say, "This is the day the Lord has made, I WILL rejoice and be glad in it". (Psalm 118:24). Philippians 4:8 is one of my favorite verses for reminding me of thinking on good things and it says "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Like I said, it is Satan who tries to bring negative thoughts to your mind. When you praise Jesus the devil has to flee.
Also do not allow others comments to you to destroy your day. Seek to lift up the name of Jesus and no matter what happens say "Lord I thank you for every situation you bring into my life. I thank you that you will give me the strength to endure and have victory. Forgive me when I forget to praise you and sink in a pit of worry and gloom. Help me rise up each day and give you thanks. That is my desire." With God you can do all things.(See Philippians 4:13). Hang on to Jesus and lift up his name!
PRAYER: Lord thank you for this day. I may wake up gloomy or have gone to bed with wrong thinking or concerns but I ask you to clear my mind now of unnecessary concerns and cast my cares on you. I need to learn to trust you with every situation in my life. It is not my desire to be in a pit of gloominess. I want your joy and no matter what I ask you to help me to maintain your joy. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Note: As I often do I like to select an appropriate praise and worship song for you to sit and listen to when you are able to turn up your speakers. Enjoy your day and go be a blessing to those around you!
http://youtu.be/-1jQeV9_8W0
It is time to release Gods' power inside of you and stand up and take authority over negative thoughts. I have heard it said we need to be powerful not pitiful. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." You have to make yourself think good thoughts. Anyone can easily bury themselves in a pit of doom, gloom, and 'woe is me' mentality. To be victorious and positive in Christ you have to 'purpose' in your heart you are not going to think on bad things. Start literally making a list of wonderful things in your life you can thank God for. For instance, thank you Lord for the ability to see. Thank you Lord for the ability to think and reason. Thank you Lord for my home and food on the table when many are homeless and hungry. Thank you Lord for my job even though it may not be what I want right now I thank you that it supplies and income for me and you can use me there where I am. Thank you Lord for my friends because it is sure nice to have people to share things with. You get the idea. I am sure if you sit and think you can have many things to lift you up out of any pit you may have fallen into with bad thinking.
Get up and say, "This is the day the Lord has made, I WILL rejoice and be glad in it". (Psalm 118:24). Philippians 4:8 is one of my favorite verses for reminding me of thinking on good things and it says "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Like I said, it is Satan who tries to bring negative thoughts to your mind. When you praise Jesus the devil has to flee.
Also do not allow others comments to you to destroy your day. Seek to lift up the name of Jesus and no matter what happens say "Lord I thank you for every situation you bring into my life. I thank you that you will give me the strength to endure and have victory. Forgive me when I forget to praise you and sink in a pit of worry and gloom. Help me rise up each day and give you thanks. That is my desire." With God you can do all things.(See Philippians 4:13). Hang on to Jesus and lift up his name!
PRAYER: Lord thank you for this day. I may wake up gloomy or have gone to bed with wrong thinking or concerns but I ask you to clear my mind now of unnecessary concerns and cast my cares on you. I need to learn to trust you with every situation in my life. It is not my desire to be in a pit of gloominess. I want your joy and no matter what I ask you to help me to maintain your joy. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Note: As I often do I like to select an appropriate praise and worship song for you to sit and listen to when you are able to turn up your speakers. Enjoy your day and go be a blessing to those around you!
http://youtu.be/-1jQeV9_8W0
Monday, July 4, 2011
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY AMERICA!!
235 great years of freedom!! Many do not understand our godly heritage because it has been muddled and rewritten by voices trying to take God out of our history books. But this nation was founded by settlers for religious freedom, but it was founded on the Holy Bible. Many have forgotten this. Evil forces will always be there tyring to take that freedom away. This nation is like none other. When we broke from the tyranny of the English rule we set up a 'freedom experiment' of sorts. Only in being vigilant to our founders principles and the word of God can we remain free. If we become complacent and ignorant of our history we are in danger of being domineered and taken over by tyrannical rule. You can not separate this great land from the founding principles found in the Bible. Travel to our nations' capitol and you will see Bible verses inscribed in granite on most monuments. Many want to scrap this Christian heritage that is why men and women of faith must be involved to save this land. It is the enemies lies to say "do not get involved in politics". This nation was built on the word of God and we need to remember that. Satan will deceive even the most well meaning Christians to believe his lies. The freedoms we enjoy are God given and if we do not get involved we will lose them.
Edmund Burkes' famous quote is "Evil triumphs when good men do nothing." If we sit back thinking the government should take care of us and do not care, look out! The government was set up to 'serve and represent' us not to 'dictate and lord' over us. We were not set up to become an entitlement state because we think the government should give us everything. If it does, it starts to rule and dominate us and before you know it you have lost freedoms. If it gives us everything it will control us. Bye bye freedom. I said it once and I will it again. Wake up America.
As the late President John F Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country!" What has happened though? Our government leaders were elected to serve and represent but they have begun to lord over us and domineer and act like dictators. This was never the intent of the founders of this great land. It is our responsibility as citizens to stay educated on how we were founded and stay in the word of God. We need to pray daily for this land we live in and its' leaders to come back to God and the Bible.
Proverbs 14:34 says "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. " Look around at what is happening today. Sin is being accepted and laws written to protect it. Lord save us! God will not continue to bless these United States of America if we continue to go against the Bible and condone sin as the truth. Proverbs 29:12 says "If a ruler pays attention to liars, all his advisers will be wicked." We need men and women in leadership who are true servants who will get on their knees daily and pray to God and realize they are our servants. They need to be led by the truth. We as Christians need to pray for them daily. A tool to pray is to use http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/ and it will lead you into praying each day for our leadership. It is a command for us to pray for them. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says 'I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
So Happy Birthday USA!! Do not become complacent or we will not be free. Today thank those men and women who have served this land to keep our freedoms. Remember freedom is not free! Happy Birthday America is a great day of celebration throughout this great nation! Picnics, swimming, cookouts, a day at the lake and capped off by fireworks will be the order of the day for most. But do not forget why you have the freedom to celebrate. Do not take it for granted. This country has gotten way far away from what the founding fathers intended. Many choose to not believe this and go right on walking the plank of losing their precious freedoms.
Psalm 33:12 says to us "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance." Christ is the one who has given us the freedom and no man on earth has the power to be greater than the Almighty. They will try to set up earthly kingdoms. Look what happened in Hitlers' day if you need a history lesson about what happens when people start being domineered and believing a lie. Galatians 5:1 says "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Today enjoy your day of celebration but do not become complacent or you may not always be able to say Happy Birthday America!
PRAYER: Thanks Lord for this great land. Thanks for implanting the ideas of freedom from tyranny in the minds of our founding fathers over 235 years ago. Father give us the courage to speak up against injustice,sin, and lawlessness. Help us know the Bible so we know in fact what is the truth and what is a lie. Give pastors courage Lord to speak the truth and to not allow sin to become the law of the land. Keep us free Lord. We thank you for what we enjoy. Forgive us if we have taken it for granted. In Jesus Name, amen.
http://youtu.be/Q65KZIqay4E
Edmund Burkes' famous quote is "Evil triumphs when good men do nothing." If we sit back thinking the government should take care of us and do not care, look out! The government was set up to 'serve and represent' us not to 'dictate and lord' over us. We were not set up to become an entitlement state because we think the government should give us everything. If it does, it starts to rule and dominate us and before you know it you have lost freedoms. If it gives us everything it will control us. Bye bye freedom. I said it once and I will it again. Wake up America.
As the late President John F Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country!" What has happened though? Our government leaders were elected to serve and represent but they have begun to lord over us and domineer and act like dictators. This was never the intent of the founders of this great land. It is our responsibility as citizens to stay educated on how we were founded and stay in the word of God. We need to pray daily for this land we live in and its' leaders to come back to God and the Bible.
Proverbs 14:34 says "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. " Look around at what is happening today. Sin is being accepted and laws written to protect it. Lord save us! God will not continue to bless these United States of America if we continue to go against the Bible and condone sin as the truth. Proverbs 29:12 says "If a ruler pays attention to liars, all his advisers will be wicked." We need men and women in leadership who are true servants who will get on their knees daily and pray to God and realize they are our servants. They need to be led by the truth. We as Christians need to pray for them daily. A tool to pray is to use http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/ and it will lead you into praying each day for our leadership. It is a command for us to pray for them. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says 'I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
So Happy Birthday USA!! Do not become complacent or we will not be free. Today thank those men and women who have served this land to keep our freedoms. Remember freedom is not free! Happy Birthday America is a great day of celebration throughout this great nation! Picnics, swimming, cookouts, a day at the lake and capped off by fireworks will be the order of the day for most. But do not forget why you have the freedom to celebrate. Do not take it for granted. This country has gotten way far away from what the founding fathers intended. Many choose to not believe this and go right on walking the plank of losing their precious freedoms.
Psalm 33:12 says to us "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance." Christ is the one who has given us the freedom and no man on earth has the power to be greater than the Almighty. They will try to set up earthly kingdoms. Look what happened in Hitlers' day if you need a history lesson about what happens when people start being domineered and believing a lie. Galatians 5:1 says "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Today enjoy your day of celebration but do not become complacent or you may not always be able to say Happy Birthday America!
PRAYER: Thanks Lord for this great land. Thanks for implanting the ideas of freedom from tyranny in the minds of our founding fathers over 235 years ago. Father give us the courage to speak up against injustice,sin, and lawlessness. Help us know the Bible so we know in fact what is the truth and what is a lie. Give pastors courage Lord to speak the truth and to not allow sin to become the law of the land. Keep us free Lord. We thank you for what we enjoy. Forgive us if we have taken it for granted. In Jesus Name, amen.
http://youtu.be/Q65KZIqay4E
Sunday, July 3, 2011
DO YOU JUST PLAY WITH GOD?
What I mean by this is do you just show up at church on Sunday for one hour and have fun singing and talking to people but then the rest of the week go about your week and do not even think about anything heavenly or of God? Psalm 66:18 says "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." There is more to 'walking with God' than just punching some ticket on Sunday morning and saying in effect "been there , done that, got the tee shirt". What is keeping you from a closer relationship? "People are phonies" you may say. 'Too churchy' is another excuse. "I go to church in nature on Sunday." I am sure you have heard a host of excuses.
Do you bring God off the shelf when you need him for something? Perhaps to look good that you are a 'member of a church? Remember there is nothing in the Bible about church membership being the ticket to heavenly admission and as a matter of fact the words 'church membership' are not in there at all that I can tell.
God wants to be more than a little playmate you take out every Sunday during playtime or church. He wants you to get serious about your relationship with him. It says in scripture he is a 'jealous' God. Exodus 20:4-5 says “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me". Wow I hope you don't hate God but do you love Him with all your heart? Deuteronomy 6:5 says "And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength."
I challenge you to make Jesus your first priority. If you go to church and go to sleep maybe it is time to change churches.Church is not supposed to be about 'religion' but about a 'relationship' with Jesus. Find a place where you get excited to go there and that is drawing you closer to the Lord and not leading you away from him from boredom or lack of solid Bible teaching. Put God first!
PRAYER: Lord I thank you for loving me unconditionally and being patient with me during times I just zone out and forget anything about serving you or walking with you. Help me do better. In Jesus name,Amen
(Listen to attached old gospel song. It makes a very good point.)
http://youtu.be/DtGBIOEf7ro
Do you bring God off the shelf when you need him for something? Perhaps to look good that you are a 'member of a church? Remember there is nothing in the Bible about church membership being the ticket to heavenly admission and as a matter of fact the words 'church membership' are not in there at all that I can tell.
God wants to be more than a little playmate you take out every Sunday during playtime or church. He wants you to get serious about your relationship with him. It says in scripture he is a 'jealous' God. Exodus 20:4-5 says “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me". Wow I hope you don't hate God but do you love Him with all your heart? Deuteronomy 6:5 says "And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength."
I challenge you to make Jesus your first priority. If you go to church and go to sleep maybe it is time to change churches.Church is not supposed to be about 'religion' but about a 'relationship' with Jesus. Find a place where you get excited to go there and that is drawing you closer to the Lord and not leading you away from him from boredom or lack of solid Bible teaching. Put God first!
PRAYER: Lord I thank you for loving me unconditionally and being patient with me during times I just zone out and forget anything about serving you or walking with you. Help me do better. In Jesus name,Amen
(Listen to attached old gospel song. It makes a very good point.)
http://youtu.be/DtGBIOEf7ro
Saturday, July 2, 2011
BE DEVOTED TO GOD
Are you truly devoted to God or do you feel He is some historical figure? Do you feel good when you say that you are a Christian because you believe in Him? Do you REALLY want to spend time with Him and get excited about it? Do you take Him off the shelf when it is convenient? Do you make time in your day for prayer and Bible reading? Do you feel like being on the rolls of a church is all that is needed and people who do too much are fanatics?
1 Timothy 2:1-6 says "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time."
In Exodus 20:3 it clearly states this command "You shall have no other gods before me.' Many are devoted to so much more in this life than the King of kings and Lord of Lords. Proverbs 24:21 tells us"My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise." This clearly indicates our first love should be the Lord.
Getting close to the celebration of our nations birthday, July 4th, makes me think of how many people call themselves Christians simply because they live in the United States, which was in fact founded on biblical principles. But are these 'Christians' really in love with the Lord or do they only only use the name?
I challenge you to make Jesus your first love. When you love someone you want to be with them all the time. I think of young lovers, engaged couples, newlyweds. They just want to always be together and get to know more and more about each other. That is how we should be with God. Start today to commit to read at least one chapter a day in Proverbs. Today is July 2nd so read Chapter 2. Then pray God would open your eyes to the truth and give you a hunger for him and his word. Be blessed to be a blessing.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for another day you have given us. Each day is truly a gift. You love us so much so we should love you back. Forgive us for putting other things before you. In Jesus name, Amen!
http://youtu.be/OHUppFNjy5E
1 Timothy 2:1-6 says "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time."
In Exodus 20:3 it clearly states this command "You shall have no other gods before me.' Many are devoted to so much more in this life than the King of kings and Lord of Lords. Proverbs 24:21 tells us"My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise." This clearly indicates our first love should be the Lord.
Getting close to the celebration of our nations birthday, July 4th, makes me think of how many people call themselves Christians simply because they live in the United States, which was in fact founded on biblical principles. But are these 'Christians' really in love with the Lord or do they only only use the name?
I challenge you to make Jesus your first love. When you love someone you want to be with them all the time. I think of young lovers, engaged couples, newlyweds. They just want to always be together and get to know more and more about each other. That is how we should be with God. Start today to commit to read at least one chapter a day in Proverbs. Today is July 2nd so read Chapter 2. Then pray God would open your eyes to the truth and give you a hunger for him and his word. Be blessed to be a blessing.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for another day you have given us. Each day is truly a gift. You love us so much so we should love you back. Forgive us for putting other things before you. In Jesus name, Amen!
http://youtu.be/OHUppFNjy5E
Friday, July 1, 2011
CHRISTLIKE...WHO ME?
Do things you do really make you seem Christlike? Go through your day and the way of life you lead and ask yourself "do I represent Jesus Christ or would He be walking in the shoes I am walking in?" Do you act like Christ? Do things you do bring shame or glory to the body of Christ? It is a simple question.
If someone walked in where you are right now would you have to change your conduct or speech habits? Would you be ashmed if He knew your thoughts because He does? Are you ashamed to bow your head and pray in public? This is not going to send you to hell if you do not pray but if you want to do it but are ashamed or afraid why? Mark 8:38 gives us a warning saying whoever is ashamed of me he basically will be ashamed of you. Read it when you get a chance. Do you treat all people of all walks of life with kindness and respect?
If you drive a car with a Christian license tag or bumper sticker do you represent Christ or do you cut drivers off, run red lights, speed, and frown? Think about that one. If you wear a big Jesus pin,Christian tee shirt or a lanyard like one I saw yesterday at an office that said 'I love Jesus' do you really act like a Christian? We are His representatives here on this earth. The Bible calls us 'ambassadors'. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." Just as if you were the ambassador for the United States in a foreign land you would want to represent our country in a good way and not be out partying and cursing people. This would bring dishonor to our nation. Do your actions bring dishonor to God? You represent Him if you call yourself a believer.
You may be the only Bible some people ever 'read.' What I mean by that is that you should be a witness for the kingdom and if someone asks give them the reason for your hope. In 1 Peter 3:15 it says "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." Be proud but not overbearing. Also going the opposite direction and judging someone and screaming at them that they are going to hell is not really an effective witnessing tool. Love is the answer.
You have heard it said before if you point your finger in judgment at someone three more of your fingers are pointing back at you. Self righteousness is not an effective tool to win folks to the Lord either. 1 Corinthians 6:11 in referring to all of us having sinned says "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." We have all messed up in some way. I am not sure where I heard this but 'let God take your mess and make it into your message.' Sometimes being real with others about your faults and goof ups will help them see you are real and see that God can restore, redeem and forgive. God knows your heart and he loves you no matter what you have done.
1 John 2:6 tells us "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." Let your actions follow your words. Say it ,then live it, and do it.
PRAYER: Lord I do want to be like you in all I say I do. I know I have fallen short at times in my thoughts, words, and actions. Lord help me to resist the temptations of this world that try to take my mind and thoughts off of you and my walk with you. Forgive me for when I have gone my own way and shamed the body of Christ. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://youtu.be/dBQqda_YDxw
If someone walked in where you are right now would you have to change your conduct or speech habits? Would you be ashmed if He knew your thoughts because He does? Are you ashamed to bow your head and pray in public? This is not going to send you to hell if you do not pray but if you want to do it but are ashamed or afraid why? Mark 8:38 gives us a warning saying whoever is ashamed of me he basically will be ashamed of you. Read it when you get a chance. Do you treat all people of all walks of life with kindness and respect?
If you drive a car with a Christian license tag or bumper sticker do you represent Christ or do you cut drivers off, run red lights, speed, and frown? Think about that one. If you wear a big Jesus pin,Christian tee shirt or a lanyard like one I saw yesterday at an office that said 'I love Jesus' do you really act like a Christian? We are His representatives here on this earth. The Bible calls us 'ambassadors'. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." Just as if you were the ambassador for the United States in a foreign land you would want to represent our country in a good way and not be out partying and cursing people. This would bring dishonor to our nation. Do your actions bring dishonor to God? You represent Him if you call yourself a believer.
You may be the only Bible some people ever 'read.' What I mean by that is that you should be a witness for the kingdom and if someone asks give them the reason for your hope. In 1 Peter 3:15 it says "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." Be proud but not overbearing. Also going the opposite direction and judging someone and screaming at them that they are going to hell is not really an effective witnessing tool. Love is the answer.
You have heard it said before if you point your finger in judgment at someone three more of your fingers are pointing back at you. Self righteousness is not an effective tool to win folks to the Lord either. 1 Corinthians 6:11 in referring to all of us having sinned says "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." We have all messed up in some way. I am not sure where I heard this but 'let God take your mess and make it into your message.' Sometimes being real with others about your faults and goof ups will help them see you are real and see that God can restore, redeem and forgive. God knows your heart and he loves you no matter what you have done.
1 John 2:6 tells us "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." Let your actions follow your words. Say it ,then live it, and do it.
PRAYER: Lord I do want to be like you in all I say I do. I know I have fallen short at times in my thoughts, words, and actions. Lord help me to resist the temptations of this world that try to take my mind and thoughts off of you and my walk with you. Forgive me for when I have gone my own way and shamed the body of Christ. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://youtu.be/dBQqda_YDxw
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