This past Saturday, pop icon Whitney Houston, was laid to rest after an untimely death at an early age, which stunned her many fans. Throngs of her adoring fans stood with signs, pictures, balloons, and flowers outside the Baptist church in Newark, New Jersey where her funeral was held.
Famous people seem to get a better break at funerals. Lots of folks there, many news stories at no charge to them, and non stop talk of the wonderful life they led. Everyone seems to be great at the end so it seems.
The indisputable fact of life is we all will die. Many people live like there is no consequence and atheists laugh off the after life or heaven and hell. Guess what? You will either go to heaven or you will go to hell whether you believe the Bible or not. Period. End of story. Why chance it? Your life could end today in a head on crash, a heart attack, a stroke, an unexpected illness, or a myriad of other things. No one knows when. Young people die, babies die, celebrities die in their forties like Miss Houston, and people die late in life. Nobody can predict it. This could be your last day on earth. We are all valuable to God whether we are a platinum album singer, bank president, business leader, politician, teacher, homeless man or factory worker. There is not some social class to get into heaven. It boils down to have you asked Jesus into your life.
Do you know if you were to take your last breath you would spend eternity in heaven? I did not say "are you a good person" or "are you a church member" or "have you worked on lots of church committees" or "have you gone to Sunday School class" or "are you baptized" but do you know Jesus as your saviour and has your life been lived for Him? Does your life reflect Him?
Is your life ready for a 'Home Going' to heaven? Are you sure? We can not assume just because we were in church every Sunday that is what is required. People who have rejected Jesus during their life will not be with Him in heaven but it is never too late to ask Him into your heart.
1 Timothy 2:4 says "who wants everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth." Ezekiel 18:23 says "do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather am I not pleased when they turn from their wicked ways and live?" James 4:13-15 says "Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
Psalm 90:12 tells us "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Do not live like death will never come because believe me it will and it may catch you off guard. But guess what, once you are dead you can not decide to accept Christ. Ecclesiastes 7:2 says "It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart."
I can not imagine someone not wanting to be sure they are going to heaven. In Romans 3:23 it says "All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory." Acts 3:19 says "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord". Repent means to turn away from. When you know something is wrong do not keep doing it. Ask God to help you. He is ready to save. Give your heart to Him today.
PRAYER: Father I know my days are numbered here on this earth. Help me to make a difference for the kingdom of God during the short time I am here. Help me to not get caught up in the craziness and sinfulness of the world but to be set apart for the work of Christ and let me leave an imprint for you when I leave this earth. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link to worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/iB-yX5p0p4I
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
PRESIDENT OR KING OF KINGS??
Today in the USA we celebrate Presidents Day which is a combined holiday of both Washington and Lincoln's birthdays. These were first celebrated on their own separate days until several years ago. Initially it was celebrating our First Presidents Birthday, George Washington, then changed to make it for both Washington and Lincoln since they were both born in February. So the name does not necessarily imply every single president but was the initial intent to celebrate our nations 1st President George Washington only.
At this time, because of the name being in the plural form, we may think this day honors all of our presidents as well. We may have a president of the US in this currently independent and democratic country who is called the leader of the free world, but the ultimate leader in charge of even the President of the United States, is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. Ultimately all power is given from God and he allows men or women to be in authority for his purposes. This does not necessarily mean it will be godly leader or a fair leader, but God is the one who is in charge of promotion and allowing this person to be there for His purposes. God will take care of evil rulers in the end. He has the final say. Man may try to build up his own little powerful earthly kingdom and can leave God out of the equation for the time being, even misusing scriptures for his own gain, but look out! He may try to lord over people and put them in bondage. This arrogance and egotism will not stand in the end.
Businesses used to close on George Washington's birthday and other holidays like Veterans Day, Columbus Day and Memorial Day, but now stores use them as an opportunity to have sales. All honor and respect due this holiday is largely lost and a new generation grows up unaware of the true meaning unless their parents choose to teach them. Respect and honor for this special day seemingly have gone by the wayside. Formerly it was a day of remembering, not shopping. This holidays' intent when it was celebrated as Washington's Birthday was to honor the 'father of our country' and his accomplishments. Indeed we have lost the honor and respect due to these holidays and now they are nothing more than days with no mail, going to the lake, shopping, seeing the latest movie and noting the day on a calendar. Respect is long gone.
What does it mean to show honor and respect? We can choose to bring honor and respect back and to teach the younger generation these valuable traits which used to be taught in our public schools in addition to the home. Honor is showing reverence and holding someone in high esteem. Jesus is the one we are supposed to show ultimate honor to. George Washington's prayer at Valley Forge was "I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God and those who have the superintendence of them into His holy keeping." George Washington was a true man of God regardless of what people do to rewrite history and deny that fact.
1 Timothy 1:17 says "now to the king eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever Amen." Romans 11:36 says "for from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever, Amen!"
Do you pay the ultimate honor to the king of kings? Let's start today to lift Jesus higher than mere man of the world. Jesus is the one on the throne who deserves our true allegiance, honor, and respect. No one should ever exalt man over God. Philippians 2:10 says "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth." Our hope is not in a mere man but hope is only in the Lord God Almighty!!
Psalm 103:19 says "The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything there is."
PRAYER: All hail the power of your name Lord Jesus. You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It is only through you power comes. We pray for our leaders to follow you and listen to your voice. We pray for good to overcome evil. Help us to show honor to you Lord and to remember to pray for our earthly leaders per your command in scripture. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Note: We are commanded to pray for those in authority over us in 1 Timothy 2:1-4. I urge you in order to try to do this daily to check out the following website which is independent and has nothing to do with the federal government. It is a valuable tool to help fulfill this command. http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/
Click on link for a praise song which will lift your spirits.
http://youtu.be/MslM2vkVXiU
At this time, because of the name being in the plural form, we may think this day honors all of our presidents as well. We may have a president of the US in this currently independent and democratic country who is called the leader of the free world, but the ultimate leader in charge of even the President of the United States, is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. Ultimately all power is given from God and he allows men or women to be in authority for his purposes. This does not necessarily mean it will be godly leader or a fair leader, but God is the one who is in charge of promotion and allowing this person to be there for His purposes. God will take care of evil rulers in the end. He has the final say. Man may try to build up his own little powerful earthly kingdom and can leave God out of the equation for the time being, even misusing scriptures for his own gain, but look out! He may try to lord over people and put them in bondage. This arrogance and egotism will not stand in the end.
Businesses used to close on George Washington's birthday and other holidays like Veterans Day, Columbus Day and Memorial Day, but now stores use them as an opportunity to have sales. All honor and respect due this holiday is largely lost and a new generation grows up unaware of the true meaning unless their parents choose to teach them. Respect and honor for this special day seemingly have gone by the wayside. Formerly it was a day of remembering, not shopping. This holidays' intent when it was celebrated as Washington's Birthday was to honor the 'father of our country' and his accomplishments. Indeed we have lost the honor and respect due to these holidays and now they are nothing more than days with no mail, going to the lake, shopping, seeing the latest movie and noting the day on a calendar. Respect is long gone.
What does it mean to show honor and respect? We can choose to bring honor and respect back and to teach the younger generation these valuable traits which used to be taught in our public schools in addition to the home. Honor is showing reverence and holding someone in high esteem. Jesus is the one we are supposed to show ultimate honor to. George Washington's prayer at Valley Forge was "I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God and those who have the superintendence of them into His holy keeping." George Washington was a true man of God regardless of what people do to rewrite history and deny that fact.
1 Timothy 1:17 says "now to the king eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever Amen." Romans 11:36 says "for from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever, Amen!"
Do you pay the ultimate honor to the king of kings? Let's start today to lift Jesus higher than mere man of the world. Jesus is the one on the throne who deserves our true allegiance, honor, and respect. No one should ever exalt man over God. Philippians 2:10 says "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth." Our hope is not in a mere man but hope is only in the Lord God Almighty!!
Psalm 103:19 says "The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything there is."
PRAYER: All hail the power of your name Lord Jesus. You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It is only through you power comes. We pray for our leaders to follow you and listen to your voice. We pray for good to overcome evil. Help us to show honor to you Lord and to remember to pray for our earthly leaders per your command in scripture. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Note: We are commanded to pray for those in authority over us in 1 Timothy 2:1-4. I urge you in order to try to do this daily to check out the following website which is independent and has nothing to do with the federal government. It is a valuable tool to help fulfill this command. http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/
Click on link for a praise song which will lift your spirits.
http://youtu.be/MslM2vkVXiU
Sunday, February 19, 2012
JOY NO MATTER WHAT
What exactly is joy and how do you maintain it when your world is crumbling around you? How do you feel joy in the midst of devastating news? How do you feel joy when friends desert you?
It is easy to feel joy when things are going right but when your world tumbles down around you it is a whole new thing. The main thing is keeping the right focus and not dwelling on the negative. If you constantly get down into that pity pit or keep thinking of worse case scenarios then of course it will be hard to feel joy. The word 'feel' is key in this. Do not let feelings rule your world because they are so changeable.
The best way to have joy is to stay focused on the word of God. If you are feeling down in the dumps certainly dwelling on bad news is not the cure for lifting your spirits to a higher level.
Joy is described as intense happiness but it is not or should not be dependent upon your circumstances. It can be achieved by keeping your mind on God's word. Dwelling on things such as the 'what ifs' of life and speculating on things can create doubt and worry and thus be 'joy robbers'. People in your life may be hurtful and try to be a 'joy robber' but you can be victorious and overcome this.
The word joy can also be an acronym for Jesus First, Others second, Yourself last. If you can try to live this way, remembering the J.O.Y. Acronym, then life will be better. Helping others and taking your mind off yourself is always an effective remedy.
James 1:2-3 says "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials ,knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."
"Are you kidding? You want me to be joyful in my trials? Are you some kind of nut? " The Bible says to and that is good enough for me. If you are a believer rejoice that you will be in heaven with Jesus. (See Luke 10:20).
John 15:11 says "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete."
Just remember that 'Jesus loves you this I know for the Bible tells me so.'
PRAYER: Lord I thank you for being with me in good times and in not so good times. Help me as I seek to focus on your word and fill my life with your joy despite any negative circumstances. In Jesus name. Amen!
Assignment: Read Psalm 103
Click on link to worship the Lord in song this beautiful Sunday.
http://youtu.be/b04KyG0E8zQ
It is easy to feel joy when things are going right but when your world tumbles down around you it is a whole new thing. The main thing is keeping the right focus and not dwelling on the negative. If you constantly get down into that pity pit or keep thinking of worse case scenarios then of course it will be hard to feel joy. The word 'feel' is key in this. Do not let feelings rule your world because they are so changeable.
The best way to have joy is to stay focused on the word of God. If you are feeling down in the dumps certainly dwelling on bad news is not the cure for lifting your spirits to a higher level.
Joy is described as intense happiness but it is not or should not be dependent upon your circumstances. It can be achieved by keeping your mind on God's word. Dwelling on things such as the 'what ifs' of life and speculating on things can create doubt and worry and thus be 'joy robbers'. People in your life may be hurtful and try to be a 'joy robber' but you can be victorious and overcome this.
The word joy can also be an acronym for Jesus First, Others second, Yourself last. If you can try to live this way, remembering the J.O.Y. Acronym, then life will be better. Helping others and taking your mind off yourself is always an effective remedy.
James 1:2-3 says "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials ,knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."
"Are you kidding? You want me to be joyful in my trials? Are you some kind of nut? " The Bible says to and that is good enough for me. If you are a believer rejoice that you will be in heaven with Jesus. (See Luke 10:20).
John 15:11 says "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete."
Just remember that 'Jesus loves you this I know for the Bible tells me so.'
PRAYER: Lord I thank you for being with me in good times and in not so good times. Help me as I seek to focus on your word and fill my life with your joy despite any negative circumstances. In Jesus name. Amen!
Assignment: Read Psalm 103
Click on link to worship the Lord in song this beautiful Sunday.
http://youtu.be/b04KyG0E8zQ
Saturday, February 18, 2012
MY FATHER IN HEAVEN SAYS......
I am a child of God (John 1:12)
I am set free(John 8:36)
No weapon formed against me shall prosper(Isaiah 54:17)
I resist Satan and he has to leave me alone(James 4:7)
I am the head and not the tail(Deuteronomy 28:13)
I am forgiven (1 John 1:9)
I am redeemed(Isaiah 43:7)
I can rejoice in this day(Psalm 118:24)
I have victory in Jesus Christ(1 Corinthians 15:57)
I am healed(Exodus 15:26)
I have perfect peace(Isaiah 26:3)
I shall not fear(2 Timothy 1:7)
I am not afraid of mere men(Psalm 56:11)
I will not keep a record of wrongs(1 Corinthians 13:5)
I am loved by God(Galatians 2:20)
I am bought with a price(1 Corinthians 6:20)
I won't worry(1 Peter 5:7)
I have a purpose(Jeremiah 29:11)
I am salt and light in His kingdom(Matthew 5:13-16)
I am a representative of Jesus wherever I go.(Ephesians 6:20)
I do not have to get angry(James 1:20)
I will be give thanks(1 Thessalonians 5:18)
I will not stop praying(1 Thessalonians 5:17)
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength(Philippians 4:13)
I will run the race to win(1 Corinthians 9:24)
I can crush a troop and leap over a wall.(Psalm 18:29)
I will pray for my enemies not hate them(Matthew 5:44)
I will seek first the kingdom(Matthew 6:33)
I will set before my eyes no vile thing(Psalm 101:3)
I will talk with purity(Colossians 4:6)
I will forget the past(Philippians 3:13)
Mediate on God's word and search the scriptures daily. The enemy, Satan, is the father of lies and can even deceive well meaning Christians into believing a lie.(See Colossians 2:8). Be on your guard because he prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may destroy. (See 1 Peter 5:8).
Do not let others steal your joy. Do not allow the lies of the enemy to defeat you. Get up and say these things above OUT LOUD. Try it you might like it.
PRAYER: This is your day Lord and I will get up and rejoice and say thank you. I ask your help in letting me treat all people with kindness and respect. Let me shine your love into every corner of the world you place me in. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link and worship God this Saturday morning in song.
http://youtu.be/x_bEzvAHbvo
Further note..Yesterday I worked over 3 hours on this devotion in a remote location without Wi Fi and for some reason it did not save and I lost all my work except for a rough draft I was able to find. Satan must not have wanted this one to get out there. I did my best to recreate the original.
I am set free(John 8:36)
No weapon formed against me shall prosper(Isaiah 54:17)
I resist Satan and he has to leave me alone(James 4:7)
I am the head and not the tail(Deuteronomy 28:13)
I am forgiven (1 John 1:9)
I am redeemed(Isaiah 43:7)
I can rejoice in this day(Psalm 118:24)
I have victory in Jesus Christ(1 Corinthians 15:57)
I am healed(Exodus 15:26)
I have perfect peace(Isaiah 26:3)
I shall not fear(2 Timothy 1:7)
I am not afraid of mere men(Psalm 56:11)
I will not keep a record of wrongs(1 Corinthians 13:5)
I am loved by God(Galatians 2:20)
I am bought with a price(1 Corinthians 6:20)
I won't worry(1 Peter 5:7)
I have a purpose(Jeremiah 29:11)
I am salt and light in His kingdom(Matthew 5:13-16)
I am a representative of Jesus wherever I go.(Ephesians 6:20)
I do not have to get angry(James 1:20)
I will be give thanks(1 Thessalonians 5:18)
I will not stop praying(1 Thessalonians 5:17)
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength(Philippians 4:13)
I will run the race to win(1 Corinthians 9:24)
I can crush a troop and leap over a wall.(Psalm 18:29)
I will pray for my enemies not hate them(Matthew 5:44)
I will seek first the kingdom(Matthew 6:33)
I will set before my eyes no vile thing(Psalm 101:3)
I will talk with purity(Colossians 4:6)
I will forget the past(Philippians 3:13)
Mediate on God's word and search the scriptures daily. The enemy, Satan, is the father of lies and can even deceive well meaning Christians into believing a lie.(See Colossians 2:8). Be on your guard because he prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may destroy. (See 1 Peter 5:8).
Do not let others steal your joy. Do not allow the lies of the enemy to defeat you. Get up and say these things above OUT LOUD. Try it you might like it.
PRAYER: This is your day Lord and I will get up and rejoice and say thank you. I ask your help in letting me treat all people with kindness and respect. Let me shine your love into every corner of the world you place me in. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link and worship God this Saturday morning in song.
http://youtu.be/x_bEzvAHbvo
Further note..Yesterday I worked over 3 hours on this devotion in a remote location without Wi Fi and for some reason it did not save and I lost all my work except for a rough draft I was able to find. Satan must not have wanted this one to get out there. I did my best to recreate the original.
Friday, February 17, 2012
TREAT OTHERS NICE ALL THE TIME
"Always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:15-18).
This verse above does not give us a way of escape as a believer. "Well you should have seen what they did to me!" or " How do you expect me to forgive and be kind when they went behind my back and did that!" Perhaps the comment is " I told you not to do that and you did anyway." All these comments fuel fires and keep anger going and fulling burning. If you call yourself a Christian and display unforgiveness or anger in your heart and can not seem to let go of an offense committed then perhaps it is time to see if you really are abiding by the words that are in the Bible. There are no escape clauses that say "It is okay to treat the person bad if they did such and such." Or there is nothing in the Bible that says "That person deserves this because they knew better and did it anyway." There is nothing that says" How can I be joyful. I do not feel like it!' No brother and sister in Christ, this verse means what it says. It says to be kind to one another and to be joyful not vindictive and hateful and paying people back. If you claim to be a Christian you need to be walking in love and able to forgive, move on, and let go, NO MATTER WHAT!
Perhaps you are the one who offended some brother in Christ be it a friend or family member and this person is certainly not appearing to be walking in love because they can not let go of an offense and they just continue being ugly to you. It is very hard to react in love if you are the recipient of cruel, hateful words and treatment. But God says to forgive. Some people who call themselves Christians act pretty darn ugly and should know better, but until the Holy Spirit does a work in their heart you need to give them over to God. Only through the Holy Spirits conviction and power is this individual going to change. In Matthew 18:21-22 says "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."
Some of those who talk ugly may not even read devotions or get into their Bible. But even some who do may not put it into practice. Seemingly it is falling on deaf ears. You do your part and let God work in their hearts. All you can do is to continue to pray and respond with grace to someone who is being mean to you. Luke 18:1 tells us "To pray and never give up". Keep on believing and praying .God has a plan and he can set people free and deliver them. Keep believing.
PRAYER: Father help me to never be mean to people but if I have been convict me and help me to seek forgiveness. If this person chooses to stay acting bad towards me help me to not lash back in anger but to calmly walk away and give them to God. I want to be Christlike in all I say and do. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link and worship the Lord in song.Be blessed. Hang on to Jesus. He can save,deliver and heal!
http://youtu.be/dbNK50T35wY
This verse above does not give us a way of escape as a believer. "Well you should have seen what they did to me!" or " How do you expect me to forgive and be kind when they went behind my back and did that!" Perhaps the comment is " I told you not to do that and you did anyway." All these comments fuel fires and keep anger going and fulling burning. If you call yourself a Christian and display unforgiveness or anger in your heart and can not seem to let go of an offense committed then perhaps it is time to see if you really are abiding by the words that are in the Bible. There are no escape clauses that say "It is okay to treat the person bad if they did such and such." Or there is nothing in the Bible that says "That person deserves this because they knew better and did it anyway." There is nothing that says" How can I be joyful. I do not feel like it!' No brother and sister in Christ, this verse means what it says. It says to be kind to one another and to be joyful not vindictive and hateful and paying people back. If you claim to be a Christian you need to be walking in love and able to forgive, move on, and let go, NO MATTER WHAT!
Perhaps you are the one who offended some brother in Christ be it a friend or family member and this person is certainly not appearing to be walking in love because they can not let go of an offense and they just continue being ugly to you. It is very hard to react in love if you are the recipient of cruel, hateful words and treatment. But God says to forgive. Some people who call themselves Christians act pretty darn ugly and should know better, but until the Holy Spirit does a work in their heart you need to give them over to God. Only through the Holy Spirits conviction and power is this individual going to change. In Matthew 18:21-22 says "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."
Some of those who talk ugly may not even read devotions or get into their Bible. But even some who do may not put it into practice. Seemingly it is falling on deaf ears. You do your part and let God work in their hearts. All you can do is to continue to pray and respond with grace to someone who is being mean to you. Luke 18:1 tells us "To pray and never give up". Keep on believing and praying .God has a plan and he can set people free and deliver them. Keep believing.
PRAYER: Father help me to never be mean to people but if I have been convict me and help me to seek forgiveness. If this person chooses to stay acting bad towards me help me to not lash back in anger but to calmly walk away and give them to God. I want to be Christlike in all I say and do. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link and worship the Lord in song.Be blessed. Hang on to Jesus. He can save,deliver and heal!
http://youtu.be/dbNK50T35wY
Thursday, February 16, 2012
DAILY 'TO-DO' LIST TO KEEP YOU ON RIGHT PATH
Be thankful and say so
Smile
Be kind to others
Be kind when someone is mean
Be courageous
Let go of a hurt
Forgive even if person is still ugly to you
Let go of your right to get back or get even
Share
Say only what will build others up
Stop worrying and give cares to God
Go to church
Read your Bible daily
Pray
Find someone to bless each day
Shine for Jesus especially within your own home
Be honest
Do not lie
Do not judge others
Love unconditionally
Remember that God loves you
Don't fear
Do not worry
Know that God is your best friend
Don't compare
Don't belittle yourself because you are a child of the king and are of great value!!
Forget yourself.
Be a friend!
The scriptures say in 1 Peter 1:16 "Be holy as I am holy". If you practice saying the list above out loud you will start to have a better outlook on life. No matter what is going on in life you can have victory through Jesus Christ. Stay in his word and the truth will set you free! Jesus is Lord!!
The point is to mentally remind yourself not only of the Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20, which help you stay on the right path in life but to have these little 'to do' items in your brain as reminders of how to be Christlike. Do not get in a trap set by the enemy where you feel worthless and of no value. Each and every day set out and stay focused on what you can do to show Jesus love to those around you. Do not let situations or other people rob you of your God given joy!
1 Corinthians 15:57 says "But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!"
PRAYER: Lord make me a light in a dark world. Where there is hopelessness let me show the hope of Jesus. Where there is darkness let use me to shine your light. Where there is hate let me show love. I purpose to focus on ways to be Christlike to all those people you place in my path. In Jesus name. Amen!
Click on link to worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/wutmEjdbedE
Smile
Be kind to others
Be kind when someone is mean
Be courageous
Let go of a hurt
Forgive even if person is still ugly to you
Let go of your right to get back or get even
Share
Say only what will build others up
Stop worrying and give cares to God
Go to church
Read your Bible daily
Pray
Find someone to bless each day
Shine for Jesus especially within your own home
Be honest
Do not lie
Do not judge others
Love unconditionally
Remember that God loves you
Don't fear
Do not worry
Know that God is your best friend
Don't compare
Don't belittle yourself because you are a child of the king and are of great value!!
Forget yourself.
Be a friend!
The scriptures say in 1 Peter 1:16 "Be holy as I am holy". If you practice saying the list above out loud you will start to have a better outlook on life. No matter what is going on in life you can have victory through Jesus Christ. Stay in his word and the truth will set you free! Jesus is Lord!!
The point is to mentally remind yourself not only of the Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20, which help you stay on the right path in life but to have these little 'to do' items in your brain as reminders of how to be Christlike. Do not get in a trap set by the enemy where you feel worthless and of no value. Each and every day set out and stay focused on what you can do to show Jesus love to those around you. Do not let situations or other people rob you of your God given joy!
1 Corinthians 15:57 says "But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!"
PRAYER: Lord make me a light in a dark world. Where there is hopelessness let me show the hope of Jesus. Where there is darkness let use me to shine your light. Where there is hate let me show love. I purpose to focus on ways to be Christlike to all those people you place in my path. In Jesus name. Amen!
Click on link to worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/wutmEjdbedE
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
BE STILL LITTLE MOUTH
The little tongue in our mouth works for good or bad. The mouth and mind have to work together to learn when to speak and when to be silent. Words can be spoken when they should have been left unsaid. Learning to speak courteously, honorably, with love, with purity, thoughtfully, and with a purpose takes patience and self control. Every time we feel like talking we should not necessarily talk. Some people speak and are misunderstood and hurt people. It sure is hard to tame the tongue.(See James Chapter 3). Our mind thinks things and we may just blurt out something. If you have this problem ask God to give you self control, discernment, wisdom, and patience. It is Not always necessary to talk.
Many Bible verses deal with this. James 1:19 says "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this, everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry." Proverbs 10:19 says "Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues." Proverbs 14:29 says "whoever is patient has great understanding but one who is quick tempered displays folly." In Proverbs 29:20 it says " Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them" and finally in James 4:11 it says "Brothers and sisters do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law you are not keeping it but sitting in judgment on it."
If you have been the recipient of spoken words that have hurt be a big enough person to accept an apology from the offender instead of dwelling on a mistake. Fueling the fire only keeps arguments going. Put out the fire now and move on. Unforgiveness does not bring glory to God. If anyone does not offend with their mouth they are a perfect man. I do not think I have heard of any perfect person except Jesus.
Stop right now, take a breath, and think before you overreact or say words that can not be taken back. You will feel better in the long run and bring more honor to God. If you have been hurt by words give the person grace and move on. Jesus forgives and we should too.
If you have harsh mean people in your life who do not want to extend forgiveness give them to God. Let him heal wounded angry hearts.
PRAYER: Lord forgive me for the times I have not stopped to think how my words are going to be received or how they will affect the hearer. I do not intentionally want to hurt anyone so give me self control when speaking. Help me know when to speak and when to be silent. In Jesus name. Amen!
Click on link to worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/Jbe7OruLk8I
Many Bible verses deal with this. James 1:19 says "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this, everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry." Proverbs 10:19 says "Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues." Proverbs 14:29 says "whoever is patient has great understanding but one who is quick tempered displays folly." In Proverbs 29:20 it says " Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them" and finally in James 4:11 it says "Brothers and sisters do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law you are not keeping it but sitting in judgment on it."
If you have been the recipient of spoken words that have hurt be a big enough person to accept an apology from the offender instead of dwelling on a mistake. Fueling the fire only keeps arguments going. Put out the fire now and move on. Unforgiveness does not bring glory to God. If anyone does not offend with their mouth they are a perfect man. I do not think I have heard of any perfect person except Jesus.
Stop right now, take a breath, and think before you overreact or say words that can not be taken back. You will feel better in the long run and bring more honor to God. If you have been hurt by words give the person grace and move on. Jesus forgives and we should too.
If you have harsh mean people in your life who do not want to extend forgiveness give them to God. Let him heal wounded angry hearts.
PRAYER: Lord forgive me for the times I have not stopped to think how my words are going to be received or how they will affect the hearer. I do not intentionally want to hurt anyone so give me self control when speaking. Help me know when to speak and when to be silent. In Jesus name. Amen!
Click on link to worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/Jbe7OruLk8I
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