There may be a time in your life when something did not go as you would have hoped but eventually turned out greater. God has a plan and sometimes it includes changing our plans, or interruptions. Maybe you can look back on times you were fretting and concerned and in the long run what you were so worried about turned out great. God changed your path and ultimately lets' say you met your future spouse. There is always a reason although we may not see it at that time.
I think of the movie 'The Adjustment Bureau', not a Christian film, but a thought provoking one never the less. In the movie Matt Damon's character was a rising politician who had a 'chance' meeting in NYC with a professional dancer who was not part of his 'plan'. The 'adjustment bureau' were men sent by 'whoever' to try to keep him away from her as it would wreck the ultimate plan for not only his life as a politician but her life as a professional dancer. We know this is Hollywood and not from the Bible but the point sort of was made that each of us has some sort of destiny or as I say it "God has a Purpose".
The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11 " For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". In Proverbs 19:21 it says "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." We can plan a course for our life but before we set out we need to always pray about our decisions.
Proverbs 16:9 tells us "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."
So wherever you are today be thankful and if it seems wrong just pray and ask God what He has for you and seek to be patient in the process of where He is taking you to.
PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the fact that I know you have a plan and purpose for my life. Forgive me for the times I have tried to manipulate things to change the outcome. Help me trust you for what is best and be at peace. In Jesus Name. Amen,.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
PUT DOWN THAT HORN!
Do you feel pretty good about yourself and your accomplishments? Maybe you have been to fine schools, have awesome degrees, make lots of money, a wonderful job title, or have received many awards. Perhaps you are in tight circles with important people. Maybe you have done things that are 'off the charts'. Still God wants us to be humble and not 'toot our own horn'.
The Bible says the humble will be exalted and let another praise you and not your own mouth. Bragging or boasting is mentioned many times in the word of God. It is tempting to want to prove to someone what you have done, who you may know, and how much you make. It is human nature to a 'proud nature' at times especially as a parent. But we are to have 'God's nature''.
The real mark of a Godly person is to be able to let your virtues speak for themselves and not think you are anyone special. We all have differing gifts and talents. If you feel you are on the braggy side ask God to help you be humble and not prove things to people by boasting.
Proverbs 27:2 says "Let another praise you and not your own mouth, someone else and not your own lips." There is nothing to be gained by letting everyone know every wonderful thing you have ever done. God knows and that is all that matters.
Proverbs 25:27 says " It is not good to eat too much honey nor is it good to seek one's own honor". If you receive accolades give the glory to God for it is only through him you have your abilities, skills, gifts, and brains. You may think "But wait I did this on my own". Watch out for you may be brought low with that kind of attitude. A humble person is much more pleasant to be around.
Matthew 23:12 says "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
Where are you at? Perhaps you are on the other end of envy of others. That too is wrong for each of us has differing gifts. Bloom for Jesus where he plants you, be content, and give God the glory for your successes. In Deuteronomy 8:18 it reminds us it is God who gives the power to get wealth. Serve Him with the abilities he has given you.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for what you are doing in and through me. Help me never envy others and be thankful for exactly where you have me. Lord I thank you for what you can do through my life. Forgive me if i have ever become proud. In Jesus name. Amen.
Happy Monday! Click on link and praise God in song!
http://youtu.be/D-zk-E55dRk
The Bible says the humble will be exalted and let another praise you and not your own mouth. Bragging or boasting is mentioned many times in the word of God. It is tempting to want to prove to someone what you have done, who you may know, and how much you make. It is human nature to a 'proud nature' at times especially as a parent. But we are to have 'God's nature''.
The real mark of a Godly person is to be able to let your virtues speak for themselves and not think you are anyone special. We all have differing gifts and talents. If you feel you are on the braggy side ask God to help you be humble and not prove things to people by boasting.
Proverbs 27:2 says "Let another praise you and not your own mouth, someone else and not your own lips." There is nothing to be gained by letting everyone know every wonderful thing you have ever done. God knows and that is all that matters.
Proverbs 25:27 says " It is not good to eat too much honey nor is it good to seek one's own honor". If you receive accolades give the glory to God for it is only through him you have your abilities, skills, gifts, and brains. You may think "But wait I did this on my own". Watch out for you may be brought low with that kind of attitude. A humble person is much more pleasant to be around.
Matthew 23:12 says "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
Where are you at? Perhaps you are on the other end of envy of others. That too is wrong for each of us has differing gifts. Bloom for Jesus where he plants you, be content, and give God the glory for your successes. In Deuteronomy 8:18 it reminds us it is God who gives the power to get wealth. Serve Him with the abilities he has given you.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for what you are doing in and through me. Help me never envy others and be thankful for exactly where you have me. Lord I thank you for what you can do through my life. Forgive me if i have ever become proud. In Jesus name. Amen.
Happy Monday! Click on link and praise God in song!
http://youtu.be/D-zk-E55dRk
Sunday, February 26, 2012
LITTLE MARY SUNSHINE OR OSCAR THE GROUCH??
When people talk about you would they tend to think of you more as a delightful joy to be around or a 'Little Mary (or Harry) Sunshine or a 'Oscar the Grouch' type constantly being ugly and temperamental? Ponder that for a while. Most of us probably think we are okay but is your demeanor reflective of joy, peace, happiness and love or criticism, judgment, evil and hatred? When people talk about you do you think it is in the positive or negative?
How do you respond to waiters, store clerks, telemarketers, and those that may rub you the wrong way? Do you spout off or do you stay under control treating all people with respect? Do you speak to your spouse the same way you did when you were dating or treat them ugly and vindictive? On the road driving, do you cut people off and angrily look out the window at them as you pass by?When things do not go your way do you respond with grace or do you lose control? It is clear that as a believer we need to have our emotions under control and if the area of words and anger is a problem to ask God to help deliver you from bring mean and hurtful. When you speak to someone it should be with kindness and love. It is so easy to get in an argument. It is a bigger person who finds a way to walk away and stop it . Proverbs 16:32 says "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." James 1:20 says "Man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."
We are to be Christlike and to do that we need to be trying to show Christlike qualities. These would be love, caring, sharing, selflessness, humility, joy, and forgiveness to name a few. Does your life reflect these both out in the 'marketplace' and in your own home? We are to treat members of our own family as better than outside world but the stories you hear often on the news of family violence do not reflect this. In Psalm 101:2 it says "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart."
James 1:19 could apply to all of life and communication but I have mentioned before it is a good one for newlyweds to commit to memory and live by. It says "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry". 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." Proverbs 17:1 says "Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife."
So whether you are out in the community, at work or especially at home you need to tame the anger and the tongue. Make believe you are Jesus and let's say a clerk is rude to you. The saying 'What Would Jesus Do' is a good one to really ponder. What would he do? Try to be like Little Mary Sunshine and let the Oscar the Grouch personality have a rest.
Proverbs 12:16 says "A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult ".
PRAYER: Father it is my desire to treat all people with kindness, love, and respect. Show me where I need work in this area. Help me when I feel like getting mad to stop and pray. Forgive me if I have ever hurt anyone by my words or actions. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link below and enjoy a worship song.
http://youtu.be/uor3TPX0of8
How do you respond to waiters, store clerks, telemarketers, and those that may rub you the wrong way? Do you spout off or do you stay under control treating all people with respect? Do you speak to your spouse the same way you did when you were dating or treat them ugly and vindictive? On the road driving, do you cut people off and angrily look out the window at them as you pass by?When things do not go your way do you respond with grace or do you lose control? It is clear that as a believer we need to have our emotions under control and if the area of words and anger is a problem to ask God to help deliver you from bring mean and hurtful. When you speak to someone it should be with kindness and love. It is so easy to get in an argument. It is a bigger person who finds a way to walk away and stop it . Proverbs 16:32 says "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." James 1:20 says "Man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."
We are to be Christlike and to do that we need to be trying to show Christlike qualities. These would be love, caring, sharing, selflessness, humility, joy, and forgiveness to name a few. Does your life reflect these both out in the 'marketplace' and in your own home? We are to treat members of our own family as better than outside world but the stories you hear often on the news of family violence do not reflect this. In Psalm 101:2 it says "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart."
James 1:19 could apply to all of life and communication but I have mentioned before it is a good one for newlyweds to commit to memory and live by. It says "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry". 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." Proverbs 17:1 says "Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife."
So whether you are out in the community, at work or especially at home you need to tame the anger and the tongue. Make believe you are Jesus and let's say a clerk is rude to you. The saying 'What Would Jesus Do' is a good one to really ponder. What would he do? Try to be like Little Mary Sunshine and let the Oscar the Grouch personality have a rest.
Proverbs 12:16 says "A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult ".
PRAYER: Father it is my desire to treat all people with kindness, love, and respect. Show me where I need work in this area. Help me when I feel like getting mad to stop and pray. Forgive me if I have ever hurt anyone by my words or actions. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link below and enjoy a worship song.
http://youtu.be/uor3TPX0of8
Saturday, February 25, 2012
LIGHT A CANDLE OR CURSE THE DARKNESS
It is necessary to take a stand for righteousness. Do not be so overly off the deep end that you do not try to impact a company, community or a person who many may think is beyond hope. By this I mean you can do more than scream at them about how bad they are and how they are hurting society. Take Hollywood for instance. Master Media International Ministry is working one actor, one director, one film executive at a time, behind the scenes, to impact Hollywood and New York City for Christ. Truck Stop Ministries Inc has reached out to semi drivers across the nation since 1981. With the temptations of the road this is an excellent outreach to these mostly male drivers.
Even on shows like American Idol you have had your Christian missionaries of sorts who are permeating the darkness of Hollywood by singing their Christian songs. Some Miss America's in the past have been outspoken for Christ and thus have taken His message with them as they wear the Miss America crown for the year they serve .
Personally I would not feel comfortable saying it is okay to go in a strip club to win people to Christ because the situation may tempt you but I know there are ministries trying to get girls off the streets who are caught in prostitution and I also heard once of a group of women who stood in front of a gentleman's club passing out cookies with their children and supposedly were instrumental in closing this business down. Perhaps the men were too convicted that what they were doing was wrong and degraded women.
Several companies today support agendas that are go against the word of God. You can take a stand against them and not support them with your hard earned money is one way and follow it by writing a loving letter saying why or you can try to possibly influence someone for the good. Notice I used the word 'loving'. Condemnation and hatred are not good witnessing tools normally.
We have to go into the world to make an impact on the world. Staying in Holy huddles will not help spread the love of God. I am not condoning witnessing in strip clubs mind you as you need to use wisdom and discernment to know where to go to make an impact for Christ. With Master Media, even though we may not agree with most of what comes out of Hollywood, instead of condemning all of it, this ministry tries to do friendship evangelism, to change the hearts first then possibly the product will follow.
Usually anger and ugliness is not going to change someone but showing love , grace, and compassion will. It is okay to take a stand, do not get me wrong, but you have to win others by lighting a candle so to speak. Cursing the darkness may turn some off and not show God's love to those you are trying to win. Above all remember to pray.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 says "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." Never compromise yourself morally or go against God's word in trying to reach the lost.
PRAYER: Lord use me to make a difference in the world around me. Give me course to speak up in love against things immoral or sinful in order to make a positive change. Help me be guided by your love. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link to worship the Lord with a wonderful song.
http://youtu.be/k-XufRTMLxg
Note:As I was searching You Tube for the song I see where it is also a mission field simply because of the types of videos you see posted there.
Even on shows like American Idol you have had your Christian missionaries of sorts who are permeating the darkness of Hollywood by singing their Christian songs. Some Miss America's in the past have been outspoken for Christ and thus have taken His message with them as they wear the Miss America crown for the year they serve .
Personally I would not feel comfortable saying it is okay to go in a strip club to win people to Christ because the situation may tempt you but I know there are ministries trying to get girls off the streets who are caught in prostitution and I also heard once of a group of women who stood in front of a gentleman's club passing out cookies with their children and supposedly were instrumental in closing this business down. Perhaps the men were too convicted that what they were doing was wrong and degraded women.
Several companies today support agendas that are go against the word of God. You can take a stand against them and not support them with your hard earned money is one way and follow it by writing a loving letter saying why or you can try to possibly influence someone for the good. Notice I used the word 'loving'. Condemnation and hatred are not good witnessing tools normally.
We have to go into the world to make an impact on the world. Staying in Holy huddles will not help spread the love of God. I am not condoning witnessing in strip clubs mind you as you need to use wisdom and discernment to know where to go to make an impact for Christ. With Master Media, even though we may not agree with most of what comes out of Hollywood, instead of condemning all of it, this ministry tries to do friendship evangelism, to change the hearts first then possibly the product will follow.
Usually anger and ugliness is not going to change someone but showing love , grace, and compassion will. It is okay to take a stand, do not get me wrong, but you have to win others by lighting a candle so to speak. Cursing the darkness may turn some off and not show God's love to those you are trying to win. Above all remember to pray.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 says "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." Never compromise yourself morally or go against God's word in trying to reach the lost.
PRAYER: Lord use me to make a difference in the world around me. Give me course to speak up in love against things immoral or sinful in order to make a positive change. Help me be guided by your love. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link to worship the Lord with a wonderful song.
http://youtu.be/k-XufRTMLxg
Note:As I was searching You Tube for the song I see where it is also a mission field simply because of the types of videos you see posted there.
Friday, February 24, 2012
IN GODS' LIKENESS
Does your life reflect Christ? Do you set a good example for the kingdom of God? Would people know by your actions that you love the Lord? Are you sold out to him or are you simply a 'casual Christian' who does not get too serious other than punching a church attendance card on Sunday? The saying goes " if you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?" Do you find the Christian life boring or useless and simply think being a once a week Christian is enough?
Being a Christian means more than attendance at church on Sunday. It means trying to reflect Christ in your day to day life. When you leave church on Sunday you should leave convicted and different with a desire to get into the Bible to lead a life pleasing to Him. You should be different when you leave with a hunger to study and know more. A exit sign out of the parking lot at a local church here reads 'You Are Now Entering The Mission Field'. Your community is your mission field. Is your life reflective of a missionary?
1 Peter 2:9 says "but you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into the marvelous light."
Do you desire a closer walk with the Lord or are you satisfied with just coasting along leading two lives? One is your Sunday life and the other is anything goes way of life. A believer should not be leading a double life. Don't be a 'secret service' Christian. Being excited about Jesus and wanting to be more Christlike does not mean sitting in a lotus position singing Kum Ba Yah. It is an active lifestyle seeking to know Him better and seeking to lead others to Him through your words and your actions. Being holier than thou and condemning will not win people to Christ. Remember Romans 3:23 reminds us "all have sinned."
Where are you today in your likeness to Christ? Does your attitude reflect His presence in your life? Love should be what you strive for. 1 Peter 4:8 says " above all love each other deeply as love covers a multitude of sin." 1 John 2:6 tells us "whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way he walked." 1 Corinthians 11:1 says " Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." Think about that when it comes to how you treat all people. Do you reflect his love?
Start today and seek to be like Christ in your every day life.
PRAYER: Father thank you for your word,the Bible, which is my handbook for how to be more like you. Forgive me if I let it gather dust or read other things more than it. I need more of you in my life starting today! In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link to worship the Lord in song. Happy Friday!
http://youtu.be/uor3TPX0of8
Being a Christian means more than attendance at church on Sunday. It means trying to reflect Christ in your day to day life. When you leave church on Sunday you should leave convicted and different with a desire to get into the Bible to lead a life pleasing to Him. You should be different when you leave with a hunger to study and know more. A exit sign out of the parking lot at a local church here reads 'You Are Now Entering The Mission Field'. Your community is your mission field. Is your life reflective of a missionary?
1 Peter 2:9 says "but you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into the marvelous light."
Do you desire a closer walk with the Lord or are you satisfied with just coasting along leading two lives? One is your Sunday life and the other is anything goes way of life. A believer should not be leading a double life. Don't be a 'secret service' Christian. Being excited about Jesus and wanting to be more Christlike does not mean sitting in a lotus position singing Kum Ba Yah. It is an active lifestyle seeking to know Him better and seeking to lead others to Him through your words and your actions. Being holier than thou and condemning will not win people to Christ. Remember Romans 3:23 reminds us "all have sinned."
Where are you today in your likeness to Christ? Does your attitude reflect His presence in your life? Love should be what you strive for. 1 Peter 4:8 says " above all love each other deeply as love covers a multitude of sin." 1 John 2:6 tells us "whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way he walked." 1 Corinthians 11:1 says " Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." Think about that when it comes to how you treat all people. Do you reflect his love?
Start today and seek to be like Christ in your every day life.
PRAYER: Father thank you for your word,the Bible, which is my handbook for how to be more like you. Forgive me if I let it gather dust or read other things more than it. I need more of you in my life starting today! In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link to worship the Lord in song. Happy Friday!
http://youtu.be/uor3TPX0of8
Thursday, February 23, 2012
CONFESS AND REPENT
When we have done something wrong or sinful, in our time of prayer we need to confess that to God or else our line of communication for prayers will become muddled and disconnected.
Confess means to say you did something wrong and repent is a turning away and running from that sin. Get away from what is dragging you down and keeping you from a closer walk with Jesus. Inside of everyone is a little voice, the Holy Spirit, convicting us of what is wrong. Some choose to go their own way foolishly ignoring that conviction of sin. Scripture says "there is a way that seems right to a man but in the end is death."( Proverbs 14:12).
Psalm 66:18 tells us "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened". This verse speaks loud and clear. If you are hanging on to some sin, and cherishing it, then the prayers you utter may be falling on deaf ears. You can not sin willfully and expect God to just say "Well okay".
We all have sinned. (See Romans 3:23). Sin is sin, period! Do not start feeling you are better because your sin "is not as bad as his sin". Watch out having a haughty attitude like that. Pray that you not be led into temptation in the first place. (Mark 14:38). We all will mess up sometime in our lives and God is there ready to listen to your prayers and your cry for forgiveness. Proverbs 28:13 says "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Here once again we see that if we are intentionally hiding sin then we lose communication with God.
Running the race to win includes running away from things that so easily beset us as scripture says in Hebrews 12:1. Turn away, ask God to forgive you, then if necessary do a lifestyle change or a friend change to get away from what is pulling you down. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says "wicked friends lead to evil."
It is hard in the world we live in as we are bombarded by so much and even our own government, which was originally set up using the Bible as a guide, has turned its back on some sins and made them acceptable and penalizes those who do not agree or accept them. I am referring to same sex marriage and abortion. God will not continue to bring his blessings on this land unless we turn away from sin and turn back to Him. Many within the church turn a deaf ear to sins they feel are 'okay'.
2 Chronicles 7:14 says "if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven will forgive their sin and heal their land."
It is time in our personal life that we ask God to give us strength to stay on his path and turn away from influences that tear us away from Him.
PRAYER: Lord I am sorry when I do things I know does not please you. Even things as simple as gossip, small 'white lies', judging others, holding resentment or anger in my heart, are all not pleasing to you. I choose this day to stay on the path of godliness and I pray for those in my family not listening to you to recognize it and run from evil. Help me be a good witness for you and be alert to sin. In Jesus Name.Amen.
Click on link and worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/tcuiuIwtpa4
Confess means to say you did something wrong and repent is a turning away and running from that sin. Get away from what is dragging you down and keeping you from a closer walk with Jesus. Inside of everyone is a little voice, the Holy Spirit, convicting us of what is wrong. Some choose to go their own way foolishly ignoring that conviction of sin. Scripture says "there is a way that seems right to a man but in the end is death."( Proverbs 14:12).
Psalm 66:18 tells us "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened". This verse speaks loud and clear. If you are hanging on to some sin, and cherishing it, then the prayers you utter may be falling on deaf ears. You can not sin willfully and expect God to just say "Well okay".
We all have sinned. (See Romans 3:23). Sin is sin, period! Do not start feeling you are better because your sin "is not as bad as his sin". Watch out having a haughty attitude like that. Pray that you not be led into temptation in the first place. (Mark 14:38). We all will mess up sometime in our lives and God is there ready to listen to your prayers and your cry for forgiveness. Proverbs 28:13 says "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Here once again we see that if we are intentionally hiding sin then we lose communication with God.
Running the race to win includes running away from things that so easily beset us as scripture says in Hebrews 12:1. Turn away, ask God to forgive you, then if necessary do a lifestyle change or a friend change to get away from what is pulling you down. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says "wicked friends lead to evil."
It is hard in the world we live in as we are bombarded by so much and even our own government, which was originally set up using the Bible as a guide, has turned its back on some sins and made them acceptable and penalizes those who do not agree or accept them. I am referring to same sex marriage and abortion. God will not continue to bring his blessings on this land unless we turn away from sin and turn back to Him. Many within the church turn a deaf ear to sins they feel are 'okay'.
2 Chronicles 7:14 says "if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven will forgive their sin and heal their land."
It is time in our personal life that we ask God to give us strength to stay on his path and turn away from influences that tear us away from Him.
PRAYER: Lord I am sorry when I do things I know does not please you. Even things as simple as gossip, small 'white lies', judging others, holding resentment or anger in my heart, are all not pleasing to you. I choose this day to stay on the path of godliness and I pray for those in my family not listening to you to recognize it and run from evil. Help me be a good witness for you and be alert to sin. In Jesus Name.Amen.
Click on link and worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/tcuiuIwtpa4
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
SATURATED, BUT BY WHAT??
To saturate means to soak up with something. If you fall in a lake your clothes are saturated with water. When you go work out you get saturated by perspiration. But what is your mind saturated with or by? Yes your mind is like a sponge of sorts too. You can put things in it to help you or to hurt you. Basically it is your choice. You need to think on good things.
When you get up in the morning is the first thing you think to do grabbing the newspaper from the driveway or turning on morning television talk shows? Neither the paper nor these shows will add anything very valuable to your life. You may say you have to stay informed of current events, but likewise you 'saturate' your mind with needless facts about celebrities, controversies, killings and a myriad of other things that really do nothing to make your day better. Sometimes a constant 'diet' of even seemingly good things like talk radio can drag us down and get us gloomy. The best thing to stay saturated with is God's word but to be saturated you have to pick it up and then open it up. You need to plan to start your day with God.
Philippians 2:5 says "Let this mind be in you which is in Christ Jesus." You may think you have to 'keep up' with what is going on and use that as an excuse to read the paper before you would even think to read the Bible. This world is going to one day fade away. Only what is done for Christ will last. If you are a believer how do you stay 'armed and ready' to meet the challenges of life without knowing what is in the Bible to help you on this daily journey?
Romans 12:2 tells us " Do not conform anymore to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you will be able to rest and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Are you saturated more by Jesus or this world you live in? To grow in Christ you have to make a point to 'soak up' his word on a daily basis. It is what you need to stay uplifted and win the battles Satan will throw at you.
Philippians 4:8 says "Finally brothers and sisters whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." Make today the day you start to put God first. Discipline yourself to put God before the things in the world that draw you away.
PRAYER: Father I thank you for the word of God which here in America we freely have access to. I thank you for in it are the answers to issues in life. I know when I ignore you and your word Satan is jumping for joy as I can not be strong without staying in your word. Help me Lord to put you first. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Idea: Start with the book of Proverbs and read the chapter that corresponds with whatever day it is. There are 31 chapters so this works out great.
Click on link to listen to wonderful worship song
http://youtu.be/B0oZ6BZlQWk
When you get up in the morning is the first thing you think to do grabbing the newspaper from the driveway or turning on morning television talk shows? Neither the paper nor these shows will add anything very valuable to your life. You may say you have to stay informed of current events, but likewise you 'saturate' your mind with needless facts about celebrities, controversies, killings and a myriad of other things that really do nothing to make your day better. Sometimes a constant 'diet' of even seemingly good things like talk radio can drag us down and get us gloomy. The best thing to stay saturated with is God's word but to be saturated you have to pick it up and then open it up. You need to plan to start your day with God.
Philippians 2:5 says "Let this mind be in you which is in Christ Jesus." You may think you have to 'keep up' with what is going on and use that as an excuse to read the paper before you would even think to read the Bible. This world is going to one day fade away. Only what is done for Christ will last. If you are a believer how do you stay 'armed and ready' to meet the challenges of life without knowing what is in the Bible to help you on this daily journey?
Romans 12:2 tells us " Do not conform anymore to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you will be able to rest and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Are you saturated more by Jesus or this world you live in? To grow in Christ you have to make a point to 'soak up' his word on a daily basis. It is what you need to stay uplifted and win the battles Satan will throw at you.
Philippians 4:8 says "Finally brothers and sisters whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." Make today the day you start to put God first. Discipline yourself to put God before the things in the world that draw you away.
PRAYER: Father I thank you for the word of God which here in America we freely have access to. I thank you for in it are the answers to issues in life. I know when I ignore you and your word Satan is jumping for joy as I can not be strong without staying in your word. Help me Lord to put you first. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Idea: Start with the book of Proverbs and read the chapter that corresponds with whatever day it is. There are 31 chapters so this works out great.
Click on link to listen to wonderful worship song
http://youtu.be/B0oZ6BZlQWk
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