It happens to all of us. Where are my sunglasses? There they are on top of our head. Oh no I can not find my keys! What is that right there in your hand? LOL. Where is my checkbook? Put it in another purse perhaps? We humans are certainly attached to our 'stuff". When we misplace something or lose it entirely it is easy to become fixated on it or obsess somewhat. Believe me I know. But it does no good. It will not help it magically reappear to stress over it. A friend of mine in Iowa would say ' blow it off". I'm trying. If what is lost has sentimental value it can even be harder to forget about it. Recently I misplaced a special greeting card I had received for my birthday. It is driving me bonkers as I am not the kind to just lose a card right after I get it or even throw it away. I usually put it on display then a few special ones maybe stick in my Bible.( I am not like the show Hoarders, do not worry. ) Well this one card is no where to be found. It is making me nutty. Still what good will it do to be driven nutty? Worrying will not bring it back. 1 Timothy 6:8 says 'with food and clothing be content." But what about my other 'stuff'. Does God have a lesson for me to learn in all this? All things we go through should teach us something. I know one thing, Satan likes to use things like this to get us worried, upset, and distracted and to take our focus off the Lord and his goodness for us.
Maybe we are not to place our trust in our things. Matthew 6:28-30 says “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Let's pretend for a moment that an F5 tornado has just struck your home and it is blown to schmithereens( real word but how do you spell it?). No one is hurt, you all get away unscathed with the best gift ever, that being your life. But all your earthly possessions, to include those special greeting cards, pictures, and other things of sentimental value are no where to be found. Perhaps they were blown hundreds of miles away torn to shreds. And it is said that there are no U Hauls following funeral processions to the graveyard. Precious memories that are material are gone but you are saved. Your memories are only in your head. You have to move on. Nothing can be done about it.
Mark 10:21-22 reads, "Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. " Even if all we have goes away God is still there. But sometimes we think it is hard to part with our 'toys'. I have some friends who are stateside mobile missionaries who now live in a motor home and have no home base elsewhere so basically they got rid of a ton of things to downsize to that type lifestyle. Could you do it? Could I do it? No attic somewhere with grandma's things in it or high school or college yearbooks. Something to think about.
Our hope is to be in the unshakeable, unchangeable savior Jesus Christ. Psalm 71:5 says "O Lord, you alone are my hope. I've trusted you, O LORD, from childhood." Give God your cares and concerns. Hebrews 13:5 says "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
PRAYER: Lord help us to not set our hope on our 'things' but on you our only hope. IN Jesus Name. AMen.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
HALLOWEEN:GOOD OR EVIL? TRICK OR TREAT ?
Tomorrow is Halloween also known as 'All Saints Day' or 'All Hallowed Eve'. This holiday is the second biggest money making holiday in the United States according to a story I heard on the news. The first is Christmas but unlike Christmas where we celebrate Jesus birth this holiday we celebrate evil and scaring people. Folks go all out on Halloween lighting, cobwebs on porches, brewing witches kettles in front yard, scarecrows and a host of other decor. Some is innocent in the fact it celebrates the harvest season yet some is sinister in that it depicts evil and scary scenes. Many churches have alternatives to Halloween in the form of 'harvest parties'. Our children did these when they were small. What can I say, mom wanted to plant 'good seeds' in their little brains. Why start on evil scary stuff before I had too. For older children and adults their are alternative to Halloween called Judgment Houses. I have been through a couple of these. They depict a scene where a person ususally loses their life who is not a believer and end with asking the attendee if they know where they will spend eternity.
Sure it is fun to maybe dress up in fun innocent outfits, minus the little Satan costumes, headless bloody creatures and things like that. So is this a holiday Christians should embrace and celebrate or stay away from? We do not want to act self righteous and act like everything about it is horribly wrong but each person has to decide within their own heart.I mean there can be cool mystery parties or fun costume parties without the evil Satanic aspect. I for one could not justify this celebration except for the fact I could have a birthday party since I was born on Halloween. Yes it is true. Myself and a cousin in Texas both share that date for a birthday. Trick or treat.
The candy part is fun for kids but not necessarily healthy but still only once a year. Several years ago mean people starting putting needles and glass in apples and candy had to be scrutinized by parents or X rayed at the police station before consumption. No longer did children go to strangers homes for their treats. Some Christian families use the opportunity to put a tract in a sack along with candy when they get a ring at their doorbell. A good way to witness, although when I did it one year many threw them down on my lawn.
The being scared part might be ok depending on what you choose to put in your mind to scare you. I prefer to be scared riding a roller coaster. This time of year movie theaters put out many horror, slasher flicks. Once again, do you go to these or stay away? Philippians 4:8 says " whatsoever things are true, noble, right, pure, and admirable and of good report think on these things" and does not say except on Halloween. Once again you decide and you have to be convicted within your own spirit. As for the movies,check the rating, check the content and do not aimlessly subject yourself to something is my gut reaction to those. There used to be Alfred Hitchock films that were scary but not to the extent of the blood and gore of todays scary films. Once again pray and ask God to show you what to do. You have to be convicted on this one yourself.
It is said Satan worshippers like this holiday above all others to practice their Satan worship and calling up demonic spirits and casting spells. It is their high holy day so to speak. So what is a Christian to do. Does a Christian really have any business 'toying' with quija boards, seances and other seemingly fun, innocent practices? Sorry to take away your Halloween fun. But think about it.
"Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies." Psalm 141:4.
PRAYER: Lord each person has to be convicted themselves what they think about this holiday. Guide them into the truth of your word to make their decisions on whether to celebrate it or leave it alone. IN Jesus Name , amen.
Sure it is fun to maybe dress up in fun innocent outfits, minus the little Satan costumes, headless bloody creatures and things like that. So is this a holiday Christians should embrace and celebrate or stay away from? We do not want to act self righteous and act like everything about it is horribly wrong but each person has to decide within their own heart.I mean there can be cool mystery parties or fun costume parties without the evil Satanic aspect. I for one could not justify this celebration except for the fact I could have a birthday party since I was born on Halloween. Yes it is true. Myself and a cousin in Texas both share that date for a birthday. Trick or treat.
The candy part is fun for kids but not necessarily healthy but still only once a year. Several years ago mean people starting putting needles and glass in apples and candy had to be scrutinized by parents or X rayed at the police station before consumption. No longer did children go to strangers homes for their treats. Some Christian families use the opportunity to put a tract in a sack along with candy when they get a ring at their doorbell. A good way to witness, although when I did it one year many threw them down on my lawn.
The being scared part might be ok depending on what you choose to put in your mind to scare you. I prefer to be scared riding a roller coaster. This time of year movie theaters put out many horror, slasher flicks. Once again, do you go to these or stay away? Philippians 4:8 says " whatsoever things are true, noble, right, pure, and admirable and of good report think on these things" and does not say except on Halloween. Once again you decide and you have to be convicted within your own spirit. As for the movies,check the rating, check the content and do not aimlessly subject yourself to something is my gut reaction to those. There used to be Alfred Hitchock films that were scary but not to the extent of the blood and gore of todays scary films. Once again pray and ask God to show you what to do. You have to be convicted on this one yourself.
It is said Satan worshippers like this holiday above all others to practice their Satan worship and calling up demonic spirits and casting spells. It is their high holy day so to speak. So what is a Christian to do. Does a Christian really have any business 'toying' with quija boards, seances and other seemingly fun, innocent practices? Sorry to take away your Halloween fun. But think about it.
"Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies." Psalm 141:4.
PRAYER: Lord each person has to be convicted themselves what they think about this holiday. Guide them into the truth of your word to make their decisions on whether to celebrate it or leave it alone. IN Jesus Name , amen.
Friday, October 29, 2010
IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW IT'S WHO YOU KNOW
All of us have heard this phrase, 'it's not what you know it's who you know." Being friends with 'important' or 'famous' people can have its' perks. Perhaps we can 'name drop' to prove we know someone or have met someone. Or this 'important' person may have connections and can get you in to places you would have never otherwise gotten to go say box seats at a game, opear or theater tickets,ride in a limo, invitation to special parties or receptions, first class airplane seats. You get the point. This 'important' person can unlock possibilities to us. Now I am not saying that if we happen to know someone like this that is the only reason people want to be their friend because of what they can get from them. Be on your guard for things like this. As I say someone may be a celebrity but they put their pants on the same way I do, only more expensive pants. LOL.
Jesus does not want us to play favorites with people. To him it is not about being known or who you know. He is not a 'respecter of persons' and nor should we be. We should not feel we are better than someone due to our degrees, economic status, where we have been, or who we know. In God's eyes we are all special to Him.
"For there is no respect of persons with God," Paul declared (Rom. 2: 11). "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)
"My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts."(James 2:1-4)
Do not get to the point where we feel better than others. Watch out. It is easy to do when we look around and tend to start to judge. Maybe you have an important position in a company, work in a big city in a skyscraper, have a special talent others do not possess, enjoy our 'title'. "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.."(Romans 12:16)
PRAYER: Lord I am blessed. Help me to see that. Help me to never exalt myself over others. Humble me to be able to help those less fortunate. Guard my heart from conceit. Let me show love to all people regardless of their 'status' in life. Forgive me for when I have 'felt better' than others. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Jesus does not want us to play favorites with people. To him it is not about being known or who you know. He is not a 'respecter of persons' and nor should we be. We should not feel we are better than someone due to our degrees, economic status, where we have been, or who we know. In God's eyes we are all special to Him.
"For there is no respect of persons with God," Paul declared (Rom. 2: 11). "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)
"My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts."(James 2:1-4)
Do not get to the point where we feel better than others. Watch out. It is easy to do when we look around and tend to start to judge. Maybe you have an important position in a company, work in a big city in a skyscraper, have a special talent others do not possess, enjoy our 'title'. "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.."(Romans 12:16)
PRAYER: Lord I am blessed. Help me to see that. Help me to never exalt myself over others. Humble me to be able to help those less fortunate. Guard my heart from conceit. Let me show love to all people regardless of their 'status' in life. Forgive me for when I have 'felt better' than others. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
HELP LORD
There are times in our lives when we feel we can not take a certain situation or person anymore. We may pray "Lord please help me and get me out of this situation." In Romans 8:28 which is a familiar verse to a lot of us it reads, "All things work together for the good to those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose." Perhaps God is allowing this seemingly awful situation in your life to develop your character and grow you as a person. A palm tree is strong and sturdy but has to put up with fierce coastal winds at times yet still under the most adverse of circumstances remains erect. We are like that palm tree. Storms may come but we need to stand strong through the storm and wait for the rainbow on the other side. There will be a rainbow. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Phillipians 4:12).
Prayer: No matter what the situation Lord I pray you will give us strength to endure and get through whatever it is that is weighing us down. Help me run with patience the race that is before me and accept the things in my life as ways to grow me to be more like you Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.
Prayer: No matter what the situation Lord I pray you will give us strength to endure and get through whatever it is that is weighing us down. Help me run with patience the race that is before me and accept the things in my life as ways to grow me to be more like you Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
JUST KEEP RUNNING
I am a runner and back in the day I used to run alot of 5 and 10 K races and once even 10.1 miles at the 101st Airborne Division when I was in the Army. When you are in a race you just keep going. You do not look back to see if people are gaining on you but keep focused on going and crossing the finish line. Runners have to train to be able to compete in races. You can not just show up for a marathon ,for instance ,with no preparation. Not only would you not do well but you would be injured. Athletes train to stay fit.
As Christians we need to 'train' to stay fit as well. And we also need to learn that things do not happen instantly so we keep on keeping on knowing God has a plan.Isaiah 40:31 says, "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary.They will walk and not faint.". That is a super verse to use when you need motivation to keep going in a physical race but great for a spiritual race as well. Think of an eagle, strong, flying high overhead.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 it says, "Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified."
Hebrews 12:1-2 reads, " Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne."
Don't give up whatever is going on. You can do it. God will give you strength. "But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame" (Isaiah 50:7).
Prayer: Lord whatever I am going through today I know you are there to give me the strength to get through my trial or situation. I will run and not be weary because with you I can do all things. (See Phillipians 4:13, New Testament).
As Christians we need to 'train' to stay fit as well. And we also need to learn that things do not happen instantly so we keep on keeping on knowing God has a plan.Isaiah 40:31 says, "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary.They will walk and not faint.". That is a super verse to use when you need motivation to keep going in a physical race but great for a spiritual race as well. Think of an eagle, strong, flying high overhead.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 it says, "Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified."
Hebrews 12:1-2 reads, " Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne."
Don't give up whatever is going on. You can do it. God will give you strength. "But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame" (Isaiah 50:7).
Prayer: Lord whatever I am going through today I know you are there to give me the strength to get through my trial or situation. I will run and not be weary because with you I can do all things. (See Phillipians 4:13, New Testament).
Monday, October 25, 2010
TAKE GOD OUT THE BOX
I was listening to pastor Joel Osteen and he referred to 'keeping God in a box'. I am not sure who originated the term but I have used it and heard it before. We think things should happen a certain way or have a pre-conceived idea of what a "Christian" looks like. Church tradition may keep people stuck in a box because God can work in all kinds of churches.Times change and people change.Let go of the idea of how certain things should be done.Do not get stuck in a denominational rut where you think your church is only right one. When it comes to what Jesus looks like many have differing opinions. My idea is a dark skinned man of middle eastern descent but hey, how do I know. Those who have asked Jesus into their heart will know that answer some day. Do not be narrow minded. Keep seeking God and desiring to know him better. "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." Phillipians 3:10
Do not get stuck in the past. Move on. Open your eyes and heart to what God has in store for you. Isaiah 43:19 says "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." When we pray we often wonder why God did not answer but God may have answered but just not like you had hoped. But He knows best. He is God. He knows what He is doing. Trust Him. "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20.
Isaiah 55:9 says " As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts". Be assured God loves you and has a great plan for you. If you not know him ask him into your heart. Don't wait. Romans 13:11 says, "This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." (To help you know more about Jesus read the book of John in New Testament.)
PRAYER: Father I pray that if anyone does not know you as their Lord and saviour that they will repent, turn from sin and ask you into their hearts and begin living a new life with you on the throne. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Do not get stuck in the past. Move on. Open your eyes and heart to what God has in store for you. Isaiah 43:19 says "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." When we pray we often wonder why God did not answer but God may have answered but just not like you had hoped. But He knows best. He is God. He knows what He is doing. Trust Him. "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20.
Isaiah 55:9 says " As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts". Be assured God loves you and has a great plan for you. If you not know him ask him into your heart. Don't wait. Romans 13:11 says, "This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." (To help you know more about Jesus read the book of John in New Testament.)
PRAYER: Father I pray that if anyone does not know you as their Lord and saviour that they will repent, turn from sin and ask you into their hearts and begin living a new life with you on the throne. In Jesus Name. Amen.
GOD IS THERE..YES HE IS!
Is something going on in your life that you can not seem to stop worrying about?. We are told to cast our cares on God for he cares for us.(1 Peter 5:7) but it is human nature to want to worry. Worry does nothing but keep us in bondage and maybe affect our health and well being too. Worrying does not change anything nor does it add time to our lives to figure it out. (See Luke 12:25). When we worry we are basically telling God we do not trust Him enough to handle the problem.
It is best when faced with a situation to 'go to the throne not the phone'. Not sure who said that but it makes alot of sense. God is waiting to hear from you. Jeremiah 33:3 is often called "God's phone number" and it says "Call to me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know."
Psalm 27 is worth reading the whole chapter. It is only 14 verses but verse 7 says "Listen to my pleading,Lord! Be merciful and send help when I need it.!" Also in the chapter it talks about being set on a high rock out of reach of your enemies(vs 5-6). That is a good word picture. I was hiking yesterday where there were rocky bluffs. At one point I just sat on a rocky overhang to meditate and pray and think of the awesomeness of God. How can anyone be an atheist I will never understand. The mountains are his, the roar of the thunder, the seasons, the rain from heaven, the cattle on a thousand hills. It is all his. And he cares and will work out what concerns you. Only trust him.
PRAYER: Lord today I thank you for my freedoms. It is great to live in America. We pray against the forces of evil trying to destroy our God given freedoms.We know Lord though you are there and have a plan. Keep us focused on you. In Jesus Name. Amen
It is best when faced with a situation to 'go to the throne not the phone'. Not sure who said that but it makes alot of sense. God is waiting to hear from you. Jeremiah 33:3 is often called "God's phone number" and it says "Call to me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know."
Psalm 27 is worth reading the whole chapter. It is only 14 verses but verse 7 says "Listen to my pleading,Lord! Be merciful and send help when I need it.!" Also in the chapter it talks about being set on a high rock out of reach of your enemies(vs 5-6). That is a good word picture. I was hiking yesterday where there were rocky bluffs. At one point I just sat on a rocky overhang to meditate and pray and think of the awesomeness of God. How can anyone be an atheist I will never understand. The mountains are his, the roar of the thunder, the seasons, the rain from heaven, the cattle on a thousand hills. It is all his. And he cares and will work out what concerns you. Only trust him.
PRAYER: Lord today I thank you for my freedoms. It is great to live in America. We pray against the forces of evil trying to destroy our God given freedoms.We know Lord though you are there and have a plan. Keep us focused on you. In Jesus Name. Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)