Do you really? This song is melodiously sung "I surrender all, I surrender all, All to Jesus I surrender , I surrender all." Nicely sung in church but when you are done and go home and all things go haywire in life do you remember the words of the song you just sang? Sometimes it is hard to totally surrender and is a spiritual discipline. You might have some pretty dicey stuff going on in your life or that of a family member. But still the Lord wants us to give us his cares. In the world today there is much uncertainty even though we know God is behind the scenes and is ultimately in control it can be difficult if not impossible for some to let go and let God have the controls. It is easy to surrender in church with all the praise music around us. But real life starts when you walk out the church door and that is when you are tested.
We seem to like to control everything in our lives so it is sometimes hard when we feel a lack of control. If you have prayed , you are supposed to let it go and rest in God. I know this is one I struggle with and have not completely received victory in as of yet. You have prayed and given something over to God so why go 'fishing' and try to take it back. 1 Peter 5:7 says to "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you." "I know, I know but can't you see what is happening Lord?" "Yes child I can see but I know the 'rest of the story'" as the late Paul Harvey used to say on radio.
Proverbs 3:5-6 has always been a favorite passage of mine and it says "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
John 16:33 says " I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." This is comforting to know that God overcomes all the junk we are going through now and he will have the victory and so will you if you follow Him.
So what are you struggling with today and can not seem to let go of? Let God be your pilot, not your co -pilot and trust Him to get you safely to your destination in life and take care of the things that look so big in your life.
PRAYER: Today Lord I want to fully surrender my life to you and the situations I worry about daily. I know you love me and you care about what I am going through. I know nothing happens that you can not take care of in your time. I trust you in the good times and in the storms. Give me strength to not cave in to the temptations to worry. In Jesus Name. Amen.
NOTE: Take time to listen to this song "Cry out to Jesus" by Third Day. Really listen to what it's words say. Be blessed to be a blessing.
http://youtu.be/S-WwrL5jCSM
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
SEASONED SPEECH
Seasoned speech does not mean that you salt and pepper your tongue, but try to not lead a double life with your mouth. If you claim to be a Christian one of first indications should be your mouth and what comes out of it. Do you act nice one time then cuss a blue streak to a guy who cuts you off on the road? Perhaps you are not so kind to a phone worker who is only doing his job. Lets say a solicitor calls. You may not like it but in a kind way say thank you for calling but no thanks. No need to get nasty. For those of us who have been call center employees it is a thankless job at times. I was fortunate when I was a reservations agent for an airline to not get too many people who ridiculed or were harsh to me but if they were it was my goal to treat them as kind and respectful as possible and give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they are going through something bad. Perhaps the way they were raised has something to do with their actions. Maybe the example set by a parent earlier in life is imprinted and they feel justified in condemning people. But it is still wrong. I remember once on my first cruise a couple who were extremely rude and 'racist' to the waiter who happened to be from a South American country. I was so embarrassed and was hoping the waiter did not think we were with this couple. It was uncalled for and shameful.
There is no need to pop a cork, fly off the handle or anything else. If your job causes you to want to vent try to do it before coming in the door at home or taking it out on the poor check out guy at the local store. Ask God to help make you aware of when you are starting to be rude or cruel and ask Him to give you His strength to zip your lip. As the saying goes "If you do not have anything good to say do not say it at all." No one deserves to be verbally abused and it does not show the love of Christ. This goes for also saying ugly things behind people's backs too. God is always watching. If you have hurt someone and are aware of it say you are sorry. Sometimes those who are harsh with others seem to do it so much they make it their lifestyle so for those it may be hard for them to understand what they are doing is wrong. Measure your actions by what God's word says. No one deserves to be talked down to at all!
When someone is ugly to you do not retaliate lest a root of bitterness spring up. Hebrews 12:15 says "Make sure that everyone has kindness from God so that bitterness doesn't take root and grow up to cause trouble that corrupts many of you". And as for telling off the clerk at the store, have you ever thought of what if you ran into him at church? Talk about embarrassing!! There is your double life creeping in. Do you wear a 'church face' and a 'go out in the world face'? If you call yourself a Christian your face should be the same and your speech should be the same. Too many of us may forget that. We do not just go to church then act like wild crazy people the rest of the time. Our light is supposed to be shining brightly for Jesus in the public square and at home not just for one hour on Sunday inside church walls. Do not be two different people.
Colossians 4:6 says "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Does this verse characterize your life or do you say mean hurtful things to friends and family and think it is okay to 'abuse' total strangers such as waiters or other service employees? It is never okay to treat anyone wrong and belittle them with your mouth. All people deserve respect. It is really bad when a person claiming to be a believer starts verbally tongue lashing anyone. If you are guilty just know it is not right and seek help to overcome it. For sure it is not a Christlike trait to possess. Some may speak harshly to a spouse and there is no excuse for that either. Come back to James 1:19 which says "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." I love that verse and have used it in lots of my devotions on our tongue and words. Make it part of your life and you will have less conflict. No unpleasant or harsh words should flow from your mouth be it to friends, family or strangers.
James 3:11-12 says "Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh." If you know someone that seems to get angry and spout off a good deal of the time that claims to know Jesus you may be afraid to confront them but pray for them. Pray they will recognize and be convicted that this trait does not 'become' a believer or someone trying to win the lost to Christ. This person can also lack grace and compassion which are needed to show love to the hurting. None of us are perfect. Hurtful words can be said and an apology never rendered. You just have to pray for the person and learn to blow it off. We all have probably been hurt by carelessly spoken words in one way or another. The bigger person will not try to get back and will pray and let it go.
Do not lead a life at church for one hour then the rest of the week feel free to let it all hang out. Let your witness for Christ extend in all areas of your life. Get that tongue under control. 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." Go into the world and really let others be able to tell you are a Christian because of your love and kindness. Practice only saying nice things.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus today I want to say and do only what pleases you. It is easy to get mad at times. Stress of various things can cause us to come 'unglued' at times but help me Lord to look to you for my strength and ignore those people around me who may be ugly or try to hurt with words. We pray for anyone in our lives who may have issues in this area. God help us tame our tongue. In Jesus Name. Amen.
There is no need to pop a cork, fly off the handle or anything else. If your job causes you to want to vent try to do it before coming in the door at home or taking it out on the poor check out guy at the local store. Ask God to help make you aware of when you are starting to be rude or cruel and ask Him to give you His strength to zip your lip. As the saying goes "If you do not have anything good to say do not say it at all." No one deserves to be verbally abused and it does not show the love of Christ. This goes for also saying ugly things behind people's backs too. God is always watching. If you have hurt someone and are aware of it say you are sorry. Sometimes those who are harsh with others seem to do it so much they make it their lifestyle so for those it may be hard for them to understand what they are doing is wrong. Measure your actions by what God's word says. No one deserves to be talked down to at all!
When someone is ugly to you do not retaliate lest a root of bitterness spring up. Hebrews 12:15 says "Make sure that everyone has kindness from God so that bitterness doesn't take root and grow up to cause trouble that corrupts many of you". And as for telling off the clerk at the store, have you ever thought of what if you ran into him at church? Talk about embarrassing!! There is your double life creeping in. Do you wear a 'church face' and a 'go out in the world face'? If you call yourself a Christian your face should be the same and your speech should be the same. Too many of us may forget that. We do not just go to church then act like wild crazy people the rest of the time. Our light is supposed to be shining brightly for Jesus in the public square and at home not just for one hour on Sunday inside church walls. Do not be two different people.
Colossians 4:6 says "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Does this verse characterize your life or do you say mean hurtful things to friends and family and think it is okay to 'abuse' total strangers such as waiters or other service employees? It is never okay to treat anyone wrong and belittle them with your mouth. All people deserve respect. It is really bad when a person claiming to be a believer starts verbally tongue lashing anyone. If you are guilty just know it is not right and seek help to overcome it. For sure it is not a Christlike trait to possess. Some may speak harshly to a spouse and there is no excuse for that either. Come back to James 1:19 which says "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." I love that verse and have used it in lots of my devotions on our tongue and words. Make it part of your life and you will have less conflict. No unpleasant or harsh words should flow from your mouth be it to friends, family or strangers.
James 3:11-12 says "Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh." If you know someone that seems to get angry and spout off a good deal of the time that claims to know Jesus you may be afraid to confront them but pray for them. Pray they will recognize and be convicted that this trait does not 'become' a believer or someone trying to win the lost to Christ. This person can also lack grace and compassion which are needed to show love to the hurting. None of us are perfect. Hurtful words can be said and an apology never rendered. You just have to pray for the person and learn to blow it off. We all have probably been hurt by carelessly spoken words in one way or another. The bigger person will not try to get back and will pray and let it go.
Do not lead a life at church for one hour then the rest of the week feel free to let it all hang out. Let your witness for Christ extend in all areas of your life. Get that tongue under control. 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." Go into the world and really let others be able to tell you are a Christian because of your love and kindness. Practice only saying nice things.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus today I want to say and do only what pleases you. It is easy to get mad at times. Stress of various things can cause us to come 'unglued' at times but help me Lord to look to you for my strength and ignore those people around me who may be ugly or try to hurt with words. We pray for anyone in our lives who may have issues in this area. God help us tame our tongue. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
BE DILIGENT
Have you heard the saying and the verse to 'pray and never give up?" Be diligent when getting to know the Lord. You can not just simply sleep on top of a Bible at night and expect to absorb its' contents. The Bible is not a boring book although many make it seem unexciting. The problem may be that you go to a 'dead church' where things are more 'religious,ritualistic and strict' and not about love and grace. 1 Peter 2:2-3 says "Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good." Just like these newborn babes we need a longing or a diligence to grow in Christ. A baby will not grow without staying nourished on milk likewise we will not grow unless we are diligent to study the word of God and let is seep into our hearts and change us.
Hebrews 11:6 says"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." What does it mean to be diligent? The definition is 'Earnest and persistent application to an undertaking. A steady effort or attentive care or heedfulness.' Persistence is the key. Nothing good comes easy. We are not to become lazy and lethargic. Luke 18:1 tells us to "pray and never give up" or in other words be diligent. When you are in the middle of a running race you would not think of just stopping and quitting if your goal was to get a prize. You continue to press on or to be 'diligent' in your efforts to maybe win a trophy. Our goal is to win the crown of life.
James 1:12 says "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." Hang on, keep plugging away and keep looking to Jesus.
PRAYER: My goal is to run with patience the race set before me to win the crown of life. I want to be diligent in what I do and steadfast. With your help Lord I can. Thank you ahead of time for helping me stay the course. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Hebrews 11:6 says"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." What does it mean to be diligent? The definition is 'Earnest and persistent application to an undertaking. A steady effort or attentive care or heedfulness.' Persistence is the key. Nothing good comes easy. We are not to become lazy and lethargic. Luke 18:1 tells us to "pray and never give up" or in other words be diligent. When you are in the middle of a running race you would not think of just stopping and quitting if your goal was to get a prize. You continue to press on or to be 'diligent' in your efforts to maybe win a trophy. Our goal is to win the crown of life.
James 1:12 says "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." Hang on, keep plugging away and keep looking to Jesus.
PRAYER: My goal is to run with patience the race set before me to win the crown of life. I want to be diligent in what I do and steadfast. With your help Lord I can. Thank you ahead of time for helping me stay the course. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
MORE THAN A 9-1-1- GOD
When do most people think to turn to God? Usually it is when things are not going right or they are in a crisis situation. Sort of a 'fox hole' religion mentality is that people tend to only cry out to God when something is going wrong and they need help ,NOW!. God is waiting for you to call out to Him around the clock whether in a good situation or when things are falling apart. Do not treat him like the 9-1-1- operator. Talk to Him all the time. For instance, get up each day and say "Hello God it is me. I thank you for another day you have given me to enjoy. Thanks for my family and my friends. Thank you for food, clothing and shelter." You get the idea. The 9-1-1 prayer would go something like this. "Help Jesus because Suzy Q has been in a major car wreck and needs your healing touch. Be with the doctors who treat her and help her recover." So the point is we know to cry out to God when we are in distress but why not talk to Him when things are okay too? Ponder that for a while would you. He is not just a God of disasters although many treat him like that.
Try making talking to God part of your everyday existence and do not wait til something awful happens or someone is on their death bed to cry out to Him. Jeremiah 33:3 says "‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Do you call on Jesus? Besides praying do you read His word, the Bible, which is your guide for all things in life? Proverbs 4:20-22 says "My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart,for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body." 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says simply "pray continually". Do you pray at all times?
Why not try something new? Instead of crying out to God when turmoil is in your life and the bottom is falling out of things wake up and praise and thank him and then just talk to him. Adore him, confess your faults to him, thank him for the answers to prayer and finally tell Him your needs. Remember to pray for others and not just yourself. And remember that God is not a genie in a bottle to grant wishes but is the Almighty and wants to hear from you. Talk to him today.
PRAYER: Father in heaven I thank you that I can pray to you anytime. I do not have to shut my eyes and be on my knees all the time to pray but I can pray while I am driving my car, doing things around my house or as I am taking my morning walk or run. Forgive me when I forget to say hi each day. I am going to try to be better. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://youtu.be/JmVxRl5bc4Y
Try making talking to God part of your everyday existence and do not wait til something awful happens or someone is on their death bed to cry out to Him. Jeremiah 33:3 says "‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Do you call on Jesus? Besides praying do you read His word, the Bible, which is your guide for all things in life? Proverbs 4:20-22 says "My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart,for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body." 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says simply "pray continually". Do you pray at all times?
Why not try something new? Instead of crying out to God when turmoil is in your life and the bottom is falling out of things wake up and praise and thank him and then just talk to him. Adore him, confess your faults to him, thank him for the answers to prayer and finally tell Him your needs. Remember to pray for others and not just yourself. And remember that God is not a genie in a bottle to grant wishes but is the Almighty and wants to hear from you. Talk to him today.
PRAYER: Father in heaven I thank you that I can pray to you anytime. I do not have to shut my eyes and be on my knees all the time to pray but I can pray while I am driving my car, doing things around my house or as I am taking my morning walk or run. Forgive me when I forget to say hi each day. I am going to try to be better. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://youtu.be/JmVxRl5bc4Y
Friday, July 29, 2011
CHURCH SIGN WISDOM
Recently I saw a sign on a nearby church that read "The closer you are to the son the less likely you are to get burned. " Another one I saw said 'Your problems are big because you have made me little...God". Yet another sign read "Under Same Management for over 2000 Years". I just really get a kick out of the wisdom of these signs and their cute thought provoking messages.
There may be some that think it is goofy to put something up on a sign for those passing by to see but that may be the only way to reach some people. Many people do not bother 'darkening' the door of a church on Sunday so perhaps these catchy little phrases people see as they drive by are a way to impart some tidbit of godly wisdom to ponder during the week. As long as the comments are not judgmental and condemning then they may be an effective method to get a point across.
Where are you with your walk with the Lord? Does He hold a prominent place in your life or like the church sign mentioned above, have you made him little? Do you go about your life and think you just do not have time for the Lord?
Matthew 11:28 says "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Do you need God back in your life again? Is it time you allowed Him to be back on the 'throne'? If Jesus were to be right with you now would you have to make excuses for your behavior or activities? If He said " child, why did you shut me out of your life?" how would you answer Him?
Run to Him today. Read his word and get to know Him and show Him you love him, need Him, and want Him to be part of your daily life. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says " For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Do not shut Him out of your life.
PRAYER : Lord I want to let you be first place in my life. I often let other activities crowd you out and for that I ask forgiveness. I am trying to do better. Come in to my heart Lord Jesus. Help me stay away from things that cause me to shut you out of my life. In Jesus name, amen.
There may be some that think it is goofy to put something up on a sign for those passing by to see but that may be the only way to reach some people. Many people do not bother 'darkening' the door of a church on Sunday so perhaps these catchy little phrases people see as they drive by are a way to impart some tidbit of godly wisdom to ponder during the week. As long as the comments are not judgmental and condemning then they may be an effective method to get a point across.
Where are you with your walk with the Lord? Does He hold a prominent place in your life or like the church sign mentioned above, have you made him little? Do you go about your life and think you just do not have time for the Lord?
Matthew 11:28 says "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Do you need God back in your life again? Is it time you allowed Him to be back on the 'throne'? If Jesus were to be right with you now would you have to make excuses for your behavior or activities? If He said " child, why did you shut me out of your life?" how would you answer Him?
Run to Him today. Read his word and get to know Him and show Him you love him, need Him, and want Him to be part of your daily life. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says " For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Do not shut Him out of your life.
PRAYER : Lord I want to let you be first place in my life. I often let other activities crowd you out and for that I ask forgiveness. I am trying to do better. Come in to my heart Lord Jesus. Help me stay away from things that cause me to shut you out of my life. In Jesus name, amen.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
BE CAREFUL LITTLE MOUTH WHAT YOU SAY...PART TWO
How many times during the month or week do you have to wish you could take back something you said or emailed? If you are an impulsive person then it can maybe be a lot. Thank goodness for friends and family who understand we sometimes stick our foot in our mouth. We just need to learn to ask forgiveness.
The thing to do is to strive to talk less and listen more and love one another. Part of loving each other is is giving the other the benefit of the doubt and above all do not hold grudges. Learn to move on and forgive. Harboring ill will over something petty does not one bit of good. It is best to just let things go. Say you are sorry and seek to change and move on.
Words can bring joy, encouragement, love, peace or they can cause confusion, misunderstanding, wounded spirits and chaos. I would say God would want us to opt for the first choices in this list. Better to really think before you speak. It is so easy talking or over email to say the wrong thing or to be misunderstood. If you have a gracious friend or family member they will understand and no hard feelings will result. Let love be your ultimate aim.
Psalm 141:3 says "Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips." There are so many verses on our words and our mouth in the Bible. It is a subject you can never hear enough on. Just like in James Chapter 3 it says "No man can tame the tongue". We can try with God's help. I know I wish I had complete control over mine and I know there are times I have said things I wish I could take back. If someone has messed up and asks you to forgive them do it and restore your relationship right then and there. Forgiveness for a Christian is not an option. In Matthew 18:21-23 it says " Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants."
Colossians 4:6 says "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." In John 13:34 it says "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." If you love someone you will overlook their faults. We all have messed up at one time or another. Be careful what you say. I know in Matthew 12:36 it says "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken." I for one do not want to be guilty of hurting people with my words or having what I say be misinterpreted. But it happens. One who truly loves truly can forgive so work on that aspect of your walk with the Lord. Just be aware of what you say and ask God to help you put a guard over your mouth to think before you speak.
PRAYER: Dear Lord it is so easy to just talk and not think what we are saying. Help me Lord as I do not want to be guilty of being misunderstood or hurting someone I love. Help me keep a watch over my mouth and only say things that are pleasing to the hearer. In Jesus Name. Amen.
The thing to do is to strive to talk less and listen more and love one another. Part of loving each other is is giving the other the benefit of the doubt and above all do not hold grudges. Learn to move on and forgive. Harboring ill will over something petty does not one bit of good. It is best to just let things go. Say you are sorry and seek to change and move on.
Words can bring joy, encouragement, love, peace or they can cause confusion, misunderstanding, wounded spirits and chaos. I would say God would want us to opt for the first choices in this list. Better to really think before you speak. It is so easy talking or over email to say the wrong thing or to be misunderstood. If you have a gracious friend or family member they will understand and no hard feelings will result. Let love be your ultimate aim.
Psalm 141:3 says "Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips." There are so many verses on our words and our mouth in the Bible. It is a subject you can never hear enough on. Just like in James Chapter 3 it says "No man can tame the tongue". We can try with God's help. I know I wish I had complete control over mine and I know there are times I have said things I wish I could take back. If someone has messed up and asks you to forgive them do it and restore your relationship right then and there. Forgiveness for a Christian is not an option. In Matthew 18:21-23 it says " Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants."
Colossians 4:6 says "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." In John 13:34 it says "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." If you love someone you will overlook their faults. We all have messed up at one time or another. Be careful what you say. I know in Matthew 12:36 it says "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken." I for one do not want to be guilty of hurting people with my words or having what I say be misinterpreted. But it happens. One who truly loves truly can forgive so work on that aspect of your walk with the Lord. Just be aware of what you say and ask God to help you put a guard over your mouth to think before you speak.
PRAYER: Dear Lord it is so easy to just talk and not think what we are saying. Help me Lord as I do not want to be guilty of being misunderstood or hurting someone I love. Help me keep a watch over my mouth and only say things that are pleasing to the hearer. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
MARRIAGE...MR AND MRS...THAT IS RIGHT!!
Marriage, traditional Biblical marriage, is under attack today. People in the world may say "But don't two people who are in love regardless of if they are a man and lady, deserve to be married like everyone else?" Not if you believe Gods' word they don't. This is not about 'hate' like the media and radical gay rights groups try to portray. Sure there are those 'loving Christians' who do have an attitude of no mercy or grace for this sin but this is about saying it is OK to enter into Holy matrimony. If you have not realized it by now the media are not friendly to Christians or the body of Christ. They are out to discredit us and make us look like loonies.Some may get offended that I even categorize it as a sin. I am getting this from the Bible and not making it up.
Genesis 2:18-22 clearly states that in the beginning God created woman to complement man and be his helpmate. Two men or two woman are not designed for procreation. It is impossible. Satan is coy. He comes in and deluded people into believing his lies and some even within the Christian community. Hebrews 13:4 says "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." The problem is some do not recognize this as being immoral.
Did we ever think we would see a time when the government of our country has to get involved and change what the Bible says and decide marriage is okay for not just a man and a woman but for same sex couples as well? The world is going crazy! No one 'hates' these same sex couples but we are trying to keep marriage sacred like God intended. Our own government is trying to redefine marriage. What on earth would our Founding Fathers say? What is Jesus saying? I will say this and that he is disappointed that man has believed the enemies lies. Our government which was founded on Gods' word is now saying they want homosexuality open in the military too and to give them rights to family housing and all the rest. We have gone too far. Read Romans Chapter 1 starting with verse 22 to see what God thinks about men lying with other men. This is not Becky's words, these are God's words. It is right there in the Holy Bible. It is political correctness or God. You choose. I know who I choose.
Romans 6:12 says " Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires." Those engaged in this lifestyle do not see it as a sin, that is the problem. When you do not obey and follow the Bible anything goes. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says "reject every kind of evil." First the heart of man has to be changed so he or she sees it is wrong. Also condemning Christians need to learn to help by loving all people regardless of their sin. That is the way to reach people. We have all sinned and there is not one sin that is 'worse' than others like lots of self righteous Christians imagine.
Psalm 12:8 says "The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men." What are we seeing today in America? People who are normalizing this sin and making laws to protect it. God will judge us. He may be loving but he has a plan and a design for marriage. If you are a person struggling with 'same sex attraction' God indeed can set you free. It may take some time and work but you can be set free. By just saying that I have already made some people mad. God designed marriage for companionship and procreation between a man and a woman. We can not change the Bible to suit our needs.
PRAYER: Lord God we need you to transform minds and hearts before this battle over same sex marriage is won and the traditional family is destroyed. The enemy has clouded the minds of many and lied to them. Father we ask that you open the eyes of the blind and heal those caught in this sin.We know what happens when we continue to reject your word. Save this land Lord and set people free from the bondage they are caught up in. In Jesus name Amen.
Attached is a song they used to play at weddings allot and I have not heard it in years. Enjoy its' message. The Wedding Song..There is Love..
http://youtu.be/utdPh1Ec1Ws
For help with same sex attraction please go to the following website:
http://www.exodusinternational.org/
NOTE During the writing of this devotion I lost lots of what I had written.Had to recreate it. I do not think enemy wanted this to be sent out
Genesis 2:18-22 clearly states that in the beginning God created woman to complement man and be his helpmate. Two men or two woman are not designed for procreation. It is impossible. Satan is coy. He comes in and deluded people into believing his lies and some even within the Christian community. Hebrews 13:4 says "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." The problem is some do not recognize this as being immoral.
Did we ever think we would see a time when the government of our country has to get involved and change what the Bible says and decide marriage is okay for not just a man and a woman but for same sex couples as well? The world is going crazy! No one 'hates' these same sex couples but we are trying to keep marriage sacred like God intended. Our own government is trying to redefine marriage. What on earth would our Founding Fathers say? What is Jesus saying? I will say this and that he is disappointed that man has believed the enemies lies. Our government which was founded on Gods' word is now saying they want homosexuality open in the military too and to give them rights to family housing and all the rest. We have gone too far. Read Romans Chapter 1 starting with verse 22 to see what God thinks about men lying with other men. This is not Becky's words, these are God's words. It is right there in the Holy Bible. It is political correctness or God. You choose. I know who I choose.
Romans 6:12 says " Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires." Those engaged in this lifestyle do not see it as a sin, that is the problem. When you do not obey and follow the Bible anything goes. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says "reject every kind of evil." First the heart of man has to be changed so he or she sees it is wrong. Also condemning Christians need to learn to help by loving all people regardless of their sin. That is the way to reach people. We have all sinned and there is not one sin that is 'worse' than others like lots of self righteous Christians imagine.
Psalm 12:8 says "The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men." What are we seeing today in America? People who are normalizing this sin and making laws to protect it. God will judge us. He may be loving but he has a plan and a design for marriage. If you are a person struggling with 'same sex attraction' God indeed can set you free. It may take some time and work but you can be set free. By just saying that I have already made some people mad. God designed marriage for companionship and procreation between a man and a woman. We can not change the Bible to suit our needs.
PRAYER: Lord God we need you to transform minds and hearts before this battle over same sex marriage is won and the traditional family is destroyed. The enemy has clouded the minds of many and lied to them. Father we ask that you open the eyes of the blind and heal those caught in this sin.We know what happens when we continue to reject your word. Save this land Lord and set people free from the bondage they are caught up in. In Jesus name Amen.
Attached is a song they used to play at weddings allot and I have not heard it in years. Enjoy its' message. The Wedding Song..There is Love..
http://youtu.be/utdPh1Ec1Ws
For help with same sex attraction please go to the following website:
http://www.exodusinternational.org/
NOTE During the writing of this devotion I lost lots of what I had written.Had to recreate it. I do not think enemy wanted this to be sent out
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