It is easy to praise God when things are going our way but when the bottom falls out of life then it gets a little more challenging. When you are going through a bad time of life the best thing you could do in order to combat the attacks of the enemy, who seeks to destroy your joyful spirit, is to focus on a loving God and praise Him. Yes you heard me, praise the Lord.
Praise him in the morning. Praise Him at noon. Praise him when you are feeling good and praise him when you are not doing so good. Praise Him when you lose and praise Him when you win. Praise Him on cloudy, rainy days and praise him on sunny days. Psalm 113:3 says " From the rising of the sun to the place that it sets, the Lord's name is to be praised."
It says in Psalm 22:3 " The Lord inhabits the praises of his people." Psalm 9:11 says "
Sing praises to the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done."
In Job 13:15 it says"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him." In Job 1:21 it says "The Lord gives the Lord takes away blessed be the name of the lord." Job went through more than most humans could take. Get your Bible and turn to the book of Job in the Old Testament if you are not familiar with it. It is an eye opener. How do you praise God when a child dies or you lose your job? God did not cause these things and he knows you are broken hearted but it still says to praise Him. Things in life happen. God is still there and still on the throne. It does not praise Him 'if only' or 'when only'.
If you are feeling down today, read the following OUT LOUD and see if you do not feel better.
Lord I praise you for making me.
Lord I praise your name above all others names.
Lord I praise you for another day of life.
Lord I praise you for friends.
Lord I praise you for answered prayer.
Lord I praise you for providing for my basic needs.
Lord I praise you for my family.
Lord I praise you for our creation.
Lord I praise you for your awesome power.
Lord I praise you for the gift of good health.
Lord I praise you for living in a Christian nation.
Lord I praise you for the valuable lessons I learn in life.
Lord I praise you that I can see in order to read this devotion.
You get the idea. Now go add some of your own. And when Satan tries to get you to be mad at Jesus just say "Get behind me Satan. I do not believe your lies."
PRAYER: Father I thank you for your mighty power and protection. I thank and praise you for the wonderful plan you have for my life. I know you are always with me and will never abandon me. Forgive me if I have ever blamed tragedy on you. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link to worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/JaQPUayD-Zs
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
RELIGION IN VAIN??
Sometimes 'church people' can be some of the meanest and most cruel. You can go to church but what good does it do you if you do not follow the teachings of Jesus in loving one another for instance? To make up your own standards of who you will love and accept is not God's way. Erasing the part of the Bible that is not modern enough will not cut it either. A church full of judgmental condemners needs to think again. If you are like this then you need to examine your heart.
Churches are for imperfect people and if you are perfect then you can probably stay home. The Bible says in Matthew 9:10-13 says "While He was reclining at the table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came as guests to eat with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”But when He heard this, He said, “Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but the sick do. Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice.For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
I was in a church service somewhere recently where a lady who looked like a waitress at Hooters walked in, low cut top and all. Now mind you this is very distracting for the menfolk of the church but if this lady has been out of church awhile she probably needs love, not condemnation. Eventually she will perhaps dress more in more modest attire so as to not distract the men. If you are a woman who likes to wear low cut tops maybe you need to think of how this distracts. Now I am not saying you have to dress in pentecostal garb or have some dress code but some do not know better and some do. If a lady of the street comes in to hear God's word you need to show Jesus love to her. Say what? You are not in church to be in a Holy Huddle.
In the Bible in James 1:26 "if you claim to be religious but do not control your tongue, you are fooling yourself and your religion is worthless." Do you have a problem with gossip, cursing, judging, backbiting or some other areas of loose lips? Read what this verse says. I did not make it up. This says our so called 'religion' is in vain if we can not control what we say or talk about. It is certainly easy to slip into a gossip mode or a critical spirit mode against others when talking. You have to be on your guard. Ask yourself, "Is what I am about to say going to help or hurt?" What good do you achieve by ruining someones character or divulging something by gossiping?"
Committing to keeping your speech 'filled with grace' is a challenge .The brain works, and out come thoughts from the mouth. We can get caught up talking about people, putting them down, talking about what you saw 'so and so' doing, and a host of other things. If you claim to know Jesus even if you are with a Christian friend, doing this and having unedifying conversations is it really right? The answer is NO!
Finally there are those who call themselves 'Reverend' in the news lately that are vile and spewing forth racial hatred which in my estimation does not emulate a loving God and one who loves all people. What is in a 'title' if you do not honor and respect that title anyway? Leaders in the church have the biggest responsibility to act like Jesus. So are you religious or are you a follower of Christ?
PRAYER: Lord I love you and it is my desire to glorify you in what I say each day. It is so easy to speak and not think. Forgive me when I have talked and hurt someone. And help me forgive when I have been hurt. Help those 'reverends' who spew hatred instead of love come to know you and love all mankind. I thank you for loving me. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link below and worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/cyy6UDGjBdc
Churches are for imperfect people and if you are perfect then you can probably stay home. The Bible says in Matthew 9:10-13 says "While He was reclining at the table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came as guests to eat with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”But when He heard this, He said, “Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but the sick do. Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice.For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
I was in a church service somewhere recently where a lady who looked like a waitress at Hooters walked in, low cut top and all. Now mind you this is very distracting for the menfolk of the church but if this lady has been out of church awhile she probably needs love, not condemnation. Eventually she will perhaps dress more in more modest attire so as to not distract the men. If you are a woman who likes to wear low cut tops maybe you need to think of how this distracts. Now I am not saying you have to dress in pentecostal garb or have some dress code but some do not know better and some do. If a lady of the street comes in to hear God's word you need to show Jesus love to her. Say what? You are not in church to be in a Holy Huddle.
In the Bible in James 1:26 "if you claim to be religious but do not control your tongue, you are fooling yourself and your religion is worthless." Do you have a problem with gossip, cursing, judging, backbiting or some other areas of loose lips? Read what this verse says. I did not make it up. This says our so called 'religion' is in vain if we can not control what we say or talk about. It is certainly easy to slip into a gossip mode or a critical spirit mode against others when talking. You have to be on your guard. Ask yourself, "Is what I am about to say going to help or hurt?" What good do you achieve by ruining someones character or divulging something by gossiping?"
Committing to keeping your speech 'filled with grace' is a challenge .The brain works, and out come thoughts from the mouth. We can get caught up talking about people, putting them down, talking about what you saw 'so and so' doing, and a host of other things. If you claim to know Jesus even if you are with a Christian friend, doing this and having unedifying conversations is it really right? The answer is NO!
Finally there are those who call themselves 'Reverend' in the news lately that are vile and spewing forth racial hatred which in my estimation does not emulate a loving God and one who loves all people. What is in a 'title' if you do not honor and respect that title anyway? Leaders in the church have the biggest responsibility to act like Jesus. So are you religious or are you a follower of Christ?
PRAYER: Lord I love you and it is my desire to glorify you in what I say each day. It is so easy to speak and not think. Forgive me when I have talked and hurt someone. And help me forgive when I have been hurt. Help those 'reverends' who spew hatred instead of love come to know you and love all mankind. I thank you for loving me. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link below and worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/cyy6UDGjBdc
Thursday, March 29, 2012
STAY JOYFUL ALWAYS
There is enough going on in our world today to cause us despair and even in your own circle of life there may be things causing you grief and pain. For instance, a wayward child. Let's say you had trained your child to follow the Lord and he or she goes their own way. Bible teacher and author Joyce Meyer says "Do not let others wrong choices steal your joy." You are not responsible for someone's wrong choices so do not beat yourself up. Do not allow others to be 'joy robbers' in your life.
Satan especially is the chief joy robber. He does not want you happy and at peace. Satan would love it if you would just cave in to your emotions and not ever to be able to be at peace. You perhaps compare your life to others and that too can rob you of joy and keep you from attaining a peaceful spirit. Satan is the 'accuser of the brethren' it says in Revelation 12:10. Satan may make you feel if you had not done 'such and such' then 'so and so' would not be living a certain way or doing a certain thing.
You can not and should not condemn yourself. You are not responsible for the choices others make.
If you have a child you raised for the Lord but they have made wrong choices all you can do is keeping praying for them but do not allow their bad choices to make you not live your life to the fullest. Just keep praying. Keep believing. Remember the promise in Proverbs 22:6 which says " train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it?" God hears your prayers. 3 John 1:4 says " I have no greater joy to know that my children are walking in the truth." I say a hearty "Amen" to that!
God is your source of peace and joy no matter what life throws at you. Things happen and sometimes they happen in order to make someone stronger. Just believe God can see you through and help the other person as well.
Let's say you are living with an unbelieving spouse and you are 'on fire' for the Lord. Then what do you do? 1 Peter 3:1-2 says "wives, in the same way, submit yourselves therefore unto your own husbands, that if any of them do not believe the word they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives."
What if I friend or colleague has hurt you? Say you did nothing and you are getting pushed aside and treated poorly.Do not allow these things to rob you of your ultimate joy in Jesus Christ!
John 14:27 says " My peace I leave you, my peace I give you, not as the world gives you. Do not let your hearts be troubled neither let them be afraid."
PRAYER: Lord it is my desire to not let others rob me of my peace and joy. I have no control of others lives and I can only pray and trust you for the answers. Help me Lord to always have your joy in my life to share with those around me. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link below to worship the Lord in song! Be blessed now go be a blessing!
http://youtu.be/NLhb3qUA3uc
Satan especially is the chief joy robber. He does not want you happy and at peace. Satan would love it if you would just cave in to your emotions and not ever to be able to be at peace. You perhaps compare your life to others and that too can rob you of joy and keep you from attaining a peaceful spirit. Satan is the 'accuser of the brethren' it says in Revelation 12:10. Satan may make you feel if you had not done 'such and such' then 'so and so' would not be living a certain way or doing a certain thing.
You can not and should not condemn yourself. You are not responsible for the choices others make.
If you have a child you raised for the Lord but they have made wrong choices all you can do is keeping praying for them but do not allow their bad choices to make you not live your life to the fullest. Just keep praying. Keep believing. Remember the promise in Proverbs 22:6 which says " train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it?" God hears your prayers. 3 John 1:4 says " I have no greater joy to know that my children are walking in the truth." I say a hearty "Amen" to that!
God is your source of peace and joy no matter what life throws at you. Things happen and sometimes they happen in order to make someone stronger. Just believe God can see you through and help the other person as well.
Let's say you are living with an unbelieving spouse and you are 'on fire' for the Lord. Then what do you do? 1 Peter 3:1-2 says "wives, in the same way, submit yourselves therefore unto your own husbands, that if any of them do not believe the word they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives."
What if I friend or colleague has hurt you? Say you did nothing and you are getting pushed aside and treated poorly.Do not allow these things to rob you of your ultimate joy in Jesus Christ!
John 14:27 says " My peace I leave you, my peace I give you, not as the world gives you. Do not let your hearts be troubled neither let them be afraid."
PRAYER: Lord it is my desire to not let others rob me of my peace and joy. I have no control of others lives and I can only pray and trust you for the answers. Help me Lord to always have your joy in my life to share with those around me. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link below to worship the Lord in song! Be blessed now go be a blessing!
http://youtu.be/NLhb3qUA3uc
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
STOP LYING
You may say "I do not lie" but it was pointed out in a sermon I heard recently that all of us probably lie when asked "how are you" and we flippantly in a robotic manner answer "fine". Are you really fine? If we are not why do we say that? Maybe because we do not want to unload our problems on whoever it is. Sometimes you may be really fine and say "If I were any better I'd be twins". I actually have said that before. That gets a look too, but in the case, when I said it, I meant it! I feel like most of us do not want to share what is happening. Wouldn't the person who asked the question be shocked if we replied "well I am glad you asked. My dog died. My toilet is backed up. I have overdue bills I can not pay. I just flunked a class I was taking." There may be times when we say something partially truthful but most the time most folks probably just reply "fine'. It is probably more of a habit and you do not mean to actually lie.
In Proverbs 6:16-19 it elaborates on what the Lord hates and it says "There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers." Get that! He hates a lying tongue, not the liar just the lie!
Lying in general is not a good thing. The Bible says not to do it. Seems many in high up places of Government have lied to us lots. That is between them and God. But what does the Bible say? Why do people think they can lie and pay no consequence? In the Christian life it is a no no. How many out there have ever been guilty of having your children say "I'm not home" when the phone rings? Shame on you, for that is a lie too. You are teaching your children to lie when you do that.
In general it is not good to EVER lie. At times we may stretch the truth or do what the world calls a 'white lie' but is any lying really right? We probably all have lied. If you are ever in court you have to take an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God. When you tell one lie you have to keep up lying to cover up for the other one. It is best just to be honest. What about when someone asks "Do I look fat"? Then what do you do? Do you hurt their feelings or say that is not a fair question to ask?When you fill out a job application you have to sign that the information is correct and you give your word by your signature. Here it is tax time and how many have lied a little bit when it came to taxes? I sure would not mess with the IRS. It is better to always be honest.
Here is a good example of lying. You say you are a believer and go to church and love the Lord. 1 John 2:4 says "Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him." Are you guilty of this? In John 8:32 it says "The truth will set us free" but also in John 8:44 it says "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies." Do you want to be like Christ or the devil? Proverbs 12:22 says "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight."
Colossians 3:9 says "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices." If someone asks you a question, be truthful with them. It is best to be honest and truthful. Proverbs 13:5 says "The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace." When you accept Christ you are a new creation and old things and old habits are to pass away, this includes lying. Ephesians 4:25 says "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body." Put it off. Stop it. Do not spread falsehoods by gossiping. Gossiping easily ends up in lies as people start adding their own spin to a story. If you say you will keep a confidence do not share something with someone as then you have lied to the friend you promised. "Do not lie" is one of the Ten Commandments as well. Seems like today's world feels it is okay to not be 100% truthful. God is watching at all times so why not be sure to tell the truth.
We have all made mistakes and we can all be forgiven. Just ask God. He is ready to forgive you and help you have the ability to tell the truth.
PRAYER: Lord I want to be honest and truthful and share your love with others. Help me be full of integrity and never tell any kind of lie. Forgive me for when I have lied in the past. If my lies have caused hurt or pain help me go and ask forgiveness then seek restoration. Lord I know it pleases you when I am truthful and I intend to do that with your help.I want a reputation for being a person people can trust and I want to always be truthful. Help me do this. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link to enjoy and be blessed by a song of victory and freedom.
http://youtu.be/ZWv-UOHzaIc
In Proverbs 6:16-19 it elaborates on what the Lord hates and it says "There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers." Get that! He hates a lying tongue, not the liar just the lie!
Lying in general is not a good thing. The Bible says not to do it. Seems many in high up places of Government have lied to us lots. That is between them and God. But what does the Bible say? Why do people think they can lie and pay no consequence? In the Christian life it is a no no. How many out there have ever been guilty of having your children say "I'm not home" when the phone rings? Shame on you, for that is a lie too. You are teaching your children to lie when you do that.
In general it is not good to EVER lie. At times we may stretch the truth or do what the world calls a 'white lie' but is any lying really right? We probably all have lied. If you are ever in court you have to take an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God. When you tell one lie you have to keep up lying to cover up for the other one. It is best just to be honest. What about when someone asks "Do I look fat"? Then what do you do? Do you hurt their feelings or say that is not a fair question to ask?When you fill out a job application you have to sign that the information is correct and you give your word by your signature. Here it is tax time and how many have lied a little bit when it came to taxes? I sure would not mess with the IRS. It is better to always be honest.
Here is a good example of lying. You say you are a believer and go to church and love the Lord. 1 John 2:4 says "Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him." Are you guilty of this? In John 8:32 it says "The truth will set us free" but also in John 8:44 it says "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies." Do you want to be like Christ or the devil? Proverbs 12:22 says "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight."
Colossians 3:9 says "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices." If someone asks you a question, be truthful with them. It is best to be honest and truthful. Proverbs 13:5 says "The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace." When you accept Christ you are a new creation and old things and old habits are to pass away, this includes lying. Ephesians 4:25 says "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body." Put it off. Stop it. Do not spread falsehoods by gossiping. Gossiping easily ends up in lies as people start adding their own spin to a story. If you say you will keep a confidence do not share something with someone as then you have lied to the friend you promised. "Do not lie" is one of the Ten Commandments as well. Seems like today's world feels it is okay to not be 100% truthful. God is watching at all times so why not be sure to tell the truth.
We have all made mistakes and we can all be forgiven. Just ask God. He is ready to forgive you and help you have the ability to tell the truth.
PRAYER: Lord I want to be honest and truthful and share your love with others. Help me be full of integrity and never tell any kind of lie. Forgive me for when I have lied in the past. If my lies have caused hurt or pain help me go and ask forgiveness then seek restoration. Lord I know it pleases you when I am truthful and I intend to do that with your help.I want a reputation for being a person people can trust and I want to always be truthful. Help me do this. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link to enjoy and be blessed by a song of victory and freedom.
http://youtu.be/ZWv-UOHzaIc
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
DESPISED AND REJECTED
For anyone who has been rejected either by a friend, a coworker, spouse, family member, a boss,the public, de-friended on Facebook or a host of other type rejections, it is painful. You have to learn to move on beyond your pain and pray for the person who has hurt or rejected you. Do not call them names or stoop to their level. That is what the enemy wants. You have to love them with 'the love of Jesus'.As in yesterdays devotion title you have to simply have the attitude "it is not that deep" even when you feel yourself drowning in sadness, self pity or anger.
Jesus felt rejection more than any of us.The ultimate rejection! It says in scripture in Isaiah 53:3 "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. " Isaiah 53:7 further states "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." Can you imagine being mistreated and keeping your mouth closed? It would be difficult for anyone to do. Human nature wants to get back and get even. Also on the cross with the ultimate act of hate against Him he said in Luke 23:34 "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." A verse in John 1:11 it says "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him." Can you imagine entering the presence of trusted friends and they ignore you? How painful that would be.In Psalm 22:6-7 David felt rejection when he said "But I am a worm and not a man,scorned by men and despised by the people. All who see me mock me;they hurl insults, shaking their heads." Ouch. How cruel is that?
As a follower of Christ at times we may be made fun of or called a Jesus freak. Maybe you recently accepted Christ or got more serious about your walk with Him yet close friends do not understand and stay away from you. You have to love them anyway. Some of my friends may not understand why I have to be so 'religious' by writing this blog. Newsflash! I am not religious I just love Jesus and sharing his love with others. 1 Peter 4:4 says "Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you." Some may mock you behind your back. Just pray for them and nurture other relationships.
Sometimes those walking in darkness do not like the light. Light dispels the darkness. Often times even those 'church people' do not get it. Why on earth do you have to be so 'religious'? Well meaning 'church people' can be some of the most cruel. To them, going on Sunday and living like you want the rest of the week is all that is required for admission to heaven. They wonder why you are so overboard and serious about Jesus. Often people think it is a little 'quacky' and fanatical to get so serious about Jesus. Do not be ashamed ever! Mark 8:38 says "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."
Be thankful for the good relationships you do have in your life and pray for those who have hurt or mistreated you. God is in control.Your pain and heartache were never as great as His.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for friends and family. Thank you for employment. Thank you for what we learn from the hard times in life we go through. Thank you that you are always there when the world runs out. In Jesus name. Amen.
Rejoice in song by clicking on link below.
http://youtu.be/jPJCEQeyZo8
Jesus felt rejection more than any of us.The ultimate rejection! It says in scripture in Isaiah 53:3 "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. " Isaiah 53:7 further states "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." Can you imagine being mistreated and keeping your mouth closed? It would be difficult for anyone to do. Human nature wants to get back and get even. Also on the cross with the ultimate act of hate against Him he said in Luke 23:34 "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." A verse in John 1:11 it says "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him." Can you imagine entering the presence of trusted friends and they ignore you? How painful that would be.In Psalm 22:6-7 David felt rejection when he said "But I am a worm and not a man,scorned by men and despised by the people. All who see me mock me;they hurl insults, shaking their heads." Ouch. How cruel is that?
As a follower of Christ at times we may be made fun of or called a Jesus freak. Maybe you recently accepted Christ or got more serious about your walk with Him yet close friends do not understand and stay away from you. You have to love them anyway. Some of my friends may not understand why I have to be so 'religious' by writing this blog. Newsflash! I am not religious I just love Jesus and sharing his love with others. 1 Peter 4:4 says "Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you." Some may mock you behind your back. Just pray for them and nurture other relationships.
Sometimes those walking in darkness do not like the light. Light dispels the darkness. Often times even those 'church people' do not get it. Why on earth do you have to be so 'religious'? Well meaning 'church people' can be some of the most cruel. To them, going on Sunday and living like you want the rest of the week is all that is required for admission to heaven. They wonder why you are so overboard and serious about Jesus. Often people think it is a little 'quacky' and fanatical to get so serious about Jesus. Do not be ashamed ever! Mark 8:38 says "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."
Be thankful for the good relationships you do have in your life and pray for those who have hurt or mistreated you. God is in control.Your pain and heartache were never as great as His.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for friends and family. Thank you for employment. Thank you for what we learn from the hard times in life we go through. Thank you that you are always there when the world runs out. In Jesus name. Amen.
Rejoice in song by clicking on link below.
http://youtu.be/jPJCEQeyZo8
Monday, March 26, 2012
IT'S ALL GOOD. IT'S NOT THAT DEEP. NO WORRIES
My title stems from the expression you hear nowadays where people are meaning, " it is okay" or " no problem". Sometimes we may get all keyed up about something and tend to worry or just can not be still and relax. The expressions in my title are 'right on the money' so to speak, and mean just what they say or in other words "calm down, chill out!" You may think you have hurt or offended someone and their response is one of the three statements in my title.
How many of us can really do that in situations in life that occur? You may worry what others think or worry about something you have no control over. So let it go already okay? You tell someone it is okay or "not that deep" so let your actions follow that. Basically we are 'not to sweat the small stuff' as they saying goes.
The Bible has lots of wisdom in basically saying the same thing and before these phrases even were uttered. Philippians 4:6 says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Romans 8:28 says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Mark 10:18 says ""Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone." Matthew 6:31 says "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'" Matthew 6:27 says "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Forgive people. Don't hold grudges. Stop worrying. Stop freaking out. Everything is going to be okay. It's all good!
PRAYER: Lord I thank you that you see me through things in life I sometimes initially see as overwhelming. Things aren't that bad if I keep looking to you. Thanks for your promises in the word of God. Help me to remember to keep smiling. In Jesus name. Amen.
How many of us can really do that in situations in life that occur? You may worry what others think or worry about something you have no control over. So let it go already okay? You tell someone it is okay or "not that deep" so let your actions follow that. Basically we are 'not to sweat the small stuff' as they saying goes.
The Bible has lots of wisdom in basically saying the same thing and before these phrases even were uttered. Philippians 4:6 says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Romans 8:28 says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Mark 10:18 says ""Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone." Matthew 6:31 says "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'" Matthew 6:27 says "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Forgive people. Don't hold grudges. Stop worrying. Stop freaking out. Everything is going to be okay. It's all good!
PRAYER: Lord I thank you that you see me through things in life I sometimes initially see as overwhelming. Things aren't that bad if I keep looking to you. Thanks for your promises in the word of God. Help me to remember to keep smiling. In Jesus name. Amen.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
WHO OR WHAT IS YOUR HOPE IN?
In the last presidential campaign four years ago there were window decals out with a candidates picture superimposed with the word 'HOPE' on them. We do not place our hope in any man, any government, or any human institution as they will falter and fail us. The only true hope is in Jesus Christ. He is the only one that can rescue and save us. When we start trusting in man and if man is up on a pedestal higher than God look out. Remember the tower of Babel in the Bible? When man exalts himself over God trouble is brewing. It is arrogant to think a person is better than God or we should hope in a man over God. God after all is supreme and in charge, no one else under heaven or earth.
Jeremiah 29:11 is a familiar verse about hope and it says "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." Isaiah 40:31 is another familiar one and it reads "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
When someone asks you who your hope is in you are not supposed to say it is in a human. Humans disappoint and fail us. Your hope alone should be in the Lord God Almighty maker of heaven and earth. No mere man has the power like God does. Psalm 39:7 clearly says "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you."
PRAYER: Father in your alone is our hope. When things look gloomy we do not look to humans or human solutions but to you. Forgive me if I have ever trusted man over you. When I want to worry help me to remember to look to you as my only source of hope. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link to enjoy worship song. Happy Sunday!
http://youtu.be/wIg6RIbLz1c
Jeremiah 29:11 is a familiar verse about hope and it says "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." Isaiah 40:31 is another familiar one and it reads "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
When someone asks you who your hope is in you are not supposed to say it is in a human. Humans disappoint and fail us. Your hope alone should be in the Lord God Almighty maker of heaven and earth. No mere man has the power like God does. Psalm 39:7 clearly says "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you."
PRAYER: Father in your alone is our hope. When things look gloomy we do not look to humans or human solutions but to you. Forgive me if I have ever trusted man over you. When I want to worry help me to remember to look to you as my only source of hope. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link to enjoy worship song. Happy Sunday!
http://youtu.be/wIg6RIbLz1c
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