"Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?" Galatians 5:7
The Christian life is compared to a race- a race to be run and won. It is not over until we cross the finish line; which happens when we leave this earth and arrive at our home in heaven. So, how's your race going? Are you running it and running it well? Or is something hindering you?
There are many things that can hinder us. Distractions try to hinder us. Distractions come in many forms- other people, pressing responsibilities, busyness or fleshly cravings. Our bodies will try to hinder us through the form of sickness and fatigue. Then of course there is the devil who will try to distract us through temptations. Spending time holding grudges, taking revenge, wallowing in bitterness and unforgiveness, these will all hinder us because they have our attention instead of our attention being on the race that is before us.
How do we stay focused and keep our attention on the race that we are running? When a horse is in a race, they put a blinker- which is a type of partial blinder- on it, so that it can concentrate by looking straight ahead, run properly, correct their attitude so they won't veer to the inner rail and to keep them calm if the noise of the crowd makes them nervous. That's our answer-- put a "blinker" on.
We need to cover our "eyes" with the Word of God. God's Word will keep us focused on the race that is before us as we look to it. It will help us concentrate on spiritual things as we keep our minds renewed in it. It will help us to run properly by keeping us on the straight and narrow racetrack, instead of looking to the left or to the right. It will be the light in front of our feet to show us which direction to go. God's word will correct our attitude as we follow its teaching so we don't veer off the track and stay in the race. When the distractions come- the ones we talked about already and the ones we haven't- God's Word will give us peace so that we can continue on.
As we run the race that is set before us hindrances will come, but as we let God's Word keep us focused we will continue to run it and run it well.
Have a great day. God's Word is like a "blinker" that will help us stay focused on the race that we are running.
For further reading:
Hebrews 12:2
Deuteronomy 6:1-8
Psalm 119:105; 165
Proverbs 4:26,27
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Monday, March 7, 2011
"Celebrate Me"
"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you!" Luke 6:26a
I have heard a recurring message from ministers of the gospel that encourage you to go where you are "celebrated". They will tell you not to hang around people who don't celebrate who you are and what God is doing in your life. They are saying that you need to be around people who will applaud you and rejoice in you. And if you are around people who aren't doing that then find someone else who will. I need to correct something this morning, it is not about you or me! It is not about you being celebrated. It is not about men speaking well of you. It is not about them acknowledging you, your accomplishments, or who you are. As a matter of fact, the scriptures issue a warning about this very thing. We are warned not to seek the praise, approval or applaud of men.
We are already applauded by God. We are of great value to Him. My pastor always says, "The value of something is determined by the price that someone is willing to pay for it". Well, God was willing to pay the ultimate price for us- the blood and life of His only begotten Son Jesus. You can't get any more valuable than that. So I am not saying that we aren't valuable. I am saying that it is not about others applauding who we are. Instead, it is about our lives being to the praise and honor of Jesus. Every thing we do and say should point to Him. We should be doing all for His glory so that HE will be the One celebrated.
Why did He give us a warning on this subject? Seeking the approval of men can cause us to miss the approval of God. Seeking the applaud of men helps further puff our flesh up and can set us up for a downfall because it is a breeding ground for pride. Desiring to be applauded by men robs the glory from God. How? Because anything that we are, anything that we do that is notable, anything good that we may have become, is all because of the grace and goodness of God, we didn't get there by ourselves or on our own.
Don't misunderstand. A word of encouragement is needed from time to time. Everyone needs a "pat on the back" sometimes. We should let people know when they are doing a "good job", the Bible does say to give honor to whom honor is due. But the focus is never on self and we should not live expecting and seeking applauds. Jesus was not always celebrated or applauded, and often He was rejected and ridiculed instead- we won't be either.
Don't seek the applauds of men, instead seek to please the Father. Seek to glorify Him. Seek to lift Him up so that others will applaud Him. If we seek the applauds of men, then we have our reward- their applauds and that is all. But when we seek to see Jesus alone applauded through of lives, then great will be our reward in heaven- where it really counts.
Have a great day. Our desire should not be to be celebrated by men, but to live in such a way where our lives will cause others to celebrate Jesus.
For further reading:
Matthew 6:1-4
John 15:19-20
Ephesians 1:6,12
Acts 17:28
Psalm 100:3
Romans 13:7
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.
Please remember to give credit to
About the Master's Business Ministry.
Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.
http://livingstonesmagazine.homestead.com
I have heard a recurring message from ministers of the gospel that encourage you to go where you are "celebrated". They will tell you not to hang around people who don't celebrate who you are and what God is doing in your life. They are saying that you need to be around people who will applaud you and rejoice in you. And if you are around people who aren't doing that then find someone else who will. I need to correct something this morning, it is not about you or me! It is not about you being celebrated. It is not about men speaking well of you. It is not about them acknowledging you, your accomplishments, or who you are. As a matter of fact, the scriptures issue a warning about this very thing. We are warned not to seek the praise, approval or applaud of men.
We are already applauded by God. We are of great value to Him. My pastor always says, "The value of something is determined by the price that someone is willing to pay for it". Well, God was willing to pay the ultimate price for us- the blood and life of His only begotten Son Jesus. You can't get any more valuable than that. So I am not saying that we aren't valuable. I am saying that it is not about others applauding who we are. Instead, it is about our lives being to the praise and honor of Jesus. Every thing we do and say should point to Him. We should be doing all for His glory so that HE will be the One celebrated.
Why did He give us a warning on this subject? Seeking the approval of men can cause us to miss the approval of God. Seeking the applaud of men helps further puff our flesh up and can set us up for a downfall because it is a breeding ground for pride. Desiring to be applauded by men robs the glory from God. How? Because anything that we are, anything that we do that is notable, anything good that we may have become, is all because of the grace and goodness of God, we didn't get there by ourselves or on our own.
Don't misunderstand. A word of encouragement is needed from time to time. Everyone needs a "pat on the back" sometimes. We should let people know when they are doing a "good job", the Bible does say to give honor to whom honor is due. But the focus is never on self and we should not live expecting and seeking applauds. Jesus was not always celebrated or applauded, and often He was rejected and ridiculed instead- we won't be either.
Don't seek the applauds of men, instead seek to please the Father. Seek to glorify Him. Seek to lift Him up so that others will applaud Him. If we seek the applauds of men, then we have our reward- their applauds and that is all. But when we seek to see Jesus alone applauded through of lives, then great will be our reward in heaven- where it really counts.
Have a great day. Our desire should not be to be celebrated by men, but to live in such a way where our lives will cause others to celebrate Jesus.
For further reading:
Matthew 6:1-4
John 15:19-20
Ephesians 1:6,12
Acts 17:28
Psalm 100:3
Romans 13:7
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.
Please remember to give credit to
About the Master's Business Ministry.
Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.
http://livingstonesmagazine.homestead.com
Thursday, February 24, 2011
"Questioning God"
"And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord God, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!" Joshua 7:7
I grew up being taught that you don't question God. You just accept whatever comes your way and trust Him in spite of it. To question shows lack of faith and disrespect. And besides, who are you to question God? I have since learned that it is actually all right to question Him. He even invites us to come and "reason together with Him".
If you look throughout the scriptures, the Patriarchs and many great men and women of God questioned. Mary the mother of Jesus questioned- not what God was doing- but how she could have a baby since she had not been with a man. The disciples were always questioning Jesus about what He was doing and why.
There are questions and then there are questions. Some questions are to gain knowledge simply because we don't understand. It is all right to ask those questions and it is all right to inquire of the Lord for guidance and direction. But then there are questions that are accusing of who God is and what He is doing. Those are the ones that we have been taught not to ask. But this morning I want to clarify that we can ask those questions. If we are confused by something; if we think that the Lord is behind it; if we think He is doing this or that to us; then we actually need to ask and question Him.
Joshua thought that the Lord had turned on them and given them over to their enemy so he questioned God in a accusing fashion- "Why have You brought us here to destroy us?" Did God rebuke Joshua? Did He punish or kill him for asking? No, He gave him his answer. The enemy would have us keep quiet and keep our questions to ourselves- but never "question" God. Had Joshua not questioned he would have never discovered the reason for their defeat. Once he questioned, God told him that there was "sin in the camp". Through his questioning the answer to the problem was revealed and Joshua then corrected the situation.
God wants us to be honest with Him, even if it means we question, because it is through our questions that He can give us the answer and the solution.
Have a great day. If you don't understand, it is all right to question God.
For further reading:
Joshua 7
Isaiah 1:18
Luke 1:34
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.
Please remember to give credit to
About the Master's Business Ministry.
Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.
http://livingstonesmagazine.homestead.com
I grew up being taught that you don't question God. You just accept whatever comes your way and trust Him in spite of it. To question shows lack of faith and disrespect. And besides, who are you to question God? I have since learned that it is actually all right to question Him. He even invites us to come and "reason together with Him".
If you look throughout the scriptures, the Patriarchs and many great men and women of God questioned. Mary the mother of Jesus questioned- not what God was doing- but how she could have a baby since she had not been with a man. The disciples were always questioning Jesus about what He was doing and why.
There are questions and then there are questions. Some questions are to gain knowledge simply because we don't understand. It is all right to ask those questions and it is all right to inquire of the Lord for guidance and direction. But then there are questions that are accusing of who God is and what He is doing. Those are the ones that we have been taught not to ask. But this morning I want to clarify that we can ask those questions. If we are confused by something; if we think that the Lord is behind it; if we think He is doing this or that to us; then we actually need to ask and question Him.
Joshua thought that the Lord had turned on them and given them over to their enemy so he questioned God in a accusing fashion- "Why have You brought us here to destroy us?" Did God rebuke Joshua? Did He punish or kill him for asking? No, He gave him his answer. The enemy would have us keep quiet and keep our questions to ourselves- but never "question" God. Had Joshua not questioned he would have never discovered the reason for their defeat. Once he questioned, God told him that there was "sin in the camp". Through his questioning the answer to the problem was revealed and Joshua then corrected the situation.
God wants us to be honest with Him, even if it means we question, because it is through our questions that He can give us the answer and the solution.
Have a great day. If you don't understand, it is all right to question God.
For further reading:
Joshua 7
Isaiah 1:18
Luke 1:34
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact.
Please remember to give credit to
About the Master's Business Ministry.
Take time to visit our on-line Christian magazine and blogs.
http://livingstonesmagazine.homestead.com
Monday, October 13, 2008
"For The First Time"
"And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight." Mark 10:51
Daily I thank the Lord for waking me up with all five senses, with a healthy body and a sound mind. I like to walk and pray when the weather permits. The other morning as I was walking and talking with the Lord, and thanking Him for the things I have already mentioned above, suddenly I became so overwhelmed with the fact that I had my five senses. As I was thanking Him for my hearing, it was as if I had been deaf and was hearing sound for the first time. I could hear the birds, the traffic on the road, I could hear a saw running in the distance, I could hear a dog barking, even the crickets chirping. The same thing happened when I began to thank the Lord for my eyesight. It was as if I had never seen before. I could see the leaves on the trees, the rocks on the ground, the squirrels running across the yard, and not only that but I was in my right mind and could identify color, I knew the trees were tall, the rocks felt hard, the flowers smelled sweet.
Like I said, I thank God for these "gifts" daily, but I often wonder if we don't take so much for granted. Even "small" things, even "common" things, even "natural" things. I was glad for the experience that I was having the other morning. It gave me a brand new appreciation for the physical blessings I have that I should take more notice of.
If I were blind, or deaf, or could not recall my own daughter's name, or did not recognize my husband, if I had woke up in a mental institution this morning, or had a chronic illness in my body, I certainly would miss these blessings. So I don't want to neglect to be thankful for them while I have them. I think it would do us all good to look at the blessings we have in our lives- whether they are physical, spiritual or in the area of relationships- as if we were looking at them for the first time, and in light of how it would be if we didn't have them. Perhaps we would live with more gratitude and less complaining.
Have a great day. Look at your world today as if you were seeing, hearing, feeling it for the first time after not being able to. Would you see it differently?
Daily I thank the Lord for waking me up with all five senses, with a healthy body and a sound mind. I like to walk and pray when the weather permits. The other morning as I was walking and talking with the Lord, and thanking Him for the things I have already mentioned above, suddenly I became so overwhelmed with the fact that I had my five senses. As I was thanking Him for my hearing, it was as if I had been deaf and was hearing sound for the first time. I could hear the birds, the traffic on the road, I could hear a saw running in the distance, I could hear a dog barking, even the crickets chirping. The same thing happened when I began to thank the Lord for my eyesight. It was as if I had never seen before. I could see the leaves on the trees, the rocks on the ground, the squirrels running across the yard, and not only that but I was in my right mind and could identify color, I knew the trees were tall, the rocks felt hard, the flowers smelled sweet.
Like I said, I thank God for these "gifts" daily, but I often wonder if we don't take so much for granted. Even "small" things, even "common" things, even "natural" things. I was glad for the experience that I was having the other morning. It gave me a brand new appreciation for the physical blessings I have that I should take more notice of.
If I were blind, or deaf, or could not recall my own daughter's name, or did not recognize my husband, if I had woke up in a mental institution this morning, or had a chronic illness in my body, I certainly would miss these blessings. So I don't want to neglect to be thankful for them while I have them. I think it would do us all good to look at the blessings we have in our lives- whether they are physical, spiritual or in the area of relationships- as if we were looking at them for the first time, and in light of how it would be if we didn't have them. Perhaps we would live with more gratitude and less complaining.
Have a great day. Look at your world today as if you were seeing, hearing, feeling it for the first time after not being able to. Would you see it differently?
Friday, October 10, 2008
"I Am"
"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." Exodus 3:14
When the Lord revealed Himself to Moses out of the burning bush, He identified Himself as "I AM". He didn't say "He WAS" or "He WILL BE". He identified Himself in the present tense. God is the God of the NOW. He's not just God who was in your past and He isn't God who is way off in your future somewhere. He is the God of the here and now.
Now He is what you need. Now He is Savior, Lord, Redeemer, Deliverer. He is the God who heals now. He is the God who meets and supplies needs now. He is the God who makes a way now. He has said that is He a present God- a present help in time of trouble- so it's time we start taking Him out of our past and bring Him into our present. It's time we stop always looking forward to the day "when", and start looking to Him now.
Where have you put God? Is He stuck in your past- all you can do is reminisce about what He used to do, or what He did once upon a time? Have you placed Him somewhere in your future- one day He'll heal me, one day He'll meet the need, etc. Yes, I know that God has a plan, a season and a timing for some things to happen, but there are so many other things that God desires to do for us now and He would do if we would bring Him into our present situations.
Have a great day. He is a present God who desires to move on your behalf in the present.
When the Lord revealed Himself to Moses out of the burning bush, He identified Himself as "I AM". He didn't say "He WAS" or "He WILL BE". He identified Himself in the present tense. God is the God of the NOW. He's not just God who was in your past and He isn't God who is way off in your future somewhere. He is the God of the here and now.
Now He is what you need. Now He is Savior, Lord, Redeemer, Deliverer. He is the God who heals now. He is the God who meets and supplies needs now. He is the God who makes a way now. He has said that is He a present God- a present help in time of trouble- so it's time we start taking Him out of our past and bring Him into our present. It's time we stop always looking forward to the day "when", and start looking to Him now.
Where have you put God? Is He stuck in your past- all you can do is reminisce about what He used to do, or what He did once upon a time? Have you placed Him somewhere in your future- one day He'll heal me, one day He'll meet the need, etc. Yes, I know that God has a plan, a season and a timing for some things to happen, but there are so many other things that God desires to do for us now and He would do if we would bring Him into our present situations.
Have a great day. He is a present God who desires to move on your behalf in the present.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
"Too Busy To Eat"
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2
My little granddaughter has reached the stage where she is "busy"- she doesn't just sit still any more, she wants to explore everything. This makes feeding her a real challenge. She's too "busy" looking around- she likes to look behind her, at the floor, at the ceiling, and she doesn't want to sit still either, she is constantly trying to get out of her high chair. You almost have to "chase" her little mouth down to find it and give her her food.
My little granddaughter has to eat physical food in order to get the nutrition her body needs to develop properly and grow. We also have to have spiritual food so our spirit man will grow and develop. But too many of us are like she is when it comes to "eating" our meal. We are too busy "exploring" other things to sit down and eat and drink from God's word. If we aren't eating natural food we will suffer from malnutrition. If we aren't eating God's word we will suffer from spiritual malnutrition.
There is one difference between the two. If she doesn't eat well or skips a day she won't have malnutrition, it comes through a process of neglecting to eat. Where the spirit man is concerned, if you go without eating the spiritual meat of God's word, spiritual malnutrition begins to take place immediately- it doesn't come through a long process of neglect. This is why we can't afford to miss even one day of reading God's word.
Where are you today? Is God having to "chase" you down to get you to read His word? Are you too busy exploring (involved in) other things to take time to "eat"? If so, this is why you are feeling "spiritually sluggish"- you're experiencing symptoms of malnutrition. Get back to the "table" and "eat". Spiritual malnutrition can be reversed, but you have to start eating and keep eating.
Have a great day. You can't be so busy with other things that you neglect to "eat" God's word- your spiritual well being depends on it.
My little granddaughter has reached the stage where she is "busy"- she doesn't just sit still any more, she wants to explore everything. This makes feeding her a real challenge. She's too "busy" looking around- she likes to look behind her, at the floor, at the ceiling, and she doesn't want to sit still either, she is constantly trying to get out of her high chair. You almost have to "chase" her little mouth down to find it and give her her food.
My little granddaughter has to eat physical food in order to get the nutrition her body needs to develop properly and grow. We also have to have spiritual food so our spirit man will grow and develop. But too many of us are like she is when it comes to "eating" our meal. We are too busy "exploring" other things to sit down and eat and drink from God's word. If we aren't eating natural food we will suffer from malnutrition. If we aren't eating God's word we will suffer from spiritual malnutrition.
There is one difference between the two. If she doesn't eat well or skips a day she won't have malnutrition, it comes through a process of neglecting to eat. Where the spirit man is concerned, if you go without eating the spiritual meat of God's word, spiritual malnutrition begins to take place immediately- it doesn't come through a long process of neglect. This is why we can't afford to miss even one day of reading God's word.
Where are you today? Is God having to "chase" you down to get you to read His word? Are you too busy exploring (involved in) other things to take time to "eat"? If so, this is why you are feeling "spiritually sluggish"- you're experiencing symptoms of malnutrition. Get back to the "table" and "eat". Spiritual malnutrition can be reversed, but you have to start eating and keep eating.
Have a great day. You can't be so busy with other things that you neglect to "eat" God's word- your spiritual well being depends on it.
Monday, October 6, 2008
"Job's Wife"
"Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die." Job 2:9
When you read the story of Job, did you ever wonder why God didn't allow Job's wife to be taken from him? After all, he lost all his livestock, his servants, his children and his health- he lost everything except his wife. Of all the things that the Lord could have left him with, why did He leave a wife that was anything less than edifying, why leave him with someone who was going to discourage him by encouraging him to curse God and die? Why didn't He at least leave him with someone who could help comfort him, someone who would minister to him, someone who would pray with him and help lift his burden?
The answer is not clear until you look at the end of the book. "He had also seven sons and three daughters." (Job 42:1) When God restored everything that Job lost, the restoration included children. Let me ask you a question: How was God going to give Job back children without someone to bare those children? God kept Job's wife because she was the instrument through which part of Job's restoration and his blessing was going to come.
It makes me think about Paul's thorn in the flesh. Paul prayed for it's removal but God didn't remove it. What seemed as a "bad" thing to Paul was actually an instrument used by God to bring something greater into Paul's life.
Sometimes those things that we think are a "curse" in our life, sometimes those things that we think the Lord should take away, sometimes those things in our lives that look like they are against us, are actually the very thing that God is going to use to bring a blessing into our lives through. Job's wife was part of the restoration process. The thorn in Paul's flesh was an instrument to cause the power of Christ to rest upon him. That thing in your life that you think is a hindrance or obstacle to God's plan for your life may actually be part of the process to bring about God's plan for your life.
Have a great day. What looks like a curse, may actually be the thing that brings the blessing.
When you read the story of Job, did you ever wonder why God didn't allow Job's wife to be taken from him? After all, he lost all his livestock, his servants, his children and his health- he lost everything except his wife. Of all the things that the Lord could have left him with, why did He leave a wife that was anything less than edifying, why leave him with someone who was going to discourage him by encouraging him to curse God and die? Why didn't He at least leave him with someone who could help comfort him, someone who would minister to him, someone who would pray with him and help lift his burden?
The answer is not clear until you look at the end of the book. "He had also seven sons and three daughters." (Job 42:1) When God restored everything that Job lost, the restoration included children. Let me ask you a question: How was God going to give Job back children without someone to bare those children? God kept Job's wife because she was the instrument through which part of Job's restoration and his blessing was going to come.
It makes me think about Paul's thorn in the flesh. Paul prayed for it's removal but God didn't remove it. What seemed as a "bad" thing to Paul was actually an instrument used by God to bring something greater into Paul's life.
Sometimes those things that we think are a "curse" in our life, sometimes those things that we think the Lord should take away, sometimes those things in our lives that look like they are against us, are actually the very thing that God is going to use to bring a blessing into our lives through. Job's wife was part of the restoration process. The thorn in Paul's flesh was an instrument to cause the power of Christ to rest upon him. That thing in your life that you think is a hindrance or obstacle to God's plan for your life may actually be part of the process to bring about God's plan for your life.
Have a great day. What looks like a curse, may actually be the thing that brings the blessing.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
"It"
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Philippines 4:6
Earlier this year one of the churches in our area made yard signs that said, "Let's Pray About It". You can see them in front of many houses, but the question arose, "What is 'It'"? What is the thing that we are going to pray about? The church may have had one specific thing in mind when they made them up.. I don't know.
This morning I want to talk about the "it" in our lives. Sometimes "it" is a wayward child that desperately needs to come back to the Lord. Sometimes "it" may be a failing marriage, a broken relationship, rejection by a friend. Perhaps "it" is a decline in your health, a bad report, the loss of a job, a material need, grief over the passing of a loved one. "It" might be a misunderstanding that needs to be corrected. "It" could be a trial, a mountain in your path, a roaring lion, a fiery furnace, a storm that's raging. "It" could be a besetting sin that you can't seem to get victory over. "It" can be many things. "It" can occur at anytime- especially when you least expect "it". "It" comes in all sizes- big and small. To be such a little word, "it" sure carries a big load.
There is one thing about "it" though-- "it' is not bigger than God or too big for Him to handle. "It" is not in control. "It" is not stronger or wiser than God. "It" cannot withstand the power of God. "It" has to yield to the name of Jesus. "It" has to submit to and obey God. If "it" is a storm when He speaks, "Peace be still", "it" has to be still. If "it" is a mountain "it" has to move.
I don't know what your "it" is, but I do know that when you pray about "it", when you take "it" to God, when you cast "it" upon the Lord, "it" will be taken care of. So don't continue to carry "it", don't keep struggling with "it", don't keep allowing "it" to defeat you, give "it" to God... He can handle "it".
Have a great day. Whatever "it" is, take "it" to God in prayer.
Earlier this year one of the churches in our area made yard signs that said, "Let's Pray About It". You can see them in front of many houses, but the question arose, "What is 'It'"? What is the thing that we are going to pray about? The church may have had one specific thing in mind when they made them up.. I don't know.
This morning I want to talk about the "it" in our lives. Sometimes "it" is a wayward child that desperately needs to come back to the Lord. Sometimes "it" may be a failing marriage, a broken relationship, rejection by a friend. Perhaps "it" is a decline in your health, a bad report, the loss of a job, a material need, grief over the passing of a loved one. "It" might be a misunderstanding that needs to be corrected. "It" could be a trial, a mountain in your path, a roaring lion, a fiery furnace, a storm that's raging. "It" could be a besetting sin that you can't seem to get victory over. "It" can be many things. "It" can occur at anytime- especially when you least expect "it". "It" comes in all sizes- big and small. To be such a little word, "it" sure carries a big load.
There is one thing about "it" though-- "it' is not bigger than God or too big for Him to handle. "It" is not in control. "It" is not stronger or wiser than God. "It" cannot withstand the power of God. "It" has to yield to the name of Jesus. "It" has to submit to and obey God. If "it" is a storm when He speaks, "Peace be still", "it" has to be still. If "it" is a mountain "it" has to move.
I don't know what your "it" is, but I do know that when you pray about "it", when you take "it" to God, when you cast "it" upon the Lord, "it" will be taken care of. So don't continue to carry "it", don't keep struggling with "it", don't keep allowing "it" to defeat you, give "it" to God... He can handle "it".
Have a great day. Whatever "it" is, take "it" to God in prayer.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
"Light Bulbs"
"Let your light so shine before men..." Matthew 5:16
When you go to the store and buy a light bulb, is it shining in the box? Do you have to cover it up to keep it from shining in your place of storage before you are ready to place it in the room? A light bulb doesn't shine until it's plugged into the power source. We are like light bulbs-- we are suppose to shine in this dark world so that men can locate where they are (lost) and how to find the way to walk. When the light bulb is manufactured, it is designed to be a light bulb and it's purpose is to shine. When we came to Christ in repentance and He made us into a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), He designed us to be "light bulbs" for the purpose of shining. Even though we are light bulbs, we don't shine unless we are "plugged" into the power source.
Many Christians each day are trying to "shine" but aren't because they are not "plugged in". Just because I'm a "light bulb" doesn't mean I am shining, I have to be connected to the power source. "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:" (John 8:12a) When Moses left the camp and went up the mountain into the presence of God, there was nothing extraordinary about him- he looked like everyone else. But when he came down off of the mountain- after being in the presence of God- the Bible says that his face shone so brightly that he had to hide it under a veil in order for the people to be able to look at him. (Exodus 34) What happened to Moses? Why did he come back looking different? What caused his face to shine like the sun? He was "plugged in" to the power source.
You may be a light bulb but aren't shining--- and you aren't going to shine unless you get plugged in. The way you do that is by getting into the presence of God. We also learn from the story of Moses that it doesn't just happen in a minute or two. He was there forty days. No, you don't have to tarry for forty days in a mountain to get plugged in so that you will shine. But it does take more than that ten minutes you give Him in the car on the way to work. It does take more than just getting in His presence once a week on Sunday mornings. It does take more than a "microwave" moment while on the run. I can partially screw a light bulb into the socket but it still doesn't have a connection. It may look like it's plugged in but it's not so it still won't shine. Are you shining today? Are you plugged in? If you aren't you won't shine. Or is there a loose connection? If there is you won't shine.
Have a great day. You are a light, but you aren't shining unless you are plugged into the presence of the power source-- Jesus.
When you go to the store and buy a light bulb, is it shining in the box? Do you have to cover it up to keep it from shining in your place of storage before you are ready to place it in the room? A light bulb doesn't shine until it's plugged into the power source. We are like light bulbs-- we are suppose to shine in this dark world so that men can locate where they are (lost) and how to find the way to walk. When the light bulb is manufactured, it is designed to be a light bulb and it's purpose is to shine. When we came to Christ in repentance and He made us into a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), He designed us to be "light bulbs" for the purpose of shining. Even though we are light bulbs, we don't shine unless we are "plugged" into the power source.
Many Christians each day are trying to "shine" but aren't because they are not "plugged in". Just because I'm a "light bulb" doesn't mean I am shining, I have to be connected to the power source. "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:" (John 8:12a) When Moses left the camp and went up the mountain into the presence of God, there was nothing extraordinary about him- he looked like everyone else. But when he came down off of the mountain- after being in the presence of God- the Bible says that his face shone so brightly that he had to hide it under a veil in order for the people to be able to look at him. (Exodus 34) What happened to Moses? Why did he come back looking different? What caused his face to shine like the sun? He was "plugged in" to the power source.
You may be a light bulb but aren't shining--- and you aren't going to shine unless you get plugged in. The way you do that is by getting into the presence of God. We also learn from the story of Moses that it doesn't just happen in a minute or two. He was there forty days. No, you don't have to tarry for forty days in a mountain to get plugged in so that you will shine. But it does take more than that ten minutes you give Him in the car on the way to work. It does take more than just getting in His presence once a week on Sunday mornings. It does take more than a "microwave" moment while on the run. I can partially screw a light bulb into the socket but it still doesn't have a connection. It may look like it's plugged in but it's not so it still won't shine. Are you shining today? Are you plugged in? If you aren't you won't shine. Or is there a loose connection? If there is you won't shine.
Have a great day. You are a light, but you aren't shining unless you are plugged into the presence of the power source-- Jesus.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
"Be Sober"
"But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation." 1 Thessalonians 5:8
When we think of the word "sober" we immediately think it's the opposite of being drunk-- and that is one of the definitions. But it also means "to be calm and collected in spirit". As Christians-- children of the day-- there is a peace that we should possess that those who are "of the night" do not have. We have God's peace-- a peace that passes understanding-- not the world's peace. (John 14:27)
If ever there was a time when we need to be "sober" (calm and collected in spirit) it's now. Daily we receive bad reports- reports of great calamites, reports that promote fear and can make you anxious and worried, reports of instability in the economy, discoveries of new diseases, food shortages, evil men rising to power, death and destruction on every hand.
When we are faced with these things, we don't need to be moved by fear, become worried, or prompted by what we see and hear to act in a rash manner. How is it possible? How can we stay calm? How do we stay collected- in full control of our faculties (our emotions and thoughts)? By putting on the "breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation." These are part of our armor. We are "soldiers" of God in a spiritual war. (2 Timothy 2) There is a characteristic that is true of all soldiers-- they are trained and disciplined. As "soldiers" of the Lord we have been fully equipped with everything that we need to walk in a disciplined manner. We also have the Prince of Peace as our "Commander" leading the way and going before us. Even though He did sweat great drops of blood and prayed for the cup to pass from Him when he faced the cross, Jesus exhibited such great peace through His suffering. He was "sober" throughout His whole ordeal leaving us an example to follow and letting us know that through Him we can too. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Have a great day. Stay sober today... calm and collected.
When we think of the word "sober" we immediately think it's the opposite of being drunk-- and that is one of the definitions. But it also means "to be calm and collected in spirit". As Christians-- children of the day-- there is a peace that we should possess that those who are "of the night" do not have. We have God's peace-- a peace that passes understanding-- not the world's peace. (John 14:27)
If ever there was a time when we need to be "sober" (calm and collected in spirit) it's now. Daily we receive bad reports- reports of great calamites, reports that promote fear and can make you anxious and worried, reports of instability in the economy, discoveries of new diseases, food shortages, evil men rising to power, death and destruction on every hand.
When we are faced with these things, we don't need to be moved by fear, become worried, or prompted by what we see and hear to act in a rash manner. How is it possible? How can we stay calm? How do we stay collected- in full control of our faculties (our emotions and thoughts)? By putting on the "breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation." These are part of our armor. We are "soldiers" of God in a spiritual war. (2 Timothy 2) There is a characteristic that is true of all soldiers-- they are trained and disciplined. As "soldiers" of the Lord we have been fully equipped with everything that we need to walk in a disciplined manner. We also have the Prince of Peace as our "Commander" leading the way and going before us. Even though He did sweat great drops of blood and prayed for the cup to pass from Him when he faced the cross, Jesus exhibited such great peace through His suffering. He was "sober" throughout His whole ordeal leaving us an example to follow and letting us know that through Him we can too. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Have a great day. Stay sober today... calm and collected.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
"Who's The Enemy?"
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:35
Our brothers and sisters in the Lord are not our enemies. Even if they were we are to love and pray for them (Matthew 5:44). David (who was a type and shadow of Christ) said that he fasted and prayed for his enemies when they were sick- he denied his own self for their sake (Psalm 35:13). And Jesus Himself prayed for the Father to forgive those who were crucifying Him - His enemies (Luke 23:34).
The Bible tells us that the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force. (Matthew 11:12) So there is some "fighting" we must do (spiritual warfare), but not against each other. We have a very real enemy who is out to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10a) ("For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12) As long as we are busy fighting against each other, then we won't lock shields together and join arm in arm to fight against him. And if we aren't fighting against him then he can go unhindered about the business of destroying people's lives without anyone to stand in his way.
I know that not everyone, or every "group", who calls them self a Christian is a true brother or sister in the Lord-- there has to be recognition of that fact and what is wrong and in error has to be dealt with so that others will not fall into the same deception. But those who are of the family of God, those who have been bought with the blood of Jesus, those who have given their lives to Him--- are not our enemies and we need to recognize that fact and start operating as the "body of Christ"- each member supplying to the next, each one doing it's part, each one receiving from the Head (which is Christ) and functioning as a whole "person". This is not a time for there to be divisions among us.
Have a great day. One can put a thousand to flight... two can put ten thousand to flight. (Deuteronomy 32:30)
Our brothers and sisters in the Lord are not our enemies. Even if they were we are to love and pray for them (Matthew 5:44). David (who was a type and shadow of Christ) said that he fasted and prayed for his enemies when they were sick- he denied his own self for their sake (Psalm 35:13). And Jesus Himself prayed for the Father to forgive those who were crucifying Him - His enemies (Luke 23:34).
The Bible tells us that the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force. (Matthew 11:12) So there is some "fighting" we must do (spiritual warfare), but not against each other. We have a very real enemy who is out to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10a) ("For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12) As long as we are busy fighting against each other, then we won't lock shields together and join arm in arm to fight against him. And if we aren't fighting against him then he can go unhindered about the business of destroying people's lives without anyone to stand in his way.
I know that not everyone, or every "group", who calls them self a Christian is a true brother or sister in the Lord-- there has to be recognition of that fact and what is wrong and in error has to be dealt with so that others will not fall into the same deception. But those who are of the family of God, those who have been bought with the blood of Jesus, those who have given their lives to Him--- are not our enemies and we need to recognize that fact and start operating as the "body of Christ"- each member supplying to the next, each one doing it's part, each one receiving from the Head (which is Christ) and functioning as a whole "person". This is not a time for there to be divisions among us.
Have a great day. One can put a thousand to flight... two can put ten thousand to flight. (Deuteronomy 32:30)
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
"Unconditional Trust"
"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." Psalm 37:3
Do you remember the old hymnal- "Trust And Obey"? Our obedience to God is the greatest proof of our trust in Him. But trust isn't a "fair weather" thing only. Too many of God's children have "conditional" trust. They trust Him as long as the sun is shining, the skies in their world are blue, they have plenty to eat, all the bills are paid, there are no conflicts in their life, and all is at peace.
The real test of trust comes in just the opposite conditions. Do you trust Him when all visible means of support are gone? Do you trust Him to carry you through the storm? Do you trust Him when Pharaoh's army is pursuing? Do you trust Him when the brook is dried up? Do you trust Him when you are standing before the fiery furnace?
It's one thing to trust God when all is well. It's another to trust Him when your world is falling apart. Whatever condition your life is in today, whatever situation you are facing, whatever you are going through- good, bad, or otherwise- are you going to put your trust in the Lord? Is your trust "rooted and grounded" in Him? If it's rooted, if it's grounded, then it's established upon a sure, strong and powerful foundation, and it's a foundation you can put your trust in because it's Jesus, the Solid Rock.
Have a great day. Is your trust in the Lord conditional or unconditional?
Do you remember the old hymnal- "Trust And Obey"? Our obedience to God is the greatest proof of our trust in Him. But trust isn't a "fair weather" thing only. Too many of God's children have "conditional" trust. They trust Him as long as the sun is shining, the skies in their world are blue, they have plenty to eat, all the bills are paid, there are no conflicts in their life, and all is at peace.
The real test of trust comes in just the opposite conditions. Do you trust Him when all visible means of support are gone? Do you trust Him to carry you through the storm? Do you trust Him when Pharaoh's army is pursuing? Do you trust Him when the brook is dried up? Do you trust Him when you are standing before the fiery furnace?
It's one thing to trust God when all is well. It's another to trust Him when your world is falling apart. Whatever condition your life is in today, whatever situation you are facing, whatever you are going through- good, bad, or otherwise- are you going to put your trust in the Lord? Is your trust "rooted and grounded" in Him? If it's rooted, if it's grounded, then it's established upon a sure, strong and powerful foundation, and it's a foundation you can put your trust in because it's Jesus, the Solid Rock.
Have a great day. Is your trust in the Lord conditional or unconditional?
Thursday, February 14, 2008
"His Love"
"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Jeremiah 31:3
Everyone told me that when my grandbaby got here it would be one of the most wonderful things in my life. They said that I would have a love for her that was different than the love I even had for my daughter. They were right! She is the most precious little bundle of joy. I love her so much!! I can't describe the depth of love that I have for her. I could hold her, hug her, kiss her, and never let her go. As I was thinking about how deeply and dearly I love her, the Lord reminded me of a love that was even greater than the love I have for her.... it's His love for us.
God's love for us is greater than we can comprehend or imagine. He loves us so much that He was willing to send His Son to die for us. He loves us so much that He went beyond a verbal expression and demonstrated it by dying on the cross. This morning, I feel that someone needs to hear that He loves you. You have been going through such a difficult time that you have forgotten that He loves you. The situations you have faced have made you wonder where the love of God is for you. I am here to remind you that He loves you. You may have forgotten, you may not feel like it, you may wonder, you may not believe it... but He does love you.
He loves you with an everlasting love. There is nothing that can separate you from His love. His love is eternal- it will never fade away. It is unconditional-- you'll never make Him stop loving you. This morning, if that is you, reach out and take hold of His love. Let Him embrace you once more. Get in a quiet place alone and ask Him to let you feel His love bathe you. He will.
Have a great day. The depth of God's love for us is unfathomable.
Everyone told me that when my grandbaby got here it would be one of the most wonderful things in my life. They said that I would have a love for her that was different than the love I even had for my daughter. They were right! She is the most precious little bundle of joy. I love her so much!! I can't describe the depth of love that I have for her. I could hold her, hug her, kiss her, and never let her go. As I was thinking about how deeply and dearly I love her, the Lord reminded me of a love that was even greater than the love I have for her.... it's His love for us.
God's love for us is greater than we can comprehend or imagine. He loves us so much that He was willing to send His Son to die for us. He loves us so much that He went beyond a verbal expression and demonstrated it by dying on the cross. This morning, I feel that someone needs to hear that He loves you. You have been going through such a difficult time that you have forgotten that He loves you. The situations you have faced have made you wonder where the love of God is for you. I am here to remind you that He loves you. You may have forgotten, you may not feel like it, you may wonder, you may not believe it... but He does love you.
He loves you with an everlasting love. There is nothing that can separate you from His love. His love is eternal- it will never fade away. It is unconditional-- you'll never make Him stop loving you. This morning, if that is you, reach out and take hold of His love. Let Him embrace you once more. Get in a quiet place alone and ask Him to let you feel His love bathe you. He will.
Have a great day. The depth of God's love for us is unfathomable.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
"Out of the Pit"
"He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings." Psalm 40:2
Have you ever been in a pit? Perhaps it was a pit of despair, a pit of pain, a pit of grief, a pit of fear or depression? We all have been in a pit at some time or other, and probably will be again. Pits come unexpectedly. One moment you are going along minding your own business or even doing the work of the Lord then the next minute you are in a pit. This happened to Joseph. He was just obeying his father by looking for his brothers and he got thrown into a pit. The prophet Jeremiah was delivering the word of the Lord and wound up in a pit. Daniel was praying and got thrown into a pit.
Pits are unavoidable- they are out there waiting for you to fall into them-- the enemy of our soul will see to that. But the question is, "What are you going to do when you find yourself in a pit?". Are you going to try to get out? Are you going to give up? Are you going to throw up your hands? Are you going to sit there and feel sorry for yourself and wait to die? What are you going to do?
The good news is you don't have to stay in the pit. Joseph got out, so did Jeremiah and Daniel. How did they get out? Did they deliver themselves? No, the Lord brought them out. The Lord will bring you out also. His hand is not too short that it cannot reach down and save you. If you will look to Him and call out to Him, He will bring you up out of the pit onto a higher place and set your feet upon a rock.
Have a great day. You don't have to stay in the pit, the Lord will help you out.
Have you ever been in a pit? Perhaps it was a pit of despair, a pit of pain, a pit of grief, a pit of fear or depression? We all have been in a pit at some time or other, and probably will be again. Pits come unexpectedly. One moment you are going along minding your own business or even doing the work of the Lord then the next minute you are in a pit. This happened to Joseph. He was just obeying his father by looking for his brothers and he got thrown into a pit. The prophet Jeremiah was delivering the word of the Lord and wound up in a pit. Daniel was praying and got thrown into a pit.
Pits are unavoidable- they are out there waiting for you to fall into them-- the enemy of our soul will see to that. But the question is, "What are you going to do when you find yourself in a pit?". Are you going to try to get out? Are you going to give up? Are you going to throw up your hands? Are you going to sit there and feel sorry for yourself and wait to die? What are you going to do?
The good news is you don't have to stay in the pit. Joseph got out, so did Jeremiah and Daniel. How did they get out? Did they deliver themselves? No, the Lord brought them out. The Lord will bring you out also. His hand is not too short that it cannot reach down and save you. If you will look to Him and call out to Him, He will bring you up out of the pit onto a higher place and set your feet upon a rock.
Have a great day. You don't have to stay in the pit, the Lord will help you out.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)