Devotions - Prayer
Learn from you Failures & Trials!
Failing does not make us failures. It makes us experienced!!!
Proverbs 19:2 Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.
* A good reminder that passion does not equal wisdom or knowledge. We have to make sure our passion is directed in the right direction.
*Let’s remember to Pray first and Ask for Godly Wisdom before jumping into new activities.
* As the Holy Spirit does His work in us, we learn to walk with God. We learn what it means to see our work as “His work” and we desire to do it “His way”.
Matthew 22:29 Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God.
**One of our biggest Failures—- is not to understand the power of God.
Proberbs 17:3 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the LORD tests the heart.
*We need to withstand the heat while being transformed into something of even greater value.
*Because God loves us, and sees us as valuable to Him, He allows us to go through trials.
If God did not love us, He would not bother with trials because He does not care weather we become better, stronger, more holy….
*The trials of the Lord are seldom enjoyable – but the lesson learned is invaluable, if wisely and patiently endured .
*The theme of scripture is Glory out of trials, pain & suffering. Because God loves us He considers our state, and He is moved because out of love He is driven to see us become what His Son, JESUS has made possible.
James 1:3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
Know that God is up to something.
1. God has a perfect plan for you.
2. God’s plan is always moving forward.
3. God’s is constructive and not destructive.
*How do you know God has a plan for YOU? The answer is –YOU are still here.
*Some things in life you can’t get unless you get down on your knees.
Romans 2:4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he(David) became their leader….
1 Samuel 22:2
*Man looks on the outward appearance but God looks at the inward- the heart!
Learn from Failure
Learning from failure and having regret are two separate things.
* Regret is an emotion; a feeling of disappointment along with a modest amount of shame or guilt.
* But to look back at a circumstance and figure out what went wrong gives you some very important information.
This review allows you to evaluate what worked and what didn’t, and more importantly, why.
Often when you are removed from a situation, you can look at it more objectively which will allow you to make better choices to keep moving forward.
Ask for Help!!!!!!You are not alone!!!!
It may feel that way sometimes, but there are many people who would extend their hand and lift you up if asked. Tap into Experience of the Faithful!
* Often times we are afraid to ask because we don’t believe we are worthy to receive the help.
*** Think about this: we are surrounded by millions and millions of people by design – for a purpose. Some have had the personal experience you need.
** A hand to grasp, a shoulder to cling, and a face to radiate hope can help you to keep moving forward.
Joshua 1:9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Think about all the miracles God has performed for you? They haven’t produced in you much faith to help you in your present trouble!
I believe the greatest lasting sign or wonder to the world in these last days is not a person who has been raised from the dead. No,(even though Great) what truly makes an impact on the mind and spirit of the ungodly is the Christian who endures all trials, failures, storms, pain and suffering Daily with a confident faith. People want some of that!!!
Such a believer emerges from his troubles stronger in character, stronger in faith, stronger in Christ—Knowing Jesus is in control!
Ephesians 2:20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.
God often uses failure to make us useful. When Jesus called the disciples, He did not go out and find the most qualified and successful people. He found the most Willing. He found a fisherman, a tax collector, and a farmer.
*The Hebrews knew that failure was a part of maturing in God.
*The Greeks used failure as a reason for disqualification. Sadly, in the Church, we often treat one another in this way.
This is not God’s way.
*** We need to understand that Failing does not make us failures. It makes us experienced.
***Failure makes us more prepared to be useful in God’s Kingdom — if we have learned from it. Use them to help others. And that is the most important ingredient for what God wants in His children.
Deuteronomy 31:8 Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.
Father, thank You for Jesus’ courage, which dared to challenge human traditions. Grant that I may see myself and others as You see us–sick people in need of a physician. Lord–I am encouraged that You are always with me. Whom shall I fear with You with me. How can I fail as long as I follow your way. Thank You for All Your promises.
Isaiah 40:29 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Amen
***Jan. 24 at Christ Church at 7PM will be an informational meeting to kick off our NEW Moving Forward Group. Come for a great night of testimonials of “what God is doing in and through individuals.
**Revelation Bible study starting Jan 26. Go to web address below and go to calendar-scroll down to Thurs. And open “Community Wide Bible Study”.
Remember, it is worth nothing if you gain the whole world and lose your own soul (Mt. 16:26). Make today count for God.
Psalms 42:11 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
*I believe David was asking this question because he came to the realization that “Hey! I don’t have to live in this pit.
* I am chosen by God. He will deliver me. He will not forsake me. He is my refuge and fortress!
*I don’t need to wallow in self-pity. God is on my side.
*I have hope. He Is my Hope!
*I can’t lose this battle!– Self, put your hope in God!!”
Sometimes when we hit a bump in the road or a pit in our journey, we look for somebody else to “give us a word”. But you need to get to a place that you can encourage yourself through Prayer and Word (Relationship with Jesus). Give your soul a wake-up call! Put your hope in God!
God’s Love is the only solid foundation upon which human love can be built. If “feelings” have diminished or died within a relationship, only Agape can rekindle the flame.
* “…the things impossible with men are possible with God.” Luke 18:27
Let us seek again and ask for God’s voice about what is our true purpose in this life.
I know everyone of us have a special purpose that the Lord has chosen for us to finish. Now the question, are we willing to seek that purpose and do it? Or we just do what our daily routine wants us to do?
Help Transform Lives:(5R’S) At Times I may be down but I’m not out. Here is a biblical way to Move Forward when down: Release it ALL to the Lord — Resist ALL Bitterness— Reevaluate your Life— Receive help from others and totally Rely on the Lord! You have great Worth!
Believe You are Worthy
*Don’t look to the past, God is doing a “New Thing”.
*Prayer and God’s Word changes everything because it releases God’s wisdom into your circumstances.
*Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.
*Hate can only be driven out by Love.
Here is how the Bible describes God’s Love: Listen to what its telling You today! Put your name in the verse(ex. Bob is Very Patient? Etc. ).
** “God’s Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. God’s love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-6.
Sometimes we are so used to thinking a certain way that we can’t seem to make a first definite step, even though we know deep down in our hearts that it’s the right thing to do.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you”-[this is] the Lord’s declaration-“plans for [your] welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Whatever your goal, your dream, or your desire, you are worthy of achieving it. YES That means you too!
The closer you get to it is when the enemy of your soul will begin putting doubt in your mind by playing the self-limiting tapes that say you are not worthy.
Replace these old tapes with a newer one that contains the Truth – You ARE worthy to have your heart’s true desire and to keep moving forward.
Romans 12: 2 Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.
Take 100% Responsibility
Except in rare and unfortunate circumstances, YOU are responsible for the quality and condition of your life. Your career, your relationships and your happiness are all under your direct control.
Sometimes we choose to do nothing when we get hit hard because it’s just easier and less painful that way.
But the “Real Pain” is only deferred. You have to live with yourself. You have to live with the voice in your gut, your inner wisdom, that says you gave up too soon or didn’t try hard enough.
* When you hear this inner voice speaking to you, it’s usually right. It’s your choice, then, to get up and keep moving forward.
Living for a Cause Greater than Yourself
We cannot learn techniques or methods to love like God. Only God is Love!!
“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Has God allowed a crisis in your life? God often raises leaders and begins movements as a result of a personal crisis in a person’s life.
*God raises up leaders to take on causes that are much greater than themselves.
“Come and follow Me. Follow me”, Jesus says, for the path of the season has been prepared even before the foundations of the earth were laid.
This path we are on has been in existence and resting in eternity and now Jesus lays it before us to be walked upon in this season.
*Let’s Walk with Jesus on this path and we will find Victory and Worth!
*Walk with Jesus on this path and we will receive the blessings.
*Walk with Jesus on this path and the healing power of the Most High shall come upon you.
* Jesus will be with you and walk with you.
* The Kingdom shall be established and your destiny will be revealed.
Joshua 1:9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
**What are we unwilling to sacrifice for God’s call on our lives?— Whatever it is it’s worth less than our souls.
*Troubles may come, but not designed to overcome you.
* Whatever you are passing through now, you will soon pass over.
* You are too precious in God’s eye to be mismanaged.
* God is ever ready to defend you.
*You ARE WORTHY! God’s Masterpiece!
2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
*We should learn to share what we have. “Our Testimony”. What Jesus has done for you!! This Heals!!!
*Remove the weight (sin) that trips us up!
* We need to fix our eyes and focus ON JESUS! Don’t let worldly things CONSUME you!
Consider the one who trusts God in the hard places: “Blessed is the man who
trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord” (Jeremiah 17: 7).
.” (Jeremiah 17: 8). When things get intense and bothersome, he will not be afraid!
This person says, “Jesus, I give up looking to any person to bring me out of my trial. You are my only hope. I look to You to bring me out of this!”
*God’s Love is dependent only upon God, who is eternally faithful, trustworthy and reliable.
* “For I, the Lord, do not change…”
Malachi 3:6
” As you know, like a father with his own children, we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” (1 Thess. 2:11-12).
God equips us for ALL that He has called us to do, —-be it raising our children, other relationships and/or ministry. We have Worth!!!! How refreshing!!
LORD – thank you a thousand times … Thank for pursuing me when I don’t pursue you. Thank you for mercy when I fail you. Thank you for patience when I sin and thank you for your gentle discipline when I don’t deserve it. Thank you for Christ, for choosing me, for saving me and for sanctifying me. Thank you for being Your masterpiece.
Help my life to be a good example to others. Thank you for your love and my supernatural Testimony of the life change you’ve made in me. God please help me be more humble. Remind me that things I have and I do are to make a better world but never for me. It is always and will be for Your glory. AMEN!!!!
***Jan. 24 at Christ Church at 7PM will be an informational meeting to kick off our NEW Moving Forward Group. Come for a great night of testimonials of “what God is doing in and through individuals.
**Revelation Bible study starting Jan 26. Go to web address below and go to calendar-scroll down to Thurs. And open “Community Wide Bible Study”.
Do You Know What You Want??
Do you Know What God Wants??
Life is meaningless only if we allow it to be.
Each of us has the power to give life meaning, to make our time and our bodies and Gods words into instruments of love and hope.
The Word of God only profits us if we believe it (Heb. 4:2). The message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.
*God’s promises + faith = personal benefits.
*#1—Life without GOD is nothing.
*God must be Central in EVERYTHING we do! Otherwise Life is Meaningless. Read Ecclesiastes 1.
Learn this one secret in life and success will find you … keep moving forward.
If you keep doing what you’re doing now, where do you see yourself in one year?
You’ll make progress in some areas of your life but are they the areas that you Care most about?
Are they the areas that Mean the most to you?
Most of us would love to move forward in certain areas of our life but let’s face it, sometimes it’s Very hard.
Sometimes we are so used to thinking a certain way that we can’t seem to make a first definite step, even though we know deep down in our hearts that it’s the right thing to do.
Truly, …God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty… (1 Cor. 1:27-28).
**If you feel foolish or weak, then you qualify. Let the Lord use you today.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
*The promises of God are powerful and awesome to grasp. Receiving Jesus guarantees eternal life in Heaven:
1) God provides your relationship by grace.
2) God provides your growth by grace.
*Focus on what you can do –not what you can’t do.
* Learn how to dream big and cut out distractions.
Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
*Do not stop dreaming your dreams!
*Do not underestimate your ability!
*Do not let the devil detour your destiny!
*There is a time for everything!
*Realize your power, potential, and promise.
***Potential is untapped ability that hasn’t been activated or used yet.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is an appointed time, and an appropriate time for every activity on earth:
Know What You Want
This isn’t about the how, only the
what.
In order to move forward in life,
you need a firm foundation to step from.
Hebrews 11:10 For he(Abraham) was looking forward to the city with firm foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
* Understanding what and where God wants you to go in life will provide your vision and spirit – your foundation.
*We’ve got to get our eyes on Jesus again! (Heb 11:6, 10, 13-16)
**Faith IS the Foundation of our life!
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
*Faith is being, living, speaking, acting the word of GOD.
The how will figure itself out when you know you want to keep moving forward.
TRUST: There are no accidents without value.
* When you get hit hard and land on your back, look for the reasons and for the value in this.
Psalms 33:21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.
*** Open your heart and trust this happened for a reason.
* Perhaps it was to test your determination or to alert you to the fact you were on the wrong path.
* Either way, Trust the Experience is happening for a reason and be open to making adjustments in order to keep moving forward.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose,
Want it More:
How badly do you want it? How badly do you really want to achieve what YOU are working so hard to accomplish?
When you get hit hard, you have an opportunity to answer this question.
*It’s one thing to say you want to do something, or to be something.
*BUT to walk through the pain; to get up and keep moving forward knowing there may be more pain ahead, is a test of your determination and resolve.
* When you find yourself getting Back on your feet, you HAVE indeed answered this question and there’s no doubt you will keep moving forward.
Man’s knowledge is based on observation. It cannot give perfect instruction about the future. God’s knowledge can.(Hosea 4: 6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.).
**Knowledge and Understanding or Meaningless information…..
*Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit we can know things to come (Jn. 16:13).
*Through Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit, God wants to speak to you on a One-to-one basis every day.
*God wants to lead you step-by-step to the good things He has in store for you.
When dealing with God, revelation knowledge is essential. The Lord’s ways are not always our ways (Isa. 55:8).
*A fear of trusting the intuitive knowledge that God gives us will cause us to miss many blessings of God.
*An unteachable spirit is an unwillingness to change.
We need to ask for and expect to receive revelation knowledge from the Lord. God desires to impart it more than we desire to receive it.
“Great blessings await those who will NOT depend solely on their own understanding (Prov. 3:5).
We are God’s workmanship. We are his pottery. Allow Him to mold us. We were created for good works so its time to dream big. Be excited about your future—You are God’s Masterpiece!
*Why do you think God chose you?
*Don’t ever try to be somebody else, you are different, special and nobody can do You better than You.
1Corinthians 12:4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different activities, but the same God activates each gift in each person.
*If you want to understand God, treasure His Word.
*If you want to understand Jesus, treasure His Word.
*If you want to understand Holy Spirit, treasure His Word.
*If you want to understand Kingdom and Kingdom principles, treasure His Word.
*If you want to understand christianity, treasure His Word.
I will put my trust in you, oh Lord! You are Lord, you are love. We are absolutely loved and accepted. Would you continue to remind me of this? Would you give me a bigger picture of your love? Please help me to Trust You in EVERY Circumstance. Lord, I will trust in You and not try to fix things on my own– Knowing that You have a Plan and a Reason for all things for Your Glory.
God, I recognize the need for Balance and boundaries in my life. As I read Your Word, show me how to apply Your healthy boundaries and move forward in my life giftings today. Amen
***MOVING FORWARD IN YOUR LIFE:
Jan. 24 at Christ Church at 7PM will be an informational meeting to kick off our NEW Moving Forward Group. Come for a great night of testimonials of “what God is doing in and through individuals.
**Revelation Bible study starting Jan 26. Go to web address below and go to calendar-scroll down to Thurs. And open “Community Wide Bible Study”.
*If you want to understand God, treasure His Word.
The Bible says we are to love God and one another, but many Christians have little or no idea how to do that.
* “…for the wishing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.”
Romans 7:18
Psalm 94:18-19 When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
* When I feel that things are going right God is always there and I feel His love. when I feel anxious or worried He is there to bring me joy.
* I will know that God’s love is unfailing and in him I can find joy.
One thing I’ve always loved about the picture of God that we find in the Bible is this: that God is so Understanding and Patient with each one of us.
*God knows our weaknesses.
*God knows our frailties, and He does not ask of us that which we are not able to give.
*All He asks is that we give what we have – and beyond that, His grace supplies.
The psalmist here(Psalm 94:18-19) says, “My foot is slipping.” He was in a position where he was no longer in control. He couldn’t save himself, but he says with great gratitude, “Your love, O LORD, supported me.”
How often that’s true. When we come to the place where our foot is slipping, then God reaches out in His great love and mercy and He supports us and saves us.
*Then the psalmist says that “when anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” **Again, that’s true to experience. In times of anxiety and fear and testing, God moves in with His consolation, and in spite of all the trouble that we may be passing through, His consolation brings joy to our soul.
In fact, it often happens that the greater the opposition, the greater the trouble, the greater the problem, the more Wonderful is the experience of joy that we receive from God’s consolation.
* NOTHING can touch us without it going through Gods fingertips. He is our Light, Salvation, Comfort, and Fortress.
The 4 Love’s we have!
The natural human loves inspired by friendship (phileo), family (storge), or romance (eros), are awesome blessings from our Creator, BUT Agape is the only love essential to human survival. Only God’s Divine Love can give us the Identity and Purpose we need to live life to the fullest.
* “If I have not (God’s) Love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2
We cannot learn techniques or methods to love like God. Only God is Love.
**”I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
*We know to live in Christ but we must learn that God is in us as well. Mutual abiding produces much fruit.
*We do not bear fruit for ourselves to eat but for others when we ABIDE in Him.
*We can do nothing without Him- but we can do ALL things through Him!
Jesus is the basis for our beliefs. All that we are stems out of that belief.
Jesus calls us to follow Him, to learn his way, to share His Good News.
Many people are scared to put their complete Trust in something they cannot see and prove.
While these people may do many good works, they do not help further the Kingdom of God. (God’s way of doing things. Roman 14:17).
They are merely doing goods works to make themselves feel better.
Those that remain in close relationship with Jesus and are obedient will Reproduce more Christ-followers simply because people will be drawn to that which gives them strength and peace – Jesus Christ!!!!
Disciples of Christ are to bear much fruit, this to glorify the Father.
Dear God thank you for your unfailing love and the joy you bring in the toughest times. Help me to always remember that we have seasons of life and you always have a reason. I want to learn from trials in my life, help me to do that. Lord, I want to be closer to you. I want to know You more. I want my heart to yearn for Your Word every morning. If I am to be effective in ministry, I need to remain in close relationship with you. When I do that, I am likely to hear with great clarity what the Lord has in store for me. Jesus, I cannot do anything of true value if I do not grow in my relationship with You. I will seek You daily and be obedient to Your call for my life- for Your Glory. Amen
***Jan. 24 at Christ Church at 7PM will be an informational meeting to kick off our NEW Moving Forward Group. Come for a great night of testimonials of “what God is doing in and through individuals.
**Revelation Bible study starting Jan 26. Go to web address below and go to calendar-scroll down to Thurs. And open “Community Wide Bible Study”.
Moving Forward In 2012!
Why Moving Forward- (Habakkuk 2:2,3)
*Vision releases people to run. You are made to run under the purpose of God.
*Where there is no vision, there is no hope.
“Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” 1 Peter 2:10
* I will not waste chances to share about my Savior. I will not waste chances to share of my faith. I will step out and allow myself to be God’s vessel.
DON’T BE AFRAID, THE LORD IS WITH YOU AND FIGHTS FOR YOU!
Move Forward by Faith in the Face of Impossible Odds!
Exodus 14:15 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.
*Sometimes when the enemy is at your back and great resistance is at the front, God will command you to move forward!
By doing that you will see His hand move what blocks you out of the way.
So 2012 is a year of renewal of faith in the Lord!
*2012 is YOUR YEAR OF THE WORD OF. GOD! The Word of God on your lips is God talking! The whole year is for you! As you make the Word of God grow in you, you will prevail in every situation through the Word! Though you may face valleys and feel afraid, just know God will hear your calls through prayer and all He may tell you is to keep moving forward!
Watch and be amazed and the power of faith, word and trust in Jehovah. There is No God like Jehovah!!!!
” The Lord will fight for you, and you can be still.” …”Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on.” – Exodus 14:14-15
Moses had brought the whole nation of Israel, approximately 600,000, to a dead end in the desert.
The only thing between Israel and Pharaoh’s pursuing army was the Red Sea.
*This was after ten plagues God had inflicted on Pharaoh to motivate him to free the Israelites. Finally, Pharaoh had freed Moses and the people, and they left Egypt. They thought they were home free. “Freedom at last,” they said. *But God did a strange thing. He directed Moses to take a route that led to the Red Sea, instead of the northern route around the Red Sea.
* God explained that He didn’t want them fighting the enemies they would have encountered on this route. But still, there was the issue of the Red Sea.
They finally arrived at the Red Sea, and the people were wondering where they would go from there.
News hit the camp: Pharaoh had changed his mind. He was coming after them with his army.
Panic set in. The defenseless Israelites cried out,
“Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?…It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” (Ex. 14:11b-12)
***God sometimes brings each of us to a “Red Sea” in our life.
* It may be a work problem that can’t be solved.
*It may be no job.
*It may be a marriage that seems to be failing.
*It may be an addiction.
*It may be a debilitating disease. **Whatever your Red Sea, God tells us one thing: “Keep moving.”
The Red Sea was before them, yet God was angered at Moses and told him to “Keep moving.”
“But Lord, the Red Sea is before me.” “Keep moving.”
**When we live by sight, we act on what we see. God sets this stage in dramatic fashion. God is into the dramatic. There is no way out without God here.
That is just the way He wants it. No one will get glory except God.
A friend once admonished me when I was in the midst of an extremely difficult time in my life, “You must not withdraw from being proactive in your faith just because of this trial that you are in.
God’s hand is on your life!!
There are too many who are depending on YOU to fulfill the purposes God has in your life.
* Keep Moving Forward! Keep investing yourself in others.
I didn’t feel like it. I was in too much pain. But I did it anyway. God met me at the point of my greatest need once I decided simply to be obedient.
Getting past myself by investing myself in others helped heal the pain.
**There is great healing when we look past our own problems and seek to invest ourselves in others for the sake of Christ.
***This is when our own Red Seas become parted.
** We begin to walk to freedom. But we will never experience the miracle of the Red Sea in our lives if we don’t first “Keep moving.”
What is that area of your life you have been crying for a change. For something new. For something better.
The place the enemy has made you cry God is about to make you laugh.
We cannot MOVE Forward by going backward.
No matter what challenges we face in our walk with God—- going back in sin can NEVER be better.
Backsliding should never be an option on the cards of the believer! KEEP MOVING FORWARD!
*The way of the cross always leads to a resurrection, to a new beginning, on different terms.
*The way of the cross leads to freedom, to being set free from natural catastrophe and disaster, to having your spirit peaceful and at rest, despite what is happening to your body or your person.
**** This is what people really want. How we long for and dream of being free, whole, adequate, able to handle life, able to cope with whatever comes, undisturbed at heart.
***To be fully free, we must have the desire, the ability, and the opportunity to do what will make us happy forever.
*With No regrets.
*And only Jesus, the Son of God who died and rose for us, can make that possible.
Father, I ask that You will help me understand that Jesus is in the hurts, in the disappointments, in the disasters, that He is leading me on, setting me free from that which I’m in bondage too–all my “self-sufficiency” and “self-reliance,” all my desire to be exalted, to be made much of. Father, I am sorry for the opportunities that You have placed in front of me that I have wasted. I plead for more chances and for the strength and courage to not let them pass me by. Help me Move Forward in all areas of my life, becoming more like You daily, till the day You, Jesus Return. I love You! Amen
***Jan. 24 at Christ Church at 7PM will be an informational meeting to kick off our NEW Moving Forward Group. Come for a great night of testimonials of “what God is doing in and through individuals.
**Revelation Bible study starting Jan 26. Go to web address below and go to calendar-scroll down to Thurs. And open “Community Wide Bible Study”.
AT THE END OF YOUR ROPE
” I will cry out to God and call for help!
I will cry out to God and he will pay attention to me. In my time of trouble I sought the Lord. I kept my hand raised in prayer throughout the night. I refused to be comforted”.(Psalms 77:1-2).
*Chapter 77 is a great Psalm ! Your not alone! Even the great men of God felt these feelings and doubts.
*Ever cried out “God where are you”?
* Symptoms of God’s seeming absence.
a) I feel like praying does no good. PS 77:1
b) I can’t sleep PS 77:4
c) I dwell on how good things used to be. PS 77:5
d) I fear things will never get better PS 77:7 -8
2) SOLUTION: the power of positive memory. PS 77:10-12
Rejoice and be glad for the Lord has wonderful plans for you fulfilling His eternal purpose through you!
* ” Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19
Paul wrote “. . . that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises
the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9). He said, in essence, “The Lord brought me to
the end of all human help, the brink of death. It was a place so hopeless, only
the God of resurrection power could have rescued me!”
What a wonderful place to be—at the end of your rope! I have always said that when you hit rock bottom you bump into God!
Yet, if you listen to most Christians in the midst of their suffering, you hear, “I’ll make it somehow. I’m hanging in the there. I just live one day at a time.”
Since childhood we have been spoon-fed the concept of self-sufficiency: “Take
it like a man! Men don’t cry!” How many times have you tried to work out all
your troubles?
How often have you been flooded with temptations that overwhelmed you?
Please don’t misunderstand me. I believe God wants us to fight the good fight of faith, but the Lord has a way of allowing us to be “pressed out of
measure.”
* Nothing you try works.
* Nothing you have read seems to help. *No counsel of others makes any sense. *Suddenly, you are forced into a crisis that obliterates all your trust in yourself.
**You have no hope—except to give up
all human hope. You are forced to trust God—and you see that the only way out
is to trust!
Paul clearly is saying to us, “I had the sentence of death in me. I was
tested beyond measure, at the end of all hope.
* And it was all so I would no
longer trust in myself!
* I had to turn to God, with faith that He alone could save me out of my sufferings!”
WHEN WE CHOOSE NOT TO BE OVERWHELMED BY THE SITUATION,
GOD WILL OVERWHELM US WITH HIS UNENDING PEACE!!!
**When we choose to be faithful to God, He will show Himself faithful!
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
What is this way of escape?
* It is coming to the end of your own strength and turning absolutely to God! *It is saying, as Paul did, “I do not trust in myself anymore!”
***The way of escape is simple, childlike faith in God.
*It is trusting Him totally to see you through it all, resigning yourself and saying, “God, I put everything on You!”
***To be fully free, we must have the desire, the ability, and the opportunity to do what will make us happy forever.
*With No regrets.
*And only Jesus, the Son of God who died and rose for us, can make that possible.
*We were not created to stay the same. We, as Christians, were created to be changed. To be transformed. To be different. To be changed.
**” And we all, with unveiled faces reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, which is from the Lord, who is the Spirit”. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
*Get rid of stinking thinking. Let Jesus remove the veil that covers your eyes from the truth. Turn to Him and he will set your heart free.
The enemy has launched an attack to blanket your spiritual environment with heaviness. The first sign of this intrusion will be a sense of oppression or even depression without a reason. Be on guard against gloomy feelings and be ready to rise up and fight your way through to victory over this onslaught. Re-establish yourself in the peace and joy atmosphere in the Lord’s kingdom.
**Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me, says the LORD.
*When we allow Jesus to be lord of all—when we cast all our cares upon Him,
fully trusting in His Word and resting in His love—our appearance should
undergo a deep change. A quiet calm should begin to radiate from our
countenance.
Father GOD: I am victorious; the enemy has no authority over my ministry, my health, my wealth, or my relationships. Lord continue to remove the veil that covers my eyes from Your Truth. Thank You that the more I Turn to You, the more You will set my heart free. Fill me this day with Your Love!
” Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”.(Phil. 4:4-7). In JESUS name Amen
To be fully free! To be fully free we must have the desire, the ability, and the opportunity to do what will make us happy forever.
*No regrets.
**And only Jesus, the Son of God who died and rose for us, can make that possible.
1 Thessalonians 3: 2 and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith,
*Paul and Timothy want to see the Thessalonians so badly that Paul sends Timothy to check on them and encourage them.
*The thing I see still lacking in my own life is still a deeper daily passion for those lost souls around me and the total obedience to fulfill my purpose in “the Great Commission” from God.(Matthew 28:19-20).
Paul prays so fervently for the sanctification of the church! He wants them to overflow with love—like he does — I want to overflow with more of that love so I am able then, to give love away to others! It’s the overflow we can give.
After sanctification(to be set apart from Sin and made holy), it is difficult to state what our purpose in life is, because:
*God has moved us into His purpose through the Holy Spirit.
*God is using YOU now for His purposes throughout the world as He used His Son for the purpose of OUR salvation.
I have found out the hard way–If you seek great things for yourself, thinking, “God has called me for this and for that,” you barricade God from using you.
Found that: As long as you maintain your own personal interests and ambitions, you cannot be completely aligned or identified with God’s interests. We need to Be emptied of our self and then allowing God to fill us up in His special way!
This can only be accomplished by giving up ALL of your personal plans once and for all, and by allowing God to take you directly into His purpose for the world not for yourself.
Psalms 57: 2. I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.
*God does not expect us to do it all on our own but to trust that it is Him that fulfills His purpose for us.
*Our understanding of our ways must also be surrendered, because they are now the ways of the Lord.
*I must learn that the purpose of my life belongs to God, not me.
*God is using me from His great personal perspective, and all He asks of me is that I trust Him.
*I should never say, “Lord, this causes me such heartache.” To talk that way makes me a stumbling block.
** When I stop telling God what I want, He can freely work His will in me without any hindrance.
*God can crush me, exalt me, or do anything else He chooses.
*God simply asks me to have Absolute Faith in Him and His Goodness.
***”Self-pity is of the devil, and if I wallow in it I cannot be used by God for His purpose in the world. Doing this creates for me my own cozy “world within the world,” and God will not be allowed to move me from it because of my fear of being “frost-bitten.”(Oswald)
Being a Christ follower means preserving the decaying culture.
*God has called us to be the Salt of the Earth!(Matthew 5:13). We are the salt of the earth! We should be filled with the flavor of Christ. If we become flavorless or our light goes out, what good are we? What is our purpose?
The Lord has given every believer Faith. (Rom. 12:3).
*Faith was given to us at salvation through hearing the Word of God:
Eph. 2: 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.;
Rom. 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
**Faith is a fruit of the Holy Spirit:
Galatians. 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control.
*** However, WE must Choose to exercise it.
*Our faith is linked to our knowledge (2 Pet. 1:1-4).
Hosea 4: 6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me;
The problem occurs when we don’t allow our faith to work because we don’t keep our minds stayed on God’s Word. Mark 4:19 but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.
Keeping our minds stayed on God’s Word Will release our Faith and thereby release the “Power of God” in our lives.
1 Corinthians 13:13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
2 Corinthians 3:18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
Lord help me to have absolute faith in You and Your goodness. Lord keep revealing to me–that the purpose of my life belongs to You, not me. Forgive me for all my Self-pity. Help me Lord to make it my aim, to strengthen and encourage others in their faith. Make my love increase and overflow for others. Lord strengthen my heart so that I will be blameless and holy in the presence of God and Father when my Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Thank You for the Secrets to happiness:
Empty of my selfish desire and be Filled with Your holiness! Father…thank You for loving me enough to give me guidelines…Your word! Help me to understand it and for the Word to grow in me a love for Jesus and dependence on Jesus. Father, Help me come to the place of realising my Need for You each day and to live dependent on You and not trying to live this life with my own power and effort. In Jesus Name, Amen
God’s plan IS perfect and best for His glory!
Genesis 22:21 Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called. “Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.”
2 “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”
Take now thy son . — Genesis 22:2
*God’s command is – Take now, not presently.
* I need to fully and faithfully move forward and follow the Lord right through the afflictions to come, knowing God’s plan IS Perfect and Best for His glory.
Romans 8:18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.
*It is extraordinary how we debate! We know a thing is right, but we try to find excuses for not doing it at once.
*If we are to climb to the height God reveals, it can never be done later, it must be done now.
And the sacrifice must be worked through our will before we actually perform it.
“And Abraham rose up early in the morning and went unto the place of which God had told him” (v. 3). The wonderful simplicity of Abraham!
* When God spoke, he did not confer with flesh and blood.
*Beware when you want to “confer with flesh and blood”,(Gal. 1:16) i.e., your own sympathies, your own insight, anything that is not based on your personal relationship to God.
These are the things that compete with and hinder obedience to God.
Abraham did not choose what the sacrifice would be.
*Always guard against Self-Chosen Service for God; self-sacrifice may be a disease that impairs your service.
**If God has made your cup sweet, drink it with grace;
** if He has made it bitter, drink it in communion with Him.
*** If the providential order of God for you is a hard time of difficulty, go through with it, but never choose the scene of your martyrdom, as to say “I will only go to there, But no farther”.
God chose the test for Abraham, and Abraham neither delayed or protested, But he went steadily went through with obedience and faith.
If you are not living in touch with God, it is easy to Blame God or pass Judgment on God.
You must go through the trial before you have any right to pronounce a verdict, because by going through the trial you learn to know God better.
*1 Peter 1:6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.
*Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. (1 Peter 4:12-13).
*** God is working in each of us to reach His highest goals until His purpose and man’s purpose become one!
Make sure this year, especially, this day, give the right response.
Some of us will never receive the blessing God has in store for us until we are WILLING to give THE RIGHT RESPONSE!
Some of us wonder why do I keep going through the same thing over and over again!? Perhaps it may be the response we always give to the Lord???
Now, most often the request is very very difficult!!! now we may not like it, but that response is YES LORD! Practice it!!! YES LORD!!!
**God sometimes doesn’t open the other door until we walk through the first door.
*Unless we are willing to respond to God properly….we may never witness the change God has for our life!!!
God needs you and me in 2012 to be willing to properly respond to Him. The proper response is YES LORD!
He wants us to take the things that mean the most to us, our lives, our time, our treasure and offer it to HIM!!! For some of us, our money or hobbies or work is our Isaac!
* God wants to know if we are willing to sacrifice it for him!?
*When we are willing to sacrifice ALL that is precious to us, God will be at His best!
*To let go of our most prized possession; God clearly makes that easier for us when we bring it to him rather than letting it go on own before we worship him.
*Sometimes I struggle to approach God due to my Sin and idolatry, and I feel shameful trying to worship Him with all these guilty conscience.
Once again, God will reveal that I need to come to Him as who I am and allow God to direct the actions I must take. **That’s worship. Faith does not come from my beliefs or actions but true faith, which is the source from God’s grace, works within us when we “Completely Empty Ourselves” to receive God’s authority.
I pray that our faith will be determined by God’s faithfulness alone.
Romans 1:17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
*God sets it up so that His Son is the center of the process of knowing and doing what is right, making Himself the centerpiece of righteousness, Not us. **Wondering what is the right thing to do in your situation?
** Go to the creator for the Right thing to do! Read His Word the answer is there. (Try Read All of Proverbs with your question in mind and Listen).
***What we don’t realize, just as we are making our way up one side of the mountain, there’s a lamb climbing on the other side of the mountain!
We won’t run short if we would simply give God the right answer!!
Walk in faith! God WILL take good care of YOU!
1 Peter 4:19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.
Lord, help me to first of all trust you with the faith of Abraham then help me to be a husband, dad and grandpa who can be trusted as much as Abraham was by Isaac! What trust he had Lord! Thank You Jesus for your word of Truth. Help me in my trials to have faith and obedience to You, knowing there’s a lamb climbing on the other side of the mountain for me as I surrender to your will- for your Glory and my Joy. Continue to peel away the addictions of sin from me. Thank You God, that You are working in each of us to reach Your highest goals until Your purpose and man’s purpose become one! “…To Know YOU, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth”. Jn 17:3. In Jesus Name, Amen
Your testimony builds faith!
Testimonies proclaim God’s faithfulness, power, and glory to all who hear. God does wonderful and miraculous things in our lives, which are meant to be shared. Your testimony will bring God glory and encourage someone, which may lead them to a relationship with Christ. Don’t hide your light under a basket.
Psalms 40:9 I have told all your people about your justice. I have not been afraid to speak out, as you, OLORD, well know. 10 I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness.
1 John 5:9 Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son.
Psalm 66:16 Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.
** The Psalmist is praising God for answering his prayer. He is asking those who fear or those who know God to come and listen to his praises. He wants to tell them what God has done for him.
He needs to tell his testimony of what God has done for him.
*What has God done for you this week?
*Have you shared it with others?
When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God. – Exodus 31:18
Throughout the Bible, the word testimony is used in many ways.
Testimony comes from the Hebrew word eduwth, which means “witness.”
* The Ark of the Covenant contained the Ten Commandments, written and inscribed personally by God and given to Moses on Mount Sinai.
These became known as the testimony. The ark was a divinely inspired structure that was to be used as a witness to the people of Israel and the whole world of God’s power and majesty. These divinely created tablets were a witness of God’s activity on earth with man.
Throughout the Bible, God looked to create testimonies with His people.
* At the Red Sea, He created a testimony through Moses.
*God created a testimony through Joshua when He parted the Jordan River and allowed the people with the Ark to cross on dry land.
*When Lazarus lay dead for days, Jesus came and created a testimony of His ability to raise the dead.
Jesus is still looking for those who are willing to have a testimony created through their lives.
One of the major characteristics of a God-ordained testimony is for something to happen that cannot be explained in the natural.
In other words, if you can make it happen through your abilities, it is not a testimony about God, but about you.
God wants to create a testimony in every aspect of your life – your family, your work, your church, and in your community. He is waiting to put His finger on your next endeavor to reveal His power through your life.
Look carefully at the events where God might want to create a testimony out of an impossible situation. He delights in using His children for this purpose because it brings Him glory.
If each of us is looking only to interests of our own making, our testimony
will be limited at best. But if we all are looking in love to build up others,
every God-ordained mission will have more than ample support to be
accomplished.
Maturity in Christ is not knowing a bunch of Scriptures or going to church regularly. It’s simply knowing how, moment by moment, to continually abide in God’s Love.
*”By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”John 13:35
Lord, thank You for what You are doing in my life. Your grace and mercy continues to take my breathe away. The Spirit within me testifies that I am Yours forever. That I will be welcomed by You into heaven. Lord, I will share my joy of Your great love for me with others.
Father, thank You that You have sent Your Son, who has endured more suffering than I. Grant me the strength to endure whatever You allow into my life. Thank you for all my testimonies of how You are in total control and always have our best interest in mind. Amen
*God never said that following Him would be easy. He never said that we wouldn’t have rough times.
*God said that He would deliver us when we call upon His name. He hears our cries and will be there for us.
*We can stand on His promise ro hear our cries and deliver us.
He pursues us out of His faithfulness and divine love. God is not a quitter nor a loser, He wants you to KNOW Him because He loves you.
*Jesus Christ died for YOU and to this day is pursuing you and He Won’t Stop. *Christ is a Winner and the proof is His resurrection and He is not quitter, because He did not give up on us, even in the darkest hour when for the first time He lost touch with the Father; He suffered and died for our sins so we can have relationship with Him. That my friends shows how much He loves us and is the reason why He is always watching us.
*God doesn’t want harm to come our way, He wants us to prosper in His Love and Wisdom.
God loves you and I hope if you do not have a genuine relationship with Him that you will start one with Him.
*The only way you will have a relationship with the Father is through Jesus Christ ( John 14:6).
My friend you are never alone and I promise you He will never leave you or forsake you because He loves you. Seek Him and you will find (Matthew 7:7-8) because He has been waiting for you, like a Father and His prodigal son (Luke 15:11-31).
*The past is over. Get off those chains that hold you to your past so you can walk to your promised land.
You know what to do, knowledge has been given to you, ideas, opportunities; but all you do is considering? Looking at your past? Your “history” is something the world looks at to evaluate your potential.
* God does not operate like that. He says that your past is over, forgotten, you are freed from its effects if you believe, just a little tiny bit of faith will do.
James 2:22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete.
The battle has been fierce and the demands on your life have been great, even weighing you down at times. But, the Lord wants you to lift up your eyes. Look to the heights and remember that He is your help in times of trouble. The Lord wants you to take flight in the Spirit and rise above the things that have kept you earthbound. Put your complete hope and trust in Jesus. Jesus will cause your heart to sing again.
Psalm 121:1-8 I will lift up my eyes to the hills-From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.
When Jesus speaks of some who “do not forsake all” (Luke 14:33), He is speaking
of those who turn from Him and cling to idols.
** An idol is anything that becomes
the sole focus of our devotion—anything that possesses our time, attention,
money, love, interest.
Multitudes of God’s people spend their time endlessly loitering—idly spending time with friends or lolling in front of a TV, computer, cell phone, Ipad. We waste so many precious hours and neglect our Lord and Savior!
How many hours a week do you shut the world out and draw close to Him?
How jealous the Lord must be over all our other loves, all the things that eat
up our personal time and attention with Jesus.
God’s Word makes such a difference! When everything seems so hopeless, we turn to God’s Word and we WILL find that there is ‘HOPE’!!!
Now the Lord stands before us, asking: “Do you love Me more than these?”. (John 21:15).
* What we DO(our Action) is our response.
Our response to the normal, ordinary demands of life and the power to cope with those demands must come from our reliance upon Him at work within us.
This is the secret: All power to live the Christian life comes not from us, doing our dead-level best to serve God, but from Him, granted to us moment by moment as the demand is made upon us.
Titus 3: 5 he(Jesus) saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
* Power is given to those who follow,listen and who obey. The Father is at work in the Son; the Son is at work in us. As we learn this, then we are given power to meet the demands and the needs that are waiting for us in the ministry yet to come.
Thank You, Father, that the same power is available to me today, making me ready to be your instrument in any and every situation in which demand is laid upon me. Help me to Not be a quitter. Let 2012 be the year that we ALL put You Jesus FIRST. Heal us Lord for Your Glory and for Your Kingdom work. Amen. John 17:3 And this is the way to have eternal life—to KNOW you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.
* What Jesus wants for us(John 17:1-26): Protection, Unity, Joy, Holiness, Truth, Being sent, God’s indwelling presence, Seeing the Father’s glory, God’s love IN me.
Mind-blasting (!). This is what Jesus wants for you and me. And how small are MY ambitions for me?
Mark 9:23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Read MoreWe must not only be “hearers” of God’s Word, but “doers” also. When God brings someone to mind, be sure to follow through with whatever He tells you to do for that person.
“Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead…”James 2:17
May “The fruit of the Spirit” be bountiful and overflow in your life as an offering & sweet fragrance to Jesus as you refresh others with His Agape Love.
* “I…entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:2-3
Acts 1:8 says we receive the Holy Spirit so we may bear effective witness to those who need salvation. People are Waiting for the Good News!!!
The Lord has united every born-again Christian by baptizing us all into the body of Christ. This is already a reality. Like it or not, want it or not, every Christian is completely one in spirit with every other Christian.
Failure to function as one, in our relationships with other believers means someone is not flowing in the Spirit.
Our flesh is the part of us that gets in strife with other believers. As we operate in the Spirit more and more, we will come more and more into unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Thinking out of the Box-Business Style!
*Earth is God’s business. He has set up many franchises (churches) designed to send His representatives (Body of Christ) into the world to make known the best product ever given to mankind (Jesus). His branch managers (pastors) have been given the responsibility to teach and support those in the field.
God’s goal is to establish a franchise (church) in every nation, state, and city. It is the ultimate business because when you introduce someone to His product (Jesus), you receive a reward from the home office (Heaven).
God has promised that His representatives will have all the tools and customer support needed to accomplish their strategic plans.
Jesus knew that He was to be about His Father’s business. He knew He was sent to earth not to enjoy the pleasures of lowly man, but to accomplish a task for which He alone was sent.
****When Jesus had accomplished His mission, He was to entrust this mission to other representatives into whom He poured His life for three years.
This field training allowed Jesus to mentor, model, befriend, and demonstrate firsthand the model for a successful business to be launched and sustained. “Earth is God’s business”
God has big plans for His franchise. He wants every human being to partake of His product; however, even God knows that not everyone will.
Nevertheless, this does not thwart His efforts in seeking to make it known among His audience.
You have been called to be part of the ultimate franchise. How many new recruits have you been responsible for bringing into the franchise lately?
Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
*It Seems that the Body(the Church) is constantly changing to keep up with man’s plan instead of God’s plan.
*The core of the church’s message should be”* God’s message, *Jesus death, and *Jesus Resurrection.
*Prosperity is not what’s important. ***Jesus experienced rejection, humiliation, loneliness, sadness, and so on. He understands how we feel, that’s why we call him the High Priest.
Jesus came as He did, born of a virgin, to be what He was, sinless. He was what He was, sinless, to do what He did, die for our sins. And He died for our sins so that He, being what He was, might make us what we were not: children of God! He was a special Lamb, a slain Lamb, a saving Lamb, “…Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:7)
*God created us for Himself but we sold ourselves into slavery to the devil.
*If we’re only loving in order to change the other person or the circumstances, our motivation is totally wrong. That’s conditional human love, and not God’s Love at all.
If selfishness is motivating us, the fruit of our actions will be rotten.
* “Love…does not seek its own…”
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Lord help me to remember why we are doing what we are doing. Why am I a Christian? Thank You Jesus that I am here to be Christ’s servant, doing everything that You ask of me to the best of the ability You have Given to me. Help me see that by doing this I receive my individual reward, which = salvation. This is my vision, my focus for my individual journey as well as sharing this great message of Salvation with others for Your Glory and our Eternity!
To be Your servant is an act of obedience and needs action. Help us speak of Jesus and not be ashamed! ” Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth”. Amen
Is there someone you can share God’s Love with today as a result of your faith, and in spite of your feelings?
* “And if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.”
Luke 6:32
Satan diverts many people by getting them preoccupied with what others are doing for the Lord. Comparing ourselves with others, whether we come out better or worse, is unwise (2 Cor. 10:12).
We need to be so single-minded following the Lord, that we don’t look to the right or to the left to see what others are doing.
It doesn’t matter if we are doing as much to serve the Lord as someone else.
The question is, are we doing ALL that the Lord wants us to do?
* We have to move forward and set priorities and focus on them in and out of season.
I encourage everyone to take the closing days of the year to plan how you are going to read the Bible in the new year. Don’t leave it to chance. One of the main reasons we don’t read God’s word is that we don’t plan to. Take a step of faith and daily put time on your schedule for your Savior, King, Lord, friend, King, Counselor….
“A Vision without Action is a Delusion”
God’s love is electric, and when we allow Him to love through us, we become “supercharged” with the radiance of His Life. We heal as we help others out wit our testimony.
* “And it came about when…he was coming down from the mountain… Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him.”Exodus 34:29
Paul’s identity was not based upon himself, but upon the person of Jesus Christ. Each and every day we must remind ourselves: It’s not I…but Christ.
** “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 3:20
“Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him.”.1 Corinthians 7:17a
1 Thessalonians 5:24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
*** You’ll be strengthened by your dependence on Him—whether trials or a flood of blessing comes.
*It’s actually when life gets rough and rugged that the sweetness of God’s faithfulness makes itself real in your heart. As you walk through those storms in complete reliance on His strength, your trust in His character becomes part of who you are and strengthens from within.
Compassion for self and others is the evidence of God’s Love.
***”But a certain Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion…and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he…took care of him.” Luke 10:33-34
Each of us is called to relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
* We are called BY Him, TO Him, and FOR Him.
*Once we enter that relationship with Christ, we are called into the physical expression of that relationship.
*This is where our vocations are manifested as a result, not as an end in themselves.
Additionally, there are examples of special callings in the Bible in which individuals have a direct communication from God to do a specific task for Him. Moses, Paul, Peter, and many others had direct communication about what God was calling them to do.
Not everyone receives this “special” calling. This is not to say God is not personal with each of us. Some have had extraordinary supernatural encounters with God that led to their calling being specific to a task ordered by God.
***ALL of us have been called to follow Christ and live our lives in Obedience to Him. Trust the words of Scripture. They are Truth and Alive today for you and me.
* Many of us have a sense to go in one direction or another based on our life experiences and giftedness. This, too, is God’s calling.
*Calling goes beyond our work and includes our Relationships to others: our spouse, our children, our neighbors — and our co-workers. We must remember this in order that our “work calling” does not become elevated at the expense of the other important aspects of our lives. This is an accurate approach to the gospel in which God made ALL of LIFE equally important.
Therefore, the next time someone says, “I was called into the ministry” or “I am in full-time Christian work,” stop him or her and tell him or her WE ARE ALL in full-time Christian work. There is no secular and religious in the economy of God.
I have a dear friend who often says, “I am a servant of the living God masquerading as a cop.” So, too, are we first a servant of the living God.
Fruit is something we can easily see. The evidence of Godly fruit is not found in word, deed, talent, success or accomplishment, but rather in the humble qualities of:
* “…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” Galatians 5:22-23
When we think of the works that Jesus did, we think of love, compassion, mercy, giving of ourselves, caring, selflessness, healing and teaching.
* Jesus did these things on a daily basis, with people He came in contact with as a normal part of His day, and usually in ways that were not exceptional or highly dramatic.
I believe we all have different callings and different interests, BUT each of us as followers of Christ can be daily living in the love of God and doing the works that Jesus did, through faith.
Paul wrote to the Philippians, “In
lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians
2:3b). Paul doesn’t say not to esteem yourself, your vision or your life
mission. But he does say others also have vision, purpose and a mission. If you will esteem them, you will not just be helping them but also strengthening them in their calling—and perhaps affecting many lives.
Think about the power of Paul’s statement. Imagine what might happen if every Christian radically obeyed this truth. We would all have deep, world-impacting interests in others—and none of us would be immersed in our individual goals. We in Unity would be moving forward for God’s Glory.
The whole body of Christ would be so other-centered we would empower one another in our many varied callings.
If each of us is looking only to interests of our own making, our testimony
will be limited at best. BUT if we all are looking in love to build up others,
every God-ordained mission will have more than ample support to be
accomplished.
John 17:20 I’m praying not only for them But also for those who will believe in me Because of them and their witness about me. 21 The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind-Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, So they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.
**Right here, in this verse, Jesus prayed for YOU.
*He prayed for all those who would believe in him through the apostles message. That is you and me 2000 years later. And what does he pray for, that we would be ONE. That there would be UNITY among his followers. Because then the world would believe God sent Jesus. Do we have any more important task than this?
Thank You Jesus for each one of our giftings to bring Unity to the Body for Your Glory and our Joy! Lord direct and speak to everyone to take the closing days of the year to move forward and plan how we are going to read the Bible each day in the new year and take time to Listen to Your Voice speaking through Holy Scripture. And once we hear–we put into Action for the good of the entire Body for Your Glory.
Amen
Any leader who is not secure in God will be insecure in their leadership actions.
Even though surrounded by great corruption, we must daily choose to walk in faith, hope, and love.
*”Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report…think on these things.”
Philippians 4:8
If you could see the extent of destruction that is set in motion when you speak against one another, you would learn to hold your tongue. However, this is not a matter of words but of the condition of your heart and your willingness to say things about someone else that you would not want spoken about yourself.
You will be held accountable for every word that you speak, so be careful what you say.
*Matthew 12:36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
“When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi” (Matt 2:16-17).
Any leader who is not secure in God will be insecure in their leadership actions.
King Herod was such a leader. He Feared the Loss of Power and had to control every aspect of the people he was ruling.
When Herod heard about Jesus’ coming birth, his Insecurity became out of control and led to making life-threatening decisions for those in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
***Such an Insecure Leader has deep-seated Control issues rooted in the fear of loss of power, money and prestige. *This also led to Lying to protect his kingdom.
When the wise men told Herod about the coming Messiah, Herod told them he wanted to know when He was born in order to worship him. He had no such plans. He wanted to kill him.
Herod told the wise men to report back to him when the child was born. The wise men were divinely warned not to return to Jerusalem and report back to Herod. When Herod discovered this, he became furious and issued the edict to kill every child under two years old in Bethlehem and the surrounding districts.
***Whenever a leader has deep-seated control issues rooted in fear, their actions surface repeatedly when placed under stress.
* Arguments, manipulation of others, and confrontation with subordinates usually follows.
***However, a leader who has yielded his LIFE and his WORK to God can relinquish outcomes to the Lord and let God change things that may go astray.
** A secure leader realizes God is the source of His power and leadership and he does not need to fear others who may demonstrate leadership qualities. ***Instead, they are able to affirm them for the sake of the organization.
Pray that God makes you a leader who is secure in your position given by God.
Today for example–Competition has penetrated the Church so much that many churches and Christian organizations approach ministry like a sports event. They view their mission as a business that seeks to gain market share among Christians – donors, members, influence – all under the name of God. I am sure God looks down at us and asks, “Whatever happened to John 17:23?” Sometimes we must remind our fellow servants that we are all on the “Same Team”! We should be seeking to impact the Kingdom of God, not increase our own market share.
When Jesus made this statement about unity in John 17:23, it represented the key to bringing salvation to many. He was saying that when His Body is unified, the non-Christian would be able to see who Jesus really is – the Son of God.
Are you contributing to unity in the Body of Christ? Or are you contributing to a spirit of competition?
Ask God where you can be an instrument of unity in His Body.
God’s kind of love is not envious or jealous because it doesn’t seek it’s own, but seeks the welfare of others. Envy is an indication of self-centeredness.
The Apostle Paul had some opponents who were just like many people who sow strife today. They are against everything and critical of the way those in authority(Leaders) handle things.
They make big statements about what they would do if they were the leader, but it’s all talk. They haven’t proven themselves successful in managing even the smallest things, yet they want to be put in charge of big things, just based on their talk.
This is not the system of advancement that Jesus advocates (Mt. 25:21; Lk. 16:11-12; 19:17).
The Scripture speaks in numerous passages about “our light and momentary troubles that are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
When that day breaks, the one thing for which we will be infinitely thankful, the one thing above all others that will thrill us and cheer us and cause us to glory, is the fact that out of all the created universe, WE were chosen to be the ones who bore the name of God in the hour of danger and affliction, problem and trial.
There is no higher honor than that.
This is a time to re-evaluate. There are things that are best left behind and other things that should be restored. There are still other things that need more care and attention then you have previously given. Your circumstances will dictate what you need to take a look at and what requires your interest. This process might take some time, so don’t be hasty in your judgments or choices. Be moved by the Holy Spirit inspired word, the Bible. Let the Spirit speak to you and your decisions will be sound.
*Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
Our Father, help me with my leadership skills to do your Will and not man’s. I do count it indeed a mighty privilege to bear reproach for Your name’s sake. I know that the day is coming when that will be my chief joy. Thank you Jesus for choosing us simple ones to Share Your Truth to a hurting world which so desperately needs YOU! Thank you Jesus for loving us so so much that you bore the Cross for each and every person no matter what their past may be. Thank you Jesus for Your Patience with me. All Glory and Honor to You Jesus! Amen
Read More“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
It’s extremely important not to judge a person by what they say or do. God is the only One who truly knows the human heart, so He is the only righteous judge.
* “…for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
Paul’s IDENTITY was not based upon himself, BUT upon the person of Jesus Christ.
Each and every day we must remind ourselves: It’s not I…but Christ!!!!
** “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 3:20
*So as believers in today’s society I ask you what are we really seeking in Life?
Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God?
*** God’s kingdom is the rule and reign of Christ in our lives.
*Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
** This is praying for a day when God will bring heaven to earth and will bring His rule on this planet.
*God still has a plan for planet Earth. He will rule and reign here, and as believers, we will rule and reign with Him.
But when we pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven,” we are also praying for the rule and reign of the kingdom of God in OUR lives.
*** This is when Jesus is in Charge!!!!
***Don’t worry about the little things in life–Put God First!
*Has God been first in your life this past year? Have you given him the first part of your thoughts, energy, and time?
On one occasion Jesus said, “For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21), where He was speaking of himself. When you are under His lordship, and when He is in control of your life, that IS the kingdom of God.
***It is not rules and regulations, but “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).
*Have you, as a Christian, surrendered your life to Christ? Are You All in?
*Have you said, “Lord, I want Your will more than I want my own will. I am willing to surrender to You now”? **Because you cannot pray, “Your kingdom come” until you first pray, “My kingdom go.” Have you done that yet?
* Need help in where to invest yourself? God promised that if we do anything- first it is to ask him, seek His abundant wisdom.
A lack of faith can bring a lot of anxiety into our lives. So instead of worrying, we should put God and His will first in our lives.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
The kingdom of God that comes through the Son, is the greatest gift, ever given to man. And that gift is the impartial and unbiased justification freedom from the guilt of sin.
*Justification – the act of God whereby humankind is made or accounted just, or FREE from guilt or the penalty of sin.
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
This Impartial and unbiased justification came to ALL mankind through the birth of the Baby Jesus.
*This birth, the coming of the Son was to ALL people.
*Everyone has equal opportunity to receive the impartial and unbiased justification of the Kingdom of God.
Let us all receive this gift with great joy. Because this baby will bring the love, joy and peace of the impartial and unbiased justification of the kingdom of God.
Do you realize that if you’re trying to live your life without God, you are at war with him? You are at war with God, and you need a Peace Treaty. You need Reconciliation because your relationship with God has been broken. Jesus Christ came to be that bridge, to be the reconciler between God and man.
When you trust Jesus, he makes it all go away. He says, “I’m going to completely wipe out everything you’ve ever done wrong. You’re completely forgiven. Come on home!”
The Bible says, “Now that we have been put right with God through faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1 TEV).You need to make peace with God. Have you done that? If you haven’t, you’d better, because one day you will have to face him.
” And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Colossians 3:15-16
In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)
Read More* The temptation to run away from stress, worry and fear should never win out.
*How can we do this when stress, worry and fear come? By desperate prayer and particular promises. Go to the Bible and look for the “I wills” and the “I shalls” of God.
*Cry out to Jesus. Then ransack the Bible for His appointed promise. We are fragile. But he is not.
*Instead of sinking into a paralysis of fear, or running to a mirage of greener grass, God will awakened our sincere cry for help and then answer with a concrete promise from His Word.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8).
We need to be honest with each other in sharing our shortcomings as well as our victories.
When we are real and transparent with others, we give them the freedom to “remove their masks” in our presence.
“It is better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” Proverbs 16:19
*Our problem with fearing God is usually a problem with recognizing how weak we really are and how GREAT God really is!!!
*To not fear God may just be one of the most terrifying things ever.
*When you have a healthy fear of the greatness of God and what He’s capable of and then realize He’s With You….tell me what can’t you do? Cry out to HIM!
*A holy respect for God combined with a realization that he’s for you not against you, will cause you to be Totally for God and Obedient to Him.
Let’s be brave enough to share our own experiences of being downcast and wounded. Don’t be afraid!!!
God commands us to love, and anytime we love…we become vulnerable.
* “…so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”2 Corinthians 1:4
THE ROOT OF FEAR keeps us from sharing our past experiences to others which, as we have learned is the way to heal personally.
“ Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and FREE of FEAR. You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. ” (Job 11:14-18).
*All fear can be traced To a spot Of SIN and Secret iniquity Harbored in a man’s heart.
*He has the power in his hand To put it away. (Do not surprise the Truth. Romans 1:17 and on–But Renew your mind Romans 12:1-5)
Despising the riches of God’s grace,
His . . . forbearance and longsuffering,
He continues in his evil way, Allowing in his own life What he condemns in others, Becoming a law unto himself.
He seeks to be God’s favored exception
To escape wrath and tribulation.
But God is no respecter of persons,
Judging ALL alike, Promising glory, honor and peace To those who put evil away.
***And then he shall lift up his face without spot. He shall be steadfast And shall NOT FEAR, For only where SIN lies at the door Is man afraid.
**Remember: The enemy lies to us to make problems Appear Bigger than the solutions we carry! (We have Victory in Jesus. 1 John 4:4).
**2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Our “death to sin” and “resurrection to life with Christ”, is already a reality in our spirits but will only become a physical reality when we Know and Believe it.
In the Same Way that Jesus died unto sin once, and death no longer has dominion over Him, the person who recognizes their death with Christ unto sin, will not allow sin to rule over him anymore.
Christian’ who are struggling with sin have not recognized that they are dead unto sin.
You have been in a time of old things coming to an end. And, even though you cannot see ahead to know what is coming, you can trust the Lord to continue to shut the doors that need to be shut and to open the doors that need to be opened. Do not Fear, for the Lord is with you to bring you into divine purpose and destiny, and He will fill the void in your heart and any sense of emptiness that has resulted from changes that are taking place or need to take place. Put your trust in the Lord. Do not Fear!
**Revelation 3:8 I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
Release yourself from the bondage of Fear, Stress and Worry. When your faith is in JESUS, He will carry you in the flow of His Spirit. But, you must not hang on to the things of the world or put your trust in natural things.
Your Faith is vital to your success in any endeavor, and you must put it to work by Actual Belief and not just hope. Jesus is looking for a people who have a strong and working faith whose Actions demonstrate His kingdom. Keep Moving Forward!
***Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
God is willing to remove all that guilt and shame from us when we simply reach out to Him and cleanse ourselves by refusing to sin.
I know that refusing sin sounds like an impossible task, but the Holy Spirit will be with you. He’ll guide you away from places you shouldn’t be as well as guide you in rough situations. God will become real in your life, and others will see a change in you and want that which you have.
*We need a true yearning for Jesus, and mourning, a brokenness and weeping with godly sorrow for Sin in our lives. Only after such dealings of the Spirit will the true blessing of joy come!
Our Relationship with Jesus MUST define who WE are!
All of this starts by Us accepting God and receiving the Holy Spirit to guide our lives. COME LORD JESUS-Come! Lord, I don’t have the discipline needed for Your Holy Work. You have to give it to me! Give me Your burden for lost souls; put Your weeping Spirit in me. You are my only hope, so I surrender and turn totally to You. I’ll do anything You tell me and I will depend on You for everything! Amen
* “Love…does not seek its own…”
1 Corinthians 13:4-5