"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: for it is the
power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jews (the
chosen nation) first and then to the Greeks (those who chose to believe
by faith)" (Romans 1:16 paraphrased).
This
declaration made by Paul lets us know that even though he had been a
persecutor of those who believed in Jesus and those who promoted the
good news, once Jesus revealed himself to him, he became a believer and a
promoter of the good news, openly. Paul understood the law and knew
that
God had chosen the nation of Israel for His own, but when they
chose to reject Him, He opened the door to any who chose to believe Him
and abide by His commandments. First God chose, then we chose--He has
always given us the power of choice.
God revealed Himself to the nation of Israel in mighty works so they would know how much He loved them. He reveals Himself to us, still by doing mighty works in our lives when we allow Him to do so.
I
remember a time when I persecuted anyone who tried to get me to believe
in the Bible. I challenged them to explain how they "knew" whether or
not the words were interpreted accurately, who was the witness that
could confirm it, and on and on. When I reached a place in my life
where I had nothing else to read in my house, but the Bible, I read it.
I have always been an avid reader of almost anything, but at the time I
read my bible, I was in financial straits and could not purchase books
the way I once had. I worked hours that curtailed my ability to get to a
library and so here I was--wanting something to read and the Bible was
there. It took me two months to read (starting with the Gospel of John)
through the New Testament and then I worked my way back through the Old
Testament to get a better understanding of what was said in the New.
God's plan worked! I now understood why things had happened the way
they did. When I received the gift of salvation and speaking in
tongues, I knew I had been wrong and was so ashamed, I
wished I could go back and find those people I had taunted. But God in
His infinite wisdom (and sense of humor) used me to promote the Gospel
by encouraging people to read the bible for themselves and then open themselves to hear Him, revealing understanding of His Word.
Though I never had anyone tortured for their beliefs, I can certainly relate to Paul's words. I am not ashamed
of the Gospel of Jesus Christ because it is the power to renew life,
retain joy in the midst of trials, the avenue to having a personal
relationship with God and ability to have communication on a brand new
level. I am ashamed of my behavior and conduct to those I once taunted for their beliefs, but I am not ashamed
of who I am or whose I am and I will tell it--from the valley to the
mountain-tops--and if people do not receive it; that is not my
responsibility. My job is to tell it, their job is make a choice to
receive what I say or not, the end result is on God! Hallelujah!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Answered Prayers!
"as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many" (2 Corinthians 1:11 NIV).
As Paul relates problems encountered by him and other disciples to the church at Corinth, he also encourages them to pray and thanked them in advance for their continued prayers for others.
"Then many will thanks on our behalf..." Are there many people giving thanks today for the those who are praying on their behalf, even when they don't know it? Sometimes, we have to pray for people we don't even like--not for us--but for them, so they will have reason to give God thanks for the answers, solutions, to their situations. Do we have to know the situation for every person? No, we just have to be faithful and pray--without ceasing, always giving thanks to the Father what He does.
I know there are some--a little skeptical about the power of prayer--who after watching the news day after day and see tragedy after tragedy would not see any need to pray. But there is a need. "The fervent (passionate) effectual (specific to the problems) prayers of the righteous avails (results in answers) much. Let's try it, now!
Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask You to touch the lives of everyone who reads this prayer and move upon them to seek You on the behalf of people everywhere--who have suffered trials and tragedies and comfort their hearts. I ask You to open the spiritual eyes of all who have a need today and give them direction by showing them all You have prepared for them so that every need is met. I bind the thoughts of the enemy who would dare to feed them negative thoughts and attempt to influence them in unbelief. I declare healing for every person who will receive it right now. Speak to the hearts of saints everywhere and remind them to show love everywhere they go so all will know, who we are and whose we are. Help us, who know You, to be a living letter, a walking testimony of Your goodness, mercy, and grace. All these things I ask and thank You for, in Jesus' name and declare it done! Amen!
Now, only believe--all things are possible--when we only believe (without doubt)!
As Paul relates problems encountered by him and other disciples to the church at Corinth, he also encourages them to pray and thanked them in advance for their continued prayers for others.
"Then many will thanks on our behalf..." Are there many people giving thanks today for the those who are praying on their behalf, even when they don't know it? Sometimes, we have to pray for people we don't even like--not for us--but for them, so they will have reason to give God thanks for the answers, solutions, to their situations. Do we have to know the situation for every person? No, we just have to be faithful and pray--without ceasing, always giving thanks to the Father what He does.
I know there are some--a little skeptical about the power of prayer--who after watching the news day after day and see tragedy after tragedy would not see any need to pray. But there is a need. "The fervent (passionate) effectual (specific to the problems) prayers of the righteous avails (results in answers) much. Let's try it, now!
Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask You to touch the lives of everyone who reads this prayer and move upon them to seek You on the behalf of people everywhere--who have suffered trials and tragedies and comfort their hearts. I ask You to open the spiritual eyes of all who have a need today and give them direction by showing them all You have prepared for them so that every need is met. I bind the thoughts of the enemy who would dare to feed them negative thoughts and attempt to influence them in unbelief. I declare healing for every person who will receive it right now. Speak to the hearts of saints everywhere and remind them to show love everywhere they go so all will know, who we are and whose we are. Help us, who know You, to be a living letter, a walking testimony of Your goodness, mercy, and grace. All these things I ask and thank You for, in Jesus' name and declare it done! Amen!
Now, only believe--all things are possible--when we only believe (without doubt)!
Monday, July 29, 2013
Light Walking!
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have
fellowship with one another,and the blood Jesus, his Son, purifies us
from all sin" (1 John 1:7 NIV).
Why are we encouraged to walk 'in the light'? In the previous verse of scripture, we are told that if we 'claim to have fellowship and yet walk in darkness, we lie'. Wow! When I think about all of the things that those who proclaim to be Christians do--that belie having fellowship with Jesus--I get a greater understanding of why we are not in pure fellowship with one another. How do we walk in darkness? With the sins that so easily beset us and are usually committed in the dark or under cover of some "politically correct rhetoric" that refutes God's Word in order to accommodate those who desire to pacify flesh--the carnal ones--keep people in darkness from The Truth.
But if we walk in the light--everything we do is exposed to the light of day and nothing attempted to be hidden by a cloister of words that mislead and we promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ--we can have embrace one another--in love--in spite of differences of opinion, gender, race, or faith. When we can have pure fellowship with one another, we walk in fellowship with Him who is The Light.
Come on! Let's do some Light Walking today!
Why are we encouraged to walk 'in the light'? In the previous verse of scripture, we are told that if we 'claim to have fellowship and yet walk in darkness, we lie'. Wow! When I think about all of the things that those who proclaim to be Christians do--that belie having fellowship with Jesus--I get a greater understanding of why we are not in pure fellowship with one another. How do we walk in darkness? With the sins that so easily beset us and are usually committed in the dark or under cover of some "politically correct rhetoric" that refutes God's Word in order to accommodate those who desire to pacify flesh--the carnal ones--keep people in darkness from The Truth.
But if we walk in the light--everything we do is exposed to the light of day and nothing attempted to be hidden by a cloister of words that mislead and we promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ--we can have embrace one another--in love--in spite of differences of opinion, gender, race, or faith. When we can have pure fellowship with one another, we walk in fellowship with Him who is The Light.
Come on! Let's do some Light Walking today!
Sunday, July 28, 2013
God in the Clouds!
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| The Son trying to be seen in the midst of sin! |
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| I see a giant with his eyes closed and mouth closed! |
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| I see good and bad (light and darkness) battling! |
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| I see the giant praising God! |
Stay Strong!
"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in The Lord" (Psalm 31:24 NIV)
Staying strong in the face of adversity, persecution, and ridicule takes courage. And courageous people are stronger than those who are full of pride and arrogant. How do we know? Those who are arrogant--so full of themselves that think rules don't apply to them--or think they know everything--eventually discover the end of themselves when they realize--the rules do apply and they don't know everything. Those who are full of pride--who think they do not need anyone but them or are too ashamed to ask for help--eventually fall under the pressure of their pride.
But those who dare to stand up--to the bullies, to injustice, to fight for the rights of others, to withstand the ridicule of fools (for The Word says,"the fool has said in his heart, there is no God"), who face enduring illness with determination, who will maintain their faith in God, no matter what--those are the strong.
Think about your reaction to life--the good and bad things that occur almost on a daily basis; are you the strong? Take heart! If you are willing to keep your focus on the hope you have in Christ Jesus, your determination will strengthen you and you will know--the hope of glory!
Staying strong in the face of adversity, persecution, and ridicule takes courage. And courageous people are stronger than those who are full of pride and arrogant. How do we know? Those who are arrogant--so full of themselves that think rules don't apply to them--or think they know everything--eventually discover the end of themselves when they realize--the rules do apply and they don't know everything. Those who are full of pride--who think they do not need anyone but them or are too ashamed to ask for help--eventually fall under the pressure of their pride.
But those who dare to stand up--to the bullies, to injustice, to fight for the rights of others, to withstand the ridicule of fools (for The Word says,"the fool has said in his heart, there is no God"), who face enduring illness with determination, who will maintain their faith in God, no matter what--those are the strong.
Think about your reaction to life--the good and bad things that occur almost on a daily basis; are you the strong? Take heart! If you are willing to keep your focus on the hope you have in Christ Jesus, your determination will strengthen you and you will know--the hope of glory!
Saturday, July 27, 2013
We Used To Do!
Reading for today, Colossians 3:4-10, I am reminded of the things that I used to do.
Paul tells the Church at Colosse that when Christ appears, we will
appear with Him in glory (raised with a glorified body), but he also
reminds them of the things they used to do and should not still be doing because of the new self created in Christ.
The point of this passage of scripture is simply this: We have a past--used to do some things that were ungodly, illegal, immoral, and unethical. We used to lie, hold onto anger, bitterness and unforgiveness. But that was then--when we did not know we had a Savior who loved us enough to die for us. Now that we know, who He is and who we are in Him, none of those things we used to do (in opposition to God and self) should be a part of our new nature. If they are, are we really a new creation or have we just taken up a facade (external attributes), but our thought-life, our inner nature, has not changed?
God knows those who are His and if we are attempting to fool anyone; the only person we fool is ourselves. When the enemy plants thoughts in our minds, remind him--"I used to do those things, but they are no longer part of my life!"
Now, we can start doing some new things--those things that will glorify God--and assure us of our new nature and then we can look the enemy in the face and say, "Look at me now and see what I am doing right now!" We can defeat the power of the enemy, by not dwelling on the things we used to do, but preparing to do all that God has planned for us!
When cloudy days or thoughts interfere with what you need to do--now, just remember those clouds will go away, when we think brighter thoughts.
The point of this passage of scripture is simply this: We have a past--used to do some things that were ungodly, illegal, immoral, and unethical. We used to lie, hold onto anger, bitterness and unforgiveness. But that was then--when we did not know we had a Savior who loved us enough to die for us. Now that we know, who He is and who we are in Him, none of those things we used to do (in opposition to God and self) should be a part of our new nature. If they are, are we really a new creation or have we just taken up a facade (external attributes), but our thought-life, our inner nature, has not changed?
God knows those who are His and if we are attempting to fool anyone; the only person we fool is ourselves. When the enemy plants thoughts in our minds, remind him--"I used to do those things, but they are no longer part of my life!"
Now, we can start doing some new things--those things that will glorify God--and assure us of our new nature and then we can look the enemy in the face and say, "Look at me now and see what I am doing right now!" We can defeat the power of the enemy, by not dwelling on the things we used to do, but preparing to do all that God has planned for us!
When cloudy days or thoughts interfere with what you need to do--now, just remember those clouds will go away, when we think brighter thoughts.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Remember to Tell Others!
"After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel" (Judges 2:10 NIV).
I've often wondered (now that I know for myself) why people take the stance they do in opposition to God. Then, when I read passages from the Old Testament, I am reminded that this current trend to oppose God is just history repeating itself. When Joshua died and the generation after him died who had first-hand knowledge of what God had accomplished for the Children of Israel, the people (another generation) forgot to keep telling it to others and they chose to do what they wanted to do.
What happened to the generation who didn't know the Lord? They served idols and did what the other nations did who did not know God. Then, God became angry and allowed them to suffer at the hands of the other nations and when He made Himself known to this generation, they repented and once again knew the blessings of The Lord. And as long as they remembered to tell those who came behind about the great things God had done and were obedient, He continued to bless them as a nation (until He relented to their constant grumblings about having a king, but that's another discussion).
For those of us who are concerned with this generation and their opposition to God, we need not worry. God is not a god of trends. What He has done in the past, He will do again. When people--as a nation--realize that He is not pleased with their trends (idol worship, doing things their way), and get tired of suffering, they will hear God's messengers, repent, and He will hear their cries and heal the land. We must remember to tell others about all God has done--His love, mercy, and many benefits for all who receive what He has to give!
The ultimate sacrifice has been made--(Jesus on the cross) there is no other sacrifice needed to get God to smile upon us other than--obedience in being a witness--telling of His goodness! Hallelujah!
I've often wondered (now that I know for myself) why people take the stance they do in opposition to God. Then, when I read passages from the Old Testament, I am reminded that this current trend to oppose God is just history repeating itself. When Joshua died and the generation after him died who had first-hand knowledge of what God had accomplished for the Children of Israel, the people (another generation) forgot to keep telling it to others and they chose to do what they wanted to do.
What happened to the generation who didn't know the Lord? They served idols and did what the other nations did who did not know God. Then, God became angry and allowed them to suffer at the hands of the other nations and when He made Himself known to this generation, they repented and once again knew the blessings of The Lord. And as long as they remembered to tell those who came behind about the great things God had done and were obedient, He continued to bless them as a nation (until He relented to their constant grumblings about having a king, but that's another discussion).
For those of us who are concerned with this generation and their opposition to God, we need not worry. God is not a god of trends. What He has done in the past, He will do again. When people--as a nation--realize that He is not pleased with their trends (idol worship, doing things their way), and get tired of suffering, they will hear God's messengers, repent, and He will hear their cries and heal the land. We must remember to tell others about all God has done--His love, mercy, and many benefits for all who receive what He has to give!
The ultimate sacrifice has been made--(Jesus on the cross) there is no other sacrifice needed to get God to smile upon us other than--obedience in being a witness--telling of His goodness! Hallelujah!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
God vs Idols!
"Present your case," says the LORD. "Set forth your arguments," says
Jacob's King. "Tell us, you idols, what is going to happen..."(Isaiah
41:21,22 NIV).
For just a moment, imagine we are spectators in the court of life and we hear Isaiah speaking for God to the lost--those who have turned their backs on Him. In earlier verses, God has already declared what He will do--make the barren places come alive with growth, provide for the poor and the needy, so they will know that it is Him who is their provider. And now, it is time for the people to explain what their idol gods will do.
The case being made here is that any idol (anything we worship over God) can do very little on its own. No statute, no beads, no job, no car, no amount of wealth (anything we make with our own hands or a facsimile thereof) can operate on its own and will do nothing to benefit mankind. The children of Israel had been warned time and again about what would happen to them if they put their trust in man. I can imagine--when put to the test and if they had been smart--they would have immediately destroyed all the idols--the gods they worshipped in the hills or sacrificed children upon--would no longer exist and they would have benefitted from God's mercy and love.
But what did they do? They ignored the warnings--the reminders of what God had done in the past for them and the prophecy of what He would do in the future. In fact, they detested what God had to say so much that they later sawed Isaiah in half--thinking that would stop God from talking.
God has always and will always have someone willing to speak on His behalf. He will never be silenced and as He has proven in the past, if we will not speak for Him, He'll use an animal or have the rocks cry out in praise of Him. For whom will you be a witness of today? God or the idols? I refuse to have use an animal or stones to speak when I have a tongue and a voice that I can raise loud and long in praise of Him, who has done all things marvelously well, on my behalf. Glory to God! Hallelujah!
For just a moment, imagine we are spectators in the court of life and we hear Isaiah speaking for God to the lost--those who have turned their backs on Him. In earlier verses, God has already declared what He will do--make the barren places come alive with growth, provide for the poor and the needy, so they will know that it is Him who is their provider. And now, it is time for the people to explain what their idol gods will do.
The case being made here is that any idol (anything we worship over God) can do very little on its own. No statute, no beads, no job, no car, no amount of wealth (anything we make with our own hands or a facsimile thereof) can operate on its own and will do nothing to benefit mankind. The children of Israel had been warned time and again about what would happen to them if they put their trust in man. I can imagine--when put to the test and if they had been smart--they would have immediately destroyed all the idols--the gods they worshipped in the hills or sacrificed children upon--would no longer exist and they would have benefitted from God's mercy and love.
But what did they do? They ignored the warnings--the reminders of what God had done in the past for them and the prophecy of what He would do in the future. In fact, they detested what God had to say so much that they later sawed Isaiah in half--thinking that would stop God from talking.
God has always and will always have someone willing to speak on His behalf. He will never be silenced and as He has proven in the past, if we will not speak for Him, He'll use an animal or have the rocks cry out in praise of Him. For whom will you be a witness of today? God or the idols? I refuse to have use an animal or stones to speak when I have a tongue and a voice that I can raise loud and long in praise of Him, who has done all things marvelously well, on my behalf. Glory to God! Hallelujah!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Great Love!
"For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead" (Psalm 86:13 NIV).
I encourage everyone to read this entire Psalm get a better understanding of the focus attempted here.
If it had not been for God's great love for me, where would I be? If He had not provided deliverance, through Jesus Christ, I would still be on the path to hell!
Not that I'm a perfect person now, but when I look back at the things that I did, and remember the way I sometimes treated people, I can honestly say that "heaven was not an option" for me, then. I did not commit any murders--unless we count what I attempted to do to others by undermining their self-worth. I did not commit grand theft--unless we count stealing hearts deliberately and then letting them dangle and rot. There were days when I was not a very nice person. I did what I wanted to do with little thought for how my actions would affect others. I was on a mission to debilitate every male I met because of what had been done to me as a child. I was so foolish that I thought I'd never live past 50 and when people told me I'd end up in hell, I'd say, "well, it will be a party because everyone I know will be there." How foolish is that?
But O how great is our God! It was His love that saved me and got me on the right path. He put people in my life who would not give up on me and they helped me to see that "heaven was not only an option; it was assured."
So, if I offend anyone reading by praising God--please understand--I have a right and I will praise Him with everything in me. You don't know like I know, what He's done for me! You don't know how He set me free--from anger and bitterness and unforgiveness. You don't know how He saved me from the pit I was digging deeper every day for myself. You don't know! I will praise Him every waking hour, in my sleep, online, in my books--wherever and whenever I can--I will praise His Holy Name. I know without a smidgen of a doubt, that had I been the only person on the planet, Jesus would have made that great sacrifice--just for me! If He did for me; He'll do it for anyone else who chooses to receive His love! How great is His love towards us! Hallelujah! Thank God for saving me!
I encourage everyone to read this entire Psalm get a better understanding of the focus attempted here.
If it had not been for God's great love for me, where would I be? If He had not provided deliverance, through Jesus Christ, I would still be on the path to hell!
Not that I'm a perfect person now, but when I look back at the things that I did, and remember the way I sometimes treated people, I can honestly say that "heaven was not an option" for me, then. I did not commit any murders--unless we count what I attempted to do to others by undermining their self-worth. I did not commit grand theft--unless we count stealing hearts deliberately and then letting them dangle and rot. There were days when I was not a very nice person. I did what I wanted to do with little thought for how my actions would affect others. I was on a mission to debilitate every male I met because of what had been done to me as a child. I was so foolish that I thought I'd never live past 50 and when people told me I'd end up in hell, I'd say, "well, it will be a party because everyone I know will be there." How foolish is that?
But O how great is our God! It was His love that saved me and got me on the right path. He put people in my life who would not give up on me and they helped me to see that "heaven was not only an option; it was assured."
So, if I offend anyone reading by praising God--please understand--I have a right and I will praise Him with everything in me. You don't know like I know, what He's done for me! You don't know how He set me free--from anger and bitterness and unforgiveness. You don't know how He saved me from the pit I was digging deeper every day for myself. You don't know! I will praise Him every waking hour, in my sleep, online, in my books--wherever and whenever I can--I will praise His Holy Name. I know without a smidgen of a doubt, that had I been the only person on the planet, Jesus would have made that great sacrifice--just for me! If He did for me; He'll do it for anyone else who chooses to receive His love! How great is His love towards us! Hallelujah! Thank God for saving me!
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Learn Everything Well!
Building Faith!
"But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy
faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God's love as
you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal
life" (Jude 1:20,21 NIV).
In this passage of scripture, we find a reminder that we are not to think too much about what "scoffers and unbelievers say or do" since they are operating without benefit of the Holy Spirit's guidance in their lives. Indeed, we are told that they are only concerned with their fleshly desires and allow those desires to dictate their actions and influence others to do likewise.
But we are reminded that we can "build up our faith" and pray in the Holy Spirit to keep ourselves in right standing with God (receiving all His benefits) as we wait for the return of Jesus Christ for our eternal resting place. Upon reading all of Jude, we understand that the persecution and downright ridicule of believers is not new and we are warned that the things occurring right now, were foretold long ago. It's just human nature. Whenever human beings think that appeasing flesh is more important than anything else, we have upheavals in spiritual matters (faith in God, etc.) and an open season on believers who dare to adhere to The Word of God and do so in public forums.
We know that God's timing is not ours and we can rest assured that we will receive that eternal resting place promised to all believers and just as we will receive the promise made to us; so will others who choose not to believe, receive what they were promised.
Lord, have mercy on those who walk in unbelief and provide for them an opportunity to see You for who You are and what You mean in their lives. Stop the mouths of those who are influenced by the enemy and who would cause many to turn away from You and Your goodness. Provide those who do believe with wisdom and direction in promoting the Gospel so that we can stand before You, justified in being obedient, knowing we have done all we can do to bring others into a right relationship with You. Fill all with Your Spirit that we might have peace in the land while we are yet present in this realm until Jesus reappears. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!
In this passage of scripture, we find a reminder that we are not to think too much about what "scoffers and unbelievers say or do" since they are operating without benefit of the Holy Spirit's guidance in their lives. Indeed, we are told that they are only concerned with their fleshly desires and allow those desires to dictate their actions and influence others to do likewise.
But we are reminded that we can "build up our faith" and pray in the Holy Spirit to keep ourselves in right standing with God (receiving all His benefits) as we wait for the return of Jesus Christ for our eternal resting place. Upon reading all of Jude, we understand that the persecution and downright ridicule of believers is not new and we are warned that the things occurring right now, were foretold long ago. It's just human nature. Whenever human beings think that appeasing flesh is more important than anything else, we have upheavals in spiritual matters (faith in God, etc.) and an open season on believers who dare to adhere to The Word of God and do so in public forums.
We know that God's timing is not ours and we can rest assured that we will receive that eternal resting place promised to all believers and just as we will receive the promise made to us; so will others who choose not to believe, receive what they were promised.
Lord, have mercy on those who walk in unbelief and provide for them an opportunity to see You for who You are and what You mean in their lives. Stop the mouths of those who are influenced by the enemy and who would cause many to turn away from You and Your goodness. Provide those who do believe with wisdom and direction in promoting the Gospel so that we can stand before You, justified in being obedient, knowing we have done all we can do to bring others into a right relationship with You. Fill all with Your Spirit that we might have peace in the land while we are yet present in this realm until Jesus reappears. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Getting Rich!
"The blessing of the LORD, it make one rich, and he adds no sorrow with it" (Proverbs 10:22 paraphrased).
For everyone who has ever tried a "get-rich-quick scheme" and failed, there is a way to assure riches and that way only comes from God through His blessings. Solomon understands that the blessing of being obedient results in abundant wealth. Just look at his life!
When Solomon had an opportunity to receive great wealth from God, he asked for wisdom. And because he did not ask for wealth, and because he was obedient, he received great wisdom and abundant wealth, until he was influenced by his flesh instead of his faith in God.
But The Word reminds us that God has given us "power to get wealth" through the Holy Spirit. When we allow the Holy Spirit to reign in our lives, we can expect to see the promise made to Joshua (fulfilled in our lives) when God told him that "whatever he put his hands would prosper" when he was obedient."
When God blesses a person, He does not add any sorrow (regret) to the blessing, but sometimes we end up with sorrow and regret because we did not know (had no wisdom) how to handle the blessing. We see this in those who have won large jackpots in lotteries and still end up miserable and broke. For many, who do not understand, the blessings of the Lord are not just material things, but happiness, joy, peace and good health. When we can appreciate these things and are willing to hear and obey God, we have access to receiving great riches.
If we want great riches, we must hear and obey and have faith in His Word. Lord, give us wisdom in how to receive all that You desire to give us and in what to do with that knowledge and wealth so we can to help eliminate the struggles of others.
For everyone who has ever tried a "get-rich-quick scheme" and failed, there is a way to assure riches and that way only comes from God through His blessings. Solomon understands that the blessing of being obedient results in abundant wealth. Just look at his life!
When Solomon had an opportunity to receive great wealth from God, he asked for wisdom. And because he did not ask for wealth, and because he was obedient, he received great wisdom and abundant wealth, until he was influenced by his flesh instead of his faith in God.
But The Word reminds us that God has given us "power to get wealth" through the Holy Spirit. When we allow the Holy Spirit to reign in our lives, we can expect to see the promise made to Joshua (fulfilled in our lives) when God told him that "whatever he put his hands would prosper" when he was obedient."
When God blesses a person, He does not add any sorrow (regret) to the blessing, but sometimes we end up with sorrow and regret because we did not know (had no wisdom) how to handle the blessing. We see this in those who have won large jackpots in lotteries and still end up miserable and broke. For many, who do not understand, the blessings of the Lord are not just material things, but happiness, joy, peace and good health. When we can appreciate these things and are willing to hear and obey God, we have access to receiving great riches.
If we want great riches, we must hear and obey and have faith in His Word. Lord, give us wisdom in how to receive all that You desire to give us and in what to do with that knowledge and wealth so we can to help eliminate the struggles of others.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
His Timing is Not Ours!
http://www.amazon.com/Mary-M.-Hall-Rayford/e/B00BAW31CQ
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance"(2 Peter 3:9 NIV).
Isn't it good to know that God's timing is not measured by our timing? Hallelujah! If His timing was calculated based upon how "we determine time," most of us would be in trouble.
The Word tells us that Jesus is coming back--does not specify time--but for those who truly believe, we know He's coming back. Many people have doubted The Word because they do not understand God's timing. We are told in The Word that with God, "a thousand years is like one day and one day like a thousand years". This is how God measures time. If we, as human beings, could ever get past the notion that we can--define, demonstrate, illustrate, or explain God based on our own finite knowledge of anything--God would have a better chance of accomplishing some things through us. As it is, we miss God's best for our lives because we attempt to bring Him down to our level of thinking instead of allowing Him to bring us up to His level of thinking and doing.
He also reminds us that, "His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways". Why? Because He's God--the omniscient One, all-knowing God--the One who created us and not the other way around. Once we accept this simple fact, we put ourselves in position to receive His best--in His timing, not ours. Think about it! If we truly thought and acted like God, the world would be in a much better place because all we would do is "love one another" as He has commanded us to do.
So, the next time you get a little frustrated waiting to see God's promises fulfilled in your life--know this! His timing is not ours, but He is not a man that He should lie. If He promised it, He will bring it to pass! Hallelujah!
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance"(2 Peter 3:9 NIV).
Isn't it good to know that God's timing is not measured by our timing? Hallelujah! If His timing was calculated based upon how "we determine time," most of us would be in trouble.
The Word tells us that Jesus is coming back--does not specify time--but for those who truly believe, we know He's coming back. Many people have doubted The Word because they do not understand God's timing. We are told in The Word that with God, "a thousand years is like one day and one day like a thousand years". This is how God measures time. If we, as human beings, could ever get past the notion that we can--define, demonstrate, illustrate, or explain God based on our own finite knowledge of anything--God would have a better chance of accomplishing some things through us. As it is, we miss God's best for our lives because we attempt to bring Him down to our level of thinking instead of allowing Him to bring us up to His level of thinking and doing.
He also reminds us that, "His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways". Why? Because He's God--the omniscient One, all-knowing God--the One who created us and not the other way around. Once we accept this simple fact, we put ourselves in position to receive His best--in His timing, not ours. Think about it! If we truly thought and acted like God, the world would be in a much better place because all we would do is "love one another" as He has commanded us to do.
So, the next time you get a little frustrated waiting to see God's promises fulfilled in your life--know this! His timing is not ours, but He is not a man that He should lie. If He promised it, He will bring it to pass! Hallelujah!
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Who Can We Trust?
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you" (Psalm 73:25).
The real question by the Psalmist here is, who can I really trust, but You, God? He acknowledges that there is nothing on earth worth having or desiring than God in his life.
Have we come to the end of ourselves and realize that we can do absolutely nothing without God in our lives? Do we realize that even when we fall short in His eyes, He is yet there to forgive and bring us back into a place where we understand His love for us?
There are times when I look at the things that take place in our society and wonder to myself if Jesus has any regrets about sacrificing His life for us. So many seem to take life for granted--they do whatever they want to do, treat people any kind of way, are totally thoughtless about the welfare and well-being of others--and they do all of this to make sure they have what they want, no matter how they get it. I shake my head when I watch the news with the horrors that I see committed against the vulnerable, the poor, and those who don't look like the presiding policy-makers.
What have we come to when we do not recognize the plights of those who cannot fend for themselves? Why don't we make better attempts to educate those who vote for law-makers when we know they do not understand the process? Why do we who know better, do nothing except complain?
Lord, forgive us for our apathy. Help us to take on your nature in caring for others and remind us daily that You are really the only One we can truly trust in times of need. Thank You for loving us and giving us chance after chance to get living right before You! Hallelujah!
The real question by the Psalmist here is, who can I really trust, but You, God? He acknowledges that there is nothing on earth worth having or desiring than God in his life.
Have we come to the end of ourselves and realize that we can do absolutely nothing without God in our lives? Do we realize that even when we fall short in His eyes, He is yet there to forgive and bring us back into a place where we understand His love for us?
There are times when I look at the things that take place in our society and wonder to myself if Jesus has any regrets about sacrificing His life for us. So many seem to take life for granted--they do whatever they want to do, treat people any kind of way, are totally thoughtless about the welfare and well-being of others--and they do all of this to make sure they have what they want, no matter how they get it. I shake my head when I watch the news with the horrors that I see committed against the vulnerable, the poor, and those who don't look like the presiding policy-makers.
What have we come to when we do not recognize the plights of those who cannot fend for themselves? Why don't we make better attempts to educate those who vote for law-makers when we know they do not understand the process? Why do we who know better, do nothing except complain?
Lord, forgive us for our apathy. Help us to take on your nature in caring for others and remind us daily that You are really the only One we can truly trust in times of need. Thank You for loving us and giving us chance after chance to get living right before You! Hallelujah!
Friday, July 19, 2013
Praying for Rain!
Father,
We ask for Your intervention and for rain for the western states engulfed in flames that no life may be lost. We thank You for being a loving God, full of mercy and grace. We praise You for being the only wise God and thank You for hearing and answering prayers. In Jesus' name, we pray and thank You, Amen!
We ask for Your intervention and for rain for the western states engulfed in flames that no life may be lost. We thank You for being a loving God, full of mercy and grace. We praise You for being the only wise God and thank You for hearing and answering prayers. In Jesus' name, we pray and thank You, Amen!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Enduring Truth
"For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures for all generations" (Psalms 100:5)
There are so many wonderful things we could say about The Lord and praise Him for, but the fact that He is good--all the time and all the time He is good--is just one aspect of who He is. His mercy--His willingness to give us chance after chance to get things right instead of throwing us under a bus the first time we mess up, and His enduring truth--a truth that cannot be changed even though many have tried, but it has lasted from generation to generation.
Although there are many who will say that the Bible is merely a collection of word-of-mouth stories which have been interpreted in various ways time and time again; it is still a marvel that the basic premises of what has been told is still being told. In the beginning...God--created all things. Man broke fellowship with God through disobedience. Man's relationship with God was reconciled through Jesus Christ. His truth endures--the slander of non-believers; the compromising of those who proclaim belief, but don't live the life, His truth--endures to and for all generations. The story will still be told, long after many of us have ceased living and His truth, not man's (because mankind's truth changes at the whim of man) will continue to endure. His truth--we need to be in right relationship with Him and He is the only one in whom our faith should reside. He is the only one who can save us from ourselves.
God's enduring truth is the firm foundation on which we have established our faith and can indeed look forward to receiving the reward due us for living a godly life--our eternal resting place in Heaven. Thank God for His goodness, His mercy and His enduring truth!
There are so many wonderful things we could say about The Lord and praise Him for, but the fact that He is good--all the time and all the time He is good--is just one aspect of who He is. His mercy--His willingness to give us chance after chance to get things right instead of throwing us under a bus the first time we mess up, and His enduring truth--a truth that cannot be changed even though many have tried, but it has lasted from generation to generation.
Although there are many who will say that the Bible is merely a collection of word-of-mouth stories which have been interpreted in various ways time and time again; it is still a marvel that the basic premises of what has been told is still being told. In the beginning...God--created all things. Man broke fellowship with God through disobedience. Man's relationship with God was reconciled through Jesus Christ. His truth endures--the slander of non-believers; the compromising of those who proclaim belief, but don't live the life, His truth--endures to and for all generations. The story will still be told, long after many of us have ceased living and His truth, not man's (because mankind's truth changes at the whim of man) will continue to endure. His truth--we need to be in right relationship with Him and He is the only one in whom our faith should reside. He is the only one who can save us from ourselves.
God's enduring truth is the firm foundation on which we have established our faith and can indeed look forward to receiving the reward due us for living a godly life--our eternal resting place in Heaven. Thank God for His goodness, His mercy and His enduring truth!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Heartsick!
After reading and responding to a number of comments regarding the
Zimmerman case and the incident in Wisconsin, I am heartsick to see that
so many Americans are so full of hate. It does not matter what the
ethnicity is--I see hatred pouring out from all sides and it is indeed
sad to see.
There are some promoting the nonsense that only Black Americans commit crimes, some saying that no black person between the age of 7-70 should be trusted, some saying that height determines adulthood so if a black male is over 5'5" he could should be considered a man, not a child regardless of age. Is this truly the plight of America? Have we become such a blinded nation that we hate without reason or cause and attempt to justify our hate?
What is even sadder about some of these comments is that those making them profess to be Christians! I cannot imagine how God must feel with people attempting to vilify His Son, Jesus Christ by even claiming to be a follower of One who promotes love. And that is exactly what we do when we claim to be Christian and yet our actions or what we say have nothing to do with love. Hatred is a tool that Satan uses to his advantage and all those who hate--must own up to him being their leader (their god).
Father, in the name of Jesus, help us all to see people the way You see us--humanity created in Your image, willing to love the unlovable, and willing to be a peacemaker, not a peace-breaker. Help us to turn to You in times of need and wisdom to determine how You would want us treat one another and in drawing conclusions about matters in which none were witnesses. Help us O God to stem the tide of hatred before all of mankind is destroyed in order to appease the ego of the enemy. We trust and adore You and wait for Your guidance in all matters. Create in us a pure heart that knows how to love and forgive, but accept truth for Truth's sake. I declare it done in all faith, without doubting, Amen!
There are some promoting the nonsense that only Black Americans commit crimes, some saying that no black person between the age of 7-70 should be trusted, some saying that height determines adulthood so if a black male is over 5'5" he could should be considered a man, not a child regardless of age. Is this truly the plight of America? Have we become such a blinded nation that we hate without reason or cause and attempt to justify our hate?
What is even sadder about some of these comments is that those making them profess to be Christians! I cannot imagine how God must feel with people attempting to vilify His Son, Jesus Christ by even claiming to be a follower of One who promotes love. And that is exactly what we do when we claim to be Christian and yet our actions or what we say have nothing to do with love. Hatred is a tool that Satan uses to his advantage and all those who hate--must own up to him being their leader (their god).
Father, in the name of Jesus, help us all to see people the way You see us--humanity created in Your image, willing to love the unlovable, and willing to be a peacemaker, not a peace-breaker. Help us to turn to You in times of need and wisdom to determine how You would want us treat one another and in drawing conclusions about matters in which none were witnesses. Help us O God to stem the tide of hatred before all of mankind is destroyed in order to appease the ego of the enemy. We trust and adore You and wait for Your guidance in all matters. Create in us a pure heart that knows how to love and forgive, but accept truth for Truth's sake. I declare it done in all faith, without doubting, Amen!
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
He Responds to Faith!
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have
faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the
fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed,
and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done" (Matthew 21:21).
This response from Jesus to His disciples regarding the fig tree's demise helps us to understand two things: Being non-productive will lead to our demise and when our faith deletes doubt, we can "say" and it will be done, not by our might, but because of His response to faith.
Heavenly Father,
We seek Your guidance in all things--daily living, spiritual warfare, and in pleasing You. Help us today, and everyday to remember that when we seek You first, we will find the answers to all questions that may bombard us in the natural and in the spiritual realm. We praise You for Your loving kindness and mercy and grace that we could never earn. We praise You for the angels we know You have assigned to each of us and we thank You for keeping them alert and on duty. Comfort hearts that have lost loved ones; especially the children who did not have a chance to live a full life. We know that You know all things and even though we may not understand everything that happens, we trust You. Thank You for peace and calm abiding in the hearts of all and creating an environment that will resolve itself peacefully. Thank You for giving us insight into the enemy's ability to influence others and for giving us the weapons to defeat the enemy--the ability to love as You love and willingness to forgive. Thank You for reminding us that when we please You, You will give us the desires of our hearts.
My desire today is for peace and love to reign all over this world and especially in our nation and I declare it done, in Jesus' name. Amen!
This response from Jesus to His disciples regarding the fig tree's demise helps us to understand two things: Being non-productive will lead to our demise and when our faith deletes doubt, we can "say" and it will be done, not by our might, but because of His response to faith.
Heavenly Father,
We seek Your guidance in all things--daily living, spiritual warfare, and in pleasing You. Help us today, and everyday to remember that when we seek You first, we will find the answers to all questions that may bombard us in the natural and in the spiritual realm. We praise You for Your loving kindness and mercy and grace that we could never earn. We praise You for the angels we know You have assigned to each of us and we thank You for keeping them alert and on duty. Comfort hearts that have lost loved ones; especially the children who did not have a chance to live a full life. We know that You know all things and even though we may not understand everything that happens, we trust You. Thank You for peace and calm abiding in the hearts of all and creating an environment that will resolve itself peacefully. Thank You for giving us insight into the enemy's ability to influence others and for giving us the weapons to defeat the enemy--the ability to love as You love and willingness to forgive. Thank You for reminding us that when we please You, You will give us the desires of our hearts.
My desire today is for peace and love to reign all over this world and especially in our nation and I declare it done, in Jesus' name. Amen!
Monday, July 15, 2013
The World's System!
"If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because
you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world,
therefore the world hates you" (John 15:19).
When Jesus was speaking to His disciples, He was letting them (and us) know that if the world could hate him (vs. 18), it would certainly hate anyone else whom He had chosen. He chose the twelve who followed Him and one of them was a devil.
In the world's system, there is honor among thieves, the embezzlers, the dishonorable politicians, the whores, and all of those influenced by the enemy. They love one another and support and encourage each other and hate and denigrate anything or anyone who attempts to live a godly life. That's the world's system.
Now if the world can love its own, why can't we? Why can't all who proclaim to be believers love each other and support and encourage one another? Why is it that those living by the world's system appear to be doing more for each other than we do (appearances can be deceiving)?
Don't get discouraged by the Word or by anyone else attempting to dissect it, including me. My intent is not to discourage, but to point out that the first chosen--Jesus and His disciples--were the targets of hate and disdain. So, why do we think people should treat us any differently, when we, too are chosen? Celebrate being chosen and being hated by the world (we became targets for the enemy's wrath), for if the world (the enemy) hates us--we are doing what we should do--promoting the Gospel and loving one another! Hurray! Glory Hallelujah! "For by this shall we know one another, by our love for each other."
Thank You God for choosing and saving me and for the world's system, that I might be known as I promote The Gospel and love all!
When Jesus was speaking to His disciples, He was letting them (and us) know that if the world could hate him (vs. 18), it would certainly hate anyone else whom He had chosen. He chose the twelve who followed Him and one of them was a devil.
In the world's system, there is honor among thieves, the embezzlers, the dishonorable politicians, the whores, and all of those influenced by the enemy. They love one another and support and encourage each other and hate and denigrate anything or anyone who attempts to live a godly life. That's the world's system.
Now if the world can love its own, why can't we? Why can't all who proclaim to be believers love each other and support and encourage one another? Why is it that those living by the world's system appear to be doing more for each other than we do (appearances can be deceiving)?
Don't get discouraged by the Word or by anyone else attempting to dissect it, including me. My intent is not to discourage, but to point out that the first chosen--Jesus and His disciples--were the targets of hate and disdain. So, why do we think people should treat us any differently, when we, too are chosen? Celebrate being chosen and being hated by the world (we became targets for the enemy's wrath), for if the world (the enemy) hates us--we are doing what we should do--promoting the Gospel and loving one another! Hurray! Glory Hallelujah! "For by this shall we know one another, by our love for each other."
Thank You God for choosing and saving me and for the world's system, that I might be known as I promote The Gospel and love all!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Never Give Up!
Foolish, Wise, Weak, or Mighty
"But God has chosen the foolish things to confound the wise; and God
has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are
mighty" (I Corinthians 1: 27)
How like God to create situations in which "mankind" can make no sense of it! In an earlier verse in this same passage (v.25) Paul states, "the foolishness of God is wiser than men" and this is why so many people do not believe that God is God and what He has said is what He has said. It is foolishness to them because they have decided they are wiser than God.
God chose a donkey to speak--foolishness in the eyes of those who heard it.
God chose a harlot to preserve in the midst of tribal war as a lifeline into which Jesus appears.
God chose a man who had committed murder and had a speech impediment to rescue the Hebrews from a "wise" Pharaoh (at least in his own eyes).
God wrought miracles at the hands of the least expected to be used and still does.
God uses any willing vessel--no matter their station in life or the number of degrees they have or do not have.
He has said, "wisdom is the principal thing and with all our getting (of wisdom) we should get understanding". Who can understand God and what He does without having a relationship with Him?
The answer to the question is simply this: Those who are considered foolish enough to believe He is who He says He is and can do what He says He can, have a relationship with Him. Those who know they can do absolutely nothing in their own strength, but are totally dependent on Him have a relationship with Him. In our weakness, He is made strong and in our foolishness, He is revealed wise. Without a relationship with Him, everything He is and does is foolishness to those who consider themselves wise (without Him in their lives).
Which are you today--foolish, wise, weak or strong?
Father, help us to see just how much we need You since we have no wisdom of our own and certainly no strength that even comes close to matching Yours. We submit to Your leading, and we are trusting in Your Word, and loving that You love us enough to keep us in right relationship with You. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!
How like God to create situations in which "mankind" can make no sense of it! In an earlier verse in this same passage (v.25) Paul states, "the foolishness of God is wiser than men" and this is why so many people do not believe that God is God and what He has said is what He has said. It is foolishness to them because they have decided they are wiser than God.
God chose a donkey to speak--foolishness in the eyes of those who heard it.
God chose a harlot to preserve in the midst of tribal war as a lifeline into which Jesus appears.
God chose a man who had committed murder and had a speech impediment to rescue the Hebrews from a "wise" Pharaoh (at least in his own eyes).
God wrought miracles at the hands of the least expected to be used and still does.
God uses any willing vessel--no matter their station in life or the number of degrees they have or do not have.
He has said, "wisdom is the principal thing and with all our getting (of wisdom) we should get understanding". Who can understand God and what He does without having a relationship with Him?
The answer to the question is simply this: Those who are considered foolish enough to believe He is who He says He is and can do what He says He can, have a relationship with Him. Those who know they can do absolutely nothing in their own strength, but are totally dependent on Him have a relationship with Him. In our weakness, He is made strong and in our foolishness, He is revealed wise. Without a relationship with Him, everything He is and does is foolishness to those who consider themselves wise (without Him in their lives).
Which are you today--foolish, wise, weak or strong?
Father, help us to see just how much we need You since we have no wisdom of our own and certainly no strength that even comes close to matching Yours. We submit to Your leading, and we are trusting in Your Word, and loving that You love us enough to keep us in right relationship with You. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!
Saturday, July 13, 2013
While I Live!
"For in death [there is] no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?"(Psalm 6:5)
While I live, I will give You thanks and praise You each and every day!
While I live, I will tell others of Your goodness and mercy and love!
While I live, I will trust You to provide my every need!
While I live, I will train my children and grandchildren in the ways of The Lord!
While I live, I will be a living testimony, proof of Your mercy, grace, and love!
While I live, I will do all that You would have me to do or say!
While I live, While I live, for when I am dead, there is no turning back the hands of time to do or say anything. While I live, I look forward to an expected end to spend it with You for all eternity. While I live!
While I live, I will give You thanks and praise You each and every day!
While I live, I will tell others of Your goodness and mercy and love!
While I live, I will trust You to provide my every need!
While I live, I will train my children and grandchildren in the ways of The Lord!
While I live, I will be a living testimony, proof of Your mercy, grace, and love!
While I live, I will do all that You would have me to do or say!
While I live, While I live, for when I am dead, there is no turning back the hands of time to do or say anything. While I live, I look forward to an expected end to spend it with You for all eternity. While I live!
Friday, July 12, 2013
"f" free language!
Can we talk? For real? Without using language that offends the sensibilities of most civilized human beings?
I am so sick and tired of reading "sample" books with so much profanity that I would certainly never purchase the book. Every other line is laced with an "f" or "mf" or such base language describing bodily functions that I'm embarrassed for the author. I mean really, why do some have to write such garbage? Is this the only language most people can relate to? If it is, I'm certainly on the wrong planet.
Now, here's the kicker! Most of the books I'm referencing are obviously not written by true believers in The Word. If they were, they would be too intimidated to write what they write. But it is these same people who would criticize most Christians for their belief and faith in God! Who knew? Wow! What a revelation! Most people (not all) who have a relationship with God respect the relationship with Him and other people; those who don't, don't.
But this can all change. Can we please elevate the thinking, speaking, and writing for all to enjoy? Is that so hard to do? It is up to those of us who write--fiction, non-fiction, poetry, song lyrics, etc. to raise the standards of using appropriate language. If we change what we do; society will change what it does. Try it and see!
I am so sick and tired of reading "sample" books with so much profanity that I would certainly never purchase the book. Every other line is laced with an "f" or "mf" or such base language describing bodily functions that I'm embarrassed for the author. I mean really, why do some have to write such garbage? Is this the only language most people can relate to? If it is, I'm certainly on the wrong planet.
Now, here's the kicker! Most of the books I'm referencing are obviously not written by true believers in The Word. If they were, they would be too intimidated to write what they write. But it is these same people who would criticize most Christians for their belief and faith in God! Who knew? Wow! What a revelation! Most people (not all) who have a relationship with God respect the relationship with Him and other people; those who don't, don't.
But this can all change. Can we please elevate the thinking, speaking, and writing for all to enjoy? Is that so hard to do? It is up to those of us who write--fiction, non-fiction, poetry, song lyrics, etc. to raise the standards of using appropriate language. If we change what we do; society will change what it does. Try it and see!
When The Lord Stands With Us!
"But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through
me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear
it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth" (2 Timothy 4:17 NIV).
When The Lord stands with us, He gives us strength to do what must be done. In this passage of scripture, Paul tells Timothy that while the Gospel was being preached, Paul knew the Lord was with Him and that knowledge gave him the strength and courage he needed to preach to the unbelieving. If God stood with Paul, will He not stand with us, when we do as are told to do?
I am convinced that even though there are many people who would shun listening to the Gospel message, and there is evidence on a daily basis that many will attempt to refute, if I stand firm in the knowledge that the Lord is with me, I can preach the Gospel and convince others to believe without worrying about the end result.
Some people are afraid to preach the Gospel message (without compromising it) for fear that they will lose friends or people will laugh at them. People laughed at Jesus; they refuted His attempts to get them to understand that He was the Son of God. I'd rather be in the company of Jesus than those who would oppose Him.
Perhaps, it is because of my nature that I have never really been concerned about what people thought of me. I know this attitude helped me to overcome the negativity of being a female preacher in many circles. I know this attitude helped me to overcome the indifference of many who thought I was crazy to go back to school and begin teaching in public schools at 50 years old. I know this attitude helped me to overcome the "hems and haws" when I first started writing (seriously) at a late stage in my life. How did I overcome? I know the Lord was with me and I was strengthened by the knowledge that He would never leave me or forsake me. I knew that as long as I was doing what He had either asked me to do or given me permission to do that everything was going to be all right. It is because I knew then and know now, when The Lord stands with me, I can do all things above and beyond my finite expectations and if I can, so can anyone else who believes He will.
Do all things that glorify Him with Him standing by your side and you will be victorious!
When The Lord stands with us, He gives us strength to do what must be done. In this passage of scripture, Paul tells Timothy that while the Gospel was being preached, Paul knew the Lord was with Him and that knowledge gave him the strength and courage he needed to preach to the unbelieving. If God stood with Paul, will He not stand with us, when we do as are told to do?
I am convinced that even though there are many people who would shun listening to the Gospel message, and there is evidence on a daily basis that many will attempt to refute, if I stand firm in the knowledge that the Lord is with me, I can preach the Gospel and convince others to believe without worrying about the end result.
Some people are afraid to preach the Gospel message (without compromising it) for fear that they will lose friends or people will laugh at them. People laughed at Jesus; they refuted His attempts to get them to understand that He was the Son of God. I'd rather be in the company of Jesus than those who would oppose Him.
Perhaps, it is because of my nature that I have never really been concerned about what people thought of me. I know this attitude helped me to overcome the negativity of being a female preacher in many circles. I know this attitude helped me to overcome the indifference of many who thought I was crazy to go back to school and begin teaching in public schools at 50 years old. I know this attitude helped me to overcome the "hems and haws" when I first started writing (seriously) at a late stage in my life. How did I overcome? I know the Lord was with me and I was strengthened by the knowledge that He would never leave me or forsake me. I knew that as long as I was doing what He had either asked me to do or given me permission to do that everything was going to be all right. It is because I knew then and know now, when The Lord stands with me, I can do all things above and beyond my finite expectations and if I can, so can anyone else who believes He will.
Do all things that glorify Him with Him standing by your side and you will be victorious!
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Not Outwitted!
"in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. " (2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV).
How does the enemy outwit us? Don't fool yourself, he does whenever our defenses are down.
There are five things one must understand about how the enemy works and manages to wreak havoc in our lives. He is a master of deception, the father of liars, his job is to steal, kill, and destroy.
He is a chameleon--constantly changing to blend in with the weaker saints in order to appear like one. He masquerades as a ministering angel when he in fact is preparing the path to destruction on which we sometimes follow.
He tells believable lies--mixed with some parts truth. Usually his lies are 1 part truth and 3 parts lie and when we mistakenly think the 1 part truth is the whole truth, he sucks us into the whole lie. Think about it! Did he not attempt to convince Jesus to trade His place with a partial lie in the desert? Did he not manage to convince Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit with a partial lie. Let's face it. Any part of a lie makes the entire situation a whole lie. Don't be fooled into trying to justify a half-truth--it is a whole lie. Now, think about current changes in our society--regarding a number of things, including marriage. Is this not a half-truth? If it is a half-truth, it is a whole lie.
Since the enemy hates God and all of His creation, his job is to steal our joy, by any means possible. He will speak lies to our minds and can convince us when we are not careful. He influences us to be fearful and we know that God has not given us a spirit of fear. It is extremely difficult to be full of joy when we are full of fear.
The enemy kills--people literally and loves to kill our dreams and hopes. He influences others to do his bidding when they are not in relationship with God and we see the evidence on a daily basis.
When the enemy has control over the minds (depression, oppression) of those who choose not to believe God, he is then set to destroy everything that God has created and established that we who believe might have full benefit of His promises. It is not believers, in right relationship with God, who are making bombs, killing people, spreading lies about God's Word, or instigating hate. We, who know God and have a relationship with Him, can love unconditionally and have no need to hate people-- no matter how different or how opposed they are to right living. We are capable of loving--even the unlovable--because we are obedient; we love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and love others as ourselves. If we truly love others as ourselves, we cannot conspire to hate anyone, unless we hate ourselves.
To avoid the pitfalls that Satan digs for us; get rest, stay in prayer, praise God at all times, keep your focus on who God is and all that He has planned for us, speak The Word every time the enemy raises his ugly head, and don't be afraid to look the enemy in the eye and let him know--you are on to his tricks and will not be outwitted by him.
Thank You Lord for giving us power (through the Holy Spirit), love (casting out fear), and a sound mind (able to distinguish between the works of enemy and Your voice). Hallelujah for our Risen Savior!
How does the enemy outwit us? Don't fool yourself, he does whenever our defenses are down.
There are five things one must understand about how the enemy works and manages to wreak havoc in our lives. He is a master of deception, the father of liars, his job is to steal, kill, and destroy.
He is a chameleon--constantly changing to blend in with the weaker saints in order to appear like one. He masquerades as a ministering angel when he in fact is preparing the path to destruction on which we sometimes follow.
He tells believable lies--mixed with some parts truth. Usually his lies are 1 part truth and 3 parts lie and when we mistakenly think the 1 part truth is the whole truth, he sucks us into the whole lie. Think about it! Did he not attempt to convince Jesus to trade His place with a partial lie in the desert? Did he not manage to convince Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit with a partial lie. Let's face it. Any part of a lie makes the entire situation a whole lie. Don't be fooled into trying to justify a half-truth--it is a whole lie. Now, think about current changes in our society--regarding a number of things, including marriage. Is this not a half-truth? If it is a half-truth, it is a whole lie.
Since the enemy hates God and all of His creation, his job is to steal our joy, by any means possible. He will speak lies to our minds and can convince us when we are not careful. He influences us to be fearful and we know that God has not given us a spirit of fear. It is extremely difficult to be full of joy when we are full of fear.
The enemy kills--people literally and loves to kill our dreams and hopes. He influences others to do his bidding when they are not in relationship with God and we see the evidence on a daily basis.
When the enemy has control over the minds (depression, oppression) of those who choose not to believe God, he is then set to destroy everything that God has created and established that we who believe might have full benefit of His promises. It is not believers, in right relationship with God, who are making bombs, killing people, spreading lies about God's Word, or instigating hate. We, who know God and have a relationship with Him, can love unconditionally and have no need to hate people-- no matter how different or how opposed they are to right living. We are capable of loving--even the unlovable--because we are obedient; we love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and love others as ourselves. If we truly love others as ourselves, we cannot conspire to hate anyone, unless we hate ourselves.
To avoid the pitfalls that Satan digs for us; get rest, stay in prayer, praise God at all times, keep your focus on who God is and all that He has planned for us, speak The Word every time the enemy raises his ugly head, and don't be afraid to look the enemy in the eye and let him know--you are on to his tricks and will not be outwitted by him.
Thank You Lord for giving us power (through the Holy Spirit), love (casting out fear), and a sound mind (able to distinguish between the works of enemy and Your voice). Hallelujah for our Risen Savior!
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Overcome Denial!
When we think about how words are used, what do we learn?
Words have power--which is why we should be careful how we use them. Just for a moment, I would ask you to think about "de" and how the enemy uses words to keep us in his power.
The DEvil attempts to keep us DEfeated by convincing us that all the negative things we go through are all we are going to have in our lives. The devil convincingly DEceives us into believing lies and connives to keep us DEpressed and oppressed by his DEceptions so some of us get to a place where we DEny our beliefs and our feelings about just about anything.
It is with this power of DEnial that he keeps us from being DELIVERED from everything that would keep us out of position from being blessed by God. The unbelievers "deny" God's existence and therefore they can deny any need to obey His Word. The enemy will influence our denial into believing our challenges don't exist and we do nothing to overcome them. They do exist! They do exist and we must own them and then overcome! Our DEliverance comes when we acknowledge the challenges and then allow God to guide us--so we can overcome and rejoice.
This day, don't let the devil defeat you with depression or denial with his deceptions. Own who you are, what you are and overcome whatever challenges come before you with a testimony about how good God is! Our hope is in Christ Jesus and we can and should shout that from the roof tops!
Words have power--which is why we should be careful how we use them. Just for a moment, I would ask you to think about "de" and how the enemy uses words to keep us in his power.
The DEvil attempts to keep us DEfeated by convincing us that all the negative things we go through are all we are going to have in our lives. The devil convincingly DEceives us into believing lies and connives to keep us DEpressed and oppressed by his DEceptions so some of us get to a place where we DEny our beliefs and our feelings about just about anything.
It is with this power of DEnial that he keeps us from being DELIVERED from everything that would keep us out of position from being blessed by God. The unbelievers "deny" God's existence and therefore they can deny any need to obey His Word. The enemy will influence our denial into believing our challenges don't exist and we do nothing to overcome them. They do exist! They do exist and we must own them and then overcome! Our DEliverance comes when we acknowledge the challenges and then allow God to guide us--so we can overcome and rejoice.
This day, don't let the devil defeat you with depression or denial with his deceptions. Own who you are, what you are and overcome whatever challenges come before you with a testimony about how good God is! Our hope is in Christ Jesus and we can and should shout that from the roof tops!
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Communication He Hears!
Father,
In the midst of our pain and joy, we praise You.
When we see chaos and confusion all around us, we praise You.
When all seems to be lost, we praise You for Your goodness and mercy.
When we fall short of all that You would have us to be, we praise You for forgiveness.
When sickness and disease attack our bodies, we praise You for the healing virtue that flows into the very core of our beings because You sacrificed Your Son and by His stripes, we are healed.
When the enemy attacks our minds and tries to make us think that we are not loved, not wanted, not worthy, we praise You because we know and understand Your Word that says we are loved, we are never alone and it is because of us--that Jesus was willing to die just for us--that we might have eternal life. It is because of Your Word that tells us no weapon formed against shall prosper that we can move forward each and every day. It is because of Your word that we know Your desire is for us to prosper as our soul prospers.
It is because of Your Word that we know we are not defeated because we are more than conquerors and we praise You.
When there is nowhere to run and hide from all of the ugliness in the world, we praise You because we know You are a strong tower and we can hide in the shadow of the Most High.
And because we know that You know our thoughts from afar off, we praise You because we have no need to articulate every little need we have because You know and hear the prayers of the righteous.
And for hearing and answering our prayers, we praise You, the only wise God, creator of all things that were ever created and without You, nothing was created.
For Your Word states that whatever we ask of You in the name of Jesus, we shall have it and we declare it done--all of our needs are met.
In Jesus' name we pray and thank You, Amen!
In the midst of our pain and joy, we praise You.
When we see chaos and confusion all around us, we praise You.
When all seems to be lost, we praise You for Your goodness and mercy.
When we fall short of all that You would have us to be, we praise You for forgiveness.
When sickness and disease attack our bodies, we praise You for the healing virtue that flows into the very core of our beings because You sacrificed Your Son and by His stripes, we are healed.
When the enemy attacks our minds and tries to make us think that we are not loved, not wanted, not worthy, we praise You because we know and understand Your Word that says we are loved, we are never alone and it is because of us--that Jesus was willing to die just for us--that we might have eternal life. It is because of Your Word that tells us no weapon formed against shall prosper that we can move forward each and every day. It is because of Your word that we know Your desire is for us to prosper as our soul prospers.
It is because of Your Word that we know we are not defeated because we are more than conquerors and we praise You.
When there is nowhere to run and hide from all of the ugliness in the world, we praise You because we know You are a strong tower and we can hide in the shadow of the Most High.
And because we know that You know our thoughts from afar off, we praise You because we have no need to articulate every little need we have because You know and hear the prayers of the righteous.
And for hearing and answering our prayers, we praise You, the only wise God, creator of all things that were ever created and without You, nothing was created.
For Your Word states that whatever we ask of You in the name of Jesus, we shall have it and we declare it done--all of our needs are met.
In Jesus' name we pray and thank You, Amen!
Monday, July 8, 2013
The Promise to Generations
"For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that
are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:39)
What promise is to us, our children and all who have not even been born, for anyone that God shall call?
The promise of the gift--The Holy Spirit and abundant life is accessible to all who believe and receive (read vs 38). There are two things here that should be brought back to our remembrance. First, Jesus promises us the gift of the Holy Spirit (upon His return to heaven) who will remind us of all we have been taught and show us things to come. It is with the remembrance of what we have been taught--no weapon formed against us shall prosper, God's Word will be fulfilled in our lives, by His stripes we are healed, we are more than conquerors, we are victorious in all things, we are loved and never alone (this list could go on, and on). Secondly, the Holy Spirit (by divine design) can show us those things to come (giving us insight) if we are open and willing to allow Him to do so. Nothing that ever happens--good or bad--should ever surprise a believer who has a strong relationship with God. He does not intend for us to live our lives--unaware--which is why He has forewarned us through His Word of all we can expect. When we do as we are told, we can have the abundant life that Jesus promises.
Is the promise for just a few? No, the promise is for anyone who believes that He is and He will do all He said He will do. The promise is for our children who have been trained up in the way they should go and do not depart from their training. The promise is for anyone God chooses to call unto Himself--no matter their gender, their nationality, or ethnicity--it is God's choice.
He chooses whom He will call and we choose whether we accept His call into our lives. I choose to receive the promise and to make sure that others who come behind me, know that the promise is also theirs.
What promise is to us, our children and all who have not even been born, for anyone that God shall call?
The promise of the gift--The Holy Spirit and abundant life is accessible to all who believe and receive (read vs 38). There are two things here that should be brought back to our remembrance. First, Jesus promises us the gift of the Holy Spirit (upon His return to heaven) who will remind us of all we have been taught and show us things to come. It is with the remembrance of what we have been taught--no weapon formed against us shall prosper, God's Word will be fulfilled in our lives, by His stripes we are healed, we are more than conquerors, we are victorious in all things, we are loved and never alone (this list could go on, and on). Secondly, the Holy Spirit (by divine design) can show us those things to come (giving us insight) if we are open and willing to allow Him to do so. Nothing that ever happens--good or bad--should ever surprise a believer who has a strong relationship with God. He does not intend for us to live our lives--unaware--which is why He has forewarned us through His Word of all we can expect. When we do as we are told, we can have the abundant life that Jesus promises.
Is the promise for just a few? No, the promise is for anyone who believes that He is and He will do all He said He will do. The promise is for our children who have been trained up in the way they should go and do not depart from their training. The promise is for anyone God chooses to call unto Himself--no matter their gender, their nationality, or ethnicity--it is God's choice.
He chooses whom He will call and we choose whether we accept His call into our lives. I choose to receive the promise and to make sure that others who come behind me, know that the promise is also theirs.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
How Compassionate Are You?
"He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD [is] gracious and full of compassion" (Psalm 111:4).
God has made all of His wonderful works--new mercies every day, unmerited favor everywhere we go, re-uniting us in right relationship through the sacrifice of His Son--and we should remember these each and every day and be thankful.
Can we practice to do what He has done for us?
Can we be gracious towards others--instead of grumbling and always complaining about them or something they did? Can we be full of compassion--showing others just how much we sincerely care about them or their situation?
If God were not compassionate towards us, where would we be?
We would not be recipients of His mercy, grace or love. He would not have come to earth in the form of sinful flesh, be persecuted, crucified and willing to die for "our sins".
He has shown us how compassionate He is towards us. How much compassion do we have towards others?
Help us O God to care as You care!
God has made all of His wonderful works--new mercies every day, unmerited favor everywhere we go, re-uniting us in right relationship through the sacrifice of His Son--and we should remember these each and every day and be thankful.
Can we practice to do what He has done for us?
Can we be gracious towards others--instead of grumbling and always complaining about them or something they did? Can we be full of compassion--showing others just how much we sincerely care about them or their situation?
If God were not compassionate towards us, where would we be?
We would not be recipients of His mercy, grace or love. He would not have come to earth in the form of sinful flesh, be persecuted, crucified and willing to die for "our sins".
He has shown us how compassionate He is towards us. How much compassion do we have towards others?
Help us O God to care as You care!
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Who Believes Us?
"Who has believed our message? And to whom is the arm of The Lord revealed?" (Isaiah 53:1)
When I think about what Isaiah was saying about himself and the other true prophets of God, I can't help but think we are still where they were--who believes us when we tell them about the goodness of God? Who has God really revealed Himself to that any should believe?
Although I may sound a bit redundant (I'm sure I've said this before), knowledge of God doesn't come through religious doctrine; it comes through relationship with Him. If we don't have a relationship with God, how can we truly tell anyone else about Him? What could we say anything good about Him if He is not active in our lives? Can we convince others to believe God (not in Him) by quoting scriptures? I think not--if that was all it took many more would believe Him. Can we convince others by where we attend worship services? Not so--especially since so many churches are under the gun because of evil influence, starting from the pulpit and inclusive of those standing at the door.
No, the only we can convince anyone to believe God is by sharing what He has done for us and through us and that can only happen when we are in relationship with Him. When we have a relationship with people--especially with those we care about--we seek to do things to please them. When they care about us, they seek to do things to please us. If everyone's needs are considered and provided for through us or for us, we maintain a good relationship with that person. The same is true of God. When we have a relationship with Him, we want to please Him and when we please Him, He said, "I'll give you the desires of your heart" (Proverbs 37:4 paraphrased). When people see us living our lives as "living epistles" they may just believe our message. It's not so much what we say about who we are as it is about how we conduct ourselves; especially among the unbelieving. Has anyone believed your message?
Beginning today, let's live the message-the good report--that Jesus saves, delivers, heals, forgives, and lives on the inside of us and watch Him reveal Himself to others. Hallelujah! I thank God for saving me!
When I think about what Isaiah was saying about himself and the other true prophets of God, I can't help but think we are still where they were--who believes us when we tell them about the goodness of God? Who has God really revealed Himself to that any should believe?
Although I may sound a bit redundant (I'm sure I've said this before), knowledge of God doesn't come through religious doctrine; it comes through relationship with Him. If we don't have a relationship with God, how can we truly tell anyone else about Him? What could we say anything good about Him if He is not active in our lives? Can we convince others to believe God (not in Him) by quoting scriptures? I think not--if that was all it took many more would believe Him. Can we convince others by where we attend worship services? Not so--especially since so many churches are under the gun because of evil influence, starting from the pulpit and inclusive of those standing at the door.
No, the only we can convince anyone to believe God is by sharing what He has done for us and through us and that can only happen when we are in relationship with Him. When we have a relationship with people--especially with those we care about--we seek to do things to please them. When they care about us, they seek to do things to please us. If everyone's needs are considered and provided for through us or for us, we maintain a good relationship with that person. The same is true of God. When we have a relationship with Him, we want to please Him and when we please Him, He said, "I'll give you the desires of your heart" (Proverbs 37:4 paraphrased). When people see us living our lives as "living epistles" they may just believe our message. It's not so much what we say about who we are as it is about how we conduct ourselves; especially among the unbelieving. Has anyone believed your message?
Beginning today, let's live the message-the good report--that Jesus saves, delivers, heals, forgives, and lives on the inside of us and watch Him reveal Himself to others. Hallelujah! I thank God for saving me!
Friday, July 5, 2013
Which Spirit Reigns in You?
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).
Fear is a spirit that lives in those who do not know how to love unconditionally (perfect-unconditional-love casts out fear). God has not given us this spirit, but we know who has--the spirit that provokes hatred of all God has for His children.
God has given us a spirit (that moves on the inside) of power--the ability to overcome any obstacle and to be victorious over any adversity; a spirit of love--for He is love and can do nothing other than what He is--so we can love unconditionally all with whom we come into contact; and a spirit of a sound mind--when we submit to The Holy Spirit and allow Him to regulate our thinking, we think the right thoughts and as we think, so we become ("as a man thinks, so is he").
There are two reigning spirits in the atmosphere that provoke us into doing things--one provokes us to do what is right and to love and the other--creates in us fear, doubt, hatred and the inability to think right thoughts in order to do them. Which spirit reigns in you?
If you haven't already received the Holy Spirit as a living testimony in your life, do so now and watch how your life changes to the glory of God! Hallelujah!
Fear is a spirit that lives in those who do not know how to love unconditionally (perfect-unconditional-love casts out fear). God has not given us this spirit, but we know who has--the spirit that provokes hatred of all God has for His children.
God has given us a spirit (that moves on the inside) of power--the ability to overcome any obstacle and to be victorious over any adversity; a spirit of love--for He is love and can do nothing other than what He is--so we can love unconditionally all with whom we come into contact; and a spirit of a sound mind--when we submit to The Holy Spirit and allow Him to regulate our thinking, we think the right thoughts and as we think, so we become ("as a man thinks, so is he").
There are two reigning spirits in the atmosphere that provoke us into doing things--one provokes us to do what is right and to love and the other--creates in us fear, doubt, hatred and the inability to think right thoughts in order to do them. Which spirit reigns in you?
If you haven't already received the Holy Spirit as a living testimony in your life, do so now and watch how your life changes to the glory of God! Hallelujah!
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Preserve Us, Lord!
"The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul" (Psalm 121:7).
Who shall preserve us from all the evil that surrounds us? The Lord--strong and mighty.
Who shall keep us from becoming ensnared with evil wrapped in a cloak of false righteousness? The Lord--strong and mighty.
Who shall keep us from having evil thoughts that would be perpetuated against others for no reason? The Lord--strong and mighty.
Who shall keep us from conspiring with evil people to maintain chaos and confusion in the land? The Lord--strong and mighty.
How will The Lord preserve us from all evil?
When we submit to God (and all that He desires us to do) and resist the devil; the devil will flee from us! Submit to God! Submit to God! Resist the evil influences conspired by the devil and put him on the run! When we do what is required of us by God, He shall preserve us from evil!
Lord, I submit to Your every Word, trusting You and You alone. I will not be found in the company of evil, nor will I partake of any evil that enemy has conspired to influence me to do. I will put away the works of darkness and do only those things that can be done in the light--having full exposure of all who see me. I shall hear the voice of The Lord and submit to His leading. Thank You, Lord for preserving us from evil!
Who shall preserve us from all the evil that surrounds us? The Lord--strong and mighty.
Who shall keep us from becoming ensnared with evil wrapped in a cloak of false righteousness? The Lord--strong and mighty.
Who shall keep us from having evil thoughts that would be perpetuated against others for no reason? The Lord--strong and mighty.
Who shall keep us from conspiring with evil people to maintain chaos and confusion in the land? The Lord--strong and mighty.
How will The Lord preserve us from all evil?
When we submit to God (and all that He desires us to do) and resist the devil; the devil will flee from us! Submit to God! Submit to God! Resist the evil influences conspired by the devil and put him on the run! When we do what is required of us by God, He shall preserve us from evil!
Lord, I submit to Your every Word, trusting You and You alone. I will not be found in the company of evil, nor will I partake of any evil that enemy has conspired to influence me to do. I will put away the works of darkness and do only those things that can be done in the light--having full exposure of all who see me. I shall hear the voice of The Lord and submit to His leading. Thank You, Lord for preserving us from evil!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
O Lord Our God!
"O Lord our God, other lords have ruled over us, but Your Name alone, do we honor!" (Isaiah 26:13 paraphrased)
God is known by many names, but has had only one primary role in the lives of Believers--The creator of all things and without Him, nothing was created.
A lord--is a ruler over others, mandates what others may or may not do in order to keep peace and harmony in the midst of people. English Lords ruled over land and the people worked the land; usually for the benefit of all, but of course there were some greedy lords who only thought of themselves.
When settlers first came to what is now known as America, some of those same traditional thoughts presided in the minds of those who wanted to live like the very people from whom they had left in England--the lords who wanted to rule everyone else.
Think about this--we understand the lordship of people over other people, so why don't we understand the Lordship of God over us who believe? Everything we have, we have because of Him; everything we are able to do (constructively and productively), we are able to do because of Him. But do we honor Him as Lord?
Today, let's make a decision to honor The Lord, who is Lord over all and live like we love Him! Hallelujah!
God is known by many names, but has had only one primary role in the lives of Believers--The creator of all things and without Him, nothing was created.
A lord--is a ruler over others, mandates what others may or may not do in order to keep peace and harmony in the midst of people. English Lords ruled over land and the people worked the land; usually for the benefit of all, but of course there were some greedy lords who only thought of themselves.
When settlers first came to what is now known as America, some of those same traditional thoughts presided in the minds of those who wanted to live like the very people from whom they had left in England--the lords who wanted to rule everyone else.
Think about this--we understand the lordship of people over other people, so why don't we understand the Lordship of God over us who believe? Everything we have, we have because of Him; everything we are able to do (constructively and productively), we are able to do because of Him. But do we honor Him as Lord?
Today, let's make a decision to honor The Lord, who is Lord over all and live like we love Him! Hallelujah!
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Anyone Out There?
I have been writing prolifically for the past three months--on the blog sites as well as composing and uploading eBooks on Amazon. While I enjoy writing, I also write for the benefit of others
I'll be the first to admit, I write to vent my frustrations about public education and the lack of parental involvement in the lives of students who are failing miserably. I vent on my blogs, in poetry, and in my books.
But I also write to educate and analyze scriptures for the benefit of all who wish to know. Most of my blog posts are scriptural dissections or discussions as well as my books. I would like to think that they are beneficial to others and that I'm not just writing to take up space.
The fiction that I've written was meant to inform and to entertain. I love the fact that a number of people had a chance to see a live enactment of Chapter 11 from Trapped. My baby--first novel--My Father's Gift will have always have a huge place in my heart as well as the second part of the Trilogy, Deceptive Storms. It would appear from the lack of reviews that these books are not as interesting to others as they are to me. I can only surmise from others that I've read is that my books are not raunchy enough. Well, that's really too bad, because I love to write wholesome, moral literature and if that is truly the problem, I guess I should stop writing now, but I won't.
Everything that I've written has been inspired by God and I know He has a plan and I want to see His plan fulfilled in my life. So, since my readers don't want to comment on what I've written, I'll just have to trust God for the outcome and keep on keeping on--writing all that is in me that will bring Him glory!
Thanks for allowing me the space to think as I write to write as I think!
I'll be the first to admit, I write to vent my frustrations about public education and the lack of parental involvement in the lives of students who are failing miserably. I vent on my blogs, in poetry, and in my books.
But I also write to educate and analyze scriptures for the benefit of all who wish to know. Most of my blog posts are scriptural dissections or discussions as well as my books. I would like to think that they are beneficial to others and that I'm not just writing to take up space.
The fiction that I've written was meant to inform and to entertain. I love the fact that a number of people had a chance to see a live enactment of Chapter 11 from Trapped. My baby--first novel--My Father's Gift will have always have a huge place in my heart as well as the second part of the Trilogy, Deceptive Storms. It would appear from the lack of reviews that these books are not as interesting to others as they are to me. I can only surmise from others that I've read is that my books are not raunchy enough. Well, that's really too bad, because I love to write wholesome, moral literature and if that is truly the problem, I guess I should stop writing now, but I won't.
Everything that I've written has been inspired by God and I know He has a plan and I want to see His plan fulfilled in my life. So, since my readers don't want to comment on what I've written, I'll just have to trust God for the outcome and keep on keeping on--writing all that is in me that will bring Him glory!
Thanks for allowing me the space to think as I write to write as I think!
Free eBooks Today!
http://www.amazon.com/Mary-M.-Hall-Rayford/e/B00BAW31CQ 2 free downloads today only! Journey to Encouragement (compilation of blog posts) and Reflectivity Poetically (poetry).
Monday, July 1, 2013
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Writing is such a “personal” experience (content, not mechanics) that I’m not sure there is any one way to determine which direction or path anyone should take. I write poetry to vent, blogs to inspire and encourage, devotionals to teach, non-fiction to teach and encourage, and fiction to enjoy or encourage. I read scripture every morning before I blog, I pray for inspiration before I read and then I allow the Holy Spirit to lead me in what I type. For some, this will work well and for others, not so well, especially if their experience with God is not the same.
At any rate, I titled one of my blogs, “Always Thinking and Writing” and the other, “Writing for Life”. Both titles describe what I do with a degree of accuracy, but neither is inclusive of all the passion within or the time I take to make sure my readers get something out of what I say. Who knows–even with my deliberation-they may hate it or ignore it or it just might make them “think”. So, I guess, as I was writing a response to this invitation to share, I have concluded that I write primarily to make people think–not agree–but to think about what I say and how it either aligns or not with how they think or not. Words–have a power of their own–independent of the writer, but very dependent upon the receptivity of the reader.