"But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God
alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled
as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do." (James 1:6-8 NLT)
When
we ask Him for what? Wisdom and anything else we need, when we ask in
faith, we shall have it. But we cannot waver in our faith that He will
do it because if we do--we allow doubt to enter and undermine faith and
doubt will negate the faith to which God responds. James, in his letter,
is simply reiterating what Jesus told the disciples about prayer. He
told them when we ask in faith--doubting nothing--whatever we ask for,
we shall have it.
For those who criticize others for having faith in what they do not see--get over it. When
we speak--in faith--those things we are believing God for--we are going
to see them in His timing as long as we do not allow the "world's way
of thinking" to interfere with our faith. When we try to have faith in God and then allow the "world" to influence how we think--we have divided our loyalties and God says--we can expect "nothing" from Him.
Is this why you have not received what you have been asking for? Is your loyalty divided between God and the world?
God
says, "Ask and it will be given" when we ask in faith. The world says,
"Why are you expecting anything from someone invisible?"
One
of the reasons why the world does not understand "our faith" is because
we do not understand and exercise our faith in the manner that God
tells us. Faith in Him does not waver--no matter what--whether
what we ask for comes immediately or is delayed--the faith for those
things we ask--remains in Him! But the moment we start listening to others who influence doubt--we might as well stop thinking that God will do anything because He will not respond to doubt!
Whatever
it is we are expecting from God--salvation for loved ones--no matter
how "they" act--keep believing; financial security--no matter what our
bank account says--keep believing; peace in the world--no matter how
violent people get under the influence of the enemy--keep believing; for
love to overflow in the hearts of all--no matter how much hatred you
see--keep believing. If we ever stop having faith in God--we will never
see those things for which we ask. Faith that--remains immovable
in the face of adversity--can overcome anything and move mountains as
long as doubt--never creeps into the situation or our minds to deter us.
Our
loyalties belong to God and our faith should be in Him and Him
alone--to guide us in all we must do to see faith for what we ask,
manifest itself!
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Getting To The Father!
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. (John 14:6 NLT).
One would think that after being with Jesus for a while, the disciples would know Jesus rather well.
When Thomas responded to Jesus by telling Him know they didn't know where He was going so they couldn't know the way, Jesus let him have it. And then went on to let them know, if they had truly known Him, they would have known the Father. But then, He let know--because you have seen me, you have seen the Father. Awesome!
There are a number of concepts one could conclude from this passage of scripture.
The first is in understanding the sixth verse. Jesus is the way to receiving salvation. There is no one else by whom man can be saved. He is the only way one can reconcile a relationship with God, after repenting and accepting the work on the cross.
He is the truth--and He said in other places that He does not speak for Himself, but only what the Father says to Him. In other words, He didn't change anything the Father said "before He appeared" on the earth, but explained and demonstrated what the Father meant for us to understand.
He is the life--without Him--there is nothing that we have to bring us joy so we might have life and that more abundantly. There is no "living" without Him.
And for all who think they will have access to the Father without Jesus, He lets us know--not so. "No one can come to the Father except through me." So, if we're not willing to accept the Son, we can forget about pleasing God and entering into heaven--it's not going to happen.
Now, granted there are many who will not believe this, but let me take expand on this thought for a moment. With all of the "religious material" ever written, which was recorded first? We know that the writer of the Koran read the Old Testament writings and then proceeded in writing the Koran--this is documented by the similarities in the Koran. We know that other denominations read and changed some of significant words in order to establish a new religion. The point I'm making here is that--none of the written material is going to get us anywhere--"it is having a relationship with God and hearing Him for ourselves" that will make a difference in our lives.
Once we "know Him" we'll know how to use "the written Word" as a foundation and confirmation for what we hear Him say. God is Love and He would not encourage anyone to "hate" a person or people, but to "hate" sin only. That's a loving God--like loving parents who only want the best for their children. Until we see God in this manner, we may never be in a position to receive all He has in store for us.
Jesus is--the way, the truth, and the life--we should exemplify so all will know--how to get to The Father!
One would think that after being with Jesus for a while, the disciples would know Jesus rather well.
When Thomas responded to Jesus by telling Him know they didn't know where He was going so they couldn't know the way, Jesus let him have it. And then went on to let them know, if they had truly known Him, they would have known the Father. But then, He let know--because you have seen me, you have seen the Father. Awesome!
There are a number of concepts one could conclude from this passage of scripture.
The first is in understanding the sixth verse. Jesus is the way to receiving salvation. There is no one else by whom man can be saved. He is the only way one can reconcile a relationship with God, after repenting and accepting the work on the cross.
He is the truth--and He said in other places that He does not speak for Himself, but only what the Father says to Him. In other words, He didn't change anything the Father said "before He appeared" on the earth, but explained and demonstrated what the Father meant for us to understand.
He is the life--without Him--there is nothing that we have to bring us joy so we might have life and that more abundantly. There is no "living" without Him.
And for all who think they will have access to the Father without Jesus, He lets us know--not so. "No one can come to the Father except through me." So, if we're not willing to accept the Son, we can forget about pleasing God and entering into heaven--it's not going to happen.
Now, granted there are many who will not believe this, but let me take expand on this thought for a moment. With all of the "religious material" ever written, which was recorded first? We know that the writer of the Koran read the Old Testament writings and then proceeded in writing the Koran--this is documented by the similarities in the Koran. We know that other denominations read and changed some of significant words in order to establish a new religion. The point I'm making here is that--none of the written material is going to get us anywhere--"it is having a relationship with God and hearing Him for ourselves" that will make a difference in our lives.
Once we "know Him" we'll know how to use "the written Word" as a foundation and confirmation for what we hear Him say. God is Love and He would not encourage anyone to "hate" a person or people, but to "hate" sin only. That's a loving God--like loving parents who only want the best for their children. Until we see God in this manner, we may never be in a position to receive all He has in store for us.
Jesus is--the way, the truth, and the life--we should exemplify so all will know--how to get to The Father!
Friday, August 22, 2014
Obey Whom?
"But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?" (Acts 4:19 NLT)
I love reading about the "acts of the apostles" and how courageous they were when confronted with unbelief in others.
The "religious council" was amazed at the depth of understanding of these men who had not been taught "under their supervision" and could not possibly believe they knew anything about the scriptures. In the Kings James Version, they are referred to as "ignorant and unlearned" but in the New Living Translation, they are referred to as "ordinary" men.
What is important to note is that in spite of the council's feelings, they also recognized that the men had also been seen with Jesus and they could see with their own eyes, the miracle that had been performed before them. So they threatened them and told them not to speak "in the name of Jesus" because they were fearful of their own authority being undermined. They, "the religious council," wanted to make sure they controlled the people and wanted the people to obey them. And today, I start with their response.
Do you think God wants us to obey Him or the "politically correct" mantra that is not based upon His teachings, but founded upon the "feelings" of man?
Feelings--unchecked emotions--create an environment of chaos and confusion, fueled by hatred for others when they dare to think differently.
God does not respond to our emotional outbursts, but to our obedience to His Word and our faith in Him!
Hatred is not of God but we know who fuels those thoughts and actions--Satan--the fallen angel who is called by many names, but his intent never changes--to hate all that God has created because God is Love!
Whenever we think we are more powerful than God or equal to Him, we enter into a realm of pride and our pride leads us by our egos and we are bound to fall--and everyone will know of our fall. Yes, I know there are some who teach that we are "gods" with a little "g" but in order to avoid the pitfall that comes with thinking we are equal to God, I'd rather be His child and receive His many benefits when I obey Him, rather than those who have no relationship with Him.
That's my position--who would rather obey--God or man?
I love reading about the "acts of the apostles" and how courageous they were when confronted with unbelief in others.
The "religious council" was amazed at the depth of understanding of these men who had not been taught "under their supervision" and could not possibly believe they knew anything about the scriptures. In the Kings James Version, they are referred to as "ignorant and unlearned" but in the New Living Translation, they are referred to as "ordinary" men.
What is important to note is that in spite of the council's feelings, they also recognized that the men had also been seen with Jesus and they could see with their own eyes, the miracle that had been performed before them. So they threatened them and told them not to speak "in the name of Jesus" because they were fearful of their own authority being undermined. They, "the religious council," wanted to make sure they controlled the people and wanted the people to obey them. And today, I start with their response.
Do you think God wants us to obey Him or the "politically correct" mantra that is not based upon His teachings, but founded upon the "feelings" of man?
Feelings--unchecked emotions--create an environment of chaos and confusion, fueled by hatred for others when they dare to think differently.
God does not respond to our emotional outbursts, but to our obedience to His Word and our faith in Him!
Hatred is not of God but we know who fuels those thoughts and actions--Satan--the fallen angel who is called by many names, but his intent never changes--to hate all that God has created because God is Love!
Whenever we think we are more powerful than God or equal to Him, we enter into a realm of pride and our pride leads us by our egos and we are bound to fall--and everyone will know of our fall. Yes, I know there are some who teach that we are "gods" with a little "g" but in order to avoid the pitfall that comes with thinking we are equal to God, I'd rather be His child and receive His many benefits when I obey Him, rather than those who have no relationship with Him.
That's my position--who would rather obey--God or man?
Thursday, August 21, 2014
And The Beat Goes On! 8/21/2014
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/maryandtyrone/2014/08/21/and-the-beat-goes-on
We always have so much fun! This week--The plight of education and why kids are not learning what they need!
We always have so much fun! This week--The plight of education and why kids are not learning what they need!
Getting Honor!
"Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving
neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see
your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges
the world." (1 Peter 2:12 NLT)
When we live according to God's Word, those who see us--even though they may not believe as we do--will give us honor and recognize that we belong to the Most High. That is--when we live according to God's Word.
When we proclaim to believe and yet live in opposition to God's Word--and those same unbelieving people see us--they call us hypocrites and want nothing to do with the God we say we serve.
If the world is ever going to become the believers God desires, those of us who know--have to do--better in the way we live--not what we say--to convince the unbelieving to believe. What is the point of our neighbors seeing us going to church--and yet hearing us cuss out our kids or spouses?
What is the point of us saying that we should do all things--decently and in order--when our property looks like something wildlife could either in or the city dump? What is the point of us saying that God is love when we cannot see after our neighbors in the midst of chaos?
Who is our neighbor? Anyone we come into contact with and can determine for themselves whether we are who we say we are!
God does not need "undercover Christians" or hypocrites paving the way for others to believe--it wouldn't happen any way. We who say we know God and have a relationship with Him should be the light that draws others to Him, not the darkness that keeps people away from Him.
So, stop talking so much (being sounding brass) and start living The Word and allowing the Light of the Word to shine brightly in your life so others will see and know we serve an Awesome God! When we do--they will do--and give honor to our God because of what they see in us!
When we live according to God's Word, those who see us--even though they may not believe as we do--will give us honor and recognize that we belong to the Most High. That is--when we live according to God's Word.
When we proclaim to believe and yet live in opposition to God's Word--and those same unbelieving people see us--they call us hypocrites and want nothing to do with the God we say we serve.
If the world is ever going to become the believers God desires, those of us who know--have to do--better in the way we live--not what we say--to convince the unbelieving to believe. What is the point of our neighbors seeing us going to church--and yet hearing us cuss out our kids or spouses?
What is the point of us saying that we should do all things--decently and in order--when our property looks like something wildlife could either in or the city dump? What is the point of us saying that God is love when we cannot see after our neighbors in the midst of chaos?
Who is our neighbor? Anyone we come into contact with and can determine for themselves whether we are who we say we are!
God does not need "undercover Christians" or hypocrites paving the way for others to believe--it wouldn't happen any way. We who say we know God and have a relationship with Him should be the light that draws others to Him, not the darkness that keeps people away from Him.
So, stop talking so much (being sounding brass) and start living The Word and allowing the Light of the Word to shine brightly in your life so others will see and know we serve an Awesome God! When we do--they will do--and give honor to our God because of what they see in us!
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
He Will Take Care of Us!
"Give your burdens to the LORD,
and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." (Psalm 55:22 NLT)
He will take care of us when we allow Him to do so. How do we know? Do we believe His Word?
Whatever is burdening us down--sickness, disease, mental oppression and depression, apathy, financial insecurity, feelings of loneliness or being unloved--whatever it is--we must learn to give it all to Him and He will take care of us!
The biggest obstacle in our lives in receiving all that God has for us--is us! As long as we think we can "do everything on our own" without His guidance, we will be burdened with those things that we do not have to hold onto. His love and compassion, grace and mercy are more than enough to handle whatever problems we think we have. We must develop uncompromising faith in Him to know that He will do all He says He will do.
Father, in the name of Jesus, we willingly give all of our burdens to You this day. We acknowledge that we can do nothing without You and we know that Your Word is true and everything You say You'll do, You will do because You are not a man who should lie. Help us to develop the kind of trust and faith in You that we know we have nothing to fear or to worry about with You handling all of our affairs. Now, help us to hear You and immediately obey so we can have all of the many benefits that You have in store for us.
We give You our finances, our health, our children, our spouses, our loved ones, our concerns about worldly affairs and peace, and anything else that would keep us from being distracted and our focus off You. Thank You, Lord, for hearing and responding to every one of our needs as only You can, to Your glory. Amen!
and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." (Psalm 55:22 NLT)
He will take care of us when we allow Him to do so. How do we know? Do we believe His Word?
Whatever is burdening us down--sickness, disease, mental oppression and depression, apathy, financial insecurity, feelings of loneliness or being unloved--whatever it is--we must learn to give it all to Him and He will take care of us!
The biggest obstacle in our lives in receiving all that God has for us--is us! As long as we think we can "do everything on our own" without His guidance, we will be burdened with those things that we do not have to hold onto. His love and compassion, grace and mercy are more than enough to handle whatever problems we think we have. We must develop uncompromising faith in Him to know that He will do all He says He will do.
Father, in the name of Jesus, we willingly give all of our burdens to You this day. We acknowledge that we can do nothing without You and we know that Your Word is true and everything You say You'll do, You will do because You are not a man who should lie. Help us to develop the kind of trust and faith in You that we know we have nothing to fear or to worry about with You handling all of our affairs. Now, help us to hear You and immediately obey so we can have all of the many benefits that You have in store for us.
We give You our finances, our health, our children, our spouses, our loved ones, our concerns about worldly affairs and peace, and anything else that would keep us from being distracted and our focus off You. Thank You, Lord, for hearing and responding to every one of our needs as only You can, to Your glory. Amen!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Peace For All!
"He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near.
Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit
because of what Christ has done for us." (Ephesians 2:17, 18 NLT)
We are without excuse--no matter our gender, ethnicity, or religious affiliation--we have no excuse not to live in peace with everyone.
For those who were once non-believers and for those who were always believers--The Good News of peace is for all who will receive it. But we must receive it--before we can actually have it.
A gift is not a gift to anyone--unless it is given and received.
Love--standing alone--is beneficial to anyone unless it has an object on which it can be bestowed and received.
Peace--already given--amounts to nothing if not received.
God does His part, but when do we do ours?
Do we not trust Him and His plans for us? Do we think our plans are better than His? Are we wiser than the most High God and have led to think we know more than He does?
The solution to all problems and the resolution for unrest, chaos, and confusion are all found in the "reception" of the work on the cross and allowing Holy Spirit to lead us in all things.
We know the work on the cross was for the benefit of all who "would believe and receive" but if people do not receive, their lives and ours will not be changed for the better.
God did not just love some of us--"He loved the all of us in the world so much that He gave His only Son that all might be saved" (paraphrased). All means all--not just one group of people, but all who are willing to receive His love!
Therefore, since there is so much unrest, chaos and confusion, we can see that not all have received His wonderful gift and since they have not received it, cannot enjoy it and neither can the rest of us around them--for where chaos and confusion reign--God is not there.
Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to open our hearts to You and receive all of the many benefits You have for us so we might live in peace and prosper as our souls prosper. This I ask for everyone who has a heart to hear You and obey from this day forward and I thank You for hearing and answering prayer. We love You and we know--there is none like You who can turn things around for the benefit of all mankind.
We are without excuse--no matter our gender, ethnicity, or religious affiliation--we have no excuse not to live in peace with everyone.
For those who were once non-believers and for those who were always believers--The Good News of peace is for all who will receive it. But we must receive it--before we can actually have it.
A gift is not a gift to anyone--unless it is given and received.
Love--standing alone--is beneficial to anyone unless it has an object on which it can be bestowed and received.
Peace--already given--amounts to nothing if not received.
God does His part, but when do we do ours?
Do we not trust Him and His plans for us? Do we think our plans are better than His? Are we wiser than the most High God and have led to think we know more than He does?
The solution to all problems and the resolution for unrest, chaos, and confusion are all found in the "reception" of the work on the cross and allowing Holy Spirit to lead us in all things.
We know the work on the cross was for the benefit of all who "would believe and receive" but if people do not receive, their lives and ours will not be changed for the better.
God did not just love some of us--"He loved the all of us in the world so much that He gave His only Son that all might be saved" (paraphrased). All means all--not just one group of people, but all who are willing to receive His love!
Therefore, since there is so much unrest, chaos and confusion, we can see that not all have received His wonderful gift and since they have not received it, cannot enjoy it and neither can the rest of us around them--for where chaos and confusion reign--God is not there.
Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to open our hearts to You and receive all of the many benefits You have for us so we might live in peace and prosper as our souls prosper. This I ask for everyone who has a heart to hear You and obey from this day forward and I thank You for hearing and answering prayer. We love You and we know--there is none like You who can turn things around for the benefit of all mankind.
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