Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Monday, April 4, 2016
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
A Message on Grudges and How we treat people
Since I have been preaching on occasion I thought it would be good to start posting some of them. This is the most recent!
Friday, November 14, 2014
Love
Love is one of the words that we probably all have some variations in our personal definitions. We know when we feel love and the joy that it brings to our lives. Lets take a look at some Bible verses on love.
Mark 12:31
The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, do good to
them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your
reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he
is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind. It
does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it
is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of
wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It
always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love
never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where
there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it
will pass away.
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Alright lets take a look at just the few verses above on love. We learn very quickly that we are to love others such as our neighbors and even our enemies. That's not an easy thing to do but God gives us directions in how we are to love others. In Romans 13:10 it says love does no harm to it's neighbor and in 1 Corinthians(13) basically the chapter what love is and how great love is. To finish up we are to bear with one another in love. I read that in my head to say to overlook flaws in love. My opinion and not a fact.
So as you get up today I ask you...are you loving as God has commanded us to love? Are you struggling to show love to someone who doesn't treat you that well? Pray to God and ask Him for strength. Ask God how you can show love to the people in your life that aren't so easy to love. Because without love we are really missing the point in our faith.
Monday, September 15, 2014
He Can Use You!
Have you ever felt like God couldn't possibly use you? Do you think that the life you lived before you came to know God is holding you back? Here a few examples of men God used in the Bible.
Paul-the apostle Paul was a persecutor of the church. He was out to stamp out Christianity. But God revealed Himself to Paul and used him as the primary(most written) writer of the New Testament.
King David-King David was a man after God's own heart. But he was an adult-er, murder, lied, etc. But God still used him.
Matthew- Matthew was one of Jesus's disciples. He was a tax collector. One of the most despised jobs then and honestly they aren't very popular now. God still used him and called him as one of the twelve disciples.
Peter-Peter was one of Jesus's disciples as well. Peter was emotional, doubted and even denied knowing Jesus. Still he was forgiven and God still used him after Jesus's death.
These are just a few examples of the many people God has used. They like many of us could have made excuses as to why they couldn't serve God or be used by God. They could have gone their own way or given up altogether when the times got tough. God still had his hand on them despite their shortcomings in the past and some in the future. Our job is to repent and trust God. Does that mean we won't struggle sometimes? No of course not. Jesus is the only one who was perfect we strive to be like Him. Jesus is the standard. Not your neighbor, Pastor or the preacher on television. When we give our lives over to Christ we put off the old things and are made new. We don't seek out the things we did before we were saved. We hunger and thirst for Him, His will and His plan.
Next time you find yourself getting down and doubting you are of any use to God, open your bible and see He can use anyone..that includes you!
Paul-the apostle Paul was a persecutor of the church. He was out to stamp out Christianity. But God revealed Himself to Paul and used him as the primary(most written) writer of the New Testament.
King David-King David was a man after God's own heart. But he was an adult-er, murder, lied, etc. But God still used him.
Matthew- Matthew was one of Jesus's disciples. He was a tax collector. One of the most despised jobs then and honestly they aren't very popular now. God still used him and called him as one of the twelve disciples.
Peter-Peter was one of Jesus's disciples as well. Peter was emotional, doubted and even denied knowing Jesus. Still he was forgiven and God still used him after Jesus's death.
These are just a few examples of the many people God has used. They like many of us could have made excuses as to why they couldn't serve God or be used by God. They could have gone their own way or given up altogether when the times got tough. God still had his hand on them despite their shortcomings in the past and some in the future. Our job is to repent and trust God. Does that mean we won't struggle sometimes? No of course not. Jesus is the only one who was perfect we strive to be like Him. Jesus is the standard. Not your neighbor, Pastor or the preacher on television. When we give our lives over to Christ we put off the old things and are made new. We don't seek out the things we did before we were saved. We hunger and thirst for Him, His will and His plan.
Next time you find yourself getting down and doubting you are of any use to God, open your bible and see He can use anyone..that includes you!
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Battles are constant
In our lives we are going to go through plenty of battles. Just because we get deeper into our walks with God it doesn't mean the battles quit coming. John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this
world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the
world." God calls us to have peace during these battles. You can easily see if you have peace during these times by how many people you talk to about it(phone calls, emails, not being able to keep your mind off the problem). When we have peace we spend that time with God. I'm not saying it's not great to have people you can talk to but it's even better when you spend that time with God.
An example I like to use when thinking about peace is imagine you are in a small wooden row boat on a river. At times the river is quiet and we can just drift along checking on occasion how the boat is doing and just making sure it's going in the right direction. Life is calm and we are just enjoying the ride. We have seasons of life where it is like this. Everything is going our way and we can recover from previous battles and just be thankful it's over. Then the rapids hit and the boat rocks and forth, we have to be careful of rocks jutting up out of the water, flipping the boat over or springing a leak in the boat. How do we handle that? Are you able to keep that peace that was there when the boat was drifting or are you so flustered you can hardly think straight?
Psalm 139:23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. God will test you. If you ask for things in your life like opportunities to serve, to move up in a job or to minister more He will try your heart. I often think of it like this have you ever seen when someone put glass into a fire and shapes it into a lamp, or a pot? The heat changes the shape of the glass and the final result is something very beautiful. God will do that to us. It's under the heat and pressure that He can really shape us. How do you react when things don't go your way? What do you do when the furnace breaks and you don't have the money? What is your reaction when someone talks badly about you and tells lies? He is watching you. He wants to know that He can trust you so He can use you.
So when the battles come please keep your eyes on God and read His word, pray and I hope it helps you to remember the examples given above. You aren't alone in battles and you won't outgrow them. God is there and He's watching you too as they happen.
An example I like to use when thinking about peace is imagine you are in a small wooden row boat on a river. At times the river is quiet and we can just drift along checking on occasion how the boat is doing and just making sure it's going in the right direction. Life is calm and we are just enjoying the ride. We have seasons of life where it is like this. Everything is going our way and we can recover from previous battles and just be thankful it's over. Then the rapids hit and the boat rocks and forth, we have to be careful of rocks jutting up out of the water, flipping the boat over or springing a leak in the boat. How do we handle that? Are you able to keep that peace that was there when the boat was drifting or are you so flustered you can hardly think straight?
Psalm 139:23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. God will test you. If you ask for things in your life like opportunities to serve, to move up in a job or to minister more He will try your heart. I often think of it like this have you ever seen when someone put glass into a fire and shapes it into a lamp, or a pot? The heat changes the shape of the glass and the final result is something very beautiful. God will do that to us. It's under the heat and pressure that He can really shape us. How do you react when things don't go your way? What do you do when the furnace breaks and you don't have the money? What is your reaction when someone talks badly about you and tells lies? He is watching you. He wants to know that He can trust you so He can use you.
So when the battles come please keep your eyes on God and read His word, pray and I hope it helps you to remember the examples given above. You aren't alone in battles and you won't outgrow them. God is there and He's watching you too as they happen.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
A few testimonies to share
Hey everyone! I've been busy shooting testimonies for tv and youtube and thought I would share them. Now testimonies are great because no two are the same. Your story is different from my story. Our experiences and backgrounds are different. God uses us all differently. So here are testimonies by Jeff Plummer and Jeff Smith.
Friday, April 18, 2014
A Sermon from Smith Wigglesworth
There are times when I am at a loss for words and I don't always have a message to post here. So I will post a message from a man who truly served God.
A Life of Perfect Activity by Smith Wigglesworth
My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
--Philippians 4:19
Scripture reading: Acts 5:14-42
Only believe! God will not fail you, beloved. It is impossible for God to fail. Believe God; rest in Him. The Bible is the most important book in the world. But some people have to be pressed in before they can be pressed on. Oh, this glorious inheritance of holy joy and faith, this glorious baptism in the Holy Spirit--it is a perfected place. "All things have become new" (2 Cor. 5:17), because "you are Christ's, and Christ is God's" (1 Cor. 3:23).
God means for us to walk in this royal way. When God opens a door, no man can shut it (Rev. 3:8). John made a royal way, and Jesus walked in it. Jesus left us the responsibility of allowing Him to bring forth through us the greater works (John 14:12). Jesus left His disciples with much and with much more to be added until God receives us in that Day.
When we receive power, we must stir ourselves up with the truth that we are responsible for the need around us. God will supply all our need so that the need of the needy may be met through us. God has given us a great indwelling force of power. If we do not step into our privileges, it is a tragedy.
There is no standing still. "As He is, so are we in this world" (1John 4:17). "We are the offspring of God" (Acts 17:29), and we have divine impulses. After we have received, we will have power. We have been focusing too much on feeling the power. God is waiting for us to act. Jesus lived a life of perfect activity. He lived in the realm of divine appointment.
We must dare to press on until God comes forth in mighty power. May God give us the hearing of faith so that the power may come down like a cloud. Press on until Jesus is glorified and multitudes are gathered in.
Thought for today: God's rest is an undisturbed place where heaven bends to meet you.
A Life of Perfect Activity by Smith Wigglesworth
My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
--Philippians 4:19
Scripture reading: Acts 5:14-42
Only believe! God will not fail you, beloved. It is impossible for God to fail. Believe God; rest in Him. The Bible is the most important book in the world. But some people have to be pressed in before they can be pressed on. Oh, this glorious inheritance of holy joy and faith, this glorious baptism in the Holy Spirit--it is a perfected place. "All things have become new" (2 Cor. 5:17), because "you are Christ's, and Christ is God's" (1 Cor. 3:23).
God means for us to walk in this royal way. When God opens a door, no man can shut it (Rev. 3:8). John made a royal way, and Jesus walked in it. Jesus left us the responsibility of allowing Him to bring forth through us the greater works (John 14:12). Jesus left His disciples with much and with much more to be added until God receives us in that Day.
When we receive power, we must stir ourselves up with the truth that we are responsible for the need around us. God will supply all our need so that the need of the needy may be met through us. God has given us a great indwelling force of power. If we do not step into our privileges, it is a tragedy.
There is no standing still. "As He is, so are we in this world" (1John 4:17). "We are the offspring of God" (Acts 17:29), and we have divine impulses. After we have received, we will have power. We have been focusing too much on feeling the power. God is waiting for us to act. Jesus lived a life of perfect activity. He lived in the realm of divine appointment.
We must dare to press on until God comes forth in mighty power. May God give us the hearing of faith so that the power may come down like a cloud. Press on until Jesus is glorified and multitudes are gathered in.
Thought for today: God's rest is an undisturbed place where heaven bends to meet you.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Joy is Powerful!
In our lives as Christians(believers in God(Father, Son and Holy Spirit) who serve Him) we can get stagnant, bored at times and lifeless in our daily walk. What can we do to find that joy that now might be alluding us? What is joy? Lets take a look at joy!
Joy is defined as a noun as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. That's a pretty wonderful feeling. For some of us it might be easy to see it in our childhoods, or in the life of our own child. They have joy all the time. Children bounce back quickly from many things that as adults we might tend to dwell on. Think back when was the last time you felt joy?
Let's look at some verses for joy in the bible!
Joy is defined as a noun as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. That's a pretty wonderful feeling. For some of us it might be easy to see it in our childhoods, or in the life of our own child. They have joy all the time. Children bounce back quickly from many things that as adults we might tend to dwell on. Think back when was the last time you felt joy?
Let's look at some verses for joy in the bible!
Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the
author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him
endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of
the throne of God.
Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
Psalm 30:5
For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but
rejoicing comes in the morning.
John 16:22
So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
Philemon 1:7
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Isaiah 12:6
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with
all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with
hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Nehemiah 8:10
King James Version (KJV)
10 Then
he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and
send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is
holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
We see in the verses that joy is often accompanied by peace, encouragement, and in song. The joy of the Lord is your strength stands out to me the most of these verses. How do you feel when you are joyful? You feel strong, confident, at peace, etc. Joy is a powerful thing it can change a person with a downcast heart into a glowing, smiling, confident person that is contagious to others. It brings life where ever it goes. Joy is like a light in a dark place!
When we lack joy often we feel tired, discouraged, distracted and lost. It's in that place we need God most. Since He is our provider of joy how can we get it? Lets find a few ways!
If joy is lacking in my life there are a few things I tend to do to get myself back on track. Here we go...
1. Sing and listen to praise and worship music. (You can't help but be uplifted as positive, joyful, Godly music pours into your soul. You have probably heard you are what you eat, well it applies to our media consumption as well.)
2. Read Psalms in the Bible. (These chapters and verses are once again praising God and they lift our spirit by reading positive, encouraging and of course the Word of God.)
3. Let worry go and focus on the things you are thankful for. (Starting the day thanking God for the many blessings you have like running water, electricity, heat, air conditioning, food, eyes that can see, that you can breathe is a great place to start every day!)
4. Pray! (Realize that life is not hopeless! God is in control and He is listening to you!)
So if you are going through one of those tough seasons in life find your way back to the Word of God, pray, praise, worship, and thank Him! He is still there no matter what season you are in!
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Who Get's The Glory
When we have success in life, relationships, business, etc who get's the glory. Are we just soaking it up and saying yes I did it? Oh thank you it was such a sacrifice. I am just so talented, so smart, so gifted, etc. That's not the way it's supposed to be. We shouldn't be getting the glory. It should be going to God. Don't believe me let's see what the Bible says.
Well it really says it all in the first verse. We are to do all things to the glory of God. The second verse tells us more that all things come from Him and through Him. He gets the glory.
Is it easy to give God the glory? If we aren't spending quiet time with Him, listening to Him, truly loving Him,..it's not easy. No matter what we are going through or where we are in life He should be getting the glory. You might be thinking I did the work, where was God when this happened or when that happened? Well since God created you didn't He do the work. He knew you before you were even born.
The scripture above tells us the prophecy comes from God. The Holy Spirit brings it about. We can't get into a mindset where we get up and tell everyone what God wants to do in their life without it coming from God. It's clear. He doesn't need our opinion or plan. He will send it when He wills it.
We cannot do anything good apart from God. The scripture above is basically a man of pride. Nobody can live a perfectly sinless life. We are just not that good. It doesn't matter what we think we have done. Our blessings, talents, gifts, finances, relationships all came through God. He provided. He is our provider.
Psalm 29:11 ESV
1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV /
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.Romans 11:36 ESV /
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.Well it really says it all in the first verse. We are to do all things to the glory of God. The second verse tells us more that all things come from Him and through Him. He gets the glory.
Is it easy to give God the glory? If we aren't spending quiet time with Him, listening to Him, truly loving Him,..it's not easy. No matter what we are going through or where we are in life He should be getting the glory. You might be thinking I did the work, where was God when this happened or when that happened? Well since God created you didn't He do the work. He knew you before you were even born.
2 Peter 1:21 ESV /
For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.The scripture above tells us the prophecy comes from God. The Holy Spirit brings it about. We can't get into a mindset where we get up and tell everyone what God wants to do in their life without it coming from God. It's clear. He doesn't need our opinion or plan. He will send it when He wills it.
Mark 10:17-22 ESV /
And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”We cannot do anything good apart from God. The scripture above is basically a man of pride. Nobody can live a perfectly sinless life. We are just not that good. It doesn't matter what we think we have done. Our blessings, talents, gifts, finances, relationships all came through God. He provided. He is our provider.
Psalm 29:11 ESV
May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!
Give Him the glory! Let's not take the credit anymore. We are not perfect only God is!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Seek God In Your Decisions
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
So here we are getting closer to Thanksgiving and God has put on my heart to ask are we seeking Him in our decisions? Do we pray about things or do we just react based on our own emotions, reasoning, thoughts or plans? We are just His creation...shouldn't we be seeking what He wants us to do in a given situation?
Psalm 25:9
He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 2:6-9
For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness and justice And equity and every good course.
Psalm 25:12-
Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.
John 16:13
"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.
Philippians 2:13
for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure
James 1:5
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Jeremiah 29:11 -
'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
Proverbs 16:9-
The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
So based on the Bible verses above He is looking to lead us but we must also be humble, trust God, acknowledge Him, seek wisdom, let Him guide us, direct us and He will put us on the path He has for us. It is so easy to reason something in your head and not seek God. Often we don't think we need His help unless we get into a real jam. Then we humble ourselves and cry out to Him with all we have. Wouldn't it be less painful and more wise to seek Him from the beginning? James 1:5 says above that God will give wisdom if we ask for it.
Now let's seek God in our decisions, trials and all that we are going through. We don't want to learn the hard way so let's do it God's way. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
So here we are getting closer to Thanksgiving and God has put on my heart to ask are we seeking Him in our decisions? Do we pray about things or do we just react based on our own emotions, reasoning, thoughts or plans? We are just His creation...shouldn't we be seeking what He wants us to do in a given situation?
Psalm 25:9
He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 2:6-9
For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness and justice And equity and every good course.
Psalm 25:12-
Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.
John 16:13
"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.
Philippians 2:13
for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure
James 1:5
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Jeremiah 29:11 -
'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
Proverbs 16:9-
The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
So based on the Bible verses above He is looking to lead us but we must also be humble, trust God, acknowledge Him, seek wisdom, let Him guide us, direct us and He will put us on the path He has for us. It is so easy to reason something in your head and not seek God. Often we don't think we need His help unless we get into a real jam. Then we humble ourselves and cry out to Him with all we have. Wouldn't it be less painful and more wise to seek Him from the beginning? James 1:5 says above that God will give wisdom if we ask for it.
Now let's seek God in our decisions, trials and all that we are going through. We don't want to learn the hard way so let's do it God's way. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
I can't go there but.....
The tragedy in the Philippines has really grabbed my attention. The people there have lost homes, family members, basics like food, and clean water. The emotional toll(lack of hope) has to be heart breaking. Stepping over bodies, struggling to get the help and supplies they need are things that aren't going away. So what can we do?
1. Even if we can't go over there we can always pray. God hears our prayers and He knows their needs.
2. We can send money. There are plenty of organizations at work over there. We can help.
3. Help someone else go who has the opportunity.
Keep in mind just because you can't physically go there doesn't mean you can't help. I can't go over to Africa and dig wells but I can send money to help those who do. We can expect to be blessed for doing so. That shouldn't be our motivation but it can help when we doubt we are making an impact. It will also help us take our focus off ourselves. We can't live our entire life just worrying about us. There are plenty of people out there looking for help that you could provide. Sometimes it's just a conversation with someone who is feeling down. It might be that you can make a meal for someone who is having physical issues or just out of the hospital. Maybe you could help take care of the yard of someone who is elderly. God can move in mighty ways in our lives to bless others if we just make time.
Lets look at some examples from the bible about helping others.
So now it's not just me saying this but God. Please take the time today to take your eyes off you and your problems and focus on what you can do to help someone else.
1. Even if we can't go over there we can always pray. God hears our prayers and He knows their needs.
2. We can send money. There are plenty of organizations at work over there. We can help.
3. Help someone else go who has the opportunity.
Keep in mind just because you can't physically go there doesn't mean you can't help. I can't go over to Africa and dig wells but I can send money to help those who do. We can expect to be blessed for doing so. That shouldn't be our motivation but it can help when we doubt we are making an impact. It will also help us take our focus off ourselves. We can't live our entire life just worrying about us. There are plenty of people out there looking for help that you could provide. Sometimes it's just a conversation with someone who is feeling down. It might be that you can make a meal for someone who is having physical issues or just out of the hospital. Maybe you could help take care of the yard of someone who is elderly. God can move in mighty ways in our lives to bless others if we just make time.
Lets look at some examples from the bible about helping others.
Hebrews 13:16 ESV /
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.Philippians 2:4 ESV /
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.Luke 6:38 ESV /
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”1 John 3:17 ESV /
But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?Matthew 25:35-40 ESV /
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ ...James 2:14-17 ESV /
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.Galatians 6:2 ESV /
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.John 15:12 ESV /
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.Matthew 5:16 ESV /
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.Proverbs 19:17 ESV /
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.Proverbs 22:9 ESV /
Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.So now it's not just me saying this but God. Please take the time today to take your eyes off you and your problems and focus on what you can do to help someone else.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Face To Face With God
In my life when I've gone through some of the most painful things...I've often wondered why I didn't see His hands at work right in the moment or why I didn't hear Him. I would read His word and pray and then call everyone I know rehashing the issue over and over and over....
I the current battle I am going through I am being shaped, molded and taught everyday. In order to get to this place I had to come to the time when I only looked at Him. I had to quit making calls, listening to people's advice, wondering, worrying and whining. I had to get face to face with God keeping my eyes on Him. How did I do that? I will let you know.
1. I let Him break me.
I had been fighting Him in some areas of my life for so long that it took everything I had to try to control things. I had to let go of my fear, cry plenty of tears and tell Him ok I give up. I can't do this. Let's do it Your way.
2. I surrendered everything to His will.
This was really hard because often when we pray we truly want things our way. We don't think about what God wants or His purpose for what is going on we just want it over and our way. I had to learn that and say whatever You want to do. If I am in Your way move me.
3. I learned to listen to Him.
In order to do this I had to get quiet. That meant turning off the tv, radio, going somewhere alone where I wouldn't be interrupted. I had to make the effort. It was really tough at first because I just wanted to keep praying and not stop long enough for Him to get a word in. Then after a while I did start hearing from Him, when reading the Bible, sometimes I would be in the middle of something and He would tell me to go pray specifically for a situation or person. He would give me every word.
4. I had to learn to trust and obey Him
Once God started talking to me in a way I could understand...I did pray for that so I wouldn't miss anything. He started telling me to do things I didn't want to do or was comfortable doing. I will give a few examples..He asked me to go and pray for a guest speaker at my church in front of everyone and the guy didn't even ask for it. That was so scary but I knew God was telling me to do it. Another time He asked me to do laundry for someone who didn't want me to do their laundry. I argued with Him about that one but I eventually gave in. That was so tough because I really didn't want to do it and I got angry but He had me do it. I started learning that He was going to keep testing me with different things He told me to do just to make sure I did trust Him and obey Him. It didn't happen overnight but once it started I had such great peace.
5. I had to put my cares aside.
Talk about tough. I had to give over all my worries to Him. Every time I felt like I was under a spiritual attack or I let my fear get the best of me...He spoke to me about it. I can clearly remember one time where He said to me what is going to take for You to trust me? I immediately repented. A good way to put it is if you were in a desert with no food, or help of any kind from anyone but Him. A storm comes, then a legion of demons come mocking you and insulting you and threatening you. Instead of looking around and fearing it you look at God right in His face sitting in front of you and listen to Him. Talk about life changing.
Many times I felt like Peter when he stepped out of the boat and wanted to walk on the water to Jesus. It's a strange and scary feeling not knowing what He is going to ask you to do next but knowing He is there. I felt like a totally different person and that was really weird. But once you can start doing these things. You will experience a peace unlike any you have ever felt before. He will take you by the hand and guide you every step of every day. Just let Him.
I the current battle I am going through I am being shaped, molded and taught everyday. In order to get to this place I had to come to the time when I only looked at Him. I had to quit making calls, listening to people's advice, wondering, worrying and whining. I had to get face to face with God keeping my eyes on Him. How did I do that? I will let you know.
1. I let Him break me.
I had been fighting Him in some areas of my life for so long that it took everything I had to try to control things. I had to let go of my fear, cry plenty of tears and tell Him ok I give up. I can't do this. Let's do it Your way.
2. I surrendered everything to His will.
This was really hard because often when we pray we truly want things our way. We don't think about what God wants or His purpose for what is going on we just want it over and our way. I had to learn that and say whatever You want to do. If I am in Your way move me.
3. I learned to listen to Him.
In order to do this I had to get quiet. That meant turning off the tv, radio, going somewhere alone where I wouldn't be interrupted. I had to make the effort. It was really tough at first because I just wanted to keep praying and not stop long enough for Him to get a word in. Then after a while I did start hearing from Him, when reading the Bible, sometimes I would be in the middle of something and He would tell me to go pray specifically for a situation or person. He would give me every word.
4. I had to learn to trust and obey Him
Once God started talking to me in a way I could understand...I did pray for that so I wouldn't miss anything. He started telling me to do things I didn't want to do or was comfortable doing. I will give a few examples..He asked me to go and pray for a guest speaker at my church in front of everyone and the guy didn't even ask for it. That was so scary but I knew God was telling me to do it. Another time He asked me to do laundry for someone who didn't want me to do their laundry. I argued with Him about that one but I eventually gave in. That was so tough because I really didn't want to do it and I got angry but He had me do it. I started learning that He was going to keep testing me with different things He told me to do just to make sure I did trust Him and obey Him. It didn't happen overnight but once it started I had such great peace.
5. I had to put my cares aside.
Talk about tough. I had to give over all my worries to Him. Every time I felt like I was under a spiritual attack or I let my fear get the best of me...He spoke to me about it. I can clearly remember one time where He said to me what is going to take for You to trust me? I immediately repented. A good way to put it is if you were in a desert with no food, or help of any kind from anyone but Him. A storm comes, then a legion of demons come mocking you and insulting you and threatening you. Instead of looking around and fearing it you look at God right in His face sitting in front of you and listen to Him. Talk about life changing.
Many times I felt like Peter when he stepped out of the boat and wanted to walk on the water to Jesus. It's a strange and scary feeling not knowing what He is going to ask you to do next but knowing He is there. I felt like a totally different person and that was really weird. But once you can start doing these things. You will experience a peace unlike any you have ever felt before. He will take you by the hand and guide you every step of every day. Just let Him.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Who you gonna call?
In the midst of trials most of us pick up the phone, send an email or ask for help. We often seek out people first and then as a last resort go to God. If God created the world and all the people in it and knew them before they arrived here shouldn't we go to Him.
One reason people don't go to God first is because they don't hear Him. We want someone we can hear and have a conversation with. Can we do that with God? Yes but not like we do with people. If we want to know how He feels about something we can read the Bible. It's not as hard to find an answer in the Bible as it once was. There are search engines and apps that allow us to find certain topics. You can find it in most new Bibles as well. His Word wasn't just for the people who lived when it was written. It's still valid, alive and from God just as much today.
We can also hear from God at times when we pray. It's not everyday that we hear an audible voice. I personally have only heard it once. But there are times when God might impress a thought or Bible verse in your mind and you stop and say where did that come from. It came from God.
A great verse that reminds us to call out to God is Psalm 50:15 and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. Another one is James 5:16 The Prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
So as we go through whatever challenge there is know that He should be first to turn to. I am just as guilty as any other person for making the mistake of going to people so don't be embarrassed if that's you. Make the change today!
One reason people don't go to God first is because they don't hear Him. We want someone we can hear and have a conversation with. Can we do that with God? Yes but not like we do with people. If we want to know how He feels about something we can read the Bible. It's not as hard to find an answer in the Bible as it once was. There are search engines and apps that allow us to find certain topics. You can find it in most new Bibles as well. His Word wasn't just for the people who lived when it was written. It's still valid, alive and from God just as much today.
We can also hear from God at times when we pray. It's not everyday that we hear an audible voice. I personally have only heard it once. But there are times when God might impress a thought or Bible verse in your mind and you stop and say where did that come from. It came from God.
A great verse that reminds us to call out to God is Psalm 50:15 and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. Another one is James 5:16 The Prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
So as we go through whatever challenge there is know that He should be first to turn to. I am just as guilty as any other person for making the mistake of going to people so don't be embarrassed if that's you. Make the change today!
Monday, July 15, 2013
Why we need difficulty
You may not like what I'm about to say but it's true. We need trials, adversity, difficulty in order to be useful to God. Let me explain myself. When things are going your way how often do you think, "Wow, I've got this under control God. You sit this one out. I will let you know when I need you again." We don't go to Him unless we have struggles. It keeps us close to God.
2 Corinthians 12:7
even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.
The apostle Paul a man who God miraculously converted and writer of 2/3 of the New Testament even needed it. The verse above tells it all. He needed a thorn(trial, affliction, ailment, etc) in order to remain humble and therefore used by God. God doesn't need you to have gifts, talents and abilities but He will use them. What God wants is for us to realize that He's the one doing the work, giving the gifts, the talents, and the blessings.
Let's keep reading about this thorn and Paul.
8For this thing I sought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me
We may be going through a really tough battle but know that God's grace is enough. He is our strength. Our lives are not meant to be lived like we did it all and God just happened to show up to take credit for it. God created the world in which we live as stated in Genesis and the Bible teaches that He formed us in our mother's womb. So if He's done all that and it's obvious we can't do the things He does...shouldn't we listen to Him and except what He wants to do.
So often we just go to God and say I want, Lord I need, give me this, help me with that...but we don't realize that if we don't go through difficulty and His perfect divine timing we won't learn anything. What if you got a million dollars today? But because you have always been bad with money you just blow right through it. You are left angry, bitter and broke. On the other hand what if God gave you poverty for years upon years of your life. A financial situation so bad that you have to scrape, pray and trust God for every penny. Then later in life God provides a million dollars do you think you would appreciate it and have a better knowledge of how to use that money?
We need to go through things in order to be more useful to God. He needs to teach us that we need Him! What good is a life if we don't know how to use it? If we use it for our glory we have missed the point. It's for God's glory that we go through things!
God knows what He is doing and He hears your prayers. You have to put your faith in Him and know He is your strength.
2 Corinthians 12:7
even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.
The apostle Paul a man who God miraculously converted and writer of 2/3 of the New Testament even needed it. The verse above tells it all. He needed a thorn(trial, affliction, ailment, etc) in order to remain humble and therefore used by God. God doesn't need you to have gifts, talents and abilities but He will use them. What God wants is for us to realize that He's the one doing the work, giving the gifts, the talents, and the blessings.
Let's keep reading about this thorn and Paul.
8For this thing I sought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me
We may be going through a really tough battle but know that God's grace is enough. He is our strength. Our lives are not meant to be lived like we did it all and God just happened to show up to take credit for it. God created the world in which we live as stated in Genesis and the Bible teaches that He formed us in our mother's womb. So if He's done all that and it's obvious we can't do the things He does...shouldn't we listen to Him and except what He wants to do.
So often we just go to God and say I want, Lord I need, give me this, help me with that...but we don't realize that if we don't go through difficulty and His perfect divine timing we won't learn anything. What if you got a million dollars today? But because you have always been bad with money you just blow right through it. You are left angry, bitter and broke. On the other hand what if God gave you poverty for years upon years of your life. A financial situation so bad that you have to scrape, pray and trust God for every penny. Then later in life God provides a million dollars do you think you would appreciate it and have a better knowledge of how to use that money?
We need to go through things in order to be more useful to God. He needs to teach us that we need Him! What good is a life if we don't know how to use it? If we use it for our glory we have missed the point. It's for God's glory that we go through things!
God knows what He is doing and He hears your prayers. You have to put your faith in Him and know He is your strength.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Giving thanks for the Trials!!!
We have all been through trials. We have had difficult days and plenty of things that we just don't want to go through(an illness, relationship issues, family issues, work issues and on and on). What does God do through those issues and what does He want us to do as well go through them? Let's find out!
1 Thessalonians 5:18
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Wait a minute! So God wants us to thank Him no matter what is going on? Yes, He does. In many situations He wants to know will we do what He wants and with what attitude?
Wait a minute! So God wants us to thank Him no matter what is going on? Yes, He does. In many situations He wants to know will we do what He wants and with what attitude?
Colossians 3:17
New International Version (NIV)
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
So whatever we do we need to be giving thanks! Not just when that job promotion comes, or when that healing happens in your body, but IN ALL THINGS!
So whatever we do we need to be giving thanks! Not just when that job promotion comes, or when that healing happens in your body, but IN ALL THINGS!
2 Thessalonians 1:4
New International Version (NIV)
4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
It's during these trials that God works in us! Through these tough times God is growing us in our faith and teaching or perseverance! Just because you became a believer in Jesus Christ and accepted His forgiveness doesn't many that everyday will be puppies and rainbows. He expects us to grow!
1 Peter 1:7
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Romans 5:3
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
In this battle we are proving our faith and bringing glory and honor to God. We must persevere! You may think it's crazy but we should be praising God we are going through this! It is refining us and bringing glory to Him!
Proverbs 17:3
New International Version (©2011)
The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.
God needs to know He can count on you to live for Him not just on those easy carefree days but also when a relationship is broken, we a doctor gives you the report it's cancer, when the car is broken or a job ends and you don't know how you are going to make it. He's there! He's providing! He's healing! You are not alone!
1 Corinthians 6:19
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
Hebrews 13:5
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"
Trust God and thank Him for the situations He has put you in! He is right there dwelling in you and He will never leave or forsake you! God knows what He is doing, so trust Him and thank Him! God is in control!
So each day as we get up let us not complain about or situations, trials, and pain but thank Him that we have another day to grow closer to Him and be more like Him. Let us trust Him that no matter what He is doing what is best for us and bringing glory to Him.
It's during these trials that God works in us! Through these tough times God is growing us in our faith and teaching or perseverance! Just because you became a believer in Jesus Christ and accepted His forgiveness doesn't many that everyday will be puppies and rainbows. He expects us to grow!
1 Peter 1:7
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Romans 5:3
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
In this battle we are proving our faith and bringing glory and honor to God. We must persevere! You may think it's crazy but we should be praising God we are going through this! It is refining us and bringing glory to Him!
Proverbs 17:3
New International Version (©2011)
The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.
God needs to know He can count on you to live for Him not just on those easy carefree days but also when a relationship is broken, we a doctor gives you the report it's cancer, when the car is broken or a job ends and you don't know how you are going to make it. He's there! He's providing! He's healing! You are not alone!
1 Corinthians 6:19
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
Hebrews 13:5
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"
Trust God and thank Him for the situations He has put you in! He is right there dwelling in you and He will never leave or forsake you! God knows what He is doing, so trust Him and thank Him! God is in control!
So each day as we get up let us not complain about or situations, trials, and pain but thank Him that we have another day to grow closer to Him and be more like Him. Let us trust Him that no matter what He is doing what is best for us and bringing glory to Him.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Forgiveness and Healing
Forgiving is something that is very hard for most of us. We are hurt and want to take it out on the person who did it or even the closest person to us. Often we only look at our side of the pain...this person wronged us and who cares what they think or how they feel? Well that's not exactly how we should be reacting.
First off we are blind to our own sins most of the time. Some people are very aware and some people are just clueless. Here are some scriptures to get us started on this road of forgiveness and healing.
Psalm 19:12
But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. (NIV)
Psalm 32:5
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD." And you forgave the guilt of my sin. (NIV)
Psalm 79:9
Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake. (NIV)
Psalm 130:4
But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. (NIV)
So now we have acknowledged that we sinned to. We aren't just victims but people who need forgiveness ourselves. God is will to give us forgiveness but our we willing to forgive?
Matthew 6:12-15
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)
Oh no! God only forgives us as we forgive others. So we know that if God isn't forgiving us that we aren't going to Heaven no matter what we do. We need God's forgiveness! In order to be forgiven we must also forgive anyone who has done us harm. You may be thinking you have no idea what people have done to me! I've been wronged in every way possible! These people don't deserve to be forgiven!
Who are we to decide what is forgivable and what isn't? If God is willing to forgive us and anyone else who cries out to Him why are we holding on to this grudge? It can be many things...pride, anger, bitterness and just looking to blame someone.
We can't hold onto those feelings! It's hard to forgive but we need to ask God to help us forgive! Here is an excellent example.
Corrie Ten Boom Story on Forgiving
“It was in a church in Munich that I saw him—a balding, heavyset man in a gray overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. People were filing out of the basement room where I had just spoken, moving along the rows of wooden chairs to the door at the rear. It was 1947 and I had come from Holland to defeated Germany with the message that God forgives.
“It was the truth they needed most to hear in that bitter, bombed-out land, and I gave them my favorite mental picture. Maybe because the sea is never far from a Hollander’s mind, I liked to think that that’s where forgiven sins were thrown. ‘When we confess our sins,’ I said, ‘God casts them into the deepest ocean, gone forever. …’
“The solemn faces stared back at me, not quite daring to believe. There were never questions after a talk in Germany in 1947. People stood up in silence, in silence collected their wraps, in silence left the room.
“And that’s when I saw him, working his way forward against the others. One moment I saw the overcoat and the brown hat; the next, a blue uniform and a visored cap with its skull and crossbones. It came back with a rush: the huge room with its harsh overhead lights; the pathetic pile of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor; the shame of walking naked past this man. I could see my sister’s frail form ahead of me, ribs sharp beneath the parchment skin. Betsie, how thin you were!
[Betsie and I had been arrested for concealing Jews in our home during the Nazi occupation of Holland; this man had been a guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp where we were sent.]
“Now he was in front of me, hand thrust out: ‘A fine message, Fräulein! How good it is to know that, as you say, all our sins are at the bottom of the sea!’
“And I, who had spoken so glibly of forgiveness, fumbled in my pocketbook rather than take that hand. He would not remember me, of course—how could he remember one prisoner among those thousands of women?
“But I remembered him and the leather crop swinging from his belt. I was face-to-face with one of my captors and my blood seemed to freeze.
“ ‘You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk,’ he was saying, ‘I was a guard there.’ No, he did not remember me.
“ ‘But since that time,’ he went on, ‘I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fräulein,’ again the hand came out—’will you forgive me?’
“And I stood there—I whose sins had again and again to be forgiven—and could not forgive. Betsie had died in that place—could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking?
“It could not have been many seconds that he stood there—hand held out—but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do.
“For I had to do it—I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. ‘If you do not forgive men their trespasses,’ Jesus says, ‘neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.’
“I knew it not only as a commandment of God, but as a daily experience. Since the end of the war I had had a home in Holland for victims of Nazi brutality. Those who were able to forgive their former enemies were able also to return to the outside world and rebuild their lives, no matter what the physical scars. Those who nursed their bitterness remained invalids. It was as simple and as horrible as that.
“And still I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is not an emotion—I knew that too. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. ‘… Help!’ I prayed silently. ‘I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling.’
“And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.
“ ‘I forgive you, brother!’ I cried. ‘With all my heart!’
“For a long moment we grasped each other’s hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God’s love so intensely, as I did then”
So forgive others so God can forgive you! Be set free from the trap you've been held in of bitterness, hatred, and anger. Let God heal your heart and forgive you!
First off we are blind to our own sins most of the time. Some people are very aware and some people are just clueless. Here are some scriptures to get us started on this road of forgiveness and healing.
Psalm 19:12
But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. (NIV)
Psalm 32:5
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD." And you forgave the guilt of my sin. (NIV)
Psalm 79:9
Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake. (NIV)
Psalm 130:4
But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. (NIV)
So now we have acknowledged that we sinned to. We aren't just victims but people who need forgiveness ourselves. God is will to give us forgiveness but our we willing to forgive?
Matthew 6:12-15
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)
Oh no! God only forgives us as we forgive others. So we know that if God isn't forgiving us that we aren't going to Heaven no matter what we do. We need God's forgiveness! In order to be forgiven we must also forgive anyone who has done us harm. You may be thinking you have no idea what people have done to me! I've been wronged in every way possible! These people don't deserve to be forgiven!
Who are we to decide what is forgivable and what isn't? If God is willing to forgive us and anyone else who cries out to Him why are we holding on to this grudge? It can be many things...pride, anger, bitterness and just looking to blame someone.
We can't hold onto those feelings! It's hard to forgive but we need to ask God to help us forgive! Here is an excellent example.
Corrie Ten Boom Story on Forgiving
“It was in a church in Munich that I saw him—a balding, heavyset man in a gray overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. People were filing out of the basement room where I had just spoken, moving along the rows of wooden chairs to the door at the rear. It was 1947 and I had come from Holland to defeated Germany with the message that God forgives.
“It was the truth they needed most to hear in that bitter, bombed-out land, and I gave them my favorite mental picture. Maybe because the sea is never far from a Hollander’s mind, I liked to think that that’s where forgiven sins were thrown. ‘When we confess our sins,’ I said, ‘God casts them into the deepest ocean, gone forever. …’
“The solemn faces stared back at me, not quite daring to believe. There were never questions after a talk in Germany in 1947. People stood up in silence, in silence collected their wraps, in silence left the room.
“And that’s when I saw him, working his way forward against the others. One moment I saw the overcoat and the brown hat; the next, a blue uniform and a visored cap with its skull and crossbones. It came back with a rush: the huge room with its harsh overhead lights; the pathetic pile of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor; the shame of walking naked past this man. I could see my sister’s frail form ahead of me, ribs sharp beneath the parchment skin. Betsie, how thin you were!
[Betsie and I had been arrested for concealing Jews in our home during the Nazi occupation of Holland; this man had been a guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp where we were sent.]
“Now he was in front of me, hand thrust out: ‘A fine message, Fräulein! How good it is to know that, as you say, all our sins are at the bottom of the sea!’
“And I, who had spoken so glibly of forgiveness, fumbled in my pocketbook rather than take that hand. He would not remember me, of course—how could he remember one prisoner among those thousands of women?
“But I remembered him and the leather crop swinging from his belt. I was face-to-face with one of my captors and my blood seemed to freeze.
“ ‘You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk,’ he was saying, ‘I was a guard there.’ No, he did not remember me.
“ ‘But since that time,’ he went on, ‘I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fräulein,’ again the hand came out—’will you forgive me?’
“And I stood there—I whose sins had again and again to be forgiven—and could not forgive. Betsie had died in that place—could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking?
“It could not have been many seconds that he stood there—hand held out—but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do.
“For I had to do it—I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. ‘If you do not forgive men their trespasses,’ Jesus says, ‘neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.’
“I knew it not only as a commandment of God, but as a daily experience. Since the end of the war I had had a home in Holland for victims of Nazi brutality. Those who were able to forgive their former enemies were able also to return to the outside world and rebuild their lives, no matter what the physical scars. Those who nursed their bitterness remained invalids. It was as simple and as horrible as that.
“And still I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is not an emotion—I knew that too. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. ‘… Help!’ I prayed silently. ‘I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling.’
“And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.
“ ‘I forgive you, brother!’ I cried. ‘With all my heart!’
“For a long moment we grasped each other’s hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God’s love so intensely, as I did then”
So forgive others so God can forgive you! Be set free from the trap you've been held in of bitterness, hatred, and anger. Let God heal your heart and forgive you!
Psalm 34:18 ESV /
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Great quotes about God!
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
― Mother Teresa
“I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much.”
― Mother Teresa
“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”
― C.S. Lewis
“God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas but for scars.”
― Elbert Hubbard
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
― Mother Teresa
“I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much.”
― Mother Teresa
“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”
― C.S. Lewis
“God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas but for scars.”
― Elbert Hubbard
“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can
satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another
world.”
― C.S. Lewis
― C.S. Lewis
“I have faith that God will show you the answer. But you have to
understand that sometimes it takes a while to be able to recognize what
God wants you to do. That's how it often is. God's voice is usually
nothing more than a whisper, and you have to listen very carefully to
hear it. But other times, in those rarest of moments, the answer is
obvious and rings as loud as a church bell.”
― Nicholas Sparks, The Last Song
― Nicholas Sparks, The Last Song
“I sought to hear the voice of God and climbed the topmost steeple, but
God declared: "Go down again - I dwell among the people.”
― John Henry Newman
― John Henry Newman
“Sometimes God allows what he hates to accomplish what he loves.”
― Joni Eareckson Tada, The God I Love
― Joni Eareckson Tada, The God I Love
Monday, May 20, 2013
Don't Give Up
We all have times when we think we can't do it anymore. You want to quit praying or trusting God for something that has been taking quite a while. We might not even be able to see what God is doing because we are so overwhelmed by our emotions that we are spiritually blind. Please take some time to read these three scriptures and proclaim them over your life today and everyday until you believe it!
“And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.” Deuteronomy 8:2 (NKJV)
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything to hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27 (NKJV)
I called on Your name O LORD, from the lowest pit. You have heard my voice: Do not hide Your ear from my sighing, from my cry for help. You drew near on the day I called on You and said “Do not fear.” Lamentations 3:55-57 (NKJV)
Remember He is always with us! We are never alone and He has never walked away or turned His back on us! Trust Him and proclaim scripture over your life everyday!
“And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.” Deuteronomy 8:2 (NKJV)
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything to hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27 (NKJV)
I called on Your name O LORD, from the lowest pit. You have heard my voice: Do not hide Your ear from my sighing, from my cry for help. You drew near on the day I called on You and said “Do not fear.” Lamentations 3:55-57 (NKJV)
Remember He is always with us! We are never alone and He has never walked away or turned His back on us! Trust Him and proclaim scripture over your life everyday!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Attacks and Protection
If you are doing work to further God's Kingdom and are living to glorify Him expect attacks.
Ephesians 6:12 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.
James 1:2 - My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
John 5:19 tells us, “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”
These are just a few examples of scripture concerning this. Remember "Submit to God; resist the devil; and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (Jam. 4:7-8)
Ephesians 6:12 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.
James 1:2 - My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
John 5:19 tells us, “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”
These are just a few examples of scripture concerning this. Remember "Submit to God; resist the devil; and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (Jam. 4:7-8)
Matthew 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
John 19:11 Jesus
answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had
been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has
the greater sin.”
2Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
2Samuel 22:3-4 my
God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my
salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from
violence. 4 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am
saved from my enemies.
Matthew 28:18-20 And
Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has
been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And
behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Luke 12:32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Hebrews 13:5 Keep
your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have,
for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Worried?
We have all done it at one point or another...We worried. There was something going on in our life that we couldn't control, fix, or find a solution to when we wanted to. Worry isn't all that helpful but some of us live constantly in a state of worry. Once a problem gets solved we find something else to worry about. So what does the Bible say about it?
“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up” (Proverbs 12:25, NIV).
“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
(Also see Psalm 55:22-23)
“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?’” (Luke 12:22-26, NIV). (Also see Matthew 6:25-34)
“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5).
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones” (Proverbs 3:5-8).
“…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:26-28).
These are just a few examples of what the Bible says about worry. So when God made us He had a plan for us to deal with these feelings. He knew that we would need Him. God is our answer to those times of worry, doubt, fear, anxiety, etc. He wants us to trust Him. He wants our problems, prayers, and to give us peace. God is in control...He made the world we live in and everyone around us. Shouldn't God be the one we run to?
“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up” (Proverbs 12:25, NIV).
“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
(Also see Psalm 55:22-23)
“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?’” (Luke 12:22-26, NIV). (Also see Matthew 6:25-34)
“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5).
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones” (Proverbs 3:5-8).
“…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:26-28).
These are just a few examples of what the Bible says about worry. So when God made us He had a plan for us to deal with these feelings. He knew that we would need Him. God is our answer to those times of worry, doubt, fear, anxiety, etc. He wants us to trust Him. He wants our problems, prayers, and to give us peace. God is in control...He made the world we live in and everyone around us. Shouldn't God be the one we run to?
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