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!
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Monday, November 25, 2013
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Obey God
How important is it that we obey God? We often say that He will forgive us no matter what but what does it really mean to obey Him?
1 Samuel 15:22
But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
Romans 2:13 (NIV) For it is not those who hear the law that are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
Psalm 25:10 (NIV) All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of the covenant.
John 8:32 (TEB) "If you obey my teaching you are really my disciples; you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
John 15:10 (NIV) "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love."
Deuteronomy 11:26-27 (NIV) "See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse--the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today."
Exodus 19:5 (NIV) "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of the nations you will be my treasured possession."
Numbers 24:7 (NIV) "...Because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land..." (Read context in Numbers 14.)
Hebrews 4:6 (NIV) It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience.
1 John 3:21-22 (NIV) Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.
John 14:23-24 (NIV) Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching... He who does not love me will not obey my teaching."
1 John 2:4-5 (Phi) The man who claims to know God but does not obey his laws is not only a liar but lives in self-delusion. But the more a man obeys God's laws the more truly and fully does he show his love for him. Obedience is the test of whether we live in God or not.
So pretty quickly looking at these verses from the Bible we see that obedience is very important. Through our obedience He blesses us, He answers our prayers. So when you may have some doubt what He wants for your life just start with obedience and He will lead you. He wants you to be obedient.
1 Samuel 15:22
But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
Romans 2:13 (NIV) For it is not those who hear the law that are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
Psalm 25:10 (NIV) All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of the covenant.
John 8:32 (TEB) "If you obey my teaching you are really my disciples; you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
John 15:10 (NIV) "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love."
Deuteronomy 11:26-27 (NIV) "See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse--the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today."
Exodus 19:5 (NIV) "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of the nations you will be my treasured possession."
Numbers 24:7 (NIV) "...Because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land..." (Read context in Numbers 14.)
Hebrews 4:6 (NIV) It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience.
1 John 3:21-22 (NIV) Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.
John 14:23-24 (NIV) Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching... He who does not love me will not obey my teaching."
1 John 2:4-5 (Phi) The man who claims to know God but does not obey his laws is not only a liar but lives in self-delusion. But the more a man obeys God's laws the more truly and fully does he show his love for him. Obedience is the test of whether we live in God or not.
So pretty quickly looking at these verses from the Bible we see that obedience is very important. Through our obedience He blesses us, He answers our prayers. So when you may have some doubt what He wants for your life just start with obedience and He will lead you. He wants you to be obedient.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Spiritual Growth
Unfortunately in life to go through growth we must first go through some difficulty. If we never go through any difficulty or quit whenever things get tough we remain the same. This is the same in our faith in God.
If we go through trials but we first run to the internet, a self help book which is not what the Bible is, or friends and family who are not in the faith we are heading the wrong direction!
It is through these trials that our roots grow deep in God. The Bible says that God tries the heart in Proverbs 17:3 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the LORD tests the heart. He wants to know what you will do when the tough times come. Can He trust you? Will you fall away? Philippians 4:5-7 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.
We are to glory in our trials (Romans 5:3) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. In these we develop the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23
New International Version (NIV)
God wants to use you but are you willing to go through the process He has for you to get there?
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Feelings or Faith?
We live in a world where we are supposed to politically correct as to not offend or hurt anyone's feelings. Should we live our lives by feelings?
The Bible says we should live by faith. Faith is not a feeling, an emotion but an action we must put to work daily.
If we live by our feelings we will be tossed to and fro in the sea of life. Our emotions were not meant to rule us. I can get up in the morning and not feel like going to work should I be lead by that thought? What if you wake up tomorrow and want to walk away from a marriage just because you don't feel what you think you should? Is that ok?
To be led by faith requires trust in God, spending time in the scriptures and prayer. It takes a deep seeded dedication to God to grow our faith. It's when we don't feel like praying and trusting Him that we find ourselves living our faith.
A great example is found here in Luke 7:1-10 (New International Version)
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Luke 7:1-10
New International Version (NIV)
The Faith of the Centurion
7 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6 So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
So do you live by faith or feeling?
The Bible says we should live by faith. Faith is not a feeling, an emotion but an action we must put to work daily.
If we live by our feelings we will be tossed to and fro in the sea of life. Our emotions were not meant to rule us. I can get up in the morning and not feel like going to work should I be lead by that thought? What if you wake up tomorrow and want to walk away from a marriage just because you don't feel what you think you should? Is that ok?
To be led by faith requires trust in God, spending time in the scriptures and prayer. It takes a deep seeded dedication to God to grow our faith. It's when we don't feel like praying and trusting Him that we find ourselves living our faith.
A great example is found here in Luke 7:1-10 (New International Version)
Page Options
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>
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Luke 7:1-10
New International Version (NIV)
The Faith of the Centurion
7 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6 So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
So do you live by faith or feeling?
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Do we believe?
Romans 8:28
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.
When we go through rough times do we groan as we read this verse or do we embrace it?
To embrace it is to let go of our emotions or "feelings" and just trust Him. It is a place that some come through during difficulty, pain and in some cases panic. The pain we feel is very real and to be able to put it aside requires a strong faith.
Through our difficulties our faith is either revealed as weak or strong. When we run to people or websites or books to solve these things we may have made the biggest mistake we can make but not first going to the God whom we claim we have faith in. Are we wheat or are we tares? When difficulty comes in life how do we react?
Our reactions should first be to seek God because as the verse says above we know! We know! The faith we have in God should show us what to believe. Books, friends and websites can offer great advice but if that is where are faith is placed do we not see that God created all those things?
In order to grow and mature we must trust God as our first option! He didn't quit working when he created the earth. His plan hasn't come to an end. We must trust Him in all things. He will guide us and be a lamp unto our feet. He works for the good of those who love Him!
So as I wrap this up where is your faith? Who do you trust? Is your faith in the world stronger than your faith in God? If you are still struggling to answer this dig deeper in the Bible, pray longer, seek out people who are strong in their faith, observe them, find out how they reached the point in their faith to seek God first.
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.
When we go through rough times do we groan as we read this verse or do we embrace it?
To embrace it is to let go of our emotions or "feelings" and just trust Him. It is a place that some come through during difficulty, pain and in some cases panic. The pain we feel is very real and to be able to put it aside requires a strong faith.
Through our difficulties our faith is either revealed as weak or strong. When we run to people or websites or books to solve these things we may have made the biggest mistake we can make but not first going to the God whom we claim we have faith in. Are we wheat or are we tares? When difficulty comes in life how do we react?
Our reactions should first be to seek God because as the verse says above we know! We know! The faith we have in God should show us what to believe. Books, friends and websites can offer great advice but if that is where are faith is placed do we not see that God created all those things?
In order to grow and mature we must trust God as our first option! He didn't quit working when he created the earth. His plan hasn't come to an end. We must trust Him in all things. He will guide us and be a lamp unto our feet. He works for the good of those who love Him!
So as I wrap this up where is your faith? Who do you trust? Is your faith in the world stronger than your faith in God? If you are still struggling to answer this dig deeper in the Bible, pray longer, seek out people who are strong in their faith, observe them, find out how they reached the point in their faith to seek God first.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Standing In Faith
I have been fortunate that I've been able to work with many true believers who love God and give thanks to His son Jesus daily. It has been a true gift and now I've applied to be involved in one of the farthest reaching ministries in the world. The Creation Museum.
We as followers of Jesus Christ must be ready to stand and be persecuted for our faith. The owners of Chick fil A have made this decision and have been accused of hate. But daily Christians are treated with hate worldwide. We are told to be tolerant but fewer will tolerate a life where a person truly lives for Christ.
In this world we must not grow weary or weak in our faith. We must remain rooted in God's word. We must remain strong in our prayers. We must have love. If we forget about love then we are very flawed in our faith.
I am not claiming to be perfect but drawing on what I have learned walking with God for 16 years of my life.
Going to church is not enough. Be a "good" person is not enough. Only when we confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and repent(ask for forgiveness of our sins) can we go to heaven. A place where there is no pain, no tears, perfect peace, a place where we will judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3). What is sin? In Abrahamic contexts, "a sin" is an act that violates God's will. The 10 commandments come to us from Exodus 20:1-17. Here is the verse:
And God spoke all these words, saying: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your manservant, nor your maidservant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
We must remain strong in Christ.
We as followers of Jesus Christ must be ready to stand and be persecuted for our faith. The owners of Chick fil A have made this decision and have been accused of hate. But daily Christians are treated with hate worldwide. We are told to be tolerant but fewer will tolerate a life where a person truly lives for Christ.
In this world we must not grow weary or weak in our faith. We must remain rooted in God's word. We must remain strong in our prayers. We must have love. If we forget about love then we are very flawed in our faith.
I am not claiming to be perfect but drawing on what I have learned walking with God for 16 years of my life.
Going to church is not enough. Be a "good" person is not enough. Only when we confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and repent(ask for forgiveness of our sins) can we go to heaven. A place where there is no pain, no tears, perfect peace, a place where we will judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3). What is sin? In Abrahamic contexts, "a sin" is an act that violates God's will. The 10 commandments come to us from Exodus 20:1-17. Here is the verse:
And God spoke all these words, saying: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your manservant, nor your maidservant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
We must remain strong in Christ.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Monday, May 24, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Update
I've been writing Warrior at least 4 days a week. It's going a bit slower than I have previously written but doing an entire book on the many wars of our faith and our battles each day needs to be addressed.
Thankful To Be Useful is going to be up on the website very soon.(Just a few edits away)
I've been trying to get my novel going but it's been a struggle. I keep having problems with the order of the story. I've started over 3 times so far.
God is really starting to open a lot of doors for my writing(which is really his). I am hopeful that this year I will have quite a few chances to share my faith and books. You can now find some "mini" sermons I've done on Anderson Community Television here in Ohio.
Stay blessed, encouraged, and faithful friends!
Thankful To Be Useful is going to be up on the website very soon.(Just a few edits away)
I've been trying to get my novel going but it's been a struggle. I keep having problems with the order of the story. I've started over 3 times so far.
God is really starting to open a lot of doors for my writing(which is really his). I am hopeful that this year I will have quite a few chances to share my faith and books. You can now find some "mini" sermons I've done on Anderson Community Television here in Ohio.
Stay blessed, encouraged, and faithful friends!
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