About Me
- jamescruse
- Bartlett, Tennessee, United States
- I think one familiar short, yet most powerful statement a believer can say is "I’m “Walking by Faith”. At my age, I have been through countless storms, some small and some big. Nonetheless , my faith continues to carry me through. This is my life’s testimony. The world wants you to believe that there is something wrong with a life like mine because I've gone through and I’m still going through. They want you to believe that if you have what the Jones’s have then you are living a fulfilled life. Pretty funny, huh? Well, I walk by faith, and I know I’m God’s best. That should be fulfilling enough, and God is still completing me as I happily tell my story about how more complete my life is. As you walk by faith, you will be strengthened. You need to understand that challenges are merely new opportunities for you to reach your greatness. Finally, know that your life will truly be blessed when everything that you touch will provide you with a blessed life and no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. "Whatever I go through, whatever happens, "Either Way I Win"; whether God heals me here on earth, or heals me by calling me home to be with Him, "Either Way I Win"!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Protection
"Now get yourselves ready. I'm sending my Angel ahead of you to guard you in your travels, to lead you to the place that I've prepared. Pay close attention to him. Obey him. Don't go against him. He won't put up with your rebellions because he's acting on my authority. But if you obey him and do everything I tell you, I'll be an enemy to your enemies, I'll fight those who fight you. When my Angel goes ahead of you and leads you to the land of the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, I'll clear the country of them. So don't worship or serve their gods; don't do anything they do because I'm going to wipe them right off the face of the Earth and smash their sacred phallic pillars to bits. (Exodus 23:20-24) (MSG)
Now this is protection with a promise for His people. God said He would do it through the ministry of angels. Children of Israel went into the Promised Land as recorded in the Book of Joshua, they went up against the very people they had to drive out, and it was Jericho. The city of Jericho was surrounded by a wall so wide that six chariots could race side by side on top.
God told Joshua, "I want you to march around that wall once every day for seven days. On the seventh day I want you to march around it seven times and then blow the trumpet, and the walls will fall down." (Joshua 6:3-5)
But how did the walls fall down flat? When the people obeyed God and did what He said to do, He knocked the walls down. The angel that took them into the land to drive out the Amorites, Hittites, and the other "-ites" who were there. That land didn't belong to those "-ites", and God sent an angel to fight the battle for the children of Israel.
Scriptures tells us that those who were under the Old Covenant do not have a better covenant that we do under the New Covenant. Whatever they had in the Old Covenant, we have it in the New Covenant and more (Hebrews 8:6). Angels that fought those battles for God's people in the Old Covenant and knocked down walls will fight battles and knock down walls in our covenant, too.
God said, "I'll send that angel to go in front of you. I'll send that angel to be with you. And I'll send that angel to take you into the place that's prepared for you, and he will fight for you."
Angels were involved in helping the children of Israel get back what the devil had stolen, and they will do the same for us today.
Now this is protection with a promise for His people. God said He would do it through the ministry of angels. Children of Israel went into the Promised Land as recorded in the Book of Joshua, they went up against the very people they had to drive out, and it was Jericho. The city of Jericho was surrounded by a wall so wide that six chariots could race side by side on top.
God told Joshua, "I want you to march around that wall once every day for seven days. On the seventh day I want you to march around it seven times and then blow the trumpet, and the walls will fall down." (Joshua 6:3-5)
But how did the walls fall down flat? When the people obeyed God and did what He said to do, He knocked the walls down. The angel that took them into the land to drive out the Amorites, Hittites, and the other "-ites" who were there. That land didn't belong to those "-ites", and God sent an angel to fight the battle for the children of Israel.
Scriptures tells us that those who were under the Old Covenant do not have a better covenant that we do under the New Covenant. Whatever they had in the Old Covenant, we have it in the New Covenant and more (Hebrews 8:6). Angels that fought those battles for God's people in the Old Covenant and knocked down walls will fight battles and knock down walls in our covenant, too.
God said, "I'll send that angel to go in front of you. I'll send that angel to be with you. And I'll send that angel to take you into the place that's prepared for you, and he will fight for you."
Angels were involved in helping the children of Israel get back what the devil had stolen, and they will do the same for us today.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Make me Cry
Sitting in my office at home, Listening to Aretha Franklins rendition of “ Bitter Sweet Love”
I think about beauty and God comes to mind,
The Power Of God and the Beauty Of Holiness
Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you -- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? Exodus 15:11 (NIV)
One late summer's day, it took me awhile to get home because traffic was stalled along the way, on account of an air show. The "Blue Angels" were swooping around in the sky. Traffic line-ups were everywhere, of course! All eyes were looking up.
In the midst of a oohs and awes, there was a thrilling performance by the Blue Angels. I could imagine the co-ordination of the pilots at the controls of those F-16 aircraft.
As I was looking up at what man is capable of, into my car flew a beautiful tangerine-and-black butterfly. It flew around a bit, and at one point gently touched my cheek! Then away it went into the air.
This delicate, beautiful, little creature -- one of God's amazing little aircraft -- is capable of flying thousands of miles up in the sky. Requiring no fuel, butterflies are noiseless except for a tiny whisper of a wing in flight.
I looked up in wonder at the Blue Angels, and gazed in awe at the butterfly in all its beautiful complexity and simplicity.
These thoughts brought the title into view: the power of God and the beauty of holiness!
Sitting in this traffic jam could have brought frustration; rather, I was caught up in amazing acrobatics, of the aircraft and thought on the wonder of the butterfly, so gentle, so fragile, like a whisper, and, in contrast, the roaring power of those jet engines above.
So it is with God, when He reaches down to me. He beholds the beauty, the gentle touch and the power He uses in our lives. He comes in different ways, massages our minds when we need comfort, heals our heart when we endure pain, and soothes our soul with His many promises, and gives us the power to achieve victory. Jesus makes me cry. Amen.
I think about beauty and God comes to mind,
The Power Of God and the Beauty Of Holiness
Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you -- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? Exodus 15:11 (NIV)
One late summer's day, it took me awhile to get home because traffic was stalled along the way, on account of an air show. The "Blue Angels" were swooping around in the sky. Traffic line-ups were everywhere, of course! All eyes were looking up.
In the midst of a oohs and awes, there was a thrilling performance by the Blue Angels. I could imagine the co-ordination of the pilots at the controls of those F-16 aircraft.
As I was looking up at what man is capable of, into my car flew a beautiful tangerine-and-black butterfly. It flew around a bit, and at one point gently touched my cheek! Then away it went into the air.
This delicate, beautiful, little creature -- one of God's amazing little aircraft -- is capable of flying thousands of miles up in the sky. Requiring no fuel, butterflies are noiseless except for a tiny whisper of a wing in flight.
I looked up in wonder at the Blue Angels, and gazed in awe at the butterfly in all its beautiful complexity and simplicity.
These thoughts brought the title into view: the power of God and the beauty of holiness!
Sitting in this traffic jam could have brought frustration; rather, I was caught up in amazing acrobatics, of the aircraft and thought on the wonder of the butterfly, so gentle, so fragile, like a whisper, and, in contrast, the roaring power of those jet engines above.
So it is with God, when He reaches down to me. He beholds the beauty, the gentle touch and the power He uses in our lives. He comes in different ways, massages our minds when we need comfort, heals our heart when we endure pain, and soothes our soul with His many promises, and gives us the power to achieve victory. Jesus makes me cry. Amen.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
God Responds to Your Prayer
A couple of things about prayer that will amaze you: First God listens to you when you pray. "Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, 'Go jump in the lake'—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it's as good as done. That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it's not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins."(Mk 11:22-25 MSG). You may not have any power anywhere else, but when you pray God listens. Next We seldom pray, period. We have the greatest privilege imaginable - access to the most powerful credit card of the entire Universe -- yet we rarely use it. And our lack of prayer surprises God.
Through the prophet Ezekiel He lamented: "I looked for someone to stand up for me against all this, to repair the defenses of the city, to take a stand for me and stand in the gap to protect this land so I wouldn't have to destroy it. I couldn't find anyone. Not one. So I'll empty out my wrath on them, burn them to a crisp with my hot anger, serve them with the consequences of all they've done. Decree of God, the Master."(Eze 22:30,31 MSG). When it was evident that Sodom and Gomorrah were going to be destroyed, Abraham didn't rush to warn the cities. No, he "Abraham stood in GOD's path, blocking his way.”(Gen 18:22 MSG). God said the golden calf justified a nationwide death penalty for Israel; Moses interceded for the country to God and saved them. The MSG translation of Exodus 32:11-13." Moses tried to calm his GOD down. He said, "Why, GOD, would you lose your temper with your people? Why, you brought them out of Egypt in a tremendous demonstration of power and strength. Why let the Egyptians say, 'He had it in for them—he brought them out so he could kill them in the mountains, wipe them right off the face of the Earth.' Stop your anger. Think twice about bringing evil against your people! Think of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants to whom you gave your word, telling them 'I will give you many children, as many as the stars in the sky, and I'll give this land to your children as their land forever.)An inconspicuous priest by the name of Phinehas pleaded God not to send the plague, and it was done. “stood up and pled their case
and the plague was stopped.”(Ps 106:30 MSG)
You say "Why place such a high priority on prayer?" It is simple. When we work, we work. But when we pray, God works! Powerful, not powerless, you might have missed it. Scripture attaches breathtaking power to prayer. "When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there."(Mt 18:19-20MSG). Does any other activity promise such results, or action? “I’ll be there”. Does God call us to preach without ceasing? Or have committee meetings without ceasing? No, but He said "pray without ceasing. It’s the relationship that saves relationships.
Through the prophet Ezekiel He lamented: "I looked for someone to stand up for me against all this, to repair the defenses of the city, to take a stand for me and stand in the gap to protect this land so I wouldn't have to destroy it. I couldn't find anyone. Not one. So I'll empty out my wrath on them, burn them to a crisp with my hot anger, serve them with the consequences of all they've done. Decree of God, the Master."(Eze 22:30,31 MSG). When it was evident that Sodom and Gomorrah were going to be destroyed, Abraham didn't rush to warn the cities. No, he "Abraham stood in GOD's path, blocking his way.”(Gen 18:22 MSG). God said the golden calf justified a nationwide death penalty for Israel; Moses interceded for the country to God and saved them. The MSG translation of Exodus 32:11-13." Moses tried to calm his GOD down. He said, "Why, GOD, would you lose your temper with your people? Why, you brought them out of Egypt in a tremendous demonstration of power and strength. Why let the Egyptians say, 'He had it in for them—he brought them out so he could kill them in the mountains, wipe them right off the face of the Earth.' Stop your anger. Think twice about bringing evil against your people! Think of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants to whom you gave your word, telling them 'I will give you many children, as many as the stars in the sky, and I'll give this land to your children as their land forever.)An inconspicuous priest by the name of Phinehas pleaded God not to send the plague, and it was done. “stood up and pled their case
and the plague was stopped.”(Ps 106:30 MSG)
You say "Why place such a high priority on prayer?" It is simple. When we work, we work. But when we pray, God works! Powerful, not powerless, you might have missed it. Scripture attaches breathtaking power to prayer. "When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there."(Mt 18:19-20MSG). Does any other activity promise such results, or action? “I’ll be there”. Does God call us to preach without ceasing? Or have committee meetings without ceasing? No, but He said "pray without ceasing. It’s the relationship that saves relationships.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Are you Praying?
"Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 MSG) Or what you might hear,”Pray without ceasing”. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV)
Prayer should not be a one way conversation where you do all the talking or a ritual where we have to say things in the right order, or a chore like brushing our teeth before bed.
Jesus directs you to understand how to pray like this."Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace" (Math 6:6 MSG).or When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private, and he will reward you. “When you pray, don't talk on and on as people do who don't know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. Don't be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask.” (Math 6. 6-8 CEV)
Many people don’t pray for what seams to have little to do with the realities of life. They think of it like ladies and gentlemen please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem at a game: done in order for an opening, done for the people but nothing to do with what happens on the field afterwards. Some people treat prayer like a lucky charm you pull it out and rub when things are tough: How about personal sayings, "A prayer a day keeps the devil away." Paul writes, "Pray without ceasing." That doesn't sound like something you do once in a while, or just during a crisis.
Try inserting the word breathe for the word pray: "breathe without ceasing" - doesn't that sound better for you? We don't breathe only when we feel like it. Or decide, "I'm not into breathing today," and stop breathing. Or get upset and say, "I’m not getting any where with this. I'm not doing it any more." No, we cling to the breath in our bodies because its life. So, just as breathing is a natural part of your life, prayer is an indispensable part of spiritual life. Without it you die spiritually. So, how's your prayer life?
Prayer should not be a one way conversation where you do all the talking or a ritual where we have to say things in the right order, or a chore like brushing our teeth before bed.
Jesus directs you to understand how to pray like this."Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace" (Math 6:6 MSG).or When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private, and he will reward you. “When you pray, don't talk on and on as people do who don't know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. Don't be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask.” (Math 6. 6-8 CEV)
Many people don’t pray for what seams to have little to do with the realities of life. They think of it like ladies and gentlemen please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem at a game: done in order for an opening, done for the people but nothing to do with what happens on the field afterwards. Some people treat prayer like a lucky charm you pull it out and rub when things are tough: How about personal sayings, "A prayer a day keeps the devil away." Paul writes, "Pray without ceasing." That doesn't sound like something you do once in a while, or just during a crisis.
Try inserting the word breathe for the word pray: "breathe without ceasing" - doesn't that sound better for you? We don't breathe only when we feel like it. Or decide, "I'm not into breathing today," and stop breathing. Or get upset and say, "I’m not getting any where with this. I'm not doing it any more." No, we cling to the breath in our bodies because its life. So, just as breathing is a natural part of your life, prayer is an indispensable part of spiritual life. Without it you die spiritually. So, how's your prayer life?
Monday, October 24, 2011
Who are you?
The night before Jesus was crucified He was celebrating the Passover meal with His disciples. We traditionally call this the Last Supper. Jesus knew this would be the last time He would eat with His disciples; He knew in just one more day He would be hung on a cross to die.
Knowing He only had a few short hours remaining with this select group, Jesus used His time to leave a lasting impression of what it meant to truly follow Him.
John 13:3-5
"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God; so He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him."
Without using words, Jesus gave perhaps His greatest sermon. Jesus was absolutely secure in who He was and where He was going: "He had come from God and was returning to God." But He was not proud or arrogant in His security. He didn't use His position to force others to submit or demand they satisfy His needs; instead, His secure position allowed Him to be completely humble and serve His disciples by washing their feet.
Our Heavenly Father desires for us to have this same level of security in Him. He wants us to KNOW we are His children and where we will spend eternity. Jesus came to set us free, and we are to walk in this secure freedom. But rather than using our freedom to arrogantly strut according to our own desires, a secure freedom should give us the necessary confidence to humbly serve without being offended; "do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love" (Galatians 5:13).
Being a follower of Jesus Christ means, first and foremost, that we love the Lord with ALL our heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). But next, it means we are to love, serve, and "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21). Knowing where we will spend eternity, and keeping our eyes set on this eternal perspective, allows us to focus more on the needs and concerns of others (Philippians 2:3-4). It allows us to use our gifts for their intended purpose; "use whatever gifts received to serve others" (1 Peter 4:10). My earthly needs become few when I have a clear picture of my eternal home.
Let's learn to live as Jesus lived: in fellowship with our Heavenly Father, with absolute assurance of who we are in Christ, with confidence of our eternal destiny, and with the complete abandoned humility of a free and secure servant.
Knowing He only had a few short hours remaining with this select group, Jesus used His time to leave a lasting impression of what it meant to truly follow Him.
John 13:3-5
"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God; so He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him."
Without using words, Jesus gave perhaps His greatest sermon. Jesus was absolutely secure in who He was and where He was going: "He had come from God and was returning to God." But He was not proud or arrogant in His security. He didn't use His position to force others to submit or demand they satisfy His needs; instead, His secure position allowed Him to be completely humble and serve His disciples by washing their feet.
Our Heavenly Father desires for us to have this same level of security in Him. He wants us to KNOW we are His children and where we will spend eternity. Jesus came to set us free, and we are to walk in this secure freedom. But rather than using our freedom to arrogantly strut according to our own desires, a secure freedom should give us the necessary confidence to humbly serve without being offended; "do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love" (Galatians 5:13).
Being a follower of Jesus Christ means, first and foremost, that we love the Lord with ALL our heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). But next, it means we are to love, serve, and "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21). Knowing where we will spend eternity, and keeping our eyes set on this eternal perspective, allows us to focus more on the needs and concerns of others (Philippians 2:3-4). It allows us to use our gifts for their intended purpose; "use whatever gifts received to serve others" (1 Peter 4:10). My earthly needs become few when I have a clear picture of my eternal home.
Let's learn to live as Jesus lived: in fellowship with our Heavenly Father, with absolute assurance of who we are in Christ, with confidence of our eternal destiny, and with the complete abandoned humility of a free and secure servant.
Friday, October 21, 2011
God Problems
"A man came up to Jesus, falling on his knees before Him and saying, 'Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic and is very ill; ... I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him. ' And Jesus answered and said ... 'Bring him here to Me" (Matthew 17:14-17).
In life there are problems that I call "God problems." These are not problems with God, but problems only God can handle. God problems are those that cannot be fixed with your checkbook, education or influence. These problems are outside of the control of human beings and lie squarely within God's sovereign jurisdiction. They stop us in our tracks and cause us to soberly assess our associations and situation in life. They bring us face to face with our insufficiency and our need for God's sufficiency. When we face a God problem we discover what is really important in life. These problems are not designed to stop us from making progress in life, but to reveal our dependency on God. They are opportunities for us to seek and grow closer to Him. God wants to reveal something to you. He wants you to spend some time with Him, growing in your knowledge and relationship with Him, and your problem may be the vehicle He is using to do it.
Throughout the gospels people sought Jesus to do what no one else could do. In Matthew 17:14-1 7, a father had a problem that no one else had an answer for. His son was demon-possessed and no one was able to help him, including the disciples. Finally, he encountered the One who had held the key to his son's deliverance - Jesus. Jesus, looking at this seemingly impossible and long term situation, told the father to, "Bring him to Me". Jesus did in a moment what his father had been trying to do for years. Likewise, the disciples faced a seemingly impossible task of feeding a multitude with a boy's lunch. The boy only had two fish and five loaves of bread, but there were over 5000 people to feed. After taking inventory of the situation, Jesus told the disciples to, "Bring them here to me." As the fish and loaves passed through the hands of Jesus, their insufficiency was transformed into sufficiency.
You may be presently dealing with something that is outside of your control. You've done everything within your power to change the situation and have almost given up hope because nothing has changed. Before you give up, make sure that you've truly brought your problem to God and not trusted people for your solution. Like the boy's father who brought his son to the disciples - they couldn't help him. He needed God alone! Too often, God is the last stop in our search for help. You don't have to lose everything before you seek Him. God is not intimidated by what you are dealing with. Stop trying to fix it on your own. If you could fix it, it would be fixed by now. This is a "God Problem", or a "problem for God". Don't mistake your trusting people with trusting God. When God showed up, deliverance quickly followed.
The devil will do everything he can to keep you from spending time with God and discovering His sufficiency. He will put people in your way and keep you so busy and tired, that instead of things getting better, they get worse. I want to challenge you. Set aside some time in the morning, evening, (or if things are so hectic) on your lunch break or when you are lying in bed and get into God's presence undistracted. Take a deep breadth and focus on God's promises. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus promised, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, .... 'For My yoke is easy and My burden is light'." God's offer still stands! Whatever it is- "bring it to Me!"
In life there are problems that I call "God problems." These are not problems with God, but problems only God can handle. God problems are those that cannot be fixed with your checkbook, education or influence. These problems are outside of the control of human beings and lie squarely within God's sovereign jurisdiction. They stop us in our tracks and cause us to soberly assess our associations and situation in life. They bring us face to face with our insufficiency and our need for God's sufficiency. When we face a God problem we discover what is really important in life. These problems are not designed to stop us from making progress in life, but to reveal our dependency on God. They are opportunities for us to seek and grow closer to Him. God wants to reveal something to you. He wants you to spend some time with Him, growing in your knowledge and relationship with Him, and your problem may be the vehicle He is using to do it.
Throughout the gospels people sought Jesus to do what no one else could do. In Matthew 17:14-1 7, a father had a problem that no one else had an answer for. His son was demon-possessed and no one was able to help him, including the disciples. Finally, he encountered the One who had held the key to his son's deliverance - Jesus. Jesus, looking at this seemingly impossible and long term situation, told the father to, "Bring him to Me". Jesus did in a moment what his father had been trying to do for years. Likewise, the disciples faced a seemingly impossible task of feeding a multitude with a boy's lunch. The boy only had two fish and five loaves of bread, but there were over 5000 people to feed. After taking inventory of the situation, Jesus told the disciples to, "Bring them here to me." As the fish and loaves passed through the hands of Jesus, their insufficiency was transformed into sufficiency.
You may be presently dealing with something that is outside of your control. You've done everything within your power to change the situation and have almost given up hope because nothing has changed. Before you give up, make sure that you've truly brought your problem to God and not trusted people for your solution. Like the boy's father who brought his son to the disciples - they couldn't help him. He needed God alone! Too often, God is the last stop in our search for help. You don't have to lose everything before you seek Him. God is not intimidated by what you are dealing with. Stop trying to fix it on your own. If you could fix it, it would be fixed by now. This is a "God Problem", or a "problem for God". Don't mistake your trusting people with trusting God. When God showed up, deliverance quickly followed.
The devil will do everything he can to keep you from spending time with God and discovering His sufficiency. He will put people in your way and keep you so busy and tired, that instead of things getting better, they get worse. I want to challenge you. Set aside some time in the morning, evening, (or if things are so hectic) on your lunch break or when you are lying in bed and get into God's presence undistracted. Take a deep breadth and focus on God's promises. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus promised, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, .... 'For My yoke is easy and My burden is light'." God's offer still stands! Whatever it is- "bring it to Me!"
Thursday, October 20, 2011
A Friend
A friend is someone who will help you move a refrigerator. A friend is someone who will hang out with you even if you have nothing to do. A friend seeks out your company. He stays with you despite the circumstances. Friendship is a mutual bond. Love can be a one-way street, because you can love someone without your love being returned. In a friendship, however, the feeling is mutual; otherwise, the relationship isn’t one of friendship. The natures of friendship and love are different, too. Love is blind. A person deeply in love can’t see the faults of the beloved. A friend sees the faults but ignores the minor ones and brings the important issues to your attention without hurting your feelings. The Bible says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted” (Proverbs 27:6). Trust is one of the strongest tokens of true friendship. We give friendly greetings to relatives, coworkers, acquaintances, and people we meet in passing. We may hold some of those we know in admiration and respect. Yet friends are special people. We seek them out because we want them to be in our lives. Our friendship is not because work with them, occupy a place in their family tree, or meet with them because of business or other reasons. The Bible notes the difference between companions and friends with the proverb “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (proverbs 18:24). Friends are equal. People begin friendships regardless of difference and status, education, wealth, or possessions. Those differences can be positive for the relationship. The Bible says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Friendship can’t long endure, however, if one member is always in need of help. Each member must bring something to share with the other. Friendship takes time and commitment. We can act friendly toward all people, but we can be true friends to only a few. It takes effort and work to build a friendship because friendship is not an emotion it’s an action. Friendship is not maintenance free. Consequently, making new friends takes extra effort so that new friends don’t come between existing friendships. The Bible mentions many friends: David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:42), Jesus and Lazarus (john 11:11), Paul and Luke (Colossians 4:14), and John and Gaius (3 John 1:1). Abraham was called a friend of God (James 2:23). Every friend is a gift from God. The most blessed friendships are those between Christians.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Praise Greater than your Requests
Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, "It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child." Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. That's why it is said, "Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right." But it's not just Abraham; it's also us! The same thing gets said about us when we embrace and believe the One who brought Jesus to life when the conditions were equally hopeless. The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God. (Romans 4 19-25MSG)
As Abraham became strong in faith, God was always with him… Notice to be strong in faith is to give God glory… being strong in faith has always something that goes with it
While Abraham is giving God glory, Abraham had to understand, look at what he’s saying, I’m a father of great blessings. I’m a father, and he’s thanking God that he is. Sarah his wife is not pregnant, and has not conceived in many years. But he’s still giving God glory. Abraham is calling those things which be not as though they were, and he’s thanking God. He gave God so much glory, that his faith assured him God would perform what He said he would. You have to understand read the word to Philip;
"You've been with me all this time, Philip, and you still don't understand? To see me is to see the Father. So how can you ask, 'Where is the Father?' Don't you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you aren't mere words. I don't just make them up on my own. The Father who resides in me crafts each word into a divine act. "Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can't believe that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I'm doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I've been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I'll do it. That's how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I'll do. (John 14 9-14 MSG)
The point is when you praise God so much that it exceeds or is greater than your requests; you'll have your manifestation. Praise God; don’t just acknowledge your faith. You need to praise Him because you believe the acknowledgment is so.
Include in your praise to Him by saying, "I'm getting stronger everyday. I'm stronger today than I was yesterday, and I thank you for it, Father. I'm stronger in my mind, stronger in my body, stronger in my bones, stronger in every way, than I was yesterday; and thank you for it."
When Abraham followed Gods determined method for faith, he received the promise. Sarah conceived and gave birth to a son.
Now God will finalize all paperwork and close the deal on the enemy. His word is bond. Jesus is born. Jesus walks the earth, and only says what God says. Jesus only speaks that which the Father tells Him to speak. And that is so important. We need to watch what we say; it cannot be over emphasized on the importance of speaking life or death.
A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! (James 3. 2-5 MSG)
It can be tempting to say the wrong thing when your emotions are tested. But you have to stand on say what God says and parallel that with that with praise. Give God glory by praising Him in the middle of the crisis, not just after the crises. You know God cares for you.
And since you know that he cares, let your language show it. Don't add words like "I swear to God" to your own words. Don't show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can't be used against you. (James 5.12MSG)
I’ll say this, you have to be strong in faith, and because it will help you control your tongue. So when you do your praises will be greater than your requests.
As Abraham became strong in faith, God was always with him… Notice to be strong in faith is to give God glory… being strong in faith has always something that goes with it
While Abraham is giving God glory, Abraham had to understand, look at what he’s saying, I’m a father of great blessings. I’m a father, and he’s thanking God that he is. Sarah his wife is not pregnant, and has not conceived in many years. But he’s still giving God glory. Abraham is calling those things which be not as though they were, and he’s thanking God. He gave God so much glory, that his faith assured him God would perform what He said he would. You have to understand read the word to Philip;
"You've been with me all this time, Philip, and you still don't understand? To see me is to see the Father. So how can you ask, 'Where is the Father?' Don't you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you aren't mere words. I don't just make them up on my own. The Father who resides in me crafts each word into a divine act. "Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can't believe that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I'm doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I've been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I'll do it. That's how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I'll do. (John 14 9-14 MSG)
The point is when you praise God so much that it exceeds or is greater than your requests; you'll have your manifestation. Praise God; don’t just acknowledge your faith. You need to praise Him because you believe the acknowledgment is so.
Include in your praise to Him by saying, "I'm getting stronger everyday. I'm stronger today than I was yesterday, and I thank you for it, Father. I'm stronger in my mind, stronger in my body, stronger in my bones, stronger in every way, than I was yesterday; and thank you for it."
When Abraham followed Gods determined method for faith, he received the promise. Sarah conceived and gave birth to a son.
Now God will finalize all paperwork and close the deal on the enemy. His word is bond. Jesus is born. Jesus walks the earth, and only says what God says. Jesus only speaks that which the Father tells Him to speak. And that is so important. We need to watch what we say; it cannot be over emphasized on the importance of speaking life or death.
A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! (James 3. 2-5 MSG)
It can be tempting to say the wrong thing when your emotions are tested. But you have to stand on say what God says and parallel that with that with praise. Give God glory by praising Him in the middle of the crisis, not just after the crises. You know God cares for you.
And since you know that he cares, let your language show it. Don't add words like "I swear to God" to your own words. Don't show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can't be used against you. (James 5.12MSG)
I’ll say this, you have to be strong in faith, and because it will help you control your tongue. So when you do your praises will be greater than your requests.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Grace
"So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.“(Hebrews 4:16 MSG)
Grace is like the paramedic coming to help someone with a medical emergency. They offer assistance to the victim on the spot. They have examined the situation and provide immediate grace to the most serious symptoms. Then they get them an ambulance, which is equipped with more grace - more medical functions - to deal with the problem. As the paramedics are administering more grace to the patient, the ambulance races to the hospital where even more grace is waiting to deal with the patient. Once the patient is in the emergency room, the hospital keeps dispensing grace to meet the need until the problem has been addressed and the patient can go home again. As the song goes: "'Twas Grace that brought me safe thus far, and Grace will lead me home."
One day Jesus heard our emergency call: "I am a sinner and I need a Savior." He shot to your location on earth, found us dying in sin and reached out to save us. As our High Priest, He transported us from where we were, to a place that has all the grace we will ever need as long as we live, until we are finally and fully restored at the resurrection and go home with Him. So, how can we have a Savior and High Priest like this and not draw near to Him in prayer? "But I'm tired" you say. That's ok, just draw near. "But you don't understand. I'm hurting and I feel like quitting." Call upon Him.
Others may not understand, but Jesus does. Just draw near to Him. He will meet you where you are, then take you to where He is – At the throne were there is an abundance of grace ready to be dispensed, by Jesus. Grace!
Grace is like the paramedic coming to help someone with a medical emergency. They offer assistance to the victim on the spot. They have examined the situation and provide immediate grace to the most serious symptoms. Then they get them an ambulance, which is equipped with more grace - more medical functions - to deal with the problem. As the paramedics are administering more grace to the patient, the ambulance races to the hospital where even more grace is waiting to deal with the patient. Once the patient is in the emergency room, the hospital keeps dispensing grace to meet the need until the problem has been addressed and the patient can go home again. As the song goes: "'Twas Grace that brought me safe thus far, and Grace will lead me home."
One day Jesus heard our emergency call: "I am a sinner and I need a Savior." He shot to your location on earth, found us dying in sin and reached out to save us. As our High Priest, He transported us from where we were, to a place that has all the grace we will ever need as long as we live, until we are finally and fully restored at the resurrection and go home with Him. So, how can we have a Savior and High Priest like this and not draw near to Him in prayer? "But I'm tired" you say. That's ok, just draw near. "But you don't understand. I'm hurting and I feel like quitting." Call upon Him.
Others may not understand, but Jesus does. Just draw near to Him. He will meet you where you are, then take you to where He is – At the throne were there is an abundance of grace ready to be dispensed, by Jesus. Grace!
Monday, October 17, 2011
I'm Sorry.
People say sorry a lot, often leaving its meaning ambiguous. Many of the words we rely upon most are ambiguous. Love, for example, can mean what you feel for your children or your socks—kind of a wide range there.
If we really new what the word meant saying and receiving it will be two different things, but has the same outcome.
God saw that human evil was out of control. People thought evil, imagined evil—evil, evil, evil from morning to night. God was sorry that he had made the human race in the first place; it broke his heart. God said, "I'll get rid of my ruined creation, make a clean sweep: people, animals, snakes and bugs, birds—the works. I'm sorry I made them." (Genesis 6:5)
Did God just say get rid! Destroy us all? Is that profound?
Samuel left immediately for Ramah and Saul went home to Gibeah. Samuel had nothing to do with Saul from then on, though he grieved long and deeply over him. But God was sorry he had ever made Saul king in the first place. (1 Samuel 15:34)
Oh God!
Do we know Who we are playing with. “God said in both instances that He was sorry He ever “made”. What would He do next, I don’t want to know. If God feels that way about the use of the word and it’s implication, we haven’t yet to live up to Gods will let alone the person we said it to. I’m sorry, we need to heed that warning can you imaging if God made that statement today. Have mercy Lord. If we live like Jesus, then we would live each waking moment with love, the love that should dwell in our heart should never have to be sorry. If we do need to be sorry are we to realize we made a great mistake and need to take it so serious.
We also use sorry as a predicate adjective, a special type of adjective that follows a linking verb and modifies (directly refers to) the subject of the sentence. In other words, “I’m sorry that . . . ” followed by a pronoun.
I’m sorry that I hurt you. I’m sorry that you’re upset. I’m sorry that he caused you pain. I’m sorry that it’s so difficult. I’m sorry that we are so incompatible about this. I’m sorry that they are so hard on you.
These play indexical roles, like index fingers pointing at the source of the difficulty: the source is me, you, we, or some outside (he, she, it, they) forced, together with plain “sorry,” then, there are five kinds of sorry based on the source of the problem:
1. Me
2. You
3. Us
4. Something or someone outside us
5. Don’t know or won’t venture to say
From whether something is wrong to whose fault it is.
From whose fault it is to whose burden it is to fix it.
From whose burden it is to another topic altogether.
From whose fault it is to whose burden.
From whose problem it is to another topic altogether
1. Me
2. You
3. He
4. She
5. It
6. We
7. They
8. Don’t know
9. Know but won’t say
It just gets more complicated. How do we go forth after saying I’m sorry?
Sorry can be nested in a hierarchy:
Well, I’m sorry . . . Well, I’m sorry you’re sorry . . . Well, I’m sorry you’re sorry I’m sorry . . .
That may sound like a joke but in practice the hierarchy is what often makes conversations about who is and should be sorry such cans of worms:
“Look, I’m sorry.” “For what you did?” “No, that you feel bad when I didn’t do anything wrong.” “But you did do something wrong.” “Well, I’m sorry.” “For what you did?” “No, I’m sorry that you feel I did something wrong when I didn’t.” “I don’t want you sorry that I feel you did something wrong. I want you to apologize for what you did.” “Well, I’m sorry.” “For what you did?” “No I’m sorry that you don’t want me to feel sorry that you want me to feel I did something wrong.” “I don’t want you to, oh, never mind.”
Consider what would have happened in the Garden of Eden if Adam and Eve had repented. God, of course, knew that they had eaten the forbidden fruit as soon as they had done so. But he didn’t immediately confront Adam with his sin; he gave him a chance to repent. He first said to Adam, who was hiding in the bushes, “Where are you?” God knew where he was, but he wanted to give him an opportunity to explain. But Adam did not take advantage of it. He said, “I heard your voice and I was afraid because I was naked.” What he should have said was, “Oh God, I have sinned and done that which you told me not to do. Have mercy on your unworthy servant.” However, God gave him a second chance to repent. He said, “Who told you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree which I commanded you not to eat?” The correct answer would have been, “Yes, oh wretched man that I am! Have mercy on me, oh Lord, and forgive my transgression.” But Adam answered, “The woman that you gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree and I ate.” That is, he blamed God for giving him a defective mate. And we recall that when given the opportunity to repent, Eve employed a similar tactic and blamed the serpent.
What would have happened if Adam and Eve had repented? St. Simeon the New Theologian says, “Had they repented, they would not have been expelled. They would not have been condemned; they would not have been sentenced to return to the earth from which they had been taken.” Instead, God said to them, “dust you are and to dust you shall return.”
Unfortunately, when confronted with our sins, our nature is to act like Adam. We try to avoid the topic, and if pushed, try to shift the blame. Repentance does not come naturally. But we must learn that when dealing with God as when dealing with a loved one, we cannot expect mercy without sincere contrition. Without repentance, as we learn from Adam, we have a great deal to lose. There is more to being sorry.
If we really new what the word meant saying and receiving it will be two different things, but has the same outcome.
God saw that human evil was out of control. People thought evil, imagined evil—evil, evil, evil from morning to night. God was sorry that he had made the human race in the first place; it broke his heart. God said, "I'll get rid of my ruined creation, make a clean sweep: people, animals, snakes and bugs, birds—the works. I'm sorry I made them." (Genesis 6:5)
Did God just say get rid! Destroy us all? Is that profound?
Samuel left immediately for Ramah and Saul went home to Gibeah. Samuel had nothing to do with Saul from then on, though he grieved long and deeply over him. But God was sorry he had ever made Saul king in the first place. (1 Samuel 15:34)
Oh God!
Do we know Who we are playing with. “God said in both instances that He was sorry He ever “made”. What would He do next, I don’t want to know. If God feels that way about the use of the word and it’s implication, we haven’t yet to live up to Gods will let alone the person we said it to. I’m sorry, we need to heed that warning can you imaging if God made that statement today. Have mercy Lord. If we live like Jesus, then we would live each waking moment with love, the love that should dwell in our heart should never have to be sorry. If we do need to be sorry are we to realize we made a great mistake and need to take it so serious.
We also use sorry as a predicate adjective, a special type of adjective that follows a linking verb and modifies (directly refers to) the subject of the sentence. In other words, “I’m sorry that . . . ” followed by a pronoun.
I’m sorry that I hurt you. I’m sorry that you’re upset. I’m sorry that he caused you pain. I’m sorry that it’s so difficult. I’m sorry that we are so incompatible about this. I’m sorry that they are so hard on you.
These play indexical roles, like index fingers pointing at the source of the difficulty: the source is me, you, we, or some outside (he, she, it, they) forced, together with plain “sorry,” then, there are five kinds of sorry based on the source of the problem:
1. Me
2. You
3. Us
4. Something or someone outside us
5. Don’t know or won’t venture to say
From whether something is wrong to whose fault it is.
From whose fault it is to whose burden it is to fix it.
From whose burden it is to another topic altogether.
From whose fault it is to whose burden.
From whose problem it is to another topic altogether
1. Me
2. You
3. He
4. She
5. It
6. We
7. They
8. Don’t know
9. Know but won’t say
It just gets more complicated. How do we go forth after saying I’m sorry?
Sorry can be nested in a hierarchy:
Well, I’m sorry . . . Well, I’m sorry you’re sorry . . . Well, I’m sorry you’re sorry I’m sorry . . .
That may sound like a joke but in practice the hierarchy is what often makes conversations about who is and should be sorry such cans of worms:
“Look, I’m sorry.” “For what you did?” “No, that you feel bad when I didn’t do anything wrong.” “But you did do something wrong.” “Well, I’m sorry.” “For what you did?” “No, I’m sorry that you feel I did something wrong when I didn’t.” “I don’t want you sorry that I feel you did something wrong. I want you to apologize for what you did.” “Well, I’m sorry.” “For what you did?” “No I’m sorry that you don’t want me to feel sorry that you want me to feel I did something wrong.” “I don’t want you to, oh, never mind.”
Consider what would have happened in the Garden of Eden if Adam and Eve had repented. God, of course, knew that they had eaten the forbidden fruit as soon as they had done so. But he didn’t immediately confront Adam with his sin; he gave him a chance to repent. He first said to Adam, who was hiding in the bushes, “Where are you?” God knew where he was, but he wanted to give him an opportunity to explain. But Adam did not take advantage of it. He said, “I heard your voice and I was afraid because I was naked.” What he should have said was, “Oh God, I have sinned and done that which you told me not to do. Have mercy on your unworthy servant.” However, God gave him a second chance to repent. He said, “Who told you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree which I commanded you not to eat?” The correct answer would have been, “Yes, oh wretched man that I am! Have mercy on me, oh Lord, and forgive my transgression.” But Adam answered, “The woman that you gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree and I ate.” That is, he blamed God for giving him a defective mate. And we recall that when given the opportunity to repent, Eve employed a similar tactic and blamed the serpent.
What would have happened if Adam and Eve had repented? St. Simeon the New Theologian says, “Had they repented, they would not have been expelled. They would not have been condemned; they would not have been sentenced to return to the earth from which they had been taken.” Instead, God said to them, “dust you are and to dust you shall return.”
Unfortunately, when confronted with our sins, our nature is to act like Adam. We try to avoid the topic, and if pushed, try to shift the blame. Repentance does not come naturally. But we must learn that when dealing with God as when dealing with a loved one, we cannot expect mercy without sincere contrition. Without repentance, as we learn from Adam, we have a great deal to lose. There is more to being sorry.
Friday, October 14, 2011
How do you handle bad news?
How do we handle bad news? The Bible has a number of things that can help us with bad news. You know this Christian walk is not going to be without challenges. When we get bad news, See or discern if it is actually bad news. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thess 5:21) Verify bad news, some news is not news at all; we could make things worse for ourselves as did Jacob. Is it this news something that we can do anything about? Says that we are not to be “slothful in business, fervent in spirit serving the Lord.” (Rom. 12:11) “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men ;”( Col 3:23) “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (Jam 4:17) Think about this when we do nothing it will only make things worse. What can we do when we checked it out and need something; first, we must turn to God in prayer. God wants us to pray to Him in difficult times as well as good times. “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” (Luke 18:1) God does not want us to faint, but take courage in Him to do the right thing. We must be humble enough to turn to the Lord with problems that are out of our hands. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7) Now we in order to deal with bad news we've got to stop the cycle of negative thinking. This means that we must focus on the good, instead of bad. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things ,just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil 4:8) When we think of the goodness of Jesus, we can Count our blessings, it goes a long way toward dealing with bad news. We need to Talk about it, after talking to God, which is therapeutic and will help to alleviate anxiety that we build within ourselves. Testify on what God is going to do, His yoke is easy and burdens are light. Talking to a friend or love one will help the process of dealing with it than all by yourself. This will also bring you into deeper a relationship with our Christian friends and family. “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” (Rom 12:15) “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.” (1 Cor 12:25-26) After we have counseled it will help us accept it. Sometimes it takes a long time for us to do this depending on how bad the news is, but know God will comfort us throughout it all. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Regardless how bad a situation may seem to us, God is able to use it for good. (Rom 8:28) Now it should be time to shout. Knowing God will be there with us and we know victory is His promise. “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Phil 4:4) We don't rejoice without reason, that would be insanity. We rejoice knowing that God is in control of all things good and bad. We rejoice knowing the blessings we have as Christians. We rejoice in the future and hope of all who are children of God. “Rejoice evermore.” (1 Thess 5:17)
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Your Anointing
"Now a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD; and the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves." Elisha said to her, "What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?" And she said, "Your maidservant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil" (2 Kings 4:1-2).
In meditating on this scripture, I believe the man of God knew that this widow had something in her house more valuable than what she was looking to receive from him. The only problem was - she didn't know it!
Throughout the Bible oil is representative of anointing. It represents the presence and power of the Holy Spirit upon a person or vessel. The Bible says that her husband served the man of God and feared the Lord. This was an anointed man. For years an anointing rested in their home. The man of God knew as long as there was anointing in the house everything she needed was likewise in the house. She was looking for money when God had given her something greater - an anointing. Money is the least of God's blessings. As long as our focus is on money we will miss out on what God, through His anointing, can do in our lives. As a matter of fact, the anointing will cause money to show up when it is activated in a situation. When we begin to operate in our anointing, we have God's presence and power accompanying our efforts. With God all things are possible.
Every Believer is anointed and carries within them the very same Holy Spirit Jesus Christ (The Anointed One) had upon Him. Like the jar of oil that sat on the widow's shelf overlooked and underestimated, many of us have done the same thing to the anointing that is present in our lives. We turn to people and other tangible things for answers, when God has already placed the answer within us, in the form of His Holy Spirit. The Bible describes the Holy Spirit as a Comforter, Guide, Teacher and Revealer. He has the answer to what perplexes us. In many cases, we don't need more money, or other tangible surrogate, we need revelation of our situation. We need discernment, enlightenment and direction to make a right decision. If we were to give the Holy Spirit free course in our lives, He would show us the abundance that God has already placed within us, but has thus far gone overlooked and underestimated.
The Holy Spirit wants to give you life in ever respect of the word. If there is anything dead, unfruitful or dying in our lives, we must give the Holy Spirit access to it, so that He can breathe upon it the breadth of life. The anointing, representing the presence of the Holy Spirit, was given so that we could experience life to its fullest. He can out produce anything, anyone or any system anywhere. However we must trust Him!
Never underestimate your anointing. It is God's most precious provision for us to prosper in our lives. It is the anointing that breaks the yoke of bondage and causes us to overcome our situations - whatever our situations may be!™"And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing" (Isaiah 10:27).
In meditating on this scripture, I believe the man of God knew that this widow had something in her house more valuable than what she was looking to receive from him. The only problem was - she didn't know it!
Throughout the Bible oil is representative of anointing. It represents the presence and power of the Holy Spirit upon a person or vessel. The Bible says that her husband served the man of God and feared the Lord. This was an anointed man. For years an anointing rested in their home. The man of God knew as long as there was anointing in the house everything she needed was likewise in the house. She was looking for money when God had given her something greater - an anointing. Money is the least of God's blessings. As long as our focus is on money we will miss out on what God, through His anointing, can do in our lives. As a matter of fact, the anointing will cause money to show up when it is activated in a situation. When we begin to operate in our anointing, we have God's presence and power accompanying our efforts. With God all things are possible.
Every Believer is anointed and carries within them the very same Holy Spirit Jesus Christ (The Anointed One) had upon Him. Like the jar of oil that sat on the widow's shelf overlooked and underestimated, many of us have done the same thing to the anointing that is present in our lives. We turn to people and other tangible things for answers, when God has already placed the answer within us, in the form of His Holy Spirit. The Bible describes the Holy Spirit as a Comforter, Guide, Teacher and Revealer. He has the answer to what perplexes us. In many cases, we don't need more money, or other tangible surrogate, we need revelation of our situation. We need discernment, enlightenment and direction to make a right decision. If we were to give the Holy Spirit free course in our lives, He would show us the abundance that God has already placed within us, but has thus far gone overlooked and underestimated.
The Holy Spirit wants to give you life in ever respect of the word. If there is anything dead, unfruitful or dying in our lives, we must give the Holy Spirit access to it, so that He can breathe upon it the breadth of life. The anointing, representing the presence of the Holy Spirit, was given so that we could experience life to its fullest. He can out produce anything, anyone or any system anywhere. However we must trust Him!
Never underestimate your anointing. It is God's most precious provision for us to prosper in our lives. It is the anointing that breaks the yoke of bondage and causes us to overcome our situations - whatever our situations may be!™"And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing" (Isaiah 10:27).
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Patience
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:4 (KJV)
The word “perfect” means “mature.” So, the trying of your faith worketh patience that you may be mature, entire, wanting or lacking not a thing. Wouldn’t you like to be mature in the Lord, entire, lacking not a thing? In order to come to that place, you must learn something about Bible patience.
Patience in James 1:4 means “to be steadfast, unmovable.” Another definition is to remain constant. He says that the trying of your faith worketh patience. Note that faith and patience are linked together. It’s your faith that’s being tried, and patience is developing from it.
Faith and patience are mentioned together in several scriptures. Faith and love are mentioned in Galatians 5:6. It says that faith works by love. Hebrews 12:1- 2 says that we are to run the race with patience, looking unto the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus. Hebrews 6:12 says to follow them who through faith and patience inherit the promise. Titus 2:1-2 says to teach so that the aged (mature) men may be sound in faith and patience. 1 Timothy 6:11 says to follow after (among other things) faith and patience.
These scriptures clearly say that to receive the promises of God, faith, patience and love are required. So follow after righteous, which means right standing with God. Follow after godliness, or being like God. Follow after faith, love, patience and meekness. These things will make you mature in God; entire and lacking not one thing. Fight the good fight of faith. It is a good fight, because you have already won.
We are to walk by faith. But faith is not alone. Faith and patience go along together. And love causes it to work. With the right ingredients, you can be a mature man or woman of God, lacking nothing in this life.™. Amen.
The word “perfect” means “mature.” So, the trying of your faith worketh patience that you may be mature, entire, wanting or lacking not a thing. Wouldn’t you like to be mature in the Lord, entire, lacking not a thing? In order to come to that place, you must learn something about Bible patience.
Patience in James 1:4 means “to be steadfast, unmovable.” Another definition is to remain constant. He says that the trying of your faith worketh patience. Note that faith and patience are linked together. It’s your faith that’s being tried, and patience is developing from it.
Faith and patience are mentioned together in several scriptures. Faith and love are mentioned in Galatians 5:6. It says that faith works by love. Hebrews 12:1- 2 says that we are to run the race with patience, looking unto the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus. Hebrews 6:12 says to follow them who through faith and patience inherit the promise. Titus 2:1-2 says to teach so that the aged (mature) men may be sound in faith and patience. 1 Timothy 6:11 says to follow after (among other things) faith and patience.
These scriptures clearly say that to receive the promises of God, faith, patience and love are required. So follow after righteous, which means right standing with God. Follow after godliness, or being like God. Follow after faith, love, patience and meekness. These things will make you mature in God; entire and lacking not one thing. Fight the good fight of faith. It is a good fight, because you have already won.
We are to walk by faith. But faith is not alone. Faith and patience go along together. And love causes it to work. With the right ingredients, you can be a mature man or woman of God, lacking nothing in this life.™. Amen.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Trust not Trouble
We cannot come to Christ without faith and we're unable to live a victorious Christian life without continuously walking in faith. Our faith is of great worth!
1 Peter 1:6-7
"For a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials, our trial is our struggle to be close and all the things that come with being tested. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire it is proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
One of the beautiful truths in God's Kingdom is that everything along our walk has a purpose; whether it’s the various challenges or struggles. "In all things God works for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28). Even our difficult times of hardship is being directed by God "for the good." As we continue to love Him with all our heart, God will use our trials to reveal and strengthen our faith. Be careful of what you speak and what you ask for, could it be that what you say is true as it is revealed, then change must come. And a truer understanding of our faith is one of the greatest "goods" we can receive.
Do we really believe our faith is "of greater worth than gold"? Until we've been sustained through times of great trial and testing, it's difficult to understand the true value of faith. Our faith is shown to be real, or "proved genuine", only as we trust Him when no other hope can be seen. We never need to prove our faith to God, but why is it that we seem to want to see “us” prove our faith to God, to each other, or that we must prove our faith for people. He sees deep within our heart and already knows the genuineness of our faith. God gave us our faith and calls us to live "in accordance with the measure of faith God has given" (Romans 12:3).
But our measure of faith is ALWAYS greater than what we believe we have, and it can sustain us through greater trials than we believe possible. As we more clearly see the strength contained in this wonderful gift of faith, we are able to give all praise, glory and honor to God as Jesus is revealed through the testimony of our life. As we trust Him with all our heart, He will cause us to emerge from our trials much stronger and more confident, more "mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:4) because we will KNOW He is by our side.
As our faith is strengthened and refined, the presence of God will cease to be an interesting theory or an empty hope; it will become real and an integral part of our life! Let's rejoice that our trials last only "for a little while." But let's also rejoice that our trials are being used for His glory and for the purpose of proving our faith. We don’t need to prove to each other our faith. Love and embrace each other in love as in faith. The rest will fall in place.™ Amen.
1 Peter 1:6-7
"For a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials, our trial is our struggle to be close and all the things that come with being tested. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire it is proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
One of the beautiful truths in God's Kingdom is that everything along our walk has a purpose; whether it’s the various challenges or struggles. "In all things God works for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28). Even our difficult times of hardship is being directed by God "for the good." As we continue to love Him with all our heart, God will use our trials to reveal and strengthen our faith. Be careful of what you speak and what you ask for, could it be that what you say is true as it is revealed, then change must come. And a truer understanding of our faith is one of the greatest "goods" we can receive.
Do we really believe our faith is "of greater worth than gold"? Until we've been sustained through times of great trial and testing, it's difficult to understand the true value of faith. Our faith is shown to be real, or "proved genuine", only as we trust Him when no other hope can be seen. We never need to prove our faith to God, but why is it that we seem to want to see “us” prove our faith to God, to each other, or that we must prove our faith for people. He sees deep within our heart and already knows the genuineness of our faith. God gave us our faith and calls us to live "in accordance with the measure of faith God has given" (Romans 12:3).
But our measure of faith is ALWAYS greater than what we believe we have, and it can sustain us through greater trials than we believe possible. As we more clearly see the strength contained in this wonderful gift of faith, we are able to give all praise, glory and honor to God as Jesus is revealed through the testimony of our life. As we trust Him with all our heart, He will cause us to emerge from our trials much stronger and more confident, more "mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:4) because we will KNOW He is by our side.
As our faith is strengthened and refined, the presence of God will cease to be an interesting theory or an empty hope; it will become real and an integral part of our life! Let's rejoice that our trials last only "for a little while." But let's also rejoice that our trials are being used for His glory and for the purpose of proving our faith. We don’t need to prove to each other our faith. Love and embrace each other in love as in faith. The rest will fall in place.™ Amen.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Mindset
Your thoughts, what you’re thinking, has a lot to do with the way your life is. (Proverbs 23:7) says: For as he thinks in his heart so is he. What you keep your mind on will decide whether you will have peace or whether you will be full of anxiety in this embroiled, troubled world.
(Romans 12:2KJV) says “But be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
And the message reads “So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.( Romans 12:1-2 MSG)”
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, [If you do what this verse says, then the next verse will come into play.] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [And the way you keep from being anxious for nothing is by doing what verse 8 says.] Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate [constantly think] on these things.(Philippians 4:6-8 KJV)” ”Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies (Philippians 4:6-9 MSG)”
So, what’s on your mind? What are you thinking? The word think means "to decide by pondering, reasoning or reflecting and to consider." What we think is what we can become. Where we have kept our minds is where we are. Our thoughts can shape our behavior. Otherwise, what we do is what we think. In Quoting William Barkley, "It is a law of life that if a man thinks on something often enough and long enough, he will come to the stage when he cannot stop thinking about it. His thoughts will be quite literally in a groove out of which he cannot jerk them." How many people have gotten into bad situations because they just kept thinking and thinking and thinking about it until they found themselves in a mess. What are you thinking about? Are you thinking righteous or unrighteous thoughts? Are you thinking?
Are you thinking about gratifying the flesh through such things as pride, self, greed, pleasure, sex, angry exchanges, jealousies, envies, desires, and negative attitudes?
What about the lusts of the eyes through such things as immoral pornographic filth flaunted in magazines, films, books, television, and clothes that reveal too much of the body in a vulgar way?
Consider the desire for recognition, honor, position, and power? It is okay to want to be recognized, but will you do anything for recognition, to the extent of committing a sin or hurting someone in to get what you want.
Your mindset, fixated on the world system is what leads the flesh to anxiety, worry, emptiness, and restlessness.
So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. (Colossians 3:1-2 MSG)
So if you’re serious about this walk with Christ and the things above, this means setting your mind on the things of God, and you find out about the things of God, from His Word. Taking control of your mind and doing what it is you should doing, will determine your will. What’s your mindset.
“Lord do in me Your will in my mind and with my flesh”.
Here is the scripture we’re familiar with, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1-2) Now let’s read another translation. So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
We can renew our minds, but we have to think about God and His great love for mankind. If you don't, you will think in line with the world than with the things of God. You have to understand that the body always wants to gratify the flesh. You have to train the body, make it do what your spirit wants, kill it, sacrifice it. And sacrifice is not fun, but it is the joy of the Lord you want. Not the fleshly life of this world.
(Ephesians 4:20-24 MSG) “But that's no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.”
It is our responsibility to do something about our minds. Once you have been converted and become a new man, your focus needs to be about the thoughts of God, and the good things of life. We, as Believers, should never dwell on immoral, fleshly, worldly, selfish, sinful or evil thoughts. Sinful and negative thoughts disrupt and destroy our peace. Your mind will go down to the level of the flesh, and it will take control, because we will then live in the flesh and that is the thing we’ll gravitate to. And that is why we need to operate in the Word of God in order to control our thinking, which will control our flesh. And the word of God will take over our actions and then we will be in the will of God. Are we doing the right thing? That’s all I have.
(Romans 12:2KJV) says “But be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
And the message reads “So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.( Romans 12:1-2 MSG)”
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, [If you do what this verse says, then the next verse will come into play.] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [And the way you keep from being anxious for nothing is by doing what verse 8 says.] Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate [constantly think] on these things.(Philippians 4:6-8 KJV)” ”Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies (Philippians 4:6-9 MSG)”
So, what’s on your mind? What are you thinking? The word think means "to decide by pondering, reasoning or reflecting and to consider." What we think is what we can become. Where we have kept our minds is where we are. Our thoughts can shape our behavior. Otherwise, what we do is what we think. In Quoting William Barkley, "It is a law of life that if a man thinks on something often enough and long enough, he will come to the stage when he cannot stop thinking about it. His thoughts will be quite literally in a groove out of which he cannot jerk them." How many people have gotten into bad situations because they just kept thinking and thinking and thinking about it until they found themselves in a mess. What are you thinking about? Are you thinking righteous or unrighteous thoughts? Are you thinking?
Are you thinking about gratifying the flesh through such things as pride, self, greed, pleasure, sex, angry exchanges, jealousies, envies, desires, and negative attitudes?
What about the lusts of the eyes through such things as immoral pornographic filth flaunted in magazines, films, books, television, and clothes that reveal too much of the body in a vulgar way?
Consider the desire for recognition, honor, position, and power? It is okay to want to be recognized, but will you do anything for recognition, to the extent of committing a sin or hurting someone in to get what you want.
Your mindset, fixated on the world system is what leads the flesh to anxiety, worry, emptiness, and restlessness.
So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. (Colossians 3:1-2 MSG)
So if you’re serious about this walk with Christ and the things above, this means setting your mind on the things of God, and you find out about the things of God, from His Word. Taking control of your mind and doing what it is you should doing, will determine your will. What’s your mindset.
“Lord do in me Your will in my mind and with my flesh”.
Here is the scripture we’re familiar with, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1-2) Now let’s read another translation. So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
We can renew our minds, but we have to think about God and His great love for mankind. If you don't, you will think in line with the world than with the things of God. You have to understand that the body always wants to gratify the flesh. You have to train the body, make it do what your spirit wants, kill it, sacrifice it. And sacrifice is not fun, but it is the joy of the Lord you want. Not the fleshly life of this world.
(Ephesians 4:20-24 MSG) “But that's no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.”
It is our responsibility to do something about our minds. Once you have been converted and become a new man, your focus needs to be about the thoughts of God, and the good things of life. We, as Believers, should never dwell on immoral, fleshly, worldly, selfish, sinful or evil thoughts. Sinful and negative thoughts disrupt and destroy our peace. Your mind will go down to the level of the flesh, and it will take control, because we will then live in the flesh and that is the thing we’ll gravitate to. And that is why we need to operate in the Word of God in order to control our thinking, which will control our flesh. And the word of God will take over our actions and then we will be in the will of God. Are we doing the right thing? That’s all I have.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Pray Expecting God to Deliver
"Ask...in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24 NIV
A local church called a prayer meeting and everybody showed up. They prayed for a young man to be healed, they had come to see God answer!
The year was 2006. I went to Nashville to receive a new liver, by transplantation. Prior to the notification of a donor something happened, here’s my testimony.
I was in agonizing pain from a period of pancreatic attacks, and then suffered what’s known as a mini stroke, and afflicted by Bells Palsy on the left side of my face. A week had gone by spending four of those days in the Veterans Administration Hospital to recover; then sent home for convalescence. You see that week had gone by and as I lay immobile at times, loved ones, family, and friends were in prayer, I was in prayer. While my mind was on the current situation a stroke and Palsy, pain, God allowed me to rest, all I remember was the phone ringing and it was about seven a.m. the next morning. Mr. Cruse, James C Cruse, a lady stated, this is Debbie from the Vanderbilt Hospital emergency contact department. Her statement was “we need you to get to the hospital and get prepped for your transplant, there is a possible match, and how soon can you get here?” After I got up off the floor from collapsing and praising and thanking God I said hello are you still there realizing what she had just said, I responded with, I’m leaving now.
Ok God knew when it was enough suffering and I kept thinking about my failing health, He took my mind off what was primary, rerouted my thoughts and exposed me to more tests, before I could say now God what else? There He goes and sends me a blessing. God knows your limitations and when enough is enough He will turn that situation around, will take your mind off what’s behind you and show you what is before you. Then you know even more of how awesome He is. By waiting on Him, and accepting His will, He made it happen. Glory be to God. Prayer works. And one of the dangers of praying, is praying, and yet not really expecting anything: "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that...he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Heb11:6 NIV). You say, "So how do I get more faith?" By filling your mind with the Scriptures! "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Ro 10:17). When you immerse yourself in God's Word an amazing thing happens; faith takes root and begins to grow. And faith is what makes your praying effective.
But what if your prayer lines up with God's Word, yet the answer is delayed?
Keep praying and believing! "Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised" (Heb 10:35-36 NIV).
So when you pray if nothing happens keep praying!" the more you pray the more your Faith builds up. I believe. Not just what He has done for me but what He can do for you. I’m praying for your health and strength in the Lord.™
A local church called a prayer meeting and everybody showed up. They prayed for a young man to be healed, they had come to see God answer!
The year was 2006. I went to Nashville to receive a new liver, by transplantation. Prior to the notification of a donor something happened, here’s my testimony.
I was in agonizing pain from a period of pancreatic attacks, and then suffered what’s known as a mini stroke, and afflicted by Bells Palsy on the left side of my face. A week had gone by spending four of those days in the Veterans Administration Hospital to recover; then sent home for convalescence. You see that week had gone by and as I lay immobile at times, loved ones, family, and friends were in prayer, I was in prayer. While my mind was on the current situation a stroke and Palsy, pain, God allowed me to rest, all I remember was the phone ringing and it was about seven a.m. the next morning. Mr. Cruse, James C Cruse, a lady stated, this is Debbie from the Vanderbilt Hospital emergency contact department. Her statement was “we need you to get to the hospital and get prepped for your transplant, there is a possible match, and how soon can you get here?” After I got up off the floor from collapsing and praising and thanking God I said hello are you still there realizing what she had just said, I responded with, I’m leaving now.
Ok God knew when it was enough suffering and I kept thinking about my failing health, He took my mind off what was primary, rerouted my thoughts and exposed me to more tests, before I could say now God what else? There He goes and sends me a blessing. God knows your limitations and when enough is enough He will turn that situation around, will take your mind off what’s behind you and show you what is before you. Then you know even more of how awesome He is. By waiting on Him, and accepting His will, He made it happen. Glory be to God. Prayer works. And one of the dangers of praying, is praying, and yet not really expecting anything: "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that...he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Heb11:6 NIV). You say, "So how do I get more faith?" By filling your mind with the Scriptures! "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Ro 10:17). When you immerse yourself in God's Word an amazing thing happens; faith takes root and begins to grow. And faith is what makes your praying effective.
But what if your prayer lines up with God's Word, yet the answer is delayed?
Keep praying and believing! "Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised" (Heb 10:35-36 NIV).
So when you pray if nothing happens keep praying!" the more you pray the more your Faith builds up. I believe. Not just what He has done for me but what He can do for you. I’m praying for your health and strength in the Lord.™
Saturday, October 8, 2011
To Many Identities
Those God foreknew, he also predestine to be conformed to the likeness of his Son (Romans 8:29). Many young people find their identity in a pro-athletic or team. While others idolize and emulate a rock star. Adults are more subtle, but we too will identify ourselves by our careers, our family roles, our hobbies or trends set by our favorite celebrities. It is human nature to pick an appealing image-any image-and then try to live up to it. We enthusiastically become like the people or ideals on which we set our affections. When we want to, we conform easily. Our desired image becomes a part of us.
When we become Christians, we may have found that we continually struggle to become Christlike. Why? If our affections are set on him as they once were on the trends and icons of our culture, wouldn't a godly transformation be a nature process for us? Perhaps that is just the problem. Perhaps our affections are not entirely Christ-ward. We easily let our love grow stale, losing the excitement that newness and discovery brought us at first. Other images-culture trends and newfound interest-become the object of our infatuation, while Jesus subtly and imperceptibly passes from adoration to our obligation.
When this happens we find godliness more of a struggle. It is hard to let ourselves conformed to the image of Jesus. When we hold another image in higher esteem. Other passions pull us in other directions, often making conflicting-or at least superfluous-demands on our character. Godly character cannot thrive in such a context. Our spirit will not fit into two modes simultaneously.
Is your growth toward godliness a difficult struggle? Examine your desires. How do you envision yourself? How would you like other to perceive you? What image do you aim for? If you find any image other than Jesus shaping your soul, abandon it. It will hinder your growth. Find your identity entirely in HIM.™
When we become Christians, we may have found that we continually struggle to become Christlike. Why? If our affections are set on him as they once were on the trends and icons of our culture, wouldn't a godly transformation be a nature process for us? Perhaps that is just the problem. Perhaps our affections are not entirely Christ-ward. We easily let our love grow stale, losing the excitement that newness and discovery brought us at first. Other images-culture trends and newfound interest-become the object of our infatuation, while Jesus subtly and imperceptibly passes from adoration to our obligation.
When this happens we find godliness more of a struggle. It is hard to let ourselves conformed to the image of Jesus. When we hold another image in higher esteem. Other passions pull us in other directions, often making conflicting-or at least superfluous-demands on our character. Godly character cannot thrive in such a context. Our spirit will not fit into two modes simultaneously.
Is your growth toward godliness a difficult struggle? Examine your desires. How do you envision yourself? How would you like other to perceive you? What image do you aim for? If you find any image other than Jesus shaping your soul, abandon it. It will hinder your growth. Find your identity entirely in HIM.™
Friday, October 7, 2011
Troubled, Don't be.
Troubled, Don’t Be
“Every detail works to your advantage and to God's glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!” 2 Corinthians 4:15 (MSG)
Do you continue to have trouble? Then it’s time to give God thanks, He is your Deliverer! In the time of trouble, you have to abound in thanksgiving to God. Thank Him for power, protection and for provision. Thank Him for your food, fellowship friends and finances. Thank Him for your job. Thank the Father for the good and the bad. When you do, you’ll release His ability and power.
In So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (MSG)
There is no need to faint and nor fear, when we are in Christ, don't measure your future by what the stock market does. Don't measure your future by what the newspaper says. We need to measure our stature in this life by the word of God which lives and abides forever. I'm telling you now, don't look at all the things you are reading in the paper, or see on television. Instead look to God. You may not see God, but you know He's there. Do you know He’ll make a way for you? So start thanking Him for doing it right now.
In 2 Thessalonians 1:6 it says "Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit!—taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble." In other words, God is going to trouble your trouble. In 2 Thessalonians 2:2 it says, "We had just been given rough treatment in Philippi, as you know, but that didn't slow us down. We were sure of ourselves in God, and went right ahead and said our piece, presenting God's Message to you, defiant of the opposition."
Now is not the time to be troubled or frightened. Don't be full of fear. God is pleased by our thanksgiving, and He will move in your situation. It is time now to thank God for delivering us by His mighty power!™
Keep the faith, at any time your bondage will be loosed.”Along about midnight, Paul and Silas were at prayer and singing a robust hymn to God. The other prisoners couldn't believe their ears. Then, without warning, a huge earthquake! The jailhouse tottered, every door flew open, all the prisoners were loose. Acts 16:25-26 (MSG)
“Every detail works to your advantage and to God's glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!” 2 Corinthians 4:15 (MSG)
Do you continue to have trouble? Then it’s time to give God thanks, He is your Deliverer! In the time of trouble, you have to abound in thanksgiving to God. Thank Him for power, protection and for provision. Thank Him for your food, fellowship friends and finances. Thank Him for your job. Thank the Father for the good and the bad. When you do, you’ll release His ability and power.
In So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (MSG)
There is no need to faint and nor fear, when we are in Christ, don't measure your future by what the stock market does. Don't measure your future by what the newspaper says. We need to measure our stature in this life by the word of God which lives and abides forever. I'm telling you now, don't look at all the things you are reading in the paper, or see on television. Instead look to God. You may not see God, but you know He's there. Do you know He’ll make a way for you? So start thanking Him for doing it right now.
In 2 Thessalonians 1:6 it says "Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit!—taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble." In other words, God is going to trouble your trouble. In 2 Thessalonians 2:2 it says, "We had just been given rough treatment in Philippi, as you know, but that didn't slow us down. We were sure of ourselves in God, and went right ahead and said our piece, presenting God's Message to you, defiant of the opposition."
Now is not the time to be troubled or frightened. Don't be full of fear. God is pleased by our thanksgiving, and He will move in your situation. It is time now to thank God for delivering us by His mighty power!™
Keep the faith, at any time your bondage will be loosed.”Along about midnight, Paul and Silas were at prayer and singing a robust hymn to God. The other prisoners couldn't believe their ears. Then, without warning, a huge earthquake! The jailhouse tottered, every door flew open, all the prisoners were loose. Acts 16:25-26 (MSG)
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Forgiving Prayer
Have you ever been disappointed in someone you considered a good friend. They did something I felt (and still feel) was totally wrong and it was hard for me to get over. I knew that I needed to forgive them and let it go, but it just kept nagging at me like the pain of a thorn.
I began to quote any and every scripture I could remember to keep from holding a grudge, probably made a few up. I did this for quite a long while, but it seemed when I stopped reading scripture, I got mad all over again.
While I tried to forget what happened, it kept playing out in my head over and over again, I shared it with a close friend and a relative, but got even angrier - it was like every time I told the story, it was like it just happened all over again. So I decided that I needed to stop talking about it because that was not helping me.
Have you experienced anything like this? Maybe it wasn't a friend, perhaps it was a sibling, a co-worker, a neighbor or even someone at church. Whoever it was, they crossed you in some form or fashion and raised your blood pressure. Or as we would say got on our last nerve, what ever that meant. You found yourself on this never ending cycle of anger because you could not let it go.
I started to realize that forgiveness is very hard in our own power... and at some point, the Holy Spirit took over and convicted me, and I took it to God in prayer ...and yet again, God’s amazing ability to bring an inner peace in the midst of any situation, started to bring peace to my situation.
Prayer is by far the greatest weapon we have. Prayer causes you to change your perspective on things.
In the mist of prayer, God reminded me of the countless times I had turned my back on Him. The many times I had disappointed Him. Yet, not once has He held back his forgiveness towards me.
He also reminded me that no one except Him is flawless, and yet I must not put people on a pedestal or expect them to never let me down. Yes, we expect certain things like respect from our friends, however at some point; we have probably all disrespected someone we cared about. How is it that we expect people to always be willing to forgive us but when the tables are turned - watch out! It’s my way or the highway.
Through prayer, I realized it was alright for me to be hurt by the situation, but why was I still dwelling there, God healed my wounds and gave me the courage to step out and not allow my situation to dictate my mood, attitude or behavior towards the person who offended me.
There is something to be said about the power of prayer ...next time I won't wait so long to use it!
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