Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Why break the pencil?




I was listening to the radio and they were discussing the making and breaking of promises. One summed up the conversation when he said, “Most of us break promises as often as we break pencils. That’s just the way of life, and it’s what people expect today.”

King David didn’t see it that way. In 2 Samuel 9 we see his commitment to promises he made some 15 years earlier to Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:14-17). His actions would have astounded the people at that time. For when a new king came to power he usually treated the old royal family as the enemy—totally wiping them out.

In contrast, we see David showing them the “kindness of God” (v.3). How? In verse 7 we see that David offers Mephibosheth protection, provision, and position. David didn’t just show him mercy and protect his life, he restored his inheritance. He not only saved him from the shadow of death, but also prepared a place for him at the king’s table and treated him like a son.

We see the depth of God’s kindness in His promises under the new covenant He made with us. He offers us protection, provision, and position much beyond what David could offer Mephibosheth. He assures us of our salvation when we come in repentance and faith to Jesus Christ—promising to never leave us or forsake us. His provisions for us are Jesus, the Holy Spirit, His Word, His church, and the meeting of our physical and spiritual needs. In His grace He gives us the position of being His children and heirs of eternal life.

David showed extreme grace and mercy—in the eyes of the world—to Mephibosheth, but it is only a faint reflection of the grace and mercy that God shows to us each day.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

A Prayer for today....

God, we praise and thank you for the wonders of your creation, from the smallest creatures to the highest mountains to the deepest seas. May we continue to live by your word as we grow closer to you. We ask you to guide us through the storms of life until we come home to you for all eternity. Amen.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Tired

Matthew 11: 28

Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

How can I find peaceful rest?

On Sunday I spoke about getting alone with Christ by climbing a mountain. Well today I like to share a way for us to find rest. Sometimes we can get alone with Christ, but we really don't rest like we should.

  • God will give you renewed strength when we grow weary.
  • When you come to Him in praise, He refreshes your heart.
  • When you come to Him in prayer, He refreshes your soul.
  • When you come to Him in meditation, He refreshes your mind.
  • When you come to Him in solitude, He refreshes your body.
  • When you come to Him with thankfulness, He refreshes your perspective.


Practicing these disciplines releases the burdens of life and draws strength from God, the source of strength.

Psalm 3: 5

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Come, Let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord!

Matthew 14:23

As soon as the meal was finished, He insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while He dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, He climbed the mountain so He could be by Himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night. (The Message)

There were times that Jesus separated Himself from the crowds — and there are times when we need to separate ourselves from our lives and ministry, and spend some alone time with Jesus Christ.



I love how Jesus climbed a mountain. It made me think of an interesting analogy. Picture the shape of a mountain. It starts out wide at the bottom — the higher we climb, the narrower it becomes — and the more we must stay close to the center. As we go even higher yet, there’s less room to move to the left or the right — and there’s less and less ground that can be compromised — the more focused we need to be and the less we can afford to be distracted. The higher we go, the less room we have to mess around!


Whatever you may be dealing with, you may just need to separate yourself and climb up to spend time with Jesus — get centered on Him and focused on what He’s calling you to. God wants us to learn to climb to the top and focus all of our lives on His will! Let’s take out some time this week to try it! Go and be alone with Jesus and let it be a time of refreshing and growing closer to Christ.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Foriveness...

Psalm 65: 3
Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all.


Although sins fill our heart, God will forgive them all if we ask sincerely. Do you feel as though God could never forgive you, that your sins are too many, or that some of them are too great? Well my Friend don't worry! God can and will forgive them all!! Nobody is beyond redemption, and nobody is so full of sin that he cannot be made clean. God's forgiveness is a free gift that is offered to all who will accept His forgiveness. We have a choice, it is all up to us.

Friday, June 25, 2010

PSALM 103


Psalm of David

1 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things He does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
6 The Lord gives righteousness
and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
7 He revealed His character to Moses
and His deeds to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.
10 He does not punish us for all our sins;
He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
11 For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
12 He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.
13 The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
14 For He knows how weak we are;
He remembers we are only dust.
15 Our days on earth are like grass;
like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
16 The wind blows, and we are gone—
as though we had never been here.
17 But the love ofthe Lord remains forever
who fear Him.
His salvation extends to the children’s children
18 of those who are faithful to His covenant,
of those who obey His commandments!
19 The Lord has made the heavens His throne;
from there He rules over everything.
20 Praise the Lord, you angels,
you mighty ones who carry out His plans,
listening for each of His commands.
21 Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels
who serve Him and do His will!
22 Praise the Lord, everything He has created,
everything in all His kingdom.
Let all that I am praise the Lord.


David's praise focused on God's glorious acts. It is easy to complain about life, but David's list gives us plenty for which to praise God-His love, forgiveness, salvation, kindness, mercy, justice, patience, tenderness-we receive all of these without deserving any of them. No matter how difficult your life's journey, you can always count your blessings-past, present, and the future. When you feel as though you have nothing for which to praise God, read David's list.
Praise the Lord!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

God's Love

God loves us even when we neglect or disobey Him. He has a great blessing to bestow on those who are faithful to Him. God's love never ends.
Because God loves us so much, He hates hypocrisy and careless living. This kind of living denies Him the relationship He wants to have with us. What we give and how we live reflects the sincerity of our love for God. Let us commit to remove any and all hindrances and to actively seek more of God's love. Live a life of love for God!

Some questions for you to ponder and for you to examine your life....

What areas of your life are hindering you from completely enjoying God's love for you?

What is it about God's love that you want to know and experience more deeply?


John 3:16

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Thoughts on Isaiah

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and will not be faint. Isaiah 40:31





It is easy for us to live victoriously for the Lord when we soar on the wings of eagles. It can be exciting when we run and don't grow weary in the work of the Lord, anchored by his power and presence. But it often takes heroes to keep walking and not faint when trying times come. Keep on walking brother and sister. The Lord is there when you most fear He has forgotten you!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

COMMISSIONED....

Matthew 28: 18-20

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." NIV
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” NLT

When someone is dying or leaving us, his or her last words are very important. I can recall the last words of a special friend of mine, "Don't worry better days are ahead. I will see you on the other side, and I love you." Those words will never be forgotten.

Jesus left the disciples with these last words of instruction: they were under His authority; they were to make more disciples; they were to baptize and teach them to obey Him; He would be with them always.Whereas in previous missions Jesus had sent His disciples only to the Jews (10: 5-6), their mission from now on would be world wide. Jesus is Lord of the earth, and He died for the sins of all those who trust Him, everywhere. 

We are to GO-whether it is next door or to another country-and make disciples. This is not an option, but a command to all who call Jesus Lord. All of us are not evangelists, but we have all received gifts that enable us to reach the lost. We must fulfill the great commission as Christ commanded us to do!  As we obey Him, we have this comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is always with us.  So today I want to remind you to GO and reach out to the lost and hurting. There are people all around you that are dying in their sin and going to hell. You have the life jacket, why not throw out to them?

Monday, June 21, 2010

TEMPTATION is....

.... being enticed by something attractive, which can draw a person away from God and His will.


Today I thought about and prayed about just what to share…. Well the one thing that you and I deal with everyday is temptation.


The devil is out to get us, so we need to do what God’s word say’s…

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
1 Peter 5:8-9


In today’s verse we can see how David was tempted and instead of turning away he allowed himself to be enticed.


2 Samuel 11:3-4…. 3 He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” 4 Then David sent messengers to get her; and when she came to the palace, he slept with her. She had just completed the purification rites after having her menstrual period. Then she returned home.


As David gazed from his palace roof, he saw a beautiful woman taking a bath, and lust filled his heart. He should have left the roof and fled from the temptation, Instead, he went further by asking about Bathsheba. The results of letting temptation stay in his heart were devastating.


How to flee temptation:


1. Ask God in earnest prayer to help you stay away from people, places, and situations that offer temptation.


2. Memorize and meditate on portions of Scripture that combat your specific weakness. At the root of most temptation is a real need or desire that God can fill.


3. Find another believer with whom you can openly share your temptation and call this person for help when temptation strikes.


Also just remember temptation is not a sin, unless you give into the temptation like David. You can read in Matthew chapter 4 how Jesus was tempted, yet He did not give into the temptation. And Jesus Christ was sinless!! 


The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Father's Day

Hero Dad

You are my hero, Dad

You're my secure foundation.

When I think of you, I'm filled with love

And fond appreciation.

You make me feel protected;

I'm sheltered by your care.

You're always my true friend; and Dad,

When I need you, you're always there.

You have a place of honor

Deep within my heart.

You've been my superhero, Dad,

Right from the very start.


By Joanna Fuchs

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Abide!

John 15:1-17
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing....




How do we produce much fruit? What is the Lord saying?



In the modern world, the work ethic is, achieve and produce by working longer and harder! The focus is on getting results through human effort — we’ve become product oriented and the bottom line is…the bottom line! But God’s way runs contrary to this approach — His way is much more oriented toward process and relationship rather than performance and production. He IS interested in results which He calls “fruit”; but not by pushing or egging us on to work harder or longer.
The Lord’s way is to work with and through us so that every result or product comes out of our abiding in Him, since without Him WE CAN DO NOTHING.
This is opposed to of the culture we live in today, and to human nature in general. Think about it — we’re constantly bombarded with self-help books promoting self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-control –- our society is all about SELF! But God’s way of success produces the results which He values; results which are not produced by self-effort, but which grow out of an intimate relationship with Him, in which we seek to constantly abide.
The only way we can become abundantly fruitful is to understand the Lord’s fruit-bearing process. As we lay down self-effort, our natural human independence, and seek communion with Him, abiding in the Vine, then His power, His will, and His desires will be realized in our lives, which then, will bear fruit that remains throughout eternity!

Friday, June 18, 2010

Questions for God....

Does God still perform miracles today? How can I see more miracles in my life?

Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles He performs for people! Psalm 66: 5

The miracles of God recorded in the Bible can seem to be ancient myths if you fail to recognize God's intervention in your life today.
Miracles today may not be as dramatic as they were but they are happening all around us. When you look for God, He shows Himself in miraclous ways: a breath taking sunset, the restoration of a broken relationship, the birth of a baby, the healing of an illness, the rebirth of the earth in spring, salvation by faith in Jesus alone, the work of love and forgiveness that changes someone, hearing the specific call of God in your life. These are just a few of the miracles happening all the time.
We have a miracle - working God who is able - and willing - to do the impossible in order to help us. This means nothing is impossible for God!! No situation is hopeless!! What a wonderful God!!
If you think you've never seen a miracle, look closer.

As you look around for the miracles of God....If you would listen to this song....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hsmF5o68cw

Thursday, June 17, 2010

James 3:5

Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.


How do you get a one-armed blonde out of a tree?                     Wave:)



Ok, I have to admit — it made me chuckle too. But blonde jokes, “name your ethnic group of choice” jokes — let’s be honest — it is our human nature to put others down. There’s something about it that makes us feel better about ourselves on some level.


Harmless?

I’m not sure...


We need to develop eyes to see people the way God sees them. We need to be a people who build each other up – not tear each other down!


Let’s ask the Lord to reveal if there is something in us that feels the need to put others down in order to elevate ourselves. We have the opportunity to change lives for the better with our words, sometimes even just a smile! And there’s so much work to be done!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Speak up already!

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
An elderly woman returned to her home from an evening of Church services when she was startled by an intruder. She had caught a man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables. “Stop!” she yelled, “Acts 2:38!” (Repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven).
The burglar stopped dead in his tracks and froze while the woman calmly called the police and explained the situation. As the officer was cuffing him, he asked the burglar, “Just out of curiosity, why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture at you.” “Scripture?!” gasped the burglar. “She said she had an ax… and two 38’s!!”

It’s a funny joke, yes, but on a serious note — I think we often underestimate the power of the Word of God! We have the source so very close — its right at our fingertips and should be right on our lips! Yet, we neglect to declare it over our circumstances, that we may see the victory!
Let’s make it a point to start spending regular time in the Word, learning it and speaking it over our lives again and again! We need to be a walking testimony of His power and victory — there is so much work to be done!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

My Thoughts....

2 Timothy 2:8-13 NLT

8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. 9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

11 This is a trustworthy saying:

If we die with Him,
we will also live with Him.
12 If we endure hardship,
we will reign with Him.
If we deny him,
He will deny us.
13 If we are unfaithful,
He remains faithful,
for He cannot deny who He is.

________________________________________________________________________________

As I read these verses today, I saw myself in a since like Paul. With my disability as a minister, I would say this to a Church… it would go like this
Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been confined to my home and unable to move, and the pain has become like a chain keeping from doing what God has called me into. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

This is a trustworthy saying:

If we die with Him,
we will also live with Him.
If we endure hardship,
we will reign with Him.
If we deny Him,
He will deny us.
If we are unfaithful,
He remains faithful,
for He cannot deny who He is.

 
Have you ever saw yourself in God’s Word? I believe this is way God speaks to us and gives us comfort in troubling times. I can confess I have been down hearted that I gave everything up to follow Christ and now I find myself in this situation with more questions than answers.I know that sometimes in our walk with Christ we would have to face some suffering, but I never dreamed that this suffering was going to be forever unless God steps in. However when I opened my Bible today, It was as though God was showing me that His Word will go on. And in my suffering I can find peace and comfort in Him, and that in my confinement He would continue to use me. And so one way His Word has continued is through this blog. It has become a new type of outreach for me. This is a new way to use me.
So for those reading this…Take your Bibles off the shelf and open it and allow God to speak to you today. If you feel discouraged, troubled, lost, not sure what is next, suffering? Read God's Word daily….Find comfort, peace, understanding, and different ways you can share the “Good News” with others. May it be a blessing, and may you be blessed.


Monday, June 14, 2010

Proverbs 14: 9




How rarely we find reconciliation around us today! Siblings argue. Husbands and wives part ways.


People continue to hold on to past bitterness. Scripture warns us, "See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Bitterness and resentment always begin just as this little root.

 But bitterness never stays a little root. It keeps growing into a poisonous plant that ends up hurting us and hurting others. A root of bitterness has destroyed marriages, churches, friendships, and ministries because it wasn't pulled up when it was small. But the common bond of God’s people should be hearts that seek after reconciliation.

A life defined by Christlike love has no room for bitterness. We're to put any lingering bitterness we hold behind us for good, along with anger, slander, and other negative emotions and words.




Matthew 6:14-15  “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins

The ironic thing about not forgiving someone is that our grudge actually ties us to them emotionally. We think about them a lot; they are a main character in what replays in our mind all the time. The very person you don't want to be tied to you are tied to by your bitterness toward them. That's why you haven't been able to run emotionally.


When you know you have wronged someone, own up to it and ask yourself, “How can I make things right with this person?

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Cheerful Heart

In Proverbs 17:22, it says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength." The Message put’s this way; a cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.



With the high cost of prescription drugs these days, we can all benefit from some good medicine that's free!


Over the years, many physical benefits to laughter have been reported by doctors and health care professionals. Here are just a few:


• Decrease in stress hormone levels


• Strengthening of the immune system


• Muscle relaxation


• Pain reduction


• Lowering of blood pressure


• Cardiovascular conditioning


• Natural anti-depressant


So why don't we laugh more?


"It doesn't matter why you laugh. Even in small doses, it improves our overall quality of life." Go to a mall and just people watch. The way they dress, and act will at least put a smile on your face.


If you suspect you might be suffering from laughter deprivation, let me encourage you to look for ways to laugh more!


It might be just what the Great Physician has prescribed to improve your health and bring joy back into your life. No joke






1. Learn to Laugh at Yourself            When we mess up instead of getting mad, laugh


2. Don't Take Life Too Seriously          Remember to focus on the lighter side of life.


3. Spend Time with Children                 the perfect cure for depression. Making a baby to smile is pure contagious joy!


4. Subscribe to a Joke-a-Day Email List         (www.aJokeADay.com)


5. So why don't we laugh more? Let's get started now ...


Why did the chicken cross the road halfway?


She wanted to lay it on the line.


A police recruit was asked during the exam, "What would you do if you had to arrest your own mother?"


He said, "Call for backup."


Why don't oysters give to charity?


Because they're shellfish.


Hopefully you're at least smiling by now. So go on—start laughing more!

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Psalm 19:1-2

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.



The skies display his craftsmanship.

 Day after day they continue to speak;


night after night they make him known.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

An Appointment with God


"The Lord God called to Adam, 'Where are you?'"



— Genesis 3:9




In addition to walking in harmony with God, Amos 3:3 provides another nuance of meaning. It also gives the idea of keeping an appointment. Did you know that you have an appointment with God? You do. It is there, written in eternity. In fact, God wants to meet with you on a regular basis. I wonder just how many times each day that God wants to speak to us and He can't get a word in edgewise?

The Lord might say, "I have wanted to talk to you for a long time, but you are too busy. This morning I wanted to talk to you, but you didn't have any time for me. You read the newspapers and watched TV and talked on the phone. You never opened the Word. You never prayed. At lunch I tried to say something, but your prayer was so fast. Later I tried to talk with you. You have been so busy. You have an appointment with me.

 Why don't you keep it?" Remember how Adam had an appointment with God every day in the Garden of Eden? He would hear the voice of the Lord in the garden in the cool of the evening. One day Adam missed that appointment because of sin. God said to Adam, "Where are you?" I wonder if the Lord would say that to some of us each day: "Where are you? Where were you? I have been looking for you. I wanted to speak to you. I want you to walk with Me, and I want to walk with you." Just imagine, the Creator of the Universe wants to spend time with you. Is there any appointment that is worth keeping more than this one?




Wednesday, June 9, 2010

FACING DEATH....

About the last hour of our life…



John 8:49 - 51 "I am not possessed by a demon," said Jesus, "but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and He is the judge. I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." (NIV)



All of us will come to a last hour of life. Even Jesus faced His own death on the Cross. When we face our own death, we must affirm our faith in Christ Jesus and our belief in eternal life through Him. When we face our final hour in this life, we are nearing the first hour of a new life where we will finally get to see Jesus face to face. When we face our final hour of this life on earth, we may be afraid. We may not be afraid of seeing Christ face to face but we may be afraid of the process of dying. Fearing the process of dying is natural, for we do not know what the process is like. In the final hour, for those people who have accepted Christ, often a calm comes over them. In all the hours of our life, we must recall how Christ has prepared a great celebration and a great home coming for us in Heaven. There may be sadness at saying good-bye to those we leave behind. However, we must pray now for God's protective care to be over those we leave behind so each of them will do His work here on earth. So that when thier time comes we may see them.



Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Christ's love compels us

2 Corinthians 5:14-20 (NIV)


14For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.



1. Contemplate the Love of Christ for you v.14

Does Christ's love compel you? Are you convinced that He died for you? For all? Are there some people you feel are beyond redemption? That you cannot forgive? Then contemplate the love of Christ. He died for you. Think about it. Even if you were the only sinner in the world Jesus would have come to die for you. Does that love compel you? We have a stockpile of God's blessings that have been poured into our lives. When we live in the awareness of all God has given us, it spills over to others. Never forget the magnitude of the transformation God has begun in you to take you from a stranger and an enemy into his family as an adopted child. Live with profound thankfulness for the stockpile of God's blessings.

 2. Commit Yourself to Live for Christ v.15

The word 'compel' in verse 14 means to 'constrain' us, to 'hem us in' and 'push us out', Jesus leaves us no choice. That is grace. If Jesus died for us we no longer live for ourselves making our own choices living independently of Him. How does the love of Christ compel us? The plain truth is that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. Hell is a reality and real people go there for eternity. It is, as C.S. Lewis has said, "God's very best for those that reject His Son." There are people who will indeed face a Christ-less eternity if they don't find forgiveness in Jesus Christ. The love of Christ compels us to make Him known. If people see that we live for Christ, they will see Christ in us. So contemplate the love of Christ and commit yourself to live for Christ.


3. Become an Ambassador of Reconciliation vs. 16-20

When you look at other people what do you see? Someone who is a pain to live with? Or someone for whom Christ died? Someone who is just a prayer away from an eternity as your brother or sister? Contemplate the love of Christ for you and it will change the way you view other people. Realize that if lost people matter to God so much that He sent Jesus to die for them, and then perhaps they should matter to us also. What is our highest calling, our greatest honor and privilege? Our highest calling as Christians is to serve as His messengers, His ambassador. The Church is the hope of the world. You are plan 'A' in God's strategy to save the world. God has no plan 'B'. He uses individuals like you and me as His spokespeople. He has placed the message of salvation in our hands and you have the high honor of delivering that Good News to the world. So contemplate the love of Christ and commit yourself to live for Christ. Become an Ambassador of Reconciliation. Then you will become highly infectious, you will become incredibly contagious. Think of the people that mean the most to you. Reflect upon them. Make an Impact List of people with whom you are in close proximity who are seekers and pray for them.





Yes Lord I will follow you, help me to feel as you feel, to see as you see and the love as you love, help me to become contagious in my love for you that others may come to know and love you also through me. In Jesus name Amen

Monday, June 7, 2010

How to Avoid Sinning


Sin = is to choose to disobey what one knows to be the will of God / a willful act

The way to avoid getting entrapped in sin is by listening to the still small voice on the inside of us and then obeying the Holy Spirit’s direction. It takes a conscious decision to do the things that we know are not right in God’s eyes. Although our nature is sinful and God is forgiving, we should still strive to become more like Him and be obedient on a daily basis, so that our sinful nature becomes less and Christ becomes more. We need to allow our will, sinful nature to become His will which Holiness. A life filled with the Holy Spirit.



God always offers a way out when sin is knocking at the door. We must turn from sin and choose the way out from under it that God provides.



1Cor 10:12-13

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

The Holy Spirit always whispers clearly “don’t do that” we have to choose to listen to His instructions. Turn your back on sin and choose to walk away from it today.

Remember that every action has a reaction.

The battle always begins in our mind. We first have a thought and then we have a choice to ignore it or to entertain it. The longer we flirt with the darkness the greater hold it gets on us.

God tells us to resist the devil and he will flee from us. That’s one of the major keys of conquering the battle we face on a daily basis. In the very moment of having a thought that wants to sever us from God, we resist.

Prayer: Lord help us today to resist sin. We should want to avoid anything that would separate us from His Holy Presence.







Sunday, June 6, 2010

Who will work in my field?

Where is our mission field?

 
Matthew 9: 37-38



Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." NIV


Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. "What a huge harvest!" he said to his disciples. "How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!" THE MESSAGE


He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” NLT


Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” NKJV


Jesus says here that the harvest is plentiful. What is the Harvest? Is it large groups of people, in faraway lands, that have not yet heard the gospel of Christ? Could it also be right where we live? At the office, in the factory, in are schools, in the shopping malls; in are favorite coffee shops, in the home, neighbors’. The harvest can be anywhere and everywhere, even right where we live. Where there is a harvest – this is where our mission field is.

I read a slogan on the wall of a church as you go out the doors – it says “You are now entering your mission field”, which really sums it up. As we walk out of the church building – we are entering our mission field.

Look around you there’s work to do….The harvest is there, but the workers are few....


Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28: 18-20 NIV





Saturday, June 5, 2010

To better read this comic, just right click and open in a new window.

Friday, June 4, 2010

What type of "Fruit"

Yesterday I spoke about growing in Christ and bearing the right kind of fruit. It is very important that we are growing in Christ and becoming like Him more and more every day. So what type of "Fruits" should we be bearing? According to God's Word it begins.....

"When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:" Gal. 5:19-23

When God purposely isolates and spells out 9 specific qualities that will be coming direct from His Holy Spirit - then He is really letting you know the extreme importance of these 9 specific fruits.
These 9 fruits are major fruits and qualities that are coming direct God Himself - and every Christian should do the best they can to work with the Holy Spirit in getting all 9 of these fruits worked into their personality.

1.  love = To love, to have affection for someone; to like; to be a friend; the love of brothers for each other

2.  joy = The happy state that results from knowing and serving God

3. peace = The inner tranquility and poise of the Christian whose trust is in God through Christ

4. patience = Forbearance under suffering and endurance in the face of adversity

5. kindness = The steadfast love that maintains relationships through gracious aid in times of need

6. goodness =  Ready to do good, love in action

7. faithfulness = Dependability, loyalty and stability

8. gentleness = A character that is equitable, reasonable, forbearing, moderate, fair and considerate

9. self-control = Calls for a self-disciplined life following Christ’s example of being in the world but not of the world

"There is no law against these things!
 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another." Gal. 5: 24-26
1. The word “Spirit” is with a capital “S” – which means these 9 fruits are coming directly from the Holy Spirit, not from us.
2. What this means is that God’s love, God’s peace, God’s joy and God’s goodness can start to be transmitted up into our personality. These are His attributes and personality qualities that will start to move into the core of our personality.
3. Think about the ramifications of this – that God the Father Himself is allowing us to share in a part of His divine nature by allowing His Holy Spirit to transmit and impart these nine divine qualities right up into our soul and personality!

However, our abilitiy as fallen humans to love one another is very limited. This is why it is so important for each and every Christian to work very closely with the Holy Spirit to get this fruit worked up into the core of our personalities. It is only when the love of the Holy Spirit starts to flow and enter into our personalities can we even begin to love God, love ourselves, and love one another to the degree and to the intensity that God would like to see from each one of us.

These fruits will be coming directly from Him. They will be His love, His goodness, His joy and His peace that will start to flow into you. But you will still have to do your part in all of this. Once these godly and divine attributes start to be released into your personality by the Holy Spirit – your job will then be to start to walk and operate in them.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

How is Your Fruit Bearing?


How does a disciple grow in Christ on a daily basis? How are we suppose to develop a close relationship with Jesus? Jesus selects an organic image to describe the kind of relationship that we are to have with him in order to “bear fruit”. Healthy fruit in our lives is the byproduct of well-nourished and cultivated roots. If we sink our inner life deep into the truth of God’s Word, life will blossom in us. As disciples, it is imperative that we remain in Jesus: connected to him in obedience so that we might bear fruit and bring glory to God.

The following passage John 15:1-11 offers insight into Jesus’ final teachings for His disciples. He wanted them to grasp the reality of what was about to happen and to be prepared to maintain their faith once He was no longer physically with them. From this week’s passage, we discovered that Jesus’ disciples are fruitful when they remain rooted, abiding, and growing in Him through obedience to His commands. This truth is grounded in the idea of us as spending time with God and developing spiritually healthy habits in our lives. Abiding or remaining in Jesus is a lifelong process and experience that requires discipline, commitment, faithfulness, teachable, and obedience.


comment on the following questions:

• In verses 5-7, Jesus says His true followers will remain or abide in Him. What do you think it means to remain or abide in Jesus?

• Think of someone you consider a mature Christian. What are some ways this person remains or abides in Jesus?

• What did Jesus mean in verse 5 when He said that apart from Him, his disciples could do nothing?

• In verse 16, Jesus says his followers’ lives would produce “lasting fruit.” What does that phrase mean? How might you tell the difference between “lasting fruit” and “temporary fruit”?

• Pruning is a necessary process in order to produce more fruit (v.2). What does the Lord use to prune us of the “dead” branches in our lives?

Other thoughts…

• What questions do these passages raise for you?

• What verse or verses have particularly impacted you?


Wednesday, June 2, 2010

PRIDE

When Pride is in Our Lives


Ephesians 4:18 NIV: They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.

It has been said that in order to be a good teacher, one must first be a good student. A Christian cannot lead unless willing first to be led.

 We must humble ourselves before Christ, as His disciple (or student). We must also be willing to humble ourselves before other Christians; and sometimes other people we do not believe we should have to listen to.

It is so very often pride that prevents us from learning. Like a young teen, we are sometimes with Jesus--assuring Him that we know the answer, or that we need no help for a particular task. Pride is perhaps the greatest obstruction to learning.

But when it is replaced with a humble attitude, then the disciple is open to receive so much from God, and in ways and places completely unexpected. It is truly amazing how useful the eyes of the soul can be, once pride is removed from the pupil.

How is your “Pride” today?

 
Pride may be either good or evil. Pride is good when it gives proper respect to someone or something. Pride is evil when it places too high a value on oneself (Romans 12:3). People who have such pride are vain. They stop depending on God and start depending on themselves.

I give thanks to You, heavenly Father, for protecting me through the night and granting me another day. I ask You to fortify me with the grace of Your Holy Spirit, and give Your peace to my soul, that I may be free from all needless anxiety and worry. Help me to desire always that which is pleasing and acceptable to You, so that Your will may be my will. Today, make known to me, and take from my heart, every kind, form and degree of pride.Today, empty me of self, and awaken in me the deepest depth and truth of that humility which can make me capable of your revealing light. This I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, the exemplar of humility.  Amen.