So I’m reading my bible tonight and come across a powerful scripture in Mark, chapter 11. Before I begin to read I encouraged myself saying, “I need to read my Bible, I really need to get to know Jesus better,” or something like that. So I’m reading and the chapter speaks on how Jesus was hungry and approached a fig tree for something to eat. The tree bore no fruit though. Funniest thought ran through my mind when Jesus yelled at the tree. I was just like, wow… Jesus actually got mad! How human. I’ve always imagined him to just be a peaceful 24/7, turn the cheek kind of guy. Later I learn that there was something-to-be-learned here. His apostle Peter was amazed that what he actually said to the tree came to pass. This next part was really what was amazing. Jesus said, “…have faith for whatever you pray for, and it will be yours.” I’m already a firm believer in that, and with that I understand that there is a time and place for everything in our lives. God never forgets, and what we pray for tomorrow may not come for years but it’ll come! Many times we’ve already received what we are about to ask for or are asking for, and just don’t notice it. That word just allowed me to remember… I have a devotional to write! And this month’s topic is Prayer!
Thinking all this through, I began to think about this tool. How accessible… how limitless… how easy! It doesn’t require batteries, no power cord, and its power is as strong as your faith. Sure it comes with an instruction manual to use it properly – what doesn’t? We just have to stop being so lazy and figure out how to use it properly. This nation would most likely not be in a recession. We’d probably all be Christians. But there’s no telling.
I mentioned how powerful prayer is but I’d like to let God’s voice illustrate this power for me. The same Chapter states this, “This is what will be done for someone who doesn’t doubt but believes what he says will happen: He can say to this mountain, ‘Be uprooted and thrown into the sea,’ and it will be done for him.(23)” God spoke and seven days later the world we live and breathe in was created. We speak, and mountains move on command! Are we not God’s children? We’ve come too far from believing what’s really true. Had this been a nation that prays the right way, mountains would be moving as much as we do. Just something we all need to think about and build toward.
Before this message gets long winded, I want to leave you with a few final messages. I feel it’s quite important to know the correct way to pray. God put it on my heart to spread this but I didn’t want to write about hearsay. So God did me one better. In the same message I read tonight, God revealed these steps as true. I’ve recently had to pray aloud more often and wasn’t pleased by the way things were coming out. God brought this algorithm back to me. P.R.A.Y. – stands for Praise, Repent, Ask, and Yeild. For those who don’t know how to pray, or just needed a reminder, this format brings forth powerful prayers for more than powerful people. Going down the list helps you cover all bases and pray a more complete, successful prayer.
The first of course is Praise. Entering with thanksgiving. Thanking God for the opportunity to thank him. For life today. For protecting you, your family and friends. It’d take all day plus infinity to thank God. So yes, we don’t pray enough! Whenever you remember something to be thankful for, don’t hesitate to pray! Don’t forget to finish off your thanks with thanking God in advance!
Repent and Forgive! Or forgive and repent. The 25th verse states, “Whenever you pray, forgive anything you have against anyone. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your failures.” There’s my conformation on this algorithm. Do unto others what you hope for for yourself. I always felt God would ignore my prayer if he were mad at me, until my burdens were released. It’s what’s kept me right by God for so long, so I stick to it regardless of how correct it is. And sure I know that sin is knowing you’re doing something wrong and doing it anyway. It’s always good to repent anyway just to be sure!
I’ve been waiting to say this since paragraph one, which was a long while ago, and I thank you if you’ve continued reading but… Closed mouths don’t get fed. This goes together with prayer as well as asking. The only being I’m comfortable asking anything of is God. You can ask my mom, I’m her child that “doesn’t like asking for anything.” She says it all the time. God is my provider though, and He’s got everything and can get anything! Why not ask!? Many times I’ve found myself not asking and expecting. I trust that God already knows the desires of my heart. It also goes to the 23rd Psalm, where “I shall not want.” Kinda makes it hard to ask when you have no needs. We’ve got to look at things like this though. Say you’re with your significant other, your mother, or brother in a store. If they see you trying something on, or eyeing something, they’re most likely to ask you if you want it. If they’re really nice, they’ll just get it for you, allowing God to work through them. Heh. But you’re more likely to get something you want on Christmas or your Birthday if you ask. Sure God knows. He knows all. We have a free will to ask just like we have a free will to live for him. If I had everything, I’d sure like people to talk to me in between me giving everything out to everyone.
Surely asking is the largest part of prayer, but I also believe in not begging. Aside from not repenting, I believe that begging is another way to get ignored. Therefore, Yeilding is important. I don’t see a problem in letting God know that you’re going to allow him to work, but I don’t think this step always needs to be stated. It’s more of an afterthought you act on after the prayer. Patience is important with God. It’s our biggest test as well. We must be prepared to not always receive when we want to receive. You never know how fast God will choose to move. Continue to expect and never lose faith and you should receive. Also stay right by God and do what you should be doing in order to keep favor. This is where tithing comes in also. Will a man rob God? If he does I hope he doesn’t expect God to continue giving to him! Look at all aspects of your Christian walk if you aren’t receiving what you ask for or want.
That’s all for now! Be blessed and stay blessed.
C.j.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
I have the answer
What do you do when you don't know what to do? You don't know the answers but you want them and they keep running from you. Stuff keeps happening and you don't know why. You want to ask people but you are too hard to open up. And when you do open up you get good answers but they don't seem to always work. You try to get along with your parents but that doesn't work. You try to get good grades because you know that's what your parents want but you can't seem to make it happen. You get a boyfriend or girlfriend but that doesn't work. You have sex but it's not what it was advertised and you keep doing it because you think everyone else is doing it. You turn to weed but that only lasts for a little while and your parents find out about it anyway. You turn to liquor and beer and you get a hangover the next day and you can't remember what you did the night before.
Some of the stuff I mentioned above is fun. The smoking, drinking, and having sex. Some of us turn to other stuff like food, video games, tv, etc. It's all fun. Trust me. I have been there and done that. They are fun but when it's all said and done they don't last and they don't help you when it really counts. The bible says that "sin is pleasurable for a season". Most of you haven't gotten to the place where it's not fun. All these things you turn to feel good and they seem like the answer right now. The only one act that you were meant to turn to and trust in is PRAYER!!! When you pray you get connected with Jesus. You were meant to. Everything else is a distraction to keep you from praying. I am not saying you shouldn't do certain things but if you are not praying first everything is going to be done by you and you will never get the help that you were meant to get.
If you bought a flat screen TV and put it in your room it would look sweet. Even if you didn't plug it in it would still look pretty. What happens when you plug it in? It turns on, right? And you get to see everything that was put in it. It comes to life. The way you really live is by getting connected to your source, which is Jesus Christ, through prayer. Without prayer you will be like that unplugged flat screen. You will look pretty but nothing happening. No answers and no life.
Mick
Some of the stuff I mentioned above is fun. The smoking, drinking, and having sex. Some of us turn to other stuff like food, video games, tv, etc. It's all fun. Trust me. I have been there and done that. They are fun but when it's all said and done they don't last and they don't help you when it really counts. The bible says that "sin is pleasurable for a season". Most of you haven't gotten to the place where it's not fun. All these things you turn to feel good and they seem like the answer right now. The only one act that you were meant to turn to and trust in is PRAYER!!! When you pray you get connected with Jesus. You were meant to. Everything else is a distraction to keep you from praying. I am not saying you shouldn't do certain things but if you are not praying first everything is going to be done by you and you will never get the help that you were meant to get.
If you bought a flat screen TV and put it in your room it would look sweet. Even if you didn't plug it in it would still look pretty. What happens when you plug it in? It turns on, right? And you get to see everything that was put in it. It comes to life. The way you really live is by getting connected to your source, which is Jesus Christ, through prayer. Without prayer you will be like that unplugged flat screen. You will look pretty but nothing happening. No answers and no life.
Mick
Adversity
Adversity: difficult or hard circumstances
That's a clear cut definition of what we have all had to face: troubles, trials...we have heard similiar names and (just in case you haven't already realized)..... every person who has ever lived on this planet has had to face some sort of adversity!
There are all sorts of reasons that trouble comes. Sometimes we create it for ourselves as a result of bad choices.... sometimes it brought on to us by other peoples' bad choices....and sometimes there just doesn't seem to be any logical reason for it. Despite all this two things are true about adversity: 1. Our enemy (the devil) wants to use adversity to rip us apart or to drive a wedge between us and God and 2. God wants you to use adversity to draw us closer to Him.
During difficult times we can choose how troubles and trials will affect us. We can let adversity make us bitter and cynical. We can let it ruin our attitudes OR we can choose to draw closer to God and to let ourselves become more like Him!
The Bible has so many wonderful truths about trouble, here's some examples:
James 1
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Romans 8
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Psalms 119
92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
Choose today to let your adversities and troubles to push you closer to God!
Be Blessed,
Arlene
That's a clear cut definition of what we have all had to face: troubles, trials...we have heard similiar names and (just in case you haven't already realized)..... every person who has ever lived on this planet has had to face some sort of adversity!
There are all sorts of reasons that trouble comes. Sometimes we create it for ourselves as a result of bad choices.... sometimes it brought on to us by other peoples' bad choices....and sometimes there just doesn't seem to be any logical reason for it. Despite all this two things are true about adversity: 1. Our enemy (the devil) wants to use adversity to rip us apart or to drive a wedge between us and God and 2. God wants you to use adversity to draw us closer to Him.
During difficult times we can choose how troubles and trials will affect us. We can let adversity make us bitter and cynical. We can let it ruin our attitudes OR we can choose to draw closer to God and to let ourselves become more like Him!
The Bible has so many wonderful truths about trouble, here's some examples:
James 1
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Romans 8
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Psalms 119
92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
Choose today to let your adversities and troubles to push you closer to God!
Be Blessed,
Arlene
Double Trouble
Trouble always seems to find those doing right. If everything were easy though, nothing would really have any worth. What would easy be without trouble anyway? I tend to look at trouble as I do pain, it’s temporary. And what doesn’t kill you surely makes you stronger. Don’t look at trouble as a burden then. Find your strength on the other side of it. Let that be your motivation to keep strong and press through it!
There are two kinds of trouble. There are trials and tribulations where God puts you through tests to strengthen and build your faith, and there are attacks where the devil comes to steal what God has for you and discourage you.
I’m a firm believer in the notion that “everything happens for a reason”. Whether it’s just the devil or God working around you I strongly believe this. From the deaths of your loved ones, to getting fired at work… to divorces and separations among spouses and rebellious children, these things effect those involved as well as those around those involved. In many of the cases trouble acts as a wake up call. That would be a trial. In other cases the devil is plotting to ruin you and overall turn away from God. We often wonder why God lets these things happen to us too.
I’m so glad God has put this topic in our lives this month because all throughout this month I’ve been reminded of very important weapons to battle trouble as well as trails. These two principles echo in my mind constantly now. The first is this… The greater your trouble, the greater your reward. Along the same path as that is… God will give you double for your trouble. Isaiah 61 talks about these rewards more. So let those words motivate you to make it through!
Just this week I let the devil get me down with my grades. I got discouraged about mess ups that cost me a couple letter grades and knew that I worked much harder than what I received and while correcting the problem, my whole attitude took me away from realizing it was nothing but the devil. I was lucky to have a Christian around to help me through that, but we as Christians tend to think we’re alone through our struggles and trouble. If we as Christians can keep our minds on Christ, we’ll never be alone.
It’s within troublesome times when refusing to turn to God’s Word can and will be our downfall. I can admit to falling short often. I tend to make a greater effort then to surround myself with Christ-like people though as a reminder. Never turn away from the Lord and you’ll make it through for sure. He’s our greatest weapon in the fight against the devil and the best guide for the paths and tests He has set for us. We were put here and given a free will. If we refuse to use that will to seek him first, then we can’t blame anyone but ourselves. God helps those who help themselves. So don’t expect anything less. I’ve learned too that it’s when you’ve got nothing left, and you’ve tried it all that God steps in, in your favor. So press on, and be strong family!
Be bless and Stay Blessed
C.J.
There are two kinds of trouble. There are trials and tribulations where God puts you through tests to strengthen and build your faith, and there are attacks where the devil comes to steal what God has for you and discourage you.
I’m a firm believer in the notion that “everything happens for a reason”. Whether it’s just the devil or God working around you I strongly believe this. From the deaths of your loved ones, to getting fired at work… to divorces and separations among spouses and rebellious children, these things effect those involved as well as those around those involved. In many of the cases trouble acts as a wake up call. That would be a trial. In other cases the devil is plotting to ruin you and overall turn away from God. We often wonder why God lets these things happen to us too.
I’m so glad God has put this topic in our lives this month because all throughout this month I’ve been reminded of very important weapons to battle trouble as well as trails. These two principles echo in my mind constantly now. The first is this… The greater your trouble, the greater your reward. Along the same path as that is… God will give you double for your trouble. Isaiah 61 talks about these rewards more. So let those words motivate you to make it through!
Just this week I let the devil get me down with my grades. I got discouraged about mess ups that cost me a couple letter grades and knew that I worked much harder than what I received and while correcting the problem, my whole attitude took me away from realizing it was nothing but the devil. I was lucky to have a Christian around to help me through that, but we as Christians tend to think we’re alone through our struggles and trouble. If we as Christians can keep our minds on Christ, we’ll never be alone.
It’s within troublesome times when refusing to turn to God’s Word can and will be our downfall. I can admit to falling short often. I tend to make a greater effort then to surround myself with Christ-like people though as a reminder. Never turn away from the Lord and you’ll make it through for sure. He’s our greatest weapon in the fight against the devil and the best guide for the paths and tests He has set for us. We were put here and given a free will. If we refuse to use that will to seek him first, then we can’t blame anyone but ourselves. God helps those who help themselves. So don’t expect anything less. I’ve learned too that it’s when you’ve got nothing left, and you’ve tried it all that God steps in, in your favor. So press on, and be strong family!
Be bless and Stay Blessed
C.J.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Sa'down Somewhea'! (Sit Down Somewhere)
The next time you find yourself out of things to do, and in silence, observe what happens. You’re left to your thoughts and they seem that much more clear and louder in silence. I tend to think of what I should be or need to be doing. Just doesn’t feel right not doing anything, as Mick put it. I myself like to keep busy. The last couple of weeks or month or so has truly been draining. That’s how busy I’ve made myself. It’s to the point where I can barely even begin to stop what I’m doing. The upside of all that though is when it’s silent, I have the opportunity to think. That thinking allows me to remember to pray. It’s amazing how many prayer closets I’ve made in all that I do. My car has become my favorite. When I stop the music and stop the singing that I’m sure no one hears, it’s communication time. It feels good to pray out loud in silence and alone. Just as it does to pray silently. I find myself free to pray for any and everything because I’ve found time to do so. Praying is so easy, but many of us fail to make time to truly engage in deep prayer. Are you guilty of this? Check yourself!
There’s a time to shut everything off for silence, like in the car, and there’s a time to stop completely. Many of us, including myself many times, push study time aside. It’s very important to find time to study the word. You never know when a word is meant to come from your lips and you miss the opportunity to tell it for lack of knowledge. People die because of it (Hosea 4:6). It’s true! Don’t let it happen to you!
Disciplining ourselves is hard. But we can make it ten times easier on ourselves by just stopping whatever it is that’s not important. No stopping in ten minutes or so! Get out of the “Later” mindset. It repeats itself and what needs to get done never really does. Stop now, do all the other nonsense later!
Another thing I like to do when I find my work has come to a halt is thank God. Looking back over the amazing things He’s blessed me with, all the trouble He’s gotten me through, and especially for the things to come. Thanking him in advance! I was guilty of forgetting to do that a lot in the past, but since I’ve made use of my silent time I remember to do so before I’m blessed, even though I’m always is! (Heh) So let these things marinate in your mind the next time you can actually hear yourself think, with yo busy self!
Be blessed, Stay blessed!
C.j.
There’s a time to shut everything off for silence, like in the car, and there’s a time to stop completely. Many of us, including myself many times, push study time aside. It’s very important to find time to study the word. You never know when a word is meant to come from your lips and you miss the opportunity to tell it for lack of knowledge. People die because of it (Hosea 4:6). It’s true! Don’t let it happen to you!
Disciplining ourselves is hard. But we can make it ten times easier on ourselves by just stopping whatever it is that’s not important. No stopping in ten minutes or so! Get out of the “Later” mindset. It repeats itself and what needs to get done never really does. Stop now, do all the other nonsense later!
Another thing I like to do when I find my work has come to a halt is thank God. Looking back over the amazing things He’s blessed me with, all the trouble He’s gotten me through, and especially for the things to come. Thanking him in advance! I was guilty of forgetting to do that a lot in the past, but since I’ve made use of my silent time I remember to do so before I’m blessed, even though I’m always is! (Heh) So let these things marinate in your mind the next time you can actually hear yourself think, with yo busy self!
Be blessed, Stay blessed!
C.j.
[STOP] what you're DOing
Hey everyone,
I can't help it but last month's devotional was really good. And I can't help but to make a few more comments about it. Eternity can not be measured. There is no beginning and no end. There is no time. If you spend eternity in heaven, which is guaranteed by your surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, there will be no darkness. But there also will be no sun or moon, so how can there be no darkness? The light will come from what the bible calls the glory of Jesus Christ. HE is the light and all the light we will need will come from Him. We won't need to sleep because we will never get tired. The bible says we will get our new glorified bodies. Man, sometimes when I think about it I can't wait. Please make sure you are on the right side of eternity by making Jesus Christ Lord over your life.
Why don't you ever stop what you're doing? Why are you soo busy? Yeah, I'm talking to you. We are soo busy as a society that we never even stop to think. It is a trick of the enemy, Satan himself. We never talk much about the devil but he is real and he is putting a real beating on men and women. As long as he can keep you busy you will never stop to do what matters most. What matters most? Remember we talked about eternity, everything that is associated to eternity is what matters most. Everything that touches eternal life is what matters most. I am not saying that you stop everything that you are doing but if you can take moments of your day to put first things first it will change your life.
Do you know why the devil does not want you to stop and think? Because if you really do some deep thinking you will ask questions about yourself that will eventually lead you into a conversation with the one who made you who knows all about you. Then you will find out who you are and begin a relationship with the one who knew you before you were even born. The bible says "stand still and see the salvation of the Lord". If you never "stand still" or stop what you're doing you will never experience the supernatural work of Jesus in your life. Stop what you're doing and take some time to be quiet. Turn the TV off, the video games, and the music. Be still and practice spending time in silence with the Lord. It won't be easy but it is always worth it. "Stand still".
Mick
I can't help it but last month's devotional was really good. And I can't help but to make a few more comments about it. Eternity can not be measured. There is no beginning and no end. There is no time. If you spend eternity in heaven, which is guaranteed by your surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, there will be no darkness. But there also will be no sun or moon, so how can there be no darkness? The light will come from what the bible calls the glory of Jesus Christ. HE is the light and all the light we will need will come from Him. We won't need to sleep because we will never get tired. The bible says we will get our new glorified bodies. Man, sometimes when I think about it I can't wait. Please make sure you are on the right side of eternity by making Jesus Christ Lord over your life.
Why don't you ever stop what you're doing? Why are you soo busy? Yeah, I'm talking to you. We are soo busy as a society that we never even stop to think. It is a trick of the enemy, Satan himself. We never talk much about the devil but he is real and he is putting a real beating on men and women. As long as he can keep you busy you will never stop to do what matters most. What matters most? Remember we talked about eternity, everything that is associated to eternity is what matters most. Everything that touches eternal life is what matters most. I am not saying that you stop everything that you are doing but if you can take moments of your day to put first things first it will change your life.
Do you know why the devil does not want you to stop and think? Because if you really do some deep thinking you will ask questions about yourself that will eventually lead you into a conversation with the one who made you who knows all about you. Then you will find out who you are and begin a relationship with the one who knew you before you were even born. The bible says "stand still and see the salvation of the Lord". If you never "stand still" or stop what you're doing you will never experience the supernatural work of Jesus in your life. Stop what you're doing and take some time to be quiet. Turn the TV off, the video games, and the music. Be still and practice spending time in silence with the Lord. It won't be easy but it is always worth it. "Stand still".
Mick
eternity in our hearts
Ecclesiastes 3
11He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
Have you ever read the book of Ecclesiastes? It was written by a man who set out to find the meaning of life. He examined everything on earth to see if he could find it. He definitely discovered a few things! He discovered that there is a season and time for everything! A time to be born and to die, a time to cry and to laugh, a time to be silent and to speak (Read Ecclesiastes 3: 1-11). And he declared that God has made everthing "beautiful in it's time". God has scheduled a time for everything under the sun!
He also realized that God has put eternity in us! When I first read this verse I thought "what the heck does that mean?" After asking God about it and mediating for a while I think I understand it better.
You see God created time. God lives in eternity. In eternity there is no yesterday, no tomorrow, there is only right now. What will happen tomorrow has already happened in eternity! He created time just for us! He created time so we could keep a measure of our own lives. (See Verse 15).
So how did he put Eternity in our hearts? The "preacher" who wrote Ecclesiastes said he implanted eternity in our hearts by giving us a sense of purpose that is not affected by time and that only God can satisfy.
Ever hear T.D. Jakes' testimony? He said even when he was a child he preached and grown people would listen to him! From the moment he was born he had a purpose (a dream, a goal). It was to preach. It didn't matter that he was only a child, his purpose was established. He didn't have to reach a certain age before he had one, it was already his. As long as he can remember, this is what he wanted to do, this was his gifting. And once we study our Word more, we discover that God had already given you a purpose even before you were born.
So what's the big deal about all this? If we understand that our purpose on this earth is eternal then we won't let anything or anyone stop us from accomplishing what God has set. It's never too late! No matter how much time has elapsed you can always begin again. If you've gotten lost in the mundane matters of this world you can pause now, refresh yourself in God and get back to your purpose! It is what will give your days on this earth meaning and worth.
God Bless,
Arlene
11He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
Have you ever read the book of Ecclesiastes? It was written by a man who set out to find the meaning of life. He examined everything on earth to see if he could find it. He definitely discovered a few things! He discovered that there is a season and time for everything! A time to be born and to die, a time to cry and to laugh, a time to be silent and to speak (Read Ecclesiastes 3: 1-11). And he declared that God has made everthing "beautiful in it's time". God has scheduled a time for everything under the sun!
He also realized that God has put eternity in us! When I first read this verse I thought "what the heck does that mean?" After asking God about it and mediating for a while I think I understand it better.
You see God created time. God lives in eternity. In eternity there is no yesterday, no tomorrow, there is only right now. What will happen tomorrow has already happened in eternity! He created time just for us! He created time so we could keep a measure of our own lives. (See Verse 15).
So how did he put Eternity in our hearts? The "preacher" who wrote Ecclesiastes said he implanted eternity in our hearts by giving us a sense of purpose that is not affected by time and that only God can satisfy.
Ever hear T.D. Jakes' testimony? He said even when he was a child he preached and grown people would listen to him! From the moment he was born he had a purpose (a dream, a goal). It was to preach. It didn't matter that he was only a child, his purpose was established. He didn't have to reach a certain age before he had one, it was already his. As long as he can remember, this is what he wanted to do, this was his gifting. And once we study our Word more, we discover that God had already given you a purpose even before you were born.
So what's the big deal about all this? If we understand that our purpose on this earth is eternal then we won't let anything or anyone stop us from accomplishing what God has set. It's never too late! No matter how much time has elapsed you can always begin again. If you've gotten lost in the mundane matters of this world you can pause now, refresh yourself in God and get back to your purpose! It is what will give your days on this earth meaning and worth.
God Bless,
Arlene
---> infiniti and beyond -->
If you’ve yet to read Mickey’s devotional, you really want to make sure you get that message in your spirit. He did an awesome job of putting “eternity” in perspective. I usually don’t bother to think how long it truly is (because it hurts my lil human brain), but I just know it’s a really, really long time. Taking the sands of Africa, one at a time just about does it for imagining such an event. I still can’t get past the part of making sure you’ve still got the one grain! Whoever has that job… mmm! Ecclesiastes 3: 11 says, “It’s beautiful how God has done everything at the right time. He has put a sense of eternity in people’s minds. Yet, mortals still can’t grasp what God is doing from the beginning to the end of time.” With that said I feel justified in leaving the ability of “fathoming” eternity to God’s great mind. I’m good with just a sense! Thanks Mick!
But on a more serious note, this past week really put a perspective on eternity for me, and probably did the same for a lot of others. We lost a great entertainer who had graced the world for generations with his talents, and will still do so. The issue in all of it I keep hearing is that – no one expected it. When I think about why that is, I think of how someone with such a powerful influence can just leave before their time. While 50 may be enough time to live a full life so to say, you don’t thing about people at Michael’s caliber dying. We have to realize we couldn’t keep him forever though. Not here at least.
I felt pretty sad hearing the news and was on my way to church listening to opinions over the radio. God brought to my realization that there is no point in being sad about death. It is a part of life. I reminded myself that just like pain, death is temporary. Either way you steer your fate, you live on toward eternal peace or eternal regret. That choice is yours. All we can do as Christians is open eyes to this realization. Returning to Ecclesiastes 3:11, recognize that everything does happen for a reason. Michael’s time on Earth was complete, and whether he did something to advance that is between him and God, but the same destiny faces us. If we leave the earth before Christ returns, our purpose here on Earth is fulfilled. Whenever God takes someone special from this world, I like to think he has an even greater purpose for them in eternity. To be honest, I almost can’t wait to jam with him in heaven! I’ve still got plenty of work to do here, and pray God allow me to serve until its completion. I pray the same for you!
- C.J.
But on a more serious note, this past week really put a perspective on eternity for me, and probably did the same for a lot of others. We lost a great entertainer who had graced the world for generations with his talents, and will still do so. The issue in all of it I keep hearing is that – no one expected it. When I think about why that is, I think of how someone with such a powerful influence can just leave before their time. While 50 may be enough time to live a full life so to say, you don’t thing about people at Michael’s caliber dying. We have to realize we couldn’t keep him forever though. Not here at least.
I felt pretty sad hearing the news and was on my way to church listening to opinions over the radio. God brought to my realization that there is no point in being sad about death. It is a part of life. I reminded myself that just like pain, death is temporary. Either way you steer your fate, you live on toward eternal peace or eternal regret. That choice is yours. All we can do as Christians is open eyes to this realization. Returning to Ecclesiastes 3:11, recognize that everything does happen for a reason. Michael’s time on Earth was complete, and whether he did something to advance that is between him and God, but the same destiny faces us. If we leave the earth before Christ returns, our purpose here on Earth is fulfilled. Whenever God takes someone special from this world, I like to think he has an even greater purpose for them in eternity. To be honest, I almost can’t wait to jam with him in heaven! I’ve still got plenty of work to do here, and pray God allow me to serve until its completion. I pray the same for you!
- C.J.
What do you mean {forever}?
Whats up everyone,
I hope you learn to trust in God as we talked about in our last devotional. I am still learning. You have to unlearn some things. We are so trained to be in control. We want things to be our way or it's the highway! In order to trust God you have to give up control of your life and that is very hard for people to do. We like to be in control because it makes us feel powerful and it makes us feel safe. Give it up!!! The sooner you realize that you shouldn't control your life the sooner you can allow Jesus to help you.
Anyway, I want to talk about something else for this month. And I want to give you an illustration first so that you can see what I am talking about. Imagine we took an airplane trip to the shores of Africa. We got there and I told you that I would give you anything you wanted if you finished an assignment that I gave you. So, of course you say yes. My assignment would be for you to get all the sand from all the beaches of Africa back to the United States. Could you do it? Not only would you have to get all the sand from all the beaches in Africa back to the US but you would have to do it grain by grain. WOW!!! Would you take me up on it?!! Probably not, right? Why? Would you finish? I would probably be safe to say that I wouldn't have to give you anything because you wouldn't be able to complete the assignment. How long would it take you? It would more than likely take you...FOREVER!!!
Do you know that's how long you will live after you die in this earth and pass on to eternity? Eternity is FOREVER!!! Jesus promised us eternity with Him if we lived for Him on earth. I don't want to miss out on that and I hope you don't either. Give your life to Him here and you will be assured to spend the rest of your life in His company and not away from it. And it will not be boring either. Some of you think that eternity or heaven is going to be some boring place way off in the distance. Man, are you wrong! The bible says that heaven will come on earth and all things will be new again. They will be how God meant them to be. No tears, fear, pain, sickness, disease, or death. It will be exactly how God intended it from the beginning.
Don't set your desires completely on things that will pass away. People are killing themselves because they put all their hope on things that don't last forever such as their job, money, houses, cars, and clothes. I'm not saying you can't have those things but don't place all your hope and dreams on those things. Place them first on Jesus, eternity and heaven, which last forever. Much love.
Mick
I hope you learn to trust in God as we talked about in our last devotional. I am still learning. You have to unlearn some things. We are so trained to be in control. We want things to be our way or it's the highway! In order to trust God you have to give up control of your life and that is very hard for people to do. We like to be in control because it makes us feel powerful and it makes us feel safe. Give it up!!! The sooner you realize that you shouldn't control your life the sooner you can allow Jesus to help you.
Anyway, I want to talk about something else for this month. And I want to give you an illustration first so that you can see what I am talking about. Imagine we took an airplane trip to the shores of Africa. We got there and I told you that I would give you anything you wanted if you finished an assignment that I gave you. So, of course you say yes. My assignment would be for you to get all the sand from all the beaches of Africa back to the United States. Could you do it? Not only would you have to get all the sand from all the beaches in Africa back to the US but you would have to do it grain by grain. WOW!!! Would you take me up on it?!! Probably not, right? Why? Would you finish? I would probably be safe to say that I wouldn't have to give you anything because you wouldn't be able to complete the assignment. How long would it take you? It would more than likely take you...FOREVER!!!
Do you know that's how long you will live after you die in this earth and pass on to eternity? Eternity is FOREVER!!! Jesus promised us eternity with Him if we lived for Him on earth. I don't want to miss out on that and I hope you don't either. Give your life to Him here and you will be assured to spend the rest of your life in His company and not away from it. And it will not be boring either. Some of you think that eternity or heaven is going to be some boring place way off in the distance. Man, are you wrong! The bible says that heaven will come on earth and all things will be new again. They will be how God meant them to be. No tears, fear, pain, sickness, disease, or death. It will be exactly how God intended it from the beginning.
Don't set your desires completely on things that will pass away. People are killing themselves because they put all their hope on things that don't last forever such as their job, money, houses, cars, and clothes. I'm not saying you can't have those things but don't place all your hope and dreams on those things. Place them first on Jesus, eternity and heaven, which last forever. Much love.
Mick
trustGOD
trust
1.
reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence.
I know you’ve heard the term before “trust God”. So what does that mean? Trust is sometimes difficult these days. It’s hard to trust people if you’ve been hurt or disappointed before. But God’s Word commands us to trust God:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding (do not rely on your own insight and understanding). In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.
I love this verse. It has stuck with me for many years. There have been many times when things have happened or were happening in my life that I did not understand or that I tried and tried to figure out but could not. That’s where this verse kicked in. As humans we are often limited on what we can see as far as the future. It makes understanding some things very hard. But God, he can see the past, the present and the future in one glance! He is not limited by time. He understands why certain things are happening even when we can’t.
This is where trust comes in. God’s Word also says:
Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
It is during times of troubles and during times that we have many questions that can’t seem to be answered that we have to Trust that God is working out situations for our good! When I was 15 I could not understand why in the world my Mom was moving us from New York to Florida! It just did not make any sense to me. Fast forward 15 years and I have met awesome lifetime friends; I met and married my husband! And I love where I’m at! I could not have imagined what a positive change the move would have on my life.
When times are tough in your own life and answers elude you, turn to God. Trust in His Word.
He will never let you down.
God Bless,
Arlene
1.
reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence.
I know you’ve heard the term before “trust God”. So what does that mean? Trust is sometimes difficult these days. It’s hard to trust people if you’ve been hurt or disappointed before. But God’s Word commands us to trust God:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding (do not rely on your own insight and understanding). In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.
I love this verse. It has stuck with me for many years. There have been many times when things have happened or were happening in my life that I did not understand or that I tried and tried to figure out but could not. That’s where this verse kicked in. As humans we are often limited on what we can see as far as the future. It makes understanding some things very hard. But God, he can see the past, the present and the future in one glance! He is not limited by time. He understands why certain things are happening even when we can’t.
This is where trust comes in. God’s Word also says:
Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
It is during times of troubles and during times that we have many questions that can’t seem to be answered that we have to Trust that God is working out situations for our good! When I was 15 I could not understand why in the world my Mom was moving us from New York to Florida! It just did not make any sense to me. Fast forward 15 years and I have met awesome lifetime friends; I met and married my husband! And I love where I’m at! I could not have imagined what a positive change the move would have on my life.
When times are tough in your own life and answers elude you, turn to God. Trust in His Word.
He will never let you down.
God Bless,
Arlene
In God We Trust.... right?
The message taught at my church on Sunday was how important to God it is when you turn to Him – even if you make him your last resort. All that matters to God is that you turn to Him, period. I firmly believe God expects us to help ourselves in many situations, or even help Him help us. Without God, nothing is truly possible, so in all that you do, remember to involve God!
Psalms 9:10 states, “Those who know your name trust you, O LORD, because you have never deserted those who seek your help.” In both Kings and Hebrews the bible tells us he will never leave us, or forsake us. Over and over God’s faithfulness is proven throughout the Word and in our lives as well. A major factor in trust is credibility. Even without it God is the only one you could trust, or would want to.
There are those who may refuse to trust God because they feel wronged by Him. There was not one life lived that was perfect or fair. Many look at Jesus as a sign of perfection, but although he lived the most righteous of lives, if we were dealt his cards we would see how unfair things might’ve been. Jesus died for people who abuse his name every day and disrespect and refuse him. How fair is that? And we whine and grope about things as little as everyday stresses all the way to blaming God for the people in our life we lose. We have to realize that everything that happens in your life, happens for a reason. God has purpose for many events, and knowing what is going to happen before it does, I feel the decisions you make for yourself are even set.
With this said, the decision for you to put your trust in the Lord weighs heavily on the path in which your life will go. God knows when you’re going to chose to turn to Him. All He’s left to do then is to wait patiently for you to choose Him as your help. Another message taught in Sunday’s lesson was that unlike most, in times of need God stands behind you as support, letting you help yourself as well as your help. The message came from Psalm 20:1-3. “The Lord will answer you in times of trouble, he will send you help from his holy place and support you from Zion. He will remember all your grain offerings and look with favor on your burnt offerings.”
Find your favor in the Lord and you truly should have no troubles or worries. If you seem to have trouble with this, cast all your cares over to God anyway. Although it’s comforting to know so and you should, you don’t really have to trust God to turn your problems over to him. He loves you enough to handle your situation. I’m not saying don’t trust him! By all means, you’ve got nothing to lose in doing so. I’m just making a point in showing God’s love. Knowing all this, who else could you toss your troubles on? You’d be crazy not to put your trust in someone with such compassion for you. Bill Withers said it best in “Lean On Me”. We all need someone to lean on. Unknown to many, we all have Someone that will be there every time. Trust and believe it that!
Be blessed and Stay Blessed,
C.j.
Psalms 9:10 states, “Those who know your name trust you, O LORD, because you have never deserted those who seek your help.” In both Kings and Hebrews the bible tells us he will never leave us, or forsake us. Over and over God’s faithfulness is proven throughout the Word and in our lives as well. A major factor in trust is credibility. Even without it God is the only one you could trust, or would want to.
There are those who may refuse to trust God because they feel wronged by Him. There was not one life lived that was perfect or fair. Many look at Jesus as a sign of perfection, but although he lived the most righteous of lives, if we were dealt his cards we would see how unfair things might’ve been. Jesus died for people who abuse his name every day and disrespect and refuse him. How fair is that? And we whine and grope about things as little as everyday stresses all the way to blaming God for the people in our life we lose. We have to realize that everything that happens in your life, happens for a reason. God has purpose for many events, and knowing what is going to happen before it does, I feel the decisions you make for yourself are even set.
With this said, the decision for you to put your trust in the Lord weighs heavily on the path in which your life will go. God knows when you’re going to chose to turn to Him. All He’s left to do then is to wait patiently for you to choose Him as your help. Another message taught in Sunday’s lesson was that unlike most, in times of need God stands behind you as support, letting you help yourself as well as your help. The message came from Psalm 20:1-3. “The Lord will answer you in times of trouble, he will send you help from his holy place and support you from Zion. He will remember all your grain offerings and look with favor on your burnt offerings.”
Find your favor in the Lord and you truly should have no troubles or worries. If you seem to have trouble with this, cast all your cares over to God anyway. Although it’s comforting to know so and you should, you don’t really have to trust God to turn your problems over to him. He loves you enough to handle your situation. I’m not saying don’t trust him! By all means, you’ve got nothing to lose in doing so. I’m just making a point in showing God’s love. Knowing all this, who else could you toss your troubles on? You’d be crazy not to put your trust in someone with such compassion for you. Bill Withers said it best in “Lean On Me”. We all need someone to lean on. Unknown to many, we all have Someone that will be there every time. Trust and believe it that!
Be blessed and Stay Blessed,
C.j.
Who's it going to be?
Hey guys,
I am glad many of you enjoyed our last devotionals about renewing your mind. If you are going to be brainwashed anyway why not let Jesus do it. One more bit of advise before we move on. The bible says "present your bodies as a living sacrifice..." This verse is right before the verse that tells you to change by brainwashing your mind. Before you can renew your mind you have to "present your bodies as a living sacrifice". This means you need some kind of discipline in your life to "renew" your mind. You have to be willing to follow God's standards and orders. It's like following your parents orders even though sometimes you don't feel like it. Sometimes you won't feel like obeying God but His orders are always for your benefit whether you see it at first or not.
So what are you going to do? Who's it going to be? You or Him? What am I talking about? Are you going to keep living your life following yourself or are you finally going to start following Jesus? There are only two kinds of people in this world. Those who follow themselves and those who follow Jesus. SIMPLE. Life is simple. We like to make things difficult. We all fall under different categories like race, sex, gender, nationality and so on. But ultimately you are either self controlled or God controlled. It's as easy as that.
Do you trust yourself more than you trust God? I think most of us do. It's easier that way. We are in control that way. Trusting God means letting go of your control and trusting in someone you can't see. That's ridiculous, right? No. The bible says..."trust God with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding..." That means that you will not understand everything when you give God control. It won't feel right. It doesn't make sense. No one else is doing it!
Trusting doesn't mean it will make sense to you all the time. Have you ever had someone ask you to trust them, but it was hard for you to do so? God is asking you the same thing right now. Trust me with all your heart and not your head. Get your head out of the way and let your heart start doing the thinking. I know this might not make sense but that is the point. TRUST JESUS! He will show you the way. Nothing else we put our trust in is going to help us. Everything else is falling apart and I know you see it. Economy, education, all that other stuff is not working. It was never supposed to work the way we thought it should. We were never meant to trust in stuff that would not last. Jesus is going to last forever. Put your trust in Him.
Peace out.
Mick
I am glad many of you enjoyed our last devotionals about renewing your mind. If you are going to be brainwashed anyway why not let Jesus do it. One more bit of advise before we move on. The bible says "present your bodies as a living sacrifice..." This verse is right before the verse that tells you to change by brainwashing your mind. Before you can renew your mind you have to "present your bodies as a living sacrifice". This means you need some kind of discipline in your life to "renew" your mind. You have to be willing to follow God's standards and orders. It's like following your parents orders even though sometimes you don't feel like it. Sometimes you won't feel like obeying God but His orders are always for your benefit whether you see it at first or not.
So what are you going to do? Who's it going to be? You or Him? What am I talking about? Are you going to keep living your life following yourself or are you finally going to start following Jesus? There are only two kinds of people in this world. Those who follow themselves and those who follow Jesus. SIMPLE. Life is simple. We like to make things difficult. We all fall under different categories like race, sex, gender, nationality and so on. But ultimately you are either self controlled or God controlled. It's as easy as that.
Do you trust yourself more than you trust God? I think most of us do. It's easier that way. We are in control that way. Trusting God means letting go of your control and trusting in someone you can't see. That's ridiculous, right? No. The bible says..."trust God with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding..." That means that you will not understand everything when you give God control. It won't feel right. It doesn't make sense. No one else is doing it!
Trusting doesn't mean it will make sense to you all the time. Have you ever had someone ask you to trust them, but it was hard for you to do so? God is asking you the same thing right now. Trust me with all your heart and not your head. Get your head out of the way and let your heart start doing the thinking. I know this might not make sense but that is the point. TRUST JESUS! He will show you the way. Nothing else we put our trust in is going to help us. Everything else is falling apart and I know you see it. Economy, education, all that other stuff is not working. It was never supposed to work the way we thought it should. We were never meant to trust in stuff that would not last. Jesus is going to last forever. Put your trust in Him.
Peace out.
Mick
Thursday, May 21, 2009
change your mind
Romans 12:2 (New Living Translation)
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
This world is tough. It can break you down if you let it. Think about it. How many times have you been rejected? Mistreated? Overlooked? Done Wrong? Ignored? And how many times has someone told you that the answer to your problems or that the way to make yourself feel better is alcohol, drugs, girls/guys, partying, etc? You see, if the devil can get you to think his way then he can affect on how you choose to live your entire life. He will try to get you to see life through his eyes. It is hard to stay positive when you hear around you are negative thoughts. He will highlight everything that is wrong so that you will forget what’s right and how much God loves you!
Today I found myself at work...Monday morning. I was sleepy…and cranky! (that’s how my day started off). I spent the entire first half of my day meditating on every single thing that is wrong with my job and the people I work with! I was in such a bad mood! About halfway through the day I stopped and asked myself “why in the world am I so cranky?” I didn’t really have an answer! I had to stop my thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts and with God’s word! He said I am blessed where ever I am! He said He will make the work of my hands prosper! He said he is always with me! I ended my day in a much better mood than I had begun in.
You see, if we don’t watch our thoughts they will take us down the wrong path. This is why it’s so important to “renew your mind”. That means changing the way we think. The most powerful tool that I have found that can change the way I think is God’s word. His Word brings me guidance, it brings me peace, it reminds me of how wonderful God is. And when I’m thinking of God and His love towards me and others around me it makes it really hard to stay cranky!
The way that we think and what we think about will change the way we act, which in turn will change our lives. Read your word. Put on some worship and let God make your thoughts fresh and new once more!
God Bless,
Arlene
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
This world is tough. It can break you down if you let it. Think about it. How many times have you been rejected? Mistreated? Overlooked? Done Wrong? Ignored? And how many times has someone told you that the answer to your problems or that the way to make yourself feel better is alcohol, drugs, girls/guys, partying, etc? You see, if the devil can get you to think his way then he can affect on how you choose to live your entire life. He will try to get you to see life through his eyes. It is hard to stay positive when you hear around you are negative thoughts. He will highlight everything that is wrong so that you will forget what’s right and how much God loves you!
Today I found myself at work...Monday morning. I was sleepy…and cranky! (that’s how my day started off). I spent the entire first half of my day meditating on every single thing that is wrong with my job and the people I work with! I was in such a bad mood! About halfway through the day I stopped and asked myself “why in the world am I so cranky?” I didn’t really have an answer! I had to stop my thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts and with God’s word! He said I am blessed where ever I am! He said He will make the work of my hands prosper! He said he is always with me! I ended my day in a much better mood than I had begun in.
You see, if we don’t watch our thoughts they will take us down the wrong path. This is why it’s so important to “renew your mind”. That means changing the way we think. The most powerful tool that I have found that can change the way I think is God’s word. His Word brings me guidance, it brings me peace, it reminds me of how wonderful God is. And when I’m thinking of God and His love towards me and others around me it makes it really hard to stay cranky!
The way that we think and what we think about will change the way we act, which in turn will change our lives. Read your word. Put on some worship and let God make your thoughts fresh and new once more!
God Bless,
Arlene
your inner reset button
Interesting story. So I was talking with a few of my loved readers yesterday, and unbeknownst to me, this month’s topic was renewing your mind. I just so happened to tell one of them that writing to you and pouring my heart out was a good renewal process for me. To top that, one of the key things that one of my favorite ministers discussed in her sermon on Sunday was that while you can “only be born once, but you can be renewed over, and over, and over again.” Mind you, topics were posted on the 27th of April, a week ago today. That’s God!
While writing devotional reminds me deeply of God working in my life, I ensure to renew my mind in Christ as much as possible. While my devotionals may sound redundant after a while, I hope you begin to realize the importance of these opportunities I discuss repeatedly.
The number one way to renew your mind is through putting peace between you and the lord. Praying is so easy, but we a lot of times make it as difficult as pulling teeth. If you don’t close your eyes! And talk to your Help! I know somethin! When doing so, ensure you seek forgiveness. I realize sin is only knowing of the wrong you’re doing, when you’re doing it, but I like to seek forgiveness anyway incase I have offended God and did not realize or remember. Since you’re already praying… You might as well seek help in any other regions you may be struggling with. If you need God to help you fully renew your mind, just ask! I dare you to even try to overwhelm the Lord!
Next of course, is keeping your mind wrapped within the Word. Prayer and reading the Word are major ways too keep us marinating in God’s love. Educating yourself through the Bible often times guides you to greater renewal. God is God no matter where you seek him. I kid you not, before remembering the topic for this devotional, I made it a goal to find a very good book that ministered to me and help me greatly called, Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyers. Reading through this book is beyond great in helping you renew your mind. It teaches you how to discipline your mind, and what Christian doesn’t need help doing that? I’ve read it once, and maybe you have too, but this book is something that should be studied by all Christians over and over, in my opinion.
So, we’ve got prayer, reading, and if you know my devotionals, you know what comes next. Chuuch! One of the main reasons I wake up early during my precious weekends – besides loving the Lord so much – is to renew both my mind and spirit in church. This is so much more than going, it’s going hungry and ready for the Word. Many times in the atmosphere of praise and worship, I get exactly what I need, and then some! While I can’t speak for you, all I can say is if you go to church and pay close attention, renewing yourself in the Lord shouldn’t be hard at all.
And with these things said, I can’t think of any other techniques! I hope these were a blessing to you. And they help in the renewal of your mind. Either way, I pray that God bless your mind. Love you all!
- C.J.
While writing devotional reminds me deeply of God working in my life, I ensure to renew my mind in Christ as much as possible. While my devotionals may sound redundant after a while, I hope you begin to realize the importance of these opportunities I discuss repeatedly.
The number one way to renew your mind is through putting peace between you and the lord. Praying is so easy, but we a lot of times make it as difficult as pulling teeth. If you don’t close your eyes! And talk to your Help! I know somethin! When doing so, ensure you seek forgiveness. I realize sin is only knowing of the wrong you’re doing, when you’re doing it, but I like to seek forgiveness anyway incase I have offended God and did not realize or remember. Since you’re already praying… You might as well seek help in any other regions you may be struggling with. If you need God to help you fully renew your mind, just ask! I dare you to even try to overwhelm the Lord!
Next of course, is keeping your mind wrapped within the Word. Prayer and reading the Word are major ways too keep us marinating in God’s love. Educating yourself through the Bible often times guides you to greater renewal. God is God no matter where you seek him. I kid you not, before remembering the topic for this devotional, I made it a goal to find a very good book that ministered to me and help me greatly called, Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyers. Reading through this book is beyond great in helping you renew your mind. It teaches you how to discipline your mind, and what Christian doesn’t need help doing that? I’ve read it once, and maybe you have too, but this book is something that should be studied by all Christians over and over, in my opinion.
So, we’ve got prayer, reading, and if you know my devotionals, you know what comes next. Chuuch! One of the main reasons I wake up early during my precious weekends – besides loving the Lord so much – is to renew both my mind and spirit in church. This is so much more than going, it’s going hungry and ready for the Word. Many times in the atmosphere of praise and worship, I get exactly what I need, and then some! While I can’t speak for you, all I can say is if you go to church and pay close attention, renewing yourself in the Lord shouldn’t be hard at all.
And with these things said, I can’t think of any other techniques! I hope these were a blessing to you. And they help in the renewal of your mind. Either way, I pray that God bless your mind. Love you all!
- C.J.
i got brainwashed
Did you know not too long ago I started a process of being brainwashed? It's been crazy, but for the most part I kind of like it. What about you? What if I told you that you were being brainwashed, would you believe me? Did you know that everything you know is something that you learned from someone else or through experience? The sum total of your knowledge is everything that all your teachers, parents, friends, and experiences have taught you. Let me tell you a secret...ever since you were born you have been brainwashed.
Think about it. All the media images, commercials, music, tv shows, movies, and people have all conspired to teach you something. Kind of crucial, I think. They are all trying to brand a message into your mind to get you to do exactly what they want you to do and they are doing a very good job. Parents, probably not soo much ( Honor your father and mother so that you can live a long life) :0). We have all been brainwashed by the media-news, movies, music, commercials etc. to believe what they teach us. Did you know that for the most part they don't give you the whole story or don't tell you the truth? They don't want you to know. They want to give you just enough so that you can keep coming back for more and line their pockets.
So if you're going to be brainwashed, why not be brainwashed by the right person or people? Do you remember I said not too long ago I started a process of being brainwashed? Jesus made Himself real to me in my bedroom and ever sine then I made a decision to let Jesus do all my brainwashing. How do you let Him do that? Glad you asked. I started reading the bible, which is His SWORD!!! Did you know that when ,John the disciple, saw Jesus in heaven after his death the bible said he saw a sword in His mouth. Anyway, this weapon, the bible, can completely change your mind. It doesn't give you half truths or half stories. It gives you the whole truth because God's word is not selfish and is not trying to get anything from you. Everything that it says is for your benefit 100% of the time.
What do you say? If you're going to be brainwashed in your mind by something anyway why not let the King of heaven and earth do it? He wants to make your mind like His. Dang! Can u imagine thinking like Jesus? The bible says..."let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" He wants you to think like He does so that you can act like the king or queen you were mean to be.
Mick
Think about it. All the media images, commercials, music, tv shows, movies, and people have all conspired to teach you something. Kind of crucial, I think. They are all trying to brand a message into your mind to get you to do exactly what they want you to do and they are doing a very good job. Parents, probably not soo much ( Honor your father and mother so that you can live a long life) :0). We have all been brainwashed by the media-news, movies, music, commercials etc. to believe what they teach us. Did you know that for the most part they don't give you the whole story or don't tell you the truth? They don't want you to know. They want to give you just enough so that you can keep coming back for more and line their pockets.
So if you're going to be brainwashed, why not be brainwashed by the right person or people? Do you remember I said not too long ago I started a process of being brainwashed? Jesus made Himself real to me in my bedroom and ever sine then I made a decision to let Jesus do all my brainwashing. How do you let Him do that? Glad you asked. I started reading the bible, which is His SWORD!!! Did you know that when ,John the disciple, saw Jesus in heaven after his death the bible said he saw a sword in His mouth. Anyway, this weapon, the bible, can completely change your mind. It doesn't give you half truths or half stories. It gives you the whole truth because God's word is not selfish and is not trying to get anything from you. Everything that it says is for your benefit 100% of the time.
What do you say? If you're going to be brainwashed in your mind by something anyway why not let the King of heaven and earth do it? He wants to make your mind like His. Dang! Can u imagine thinking like Jesus? The bible says..."let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" He wants you to think like He does so that you can act like the king or queen you were mean to be.
Mick
Saturday, April 18, 2009
hmmm....
Decisions, decisions, decisions… Making them can be hard more often than easy. But when I reach a serious crossroad in my life, I pause and think things through. When I can’t come up with a decision on my own, I waste no time calling on the Lord, from which my help comes from (Psalms 121:2).
In expecting an answer, I first make sure my conscience is clear. This meaning, my mind is free of shame and my sins are all forgiven through repentance. Once I know I’m right with God, I feel my prayers have that much more strength behind them. That also prepares my mind to receive His answers.
I also refuse to just sit and wait for the answer – doing nothing – when I know the answer might not come immediately. You must seek His words where ever available. This definitely means seeking God’s Word, but God will speak through those he places in your life as well. Waste no time in hesitating to call someone you know you can lean on spiritually. Your message from God could be waiting, it’s you who has to be the one to look for it. Another very smart place to look is in Church. I make it a habit to make it to church more than once a week. I don’t want to miss anything! The best position you can put yourself is a position to receive, and if that means you raise your odds by going twice, then so be it! Go get yours!
As a Christian, you are far from alone. This is why we go to church, and why we can turn to the Bible whenever we need to, to be able to turn the world off, and turn our hearts on to speak with our Father.
Life is full of choices. When faced with them, we have to take them the best we can: One decision at a time! Stress opens the door for the devil to invade on your joy. Know that there are people not fortunate enough to even have choices. So make the most of all of yours and show the devil he has no reign in your life – at all!
Be blessed, stay blessed!
C.j.
In expecting an answer, I first make sure my conscience is clear. This meaning, my mind is free of shame and my sins are all forgiven through repentance. Once I know I’m right with God, I feel my prayers have that much more strength behind them. That also prepares my mind to receive His answers.
I also refuse to just sit and wait for the answer – doing nothing – when I know the answer might not come immediately. You must seek His words where ever available. This definitely means seeking God’s Word, but God will speak through those he places in your life as well. Waste no time in hesitating to call someone you know you can lean on spiritually. Your message from God could be waiting, it’s you who has to be the one to look for it. Another very smart place to look is in Church. I make it a habit to make it to church more than once a week. I don’t want to miss anything! The best position you can put yourself is a position to receive, and if that means you raise your odds by going twice, then so be it! Go get yours!
As a Christian, you are far from alone. This is why we go to church, and why we can turn to the Bible whenever we need to, to be able to turn the world off, and turn our hearts on to speak with our Father.
Life is full of choices. When faced with them, we have to take them the best we can: One decision at a time! Stress opens the door for the devil to invade on your joy. Know that there are people not fortunate enough to even have choices. So make the most of all of yours and show the devil he has no reign in your life – at all!
Be blessed, stay blessed!
C.j.
Dating, Relationships, Sex, & Christianity
One of the more challenging parts of being a Christian is having, and keeping a righteous relationship. For me, I can say that’s the hardest part. I’m a firm believer in practicing what you preach, so a large part of me really didn’t feel I should even write this message to you, mainly because I don’t always follow what is right. How selfish of me though. Why would I feel I was in sin if I didn’t know what was right? I believe I do though, and as with all my previous devotionals, I refuse to let my feelings and sins get in the way of your path to righteousness. You have a right to know, and know you will…
Relationships for Christians are very different from the everyday couplings of the world. Things like abstinence come into play mainly. I’m really no expert when it comes to Christian relationships, but I speak from experience when I say they are no easy task, especially when both sides aren’t Christian. We as individuals are shown love and intimacy in movies and books and all throughout entertainment, and like everything else the world has to offer, we are drawn to that and in turn want it for ourselves. The world claims many weak minded people because of this. I’ve talked with many of my close friends about this, and they’ve felt that because they’re so deep in these types of sin and can’t find their way to the light, they feel God may never accept them. I can understand how they feel, I’ve messed up plenty of times and never once felt God turned his back on me, or ever would.
Amidst all this though, I’ve chosen to hold off on working on a relationship until after I graduate because of the degree of seriousness involved in keeping a healthy and righteous relationship. With that said, I can’t really speak on relationships from a more direct standpoint, but those I have had prior to this decision weren’t close to the example I’d like to be able to set one day. The righteous pick themselves up and learn from their mistakes though, as I am doing now.
The easiest ways to fight temptation are to catch it early and avoid it. Once you’ve fallen victim to it, it takes a very strong-minded spirit and supernatural help to unbind those unholy desires – those being words of wisdom I can actually stand behind.
To my young readers, this final message is very important. Do not give in to what the world tells you or leads you to believe. Please! I was told time and time again, and refused to listen. I found out for myself that saving yourself for marriage is so worth the wait. Truly, if you listen to nothing I say listen when I tell you this: You are not missing out on anything, and it will be nothing you expect if you don’t wait till the right time. For those who feel you’ve already messed up, it’s never too late to save yourself again! Don’t feel like it’s over for you. We serve a very forgiving God. As long as you’re willing to pick up the pieces and press forward, success isn’t far off for us!
- C.j.
Relationships for Christians are very different from the everyday couplings of the world. Things like abstinence come into play mainly. I’m really no expert when it comes to Christian relationships, but I speak from experience when I say they are no easy task, especially when both sides aren’t Christian. We as individuals are shown love and intimacy in movies and books and all throughout entertainment, and like everything else the world has to offer, we are drawn to that and in turn want it for ourselves. The world claims many weak minded people because of this. I’ve talked with many of my close friends about this, and they’ve felt that because they’re so deep in these types of sin and can’t find their way to the light, they feel God may never accept them. I can understand how they feel, I’ve messed up plenty of times and never once felt God turned his back on me, or ever would.
Amidst all this though, I’ve chosen to hold off on working on a relationship until after I graduate because of the degree of seriousness involved in keeping a healthy and righteous relationship. With that said, I can’t really speak on relationships from a more direct standpoint, but those I have had prior to this decision weren’t close to the example I’d like to be able to set one day. The righteous pick themselves up and learn from their mistakes though, as I am doing now.
The easiest ways to fight temptation are to catch it early and avoid it. Once you’ve fallen victim to it, it takes a very strong-minded spirit and supernatural help to unbind those unholy desires – those being words of wisdom I can actually stand behind.
To my young readers, this final message is very important. Do not give in to what the world tells you or leads you to believe. Please! I was told time and time again, and refused to listen. I found out for myself that saving yourself for marriage is so worth the wait. Truly, if you listen to nothing I say listen when I tell you this: You are not missing out on anything, and it will be nothing you expect if you don’t wait till the right time. For those who feel you’ve already messed up, it’s never too late to save yourself again! Don’t feel like it’s over for you. We serve a very forgiving God. As long as you’re willing to pick up the pieces and press forward, success isn’t far off for us!
- C.j.
how do you know for sure?
How do you know what decision to make? How do you choose what's right? How do you know what decision to make when it seems like any decision is a good decision? Have you ever been there? I have. Is there a difference between making a good decision and the right one? Do you even care? Does it even matter because whatever happens just happens?
I don't know if you have been in a place of confusion like the questions show up above. I have and it can be pretty frustrating. I want to talk to you about making choices. How do you make the right choices when no one around you is making them and you don't have an example or someone to tell you what to do? How do you know what to do when your dad or mom is not around to show you how?
I have been in a place where I felt like I had to make every decision by myself. I felt like there was no one there to tell me what to do and how to do it. So I always wondered...why do things have to be hard? I became (and still even now to a certain degree) dependent on the fact that things are just supposed to be hard. Life is hard. Making decisions is hard. Choosing what to do between different things is hard. Why does it have to be like that?!! Where was my dad when I needed him the most. When I needed the most guidance because the biggest decisions of my life were just ahead of me.
I am here to give you an answer that made me free and helped me beyond my wildest dreams. Do I believe we need dads to show us the way? Yes. I believe it was meant to be like that. But most of us don't have that chance. And it gives way for us to have an even better replacement for that void in our life.
If you read in the bible, David had to make an important decision in his life. His own people were ready to kill him and everything was just going wrong. It got so bad that the bible says David had to "encourage HIMSELF in the Lord". There was no one around to pump him up or to hype him up. But what's more important is what happened next. The bible says..."David asked the Lord, saying, Should I pursue the army? should I overtake them?" Do you know what happened after he asked Jesus? Jesus responded and said..."PURSUE!!! Because you will surely overtake them, and without fail recover all" Dang! What an answer.
What was the key? David didn't turn to his friends or family or co soldiers or what we do the most, he didn't turn to himself. He turned to the Lord Jesus and got His answer. That's what we need to do when faced with big decisions. I am not saying that you will always hear the Lord on every little matter. There are some things He knows you can answer. But when it comes down to a crisis and a major decision in your life who do you turn to? I think that's clear and I hope that you will turn to Him next time you come across a life crisis.
Mick
I don't know if you have been in a place of confusion like the questions show up above. I have and it can be pretty frustrating. I want to talk to you about making choices. How do you make the right choices when no one around you is making them and you don't have an example or someone to tell you what to do? How do you know what to do when your dad or mom is not around to show you how?
I have been in a place where I felt like I had to make every decision by myself. I felt like there was no one there to tell me what to do and how to do it. So I always wondered...why do things have to be hard? I became (and still even now to a certain degree) dependent on the fact that things are just supposed to be hard. Life is hard. Making decisions is hard. Choosing what to do between different things is hard. Why does it have to be like that?!! Where was my dad when I needed him the most. When I needed the most guidance because the biggest decisions of my life were just ahead of me.
I am here to give you an answer that made me free and helped me beyond my wildest dreams. Do I believe we need dads to show us the way? Yes. I believe it was meant to be like that. But most of us don't have that chance. And it gives way for us to have an even better replacement for that void in our life.
If you read in the bible, David had to make an important decision in his life. His own people were ready to kill him and everything was just going wrong. It got so bad that the bible says David had to "encourage HIMSELF in the Lord". There was no one around to pump him up or to hype him up. But what's more important is what happened next. The bible says..."David asked the Lord, saying, Should I pursue the army? should I overtake them?" Do you know what happened after he asked Jesus? Jesus responded and said..."PURSUE!!! Because you will surely overtake them, and without fail recover all" Dang! What an answer.
What was the key? David didn't turn to his friends or family or co soldiers or what we do the most, he didn't turn to himself. He turned to the Lord Jesus and got His answer. That's what we need to do when faced with big decisions. I am not saying that you will always hear the Lord on every little matter. There are some things He knows you can answer. But when it comes down to a crisis and a major decision in your life who do you turn to? I think that's clear and I hope that you will turn to Him next time you come across a life crisis.
Mick
get to know Him
How do you develop a relationship with God?
It's a simple answer for which many people do not know the answer.
How do you develop relationships with your friends and those you love?
-spend time with them
-listen to them and talk to them about yourself (get to know each other)
How do you develop a relationship with God?
-spend time with him
-listen to Him talk and talk to Him about yourself
You spend time with God by spending time worshiping, praying, reading the Bible.
How do you listen to Him talk? You can do this by reading His Word. You can listen to Him by listening to preachings. You can listen to a song that encourages you in whatever you are going through. Prayer is simply having a conversation with God. Talk to Him, sincerely from the heart. Then in turn listen to Him speak. There have been so many times in my life that I have been praying about something and when I opened my Bible to read what I read was related to what I was praying about. That's God speaking!
You develop a relationship with the Lord when you read your Bible (you're listening to Him speak), when you pray (you are speaking with Him).
And the awesome thing is that you can pray anywhere! While your riding to school you can have a conversation with God without ever saying a word out loud and that is enough! You can be all alone with God in the midst of a crowded room.
Get to know God. Read the Bible and see what He's about and what He's saying to you. He is speaking all the time, all we have to do is take time to listen.
Psalm 85:8 (New King James Version)
8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak,
For He will speak peace
To His people and to His saints;
It's a simple answer for which many people do not know the answer.
How do you develop relationships with your friends and those you love?
-spend time with them
-listen to them and talk to them about yourself (get to know each other)
How do you develop a relationship with God?
-spend time with him
-listen to Him talk and talk to Him about yourself
You spend time with God by spending time worshiping, praying, reading the Bible.
How do you listen to Him talk? You can do this by reading His Word. You can listen to Him by listening to preachings. You can listen to a song that encourages you in whatever you are going through. Prayer is simply having a conversation with God. Talk to Him, sincerely from the heart. Then in turn listen to Him speak. There have been so many times in my life that I have been praying about something and when I opened my Bible to read what I read was related to what I was praying about. That's God speaking!
You develop a relationship with the Lord when you read your Bible (you're listening to Him speak), when you pray (you are speaking with Him).
And the awesome thing is that you can pray anywhere! While your riding to school you can have a conversation with God without ever saying a word out loud and that is enough! You can be all alone with God in the midst of a crowded room.
Get to know God. Read the Bible and see what He's about and what He's saying to you. He is speaking all the time, all we have to do is take time to listen.
Psalm 85:8 (New King James Version)
8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak,
For He will speak peace
To His people and to His saints;
how to know a fake
I know some of you have a lot of friends and people that you are close to. Some of us don't have as much because we choose not to. Either case is not better than the other but at one point or another we had to take the time to develop a relationship with someone. And I am talking about someone you don't know. Do you remember how you did that? What did it take to get to a point where you had a best friend? Or someone who you are real close to? Someone who knows you and you can trust. But how do you know who you can trust? Or how do you know who's real or not?
You had to take the time to hang out with them in different situations and different places. It took time. And sometimes through time you found out that people weren't for you, or they were fake, or they were just using you. But then by hanging out with people you found out that there were people who had your back and that you could trust. You would have never known you could trust them if you didn't take the time to hang out with them in different situations and in different ways.
Did you know that's the same way you develop a relationship with Jesus? Jesus is a real person who you can take the time to build a friendship with. If you take the time to hang out with Him He will prove to you who He is and how much you can trust Him. Will it be easy? NO!!! It is hard. You have never done it before. He will let you go through some really hard stuff but He has also given you what you need to go through the hard stuff. But do you know one of the great benefits about hanging out with Jesus and getting to know Him?...The bible says "He will never leave you or forsake you" What a friend, right? Who can make that promise but Jesus Himself. He's got some swagger but He can back it up. Trust me, I know. He has proven Himself to me and there is no one who is with me at all times like He is.
Stay tuned for our up coming devotionals because they will show you how to hang out with and how to get to know Jesus. Thanks and talk to you later.
Mick
You had to take the time to hang out with them in different situations and different places. It took time. And sometimes through time you found out that people weren't for you, or they were fake, or they were just using you. But then by hanging out with people you found out that there were people who had your back and that you could trust. You would have never known you could trust them if you didn't take the time to hang out with them in different situations and in different ways.
Did you know that's the same way you develop a relationship with Jesus? Jesus is a real person who you can take the time to build a friendship with. If you take the time to hang out with Him He will prove to you who He is and how much you can trust Him. Will it be easy? NO!!! It is hard. You have never done it before. He will let you go through some really hard stuff but He has also given you what you need to go through the hard stuff. But do you know one of the great benefits about hanging out with Jesus and getting to know Him?...The bible says "He will never leave you or forsake you" What a friend, right? Who can make that promise but Jesus Himself. He's got some swagger but He can back it up. Trust me, I know. He has proven Himself to me and there is no one who is with me at all times like He is.
Stay tuned for our up coming devotionals because they will show you how to hang out with and how to get to know Jesus. Thanks and talk to you later.
Mick
because of what he's done
John 1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend[a] it.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own,[c] and His own[d] did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
I love the above verses. It sounds like a wonderful fairytale. But it’s not. It's real.
The Word was Jesus. Jesus was with God. But Jesus is also God. (Think about a King and a Prince and the King has given equal power to the Prince). God created people to live in harmony with Him. Then tragically people began doing their own thing and walked away from God. God gave His word that he would sent a Savior. He sent Jesus. Jesus was the word. Jesus became human and lived on earth. He was sent to save the people. But the people rejected him (the very ones he had helped his father create) and the people killed Jesus. Jesus was the light that shined in the darkness and humans were the darkness that did not understand.
Because of the sacrifice that Jesus made (He was God so he knew what was going to happen) we can now have a personal relationship with God. You can whisper in your room and He will hear you. You can think something and he will hear you. You can be alone and no one else is watching, but God is seeing you. God wants to talk to you, to love you and have you love him back. He wants to show you His power and what He can do. He wants to help you, teach you. He wants to show you what your ultimate purpose is. But He won’t do if you don’t want it.
Why did I give my life to Jesus? He is awesome! When I have hurt, emotionally or physically, he has healed me. When I have felt all alone He has been my best friend. When I have felt confused he has showed me what’s right. When I have felt like I have no purpose He has given me reason to live! Not just once, but over and over. There is power in a relationship with God who created the world and created you!
Arlene
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend[a] it.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own,[c] and His own[d] did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
I love the above verses. It sounds like a wonderful fairytale. But it’s not. It's real.
The Word was Jesus. Jesus was with God. But Jesus is also God. (Think about a King and a Prince and the King has given equal power to the Prince). God created people to live in harmony with Him. Then tragically people began doing their own thing and walked away from God. God gave His word that he would sent a Savior. He sent Jesus. Jesus was the word. Jesus became human and lived on earth. He was sent to save the people. But the people rejected him (the very ones he had helped his father create) and the people killed Jesus. Jesus was the light that shined in the darkness and humans were the darkness that did not understand.
Because of the sacrifice that Jesus made (He was God so he knew what was going to happen) we can now have a personal relationship with God. You can whisper in your room and He will hear you. You can think something and he will hear you. You can be alone and no one else is watching, but God is seeing you. God wants to talk to you, to love you and have you love him back. He wants to show you His power and what He can do. He wants to help you, teach you. He wants to show you what your ultimate purpose is. But He won’t do if you don’t want it.
Why did I give my life to Jesus? He is awesome! When I have hurt, emotionally or physically, he has healed me. When I have felt all alone He has been my best friend. When I have felt confused he has showed me what’s right. When I have felt like I have no purpose He has given me reason to live! Not just once, but over and over. There is power in a relationship with God who created the world and created you!
Arlene
why?!?!
Why do Christians believe in someone they can't see? Who do they believe in and why do they believe? I can't speak for some people out there but the reason I believe in Jesus Christ, that He died and rose again to forgive me of my sins, is because I had a real encounter with Him. I really met Him. I don't believe in Him because it is a good thing to do or it's the right thing to do. I believe in Him because He showed up in my bedroom a little over 6 years ago and I have not stopped living for Him since then.
Jesus Christ is not fiction to me. He's real. And I know because He showed Himself to me. You shouldn't give your life to Him because it's the moral thing to do (that's boring) but give your life to Him because He is real and He really died for you and has allowed for you to live forever with Him. You can't tell me He is not real just like I can't tell you the clothes on your back are not real. Christianity is not an invitation to good and boring living, it's an invitation to what is real in life. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ in your heart and you have been reading these devotionals ask Jesus to make Himself real to you and mean it with your heart.
Mick
Jesus Christ is not fiction to me. He's real. And I know because He showed Himself to me. You shouldn't give your life to Him because it's the moral thing to do (that's boring) but give your life to Him because He is real and He really died for you and has allowed for you to live forever with Him. You can't tell me He is not real just like I can't tell you the clothes on your back are not real. Christianity is not an invitation to good and boring living, it's an invitation to what is real in life. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ in your heart and you have been reading these devotionals ask Jesus to make Himself real to you and mean it with your heart.
Mick
Friday, February 20, 2009
Keep your friends close, and Christians closer!
Devotional after devotional I’ve said that being a Christian, is not something for the weak minded. Simply put, it’s not easy! However – choosing to be a Christian is what sets you apart from the rest of the world. It’s what I truly believe makes a good person. If you don’t choose to believe in God, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not a good person, or it’s impossible for you to be one, but Christians are truly more likely to live blessed and better lives because of the choices and decisions set before them.
In contrast, being a Christian has its easy side as well! For example, developing a relationship with the Lord is easy as… being a Christian! Now raise your hand if you’re confused. If you raised your hand… take a moment to look at your hand and realize how you might look right now. You thought it, not me! All jokes aside, the concept is pretty simple. The easiest way to develop a relationship with Christ is being a Christian. Again, being a Christian calls you to make the right decisions. This includes putting yourself in situations that will keep you free from sin, hanging around people who support your religious belief and wouldn’t put you in situations that would make you do things that aren’t of God, and continually informing yourself on what is right and wrong.
Fresh out of my teen years and rapidly approaching adulthood, I can look back on my youth, over all my experiences and say I’ve learned a lot along my Christian walk, and as I continue to grow I look towards the future and see I still have much to learn. Just looking back now and thinking about my friends and the people I use to hang with, I think to myself if I died tomorrow, never saw them again, or even if they were asked if I was a Christian now, only a handful of them would be able to say I believed in God. In the same token though, I believe a lot of them could say I was a good person or a good friend. I can admit to my spiritual weakness back then, and can say I gave in to their requests and did many ungodly things. After I renewed myself within Christ however, I did turn around for the better. I then made the decisions a strong Christian makes, and was able to tell my friends “no” when asked to go out to the club, or when I thought I’d be put into a situation that wasn’t good for my relationship with God. You as a Christian have to be strong-minded enough to make these decisions on your own. Your friends might not understand. This is one way to put people who support your belief around you. If you find they don’t want to be your friend anymore because you’re choosing to do what you believe in – then ask yourself how much of a friend are they? True friends stand out among the rest.
Putting yourself in safe situations also takes discipline. Your friends aren’t to blame for this either. You as a Christian – knowing what is right – have to know the consequences that will come from your future actions. So spend a lot of time thinking before you act. That’s something I live by. The best way to stay free from sin is to stay clear from it. Your words are just as important as your actions as, so watch what you say! A lot of my friends have disagreed with me about cursing being a sin. Many don’t realize that sin is “knowing” or “realizing” something is wrong, and “doing it anyway”.
This leads me into my next discussion. How do you know what is right? Or how do you find out rather? I personally, look to the word for an understanding of what’s right by God. Depending on man alone is irresponsible and can at times be misleading. No one is more responsible for your salvation than you. Going to church – by far – is not a bad idea to look for guidance. If anything, church is the one environment you should most definitely be affiliated and involved with. This allows for an opportunity to surround yourself with the right type of people. But the Word you may hear there gives purpose and hunger to find them and confirm for yourself within the Bible.
There is surely more to being a Christian and strengthening your relationship with Christ. Doing the right thing is the easiest way and a great start to working towards this. The hard part is disciplining yourself into doing these things, especially when it’s not what you really want to do. And with all that said, this is the end to this month’s devotional… Finally, right?
Be blessed and stay blessed, family!
- C.j.
In contrast, being a Christian has its easy side as well! For example, developing a relationship with the Lord is easy as… being a Christian! Now raise your hand if you’re confused. If you raised your hand… take a moment to look at your hand and realize how you might look right now. You thought it, not me! All jokes aside, the concept is pretty simple. The easiest way to develop a relationship with Christ is being a Christian. Again, being a Christian calls you to make the right decisions. This includes putting yourself in situations that will keep you free from sin, hanging around people who support your religious belief and wouldn’t put you in situations that would make you do things that aren’t of God, and continually informing yourself on what is right and wrong.
Fresh out of my teen years and rapidly approaching adulthood, I can look back on my youth, over all my experiences and say I’ve learned a lot along my Christian walk, and as I continue to grow I look towards the future and see I still have much to learn. Just looking back now and thinking about my friends and the people I use to hang with, I think to myself if I died tomorrow, never saw them again, or even if they were asked if I was a Christian now, only a handful of them would be able to say I believed in God. In the same token though, I believe a lot of them could say I was a good person or a good friend. I can admit to my spiritual weakness back then, and can say I gave in to their requests and did many ungodly things. After I renewed myself within Christ however, I did turn around for the better. I then made the decisions a strong Christian makes, and was able to tell my friends “no” when asked to go out to the club, or when I thought I’d be put into a situation that wasn’t good for my relationship with God. You as a Christian have to be strong-minded enough to make these decisions on your own. Your friends might not understand. This is one way to put people who support your belief around you. If you find they don’t want to be your friend anymore because you’re choosing to do what you believe in – then ask yourself how much of a friend are they? True friends stand out among the rest.
Putting yourself in safe situations also takes discipline. Your friends aren’t to blame for this either. You as a Christian – knowing what is right – have to know the consequences that will come from your future actions. So spend a lot of time thinking before you act. That’s something I live by. The best way to stay free from sin is to stay clear from it. Your words are just as important as your actions as, so watch what you say! A lot of my friends have disagreed with me about cursing being a sin. Many don’t realize that sin is “knowing” or “realizing” something is wrong, and “doing it anyway”.
This leads me into my next discussion. How do you know what is right? Or how do you find out rather? I personally, look to the word for an understanding of what’s right by God. Depending on man alone is irresponsible and can at times be misleading. No one is more responsible for your salvation than you. Going to church – by far – is not a bad idea to look for guidance. If anything, church is the one environment you should most definitely be affiliated and involved with. This allows for an opportunity to surround yourself with the right type of people. But the Word you may hear there gives purpose and hunger to find them and confirm for yourself within the Bible.
There is surely more to being a Christian and strengthening your relationship with Christ. Doing the right thing is the easiest way and a great start to working towards this. The hard part is disciplining yourself into doing these things, especially when it’s not what you really want to do. And with all that said, this is the end to this month’s devotional… Finally, right?
Be blessed and stay blessed, family!
- C.j.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
why choose God?
I can’t speak for many others because I don’t know their story, but I was fortunate enough to have been raised in a Christian household. It was easy then for me to accept Christ into my life because I knew Him. Then as I grew older, old enough to understand things for myself, the challenge of choosing to continue to live for Him confronted me.
It was a short time before I had my own car and my parents separated, leaving the church. I couldn’t make it a lot of times because I had no ride. I promised God and myself that I would start going back to church as soon as I got a car and I did just that. But, why?
Back then, at that age I was deeply rooted in my youth ministry, where Jesus was made more and more real to me. The feeling that came with living right and having Jesus in my heart gave me peace, and became something I never wanted to leave from me. It’s the reason I continue the struggle to live right and later led to me being born again after a long while of backsliding. I use to blame my church because our youth group stopped meeting, and I lost interest. But I had no one to blame but myself. The Word wasn’t spoon-fed to me, so I didn’t want it. It felt so weird trying to do my own thing afterwards. I really couldn’t see how people lived without God. God will never leave you, or abandon you (Heb 13:5). And that part of the scripture holds true today. Throughout my whole rebellion stage, he was right there when I was making bad decisions, allowing me to see my sin. After feeling there was no running from him, I gave in realizing, “If God refuses to leave me, why leave him?” And I’ve continued to remain faithful with that in mind.
God is something special. He’s everything special actually! If you feel like you’re going through life with no purpose, seek God. Seriously! He’s not going to make himself real to you unless you’re serious about finding him. Close your eyes and open your heart and ask him to make himself real to you. Then really believe and expect him to.
It’s nice to get to a point with God where you have somewhere to turn, someone to lean on, and someone to put your trust in. The best part of living for God is the feeling you have when you know you’re doing the right thing, and the will to do what is right when you’re not. God gives my life purpose, and He is the reason I live. To those who haven’t found Him yet, ask yourself what your reason for living is. And if you can’t seem to find an answer… ask God!
And to those who think that God can’t see through all your sin, try Him! Christians are far from perfect. I can tell you that first hand! But it’s our yearning for perfection that sets us apart.
Bless and Stay Blessed!
- C.J.
It was a short time before I had my own car and my parents separated, leaving the church. I couldn’t make it a lot of times because I had no ride. I promised God and myself that I would start going back to church as soon as I got a car and I did just that. But, why?
Back then, at that age I was deeply rooted in my youth ministry, where Jesus was made more and more real to me. The feeling that came with living right and having Jesus in my heart gave me peace, and became something I never wanted to leave from me. It’s the reason I continue the struggle to live right and later led to me being born again after a long while of backsliding. I use to blame my church because our youth group stopped meeting, and I lost interest. But I had no one to blame but myself. The Word wasn’t spoon-fed to me, so I didn’t want it. It felt so weird trying to do my own thing afterwards. I really couldn’t see how people lived without God. God will never leave you, or abandon you (Heb 13:5). And that part of the scripture holds true today. Throughout my whole rebellion stage, he was right there when I was making bad decisions, allowing me to see my sin. After feeling there was no running from him, I gave in realizing, “If God refuses to leave me, why leave him?” And I’ve continued to remain faithful with that in mind.
God is something special. He’s everything special actually! If you feel like you’re going through life with no purpose, seek God. Seriously! He’s not going to make himself real to you unless you’re serious about finding him. Close your eyes and open your heart and ask him to make himself real to you. Then really believe and expect him to.
It’s nice to get to a point with God where you have somewhere to turn, someone to lean on, and someone to put your trust in. The best part of living for God is the feeling you have when you know you’re doing the right thing, and the will to do what is right when you’re not. God gives my life purpose, and He is the reason I live. To those who haven’t found Him yet, ask yourself what your reason for living is. And if you can’t seem to find an answer… ask God!
And to those who think that God can’t see through all your sin, try Him! Christians are far from perfect. I can tell you that first hand! But it’s our yearning for perfection that sets us apart.
Bless and Stay Blessed!
- C.J.
Monday, January 5, 2009
baby born to die
Matthew 1
18This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,because he will save his people from their sins."
22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him "Immanuel" which means, "God with us"
Luke 2
10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
These are some of the most common words and ideas about Christmas: Presents, Tree, Decorations, Wreath, Family, toys, Snow, Christmas lights…. We could go on and on. I think Christmas is the most beautiful holiday that we have. I love all the lights, the trees, the snow (well, not here but it’s snowing somewhere!). But the biggest thing is that Jesus came to us! He came to live among us in order to die for our sins. It was the most beautiful sacrifice in history! Better than any other love story that has ever existed.
We were lost and God came to be with us and show us the way.
During the next couple of days look around and thank God for all the wonderful things he has blessed you with: people that love you, gifts that you’ve wanted, a little relaxing time off from school, whatever he’s blessed you with, thank God.
But pause, read some of the scriptures concerning Jesus’ birth and thank God that He love you enough to come down and meet you where you are at.
Have a wonderful New Year in 2009!
Arlene
18This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,because he will save his people from their sins."
22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him "Immanuel" which means, "God with us"
Luke 2
10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
These are some of the most common words and ideas about Christmas: Presents, Tree, Decorations, Wreath, Family, toys, Snow, Christmas lights…. We could go on and on. I think Christmas is the most beautiful holiday that we have. I love all the lights, the trees, the snow (well, not here but it’s snowing somewhere!). But the biggest thing is that Jesus came to us! He came to live among us in order to die for our sins. It was the most beautiful sacrifice in history! Better than any other love story that has ever existed.
We were lost and God came to be with us and show us the way.
During the next couple of days look around and thank God for all the wonderful things he has blessed you with: people that love you, gifts that you’ve wanted, a little relaxing time off from school, whatever he’s blessed you with, thank God.
But pause, read some of the scriptures concerning Jesus’ birth and thank God that He love you enough to come down and meet you where you are at.
Have a wonderful New Year in 2009!
Arlene
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