All of us long to connect with someone who can identify with our circumstances and share in our day-to-day life. Prayer is just that - a personal experience and intimate connection with our loving Heavenly Father.
Prayer is the act of addressing God for the purpose of worshiping or petitions (requests). Specific forms of this may include praise, requesting help or guidance, confessing sins, or an expression of one's thoughts and emotions. The words used in prayer may take the form of intercession, a song or words of gratitude and thanksgiving. Praying can be done in public, as a group, or in private. Prayer will take different forms during different times of your life. The Bible commands us to Pray with ceasing (pray without stopping). Pray when you wake up, on your way to school or work, during school or work, in the evening. You can pray out loud, you can pray silently. You can sing a song or read a Psalm. Just don't stop praying. It is key to having a successful and intimate relationship with God. Here's some keys:
Praising God, thanking Him for what He's blessed you with
Requesting help, guidance, wisdom
Allowing God to speak to you
Yielding your life to His Will
Expressing your heart, desires, thoughts and emotions
Receiving God's blessing and instructions for your life
Pray without Stopping! It changes things, but most importantly, it changes you to be more like Jesus!
Be Blessed,
Arlene
Saturday, February 6, 2010
"the GREATEST of all.."
If there was one thing you could have what would it be? Would it be a billion dollars? Would it be the woman or man of your dreams? A mansion? Your dream car? A multi-billion dollar music contract? What would it be? One man said..."even though I speak the language of men and angels, and have not ____?, I am nothing..."if I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not____?, I am nothing..."if I give all that I have to feed the poor, and even though I give my body to be burned, and have not ____?, it doesn't do me any good.
Can you fill in the blank? Millions of dollars? No. Mansions? No. Cars? No. Houses? No. If you don't have LOVE!!! then anything you do is for nothing. Even if you have enough faith to move a mountain. Can you imagine having enough faith to move a mountain? Even if you give all that you have and give to the poor and you don't have LOVE, then it's all for nothing.
Everything you do should be motivated by love. Jesus said..."love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself".
Love is not what you have been told. It is not just a feeling. Love actually thinks. The bible says..."love thinks no evil..." That means love actually thinks and is not just based out of emotions and feelings.
Some of you have been looking for real love only to be disappointed time and again. Some of you want love from someone else but you don't even love yourself. You don't value yourself so you just go with the flow.
What is love? God is love. God doesn't have love. It is what He is. If you want to know love you have to know God. I encourage you to stop looking for love in different places. I have given you the source of real love. Some of us look to clicks, but it's not there. They say it is, but the same people will stab you in the back. Look no further. For God so loved us that He "sent his only Son into the world, that we might live through Him."
Looking for love. You have found it in Jesus Christ. Now you just have to get to know Him.
Mick
Can you fill in the blank? Millions of dollars? No. Mansions? No. Cars? No. Houses? No. If you don't have LOVE!!! then anything you do is for nothing. Even if you have enough faith to move a mountain. Can you imagine having enough faith to move a mountain? Even if you give all that you have and give to the poor and you don't have LOVE, then it's all for nothing.
Everything you do should be motivated by love. Jesus said..."love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself".
Love is not what you have been told. It is not just a feeling. Love actually thinks. The bible says..."love thinks no evil..." That means love actually thinks and is not just based out of emotions and feelings.
Some of you have been looking for real love only to be disappointed time and again. Some of you want love from someone else but you don't even love yourself. You don't value yourself so you just go with the flow.
What is love? God is love. God doesn't have love. It is what He is. If you want to know love you have to know God. I encourage you to stop looking for love in different places. I have given you the source of real love. Some of us look to clicks, but it's not there. They say it is, but the same people will stab you in the back. Look no further. For God so loved us that He "sent his only Son into the world, that we might live through Him."
Looking for love. You have found it in Jesus Christ. Now you just have to get to know Him.
Mick
don't hate
Simply put… it holds true that God actually is Love. Like God = Love… Love = God. It would be okay to say I God you… if people didn’t look at you weird. Not everyone would get that. Naturally love is something that’s hard to comprehend – especially for young people. Sure to the world it might mean having really strong feelings towards something, or almost obsessing, can’t live without, need to breathe the same air kind of feelings. That’s how I use to see it, I’m sure others might see it the same way. When you look at Love the same way you look at God, it becomes a lot clearer.
Who is God? The creator. How are most things created? With Love, right? Babies, gifts, all that good stuff. They’re supposed to be, at least. Those with a craft – they love what they do and make a living doing it. It all comes together to make the statement that without Love, nothing is possible true. Fill in the blanks. With God, all things are possible!
We’re to love our neighbors. God commands us to do so to keep the love going around. He loves us with great obsession. Like a father who wants to keep his family together, he needs us all to get along. The laughter that comes from your friends, or family, that keeps you all connected to a degree is love. Sure people use the term love loosely, but that’s where the worlds “obsessed” definition and the godly definition cross. I use to pick up on people using the word loosely all the time, and in the back of my mind think that it was a lie, knowing that in many cases their was no relationship there or the those involved really didn’t know one another enough for love to be there. Once you grasp the true concept of love though, it’s amazing where you can find God in the world and how unaware the lost are to Him.
The opposite of love of course is Hate, which is everything the devil represents. A term that’s more recently been used a lot more frequently and it’s meaning altered by trend. Hate is no longer a strong dislike towards someone or something, but is any kind of negativity toward anything. It’s largely become jealousy, yet still represents everything a Christian should refrain from. I’ve found me catching myself in jealous fits before and either examined the way I felt towards the other person, or had someone bring it to my attention and have come to the realization that, “I’m a hater.” Hate now has its perks too though. It’s become motivation for us who are blessed to continue to do what keeps us blessed. So let your haters be your motivators. And... Don’t hate!
Be Blessed, Stay Blessed
C.j.
Who is God? The creator. How are most things created? With Love, right? Babies, gifts, all that good stuff. They’re supposed to be, at least. Those with a craft – they love what they do and make a living doing it. It all comes together to make the statement that without Love, nothing is possible true. Fill in the blanks. With God, all things are possible!
We’re to love our neighbors. God commands us to do so to keep the love going around. He loves us with great obsession. Like a father who wants to keep his family together, he needs us all to get along. The laughter that comes from your friends, or family, that keeps you all connected to a degree is love. Sure people use the term love loosely, but that’s where the worlds “obsessed” definition and the godly definition cross. I use to pick up on people using the word loosely all the time, and in the back of my mind think that it was a lie, knowing that in many cases their was no relationship there or the those involved really didn’t know one another enough for love to be there. Once you grasp the true concept of love though, it’s amazing where you can find God in the world and how unaware the lost are to Him.
The opposite of love of course is Hate, which is everything the devil represents. A term that’s more recently been used a lot more frequently and it’s meaning altered by trend. Hate is no longer a strong dislike towards someone or something, but is any kind of negativity toward anything. It’s largely become jealousy, yet still represents everything a Christian should refrain from. I’ve found me catching myself in jealous fits before and either examined the way I felt towards the other person, or had someone bring it to my attention and have come to the realization that, “I’m a hater.” Hate now has its perks too though. It’s become motivation for us who are blessed to continue to do what keeps us blessed. So let your haters be your motivators. And... Don’t hate!
Be Blessed, Stay Blessed
C.j.
L-O-V-E
I can't resist using bringing up the verses in 1 Corinthians again... the only way I can describe the profound effect that they have on me everytime that I read them is already described in the Word.....
For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. (HEBREWS 4:12)
If you haven't already noticed this world (without Jesus) is trying to rewrite all the rules to fit their lifestyles. You are hard pressed to find TRUE LOVE and it only can be found in God himself:
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. (1 JOHN 4:16)
One of the age-old questions that has been asked millions of times and has been answered a million different ways, we have the answer in the Word... not a one line answer. God could have simply given us one line: "God is Love" and let us figured the rest by ourselves. But He gave us the answer because He loves us, wants us to be successful and wants us to spread the Message to others.
Next time you are wondering "is this real love" concerning ANY relationship in your life, whether friend, family or romantice, open up your Word and judge the relationship against the Word.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude.
Love isn't selfish or quick tempered.
It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do.
Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.
Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.
Love never fails!
Be Blessed,
Arlene
For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. (HEBREWS 4:12)
If you haven't already noticed this world (without Jesus) is trying to rewrite all the rules to fit their lifestyles. You are hard pressed to find TRUE LOVE and it only can be found in God himself:
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. (1 JOHN 4:16)
One of the age-old questions that has been asked millions of times and has been answered a million different ways, we have the answer in the Word... not a one line answer. God could have simply given us one line: "God is Love" and let us figured the rest by ourselves. But He gave us the answer because He loves us, wants us to be successful and wants us to spread the Message to others.
Next time you are wondering "is this real love" concerning ANY relationship in your life, whether friend, family or romantice, open up your Word and judge the relationship against the Word.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude.
Love isn't selfish or quick tempered.
It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do.
Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.
Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.
Love never fails!
Be Blessed,
Arlene
am I missing something?
Hey,
"The Joy of the Lord is my strength!" What does that mean? It means that what brings joy to the Lord is what brings you strength. Have you ever felt weak? Like you were helpless? Find out what brings Joy to God and you will get strength like you have never had before.
It is times when I did things that would bring joy to Jesus that brought the greatest strength to me. These are things that I did not want to do at first... like helping other people when I didn't feel like it. Like visiting people in their toughest time just to help out.
I have been to juvenile centers bringing food to people,with a church friend on Saturdays, when I wanted to sleep in. But because I did it ,even though I did not feel like it, I had a joy and strength that is hard to explain. There is no greater joy than to know that you have done what God wants you to do. But you will never know it until you do it. Its hard to explain. There is no greater high. I have been on ecstasy pills and cocaine and weed but doing what brings joy to God is even better. I know to some that might be hard to believe but it is true.
Joy should be a part of you. It should not be something that comes and goes. It should be something that is always there. Just like you breathe, and eat, and sleep you should be filled with joy. Joy doesn't come by having things that you will not be able to take with you when you die. A house will not do it, a car will not do it, drugs will not do it, and money will not do it. You can't take those things with you when you pass into eternity.
Joy is a part of God. And if you don't get to know God you will never experience joy. Joy is a part of the God life. The bible says..." the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and JOY..." We make life out to be what we want. But the bible makes it plain.
There were people who were thrown in jail, beaten, and made fun of but still had joy. They were filled with joy because they were part of something that was bigger than them. They were a part of what God was doing and even though they were beaten up and thrown in jail it didn't matter because what they were doing brought joy to God and therefore brought them more strength than they could ever imagine. "The joy of the Lord is our strength" Don't miss out on it.
Mick
"The Joy of the Lord is my strength!" What does that mean? It means that what brings joy to the Lord is what brings you strength. Have you ever felt weak? Like you were helpless? Find out what brings Joy to God and you will get strength like you have never had before.
It is times when I did things that would bring joy to Jesus that brought the greatest strength to me. These are things that I did not want to do at first... like helping other people when I didn't feel like it. Like visiting people in their toughest time just to help out.
I have been to juvenile centers bringing food to people,with a church friend on Saturdays, when I wanted to sleep in. But because I did it ,even though I did not feel like it, I had a joy and strength that is hard to explain. There is no greater joy than to know that you have done what God wants you to do. But you will never know it until you do it. Its hard to explain. There is no greater high. I have been on ecstasy pills and cocaine and weed but doing what brings joy to God is even better. I know to some that might be hard to believe but it is true.
Joy should be a part of you. It should not be something that comes and goes. It should be something that is always there. Just like you breathe, and eat, and sleep you should be filled with joy. Joy doesn't come by having things that you will not be able to take with you when you die. A house will not do it, a car will not do it, drugs will not do it, and money will not do it. You can't take those things with you when you pass into eternity.
Joy is a part of God. And if you don't get to know God you will never experience joy. Joy is a part of the God life. The bible says..." the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and JOY..." We make life out to be what we want. But the bible makes it plain.
There were people who were thrown in jail, beaten, and made fun of but still had joy. They were filled with joy because they were part of something that was bigger than them. They were a part of what God was doing and even though they were beaten up and thrown in jail it didn't matter because what they were doing brought joy to God and therefore brought them more strength than they could ever imagine. "The joy of the Lord is our strength" Don't miss out on it.
Mick
joy comes in the morning light
Joy is the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying, according to dictionary.com. This reminds me of how all happiness comes from a source. More recently than ever, I’ve been struck with such an amazing joy and love for God. I’ve been excited about life before, but when I begin to really think about God and the mercy, grace and favor he continually sends my way, I get excited and anxious like nothing I can describe. We serve such an amazing God. Getting to a point where you can actually pay attention to your current mood and track a source truly helps you find your joy. Before long you’ll find that the happiness leads back to Christ. Just like when we discussed love, it all went back to God, happiness is the same.
Joy is a very useful weapon we Christians have. It’s like a protective covering of spikes, like porcupines have. We don’t have to put any strength behind it to have it effectively work against our enemy. The only defense satan has against it is to take it from us when we let our guard down. Joy is what the devil loves to steal first. You’d be amazed how fast he can steal your life from you by taking your joy over and over. We as Christians must remember that joy comes in the morning light. More recently, I’ve been able to look at some of the distress and sorrow in my life and pray God into those situations to help me find and reclaim my joy. He refuses to let me down! There isn’t anyone I can rely on more. Mainly because it’s Him that helps those I call on, and He works through them.
The devil works through sorrow, the complete opposite of joy. It’s a poison. We can dwell on the negative much longer than we can stay happy. That’s because it’s up to us to seek and find the joy available to us while the devil works toward keeping us down and in distress. We have our work cut out for us, but so does the devil. Do you know someone who loves drama? Suppose that person approached you and attempted to start an argument with you. You – knowing that person’s motive – are more likely not give in to the argument because you know that’s what they’re after. The same is true with the devil and how he steals joy and replaces it with sorrow. Just like you wouldn’t allow the associate to drag you into an argument, don’t let the devil steal your joy.
On a final note, I just want to express that God would never want us to loose our joy. Though he puts us through tests and trying situations, we are to stay strong and never grow weary in being cheerful. So while it’s helpful to read the devil’s motives toward securing our joy, it’s also helpful to realize that it could be a test and not fail by loosing our joy.
That’s all for now brothers and sisters. Keep your reign over the devil strong and do your best to know when you’re being tested. Yes it’s hard to tell, but if you take everything as a test, you’re most likely to be more prepared.
Be blessed, Stay Blessed!
C.j.
Joy is a very useful weapon we Christians have. It’s like a protective covering of spikes, like porcupines have. We don’t have to put any strength behind it to have it effectively work against our enemy. The only defense satan has against it is to take it from us when we let our guard down. Joy is what the devil loves to steal first. You’d be amazed how fast he can steal your life from you by taking your joy over and over. We as Christians must remember that joy comes in the morning light. More recently, I’ve been able to look at some of the distress and sorrow in my life and pray God into those situations to help me find and reclaim my joy. He refuses to let me down! There isn’t anyone I can rely on more. Mainly because it’s Him that helps those I call on, and He works through them.
The devil works through sorrow, the complete opposite of joy. It’s a poison. We can dwell on the negative much longer than we can stay happy. That’s because it’s up to us to seek and find the joy available to us while the devil works toward keeping us down and in distress. We have our work cut out for us, but so does the devil. Do you know someone who loves drama? Suppose that person approached you and attempted to start an argument with you. You – knowing that person’s motive – are more likely not give in to the argument because you know that’s what they’re after. The same is true with the devil and how he steals joy and replaces it with sorrow. Just like you wouldn’t allow the associate to drag you into an argument, don’t let the devil steal your joy.
On a final note, I just want to express that God would never want us to loose our joy. Though he puts us through tests and trying situations, we are to stay strong and never grow weary in being cheerful. So while it’s helpful to read the devil’s motives toward securing our joy, it’s also helpful to realize that it could be a test and not fail by loosing our joy.
That’s all for now brothers and sisters. Keep your reign over the devil strong and do your best to know when you’re being tested. Yes it’s hard to tell, but if you take everything as a test, you’re most likely to be more prepared.
Be blessed, Stay Blessed!
C.j.
Peace
If there is anything you ever need in life it is PEACE! If you can ever get peace it does not matter what happens around you it will not phase you. All hell could be braking loose all around you but it doesn't matter because you have peace. Your parents could be going through a divorce, your boyfriend or girlfriend broke up with you, or a family member just passed away but peace will carry you. Sure these things hurt, but peace will keep you strong.
Peace is like the eye in a hurricane. A hurricane has really strong winds. Winds strong enough to blow around cars and tear down trees that destroy homes and anything in it's way. But if you get in the middle of the hurricane it is complete calm. You would never know it by looking on the outside of the hurricane because of all it's destruction but in the middle of the storm is the most peace you will ever experience.
The bible says that ..."the kingdom of God is righteousness, PEACE, and joy in the holy ghost". The kingdom of God is the God life, His way of doing things. And part of the God life, which is the life we should want, is peace.
Many times we spend most of our days looking for a fake peace. We want to get away from all the craziness of life. Some of us turn to tv to escape. Some of us look to our friends. Some of us look to drugs. Some of us think that chasing money will bring peace. You will not find true peace there.
One day the man Jesus was talking to those who followed him and he was telling them about how he was going to have to leave them. Think about it! They had given up everything to follow Him. They left their jobs, some left their families, and they gave up their plans to follow this man Jesus and now He is telling them that He has to leave. He gave them one thing that He knew would help them the most. What do you think it was? Peace. He said..."Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you". Did you hear what He said? "Not as the world gives..." The world will trick you into chasing things that will give you peace but they really don't. The only way you can have peace is by letting Jesus give you His peace. Can you imagine the kind of peace He has? Talk to Him everyday of your life. Get connected with Him and see the kind of peace He can give you. I'm telling you. It is worth it.
Mick
Peace is like the eye in a hurricane. A hurricane has really strong winds. Winds strong enough to blow around cars and tear down trees that destroy homes and anything in it's way. But if you get in the middle of the hurricane it is complete calm. You would never know it by looking on the outside of the hurricane because of all it's destruction but in the middle of the storm is the most peace you will ever experience.
The bible says that ..."the kingdom of God is righteousness, PEACE, and joy in the holy ghost". The kingdom of God is the God life, His way of doing things. And part of the God life, which is the life we should want, is peace.
Many times we spend most of our days looking for a fake peace. We want to get away from all the craziness of life. Some of us turn to tv to escape. Some of us look to our friends. Some of us look to drugs. Some of us think that chasing money will bring peace. You will not find true peace there.
One day the man Jesus was talking to those who followed him and he was telling them about how he was going to have to leave them. Think about it! They had given up everything to follow Him. They left their jobs, some left their families, and they gave up their plans to follow this man Jesus and now He is telling them that He has to leave. He gave them one thing that He knew would help them the most. What do you think it was? Peace. He said..."Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you". Did you hear what He said? "Not as the world gives..." The world will trick you into chasing things that will give you peace but they really don't. The only way you can have peace is by letting Jesus give you His peace. Can you imagine the kind of peace He has? Talk to Him everyday of your life. Get connected with Him and see the kind of peace He can give you. I'm telling you. It is worth it.
Mick
Peace, Be Still
When I think of peace my mind goes to the extremes of all the stresses and things that bother me, then I focus on the feeling of knowing all of that is in God’s hands. It’s truly been a long while since I’ve stressed and been overwhelmed but that might just be because finals week isn’t for a while for me. But to paint a picture of peace, I relate it best to Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4, when on the boat with his disciples who were afraid.
Stress can come at us and stay over us like a storm. So far, the only thing I know that could stop a storm was Christ. With all the other things we can’t do on our own, finding true peace is impossible without God. Face it – if we turn to our friends, in actuality we’re putting our burdens on them, possibly robbing them of their peace with the spread of negativity, only for temporary relief for ourselves. Sure it helps if they’re the cause of the stress, but if we inform them in a negative manner, this could still make them feel pretty bad. As you can see, the only way to gain peace without affecting those around you is to turn to God.
Through prayer we can clear our minds by letting out what’s bothering us without the hassle of being understood or not. God understands us the first time through though. Yeah, if He knows what we’re going through, why does he let these things happen to us? It goes back to our discussion about trials and tests. We also have to realize that more than half the things that happen to us are a result of things we bring on ourselves, and it all happens for a reason! Whether it makes us stronger, smarter, or more experienced in certain areas we can still turn to God to help guide us through it and choose the right paths along the way. He may not solve things completely for us all the time, but as I’ve said before all we have to do is ask! You get nowhere waiting for things to happen or waiting on someone to do it for you. Start by asking! And trust God to handle the rest.
Other than prayer, I’ve come to find more recently that peace can be found through praise. We’ve talked about this topic previously as well but it relates here. When my day isn’t going as planned, I have songs that I can quickly turn on and remind me where my peace comes from. Again, I also continue to express the importance of going to church. Being able to tap into the spirit in such an amplified atmosphere of praise breaks strongholds and weekly stresses like nothing. The Word of God expressed in the same atmosphere has the power to bring you peace as well as long as you tap in and receive it. So get yours!
Be blessed, Stay Blessed
C.j.
Stress can come at us and stay over us like a storm. So far, the only thing I know that could stop a storm was Christ. With all the other things we can’t do on our own, finding true peace is impossible without God. Face it – if we turn to our friends, in actuality we’re putting our burdens on them, possibly robbing them of their peace with the spread of negativity, only for temporary relief for ourselves. Sure it helps if they’re the cause of the stress, but if we inform them in a negative manner, this could still make them feel pretty bad. As you can see, the only way to gain peace without affecting those around you is to turn to God.
Through prayer we can clear our minds by letting out what’s bothering us without the hassle of being understood or not. God understands us the first time through though. Yeah, if He knows what we’re going through, why does he let these things happen to us? It goes back to our discussion about trials and tests. We also have to realize that more than half the things that happen to us are a result of things we bring on ourselves, and it all happens for a reason! Whether it makes us stronger, smarter, or more experienced in certain areas we can still turn to God to help guide us through it and choose the right paths along the way. He may not solve things completely for us all the time, but as I’ve said before all we have to do is ask! You get nowhere waiting for things to happen or waiting on someone to do it for you. Start by asking! And trust God to handle the rest.
Other than prayer, I’ve come to find more recently that peace can be found through praise. We’ve talked about this topic previously as well but it relates here. When my day isn’t going as planned, I have songs that I can quickly turn on and remind me where my peace comes from. Again, I also continue to express the importance of going to church. Being able to tap into the spirit in such an amplified atmosphere of praise breaks strongholds and weekly stresses like nothing. The Word of God expressed in the same atmosphere has the power to bring you peace as well as long as you tap in and receive it. So get yours!
Be blessed, Stay Blessed
C.j.
Are you right?
Are you right? What I mean by this question is..are in good standing with those who mean the most? If you are in good standing with your parents it probably means you are doing all your chores and obeying the rules. If you are in good standing with your teachers it might mean that you do all your homework, all your assignments, and are doing well on your quizzes and tests. If you are in good standing with your friends it more than likely means you always have their back and never turn your back on them when times get hard. If you do these things your parents probably trust you more and let you go out and stay out later (not so sometimes), your teachers will pass you on to the next level, and your friends will have your back when you need them the most. So basically, if you are in good standing with them you will experience the good part of those relationships at all time.
How can you be in right standing with God? Do you need to do a whole bunch of chores? Do you need to get good grades? Well...do you know the answer? The answer is...no! Jesus has done all that needs to be done and He got an A+ grade so that you wouldn't have to.
So what do you have to do? You just have to accept Jesus' report card and God will see you as being right with Him.
What's the benefit? You get to spend eternity with God instead of away from God.
Are you right with God? Accept Jesus. It's free for you!
How can you be in right standing with God? Do you need to do a whole bunch of chores? Do you need to get good grades? Well...do you know the answer? The answer is...no! Jesus has done all that needs to be done and He got an A+ grade so that you wouldn't have to.
So what do you have to do? You just have to accept Jesus' report card and God will see you as being right with Him.
What's the benefit? You get to spend eternity with God instead of away from God.
Are you right with God? Accept Jesus. It's free for you!
show your right
Instead of making resolutions, what we really need to pick up on is discipline, and work toward that. This will help us accomplish a lot of things and ultimately end the need for resolutions. While discipline isn’t this month’s topic, it is a large part of it.
This month we tackle Righteousness. When I think of righteousness, like Mick put it, I think of how right I am with God. Just this past Sunday – even more confirmation that this word is fitting for the season – we discussed Obedience in Church. We were taught that God only responds to us up to our last point of disobedience. We learned from 1 Samuel about how God told Saul to do something, and how Saul disobeyed and did what he wanted to do. Saul paid the ultimate price for his disobedience, as well as his son, who wasn’t even at fault! Thanks to Christ, we no longer suffer such severe consequences. Saul not only lost his Life, but he lost his authority, as well as his covenant (connection) with God. We lose all these things when we disobey God as well. Sure we don’t die, but if we aren’t right with God and we do die, we already know what comes next. Then we lose both our life and eternal life.
As imperfects striving to be more like the perfection that was Christ, we will fall short many times before we face judgment. We have to ensure that all we’ve done doesn’t go in vain for one mistake. Sure sin is knowing something is wrong, and doing it anyway, but I always feel safe repenting whenever I pray. Remember the algorithm, Praise – Repent – Ask – Yield. I’ve probably said it before, but there have been times when I would pray and feel like I wasn’t getting heard. It goes back to what I said earlier about God responding up until your last point of disobedience. If you can’t remember when or what that was, repenting anyway is a good safety net.
Repentance is the fastest and easiest way to ensure you’re right with God. Next to that is discipline. Once you’re right, the best way to keep favor with God is to continue living right. God appreciates you turning from your sin and coming back to him. But I just think it gets old after a while, falling in and out of sin, going up for prayer every Sunday, the whole nine. Then I stop feeling sorry for myself and find some discipline. What I’ve found that’s help me most recently is something I think learned Sunday as well. The pastor mentioned the idea of killing your flesh. Now I’ve heard the concept of dying to your flesh, but killing it did something different for me. A while back my friends and I use to joke around, and when we would do something silly or embarrassing, we’d say “Kill yourself.” I know it’s a bit harsh thinking back on it, but now that I look into the phrase and apply it to the flesh, it’s really help me deny my flesh satisfaction. When it becomes tempted, in my head I tell it to kill itself, and remember it’s not my will that is to be done, but God’s. Stay right family and the Lord will surely bless you.
Be blessed and Stay blessed!
C.j.
This month we tackle Righteousness. When I think of righteousness, like Mick put it, I think of how right I am with God. Just this past Sunday – even more confirmation that this word is fitting for the season – we discussed Obedience in Church. We were taught that God only responds to us up to our last point of disobedience. We learned from 1 Samuel about how God told Saul to do something, and how Saul disobeyed and did what he wanted to do. Saul paid the ultimate price for his disobedience, as well as his son, who wasn’t even at fault! Thanks to Christ, we no longer suffer such severe consequences. Saul not only lost his Life, but he lost his authority, as well as his covenant (connection) with God. We lose all these things when we disobey God as well. Sure we don’t die, but if we aren’t right with God and we do die, we already know what comes next. Then we lose both our life and eternal life.
As imperfects striving to be more like the perfection that was Christ, we will fall short many times before we face judgment. We have to ensure that all we’ve done doesn’t go in vain for one mistake. Sure sin is knowing something is wrong, and doing it anyway, but I always feel safe repenting whenever I pray. Remember the algorithm, Praise – Repent – Ask – Yield. I’ve probably said it before, but there have been times when I would pray and feel like I wasn’t getting heard. It goes back to what I said earlier about God responding up until your last point of disobedience. If you can’t remember when or what that was, repenting anyway is a good safety net.
Repentance is the fastest and easiest way to ensure you’re right with God. Next to that is discipline. Once you’re right, the best way to keep favor with God is to continue living right. God appreciates you turning from your sin and coming back to him. But I just think it gets old after a while, falling in and out of sin, going up for prayer every Sunday, the whole nine. Then I stop feeling sorry for myself and find some discipline. What I’ve found that’s help me most recently is something I think learned Sunday as well. The pastor mentioned the idea of killing your flesh. Now I’ve heard the concept of dying to your flesh, but killing it did something different for me. A while back my friends and I use to joke around, and when we would do something silly or embarrassing, we’d say “Kill yourself.” I know it’s a bit harsh thinking back on it, but now that I look into the phrase and apply it to the flesh, it’s really help me deny my flesh satisfaction. When it becomes tempted, in my head I tell it to kill itself, and remember it’s not my will that is to be done, but God’s. Stay right family and the Lord will surely bless you.
Be blessed and Stay blessed!
C.j.
peace is yours
peace: freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquillity; serenity.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:26-28 (in Context) John 14 (Whole Chapter)
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
**************************************************
I came across this excerpt by Joel Osteen and thought it so appropiate and relevant I wanted to share it:
**************************************************
We all face the temptation to be anxious about circumstances, loved ones and the future. But the Bible teaches that we can walk in God’s supernatural peace because we are in Christ Jesus. Jesus Himself is our Peace. We can resist the temptation to give in to worry. We can choose, instead, to abide in God’s wonderful peace.
Peter the apostle wrote, "[Cast] the whole of your care–all you anxieties, all your worries, all you concerns, once and for all-on Him; for He cares for you affectionately, and cares about you watchfully." There are three truths we can glean out of this one verse:
God never intended for you to carry your own burdens.
He wants to carry them for you.
You have to do something when it comes to worry.
You have to cast worry off of yourself and trust God with your problems. It takes humility to say, God, I give this problem to You because You can take care of it much better that I can.
God You need to understand the Father’s loving care for you as His child.
Only then will you fully release the weight of each problem to Him. Worry, like other negative thoughts, is actually a thief-stealing our peace, energy, time and joy.
Many years ago, after a tragic situation, I was bombarded by negative thoughts almost 24 hours a day. But then I came to my senses and realized that I needed to take control of those thoughts. It seemed like such an impossibility at first, but I decided to do it one thought at a time.
Each time I had a negative thought, I pulled it down through prayer. I said, I pull that thought down, make it obedient to Jesus and refuse to dwell on it. I will believe what the Word of God says about me instead. I will come out of this situation in victory!
When I first started this, there was a storm in my mind constantly, but after a while, my mind became calmer. Every day it got better, until one day I realized that I was completely free in my thought life concerning that situation.
The same can be true for you. Determine today that you are not going to allow worry to control your life, but that you will believe God for His victory so that you can walk in His supernatural peace.
God Bless You!
Arlene
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:26-28 (in Context) John 14 (Whole Chapter)
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
**************************************************
I came across this excerpt by Joel Osteen and thought it so appropiate and relevant I wanted to share it:
**************************************************
We all face the temptation to be anxious about circumstances, loved ones and the future. But the Bible teaches that we can walk in God’s supernatural peace because we are in Christ Jesus. Jesus Himself is our Peace. We can resist the temptation to give in to worry. We can choose, instead, to abide in God’s wonderful peace.
Peter the apostle wrote, "[Cast] the whole of your care–all you anxieties, all your worries, all you concerns, once and for all-on Him; for He cares for you affectionately, and cares about you watchfully." There are three truths we can glean out of this one verse:
God never intended for you to carry your own burdens.
He wants to carry them for you.
You have to do something when it comes to worry.
You have to cast worry off of yourself and trust God with your problems. It takes humility to say, God, I give this problem to You because You can take care of it much better that I can.
God You need to understand the Father’s loving care for you as His child.
Only then will you fully release the weight of each problem to Him. Worry, like other negative thoughts, is actually a thief-stealing our peace, energy, time and joy.
Many years ago, after a tragic situation, I was bombarded by negative thoughts almost 24 hours a day. But then I came to my senses and realized that I needed to take control of those thoughts. It seemed like such an impossibility at first, but I decided to do it one thought at a time.
Each time I had a negative thought, I pulled it down through prayer. I said, I pull that thought down, make it obedient to Jesus and refuse to dwell on it. I will believe what the Word of God says about me instead. I will come out of this situation in victory!
When I first started this, there was a storm in my mind constantly, but after a while, my mind became calmer. Every day it got better, until one day I realized that I was completely free in my thought life concerning that situation.
The same can be true for you. Determine today that you are not going to allow worry to control your life, but that you will believe God for His victory so that you can walk in His supernatural peace.
God Bless You!
Arlene
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
closed mouths don't get fed
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.
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.
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
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