HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It has finally arrived. It took a whole year to get here. Now that it's here what shall we do with it?
Yes I am talking about 2009, the new year. 2008 is behind us; all the bad/good has become our past. We can't change it. We can only learn from it and continue living.
It is this time of year when many people make New Year's Resolutions. It may be to lose weight, get a better job, stop a bad habit. And each year most of those issues go unresolved. Why? It is easy to lose hope when trying to conquer a difficult task. We are a "now" generation. If we don't see results now then we take a detour and end up elsewhere. Then when the next new year comes around we feel guilty and resolve to change again.
I, myself, am not much for exercising. Maybe it's the pain that comes with it that deters me. I would rather find more exciting ways to keep healthy. Running is top on my list of "hates." Really, have you ever seen a person smiling when they are running? They look miserable and about to fall over. What fun is that?
My Senior year in high school I decided to try out for Track. It involved running. Why would I do something I hated? Maybe I was a crazed teenager. Or maybe it was the fact that everyone told me I couldn't do it and I wanted to prove them wrong.
It was a gruesome time in my life. It was painful and boring. Running around a track over and over just seemed pointless. I was not getting anywhere. I would end where I started. But I did it and I finished the Track season. I was definitely not the best on the team but I was proud to have finished.
Paul, in the book of Acts, speaks of a race that I definitely desire to be a part of; one that I resolve to finish.
Acts 20:22-24 And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
Our Jerusalem is the new year ahead. We don't know what will happen during 2009. We are bound to run into hardships along the way. There are also many blessings awaiting us.
God has given us a task to finish; a race that has a worthy finishline. It is the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. He does not desire for anyone to perish, but all to come to repentance. In Matthew God commands us to go out and spread the gospel. It is not always an easy task but one worth doing.
Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
It is not hard to get off track and become busy with other worldly desires. There are many things that "look" easier to conquer than winning souls for Christ. It is a choice we have to make. Do we press on toward the goal God has set for us or do we veer off the path and fulfill our own desires?
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
While in Track my coach said something that I really didn't grasp until I got older. He said, "When running, don't look to your left or right. Don't look around. Keep your eyes on the track and keep your focus. Looking around will slow you down."
It was true. Whenever I got bored from running that track over and over I would allow my eyes to wander off onto something more interesting. I thought it would help pass the time. Sure, it helped pass the time but it also slowed my time. And in slowing my time I either couldn't finish the race because I was too exhausted, or if I did finish it was after everyone else had finished.
Many things can catch our eyes and cause us to be preoccupied. We then lose our focus on the task at hand. I challenge you to make 2009 a year of fulfilling God's calling--testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Don't wait for the lost to come to you. Go to them. We do not know the day or hour when Jesus will return. When He does return I hope He finds us running the race. I hope I can stand before God and say I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). God Bless and have a Blessed New Year~
Wednesday
A Good Name is Better Than Riches
PROVERBS 22:1
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
When my husband and I first got married we struggled financially like many newlyweds. Neither of us liked being poor. We were born strivers. Our desire was to strive to live better. Yet we weren't the materialistic type either. We didn't necessarily desire a large house or fancy car. Expensive clothes were not our taste. We just desired to live comfortably.
As the years went on and children came on the scene we found ourselves more and more in debt. Government assistance became a necessity. I didn't like it one bit. But for the sake of the kids I gave in. After all, most of our expenses were doctor bills due to having children with rare disorders.
My husband is wonderful. He has learned many trades over the years. That has helped us greatly in the financial world. But it did come at a cost; a cost I am proud to claim.
I remember the first opportunity my husband got that would greatly increase our income. A friend taught him a trade that he would normally need College to learn. This friend also helped get my husband a job in this field. It increased our income by 33%. We were blessed yet we were still struggling to keep food on the table, kids fed and doctor bills paid.
Then came the opportunity to really increase our income. This same friend had moved on to another company that offered a great increase in pay. My husband could get on board if he so desired. But something was awry.
I don't remember the details but I remember my husband having to face a decision that could either prosper us financially or leave us in the rut. In order for my husband to get the position he was in he was going to have to lie. That was unsettling.
I will never forget the statement our friend made. He said, "Sometimes you have to lie to get yourself to the top." That grated against my spirit worse than fingernails on a chalkboard. That was not how we modeled our lives.
My husband chose to decline the position and fully trust that God would make a way for us to be back on top; and this based solely on truth. Did God come through? Yes. Did it happen instantly? No!
We continued to struggle for years. The kids got sicker and the cost of living kept rising. We did not waiver in our faith. We knew that God would provide for us. The Word of God said it. But we were determined to do it His way, not man's.
As we remained faithful to God in our giving and learning to be faithful in our spending, it opened doors for God to bless us. Are we rich? According to whose standards? God has prospered us in more ways than money. Yes we live comfortably, much of the time. The wisdom we have gained over the last 16 years is far worth more than anything this world has to offer.
We chose God's Word over an increase in pay. We chose a good name over silver and gold. For our faithfulness God has poured on His blessings and will continue to do so as we remain faithful.
God wants to bless you too. Remain faithful to Him and His Word and it will open a door of blessing.
Psalm 128:1-2
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
God Bless~
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
When my husband and I first got married we struggled financially like many newlyweds. Neither of us liked being poor. We were born strivers. Our desire was to strive to live better. Yet we weren't the materialistic type either. We didn't necessarily desire a large house or fancy car. Expensive clothes were not our taste. We just desired to live comfortably.
As the years went on and children came on the scene we found ourselves more and more in debt. Government assistance became a necessity. I didn't like it one bit. But for the sake of the kids I gave in. After all, most of our expenses were doctor bills due to having children with rare disorders.
My husband is wonderful. He has learned many trades over the years. That has helped us greatly in the financial world. But it did come at a cost; a cost I am proud to claim.
I remember the first opportunity my husband got that would greatly increase our income. A friend taught him a trade that he would normally need College to learn. This friend also helped get my husband a job in this field. It increased our income by 33%. We were blessed yet we were still struggling to keep food on the table, kids fed and doctor bills paid.
Then came the opportunity to really increase our income. This same friend had moved on to another company that offered a great increase in pay. My husband could get on board if he so desired. But something was awry.
I don't remember the details but I remember my husband having to face a decision that could either prosper us financially or leave us in the rut. In order for my husband to get the position he was in he was going to have to lie. That was unsettling.
I will never forget the statement our friend made. He said, "Sometimes you have to lie to get yourself to the top." That grated against my spirit worse than fingernails on a chalkboard. That was not how we modeled our lives.
My husband chose to decline the position and fully trust that God would make a way for us to be back on top; and this based solely on truth. Did God come through? Yes. Did it happen instantly? No!
We continued to struggle for years. The kids got sicker and the cost of living kept rising. We did not waiver in our faith. We knew that God would provide for us. The Word of God said it. But we were determined to do it His way, not man's.
As we remained faithful to God in our giving and learning to be faithful in our spending, it opened doors for God to bless us. Are we rich? According to whose standards? God has prospered us in more ways than money. Yes we live comfortably, much of the time. The wisdom we have gained over the last 16 years is far worth more than anything this world has to offer.
We chose God's Word over an increase in pay. We chose a good name over silver and gold. For our faithfulness God has poured on His blessings and will continue to do so as we remain faithful.
God wants to bless you too. Remain faithful to Him and His Word and it will open a door of blessing.
Psalm 128:1-2
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
God Bless~
Tuesday
Deliverance From The Depths
Isn't God awesome! Even in the midst of struggles He is awesome. He knows just what we need at each moment, in each struggle, for each day.
I often wonder how someone can be so powerful as to be able to do that for every person in the world. But He is God. He knows all, sees all, and is everywhere. After all, He did create the universe. And a creator knows all the ins and outs of his creation. He knows what makes it work and what to do if it breaks.
Therefore we have a hope when we find ourselves in the depths of despair. Psalm 34:17-19 says The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all
The Lord does not delight in our suffering just as no good, earthly father delights in seeing his children suffer. Our heavenly Father wants us to prosper, to grow in His likeness. Yes there will be trials. There will be hardships. These help us to grow. But the hope that we have is that God will be alongside us and will pull us out of the pit.What an awesome God!
Here is a wonderful song from David in the Psalms:
Psalm 30:1-5
I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. O Lord, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit. Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name; For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Praise His name, O people of God. For He is worthy of our praise. God Bless~
I often wonder how someone can be so powerful as to be able to do that for every person in the world. But He is God. He knows all, sees all, and is everywhere. After all, He did create the universe. And a creator knows all the ins and outs of his creation. He knows what makes it work and what to do if it breaks.
Therefore we have a hope when we find ourselves in the depths of despair. Psalm 34:17-19 says The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all
The Lord does not delight in our suffering just as no good, earthly father delights in seeing his children suffer. Our heavenly Father wants us to prosper, to grow in His likeness. Yes there will be trials. There will be hardships. These help us to grow. But the hope that we have is that God will be alongside us and will pull us out of the pit.What an awesome God!
Here is a wonderful song from David in the Psalms:
Psalm 30:1-5
I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. O Lord, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit. Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name; For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Praise His name, O people of God. For He is worthy of our praise. God Bless~
Monday
His Fault, Her Fault, My Fault, Whose Fault? Who Cares?
As I sit here writing I am battling a great war from within. No, it is not a spiritual war. It is more like a stomach virus. My daughter was kind enough to share it with me.
Speaking of viruses. They seem to be running rampant through my house; not all the same strain of virus though. One of our computers has caught one. My daughter, who has a form of Autism, was watching a movie on that computer the other day and the computer virus decided to take over. It shut her movie down and she was not happy. In her innocence and ignorance of computer viruses, she looked up at me and asked, "Did I give the computer my virus?" I assured her she did not.
She later went on to ask if the storm brewing outside was caused by her virus. I am not sure why she felt she was to blame for all that went awry that day but I again assured her she was not at fault.
I have other children who would rather blame everyone else and their dog for things that go awry, especially if they know it is their fault. The comments are something like "It's his fault for running into my fist" or "I yelled at her because she wouldn't clean up my mess." Oh the insanity of parenthood sometimes!
Sadly it is not just children who act like this. I recently had the unfortunate opportunity to sit in a conference room with 5 people who had blamed each other for all that had gone wrong. They did this for so long that they had forgotten who was really to blame and since they didn't want to own up to their own mistakes they decided to blame me. To that I say "Hmmm....I wasn't even there!" Oh the insanity of adulthood!
Blaming others for our own mistakes is wrong. There is no gain in that. The truth always comes out.
What about those who are on the other side and they are the innocent ones being blamed? Although the truth does eventually become known, it may take a while and in the meantime they have to battle for their own integrity.
Job is no stranger to this side of the battlefield. He had three wonderful friends who, once they heard of his plight, sat out to sympathize and comfort him (Job 1:11). Granted, Job's friends were not to blame for his misfortune but the actions of these gentlemen were not going to be that of a godly nature; definitely not of sympathy or comfort.
Job had been tested by satan. Satan wanted to prove to God that Job wasn't as blameless and pure as God had seen him. So Job's livestock and family were taken from him. Then he was inflicted with painful sores on his body. Would all this cause him to curse God?
Then Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar came to the rescue. Their initial intent was to comfort Job. But the circumstances caught their eye and since they couldn't explain the reason for Job's plight, they decided that it must be Job's fault. He must have sinned to cause all this.
They spent hours pouring over Job as to why he was in distress and what he needed to do about it. When Job began his struggles with asking "Why?" Eliphaz attacked him using Job's ministry as a weapon. He told Job that when people came to him feeble or who had stumbled, he strengthened them and encouraged them. And now that Job is inflicted, why did he not take the same advice? (Job 4:5-6)
Bildad pointed out that God does not pervert justice. He said that God only punishes the wicked (Job 8). Therefore Job must have been wicked. Bildad told Job that if he was truly pure and upright then God would rouse himself on Job's behalf.
Zophar was even worse. He called Job a mocker. For truly Job was a sinner and for him to claim otherwise was mockery. Zophar told Job he needed to repent and allow no evil to dwell in his house anymore. Then God would save him. (Job 11).
To all this Job said, "I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all! Will your long-winded speeches never end? What ails you that you keep on arguing?"(Job 16:2-3)
Of course it took a while longer for Job's "friends" to shut up. None of their accusations were valid; none were comforting. They only looked at the situation from their perspective. Much of this could have been eliminated if they had prayed for wisdom first. Instead they allowed their tongues to have reign over the situation.
The tongue is a mighty force. It has the power of life and death(Proverbs 18:21). We can bless with it or we can curse with it.
Proverbs 11:12 says A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
Proverbs 15:4 says The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
I encourage you to make an important New Year's Resolution this coming year. Resolve to use your tongue for healing not crushing, for blessing not cursing, for life not death. God Bless~
Speaking of viruses. They seem to be running rampant through my house; not all the same strain of virus though. One of our computers has caught one. My daughter, who has a form of Autism, was watching a movie on that computer the other day and the computer virus decided to take over. It shut her movie down and she was not happy. In her innocence and ignorance of computer viruses, she looked up at me and asked, "Did I give the computer my virus?" I assured her she did not.
She later went on to ask if the storm brewing outside was caused by her virus. I am not sure why she felt she was to blame for all that went awry that day but I again assured her she was not at fault.
I have other children who would rather blame everyone else and their dog for things that go awry, especially if they know it is their fault. The comments are something like "It's his fault for running into my fist" or "I yelled at her because she wouldn't clean up my mess." Oh the insanity of parenthood sometimes!
Sadly it is not just children who act like this. I recently had the unfortunate opportunity to sit in a conference room with 5 people who had blamed each other for all that had gone wrong. They did this for so long that they had forgotten who was really to blame and since they didn't want to own up to their own mistakes they decided to blame me. To that I say "Hmmm....I wasn't even there!" Oh the insanity of adulthood!
Blaming others for our own mistakes is wrong. There is no gain in that. The truth always comes out.
What about those who are on the other side and they are the innocent ones being blamed? Although the truth does eventually become known, it may take a while and in the meantime they have to battle for their own integrity.
Job is no stranger to this side of the battlefield. He had three wonderful friends who, once they heard of his plight, sat out to sympathize and comfort him (Job 1:11). Granted, Job's friends were not to blame for his misfortune but the actions of these gentlemen were not going to be that of a godly nature; definitely not of sympathy or comfort.
Job had been tested by satan. Satan wanted to prove to God that Job wasn't as blameless and pure as God had seen him. So Job's livestock and family were taken from him. Then he was inflicted with painful sores on his body. Would all this cause him to curse God?
Then Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar came to the rescue. Their initial intent was to comfort Job. But the circumstances caught their eye and since they couldn't explain the reason for Job's plight, they decided that it must be Job's fault. He must have sinned to cause all this.
They spent hours pouring over Job as to why he was in distress and what he needed to do about it. When Job began his struggles with asking "Why?" Eliphaz attacked him using Job's ministry as a weapon. He told Job that when people came to him feeble or who had stumbled, he strengthened them and encouraged them. And now that Job is inflicted, why did he not take the same advice? (Job 4:5-6)
Bildad pointed out that God does not pervert justice. He said that God only punishes the wicked (Job 8). Therefore Job must have been wicked. Bildad told Job that if he was truly pure and upright then God would rouse himself on Job's behalf.
Zophar was even worse. He called Job a mocker. For truly Job was a sinner and for him to claim otherwise was mockery. Zophar told Job he needed to repent and allow no evil to dwell in his house anymore. Then God would save him. (Job 11).
To all this Job said, "I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all! Will your long-winded speeches never end? What ails you that you keep on arguing?"(Job 16:2-3)
Of course it took a while longer for Job's "friends" to shut up. None of their accusations were valid; none were comforting. They only looked at the situation from their perspective. Much of this could have been eliminated if they had prayed for wisdom first. Instead they allowed their tongues to have reign over the situation.
The tongue is a mighty force. It has the power of life and death(Proverbs 18:21). We can bless with it or we can curse with it.
Proverbs 11:12 says A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
Proverbs 15:4 says The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
I encourage you to make an important New Year's Resolution this coming year. Resolve to use your tongue for healing not crushing, for blessing not cursing, for life not death. God Bless~
Friday
Ushered Into the Presence of the Great
Blessings upon everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful, blessed Christmas and celebrated the birth of Jesus in such a way that would make Him proud.
I had a wonderful Christmas celebration. It was good to gather with family and enjoy each other's company, catch up on each of their lives, and worship the one true King.
It is always nice to give a loved one gifts to show our appreciation of them. But with the economy as it is, it is not always possible to give monetarily. We then have to rely on our imagination to show our appreciation, which can be even more fun. A card, a note, a hug; all of which are avenues for us to pour out our love for others.
Why is it that we feel we must give gifts to those we love? I have some friends that can never let a person leave their house empty-handed. I think they buy extra gifts throughout the year just for these occasions. I have visited on any given day, just to stop by and say hello, and yet I still can't leave without being given a gift. It is just their way of showing they care.
Back in the days when mankind was ruled by kings, no person dared have an audience with the king without presenting him with a gift. It was considered disrespectful. Proverbs 18:16 says A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great. Thus the reason for presenting the king a gift; it ushered the giver into his presence.
Just think, being ushered into our Heavenly King's presence! Oh how precious! We should never come to God empty-handed. It is our gifts that usher us into His presence, the presence of the Great!
Wait! We must be careful of the gifts we give. Cain didn't give his best or from his heart and God did not accept his gifts (Genesis 4). And God said we should give with a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). We should never give less than our best.
It is in the presence of God that we find peace, receive healing, experience deliverance, gain wisdom. If this is where we receive then shouldn't we be willing to give of our best in order to be ushered into His presence? Besides, He deserves nothing less than our best. He is worthy of all we have to offer and more.
The best gift you can give is yourself. Give God all of you and see what victories you will obtain. God Bless~
I had a wonderful Christmas celebration. It was good to gather with family and enjoy each other's company, catch up on each of their lives, and worship the one true King.
It is always nice to give a loved one gifts to show our appreciation of them. But with the economy as it is, it is not always possible to give monetarily. We then have to rely on our imagination to show our appreciation, which can be even more fun. A card, a note, a hug; all of which are avenues for us to pour out our love for others.
Why is it that we feel we must give gifts to those we love? I have some friends that can never let a person leave their house empty-handed. I think they buy extra gifts throughout the year just for these occasions. I have visited on any given day, just to stop by and say hello, and yet I still can't leave without being given a gift. It is just their way of showing they care.
Back in the days when mankind was ruled by kings, no person dared have an audience with the king without presenting him with a gift. It was considered disrespectful. Proverbs 18:16 says A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great. Thus the reason for presenting the king a gift; it ushered the giver into his presence.
Just think, being ushered into our Heavenly King's presence! Oh how precious! We should never come to God empty-handed. It is our gifts that usher us into His presence, the presence of the Great!
Wait! We must be careful of the gifts we give. Cain didn't give his best or from his heart and God did not accept his gifts (Genesis 4). And God said we should give with a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). We should never give less than our best.
It is in the presence of God that we find peace, receive healing, experience deliverance, gain wisdom. If this is where we receive then shouldn't we be willing to give of our best in order to be ushered into His presence? Besides, He deserves nothing less than our best. He is worthy of all we have to offer and more.
The best gift you can give is yourself. Give God all of you and see what victories you will obtain. God Bless~
Wednesday
The Unwanted Gift
The ultimate gift given
It is shunned by many
Not satisfying by most
The sacrifice made to give it
It was more than any should bear
Where is the gratitude
The thanks, the appreciation
Has the gift been returned
Maybe boxed up
With all the other unwanted gifts
People are still searching
Sifting through all the gifts
Just to find the ones they want
Never satisfied
Wanting more
What about that gift
That one there
It is the biggest yet
It is better than all those
Why has it been thrown to the side
Look at the giver
He is sad
His heart is broken
He gave his life for that gift
No one wants it
Tears begin falling
He has been shunned
Forgotten, unwanted
Did they not know
The depths he went to give it
Oh wait, He hears his name
What are they saying
He draws closer to hear
They are thanking him
But what for
"Thank you for the food you provided
For the time with family
For safety in our travels
For our jobs
to provide all these gifts"
"You are welcome, but wait!
This other gift
The ultimate gift given
It cost me everything I have
Why don't you want it
"Can anyone hear me
Why aren't you listening
I promise this gift won't break
It will last for eternity
Please take a closer look"
People begin leaving
The party is over
They all seem satisfied
It won't last
Tomorrow they will want more
That one gift they shoved aside
It would have been enough
They would not need any other
It would have saved them
For eternity!
Maybe someone else will want it
He was given many invitations
To several parties in his honor
Maybe they will receive the gift
With gratitude and appreciation
Matthew 27:50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave is one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
If all you had was the gift of Salvation, would it be enough? Jesus gave His life to give you an eternal gift. All the gifts accumulating under your Christmas tree are non-eternal gifts. They are nice but they will not last. They will not save. They will not love you as Jesus does.
Jesus has many gifts (promises) to give you. But the gift of salvation...that is more than enough. We shouldn't be begging for anything more.
I pray that you will receive this eternal gift this Christmas season and that you will grow to appreciate the gift and the Giver throughout the year and beyond. Get to know the Giver, which is Jesus. He is awesome. He is mighty. He loves you.
God Bless and Merry Christmas~
It is shunned by many
Not satisfying by most
The sacrifice made to give it
It was more than any should bear
Where is the gratitude
The thanks, the appreciation
Has the gift been returned
Maybe boxed up
With all the other unwanted gifts
People are still searching
Sifting through all the gifts
Just to find the ones they want
Never satisfied
Wanting more
What about that gift
That one there
It is the biggest yet
It is better than all those
Why has it been thrown to the side
Look at the giver
He is sad
His heart is broken
He gave his life for that gift
No one wants it
Tears begin falling
He has been shunned
Forgotten, unwanted
Did they not know
The depths he went to give it
Oh wait, He hears his name
What are they saying
He draws closer to hear
They are thanking him
But what for
"Thank you for the food you provided
For the time with family
For safety in our travels
For our jobs
to provide all these gifts"
"You are welcome, but wait!
This other gift
The ultimate gift given
It cost me everything I have
Why don't you want it
"Can anyone hear me
Why aren't you listening
I promise this gift won't break
It will last for eternity
Please take a closer look"
People begin leaving
The party is over
They all seem satisfied
It won't last
Tomorrow they will want more
That one gift they shoved aside
It would have been enough
They would not need any other
It would have saved them
For eternity!
Maybe someone else will want it
He was given many invitations
To several parties in his honor
Maybe they will receive the gift
With gratitude and appreciation
Matthew 27:50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave is one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
If all you had was the gift of Salvation, would it be enough? Jesus gave His life to give you an eternal gift. All the gifts accumulating under your Christmas tree are non-eternal gifts. They are nice but they will not last. They will not save. They will not love you as Jesus does.
Jesus has many gifts (promises) to give you. But the gift of salvation...that is more than enough. We shouldn't be begging for anything more.
I pray that you will receive this eternal gift this Christmas season and that you will grow to appreciate the gift and the Giver throughout the year and beyond. Get to know the Giver, which is Jesus. He is awesome. He is mighty. He loves you.
God Bless and Merry Christmas~
Monday
Suffering Brings Blessing
MATTHEW 19:29
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
It's that wonderful time of year again. Celebrations of Christmas and the New Year with friends and family can be quite joyous. Unfortunately not everyone has the same perspective; spending time with family is either painful or not an option. For many it is because of their devotion to Christ.
We don't have to go to another country to be ridiculed or persecuted for our faith. It is as close as visiting with our family, talking to our neighbors, or hanging out in the break room at work. It is our decision to either continue our devotion to Christ no matter the ridicule or set our minds on pleasing mankind and give in to the world's views.
Many people have fallen prey to the mindset of pleasing mankind. They don't like rejection or feeling like the "odd-man-out" so they become like those around them. There is a name for those people: the Chameleon Christian. A chameleon is a lizard that changes its looks to blend in with its surroundings. One reason for this is to protect the lizard from possible prey. According to Wikipedia, recent research has indicated that chameleons may use this blending as a means of communication to attract a mate.
1 Peter 2:11-12 says Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
1 John 1:6 If we claim to have fellowship with Him (God) yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
As Christians we are not to blend in with the world. We should look and act different. The world does not live or look like Christ. Yet it is our responsibility to.
Is it hard sometimes? Yes, especially when it is your family who rejects you for your faith. Holidays are the hardest because they are usually focused on family gatherings.
The great news comes from Matthew 19:29. In chapter 19 Peter told Jesus that he and the disciples had left everything to follow Him. Jesus replied by ensuring him and the other disciples that they would be seated on 12 thrones in heaven for their devotion to Him. Then He said that those of us who left our families for His sake will receive a hundred times as much, plus eternal life. What a blessing!
That is just how God is. He blesses His children, especially those who have lost things for His sake. God always replaces everything we have lost or given up with blessings that far outweigh what this world has to offer. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever (1 John 2:17).
But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.(1 Peter 4:14-15) God Bless~
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
It's that wonderful time of year again. Celebrations of Christmas and the New Year with friends and family can be quite joyous. Unfortunately not everyone has the same perspective; spending time with family is either painful or not an option. For many it is because of their devotion to Christ.
We don't have to go to another country to be ridiculed or persecuted for our faith. It is as close as visiting with our family, talking to our neighbors, or hanging out in the break room at work. It is our decision to either continue our devotion to Christ no matter the ridicule or set our minds on pleasing mankind and give in to the world's views.
Many people have fallen prey to the mindset of pleasing mankind. They don't like rejection or feeling like the "odd-man-out" so they become like those around them. There is a name for those people: the Chameleon Christian. A chameleon is a lizard that changes its looks to blend in with its surroundings. One reason for this is to protect the lizard from possible prey. According to Wikipedia, recent research has indicated that chameleons may use this blending as a means of communication to attract a mate.
1 Peter 2:11-12 says Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
1 John 1:6 If we claim to have fellowship with Him (God) yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
As Christians we are not to blend in with the world. We should look and act different. The world does not live or look like Christ. Yet it is our responsibility to.
Is it hard sometimes? Yes, especially when it is your family who rejects you for your faith. Holidays are the hardest because they are usually focused on family gatherings.
The great news comes from Matthew 19:29. In chapter 19 Peter told Jesus that he and the disciples had left everything to follow Him. Jesus replied by ensuring him and the other disciples that they would be seated on 12 thrones in heaven for their devotion to Him. Then He said that those of us who left our families for His sake will receive a hundred times as much, plus eternal life. What a blessing!
That is just how God is. He blesses His children, especially those who have lost things for His sake. God always replaces everything we have lost or given up with blessings that far outweigh what this world has to offer. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever (1 John 2:17).
But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.(1 Peter 4:14-15) God Bless~
Friday
What Church Are You? Laodicea?
REVELATION 3:14-22
Revelation 3:15-17
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm- neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, "I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing." But you do not realize you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
God did not have anything encouraging to say about Laodicea. He was so angry at them He threatened to spit them out of His mouth. The KJV translates that He will spue them out of His mouth. To spue is to vomit.
What God was so angry about was the fact that Laodicea wanted it all. They wanted the world and all it had to offer and they wanted to live under God's blessings. That is what God meant when he referred to them as lukewarm.
Have you heard the statement of some people "living like heaven on Sunday and living like hell all the rest of the week"? Or the "man who comes to church but has one foot out the door"? It makes God sick! He would rather the Laodiceans/us openly deny Him than confuse everyone around us by only serving God when it is convenient.
If we want to live under God's blessing then we must live under the obedience of God's Word.
Do you know why so many marriages fail today? Because there is not 100% commitment! The option of divorce is always at the back of at least one of their minds. Therefore, they always have one foot out the door.
A marriage will not last long if the spouse is only at home when it's convenient. Their marriage will continue to grow weaker as they fill up their lives with other pleasures. Eventually they will find themselves in divorce court.
WAKE UP! God is desiring a 100% relationship with you. He wants you to Himself. Exodus 20:5 states that God is a jealous God. He doesn't want you running around filling yourself up with worldly pleasures. Those are idols. Exodus 20:4 states You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
If you want to live under God's blessing then you must live under the obedience of God's Word.
The Laodiceans were prosperous; so they thought. In verse 17 they even said that they werich and did not need a thing. God looked deep into their hearts and saw something else. He said they were wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. They may have been able to fool those around them but no one can fool God. 1Chronicles 28:9 states that the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.
When God spoke of them being poor, blind and naked He was not talking in a literal sense. He was speaking of their spiritual status. He addresses this in verse 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
In God there is salvation, cleansing from sin, and healing; for the Laodiceans and for us. All He asks is for 100% of our hearts. After all, What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? (Mark 8:36)
If you want to live under God's blessing then you must live under the obedience of God's Word.
God Bless~
Revelation 3:15-17
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm- neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, "I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing." But you do not realize you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
God did not have anything encouraging to say about Laodicea. He was so angry at them He threatened to spit them out of His mouth. The KJV translates that He will spue them out of His mouth. To spue is to vomit.
What God was so angry about was the fact that Laodicea wanted it all. They wanted the world and all it had to offer and they wanted to live under God's blessings. That is what God meant when he referred to them as lukewarm.
Have you heard the statement of some people "living like heaven on Sunday and living like hell all the rest of the week"? Or the "man who comes to church but has one foot out the door"? It makes God sick! He would rather the Laodiceans/us openly deny Him than confuse everyone around us by only serving God when it is convenient.
If we want to live under God's blessing then we must live under the obedience of God's Word.
Do you know why so many marriages fail today? Because there is not 100% commitment! The option of divorce is always at the back of at least one of their minds. Therefore, they always have one foot out the door.
A marriage will not last long if the spouse is only at home when it's convenient. Their marriage will continue to grow weaker as they fill up their lives with other pleasures. Eventually they will find themselves in divorce court.
WAKE UP! God is desiring a 100% relationship with you. He wants you to Himself. Exodus 20:5 states that God is a jealous God. He doesn't want you running around filling yourself up with worldly pleasures. Those are idols. Exodus 20:4 states You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
If you want to live under God's blessing then you must live under the obedience of God's Word.
The Laodiceans were prosperous; so they thought. In verse 17 they even said that they werich and did not need a thing. God looked deep into their hearts and saw something else. He said they were wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. They may have been able to fool those around them but no one can fool God. 1Chronicles 28:9 states that the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.
When God spoke of them being poor, blind and naked He was not talking in a literal sense. He was speaking of their spiritual status. He addresses this in verse 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
In God there is salvation, cleansing from sin, and healing; for the Laodiceans and for us. All He asks is for 100% of our hearts. After all, What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? (Mark 8:36)
If you want to live under God's blessing then you must live under the obedience of God's Word.
God Bless~
Thursday
Which Church Are You? Philadelphia?
REVELATION 3:7-13
Revelation 3:7b-8
...What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Life's struggles can be quite overwhelming. You may feel as the church of Philadelphia did; you feel beaten down, have no strength to get up and possibly feel discouraged to the point of surrender to the enemy.
You have kept true to God's Word, faithful to your church, and spreading God's Word every chance you get. Yet you get no break from your struggles. You have been knocked down by Satan; dealt a fatal blow.
I have a saying that I like to remind Satan of periodically, especially during my darkest hours. "Satan may knock me down but he cannot knock me out." He may knock the wind out of me at times and I may need a time to rest and recover but when I get back up he will fear me. He knows the power and authority God has given me over him. He knows that I will have become his worst nightmare.
God told the church of Philadelphia in 3:9 that He will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan come and fall at their feet and acknowledge God's love for them. Oh what a blessing it is to be under our Heavenly Father's covering! Contrary to what Satan would have us believe, we have the victory!
If you are discouraged by the trials that seem to continually flood in and your strength is drained, I have great news! 2 Corinthians 12:9a says And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. When we draw strength from God then Satan hasn't a chance in hell of winning.
Remain faithful to God's Word. Draw strength from Him when you are weak. Persevere! Become Satan's worst nightmare.
God Bless~
Revelation 3:7b-8
...What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Life's struggles can be quite overwhelming. You may feel as the church of Philadelphia did; you feel beaten down, have no strength to get up and possibly feel discouraged to the point of surrender to the enemy.
You have kept true to God's Word, faithful to your church, and spreading God's Word every chance you get. Yet you get no break from your struggles. You have been knocked down by Satan; dealt a fatal blow.
I have a saying that I like to remind Satan of periodically, especially during my darkest hours. "Satan may knock me down but he cannot knock me out." He may knock the wind out of me at times and I may need a time to rest and recover but when I get back up he will fear me. He knows the power and authority God has given me over him. He knows that I will have become his worst nightmare.
God told the church of Philadelphia in 3:9 that He will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan come and fall at their feet and acknowledge God's love for them. Oh what a blessing it is to be under our Heavenly Father's covering! Contrary to what Satan would have us believe, we have the victory!
If you are discouraged by the trials that seem to continually flood in and your strength is drained, I have great news! 2 Corinthians 12:9a says And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. When we draw strength from God then Satan hasn't a chance in hell of winning.
Remain faithful to God's Word. Draw strength from Him when you are weak. Persevere! Become Satan's worst nightmare.
God Bless~
Wednesday
What Church Are You? Sardis?
REVELATION 3:1-6
Revelation 3:1-2,4
...I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.
Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.
Sardis reminds me of two kinds of people today that would fit well into their church.
1. The person who looks so happy and vibrant on the outside, yet is dying on the inside. They won't show anyone their true selves.
2. The person who goes to church, gets all excited, has the reputation of being super-godly, dances, shouts, etc, yet outside of church they are living like hell.
Both types of people are living a dangerous life and unless they change their course they will soon die spiritually. Contrary to some beliefs God does not look at our lives as a game. He is not sitting up on His throne using humans as game pieces on a board, rolling dice to alter our situations. In fact He gets so angry at people who do not live right inside and outside of church that He gives this threat through one of His angels:
3:2-3 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
Sinners are looking for real people who serve a real God. If we put on a false face and live a false life, don't you think the sinners will wonder if we serve a false God?
Wake up! You are being watched, by God and sinners. God Bless~
Revelation 3:1-2,4
...I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.
Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.
Sardis reminds me of two kinds of people today that would fit well into their church.
1. The person who looks so happy and vibrant on the outside, yet is dying on the inside. They won't show anyone their true selves.
2. The person who goes to church, gets all excited, has the reputation of being super-godly, dances, shouts, etc, yet outside of church they are living like hell.
Both types of people are living a dangerous life and unless they change their course they will soon die spiritually. Contrary to some beliefs God does not look at our lives as a game. He is not sitting up on His throne using humans as game pieces on a board, rolling dice to alter our situations. In fact He gets so angry at people who do not live right inside and outside of church that He gives this threat through one of His angels:
3:2-3 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
Sinners are looking for real people who serve a real God. If we put on a false face and live a false life, don't you think the sinners will wonder if we serve a false God?
Wake up! You are being watched, by God and sinners. God Bless~
Monday
What Church Are You? Thyatira?
REVELATION 2:18-29
Revelation 2:19-20
I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel...
Jezebel was a self-proclaimed prophetess who taught that sexual immorality was acceptable and it was ok to eat food sacrificed to animals. Not only did she teach this, it was going on inside the church. Why didn't anyone stop her?
Jezebel's intent was to infiltrate, break down, and take over. If you study Jezebel in the Old Testament you will find that she shed many Prophets' blood.
THERE IS A PARASITE IN THE CHURCH!
Add a little yeast to the dough and it spreads throughout the whole dough. (1 Corinthians 5:6) Meaning, it takes one person to step in and work through the whole church and cause dissension. Jesus warned the disciples of the yeast of the Pharisees and Saducees (Matthew 16). Their teachings were infiltrating and confusing the people.
If Satan can't get to us individually he will do more damage by distorting the teachings of those in authority. We must be on guard, not just in the church but in our personal lives outside the church.
Wordnet describes a parasite as a follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage. Jezebel was a parasite. There is one in about every church. And if we get out enough and socialize we will find one at our door every so often.
The American Heritage Science Dictionary describes a parasite as generally harmful to their hosts, although the damage they do ranges widely from minor inconvenience to debilitating or fatal disease.
God said He gave Jezebel time to repent but she was unwilling. Therefore He was ready to pour out His wrath...on her and anyone who associated themselves with her. But to those who remained faithful and did not hold to her teachings he said this: to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you). (2:24)
God will destroy the Jezebels that Satan has placed in our churches and our lives. Are we going to allow these Jezebels to infiltrate us like yeast and get caught in the cross-fire? Or are we going to stop her from infiltrating, breaking down and taking over? Our lives and those in our church are at stake here.
We need to take an active role in making sure that what we are taught and what is taught in our churches is truly the Word of God and none else. God searches each of our hearts and minds (2:23) to ensure we are pure and upholding His Word. If we are found guilty He will repay us according to our deeds (2:23). God Bless~
Revelation 2:19-20
I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel...
Jezebel was a self-proclaimed prophetess who taught that sexual immorality was acceptable and it was ok to eat food sacrificed to animals. Not only did she teach this, it was going on inside the church. Why didn't anyone stop her?
Jezebel's intent was to infiltrate, break down, and take over. If you study Jezebel in the Old Testament you will find that she shed many Prophets' blood.
THERE IS A PARASITE IN THE CHURCH!
Add a little yeast to the dough and it spreads throughout the whole dough. (1 Corinthians 5:6) Meaning, it takes one person to step in and work through the whole church and cause dissension. Jesus warned the disciples of the yeast of the Pharisees and Saducees (Matthew 16). Their teachings were infiltrating and confusing the people.
If Satan can't get to us individually he will do more damage by distorting the teachings of those in authority. We must be on guard, not just in the church but in our personal lives outside the church.
Wordnet describes a parasite as a follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage. Jezebel was a parasite. There is one in about every church. And if we get out enough and socialize we will find one at our door every so often.
The American Heritage Science Dictionary describes a parasite as generally harmful to their hosts, although the damage they do ranges widely from minor inconvenience to debilitating or fatal disease.
God said He gave Jezebel time to repent but she was unwilling. Therefore He was ready to pour out His wrath...on her and anyone who associated themselves with her. But to those who remained faithful and did not hold to her teachings he said this: to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you). (2:24)
God will destroy the Jezebels that Satan has placed in our churches and our lives. Are we going to allow these Jezebels to infiltrate us like yeast and get caught in the cross-fire? Or are we going to stop her from infiltrating, breaking down and taking over? Our lives and those in our church are at stake here.
We need to take an active role in making sure that what we are taught and what is taught in our churches is truly the Word of God and none else. God searches each of our hearts and minds (2:23) to ensure we are pure and upholding His Word. If we are found guilty He will repay us according to our deeds (2:23). God Bless~
Sorry
I want to apologize for a missed blog today. Today was one of those "When will it be over" days. Every time I couldn't imagine it getting worse it did.
But God is faithful and if we remain faithful to Him during our trials we will come out of them victorious.
During one of my MANY times of prayer today God spoke to me. He said "If you desire to live under my blessings then you are required to live under the obedience of my Word." I knew He was referring to my tongue at the moment, the hardest thing to tame.
I seriously had to pray my flesh into submission. Did I pass the test with flying colors? Not exactly. I had my weak moments unfortunately. But every time I saw myself failing I would quickly look to God for strength and guidance. I praise God that He is so loving and forgiving.
Tomorrow we will be back on track with the 7 churches study.
I pray you had a blessed day and will have an even better one tomorrow. God Bless~
But God is faithful and if we remain faithful to Him during our trials we will come out of them victorious.
During one of my MANY times of prayer today God spoke to me. He said "If you desire to live under my blessings then you are required to live under the obedience of my Word." I knew He was referring to my tongue at the moment, the hardest thing to tame.
I seriously had to pray my flesh into submission. Did I pass the test with flying colors? Not exactly. I had my weak moments unfortunately. But every time I saw myself failing I would quickly look to God for strength and guidance. I praise God that He is so loving and forgiving.
Tomorrow we will be back on track with the 7 churches study.
I pray you had a blessed day and will have an even better one tomorrow. God Bless~
Friday
What Church Are You? Pergamum?
REVELATION 2:12-17
Revelation 2:13,14,16
You did not renounce your faith in me...Nevertheless, I have a few things against you...Repent therefore! Otherwise I will soon come to you...
When I read this passage I found humor in what God said. In verse 13 He said I know where you live-where Satan has his throne. Then further down in that verse God speaks of Antipas who was His faithful servant, but was put to death in that city-where Satan lives.
There must have been some really sinful people in Pergamum for God to deem it as Satan's residence. On down in the passage God mentions some of the sins of Pergamum. They held to the teachings of Balaam, who taught that it was ok to eat food sacrificed to idols and that sexual immorality was acceptable. They even followed the Nicolations' teachings.
Although the church in Pergamum did not renounce their faith in God, they still allowed this sin to continue. It was their responsibility to uphold God's Word and the laws that governed. Instead they continued in their own relationship with God and ignored their surroundings.
God's threats are not idle. He follows through. When he threatened to come down and fight them himself I am sure it shook the church.
It wasn't the whole church of Pergamum that was in disobedience; only some. But it doesn't take but a little sin to taint something sacred. The church is supposed to be pure and sacred. Bringing false teachings into it defiles God's holy temple.
A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough (Galatians 5:9).
God didn't address the letter to the false teachers. No, He reprimanded those who remained faithful in their service to God because they were allowing such sin to take place. I assume they just turned their head away as if it wasn't happening.
God told them to repent, otherwise He was going to come down and do their job and reprimand the false teachers himself. God won't stand for such sin in His temple. Nor will He in the temple that He resides-US! We must have a pure heart before God.
Now look closely. God did not reprimand the church of Pergamum for not reprimanding unbelievers. It was inside the church-those who professed to know Him. This is what God has to say about how we should deal with believers who are following or leading false teachings and sinning:
1 Corinthians 5:9-13 I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."
If there is sin in the camp, in God's temple, we can no longer turn away as if it isn't happening. God will not stand for it. And if He has to come down to deal with it Himself, He won't neglect reprimanding us while He is here.
We do not know the day or hour when Jesus will return (Matthew 24:36). We must be prepared. He is coming back for a spotless bride. There can't be sin defiling His temple, whether it be our church or ourselves.
I encourage you to do a spiritual walk through the temple. If there be anything defiling it get rid of it. God Bless~
Revelation 2:13,14,16
You did not renounce your faith in me...Nevertheless, I have a few things against you...Repent therefore! Otherwise I will soon come to you...
When I read this passage I found humor in what God said. In verse 13 He said I know where you live-where Satan has his throne. Then further down in that verse God speaks of Antipas who was His faithful servant, but was put to death in that city-where Satan lives.
There must have been some really sinful people in Pergamum for God to deem it as Satan's residence. On down in the passage God mentions some of the sins of Pergamum. They held to the teachings of Balaam, who taught that it was ok to eat food sacrificed to idols and that sexual immorality was acceptable. They even followed the Nicolations' teachings.
Although the church in Pergamum did not renounce their faith in God, they still allowed this sin to continue. It was their responsibility to uphold God's Word and the laws that governed. Instead they continued in their own relationship with God and ignored their surroundings.
God's threats are not idle. He follows through. When he threatened to come down and fight them himself I am sure it shook the church.
It wasn't the whole church of Pergamum that was in disobedience; only some. But it doesn't take but a little sin to taint something sacred. The church is supposed to be pure and sacred. Bringing false teachings into it defiles God's holy temple.
A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough (Galatians 5:9).
God didn't address the letter to the false teachers. No, He reprimanded those who remained faithful in their service to God because they were allowing such sin to take place. I assume they just turned their head away as if it wasn't happening.
God told them to repent, otherwise He was going to come down and do their job and reprimand the false teachers himself. God won't stand for such sin in His temple. Nor will He in the temple that He resides-US! We must have a pure heart before God.
Now look closely. God did not reprimand the church of Pergamum for not reprimanding unbelievers. It was inside the church-those who professed to know Him. This is what God has to say about how we should deal with believers who are following or leading false teachings and sinning:
1 Corinthians 5:9-13 I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."
If there is sin in the camp, in God's temple, we can no longer turn away as if it isn't happening. God will not stand for it. And if He has to come down to deal with it Himself, He won't neglect reprimanding us while He is here.
We do not know the day or hour when Jesus will return (Matthew 24:36). We must be prepared. He is coming back for a spotless bride. There can't be sin defiling His temple, whether it be our church or ourselves.
I encourage you to do a spiritual walk through the temple. If there be anything defiling it get rid of it. God Bless~
Thursday
What Church Are You? Smyrna?
REVELATION 2:8-11
Revelation 2:9-10
I know your afflictions and your poverty-yet you are rich!...Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer...Be faithful, even to the point of death...
You do the work of the Lord, you are faithful to your ministry and to your relationship with God, you offer up a sacrifice of praise to God regularly; all the while your finances are being attacked, your health is bad, your loved ones are ridiculing you for your faith, people you do and don't know are falsely accusing you. All you can do is sit with your mouth dropped in astonishment wondering what went wrong.
When we have the opportunity to minister to someone we can be tempted to tell them that if they get saved God will fix everything; all will be fine. Yes, God can and will fix everything but the problem is that we give a false sense of invisibility. Meaning we steer them to think they are invisible to trials and tribulation after a commitment to Christ. Then when trials come they are left wondering what they missed. Worse, they begin to question God's faithfulness.
How many of us have felt the same let-down after being faithful to God and then find ourselves in a heated predicament? For example, you tithe regularly. You may even give offerings above your tithe. Yet, you are poor. You struggle to just put food on the table for your family. Malachi 3:10 says Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
Or, you faithfully do the work of the Lord, either in church or in outreach. You are honest, forthcoming, and have a pure heart. Then out of nowhere you are falsely accused of: dipping your hand in the church money, ministering for selfish purposes, spreading false gossip. Proverbs 3:33 says The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
Why then are we attacked so heavily if we are faithful? In Revelation 2:10 God says Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days...
The devil is not going to sit back and allow God's children to be blessed without trying to intervene. As long as he roams this earth he will continually try to wreak havoc in our lives. That is why God gives us weapons to fight against the devil. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world. God gives us the Armor of God to combat the devil when he rears his ugly head(Ephesians 6:10-18).
In Revelation 2 God said he knows our afflictions and poverty - yet we are rich! How is that possible? The devil does not void God's promises. He only tries to delay them. When we use the Armor of God to combat him we get the victory and the promises come flooding in. God also said that if we remain faithful, even to the point of death, He will give us the crown of life.
Don't let trials and persecution to sway you from your faithfulness to God. In the end you win! God Bless~
Revelation 2:9-10
I know your afflictions and your poverty-yet you are rich!...Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer...Be faithful, even to the point of death...
You do the work of the Lord, you are faithful to your ministry and to your relationship with God, you offer up a sacrifice of praise to God regularly; all the while your finances are being attacked, your health is bad, your loved ones are ridiculing you for your faith, people you do and don't know are falsely accusing you. All you can do is sit with your mouth dropped in astonishment wondering what went wrong.
When we have the opportunity to minister to someone we can be tempted to tell them that if they get saved God will fix everything; all will be fine. Yes, God can and will fix everything but the problem is that we give a false sense of invisibility. Meaning we steer them to think they are invisible to trials and tribulation after a commitment to Christ. Then when trials come they are left wondering what they missed. Worse, they begin to question God's faithfulness.
How many of us have felt the same let-down after being faithful to God and then find ourselves in a heated predicament? For example, you tithe regularly. You may even give offerings above your tithe. Yet, you are poor. You struggle to just put food on the table for your family. Malachi 3:10 says Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
Or, you faithfully do the work of the Lord, either in church or in outreach. You are honest, forthcoming, and have a pure heart. Then out of nowhere you are falsely accused of: dipping your hand in the church money, ministering for selfish purposes, spreading false gossip. Proverbs 3:33 says The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
Why then are we attacked so heavily if we are faithful? In Revelation 2:10 God says Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days...
The devil is not going to sit back and allow God's children to be blessed without trying to intervene. As long as he roams this earth he will continually try to wreak havoc in our lives. That is why God gives us weapons to fight against the devil. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world. God gives us the Armor of God to combat the devil when he rears his ugly head(Ephesians 6:10-18).
In Revelation 2 God said he knows our afflictions and poverty - yet we are rich! How is that possible? The devil does not void God's promises. He only tries to delay them. When we use the Armor of God to combat him we get the victory and the promises come flooding in. God also said that if we remain faithful, even to the point of death, He will give us the crown of life.
Don't let trials and persecution to sway you from your faithfulness to God. In the end you win! God Bless~
Wednesday
What Church Are You? Ephesus?
REVELATION 2:1-7
Revelation 2:2,4
I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance...Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love...
For the next week we are going to study the seven churches in the province of Asia that are mentioned in the book of Revelation. Much can be learned from these churches when we weigh them against our own lives.
WHAT CHURCH ARE YOU? EPHESUS?
The church in Ephesus was dedicated to truth. They went to extreme measures to expose false teachers. In turn they had to endure persecution and hardship. They never grew weary in the work of the ministry.
The problem was that they were so "busy" ministering that they lost their focus, the reason for their ministry; the God behind their ministry. Verse 4 said they had forsaken their first love. They had done so well and then fell into sin.
It is our responsibility to use our talents and gifts to minister. It is our responsibility to "be the church," but at what cost? Ministry does not get us into heaven. A true relationship with God is what separates us from the world and unites us with Him.
It is easy for any minister to busy him/herself in the work of the ministry and neglect their own relationship with God. A minister is anyone who does the work of the Kingdom of God; whether it be a Pastor, Sunday School teacher, witness to your neighbor or co-worker, etc.
Here is a way to measure your ministry against your relationship with God:
-If your ministry position takes first place, putting your personal time with God second, then your position has become a job not a ministry.
-If you are giving into your ministry more energy than you are in your personal time with God, then your position has become a hindrance not a ministry.
-If you find yourself dreading your responsibilities in the ministry then you have forsaken your first love.
If we neglect our personal relationship with God, even if it is because we are ministering, we will be a target for sin. We will become the very thing we stand against.
Do you remember the season in your life when you were most in love with God? The emotions you felt, the desire to be alone with Him, the excitement you had in praising Him; He longs for that again. He desires the long talks; the times you would pour over His Word just to get to know Him. He longs to hear the adoration you once sang out to Him.
He appreciates your hard work in the ministry; the sacrifices you have made. But what He desires more is a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of our lips confessing His name. He still wants us to do good and share with others but with balance. For with such sacrifices God is pleased. (Hebrews 13:15-16)
Let us rejoin our First Love and remind Him how much we love Him. God Bless~
Revelation 2:2,4
I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance...Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love...
For the next week we are going to study the seven churches in the province of Asia that are mentioned in the book of Revelation. Much can be learned from these churches when we weigh them against our own lives.
WHAT CHURCH ARE YOU? EPHESUS?
The church in Ephesus was dedicated to truth. They went to extreme measures to expose false teachers. In turn they had to endure persecution and hardship. They never grew weary in the work of the ministry.
The problem was that they were so "busy" ministering that they lost their focus, the reason for their ministry; the God behind their ministry. Verse 4 said they had forsaken their first love. They had done so well and then fell into sin.
It is our responsibility to use our talents and gifts to minister. It is our responsibility to "be the church," but at what cost? Ministry does not get us into heaven. A true relationship with God is what separates us from the world and unites us with Him.
It is easy for any minister to busy him/herself in the work of the ministry and neglect their own relationship with God. A minister is anyone who does the work of the Kingdom of God; whether it be a Pastor, Sunday School teacher, witness to your neighbor or co-worker, etc.
Here is a way to measure your ministry against your relationship with God:
-If your ministry position takes first place, putting your personal time with God second, then your position has become a job not a ministry.
-If you are giving into your ministry more energy than you are in your personal time with God, then your position has become a hindrance not a ministry.
-If you find yourself dreading your responsibilities in the ministry then you have forsaken your first love.
If we neglect our personal relationship with God, even if it is because we are ministering, we will be a target for sin. We will become the very thing we stand against.
Do you remember the season in your life when you were most in love with God? The emotions you felt, the desire to be alone with Him, the excitement you had in praising Him; He longs for that again. He desires the long talks; the times you would pour over His Word just to get to know Him. He longs to hear the adoration you once sang out to Him.
He appreciates your hard work in the ministry; the sacrifices you have made. But what He desires more is a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of our lips confessing His name. He still wants us to do good and share with others but with balance. For with such sacrifices God is pleased. (Hebrews 13:15-16)
Let us rejoin our First Love and remind Him how much we love Him. God Bless~
Tuesday
Fresh Wisdom is Blasting the Nation and Beyond
Greetings in the Lord! Today I want to give a more personal devotional. I thought I would update you on what God is doing through this site. It is always encouraging to know that God is working through us.
Since Fresh Wisdom began in September it has reached 25 countries and has generated hits from over 300 people. Praise God! Although technology can be troublesome at times to our spirit-man it can also break down distance barriers so we can spread the Gospel to people across the world.
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with your always, to the very end of the age.
The Internet puts a new enlightenment to that scripture. With it we can reach the nations. We can teach without having met them. Although my first choice would be to minister face to face, I do bask in the fact that I am not limited to my surroundings. I have learned to have a healthy balance of both.
I love outreach ministry. I like being right on the battlefield; meeting people on their turf. Jesus didn't spend the majority of His time in the synagogues. He walked the streets. He drew crowds and taught wherever He could. He was ridiculed for eating with sinners instead of dining with other believers. His response was "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."(Matthew 9:12-13)
Every Christian has the responsibility of outreach ministry. What is outreach ministry? It is "reaching out to minister" to those we come in contact with. It is not a ministry that only select few are called to do. It is the responsibility of every believer in Christ. Technology today gives us more avenues to reach out to those who are lost. Therefore the only excuse we can give for not obeying God's Word is that we just don't want to.
The Internet is full of information; so much that it is a trap to many. The pornography, violence, access to drugs, cyber-bullying, etc.; it can be accessed at the click of a mouse. The Internet is a ripe field waiting to be harvested as is our neighborhood.
I am excited about what God is doing, in my neighborhood and through this ministry. My prayer is that many lives will be changed and that God will continue to open doors of ministry.
I do apologize for the recent busy changes on the site. We had some technical difficulties with the template and then was trying to settle some advertising into the page. I encourage you to check out the site and see what links there are now. They will change periodically.
May God bless you and direct you as you take on the challenge of outreach.
Since Fresh Wisdom began in September it has reached 25 countries and has generated hits from over 300 people. Praise God! Although technology can be troublesome at times to our spirit-man it can also break down distance barriers so we can spread the Gospel to people across the world.
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with your always, to the very end of the age.
The Internet puts a new enlightenment to that scripture. With it we can reach the nations. We can teach without having met them. Although my first choice would be to minister face to face, I do bask in the fact that I am not limited to my surroundings. I have learned to have a healthy balance of both.
I love outreach ministry. I like being right on the battlefield; meeting people on their turf. Jesus didn't spend the majority of His time in the synagogues. He walked the streets. He drew crowds and taught wherever He could. He was ridiculed for eating with sinners instead of dining with other believers. His response was "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."(Matthew 9:12-13)
Every Christian has the responsibility of outreach ministry. What is outreach ministry? It is "reaching out to minister" to those we come in contact with. It is not a ministry that only select few are called to do. It is the responsibility of every believer in Christ. Technology today gives us more avenues to reach out to those who are lost. Therefore the only excuse we can give for not obeying God's Word is that we just don't want to.
The Internet is full of information; so much that it is a trap to many. The pornography, violence, access to drugs, cyber-bullying, etc.; it can be accessed at the click of a mouse. The Internet is a ripe field waiting to be harvested as is our neighborhood.
I am excited about what God is doing, in my neighborhood and through this ministry. My prayer is that many lives will be changed and that God will continue to open doors of ministry.
I do apologize for the recent busy changes on the site. We had some technical difficulties with the template and then was trying to settle some advertising into the page. I encourage you to check out the site and see what links there are now. They will change periodically.
May God bless you and direct you as you take on the challenge of outreach.
Monday
God is Moving!
JOEL 2:28-30
...I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
I will show wonders in the heavens
and on the earth...
I am excited about what God is doing. He is moving powerfully across this nation; setting the captives free, healing the sick, saving the lost, delivering the oppressed, meeting the needs of His children. Hallelujah!
You may be thinking "Is she living on the same earth I am? Because what I see is an economy failing, people dying and many more falling away from God." That is just what Satan only wants you to see. If he can divert your attention away from God and onto the ills of the world then you will not see the pit he has constructed for you and you could fall right in. Without God there is no hope in the pit; only death.
Despite what you see: God is moving, He is winning, and He is fulfilling His Word. To only believe what our own eyes see is believing a false picture that Satan has schemed up in order for us to not truly see that he is failing. Just think, who of us does not mind letting others see when we fail? We hate it. Our natural instinct is to hide our mistakes; to mask the truth. We put up a false scenario to the outside world to make them think they see a victorious life, when in reality we are miserable and losing the battle.
Satan is the father of lies, the master of hiding the truth. He will continue it until the day Jesus returns and sends him down to the pit. We need to know that and be ready.
Instead of looking through Satan's eyes we need to see things how God sees them. Look around you. God is moving. Spend time with a sinner, with someone who is hurting and wanting set free. Allow God to use you to lead that person to freedom. Spend time ministering to those in need, to those who are hurting. Allow God to use you. Then watch His power at work.
Don't get discouraged and think it's too overwhelming; that there is no reason to keep trying. God is pouring out His Spirit on all who desire it. He has the victory. We win!
...I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
I will show wonders in the heavens
and on the earth...
I am excited about what God is doing. He is moving powerfully across this nation; setting the captives free, healing the sick, saving the lost, delivering the oppressed, meeting the needs of His children. Hallelujah!
You may be thinking "Is she living on the same earth I am? Because what I see is an economy failing, people dying and many more falling away from God." That is just what Satan only wants you to see. If he can divert your attention away from God and onto the ills of the world then you will not see the pit he has constructed for you and you could fall right in. Without God there is no hope in the pit; only death.
Despite what you see: God is moving, He is winning, and He is fulfilling His Word. To only believe what our own eyes see is believing a false picture that Satan has schemed up in order for us to not truly see that he is failing. Just think, who of us does not mind letting others see when we fail? We hate it. Our natural instinct is to hide our mistakes; to mask the truth. We put up a false scenario to the outside world to make them think they see a victorious life, when in reality we are miserable and losing the battle.
Satan is the father of lies, the master of hiding the truth. He will continue it until the day Jesus returns and sends him down to the pit. We need to know that and be ready.
Instead of looking through Satan's eyes we need to see things how God sees them. Look around you. God is moving. Spend time with a sinner, with someone who is hurting and wanting set free. Allow God to use you to lead that person to freedom. Spend time ministering to those in need, to those who are hurting. Allow God to use you. Then watch His power at work.
Don't get discouraged and think it's too overwhelming; that there is no reason to keep trying. God is pouring out His Spirit on all who desire it. He has the victory. We win!
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Listen to this beautiful song- We Worship You In The Spirit -- Shekinah Glory Ministries
