HAPPY THURSDAY!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying this hot and humid Friday eve. I'm doing well, a little sleepy, but that's okay because today is my Friday (TGIF!!!). I can't wait to get in the bed tonight. Get a good night's rest and get ready for the weekend. I'm looking forward to some fun mixed with some relaxation. There are a few family barbecues on Saturday, one for my little cousin Tony Jr. and one for my Aunt Cathy, who are both celebrating birthdays. Today is my late Uncle Craig's birthday, he's been gone since 1991, but his birthday is a time to celebrate his life. I'd like to wish everyone who's celebrating a birthday this week, a Happy and blessed birthday. Enjoy the rest of your day!
Today's scriptures are about seeking God's Wisdom. Wisdom is the most valuable thing you could every have. It's worth more than anything material in this world, because it can't be taken away from you. I've always said that you have to live with you. At the end of the day, when you lay down and close your eyes, you're left with yourself, and you must be at peace with yourself. We spend a lot of time in our lives trying to please other people, and overlook the fact that we must seek the wisdom of God to get through a life pleasing to Him. In the end it only matters if we’ve pleased Him. I looked up the word Wisdom to get the formal meaning, and of course there were several. My two favorites are: 1) the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight. 2) The sum of learning through the ages; knowledge. Wisdom is something that comes with experience. God allows us to face certain things in our lifetime to give us wisdom, and when we face our many stumbling blocks, we must first find the wisdom that comes along with it. He will give us wisdom freely, because He needs us to have the insight to share with other people. He always makes it a point to give us the wisdom that we'll need to complete the tasks He’s given us. Our relationship with God is just that, a RELATIONSHIP. He's walking with us in this life, to make sure that we have everything we need to survive. In any earthly relationship, we must get to know the other person, to better understand how we can live a harmonious life with them. When we enter a relationship, we enter as two separate people, with different personalities and ideals on life. However, we are usually with someone who has the same or similar goals that we have. Overall we coincide very well, we love each other, and show that love through our words and actions. We make sure that we learn our partner’s likes and dislikes, helping us understand how to love them better. At times we'll experience ups and downs, and won't always agree with what the other person is doing. Most of the time they're only trying to do things that will add to our life, and not tear us down. It may seem like this thing means us no good, but if we don't question that person, or ask for insight, we will never know. This is the same when it comes to our relationship with God. There are so many things that happen in our lives, which we scratch our heads about. When we go to God and ask Him for answers He will give them to us. God gives us a lot of responsibility for our Spiritual growth. Things just aren't handed to us, because He wants us to stay humble. It’s written several times that we must be crucified with Christ, in order to grow stronger everyday. Wisdom is necessary to complete our works, and is readily available when we seek Him. God’s always been slow to anger and quick to forgive, so He gives us as many chances as it takes to get things right. He's very adamant when He's trying to teach us something, because He'll keep allowing us to go through the same trials, over and over, until we get it right. Especially when we're impatient and attempt to move before Him. He asks us to be patient and wait on Him. Patience is a very necessary skill have, yet extremely hard to master, and it requires a lot of wisdom. When we pray for wisdom, the Holy Spirit will reveal it in a few different ways. Through The Holy bible, which is in fact God's living word, and it has answers to anything we could ever face. I sleep with my bible right next to me, because it's the only tangible piece of God that I will ever have on earth. I've finally become wise enough to know that when I'm going through tribulation, to seek God's insight in the situation. I first start by praying and asking Him for answers. Most of the time I'm on my knees crying out to the Lord. After I cast my cares upon Him, I ask Him to show me why I'm going through these things. When I pick up the Bible, my Spirit always leads me to a story, or verse of scripture that teaches me how to deal with that very thing, in a Godly way. He also sends certain people in our lives, often friends and family members, who we could learn from. Mostly it's someone who is, or has, gone through something similar, that could give us some insight. Sometimes it's people that have no clue what we're going through, but they have the key to what we need. God gives us the Church building, and the officers there, who are put here to offer the wisdom that they've acquired over the years. Most importantly, He allows us to learn from our own mistakes. Wisdom is something that should get stronger with time, if we go out and seek it. If you're wondering why your life is at a standstill, and it seems like nothing ever goes right, then ask God for some answers. If you have a strong yearning to pursue a goal, but just don't know how to start, ask God for wisdom and guidance, and He'll help you along the way. God is the creator of Heaven and Earth, He IS the answer. If you don't know Jesus as your Savior, then it will be very wise for you to get to know Him for yourself. He's a quick prayer away, and I'm always willing to pray with you and for you. Don’t take my word for it; Christ is whom we’re trying to be like. My favorite verses today are: We are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. (Romans 6:4-5)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455043&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162719
I love you!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY WEDNESDAY!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another beautiful hump day. I'm doing well, excited about the months to come. Can you believe that it's August already, it seems like we just celebrated the New Year? It's that time to start school shopping, and getting in gear for the holidays. It seems like when the summer comes it's one big party. Moving into fall, things start to slow down a bit, and then in the winter we tend to hibernate. I haven't experienced nearly enough outdoors this summer, so I'm going to enjoy every moment I could in August. Everyday has been a blessing, but I especially love spring and summer when everything comes alive. I'm grateful for every day that God gives me on this earth, and the weather and my circumstances don't matter much at the end of the day. I wish each of you a blessed day!
Today's scriptures are about looking forward to our return to heaven. The highlight of our Christian life is finally getting to rest in Heaven. Jesus promised that He would return and restore His believers to perfection, and take us to Heaven for all Eternity. When He returns, everyone will be judged, and He'll either say "Well done good and Faithful servant", or "depart from me, I don't know you". Which do you think He'll say to you? Are you truly waiting on Jesus' return? What does it mean to patiently wait on Him? We're here to complete certain tasks given to us by God. Jesus allows us to complete those tasks, by taking on our sin. When He was resurrected from the dead, right before He went to sit on the throne at the right hand of God, Jesus told His disciples in Mark 16:15-16: ...“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." As we look for Jesus' return, we're to be busy making disciples of all men. We're to live our lives as if He’s coming back at any moment, because it is written in Matthew 24:16: Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. It seems like everyone is looking for instant gratification these days. Nobody knows how to be content with the love of God, especially in America. Everything is run on credit, so you can get things before you're even able to afford them. The entire country is in massive debt, because we don't have any moral values anymore. We have all types of medication to enhance things, and make them faster, bigger, and able endure. Things are out of control, all because no one has any patience, and that comes from the flesh. That's why we must be careful, and keep our focus on looking for the Lord. Our true rewards are in Heaven. Don't forget to enjoy the simple things in life while you have them. Some people work so hard their entire lives they miss their children growing up, and they're family time, to build a fortune that they never get to enjoy. Some of us spend so much time in worry and regret, where God has put our blessing in our laps, and we missed them, because we're too busy having pity parties. We're too busying wanting the fast money, cars, parties, and promiscuity that we waste a lot of our time paying for our mistakes. That one night of fun, could lead to a lifetime of misery. We've been warned to be ready and watch for Jesus' return. There are a lot of people that renounce religion and Christ because they think it's too controlling and structured, when in all actuality it’s the easiest and most rewarding thing we'll ever do. What does it take to be a Christian, and what does it mean? God loves each of us, and that's why we're still here. He offers Agape love to each of us, which means it’s unconditional and will never change. He gave His son so we won't have to suffer hell on earth as well as for all eternity. Our only job is to humble ourselves before Him, ask for forgiveness of our sins, and ask for Salvation. He promises to give each of us anything that we ask, that's in His will. You know one of my favorite verses in Mathew 7:8: For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. He won't turn anyone away, no matter how much you've sinned. Jesus said that He came to save the lost, what's the point of trying to save someone who's already Righteous? Each of us in a way is lost, and with Him, we're reconnected to our Heavenly Father. Being a Christian simply means we're trying to be more like Christ. When we receive our Salvation, we're telling God that we love Him, and we'll try our best to live a righteous life. He doesn't expect us to become ministers over night, because there is work He has to do, to soften our hardened hearts. All He wants us to do is try. Jesus understands the flesh, because He walked in our shoes. When He returns to receive us, He doesn't expect us to be perfect, He only expects us to have been waiting on Him. Everyday we live, we should acknowledge Him, and try to do better in our lives. Try to Love each other as we love ourselves, and love God with all of our hearts. Try to follow the path God has laid out for us, and if we're doing that, then He will say to us, "well done good and Faithful servant". Now if you're living a lie, and trying to be something you're not, then Jesus knows your heart. You can't say you’re a Christian because you attended church your entire life, and all of you're family members are Christian. Your faith walk is a personal relationship between you and Jesus, and He will know if you're a believer or not. It's written in Matthew 7:20-23: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’" Looking forward to Jesus' return will give you a Peace that surpasses understanding, because no matter what happens on this earth, you know that this life is only temporary. Soon and very soon we're going to see the King, and nothing could separate us from our Father. Even if we pass before Jesus' return, we know when we are absent from the body we'll be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). The first step to prepare for Jesus’ return is to accept Him as your Lord and Savior. Say that quick prayer today, and start to work on your life full of Righteousness. Being a Christian simply means you love God, and will try your best to be like Christ, with the understanding that no one is perfect, and He'll take you just as you are. My favorite verse today is: It shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. (Isaiah 25:9)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455042&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162657
I love you!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another beautiful hump day. I'm doing well, excited about the months to come. Can you believe that it's August already, it seems like we just celebrated the New Year? It's that time to start school shopping, and getting in gear for the holidays. It seems like when the summer comes it's one big party. Moving into fall, things start to slow down a bit, and then in the winter we tend to hibernate. I haven't experienced nearly enough outdoors this summer, so I'm going to enjoy every moment I could in August. Everyday has been a blessing, but I especially love spring and summer when everything comes alive. I'm grateful for every day that God gives me on this earth, and the weather and my circumstances don't matter much at the end of the day. I wish each of you a blessed day!
Today's scriptures are about looking forward to our return to heaven. The highlight of our Christian life is finally getting to rest in Heaven. Jesus promised that He would return and restore His believers to perfection, and take us to Heaven for all Eternity. When He returns, everyone will be judged, and He'll either say "Well done good and Faithful servant", or "depart from me, I don't know you". Which do you think He'll say to you? Are you truly waiting on Jesus' return? What does it mean to patiently wait on Him? We're here to complete certain tasks given to us by God. Jesus allows us to complete those tasks, by taking on our sin. When He was resurrected from the dead, right before He went to sit on the throne at the right hand of God, Jesus told His disciples in Mark 16:15-16: ...“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." As we look for Jesus' return, we're to be busy making disciples of all men. We're to live our lives as if He’s coming back at any moment, because it is written in Matthew 24:16: Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. It seems like everyone is looking for instant gratification these days. Nobody knows how to be content with the love of God, especially in America. Everything is run on credit, so you can get things before you're even able to afford them. The entire country is in massive debt, because we don't have any moral values anymore. We have all types of medication to enhance things, and make them faster, bigger, and able endure. Things are out of control, all because no one has any patience, and that comes from the flesh. That's why we must be careful, and keep our focus on looking for the Lord. Our true rewards are in Heaven. Don't forget to enjoy the simple things in life while you have them. Some people work so hard their entire lives they miss their children growing up, and they're family time, to build a fortune that they never get to enjoy. Some of us spend so much time in worry and regret, where God has put our blessing in our laps, and we missed them, because we're too busy having pity parties. We're too busying wanting the fast money, cars, parties, and promiscuity that we waste a lot of our time paying for our mistakes. That one night of fun, could lead to a lifetime of misery. We've been warned to be ready and watch for Jesus' return. There are a lot of people that renounce religion and Christ because they think it's too controlling and structured, when in all actuality it’s the easiest and most rewarding thing we'll ever do. What does it take to be a Christian, and what does it mean? God loves each of us, and that's why we're still here. He offers Agape love to each of us, which means it’s unconditional and will never change. He gave His son so we won't have to suffer hell on earth as well as for all eternity. Our only job is to humble ourselves before Him, ask for forgiveness of our sins, and ask for Salvation. He promises to give each of us anything that we ask, that's in His will. You know one of my favorite verses in Mathew 7:8: For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. He won't turn anyone away, no matter how much you've sinned. Jesus said that He came to save the lost, what's the point of trying to save someone who's already Righteous? Each of us in a way is lost, and with Him, we're reconnected to our Heavenly Father. Being a Christian simply means we're trying to be more like Christ. When we receive our Salvation, we're telling God that we love Him, and we'll try our best to live a righteous life. He doesn't expect us to become ministers over night, because there is work He has to do, to soften our hardened hearts. All He wants us to do is try. Jesus understands the flesh, because He walked in our shoes. When He returns to receive us, He doesn't expect us to be perfect, He only expects us to have been waiting on Him. Everyday we live, we should acknowledge Him, and try to do better in our lives. Try to Love each other as we love ourselves, and love God with all of our hearts. Try to follow the path God has laid out for us, and if we're doing that, then He will say to us, "well done good and Faithful servant". Now if you're living a lie, and trying to be something you're not, then Jesus knows your heart. You can't say you’re a Christian because you attended church your entire life, and all of you're family members are Christian. Your faith walk is a personal relationship between you and Jesus, and He will know if you're a believer or not. It's written in Matthew 7:20-23: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’" Looking forward to Jesus' return will give you a Peace that surpasses understanding, because no matter what happens on this earth, you know that this life is only temporary. Soon and very soon we're going to see the King, and nothing could separate us from our Father. Even if we pass before Jesus' return, we know when we are absent from the body we'll be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). The first step to prepare for Jesus’ return is to accept Him as your Lord and Savior. Say that quick prayer today, and start to work on your life full of Righteousness. Being a Christian simply means you love God, and will try your best to be like Christ, with the understanding that no one is perfect, and He'll take you just as you are. My favorite verse today is: It shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. (Isaiah 25:9)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455042&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162657
I love you!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY TUESDAY!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying your day. I'm doing well, already looking forward to the weekend. The summer is slowly coming to a close, and I feel like I've allowed it to pass me by. I haven't had one barbecue, and that's not like me. Overall, I've been enjoying the mild weather, especially the cool summer nights. It's starting to warm up a bit, which makes me want to jump into the pool. I can't wait to go on my vacation; I'm also going to save some vacation time, so I could have time off around the holidays, so I'm looking forward to that. Maybe go to an Island during the cold months, I've never done that. Hopefully business picks up around the holidays, please continue to pray for that. We're also still waiting to hear news about my dad's hearing, please continue to pray for him, and pray that he's home soon. Thanks for your continued prayers, have a wonderful day!
Today's scriptures are about walking in Love. Love is our number one commandment, now that Jesus has taken on the burden of sin. God wants us to first Love Him with all of our hearts and souls, and Love our neighbors. What does that mean? Love is an action; it's not just a feeling or something you say to make people feel better. We’re required to show God’s love to people. In the King James Version (KJV) of the bible, the word love is substituted with the word Charity. Charity has a few meanings in the dictionary, mostly geared toward giving to the poor. In my opinion, the best description for what we're talking about today is: Benevolence or generosity toward others or toward humanity. However, there's a separate “Christian” meaning written in the dictionary: love directed first toward God but also toward oneself and one's neighbors as objects of God's love. Even if we do look at it in the worldly definition, giving to the poor isn't that far off. Poor just means that you’re lacking something, and love is the giving of oneself to others, in efforts to show them a part of God. After all, God is love. Do you really know what that means? 1 John 4 talks all about love, the subtitles in the NKJV are: Knowing God Through Love, Seeing God Through Love, The Consummation of Love, and Obedience by Faith. Knowing God through love, verses 7-11, says: Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. As I've gotten older, I've realized that majority of my life I didn't really love anyone, not even myself. I was very lost, and it wasn't until I found God, and I mean truly found God, have I started to understand and know Love. I believe that you cannot truly love anyone else until you've experienced the Love of God. In my opinion, love isn't selfish, and love allows you to see past someone's faults and mistakes. Love allows you to forgive people for their shortcomings, and try to see the good in everything. Love gives you patience and helps you probe into the whys behind people's attitudes and evil ways. Love allows you to give of yourself unconditionally, and leaving the consequences to God. I can honestly say that I'm experiencing the love of God, and now better have the ability to share His love. When I feel the sunshine on my face when I wake up in the morning, it feels like God has kissed me on the forehead and said, "I love you my daughter". In my neighborhood there are Blue Jays, Red Robins, and Orioles, that sit in a tree right outside of my house, when I see them, I automatically thank God for such beauty, and I tell Him I love Him. Love is something internal that works its way from the inside out, and I can honestly say I’m filled with it. Think about life, and how many trials we face, and how it could fester inside of us and create bitterness, resentment, hatred, and un-forgiveness. Those things cause our hearts to harden, and could eventually shut down that love that God has instilled in us. When we're saved, Jesus (who is in the likeness of God) lives in our hearts, and He starts creating in us a right Spirit when we ask. Just at the Psalmist says in Psalms 51:10: Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. We must stay in tuned with our Spirit. Whenever we get this spirit of unrest, or start feeling like everything irritates us, and are just sad and down about life, then we need to say that prayer. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:1: I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. Everyday is a new day given by God. Yesterday is gone, and it's important for us not to dwell on it. How often do you wake up and ask yourself, "How could I show God's Love today?" I don't, but as of today I will. Life is one big lesson, and all God asks of us is to Love Him, and Love each other. It seems simple enough, so why don't we do it? We're still in the flesh, and we battle temptation and evil all day, so sometimes it's hard to focus on the love. We often hurt the ones we're closest to, in opposed to loving them. Or, we love only the ones we're closest to us and no one else. When He asks us to love Him, He wants us to show it by praise, worship, fellowship, and giving our love to others. Today I challenge you to practice to Love. Examine yourself to find out if when you say, you love. If you don't know Jesus as your Savior then you haven't truly experienced love. If you don't believe me, I urge you to try Him out. The world is such a beautiful place; if you can't see past the evil and corruption then that is what lives in your heart. It's time to ask Jesus to first come into your heart as Lord and Savior (if you never have), and then accept God's Love. He automatically gives it to all of us, but it's up to us to accept and share it. Try Him out, and experience true love. My favorite verse today is: My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:18)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455041&dtype=Scripture\
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162673
I love you!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying your day. I'm doing well, already looking forward to the weekend. The summer is slowly coming to a close, and I feel like I've allowed it to pass me by. I haven't had one barbecue, and that's not like me. Overall, I've been enjoying the mild weather, especially the cool summer nights. It's starting to warm up a bit, which makes me want to jump into the pool. I can't wait to go on my vacation; I'm also going to save some vacation time, so I could have time off around the holidays, so I'm looking forward to that. Maybe go to an Island during the cold months, I've never done that. Hopefully business picks up around the holidays, please continue to pray for that. We're also still waiting to hear news about my dad's hearing, please continue to pray for him, and pray that he's home soon. Thanks for your continued prayers, have a wonderful day!
Today's scriptures are about walking in Love. Love is our number one commandment, now that Jesus has taken on the burden of sin. God wants us to first Love Him with all of our hearts and souls, and Love our neighbors. What does that mean? Love is an action; it's not just a feeling or something you say to make people feel better. We’re required to show God’s love to people. In the King James Version (KJV) of the bible, the word love is substituted with the word Charity. Charity has a few meanings in the dictionary, mostly geared toward giving to the poor. In my opinion, the best description for what we're talking about today is: Benevolence or generosity toward others or toward humanity. However, there's a separate “Christian” meaning written in the dictionary: love directed first toward God but also toward oneself and one's neighbors as objects of God's love. Even if we do look at it in the worldly definition, giving to the poor isn't that far off. Poor just means that you’re lacking something, and love is the giving of oneself to others, in efforts to show them a part of God. After all, God is love. Do you really know what that means? 1 John 4 talks all about love, the subtitles in the NKJV are: Knowing God Through Love, Seeing God Through Love, The Consummation of Love, and Obedience by Faith. Knowing God through love, verses 7-11, says: Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. As I've gotten older, I've realized that majority of my life I didn't really love anyone, not even myself. I was very lost, and it wasn't until I found God, and I mean truly found God, have I started to understand and know Love. I believe that you cannot truly love anyone else until you've experienced the Love of God. In my opinion, love isn't selfish, and love allows you to see past someone's faults and mistakes. Love allows you to forgive people for their shortcomings, and try to see the good in everything. Love gives you patience and helps you probe into the whys behind people's attitudes and evil ways. Love allows you to give of yourself unconditionally, and leaving the consequences to God. I can honestly say that I'm experiencing the love of God, and now better have the ability to share His love. When I feel the sunshine on my face when I wake up in the morning, it feels like God has kissed me on the forehead and said, "I love you my daughter". In my neighborhood there are Blue Jays, Red Robins, and Orioles, that sit in a tree right outside of my house, when I see them, I automatically thank God for such beauty, and I tell Him I love Him. Love is something internal that works its way from the inside out, and I can honestly say I’m filled with it. Think about life, and how many trials we face, and how it could fester inside of us and create bitterness, resentment, hatred, and un-forgiveness. Those things cause our hearts to harden, and could eventually shut down that love that God has instilled in us. When we're saved, Jesus (who is in the likeness of God) lives in our hearts, and He starts creating in us a right Spirit when we ask. Just at the Psalmist says in Psalms 51:10: Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. We must stay in tuned with our Spirit. Whenever we get this spirit of unrest, or start feeling like everything irritates us, and are just sad and down about life, then we need to say that prayer. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:1: I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. Everyday is a new day given by God. Yesterday is gone, and it's important for us not to dwell on it. How often do you wake up and ask yourself, "How could I show God's Love today?" I don't, but as of today I will. Life is one big lesson, and all God asks of us is to Love Him, and Love each other. It seems simple enough, so why don't we do it? We're still in the flesh, and we battle temptation and evil all day, so sometimes it's hard to focus on the love. We often hurt the ones we're closest to, in opposed to loving them. Or, we love only the ones we're closest to us and no one else. When He asks us to love Him, He wants us to show it by praise, worship, fellowship, and giving our love to others. Today I challenge you to practice to Love. Examine yourself to find out if when you say, you love. If you don't know Jesus as your Savior then you haven't truly experienced love. If you don't believe me, I urge you to try Him out. The world is such a beautiful place; if you can't see past the evil and corruption then that is what lives in your heart. It's time to ask Jesus to first come into your heart as Lord and Savior (if you never have), and then accept God's Love. He automatically gives it to all of us, but it's up to us to accept and share it. Try Him out, and experience true love. My favorite verse today is: My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:18)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455041&dtype=Scripture\
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162673
I love you!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY MONDAY!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying the beginning of another workweek (for most). I'm doing well, after nice weekend full of rest and relaxation, and good times with friends. The dinner was really nice, I had a ball, and the food was excellent, I'm looking forward to the next one. I'm going to have a dinner for family and friends over the Labor Day weekend, and the menu will be full of our favorites as well as something new and different. I haven't cooked anything, not even Sunday dinner, in a while, and it's time to get back in the kitchen and try out some of these new recipes I've been posting. This is going to be a good week I can feel it. Please continue to keep me in your prayers, and I will you also. Have a wonderful day!
Today's scriptures are about how Jesus came in the image of God. I always hear that Jesus was the only perfect person that ever walked this earth. According to the bible, He never sinned, and He lived with a purpose. He lived to save mankind from eternal death, by taking on our sin debt in full. What type of person could do such a thing? Neither I, nor anyone I know could do anything like that. Yet, Jesus was a different type of man. He was made in the likeness of the Almighty Father in Heaven, to give us something tangible to believe in. As well as, so God could know the plight of a human being. Jesus is the Son of God, and so are we. If you recall, God made Adam in His likeness as well, and all of us came from the seed of Adam. Jesus was different because He was God in human form. We as humans have a hard time trusting each other. When Adam and Eve ate from the "tree of knowledge of good and evil", it opened their eyes to see some really evil things, because all they had known before then was good. Just think about Adam and Eve's sons Cain and Abel. These are the first two people that were born of Adam & Eve, and Cain killed his brother Abel, because he was jealous of him. Ever since then things have been going down hill. God even had to destroy everyone on the earth, and start all over again. Hence the reason He had to come in the form of man, to better understand us, as well as give us something we could see, touch, feel, etc. Jesus played a major role in teaching us about the true Father God. He knew that He had to come to prove to us that He is real, as well as save us from sin. He promised He wouldn't destroy mankind again, so what He had to do was give us a way out. Remember that God is omniscient, He already had Jesus formed from the begining of time. He knew when He would come, and who would be with Him. All of us were chosen from the beginning of time to play our roles on earth, and when we were saved, we were filled with the Holy Spirit. Now, we're children of God. Jesus walked this earth as a man, a rather extraordinary man, but a man in the flesh. Then He died, and was resurrected and transformed into this perfect being. The same thing will happen to those of us that are chosen. However, Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and we belong to Him. Jesus said, after He arrived at the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and the Jews asked Him to tell them for good if he was the Christ. He answered in John 10:25-30: “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” Jesus was put here to relay a message, and show us that God is the great I AM (Exodus 3:14), and He passed on that job to us. Through our salvation, we have the awesome privilege to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Yes, none of us has seen Him, but we have a pretty strong account that He lived. How many of you really saw Julius Caesar, Shakespeare, Harriet Tubman, or any other famous historian? You can only go by what you were told, and what you read in the history book. The Bible is one big history book, and as we know, our history works together to form our future. It's written that no man has ever seen God, but if you've seen Jesus you've seen God, because they're one in the same. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to physically meet Him, however we will when we pass from our current life, and move on to our Eternal life in Heaven, things will be revealed to us, greater than we could ever imagine. We too will be made perfect, and live in glory for all eternity. If you haven't accepted Jesus as your Savior, then you have one important prayer to say, before you receive your gift of eternity, please don't put it off any longer. God is real, and we learn that throughout the life of Jesus Christ, and so many other Saints who's walked this earth. If Jesus was made in the likeness of God, and He lives inside of us, what does that make us? Never forget that you are more special than you could ever imagine. My favorite verse today is: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455040&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162637
I love you!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying the beginning of another workweek (for most). I'm doing well, after nice weekend full of rest and relaxation, and good times with friends. The dinner was really nice, I had a ball, and the food was excellent, I'm looking forward to the next one. I'm going to have a dinner for family and friends over the Labor Day weekend, and the menu will be full of our favorites as well as something new and different. I haven't cooked anything, not even Sunday dinner, in a while, and it's time to get back in the kitchen and try out some of these new recipes I've been posting. This is going to be a good week I can feel it. Please continue to keep me in your prayers, and I will you also. Have a wonderful day!
Today's scriptures are about how Jesus came in the image of God. I always hear that Jesus was the only perfect person that ever walked this earth. According to the bible, He never sinned, and He lived with a purpose. He lived to save mankind from eternal death, by taking on our sin debt in full. What type of person could do such a thing? Neither I, nor anyone I know could do anything like that. Yet, Jesus was a different type of man. He was made in the likeness of the Almighty Father in Heaven, to give us something tangible to believe in. As well as, so God could know the plight of a human being. Jesus is the Son of God, and so are we. If you recall, God made Adam in His likeness as well, and all of us came from the seed of Adam. Jesus was different because He was God in human form. We as humans have a hard time trusting each other. When Adam and Eve ate from the "tree of knowledge of good and evil", it opened their eyes to see some really evil things, because all they had known before then was good. Just think about Adam and Eve's sons Cain and Abel. These are the first two people that were born of Adam & Eve, and Cain killed his brother Abel, because he was jealous of him. Ever since then things have been going down hill. God even had to destroy everyone on the earth, and start all over again. Hence the reason He had to come in the form of man, to better understand us, as well as give us something we could see, touch, feel, etc. Jesus played a major role in teaching us about the true Father God. He knew that He had to come to prove to us that He is real, as well as save us from sin. He promised He wouldn't destroy mankind again, so what He had to do was give us a way out. Remember that God is omniscient, He already had Jesus formed from the begining of time. He knew when He would come, and who would be with Him. All of us were chosen from the beginning of time to play our roles on earth, and when we were saved, we were filled with the Holy Spirit. Now, we're children of God. Jesus walked this earth as a man, a rather extraordinary man, but a man in the flesh. Then He died, and was resurrected and transformed into this perfect being. The same thing will happen to those of us that are chosen. However, Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and we belong to Him. Jesus said, after He arrived at the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and the Jews asked Him to tell them for good if he was the Christ. He answered in John 10:25-30: “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” Jesus was put here to relay a message, and show us that God is the great I AM (Exodus 3:14), and He passed on that job to us. Through our salvation, we have the awesome privilege to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Yes, none of us has seen Him, but we have a pretty strong account that He lived. How many of you really saw Julius Caesar, Shakespeare, Harriet Tubman, or any other famous historian? You can only go by what you were told, and what you read in the history book. The Bible is one big history book, and as we know, our history works together to form our future. It's written that no man has ever seen God, but if you've seen Jesus you've seen God, because they're one in the same. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to physically meet Him, however we will when we pass from our current life, and move on to our Eternal life in Heaven, things will be revealed to us, greater than we could ever imagine. We too will be made perfect, and live in glory for all eternity. If you haven't accepted Jesus as your Savior, then you have one important prayer to say, before you receive your gift of eternity, please don't put it off any longer. God is real, and we learn that throughout the life of Jesus Christ, and so many other Saints who's walked this earth. If Jesus was made in the likeness of God, and He lives inside of us, what does that make us? Never forget that you are more special than you could ever imagine. My favorite verse today is: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455040&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162637
I love you!
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY FRIDAY!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying the end of another workweek (for most). I'm doing well, looking forward to the weekend. It's been a long week. I've been invited to a few dinner parties this weekend; I think the only thing a Chef likes more than cooking, is eating! I love to sample new food prepared by others. Maybe I should be a food critic too (I wear so many hats), I could write about food all day long. As my best friend knows, I'm not easily impressed with food from well known or upscale restaurants, unless it's done right. However I'm not has critical of my friends and family that cooks for me, I just appreciate the effort more than anything else. I'm upset that I have to miss one of the dinner parties, but I'm open for any of you who would like to invite me over for dinner, if I have the time, I’ll be there. I pray you have a wonderful weekend, and whatever you do, do it for the Lord!
Today's scriptures are about patience through our suffering. A lot of us have certain misconceptions about being Christian. We somehow, subconsciously, believe that we could go through life, doing anything we want, and not face any type of repercussions. I'm going to be honest with you (as usual), I don't like hard times, and I don’t think anyone does. Through all of my trials, I spend a lot of time on my knees, begging God to deliver me out of them. Now that I've gotten a little older and wiser, I've learned to accept the consequences of my actions, and ask God for the strength to get me through them. Paul wrote about something similar in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, where God had taken him through a very rough trial, and he begged Him to remove it from His life, he referred to it as “a thorn in his flesh”. God said “My strength is made perfect in weakness” (vs. 8). Before, I never thought back to what may have caused these unfortunate times I’d gone through in my life. I never really owned up to it. Now, I've learned to do the equations, and I know that my grief comes directly from something I've done, or may do. The amount of time I have to go through this refinement solely depends on God. A thing that bothers me is when I’m going through a rough period, and people that aren't going through it always say, "Everything happens for a reason". At the time, I'm thinking, what in the world could be the reason for me going through such a horrible thing? I’m sure Paul thought the same about His thorn. Certainly every trial feels like it's the end of the world, as if we're never going to make it through, but God always brings us through stronger and wiser, and most importantly happier than ever before. Now that I've been honest about myself, please take a few moments and think about the role you've played in your trials, and then think about the outcome. Did it work together for your good? If your answer is no, then maybe you're still going through it. Perhaps the wisdom hasn't been revealed to you yet, but it will. God always knows what's best for us, and He will do anything to protect us from harm. It's written in Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. God never lies, and everything He said is His word is a promise, and He promised that all things will work together for our good. All He asks of us is patience, trust, and obedience. I don't know how many times I've asked for something in prayer, and His answer was simply to "wait". Or, when He told me to do something that I didn’t want to do, and I went against Him, because of fear, selfishness, or greed. What happens when we do that? This reminds me of the story where Jacob wrestled with God. God had promised Jacob many blessings, yet Jacob was afraid of the ongoing struggle that he had to endure, so when he contemplated not following God’s will. God appeared to Him in the form of a man and wrestled with him all night, but Jacob wouldn’t let go, saying “I will not let you go until you bless me” (Gen 32). Finally God touched his hip, and it came out of socket, because he knew Jacob wouldn’t give up. This was a great victory for Jacob, because he could’ve succumbed to his fears and surrendered, but he held on and fought with patience, until God blessed Him. God works to make us better every day, and He promised us life, and life more abundantly, but He still expects us to fight for it. When you were a child and was punished for something you did wrong, do you remember your parent saying "this hurts me more than it hurts you"? What about if you are a parent, do you like punishing your child? You would want the opportunity to give them anything they want and desire, because you care about their happiness. However, if you allow them to do whatever they want, and get away with it, then you're doing them more harm than good. When we're being tested and tried, God doesn't expect us to like it, but He wants us to keep that inner joy throughout it. He wants us to understand responsibility for ourselves, as well as the fact that He's working it all out. We'll have to go through these times with Faith and assurance in knowing that God is a God of restoration and light. We must understand that He'll never give us more than we could bear, and overall this is a Victory through Jesus Christ! Hallelujah! If you're going through something right now, I want you to first ask yourself why you're going through this. Examine yourself to see what sin you may have committed that lead you to this point in your life. Next, own your part in it, and repent. Finally, ask God for the wisdom to learn from it, and keep moving. Be patient, and understand that trouble don't last always, and continue to Praise God throughout. Just as Jacob, never let go of God. Overall, we're always blessed. Even through the seemingly rough times, God always keeps some light in our lives. When we seek Him, we'll find justice, peace and clarity. Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? When you're going through things, by His blood, you never have to be alone. All you have to do ask and He'll be there for you, always and forever. My favorite verse today is: Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12:11)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455037&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/c.cnKBIPNuEoG/b.4943197/k.9362/Today_on_Radio.htm
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162625
I love you!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying the end of another workweek (for most). I'm doing well, looking forward to the weekend. It's been a long week. I've been invited to a few dinner parties this weekend; I think the only thing a Chef likes more than cooking, is eating! I love to sample new food prepared by others. Maybe I should be a food critic too (I wear so many hats), I could write about food all day long. As my best friend knows, I'm not easily impressed with food from well known or upscale restaurants, unless it's done right. However I'm not has critical of my friends and family that cooks for me, I just appreciate the effort more than anything else. I'm upset that I have to miss one of the dinner parties, but I'm open for any of you who would like to invite me over for dinner, if I have the time, I’ll be there. I pray you have a wonderful weekend, and whatever you do, do it for the Lord!
Today's scriptures are about patience through our suffering. A lot of us have certain misconceptions about being Christian. We somehow, subconsciously, believe that we could go through life, doing anything we want, and not face any type of repercussions. I'm going to be honest with you (as usual), I don't like hard times, and I don’t think anyone does. Through all of my trials, I spend a lot of time on my knees, begging God to deliver me out of them. Now that I've gotten a little older and wiser, I've learned to accept the consequences of my actions, and ask God for the strength to get me through them. Paul wrote about something similar in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, where God had taken him through a very rough trial, and he begged Him to remove it from His life, he referred to it as “a thorn in his flesh”. God said “My strength is made perfect in weakness” (vs. 8). Before, I never thought back to what may have caused these unfortunate times I’d gone through in my life. I never really owned up to it. Now, I've learned to do the equations, and I know that my grief comes directly from something I've done, or may do. The amount of time I have to go through this refinement solely depends on God. A thing that bothers me is when I’m going through a rough period, and people that aren't going through it always say, "Everything happens for a reason". At the time, I'm thinking, what in the world could be the reason for me going through such a horrible thing? I’m sure Paul thought the same about His thorn. Certainly every trial feels like it's the end of the world, as if we're never going to make it through, but God always brings us through stronger and wiser, and most importantly happier than ever before. Now that I've been honest about myself, please take a few moments and think about the role you've played in your trials, and then think about the outcome. Did it work together for your good? If your answer is no, then maybe you're still going through it. Perhaps the wisdom hasn't been revealed to you yet, but it will. God always knows what's best for us, and He will do anything to protect us from harm. It's written in Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. God never lies, and everything He said is His word is a promise, and He promised that all things will work together for our good. All He asks of us is patience, trust, and obedience. I don't know how many times I've asked for something in prayer, and His answer was simply to "wait". Or, when He told me to do something that I didn’t want to do, and I went against Him, because of fear, selfishness, or greed. What happens when we do that? This reminds me of the story where Jacob wrestled with God. God had promised Jacob many blessings, yet Jacob was afraid of the ongoing struggle that he had to endure, so when he contemplated not following God’s will. God appeared to Him in the form of a man and wrestled with him all night, but Jacob wouldn’t let go, saying “I will not let you go until you bless me” (Gen 32). Finally God touched his hip, and it came out of socket, because he knew Jacob wouldn’t give up. This was a great victory for Jacob, because he could’ve succumbed to his fears and surrendered, but he held on and fought with patience, until God blessed Him. God works to make us better every day, and He promised us life, and life more abundantly, but He still expects us to fight for it. When you were a child and was punished for something you did wrong, do you remember your parent saying "this hurts me more than it hurts you"? What about if you are a parent, do you like punishing your child? You would want the opportunity to give them anything they want and desire, because you care about their happiness. However, if you allow them to do whatever they want, and get away with it, then you're doing them more harm than good. When we're being tested and tried, God doesn't expect us to like it, but He wants us to keep that inner joy throughout it. He wants us to understand responsibility for ourselves, as well as the fact that He's working it all out. We'll have to go through these times with Faith and assurance in knowing that God is a God of restoration and light. We must understand that He'll never give us more than we could bear, and overall this is a Victory through Jesus Christ! Hallelujah! If you're going through something right now, I want you to first ask yourself why you're going through this. Examine yourself to see what sin you may have committed that lead you to this point in your life. Next, own your part in it, and repent. Finally, ask God for the wisdom to learn from it, and keep moving. Be patient, and understand that trouble don't last always, and continue to Praise God throughout. Just as Jacob, never let go of God. Overall, we're always blessed. Even through the seemingly rough times, God always keeps some light in our lives. When we seek Him, we'll find justice, peace and clarity. Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? When you're going through things, by His blood, you never have to be alone. All you have to do ask and He'll be there for you, always and forever. My favorite verse today is: Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12:11)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455037&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/c.cnKBIPNuEoG/b.4943197/k.9362/Today_on_Radio.htm
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162625
I love you!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY THURSDAY!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying your Friday eve. It's been a long week, and I'm glad it's coming to a close. Although I have to work on Saturday, I'm still happy that tomorrow is Friday. Working a Saturday at my job isn't nearly as stressful as the rest of the week could be. The summer is filled with people taking vacations, so it often leaves us a little short staffed, but we can handle it. I thank God for my job; however, I'm still praying for the official launch of Divine Cuisine, I cannot wait. Please keep that in your prayers. Other than working, no big plans for the weekend, still working on planning my birthday trip. Most of you who know me, know how serious I am about my birthday, so mark your colanders September 20th is a very special day! Have a wonderful day.
Today's scriptures are about the end, yet the beginning for all children of God. We all know it's written that Jesus will return for all of His believers, which marks the end of our existence on earth and the beginning of our perfect eternal life in Heaven. When I say ours, I mean those of us who accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. While none of us know when He'll return, not even Jesus, it could be any day at any time. He urges us to live each day as if it's our last, and have that type of urgency when spreading the Gospel of Christ. This reminds me of a story that the Youth Pastor told at my old church in Portland. He said he was raised in the church, and God had revealed to him that he'd be a minister at an early age, and he was very in tuned with listening to his Spirit. When he was 14 years old he had lunch with a friend, who was the same age. His friend was going away for the weekend, and during the weekend he would be riding ATV's. All throughout his lunch Jesus kept saying to him, "tell Him about Me". When he heard that, he initially asked his friend "do you know Jesus”, and his friend brushed it off. So he moved on, and changed the subject. However, his Spirit kept saying to him, "tell him about Me", and he ignored the voice in his heart. The Pastor's friend ended up dyeing in an ATV accident that weekend, and he still carries the burden around with him until this day. He always regretted not doing more to make sure his friend was saved, and now his friend’s soul could be lost forever. When I heard this story I immediately became conscious of those warnings, and I try my best to continue to spread the Gospel of Christ to anyone around me. I'm very open with my life, in hopes that I could touch someone that may be able to relate to my plights. We all have more in common than we think. The fact is Jesus will return, and it will be soon, so don't you want to be prepared when He does? Maybe you're saved, and you have your mansion already made in Heaven, but what about your brothers and sisters? Aren't we commanded to "love our neighbors as we love ourselves" (Mark 12:30-31)? Do you love your co-worker enough to want to help save them from eternal hell? Never be afraid to share the Gospel of Christ with anyone, no matter what setting you're in. There were disciples that were killed because they shared the Gospel of Christ at times they weren’t supposed to. I’m not telling you to put yourself in jeopardy, or shout it from the rooftops (but you could if you felt like it). It takes nothing for us to ask someone, "Do you know that Jesus loves you?" Our actions and praise alone could bring people to Christ. I was talking to a friend the other day, someone I hadn't been around in years, and we were sharing some of the trails we're facing, with each other. Throughout our conversation, I may have said, "God is good" a dozen times, and "I thank God for my growth" a few times, without directly pushing anything on her. Near the end of our conversation she asked, "Do you go to church every Sunday Saundra?” I turned to her and said, "yes I do, and God has changed my life tremendously". She said, "that's exactly what I need, I think I'll go to church on Sunday". We must be aware of God's presence as well as our mortality. We must live our lives in awareness that we're storing our treasures in Heaven, and our earthly wealth, or lack there of, is irrelevant when we look at the big picture. Jesus said in Matthew 4:19: ... “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This is a commandment for all Children of God. When you are saved, you're to make a conscious effort to change your ways, and in everything you do be aware of Jesus’ presences. Enjoy your life, live on His promises, and share your testimonies, but be ready. Are you truly happy with your life in its current state? I'm sure most of us will answer no; maybe because you think you should, but answer truthfully. Do you think if Jesus were to return about an hour from now, that He would say, "well done good and faithful servant"? Let's put aside the fact that you've sinned, and you've strayed off of the path of righteousness a time or two, but according to your works for the Kingdom. Do you think He'd be proud of you? I urge you to live your life, from the heart, in a way pleasing to God. Everything you do ask yourself, "would this make God pound?” If your answer is no, then you know what you need to do. We're all working on our lives, and growing day by day. Jesus said Himself in Matthew 7:13-14: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." He loves each of us enough to have given us His living word, which is the Holy Bible. It comes in all types of translations and languages, and He's anointed several people to help interpret it, as well as given us the Holy Spirit, so we're held accountable for our salvation. There isn't any reason, especially if you own a bible, read these devotionals, or go to church, that you could miss out on the word of God. He's left you responsible, because He said "Be Ready". The first step of getting ready for His return is confessing you’re a sinner, asking Jesus to be your Lord, and repenting of your sins. From there, when you knock He will answer, but you must also start your own transformation along with God, and take on His yoke (Matthew 11:29). My favorite verse today is: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455036&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162619
I love you!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying your Friday eve. It's been a long week, and I'm glad it's coming to a close. Although I have to work on Saturday, I'm still happy that tomorrow is Friday. Working a Saturday at my job isn't nearly as stressful as the rest of the week could be. The summer is filled with people taking vacations, so it often leaves us a little short staffed, but we can handle it. I thank God for my job; however, I'm still praying for the official launch of Divine Cuisine, I cannot wait. Please keep that in your prayers. Other than working, no big plans for the weekend, still working on planning my birthday trip. Most of you who know me, know how serious I am about my birthday, so mark your colanders September 20th is a very special day! Have a wonderful day.
Today's scriptures are about the end, yet the beginning for all children of God. We all know it's written that Jesus will return for all of His believers, which marks the end of our existence on earth and the beginning of our perfect eternal life in Heaven. When I say ours, I mean those of us who accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. While none of us know when He'll return, not even Jesus, it could be any day at any time. He urges us to live each day as if it's our last, and have that type of urgency when spreading the Gospel of Christ. This reminds me of a story that the Youth Pastor told at my old church in Portland. He said he was raised in the church, and God had revealed to him that he'd be a minister at an early age, and he was very in tuned with listening to his Spirit. When he was 14 years old he had lunch with a friend, who was the same age. His friend was going away for the weekend, and during the weekend he would be riding ATV's. All throughout his lunch Jesus kept saying to him, "tell Him about Me". When he heard that, he initially asked his friend "do you know Jesus”, and his friend brushed it off. So he moved on, and changed the subject. However, his Spirit kept saying to him, "tell him about Me", and he ignored the voice in his heart. The Pastor's friend ended up dyeing in an ATV accident that weekend, and he still carries the burden around with him until this day. He always regretted not doing more to make sure his friend was saved, and now his friend’s soul could be lost forever. When I heard this story I immediately became conscious of those warnings, and I try my best to continue to spread the Gospel of Christ to anyone around me. I'm very open with my life, in hopes that I could touch someone that may be able to relate to my plights. We all have more in common than we think. The fact is Jesus will return, and it will be soon, so don't you want to be prepared when He does? Maybe you're saved, and you have your mansion already made in Heaven, but what about your brothers and sisters? Aren't we commanded to "love our neighbors as we love ourselves" (Mark 12:30-31)? Do you love your co-worker enough to want to help save them from eternal hell? Never be afraid to share the Gospel of Christ with anyone, no matter what setting you're in. There were disciples that were killed because they shared the Gospel of Christ at times they weren’t supposed to. I’m not telling you to put yourself in jeopardy, or shout it from the rooftops (but you could if you felt like it). It takes nothing for us to ask someone, "Do you know that Jesus loves you?" Our actions and praise alone could bring people to Christ. I was talking to a friend the other day, someone I hadn't been around in years, and we were sharing some of the trails we're facing, with each other. Throughout our conversation, I may have said, "God is good" a dozen times, and "I thank God for my growth" a few times, without directly pushing anything on her. Near the end of our conversation she asked, "Do you go to church every Sunday Saundra?” I turned to her and said, "yes I do, and God has changed my life tremendously". She said, "that's exactly what I need, I think I'll go to church on Sunday". We must be aware of God's presence as well as our mortality. We must live our lives in awareness that we're storing our treasures in Heaven, and our earthly wealth, or lack there of, is irrelevant when we look at the big picture. Jesus said in Matthew 4:19: ... “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This is a commandment for all Children of God. When you are saved, you're to make a conscious effort to change your ways, and in everything you do be aware of Jesus’ presences. Enjoy your life, live on His promises, and share your testimonies, but be ready. Are you truly happy with your life in its current state? I'm sure most of us will answer no; maybe because you think you should, but answer truthfully. Do you think if Jesus were to return about an hour from now, that He would say, "well done good and faithful servant"? Let's put aside the fact that you've sinned, and you've strayed off of the path of righteousness a time or two, but according to your works for the Kingdom. Do you think He'd be proud of you? I urge you to live your life, from the heart, in a way pleasing to God. Everything you do ask yourself, "would this make God pound?” If your answer is no, then you know what you need to do. We're all working on our lives, and growing day by day. Jesus said Himself in Matthew 7:13-14: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." He loves each of us enough to have given us His living word, which is the Holy Bible. It comes in all types of translations and languages, and He's anointed several people to help interpret it, as well as given us the Holy Spirit, so we're held accountable for our salvation. There isn't any reason, especially if you own a bible, read these devotionals, or go to church, that you could miss out on the word of God. He's left you responsible, because He said "Be Ready". The first step of getting ready for His return is confessing you’re a sinner, asking Jesus to be your Lord, and repenting of your sins. From there, when you knock He will answer, but you must also start your own transformation along with God, and take on His yoke (Matthew 11:29). My favorite verse today is: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455036&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162619
I love you!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY WEDNESDAY!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another hump day. I'm doing well, it's been a really busy day, and the time has just flown by. I'm getting started really, which means I'll have another late night. I'm enjoying going to the gym, and it has me feeling much better, but it's very time consuming, so I'm trying to find a way to work it into my everyday life. God has given me the strength to do it regularly, and I'm thankful for that. I want to as regular as bathing everyday, because it is a necessity. It helps with my overall attitude, energy, stamina, and keeps my heart strong. I've been on a lot of fad diets in the past, and always lost a lot of weight fast, but the minute I stopped working out, or ate some pasta or McDonald's the weight came back, twice as much twice as fast. This time I'm committing to a lifestyle change, and it feels good. I wish I had a workout partner, I'm sure it'll make it fun. However, it's hard to find someone that's on my schedule, thank God my gym stays opens 24 hours a day most of the week. I ask that you pray for me, and my continued dedication to live a healthier lifestyle, and I'm praying for you as well. Have a wonderful day!
Today's scripture is about Christ baring our sin. It's amazing how one special man could bare the burden of the sin for all mankind. Every one of us has forgiveness of sin by the blood of Jesus Christ. That's a reason to rejoice, Hallelujah! We know that sin is what keeps us in bondage, and stops our growth. Sin is the reason behind all of our heartache and pain. Before Christ, sin was the reason that we couldn't inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Sin is what disconnects us from God, and each and every one of us is guilty of it. There isn't a man in the world that is without sin, because of the weakness of our flesh. From the beginning of creation, blood had to be shed to atone for sin, and when a person had sin on their soul they couldn't go to God, He came to the people He choose, everyone else spoke through High Priest. Jesus was the only man that lived a sin free life. He was born to free mankind from sin, and to teach the ways of God. God is so gracious that He gave His son as a sacrifice for sin. Jesus was born by a virgin, and was never touched by sin. At the same time, He had to live the life as a human. He only used His spiritual powers to uplift the kingdom of God, by performing miracles, healing the sick, and feeding the hungry etc. He had a wonderful relationship with God, and He took the time to pray and ask for strength, and pray for the people around Him. He traveled all over the land to spread the Word of God, and was a wonderful, happy, loving person. So why did He have to die? I'm sure if you ever doubted the presence of God, that's one of your top questions. Why did Jesus, the only perfect person that ever lived, have to die for my sin? There are a lot of things we won't know until we reach Heaven. We serve the Most High God, and everything that He does will never make complete sense to us, because it's not supposed to. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:11-12: When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. We should just know that if Jesus hadn't died on the cross, and bore our sins, we would be facing a life full of hell, on earth as well as eternally. God wanted to have a close bond with us. He created us for His purpose, and He wants to hold us near, closer than a brother. God couldn't interact with us when we carried the burden of our own sin, because sin and righteousness cannot mix. Jesus’ death was necessary, and His resurrection made it monumental. We're capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for. Jesus did what He had to do, with full trust in God to get Him through. We read the story of His death, and instantly think that we couldn't do it, but with God, all things are possible. God puts all of us on the road to greatness, but we often fall short, because we don't trust Him to do what He said He'd do. Jesus trusted Him with His life; He understood that the suffering that He endured was only temporary, but His, and our, rewards would continue forever. When a woman plans to have child she's not thinking about the pain of childbirth, she's thinking about a lifetime of love she has to give to that child, and that makes the temporary pain of childbirth that much easier to face. Because of Jesus' selfless and courageous act, we are saved from the penalties of sin. Because of Jesus' resurrection, we will one day be resurrected as well, and will enjoy Eternal bliss in Heaven. We're so blessed to have the privilege to receive the gift of Salvation. It's written in Romans 5:6-11: For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. When was the last time you stopped and thanked Jesus for bearing your sin? Do you know how precious your life is? Jesus put His life on the line for your salvation and reconciliation. There are no works great enough to get you to Heaven. There isn't any person, statue, or animal that could cover your sins. Jesus is the only way! Until this day, He sits at the right hand of God vouching for us, so that when we do sin, all we need to do is repent, and ask for forgiveness, and we're back in His gracious presences. He's always with us, but sin moves us from Him. Guess what? If you've accepted Jesus as Lord, you're saved. If you haven't you still carry the burden of you sin, so say the prayer right now, He's waiting patiently on you. Sin is taken care of, and salvation is a free gift. My favorite verse today is: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:27)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455035&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162593
I love you!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another hump day. I'm doing well, it's been a really busy day, and the time has just flown by. I'm getting started really, which means I'll have another late night. I'm enjoying going to the gym, and it has me feeling much better, but it's very time consuming, so I'm trying to find a way to work it into my everyday life. God has given me the strength to do it regularly, and I'm thankful for that. I want to as regular as bathing everyday, because it is a necessity. It helps with my overall attitude, energy, stamina, and keeps my heart strong. I've been on a lot of fad diets in the past, and always lost a lot of weight fast, but the minute I stopped working out, or ate some pasta or McDonald's the weight came back, twice as much twice as fast. This time I'm committing to a lifestyle change, and it feels good. I wish I had a workout partner, I'm sure it'll make it fun. However, it's hard to find someone that's on my schedule, thank God my gym stays opens 24 hours a day most of the week. I ask that you pray for me, and my continued dedication to live a healthier lifestyle, and I'm praying for you as well. Have a wonderful day!
Today's scripture is about Christ baring our sin. It's amazing how one special man could bare the burden of the sin for all mankind. Every one of us has forgiveness of sin by the blood of Jesus Christ. That's a reason to rejoice, Hallelujah! We know that sin is what keeps us in bondage, and stops our growth. Sin is the reason behind all of our heartache and pain. Before Christ, sin was the reason that we couldn't inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Sin is what disconnects us from God, and each and every one of us is guilty of it. There isn't a man in the world that is without sin, because of the weakness of our flesh. From the beginning of creation, blood had to be shed to atone for sin, and when a person had sin on their soul they couldn't go to God, He came to the people He choose, everyone else spoke through High Priest. Jesus was the only man that lived a sin free life. He was born to free mankind from sin, and to teach the ways of God. God is so gracious that He gave His son as a sacrifice for sin. Jesus was born by a virgin, and was never touched by sin. At the same time, He had to live the life as a human. He only used His spiritual powers to uplift the kingdom of God, by performing miracles, healing the sick, and feeding the hungry etc. He had a wonderful relationship with God, and He took the time to pray and ask for strength, and pray for the people around Him. He traveled all over the land to spread the Word of God, and was a wonderful, happy, loving person. So why did He have to die? I'm sure if you ever doubted the presence of God, that's one of your top questions. Why did Jesus, the only perfect person that ever lived, have to die for my sin? There are a lot of things we won't know until we reach Heaven. We serve the Most High God, and everything that He does will never make complete sense to us, because it's not supposed to. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:11-12: When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. We should just know that if Jesus hadn't died on the cross, and bore our sins, we would be facing a life full of hell, on earth as well as eternally. God wanted to have a close bond with us. He created us for His purpose, and He wants to hold us near, closer than a brother. God couldn't interact with us when we carried the burden of our own sin, because sin and righteousness cannot mix. Jesus’ death was necessary, and His resurrection made it monumental. We're capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for. Jesus did what He had to do, with full trust in God to get Him through. We read the story of His death, and instantly think that we couldn't do it, but with God, all things are possible. God puts all of us on the road to greatness, but we often fall short, because we don't trust Him to do what He said He'd do. Jesus trusted Him with His life; He understood that the suffering that He endured was only temporary, but His, and our, rewards would continue forever. When a woman plans to have child she's not thinking about the pain of childbirth, she's thinking about a lifetime of love she has to give to that child, and that makes the temporary pain of childbirth that much easier to face. Because of Jesus' selfless and courageous act, we are saved from the penalties of sin. Because of Jesus' resurrection, we will one day be resurrected as well, and will enjoy Eternal bliss in Heaven. We're so blessed to have the privilege to receive the gift of Salvation. It's written in Romans 5:6-11: For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. When was the last time you stopped and thanked Jesus for bearing your sin? Do you know how precious your life is? Jesus put His life on the line for your salvation and reconciliation. There are no works great enough to get you to Heaven. There isn't any person, statue, or animal that could cover your sins. Jesus is the only way! Until this day, He sits at the right hand of God vouching for us, so that when we do sin, all we need to do is repent, and ask for forgiveness, and we're back in His gracious presences. He's always with us, but sin moves us from Him. Guess what? If you've accepted Jesus as Lord, you're saved. If you haven't you still carry the burden of you sin, so say the prayer right now, He's waiting patiently on you. Sin is taken care of, and salvation is a free gift. My favorite verse today is: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:27)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455035&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162593
I love you!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY TUESDAY!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying your day. I'm doing well, but really, really sleepy. I had to breakdown and have a cup of tea today, but I'm still sleepy, just fidgety. I'm seriously going to need to figure out how to get to bed at a reasonable time. I've been talking about this for the last few months, but I still haven't figured it out, pray for me. I'm sitting here wondering what I'm going to do for my birthday. I want to take a nice trip, but I'm afraid to go to the Caribbean, because my birthday falls in the heart of hurricane season. I was thinking Italy, if I could find a nice deal, or Las Vegas. The hardest part will be finding someone to go with me, so who's in? I'm going to start planning now. My birthday is September 20th by the way, so check and see if your weekend will be open, I've already put in my vacation for a long weekend. If you have any suggestions let me know. Have a wonderful day!
Today's scriptures are about circumcising our hearts. When we begin our Faith walk, our hearts are filled with sin. Over the years, we've picked up bad habits, and evil ways of thinking. You ever know someone who's always trying to beat the system, or get over? Well most of us are, or were, like that before we were saved. We learn today that we're supposed to start a circumcision on our hearts. We know that God starts the refinement process, but He needs our participation. We have to conscientiously make efforts to change our ways. It’s been studied that if we keep doing things a certain way, for 21 days, they becomes a habit (good or bad) that we must work to break. Just imagine if you've been living in sin your entire life, then you have a lot of work to do to break that habit, and start forming better, more Spiritual habits. Circumcision started with a covenant between God and Abraham found in Genesis 17, and verses 10-11 say: This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. As we know the male organ is really sensitive, and to voluntarily endure such pain to remove skin that serves no purpose, shows great commitment to God. He wants us to do the same with our hearts. We have a lot of evil, sadness, un-forgiveness, anger, etc, built up in our hearts. That pain is there for a number of reasons, yet so unnecessary to have, and could cause pointless heartache and pain. It's written in Deuteronomy 30:6: And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live. When we focus on God, He'll start to circumcise our hearts, and cut away all of the unnecessary pain we endure. Through the blood of Jesus, we have access to go to God anytime we need to, and ask for anything we want. Not just material things but help to overcome our burdens. We're growing, and some of the things we go through are out of ignorance, or things that we cannot control. Just as men are born with extra foreskin that could be removed, we're born into sin. There's nothing we could do about being born into sin, however, Jesus has been sacrificed to give us freedom from sin. When we're growing, we still have the urge to sin. We still have a carnal mind, and it takes some time for us to shed the sin that was so prevalent when we were lost. It's up to us be open to the circumcision God is performing on our hearts. It's up to us to circumcise our lifestyle, by eliminating the things or people that will hinder our growth. We must turn away from our old habits, by letting go of worldly attitudes and ideals. At the present time being a Christian isn't the status quo. In today's society it's cool to be bad, as we see in most movies, televisions programs, and hear in the most popular music. According to the world, it's okay to dress provocatively, fornicate, get drunk, commit adultery, worship money, lie, and anything else that you could think of; it's actually promoted. This is why it's so important for us to cut certain things out of our lives, to avoid the temptation. The only way to become perfect is to practice at it. We must learn how to overcome peer pressure and temptation, by saying no to certain people, and committing to learning the ways of the Lord. According to scripture physical circumcision is no longer required to be close to God (Acts 15), but circumcising our hearts is most important in building a strong relationship with Him. To start your circumcision process you have to admit that you're a sinner, then pray and ask God for forgiveness, and ask Jesus to come into your heart as Lord and Savior. After that, be proactive instead of reactive. Start praying without ceasing, studying the word regularly, and making some sound changes in your life. Get rid of all of the darkness, and focus on God's light. We have a lot of unnecessary mess in our lives, which need to be cleaned up, so we could live a peaceful life. My favorite verse today is: Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your heart. (Jeremiah 4:4)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455034&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162587
I love you!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying your day. I'm doing well, but really, really sleepy. I had to breakdown and have a cup of tea today, but I'm still sleepy, just fidgety. I'm seriously going to need to figure out how to get to bed at a reasonable time. I've been talking about this for the last few months, but I still haven't figured it out, pray for me. I'm sitting here wondering what I'm going to do for my birthday. I want to take a nice trip, but I'm afraid to go to the Caribbean, because my birthday falls in the heart of hurricane season. I was thinking Italy, if I could find a nice deal, or Las Vegas. The hardest part will be finding someone to go with me, so who's in? I'm going to start planning now. My birthday is September 20th by the way, so check and see if your weekend will be open, I've already put in my vacation for a long weekend. If you have any suggestions let me know. Have a wonderful day!
Today's scriptures are about circumcising our hearts. When we begin our Faith walk, our hearts are filled with sin. Over the years, we've picked up bad habits, and evil ways of thinking. You ever know someone who's always trying to beat the system, or get over? Well most of us are, or were, like that before we were saved. We learn today that we're supposed to start a circumcision on our hearts. We know that God starts the refinement process, but He needs our participation. We have to conscientiously make efforts to change our ways. It’s been studied that if we keep doing things a certain way, for 21 days, they becomes a habit (good or bad) that we must work to break. Just imagine if you've been living in sin your entire life, then you have a lot of work to do to break that habit, and start forming better, more Spiritual habits. Circumcision started with a covenant between God and Abraham found in Genesis 17, and verses 10-11 say: This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. As we know the male organ is really sensitive, and to voluntarily endure such pain to remove skin that serves no purpose, shows great commitment to God. He wants us to do the same with our hearts. We have a lot of evil, sadness, un-forgiveness, anger, etc, built up in our hearts. That pain is there for a number of reasons, yet so unnecessary to have, and could cause pointless heartache and pain. It's written in Deuteronomy 30:6: And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live. When we focus on God, He'll start to circumcise our hearts, and cut away all of the unnecessary pain we endure. Through the blood of Jesus, we have access to go to God anytime we need to, and ask for anything we want. Not just material things but help to overcome our burdens. We're growing, and some of the things we go through are out of ignorance, or things that we cannot control. Just as men are born with extra foreskin that could be removed, we're born into sin. There's nothing we could do about being born into sin, however, Jesus has been sacrificed to give us freedom from sin. When we're growing, we still have the urge to sin. We still have a carnal mind, and it takes some time for us to shed the sin that was so prevalent when we were lost. It's up to us be open to the circumcision God is performing on our hearts. It's up to us to circumcise our lifestyle, by eliminating the things or people that will hinder our growth. We must turn away from our old habits, by letting go of worldly attitudes and ideals. At the present time being a Christian isn't the status quo. In today's society it's cool to be bad, as we see in most movies, televisions programs, and hear in the most popular music. According to the world, it's okay to dress provocatively, fornicate, get drunk, commit adultery, worship money, lie, and anything else that you could think of; it's actually promoted. This is why it's so important for us to cut certain things out of our lives, to avoid the temptation. The only way to become perfect is to practice at it. We must learn how to overcome peer pressure and temptation, by saying no to certain people, and committing to learning the ways of the Lord. According to scripture physical circumcision is no longer required to be close to God (Acts 15), but circumcising our hearts is most important in building a strong relationship with Him. To start your circumcision process you have to admit that you're a sinner, then pray and ask God for forgiveness, and ask Jesus to come into your heart as Lord and Savior. After that, be proactive instead of reactive. Start praying without ceasing, studying the word regularly, and making some sound changes in your life. Get rid of all of the darkness, and focus on God's light. We have a lot of unnecessary mess in our lives, which need to be cleaned up, so we could live a peaceful life. My favorite verse today is: Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your heart. (Jeremiah 4:4)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455034&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162587
I love you!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY MONDAY!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying the beginning of another workweek (for most). I'm doing well, had a wonderful weekend. I spent my entire weekend with family and friends. I actually spent the night with my sister, and we stayed up until 3am talking one night. It's been years since we've done that, and it was awesome. My sister and I are only 1 year apart in age, so we've always been close growing up, but when you're "grown up", you start to live your own life, and frankly "life happens". It felt good to have a flash back moment, and hang with the girls. I remember when my sister, our best friends, and I were all between 18-21, and we used to have our "Exhale" parties, where we'd get bottles of wine, and light candles all over the house, and just have girl talk. We should do that again, because it's always good to have our girl time. Thanks for letting me vent guys, I love all of you who welcome and enjoy my devotionals, and your support means a lot to me. Tomorrow is my uncle’s birthday, Happy birthday Uncle Calvin! Have a wonderful day!
Today's scriptures are about how God set us apart from the world. If you're a believer of Christ Jesus, then you've been set apart from the rest of the world. God's light has been instilled in us, and we're no longer slaves to the flesh. He gives us choices, and He'll never force us to choose Him. He has a perfect plan for our lives that allows us to overcome the world, yet we sometimes choose to do our own things. Being disobedient in some parts of our lives hinders us from growing at the rate that we should. The world is filled with sorrow, pain, and heartache, and we will experience some of that, when we choose to follow the world. Jesus has made intercession for us to bring us right back into God's will, so we’re no long subjected to the world’s ways. We're to help each other out as well, because all of us are a part of one body, and that's the Body of Christ. Jesus came so we could have life, and it have it more abundantly. We're different, and I love 1 Peter 2, verses 9-10 says: But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. We have been given a special ordinance to live a peaceful and happy life. Why then are so many Christians unhappy? I ask myself, and God, that all the times. I wonder why there's so much unhappiness within the Christian community, let alone in the world. I wonder why we suffer so much, and the one answer I keep getting is disobedience. Scripture says that we're a "peculiar people", and I'm wondering why the word sticks out to me so much. The word Peculiar has three different meanings, but my favorite is: Distinct from all others. Whether you know it or not, you're different. Once you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior you instantly receive the power of Jesus Christ, as well as the Helper who is the Holy Spirit. This overcomes our darkness, and God is gradually bringing us into His marvelous light. We still battle with our flesh, because our flesh is ruled by the world, but our Spirit belongs to God. We’re tempted on every angel, and God allows certain things to happen in our lives, as test and trails, as well as for refinement. Yet, He'll never give us more than we could handle, He won't allow us to get so far down, where we can't be brought out. He always gives us a way out of no way, but again it's our choice to follow. When we're around people, our light shines bright, for the world to see, and most of the time people are watching us, and we don't even realize it. That's why it's so important to be aware of our surroundings, and open to each other. There's a reason why we all make up of one body of Christ. We each have our roles to play in the strengthening the Kingdom, it is written in Romans 15:1-3: We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” We all have our weak points, and God always puts people in our lives that make up for our weaknesses. Our peace and happiness all boils down to our trust in God. We must trust God with our whole hearts before we could live in complete peace. He's instilled the light in us, and our sin is the only thing that hinders that light shinning to its full capacity. Nonetheless, sin is the least of our worries, because Jesus has already overcome that for us. Now we're the only ones standing our own way. Jesus said in Luke 8:16-17: “No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light." God didn't chose us to be a part of the body of Christ to keep us covered, that's not possible, so just know that you are an important vessel for Christ. Don't let anyone tell you (especially the devil) that God can't use you. No matter what the world says, or what type of sin you've committed, forgiveness of free, and the Peace that surpasses all understanding is very much attainable when you have Christ in your life. The only person that could cover your light is you. Be sure to know that you are a special, loved, child of God, and no matter what happens, He's using you for His purpose. Know that trouble don't last always, and forgiveness waits for you at the foot of the cross. If you haven't accepted Jesus as your Savior, then your heart is dark. If you're reading this right now, then you've been given the fuel to ignite the fire, and Jesus is the flame you need to get it started. He's a prayer away. My favorite verses today are: A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14,16)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455033&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162579
I love you!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying the beginning of another workweek (for most). I'm doing well, had a wonderful weekend. I spent my entire weekend with family and friends. I actually spent the night with my sister, and we stayed up until 3am talking one night. It's been years since we've done that, and it was awesome. My sister and I are only 1 year apart in age, so we've always been close growing up, but when you're "grown up", you start to live your own life, and frankly "life happens". It felt good to have a flash back moment, and hang with the girls. I remember when my sister, our best friends, and I were all between 18-21, and we used to have our "Exhale" parties, where we'd get bottles of wine, and light candles all over the house, and just have girl talk. We should do that again, because it's always good to have our girl time. Thanks for letting me vent guys, I love all of you who welcome and enjoy my devotionals, and your support means a lot to me. Tomorrow is my uncle’s birthday, Happy birthday Uncle Calvin! Have a wonderful day!
Today's scriptures are about how God set us apart from the world. If you're a believer of Christ Jesus, then you've been set apart from the rest of the world. God's light has been instilled in us, and we're no longer slaves to the flesh. He gives us choices, and He'll never force us to choose Him. He has a perfect plan for our lives that allows us to overcome the world, yet we sometimes choose to do our own things. Being disobedient in some parts of our lives hinders us from growing at the rate that we should. The world is filled with sorrow, pain, and heartache, and we will experience some of that, when we choose to follow the world. Jesus has made intercession for us to bring us right back into God's will, so we’re no long subjected to the world’s ways. We're to help each other out as well, because all of us are a part of one body, and that's the Body of Christ. Jesus came so we could have life, and it have it more abundantly. We're different, and I love 1 Peter 2, verses 9-10 says: But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. We have been given a special ordinance to live a peaceful and happy life. Why then are so many Christians unhappy? I ask myself, and God, that all the times. I wonder why there's so much unhappiness within the Christian community, let alone in the world. I wonder why we suffer so much, and the one answer I keep getting is disobedience. Scripture says that we're a "peculiar people", and I'm wondering why the word sticks out to me so much. The word Peculiar has three different meanings, but my favorite is: Distinct from all others. Whether you know it or not, you're different. Once you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior you instantly receive the power of Jesus Christ, as well as the Helper who is the Holy Spirit. This overcomes our darkness, and God is gradually bringing us into His marvelous light. We still battle with our flesh, because our flesh is ruled by the world, but our Spirit belongs to God. We’re tempted on every angel, and God allows certain things to happen in our lives, as test and trails, as well as for refinement. Yet, He'll never give us more than we could handle, He won't allow us to get so far down, where we can't be brought out. He always gives us a way out of no way, but again it's our choice to follow. When we're around people, our light shines bright, for the world to see, and most of the time people are watching us, and we don't even realize it. That's why it's so important to be aware of our surroundings, and open to each other. There's a reason why we all make up of one body of Christ. We each have our roles to play in the strengthening the Kingdom, it is written in Romans 15:1-3: We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” We all have our weak points, and God always puts people in our lives that make up for our weaknesses. Our peace and happiness all boils down to our trust in God. We must trust God with our whole hearts before we could live in complete peace. He's instilled the light in us, and our sin is the only thing that hinders that light shinning to its full capacity. Nonetheless, sin is the least of our worries, because Jesus has already overcome that for us. Now we're the only ones standing our own way. Jesus said in Luke 8:16-17: “No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light." God didn't chose us to be a part of the body of Christ to keep us covered, that's not possible, so just know that you are an important vessel for Christ. Don't let anyone tell you (especially the devil) that God can't use you. No matter what the world says, or what type of sin you've committed, forgiveness of free, and the Peace that surpasses all understanding is very much attainable when you have Christ in your life. The only person that could cover your light is you. Be sure to know that you are a special, loved, child of God, and no matter what happens, He's using you for His purpose. Know that trouble don't last always, and forgiveness waits for you at the foot of the cross. If you haven't accepted Jesus as your Savior, then your heart is dark. If you're reading this right now, then you've been given the fuel to ignite the fire, and Jesus is the flame you need to get it started. He's a prayer away. My favorite verses today are: A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14,16)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455033&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162579
I love you!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY FRIDAY!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying the end of another workweek (for most). I'm doing well, enjoying my day off. I actually slept past noon, and ate a big bowl of Cap'n Crunch for breakfast/brunch. I'm looking forward to the rest of the weekend. I'm up and ready to go out and face the world, but I could very easily stay in, and watch movies all day. None the less, duty calls! I have a few things to do, and Grandma has been waiting patiently for her bread pudding. My grandmother is doing well, but she's still having trouble with her stomach, so please continue to pray for her. Enjoy your weekend, and whatever you do, do it for the Lord.
Today's scriptures are about our God of Grace and mercy. If you compared your life with Jesus, how would yours measure up? Personally speaking, I’m nowhere near the servant that I should be, if I compare myself to Him. However, God loves me just as much as He loved Jesus. God works with us, hence the reason for Jesus’ sacrifice; to give us a chance to be redeemed. He's very patient, because He understands our life in the Human flesh, but at the same time, He's given us every tool we need to live a righteous life. Sin is in some senses inevitable. When you think of the Ten Commandment (Exodus 20): Thou shalt not have higher gods, make carved images (statues) to idol or worship, take the Lord's Name in Vain, commit murder, adultery, steal, bare false witness against your neighbor (lie on anyone), covet your neighbor's house, and thou shalt keep the Sabbath day holy, and honor your mother and father. We were taught most of these principles growing up, and we know the consequence behind breaking them. There are earthly repercussions, as well as Spiritual. Yet, even though we know the right things to do, we've all broken some of these commandments, and still do. When we do break them, why don't we confess, ask for forgiveness and repent? Did you know that sin no longer has to be a hindrance in our relationship with God? Jesus cleared us from the eternal penalty; however, we'll still be punished for our sins. We have no excuse to blatantly sin, but we still do. Then we question when things are going wrong in our lives. How many times have you heard the phrase "you reap what you sow"? It's written all through the bible, to let us know that everything we do has a consequence. When you take a moment and think about it, life isn't that hard after all, the answer is here in Galatians 6:7: Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap; in other words you get out of it what you put into it. Paul said in Ephesians 5:1-7: Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. Now that you know these things, will you make a conscious effort to change your sinful ways? The worst thing we could do is try to justify our sinful ways by saying "everyone else is doing it", or "this is just the times we live in, things have changed from the biblical days", because that's a slap in God's face. All He wants us to do is admit that we've done wrong, and humble ourselves enough to ask for forgiveness. The Word of God is the same yesterday, today, and forever more. If you don't believe it, look around at the state of the world today, you have examples of disobedience all around you. God is slow to anger, longsuffering, and quick to forgive, but He will not be mocked. He understands mistakes, and the things that we try hard to overcome, but it’s still a battle, He's just waiting on us to ask for deliverance, and He'll give it to us. The only thing we need to understand is the fact that He's always there, waiting to be gracious to us, and forgiveness is a free gift by the blood of Jesus; by God's grace we're healed. If you don't know Jesus as your Savior then you will pay the eternal price for sin, as well as the earthy prices, so I strongly urge you to say that prayer right now. I'm always here if you want to talk and/or pray together, I'll do my best to help. My favorite verses today are: If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. (Psalms 130:3-4)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455030&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162565
I love you
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying the end of another workweek (for most). I'm doing well, enjoying my day off. I actually slept past noon, and ate a big bowl of Cap'n Crunch for breakfast/brunch. I'm looking forward to the rest of the weekend. I'm up and ready to go out and face the world, but I could very easily stay in, and watch movies all day. None the less, duty calls! I have a few things to do, and Grandma has been waiting patiently for her bread pudding. My grandmother is doing well, but she's still having trouble with her stomach, so please continue to pray for her. Enjoy your weekend, and whatever you do, do it for the Lord.
Today's scriptures are about our God of Grace and mercy. If you compared your life with Jesus, how would yours measure up? Personally speaking, I’m nowhere near the servant that I should be, if I compare myself to Him. However, God loves me just as much as He loved Jesus. God works with us, hence the reason for Jesus’ sacrifice; to give us a chance to be redeemed. He's very patient, because He understands our life in the Human flesh, but at the same time, He's given us every tool we need to live a righteous life. Sin is in some senses inevitable. When you think of the Ten Commandment (Exodus 20): Thou shalt not have higher gods, make carved images (statues) to idol or worship, take the Lord's Name in Vain, commit murder, adultery, steal, bare false witness against your neighbor (lie on anyone), covet your neighbor's house, and thou shalt keep the Sabbath day holy, and honor your mother and father. We were taught most of these principles growing up, and we know the consequence behind breaking them. There are earthly repercussions, as well as Spiritual. Yet, even though we know the right things to do, we've all broken some of these commandments, and still do. When we do break them, why don't we confess, ask for forgiveness and repent? Did you know that sin no longer has to be a hindrance in our relationship with God? Jesus cleared us from the eternal penalty; however, we'll still be punished for our sins. We have no excuse to blatantly sin, but we still do. Then we question when things are going wrong in our lives. How many times have you heard the phrase "you reap what you sow"? It's written all through the bible, to let us know that everything we do has a consequence. When you take a moment and think about it, life isn't that hard after all, the answer is here in Galatians 6:7: Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap; in other words you get out of it what you put into it. Paul said in Ephesians 5:1-7: Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. Now that you know these things, will you make a conscious effort to change your sinful ways? The worst thing we could do is try to justify our sinful ways by saying "everyone else is doing it", or "this is just the times we live in, things have changed from the biblical days", because that's a slap in God's face. All He wants us to do is admit that we've done wrong, and humble ourselves enough to ask for forgiveness. The Word of God is the same yesterday, today, and forever more. If you don't believe it, look around at the state of the world today, you have examples of disobedience all around you. God is slow to anger, longsuffering, and quick to forgive, but He will not be mocked. He understands mistakes, and the things that we try hard to overcome, but it’s still a battle, He's just waiting on us to ask for deliverance, and He'll give it to us. The only thing we need to understand is the fact that He's always there, waiting to be gracious to us, and forgiveness is a free gift by the blood of Jesus; by God's grace we're healed. If you don't know Jesus as your Savior then you will pay the eternal price for sin, as well as the earthy prices, so I strongly urge you to say that prayer right now. I'm always here if you want to talk and/or pray together, I'll do my best to help. My favorite verses today are: If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. (Psalms 130:3-4)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455030&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162565
I love you
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY THURSDAY!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying this hot Friday eve. I'm doing well, most grateful for air conditioning. I'm excited about my three-day weekend, I hope I get to go see my dad; please pray for me. Also keep Him in your prayers; we're still waiting to hear from the Courts with a decision. I feel like it's time for him to come home and be with his family, and share his testimonies with the youth. I also need him to be my Executive Chef, and help me get this business off the ground. God willing, everything will pull together soon, I have a lot of Faith in Him. When the world says no, lean on the Lord for all understanding (Prov. 3:5), He'll show you the truth, the light, and the way. I'm hoping to get the devotional done in the morning, but if I can't, have a wonderful day, and a wonderful weekend!
Today's scriptures are about our own personal ministry. Did you know that you are a Minister for God? Let's look at what a Minister is, it's defined: One who is authorized to perform religious functions. I remember when God first called me to write these devotionals, my first reaction was “I’m not qualified to teach the Word of God". God's asked me in so many words "says who?" If He called me to do it, than I'm qualified. He's given me everything I've needed to get the job done, including the wisdom and knowledge I've needed to write. The Holy Spirit has given me the drive to study the Word, as well as the ability to interpret it. Through Jesus, we're all Ministers. His blood gives us the authorization. Once we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior we became on of His disciples, with is defined: One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another. It's written in John 8:31-32: Then Jesus said to those ...who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” We are free to spread the Gospel of Christ, and we can spread it with confidence in knowing that we have a helper in the Holy Spirit. Being a disciple doesn't mean we have to stand in a pulpit on Sundays, write devotionals, or go to another country to preach the gospel. Ministry comes in all different forms. If you coach a sports team, that's a ministry, as long as you're teaching Jesus' values to the children, and lead by example. If you have a group of friends you meet with often to do bible study, that's a ministry. There are several ways to go about spreading the word of God. Just by praising God publically, and sharing your testimonies, is a form of ministry. You'll be surprised how you can touch people, and not even know that you're affecting them. Loving God, and not being afraid to show it, is a part of being a disciple. Knowing this, we must prepare ourselves to work for God. As Christians, our main concern, in everyday life, is telling showing someone the love of God. There are so many ways to do that, and we must arm ourselves with the wisdom to share. It's hard to teach someone the Word, if you've never picked up the bible. He has created us to do good works, and there are too many Christians that overlook their duties. How many of us go to church every Sunday, listen to the sermon, halfway pay our tithes, then leave the church only to return next Sunday, and do the same thing? I'm very guilty of that, partially because of my work schedule, but I make time for a lot of things, but am not very active in the church. The denomination of my new church is Disciples of Christ, and they believe in working for God. Everyone participates in everything that's done in the Church. From the snacks after church, to bread for communion, we each do our parts. There's always a need for people to sing in the choir, be ushers, teach Sunday school class, etc.; that's a part of ministry as well. The first thing to do is find your way. What do you like the most, and what drives you? Pretty much any talent or gift He's given you can be used to minister. If you love to dance, then you can do interpretive dance for the church. Or join a Christian Dance group, and see what you can help with there. If you're an artist, use your art to inspirit people. If you like to write like me, share your story, write little inspiration notes, and/or poems, and post them online, or start by sending them to your friends. We live in a dark, cold, and cruel world, and it could stand some warmth and light. People are always looking to be inspired, and that's why God put us here. We each have our own unique talent, and you won't tap into yours until you seek the Kingdom. Use your Holy Spirit, He's one of the most important friends we have, and He's here to help us follow God's will for our lives. I challenge you to sit down tonight, during your meditation time, and write down all of your assets, and everything that you love doing. For me, the thing that brings me the most peace and joy is teaching, writing, cooking, and music. My world lights up when I'm doing those things. I've noticed the little things that brings change in my attitude when. Write down what makes your world light up, and then ask God how you can use those things to strengthen the kingdom, if you aren't already. I've listed four things here, but I'm sure if I tap into myself I could come up with more. You may only be able to come up with one or two, but that's fine, that's all you need. Remember our ultimate commandment, to Love God with all of our hearts, and love our neighbors? Don't ever forget that Love is an action, and not just a word. It requires us to keep proving it over and over. Jesus commanded us to "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19), and everyone who believes in Him, is considered a disciple, so all we have to do is get them to believe. He also said if we follow Him, He’d make us "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). Do you consider yourself a fisher of men? Well if you have Jesus in your heart you are. If you haven't accepted Him, then I pray that you do it today. God loves you enough to forgive you of every sin, as well has bless you with the Kingdom of Heaven. If you need a prayer partner, please let me know, that's what I was created for. I end my devotionals with I love you everyday, not just because it sounds good, but because God has filled me with His love, to share with all of you. I truly love you as God loves me, and there's nothing anyone could do to change that. Do you feel the same way? If you said no, the solution lies in the word of God. My favorite verse today is: Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God. (Isaiah 61:6)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455029&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162559
I love you!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying this hot Friday eve. I'm doing well, most grateful for air conditioning. I'm excited about my three-day weekend, I hope I get to go see my dad; please pray for me. Also keep Him in your prayers; we're still waiting to hear from the Courts with a decision. I feel like it's time for him to come home and be with his family, and share his testimonies with the youth. I also need him to be my Executive Chef, and help me get this business off the ground. God willing, everything will pull together soon, I have a lot of Faith in Him. When the world says no, lean on the Lord for all understanding (Prov. 3:5), He'll show you the truth, the light, and the way. I'm hoping to get the devotional done in the morning, but if I can't, have a wonderful day, and a wonderful weekend!
Today's scriptures are about our own personal ministry. Did you know that you are a Minister for God? Let's look at what a Minister is, it's defined: One who is authorized to perform religious functions. I remember when God first called me to write these devotionals, my first reaction was “I’m not qualified to teach the Word of God". God's asked me in so many words "says who?" If He called me to do it, than I'm qualified. He's given me everything I've needed to get the job done, including the wisdom and knowledge I've needed to write. The Holy Spirit has given me the drive to study the Word, as well as the ability to interpret it. Through Jesus, we're all Ministers. His blood gives us the authorization. Once we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior we became on of His disciples, with is defined: One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another. It's written in John 8:31-32: Then Jesus said to those ...who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” We are free to spread the Gospel of Christ, and we can spread it with confidence in knowing that we have a helper in the Holy Spirit. Being a disciple doesn't mean we have to stand in a pulpit on Sundays, write devotionals, or go to another country to preach the gospel. Ministry comes in all different forms. If you coach a sports team, that's a ministry, as long as you're teaching Jesus' values to the children, and lead by example. If you have a group of friends you meet with often to do bible study, that's a ministry. There are several ways to go about spreading the word of God. Just by praising God publically, and sharing your testimonies, is a form of ministry. You'll be surprised how you can touch people, and not even know that you're affecting them. Loving God, and not being afraid to show it, is a part of being a disciple. Knowing this, we must prepare ourselves to work for God. As Christians, our main concern, in everyday life, is telling showing someone the love of God. There are so many ways to do that, and we must arm ourselves with the wisdom to share. It's hard to teach someone the Word, if you've never picked up the bible. He has created us to do good works, and there are too many Christians that overlook their duties. How many of us go to church every Sunday, listen to the sermon, halfway pay our tithes, then leave the church only to return next Sunday, and do the same thing? I'm very guilty of that, partially because of my work schedule, but I make time for a lot of things, but am not very active in the church. The denomination of my new church is Disciples of Christ, and they believe in working for God. Everyone participates in everything that's done in the Church. From the snacks after church, to bread for communion, we each do our parts. There's always a need for people to sing in the choir, be ushers, teach Sunday school class, etc.; that's a part of ministry as well. The first thing to do is find your way. What do you like the most, and what drives you? Pretty much any talent or gift He's given you can be used to minister. If you love to dance, then you can do interpretive dance for the church. Or join a Christian Dance group, and see what you can help with there. If you're an artist, use your art to inspirit people. If you like to write like me, share your story, write little inspiration notes, and/or poems, and post them online, or start by sending them to your friends. We live in a dark, cold, and cruel world, and it could stand some warmth and light. People are always looking to be inspired, and that's why God put us here. We each have our own unique talent, and you won't tap into yours until you seek the Kingdom. Use your Holy Spirit, He's one of the most important friends we have, and He's here to help us follow God's will for our lives. I challenge you to sit down tonight, during your meditation time, and write down all of your assets, and everything that you love doing. For me, the thing that brings me the most peace and joy is teaching, writing, cooking, and music. My world lights up when I'm doing those things. I've noticed the little things that brings change in my attitude when. Write down what makes your world light up, and then ask God how you can use those things to strengthen the kingdom, if you aren't already. I've listed four things here, but I'm sure if I tap into myself I could come up with more. You may only be able to come up with one or two, but that's fine, that's all you need. Remember our ultimate commandment, to Love God with all of our hearts, and love our neighbors? Don't ever forget that Love is an action, and not just a word. It requires us to keep proving it over and over. Jesus commanded us to "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19), and everyone who believes in Him, is considered a disciple, so all we have to do is get them to believe. He also said if we follow Him, He’d make us "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). Do you consider yourself a fisher of men? Well if you have Jesus in your heart you are. If you haven't accepted Him, then I pray that you do it today. God loves you enough to forgive you of every sin, as well has bless you with the Kingdom of Heaven. If you need a prayer partner, please let me know, that's what I was created for. I end my devotionals with I love you everyday, not just because it sounds good, but because God has filled me with His love, to share with all of you. I truly love you as God loves me, and there's nothing anyone could do to change that. Do you feel the same way? If you said no, the solution lies in the word of God. My favorite verse today is: Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God. (Isaiah 61:6)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455029&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162559
I love you!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY WEDNESDAY!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another hump day. The weeks are starting to blend together, and I'm starting to feel like I'm missing whole days. It's already the 15th of the month, and we're halfway through July. I'm hoping I could take a nice vacation before the summer's out; I can't wait. I haven't been able to spend much time with my nieces, so I need to dedicate a whole weekend to them soon; I miss them so much. Today has been a very busy day at work, we moved yesterday, and today we released a new product, which had a few bugs in it, so the phones have been ringing like crazy. It's good to be busy sometimes, but when it's issue after issue, that you don't have an answer to, it gets rough. God is good though, because the new product is definitely a very positive move in the right direction. I cannot wait for Divine Cuisine to be at the point of growth. God is good; I know our time is coming, please continue to pray for the growth of my company. Have wonderful day!
Today's scriptures are about doing God's will. I'm sure we're all aware that God has a will for all of our lives, but it's up to us to follow His will. Each us of were made exceptional in our own unique way, hence the reason we all have individual identities, i.e. finger prints, DNA, hair samples, etc. It's written in Matthew 10:30: But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. God has put so much time into our creation, that we're more special than any other living thing on this earth. We're put here to help build a strong Kingdom, and we each have a distinctive roll to play in the body of Christ. He's instilled in us the Holy Spirit, to help us complete our daily tasks. Did you know you have a job to do for God daily? Paul said in 1 Corinthian 15:31: I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. When we go to sleep at night the day ends, and when we wake in the morning, we're reborn, with a new day, new possibilities, and a new path to take. Jesus said in Luke 9:23: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” We can only take things one day at a time, because whenever we're following God's will, we're sure to be tempted by the devil. He'll do everything in his power to get out of God's will. Jesus warns us in Matthew 6:25-34 not to worry, and verses 33-34 says: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. As long as we're following Jesus, and seeking what's right, we'll complete the will set out for us. I've been studying the books of Samuel, and in 1 Samuel God appointed Saul to be king of Israel, however, Saul let being king go to his head, and blatantly disobeyed a known commandment. God separated Himself from Saul, and anointed David. He promised David the Kingdom of Israel, and Saul became jealous and sought to kill David. No matter how many times he tried, David always forgave him. God delivered Saul into David's hands twice, so he had a few chances kill him, and opportunities to be able to stop running and hiding. Finally, Saul killed himself, after being badly injured in a war. Moving into 2 Samuel, David became King, and went on to follow God's will for His life. He built a sanctuary to house the Ark of God, and God was pleased. He told Samuel, I've been blessing the people of Israel for years, and no one has thought of building a house for me. So He made an awesome covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7. He told David, I have brought you from following sheep in a field, to being the King, and through it all you've obeyed me, and even took it a step further than anyone ever had, and that pleased God. He promised to bless David and all of His seeds. Guess what David did next? He began to humble himself, and thank God for everything He's done for him, just as any good servant should. He humbled himself and said in verses 18-22: ...Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O Lord GOD; and You have also spoken of Your servant’s house for a great while to come. Is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD? Now what more can David say to You? For You, Lord GOD, know Your servant. For Your word’s sake, and according to Your own heart, You have done all these great things, to make Your servant know them. Therefore You are great, O Lord GOD. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. I know I’ve mentioned Jesus, Paul, Peter, and the rest of the disciples a lot, but we could learn so much from David. David lived a rough life according to our earthly standards. For years he was on the run, because Saul was out to kill him. He fought in numerous wars, but he protected a lot of people. He was humble and kind, and most importantly he was obedient. He followed God's will to the letter. He made sure He studied God's word, and lived by it. This is what God wants from us. He doesn't promise us an easy life; He actually promises that we will experience heartache and pain. However, He promised if we seek Him, we’d forever be rewarded, and live a life full of peace, joy, and happiness. How many times have you done something you know you're not supposed to do? How many times have your Spirit told you to go right, and you went left? It happens more often than we'll want to admit. There are many people relying on your obedience, so I advised you to ask for God's guidance, to complete His will, and follow it. Wisdom is the most valuable asset to have, and it should be the most sought after. We all know God will never force us to do the right thing, but He makes sure we know that we reap what we sow. The journey isn't going to be easy, but completing His will by any means necessary will be well worth it. Start by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, that's the start down the path of completing His will for your life. If you've already done that, then prayer, meditation, and studying are way to get on the path of righteousness, and stay there. My favorite verse today is: Not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. (Romans 2:13)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455028&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162559
I love you!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another hump day. The weeks are starting to blend together, and I'm starting to feel like I'm missing whole days. It's already the 15th of the month, and we're halfway through July. I'm hoping I could take a nice vacation before the summer's out; I can't wait. I haven't been able to spend much time with my nieces, so I need to dedicate a whole weekend to them soon; I miss them so much. Today has been a very busy day at work, we moved yesterday, and today we released a new product, which had a few bugs in it, so the phones have been ringing like crazy. It's good to be busy sometimes, but when it's issue after issue, that you don't have an answer to, it gets rough. God is good though, because the new product is definitely a very positive move in the right direction. I cannot wait for Divine Cuisine to be at the point of growth. God is good; I know our time is coming, please continue to pray for the growth of my company. Have wonderful day!
Today's scriptures are about doing God's will. I'm sure we're all aware that God has a will for all of our lives, but it's up to us to follow His will. Each us of were made exceptional in our own unique way, hence the reason we all have individual identities, i.e. finger prints, DNA, hair samples, etc. It's written in Matthew 10:30: But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. God has put so much time into our creation, that we're more special than any other living thing on this earth. We're put here to help build a strong Kingdom, and we each have a distinctive roll to play in the body of Christ. He's instilled in us the Holy Spirit, to help us complete our daily tasks. Did you know you have a job to do for God daily? Paul said in 1 Corinthian 15:31: I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. When we go to sleep at night the day ends, and when we wake in the morning, we're reborn, with a new day, new possibilities, and a new path to take. Jesus said in Luke 9:23: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” We can only take things one day at a time, because whenever we're following God's will, we're sure to be tempted by the devil. He'll do everything in his power to get out of God's will. Jesus warns us in Matthew 6:25-34 not to worry, and verses 33-34 says: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. As long as we're following Jesus, and seeking what's right, we'll complete the will set out for us. I've been studying the books of Samuel, and in 1 Samuel God appointed Saul to be king of Israel, however, Saul let being king go to his head, and blatantly disobeyed a known commandment. God separated Himself from Saul, and anointed David. He promised David the Kingdom of Israel, and Saul became jealous and sought to kill David. No matter how many times he tried, David always forgave him. God delivered Saul into David's hands twice, so he had a few chances kill him, and opportunities to be able to stop running and hiding. Finally, Saul killed himself, after being badly injured in a war. Moving into 2 Samuel, David became King, and went on to follow God's will for His life. He built a sanctuary to house the Ark of God, and God was pleased. He told Samuel, I've been blessing the people of Israel for years, and no one has thought of building a house for me. So He made an awesome covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7. He told David, I have brought you from following sheep in a field, to being the King, and through it all you've obeyed me, and even took it a step further than anyone ever had, and that pleased God. He promised to bless David and all of His seeds. Guess what David did next? He began to humble himself, and thank God for everything He's done for him, just as any good servant should. He humbled himself and said in verses 18-22: ...Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O Lord GOD; and You have also spoken of Your servant’s house for a great while to come. Is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD? Now what more can David say to You? For You, Lord GOD, know Your servant. For Your word’s sake, and according to Your own heart, You have done all these great things, to make Your servant know them. Therefore You are great, O Lord GOD. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. I know I’ve mentioned Jesus, Paul, Peter, and the rest of the disciples a lot, but we could learn so much from David. David lived a rough life according to our earthly standards. For years he was on the run, because Saul was out to kill him. He fought in numerous wars, but he protected a lot of people. He was humble and kind, and most importantly he was obedient. He followed God's will to the letter. He made sure He studied God's word, and lived by it. This is what God wants from us. He doesn't promise us an easy life; He actually promises that we will experience heartache and pain. However, He promised if we seek Him, we’d forever be rewarded, and live a life full of peace, joy, and happiness. How many times have you done something you know you're not supposed to do? How many times have your Spirit told you to go right, and you went left? It happens more often than we'll want to admit. There are many people relying on your obedience, so I advised you to ask for God's guidance, to complete His will, and follow it. Wisdom is the most valuable asset to have, and it should be the most sought after. We all know God will never force us to do the right thing, but He makes sure we know that we reap what we sow. The journey isn't going to be easy, but completing His will by any means necessary will be well worth it. Start by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, that's the start down the path of completing His will for your life. If you've already done that, then prayer, meditation, and studying are way to get on the path of righteousness, and stay there. My favorite verse today is: Not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. (Romans 2:13)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455028&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162559
I love you!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY TUESDAY!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another beautiful day. I'm doing well, a little sleepy, but I'm almost through this workday. Our office move was a bit of a smooth transition, we just moved to a different floor, but the packing and unpacking still had to be done. Who would've known I had this much stuff at work? I've only been back at CoStar for almost 2 years, and I've accumulated a lot of junk. I was sad to move from our previous spot, but in some cases change is good. I would like to ask for prayers for my friend, she's going through some financial hardships, and have a very important court case coming up tomorrow, so I'm asking that your put her in your prayers. I know it's kind of hard to pray for someone you don't know personally, but God knows exactly who needs your prayers, so join me and praying for my friend. I was having some trouble with my break/wheel system on my truck, but I put some air in the tire this morning, and the noise stopped. I'm still going to take it into the shop just in case, but please pray that there's nothing major wrong, because I can't afford any costly repairs. Thank you for your prayers, I love you, as God loves me. Have a wonderful evening!
Today's scriptures are about speaking from the heart. Jesus lives in the heart of anyone who has accepted Him as his or her Lord and Savior. Now our hearts are in journey to being pure. We're growing to be the man or woman God has truly created us to be, however, we're not perfect. I'm sure each of us has our bad days, and moments when we're going through troublesome times, but we still must stay in tuned with the love that God has placed in our heart. No matter what our situation, we must be careful to always speak light into people's lives. Positive and negative energy is contagious, and they spread like wildfires, so as Christians, we must be careful to speak positively to everyone we come in contact with. We're so quick to shoot off at the mouth, without thinking, we're unaware of how powerful our tongue is. Have you ever said something to someone that you regret, and wish you could take it back? I'm guilty of that very often, thank God for Jesus Christ, and grace. I'm a known motor mouth or busybody, the regular Chatty Cathy, however, as I'm maturing in my Faith walk, I'm learning how to think before I speak. I'm starting to try to put myself in other's shoes, because believe it or not, we have more in common with each other than we think. Everyone you encounter is going through something, and it's important for us to be mindful of everything. I was lead to read Hebrews 13:2: Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. We have no idea who we're interacting with on a daily basis. God uses everyone in different ways, especially those people you would never expect. We must be careful to censor ourselves, and work on getting our mouth to connect with our heart. Everything you do, do it from the heart. If Jesus lives there, then our heart is always filled with love. It's written in Proverbs 18:21: Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. So many of us love to gossip, and love to complain, and comment on things we have no right to comment on. We're quick to point the finger at some people, without taking in account how the person we're talking about is affected. No one wants to be the subject of ridicule or gossip, I know I don't, it's a hurting feeling. However, we're all guilty at one time or another of discussing someone’s personal business, or criticizing someone else’s life. None of us are in any position to talk negatively about anyone else. Remember when Jesus said, "He who is without sin cast the first stone"? (John 8:7). We should use the awesome power of our voice to strengthen the kingdom of God. Do you know how many people we could affect, if we willingly share the Gospel of Christ? The lost is always looking to be found, and people are more willing to listen to us than we think. In all actuality, once people find out that we’re Christians, they're automatically watching and listening to our every word. We are naturally inquisitive people, and it goes all the way back to Adam and Eve. Everyone wants to know everything, and it's up to us to share the Word of God anytime and anyplace we could. Look around you, the world is in desperate need of the love of God, we don't need any more negativity, it's all over the place. Our job as Christians is to bring light to the world. I know we all go through dark times, but overall, the light that lives inside of us cannot be ignored. I urge you not to ignore God's calling on your life, which is first and foremost strengthening the Kingdom of God. Most importantly be aware of your tougher, and use this awesome power to bring life to all of the people you come in contact with. If you don't know Jesus, then that's where you should start, then study the Word of God. Study, and make it a part of your heart, and then go out and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 29:19). You’ll be surprised how easy it becomes once it’s practiced. It doesn’t take much to speak to a person that’s looks like they’re feeling down. Telling someone God loves them isn’t going to hurt you, try it. Rejection is expected, but be as willing to talk about God, as much as you’re willing to talk about your favorite sports team or Michael Jackson. My favorite verse today is: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Eph 4:29)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455027&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162539
I love you!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another beautiful day. I'm doing well, a little sleepy, but I'm almost through this workday. Our office move was a bit of a smooth transition, we just moved to a different floor, but the packing and unpacking still had to be done. Who would've known I had this much stuff at work? I've only been back at CoStar for almost 2 years, and I've accumulated a lot of junk. I was sad to move from our previous spot, but in some cases change is good. I would like to ask for prayers for my friend, she's going through some financial hardships, and have a very important court case coming up tomorrow, so I'm asking that your put her in your prayers. I know it's kind of hard to pray for someone you don't know personally, but God knows exactly who needs your prayers, so join me and praying for my friend. I was having some trouble with my break/wheel system on my truck, but I put some air in the tire this morning, and the noise stopped. I'm still going to take it into the shop just in case, but please pray that there's nothing major wrong, because I can't afford any costly repairs. Thank you for your prayers, I love you, as God loves me. Have a wonderful evening!
Today's scriptures are about speaking from the heart. Jesus lives in the heart of anyone who has accepted Him as his or her Lord and Savior. Now our hearts are in journey to being pure. We're growing to be the man or woman God has truly created us to be, however, we're not perfect. I'm sure each of us has our bad days, and moments when we're going through troublesome times, but we still must stay in tuned with the love that God has placed in our heart. No matter what our situation, we must be careful to always speak light into people's lives. Positive and negative energy is contagious, and they spread like wildfires, so as Christians, we must be careful to speak positively to everyone we come in contact with. We're so quick to shoot off at the mouth, without thinking, we're unaware of how powerful our tongue is. Have you ever said something to someone that you regret, and wish you could take it back? I'm guilty of that very often, thank God for Jesus Christ, and grace. I'm a known motor mouth or busybody, the regular Chatty Cathy, however, as I'm maturing in my Faith walk, I'm learning how to think before I speak. I'm starting to try to put myself in other's shoes, because believe it or not, we have more in common with each other than we think. Everyone you encounter is going through something, and it's important for us to be mindful of everything. I was lead to read Hebrews 13:2: Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. We have no idea who we're interacting with on a daily basis. God uses everyone in different ways, especially those people you would never expect. We must be careful to censor ourselves, and work on getting our mouth to connect with our heart. Everything you do, do it from the heart. If Jesus lives there, then our heart is always filled with love. It's written in Proverbs 18:21: Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. So many of us love to gossip, and love to complain, and comment on things we have no right to comment on. We're quick to point the finger at some people, without taking in account how the person we're talking about is affected. No one wants to be the subject of ridicule or gossip, I know I don't, it's a hurting feeling. However, we're all guilty at one time or another of discussing someone’s personal business, or criticizing someone else’s life. None of us are in any position to talk negatively about anyone else. Remember when Jesus said, "He who is without sin cast the first stone"? (John 8:7). We should use the awesome power of our voice to strengthen the kingdom of God. Do you know how many people we could affect, if we willingly share the Gospel of Christ? The lost is always looking to be found, and people are more willing to listen to us than we think. In all actuality, once people find out that we’re Christians, they're automatically watching and listening to our every word. We are naturally inquisitive people, and it goes all the way back to Adam and Eve. Everyone wants to know everything, and it's up to us to share the Word of God anytime and anyplace we could. Look around you, the world is in desperate need of the love of God, we don't need any more negativity, it's all over the place. Our job as Christians is to bring light to the world. I know we all go through dark times, but overall, the light that lives inside of us cannot be ignored. I urge you not to ignore God's calling on your life, which is first and foremost strengthening the Kingdom of God. Most importantly be aware of your tougher, and use this awesome power to bring life to all of the people you come in contact with. If you don't know Jesus, then that's where you should start, then study the Word of God. Study, and make it a part of your heart, and then go out and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 29:19). You’ll be surprised how easy it becomes once it’s practiced. It doesn’t take much to speak to a person that’s looks like they’re feeling down. Telling someone God loves them isn’t going to hurt you, try it. Rejection is expected, but be as willing to talk about God, as much as you’re willing to talk about your favorite sports team or Michael Jackson. My favorite verse today is: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Eph 4:29)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455027&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=5283727&ct=7162539
I love you!
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