HAPPY TUESDAY!
Last night I was up pretty late, with a lot on my mind. Life, in general, has its moments where everything just hits you all at once, and I had one of those moments. When I started to think about what I've endured, I was a little overwhelmed, but that's how the enemy targets us. He tries to get us caught up in our tribulation, instead of focusing on our blessings. I've been attempting to read the Sermon on the Mount, in it's entirety, since I wrote about it a few days ago, so I picked up the bible and started with Matthew chapter 5, and the first 16 verses gave me so much strength. Jesus understood the plights of His followers, so He gave us something to cling to, in those times when it feels like the weight of the world is on our shoulders. If you've been feeling that way lately, I highly recommend it. Getting the answers to life, from the mouth of Jesus, is the best way. Have a wonderful day, and be blessed family!
Today's scriptures are about the certainty, and the rewards of death. One of my favorite quotes is, "I'd rather live life as if there is a God, and die and find out that there isn't, rather than to live life as if there isn't a God, and die and find out there is". To some, that may not make much sense, but to those of us who are saved, we understand all too well. There are so many different religions and beliefs in this world, that it's hard not to question who God is, or even if we're serving the "right God". Who's to say that Buddha or Allah isn't the way to Heaven, and not Jesus Christ? Nonetheless, we all know that we will eventually die, but before then, we must know exactly what we believe, and why. The one thing I know for sure is that Jesus is the truth, the light, and the way, and no man can go to Father, unless through the Son. Jesus proves Himself true in my life everyday, and through Him I have victory over death. Not only do I have victory over death, but I also have life in Heaven forevermore, and that's been made possible simply by my belief in Christ. Jesus laid down His life, to give me everlasting life in Heaven. The Bible gives us accounts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. There are stories written about Him, appearing to many people, after His resurrection. He did this, just to ensure that several people could testify to His life after death. Right before His ascension into Heaven, He appeared to a group of people, which included all eleven of His disciples, and they were all terrified. He asked them, "Why are you troubled?” and even showed them the wounds in His hands and feet, from being nailed to the cross. Even after that, they still didn't believe that it was He, so He sat and ate with them. It's written: Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:36-49) After all of this, Jesus blessed them, and was carried up into Heaven. This is where He still sits today, awaiting our return to Him. This may seem like a fascinating fictional tale, but everything written in the Word of God is the truth. Jesus did live as a human being, and still lives in Heaven, so that we can one day get there. For Jesus’ believers, death is victory. It's the end of imperfection, and the beginning of perfection. It's the end of sickness, disease, hurts, and pains, and the beginning of everlasting joy. The Prophet Isaiah predicted this, before Jesus was born, and it's written: He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces; the rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; for the LORD has spoken. And it will be said in that day: “ Behold, 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.” (Isa. 25:8-9) Whenever you think of death, you should think of the rewards you'll face, so that you won't fear the natural process of life. Some people spend a lot of time being so afraid of death, that they don't allow themselves to live. All of the fears and phobias need to stop today, because God intended us to enjoy our life, here and in Heaven. He's blessed us with Salvation through Christ, because He no longer wanted to see us suffer, at the fate of our own hands. I challenge you today to live! Live as if today is your last, and rejoice in the fact that if it is, you'll spend all of Eternity in the presence of the Lord. Share this with as many people as you can, so that you will reunite with your loved ones in Heaven. There's so much more to know about Heaven, but salvation is the greatest, yet easiest gift to receive. All you need to do is believe that Christ lived, died, and was resurrected for your sins. Pray and confess that you're a sinner, and repent of your sins. Finally, ask Jesus to come into your life as Lord and Savior. Once you do this, your name will be written in the Lambs book of life, so when Jesus returns, or you're faced with physical death, you’ll have absolutely nothing to worry about. Make sure you strengthen your relationship with God along the way, because Jesus suffered and died to give you that privilege. My favorite verse today is: To live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455314&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday, December 1, 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, refreshed after a nice vacation. The last five days have been a bit of a transition for me, and I'm happy and excited about the new life I'm embarking upon. As I step into times of uncertainty, I read Ecclesiastes 3, and it helps me understand that change is not only good, but it's inevitable. God made seasons for a reason, there's a time for everything, and what I go through is no different from what other people are going, or have gone through. I know, by the grace of God, I will survive. Hallelujah! I welcome adversity and trials, because I understand that it's necessary to mold me into the special person He's created me to be. God has blessed me with a tremendous support system, including all of you who take the time to read my e-mails daily. I appreciate your feedback, because it keeps me encouraged, and I thank you. Well enough with the sentimental stuff it's Basketball Season, whew hoo!! The boys played St. Stephen's, and they won! It was an excited game, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season. My brother has transitioned from football to basketball well, and it seems like they’re having fun. Please pray that everyone stays healthy. Be blessed family!
Today's scriptures are about taking refuge in Jesus Christ. I often write about the trials we face in life, because I want you to understand that you are not alone. God doesn’t love you any less because of anything you’ve done, or because of your circumstances. The world vividly paints a picture of how life is “supposed” to be, and what constitutes happiness and success. The world will have you believe that material wealth, prestige, education, and outer beauty equals happiness and success. Now let’s take a moment and look at the man Jesus Christ. He lived with very little, and worked as a carpenter. He never had a place to call home, nor boasted about having riches, yet He was the most powerful man to ever walk the earth. He traveled light, and took care of everyone He came in contact with. He often sat with His followers and taught the love of God. How much money He had, or what He was wearing was never His concern. He’s warned us about converting to the world’s way of thinking, and living to please man. It’s written: “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Luke 16:13) He constantly taught this, and warned us of the many temptations, test, and trials we’ll face. At the same time, He offers refuge and freedom from the burden of sin. He promised to protect us through the storms of life, and celebrate with us in our victories. He promised to never leave us without protection, and we should take comfort in knowing that He has already overcome the world. The word Refuge is defined: shelter or protection from danger, trouble. Now I’ll pose a question, and you should spend some time and think about the answer. Do you honestly see Jesus as your refuge? I’m all about self-reflection, because we often make excuses for ourselves, and try to blame all of our tribulations on God, or “the devil”, but we seldom take a look at “the man in the mirror”. A lot of our hurts and pains are self-inflicted, and we’re so busy blaming everything else that we fail to see our own role in our situations. I used to be like that, until someone very close to me pointed it out, [actually several people, but that’s how God works when He needs to get His point across]. When faced with trouble or danger, our first, yet natural, reaction is to attempt to come up with a resolution, or take defense. When we react strictly on emotion, or natural instinct, we could end up doing more harm than good, but for most of us that’s all we know. If you’re anything like me, you need to be reminded daily, that Jesus is your strength and your refuge, your ever present help in need. When faced with danger, all you need to do is call on Him, and He will answer. God has given us favor through Jesus Christ. Don’t ever forget that Jesus lived and died for you. Throughout His life He taught us about the dangers and joys of life, and awesome promises of our Father in Heaven. Then He laid down His life to atone for our sins. Now, He sits at the right hand of God as our intercessor. When you think of Him in this way, do you see Him as your refuge? Trouble is inevitable, but some of it is unnecessary. Do you know how much trouble you could avoid if you just trust in the Lord with your whole heart, and allow Him to guide you in life? If you don’t know then the only way to find out is to first accept Him as your Lord and Savior, and then stay with Him at all time. An umbrella in a storm is only useful if you open it up and use it. My favorite verse today is: When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalms 61:2)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455167&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
I pray all is well with everyone and you're enjoying another beautiful day! I'm doing well, refreshed after a nice vacation. The last five days have been a bit of a transition for me, and I'm happy and excited about the new life I'm embarking upon. As I step into times of uncertainty, I read Ecclesiastes 3, and it helps me understand that change is not only good, but it's inevitable. God made seasons for a reason, there's a time for everything, and what I go through is no different from what other people are going, or have gone through. I know, by the grace of God, I will survive. Hallelujah! I welcome adversity and trials, because I understand that it's necessary to mold me into the special person He's created me to be. God has blessed me with a tremendous support system, including all of you who take the time to read my e-mails daily. I appreciate your feedback, because it keeps me encouraged, and I thank you. Well enough with the sentimental stuff it's Basketball Season, whew hoo!! The boys played St. Stephen's, and they won! It was an excited game, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season. My brother has transitioned from football to basketball well, and it seems like they’re having fun. Please pray that everyone stays healthy. Be blessed family!
Today's scriptures are about taking refuge in Jesus Christ. I often write about the trials we face in life, because I want you to understand that you are not alone. God doesn’t love you any less because of anything you’ve done, or because of your circumstances. The world vividly paints a picture of how life is “supposed” to be, and what constitutes happiness and success. The world will have you believe that material wealth, prestige, education, and outer beauty equals happiness and success. Now let’s take a moment and look at the man Jesus Christ. He lived with very little, and worked as a carpenter. He never had a place to call home, nor boasted about having riches, yet He was the most powerful man to ever walk the earth. He traveled light, and took care of everyone He came in contact with. He often sat with His followers and taught the love of God. How much money He had, or what He was wearing was never His concern. He’s warned us about converting to the world’s way of thinking, and living to please man. It’s written: “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Luke 16:13) He constantly taught this, and warned us of the many temptations, test, and trials we’ll face. At the same time, He offers refuge and freedom from the burden of sin. He promised to protect us through the storms of life, and celebrate with us in our victories. He promised to never leave us without protection, and we should take comfort in knowing that He has already overcome the world. The word Refuge is defined: shelter or protection from danger, trouble. Now I’ll pose a question, and you should spend some time and think about the answer. Do you honestly see Jesus as your refuge? I’m all about self-reflection, because we often make excuses for ourselves, and try to blame all of our tribulations on God, or “the devil”, but we seldom take a look at “the man in the mirror”. A lot of our hurts and pains are self-inflicted, and we’re so busy blaming everything else that we fail to see our own role in our situations. I used to be like that, until someone very close to me pointed it out, [actually several people, but that’s how God works when He needs to get His point across]. When faced with trouble or danger, our first, yet natural, reaction is to attempt to come up with a resolution, or take defense. When we react strictly on emotion, or natural instinct, we could end up doing more harm than good, but for most of us that’s all we know. If you’re anything like me, you need to be reminded daily, that Jesus is your strength and your refuge, your ever present help in need. When faced with danger, all you need to do is call on Him, and He will answer. God has given us favor through Jesus Christ. Don’t ever forget that Jesus lived and died for you. Throughout His life He taught us about the dangers and joys of life, and awesome promises of our Father in Heaven. Then He laid down His life to atone for our sins. Now, He sits at the right hand of God as our intercessor. When you think of Him in this way, do you see Him as your refuge? Trouble is inevitable, but some of it is unnecessary. Do you know how much trouble you could avoid if you just trust in the Lord with your whole heart, and allow Him to guide you in life? If you don’t know then the only way to find out is to first accept Him as your Lord and Savior, and then stay with Him at all time. An umbrella in a storm is only useful if you open it up and use it. My favorite verse today is: When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalms 61:2)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455167&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547
I love you!
Daily Devotional Day & Night
HAPPY TUESDAY!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another beautiful terrific Tuesday. The weather is cold and rainy, but the fact that we're a day closer to a four-day weekend makes it beautiful. I'm thankful that my Grandmother is here to celebrate another holiday with the family, please continue to keep her in your prayers. This weekend's turducken was a big hit! I must say myself, I am really pleased about the way it came out, I pray the next one comes out just as well, or better. We had so much food at the Church, but the one thing we were missing was the stuffing, so I think I'll go ahead and make some tomorrow, to ensure that we have enough. This time of year is a Chef's dream, because it's a challenge to bring something fresh and new, without shocking people. When you think of Thanksgiving, you think of the traditional meal, and we could still do that, but put a little twist on it. Since I work so late tomorrow night, I won't be able to go all out like I want, but maybe I will on Christmas or New Years. I know some of you will be traveling today or tomorrow, I pray for your safe journey, and that you enjoy this precious time with your friends and family. Have a wonderful day, and be blessed!
Today's scriptures are about our position in the Kingdom of God. Jesus is the tie that binds believers as family. Some of us get caught up in the earthly meaning of family, when we're all brothers and sisters in Christ. We have favor through the blood of the Lamb, and God exalts us when we do His will. As earthly parents, we have an obligation to provide for, and take care of our children. They didn't ask to be born, they are sent to us by God and it's our duty raise them to be loving, caring, and respectful adults. Good parents take interest in their children’s lives, and lead by example. They work and toil ensure their child have everything they need, and have great relationships with them staying open to communication. As a parent, you're forced to make tough decisions for your the sake of your child(ren). There are some things we take joy in, and others we regret doing, but have to be done. It's written: Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) We have to be multifaceted to our kids; we have to be parent, friend, teacher, lawyer, doctor, therapist, and preacher. We're their lifelines, and without our guidance they wouldn't know which ways to go in life. Stop and think about this for a moment, if God is our Heavenly Father, and has designed earthly parents to be this way, then how much greater is He to us? He has given His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, so we could have life. Jesus died and was resurrected, and now sits on a throne at the right hand of God. Jesus is our lifeline, and just as blood bonds parents to their children, Jesus' blood bonds us to God. He calls us brother and sister, and most importantly He calls us friends. When it comes to working in the Kingdom of God, there are no persons more important than the other. He bleed the same blood everyone, no matter what your status is in life. God loves all of us, but call those of us who keeps His commandments friends. It's written: “Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments..." (Deuteronomy 7:9) Jesus said: And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31) Really, how hard is it to keep these commandments? Keep in mind that love is an action, it's not a warm fuzzy feeling, or pleasant thoughts, but it's something that is shown through our actions. Jesus showed His love for us, through His death on the cross. God shows His love for us daily, with our many wonderful blessings. So how do you show your love to Him? Think about children, and how they give back to us. It's not by gifts or works but by their total dependence on, love and respect for us. It's about their gratitude, and the way their faces lights up when they see us. It's the little things that show that we care. Jesus is our brother, and it's only because of Him that we have a strong, unbreakable relationship with God. He appreciates when we share His teachings, acknowledge His presence, and Praise Him every day of our life. In the Kingdom, we're children of God, and brethren to Jesus Christ, and that's a privilege that is open to all, but held by few. The only step that needs to be taken to enter the kingdom of God is to acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ, confess and repent for your sins, and ask Him to come into your heart. The love is God is something that's ever present, yet seldom reciprocated, and there's only one way to change that. My favorite verses today are: If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him. (1 John 1:6, 2:5)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455160&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=5569835&ct=7613849
I love you!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another beautiful terrific Tuesday. The weather is cold and rainy, but the fact that we're a day closer to a four-day weekend makes it beautiful. I'm thankful that my Grandmother is here to celebrate another holiday with the family, please continue to keep her in your prayers. This weekend's turducken was a big hit! I must say myself, I am really pleased about the way it came out, I pray the next one comes out just as well, or better. We had so much food at the Church, but the one thing we were missing was the stuffing, so I think I'll go ahead and make some tomorrow, to ensure that we have enough. This time of year is a Chef's dream, because it's a challenge to bring something fresh and new, without shocking people. When you think of Thanksgiving, you think of the traditional meal, and we could still do that, but put a little twist on it. Since I work so late tomorrow night, I won't be able to go all out like I want, but maybe I will on Christmas or New Years. I know some of you will be traveling today or tomorrow, I pray for your safe journey, and that you enjoy this precious time with your friends and family. Have a wonderful day, and be blessed!
Today's scriptures are about our position in the Kingdom of God. Jesus is the tie that binds believers as family. Some of us get caught up in the earthly meaning of family, when we're all brothers and sisters in Christ. We have favor through the blood of the Lamb, and God exalts us when we do His will. As earthly parents, we have an obligation to provide for, and take care of our children. They didn't ask to be born, they are sent to us by God and it's our duty raise them to be loving, caring, and respectful adults. Good parents take interest in their children’s lives, and lead by example. They work and toil ensure their child have everything they need, and have great relationships with them staying open to communication. As a parent, you're forced to make tough decisions for your the sake of your child(ren). There are some things we take joy in, and others we regret doing, but have to be done. It's written: Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) We have to be multifaceted to our kids; we have to be parent, friend, teacher, lawyer, doctor, therapist, and preacher. We're their lifelines, and without our guidance they wouldn't know which ways to go in life. Stop and think about this for a moment, if God is our Heavenly Father, and has designed earthly parents to be this way, then how much greater is He to us? He has given His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, so we could have life. Jesus died and was resurrected, and now sits on a throne at the right hand of God. Jesus is our lifeline, and just as blood bonds parents to their children, Jesus' blood bonds us to God. He calls us brother and sister, and most importantly He calls us friends. When it comes to working in the Kingdom of God, there are no persons more important than the other. He bleed the same blood everyone, no matter what your status is in life. God loves all of us, but call those of us who keeps His commandments friends. It's written: “Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments..." (Deuteronomy 7:9) Jesus said: And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31) Really, how hard is it to keep these commandments? Keep in mind that love is an action, it's not a warm fuzzy feeling, or pleasant thoughts, but it's something that is shown through our actions. Jesus showed His love for us, through His death on the cross. God shows His love for us daily, with our many wonderful blessings. So how do you show your love to Him? Think about children, and how they give back to us. It's not by gifts or works but by their total dependence on, love and respect for us. It's about their gratitude, and the way their faces lights up when they see us. It's the little things that show that we care. Jesus is our brother, and it's only because of Him that we have a strong, unbreakable relationship with God. He appreciates when we share His teachings, acknowledge His presence, and Praise Him every day of our life. In the Kingdom, we're children of God, and brethren to Jesus Christ, and that's a privilege that is open to all, but held by few. The only step that needs to be taken to enter the kingdom of God is to acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ, confess and repent for your sins, and ask Him to come into your heart. The love is God is something that's ever present, yet seldom reciprocated, and there's only one way to change that. My favorite verses today are: If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him. (1 John 1:6, 2:5)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455160&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=5569835&ct=7613849
I love you!
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