There have been times I've approached the Lord with a "gimme, gimme" attitude. There've been times when I wanted and thought that my life should always be sweet; like a freshly baked cinnamon roll. No problems, nothing to overcome, just sweet uninterrupted life.
It takes a bump in the road or two before we realize that the life of a believer is sweet. It is sweet because of our wonderful, Lord. But it isn't a cake walk! The rain falls on the just and the unjust. At those times when trials come we should not think we've been thrown out and cast aside like day old sweet rolls.
Those are the times when we really need to thank God because we can trust He is doing a good thing on our behalf. It is during trials that our faith grows. It is the joy of the Lord that gives us strength. He is that Bread of Life! After all we can't live a healthy life on only sweets.
The Lord is our Abba Father and we are His children but are we living the role as a child of our loving Heavenly Father?
Your Abba Father loves you!
*Matthew 5:45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.
*James 1:3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
* Galatians 4:6 And because we his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”
*I Thessalonians 5:5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.
*Ephesians 5:1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children
*Matthew 18:4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Friday, June 27, 2014
Courage- It's Not The Absence Of Fear
Courage is defined as the ability to do something in the face of fear. We all have fear. Some of us are afraid of speaking in front of a crowd, for some it is fear of taking tests. Sometimes we are afraid of making a good impression on a job interview. Fears are apart of life. But eventually we need to face our fears in order to move forward.
Think of a gymnast for example, can't you just imagine the fear of falling? Yet if they don't try, they will never learn what they are capable of doing. They must face their fear and they may fall many times before they get their moves just right.
Following Christ is like that too. We can't shrink when we are asked about our faith. Jesus said if we admit we follow Him to others, He will admit we are His followers to the Father. On the other hand if we deny that we know Him, He will deny us before the Father. This takes courage. Why? Because we are afraid of other's opinion. They may reject us or persecute us. But we have to share our faith. We demonstrate our faith by our behavior. But must have the courage to speak the name of Jesus! Jesus taught that if they hate Him they will also hate us. If they love Him they will also love us. And he taught that we will indeed be persecuted but even in persecution is blessing.
Don't be afraid. Think of Mary telling Joseph about her pregnancy! Think of Daniel facing a hungry den of lions and a fiery furnace!
Whatever the Holy Spirit is leading you to do, do it! Test the spirit, pray and search the Word. God will show you what to do. And when He does do it! And do it afraid!
*Psalms 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
*Matthew 10:32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
*Matthew 10:33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
*John 15:18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.
*Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Think of a gymnast for example, can't you just imagine the fear of falling? Yet if they don't try, they will never learn what they are capable of doing. They must face their fear and they may fall many times before they get their moves just right.
Following Christ is like that too. We can't shrink when we are asked about our faith. Jesus said if we admit we follow Him to others, He will admit we are His followers to the Father. On the other hand if we deny that we know Him, He will deny us before the Father. This takes courage. Why? Because we are afraid of other's opinion. They may reject us or persecute us. But we have to share our faith. We demonstrate our faith by our behavior. But must have the courage to speak the name of Jesus! Jesus taught that if they hate Him they will also hate us. If they love Him they will also love us. And he taught that we will indeed be persecuted but even in persecution is blessing.
Don't be afraid. Think of Mary telling Joseph about her pregnancy! Think of Daniel facing a hungry den of lions and a fiery furnace!
Whatever the Holy Spirit is leading you to do, do it! Test the spirit, pray and search the Word. God will show you what to do. And when He does do it! And do it afraid!
*Psalms 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
*Matthew 10:32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
*Matthew 10:33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
*John 15:18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.
*Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
In Sync!
In-sync is a slang term for being in tune, agreement or harmony. In musical terms though, syncopation means a short rest, or an accent on a weak beat.
As believers in Christ, we love Him with all of our heart, but as humans, sometimes our "rhythm takes a "rest". Eventually though, the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit beacons us to get back "in rhythm".*
When He calls us we need to "acknowledge" the call.
Remember in music, a "rest" is only a pause in the rhythm, it isn't the end of the song. A song always starts with a beat, has a beat in the middle and ends with a beat. Jesus is the beginning, the middle and the end.*
*Proverbs 24:16 The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.
*Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
*Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your paths.
*Revelation 1:18“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”
As believers in Christ, we love Him with all of our heart, but as humans, sometimes our "rhythm takes a "rest". Eventually though, the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit beacons us to get back "in rhythm".*
When He calls us we need to "acknowledge" the call.
Remember in music, a "rest" is only a pause in the rhythm, it isn't the end of the song. A song always starts with a beat, has a beat in the middle and ends with a beat. Jesus is the beginning, the middle and the end.*
*Proverbs 24:16 The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.
*Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your paths.
*Revelation 1:18“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Let It Go!
There's an old adage, "Forgiving is forgetting." There is some truth to that, but it takes a while to get there and deliberate determination to make the journey. That good ole' adage might be better put, "Forgiving leads to forgetting."
To forgive is to give up our resentment or to stop blaming. In the Lord's prayer Jesus asked the Father to forgive us for our sins as we forgive others.*
To forget is a little different. it can mean to lose the memory of something but it also means to disregard intentionally or to overlook.
We can't afford to be confused about the issue. We will have a memory of it. On one hand things that offend, anger, or hurt us seem to be burned into our minds. On the other hand we forget where we put our keys! We need to remember that forgiving means to stop resenting and deal with the anger issues. Forgetting is intentionally disregarding it. Letting it go!
Forgiving is a habit. Forgetting is the result.*
So whatever is bothering you...let it go!
Matthew 6:15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
I Corinthians 13:5....It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
To forgive is to give up our resentment or to stop blaming. In the Lord's prayer Jesus asked the Father to forgive us for our sins as we forgive others.*
To forget is a little different. it can mean to lose the memory of something but it also means to disregard intentionally or to overlook.
We can't afford to be confused about the issue. We will have a memory of it. On one hand things that offend, anger, or hurt us seem to be burned into our minds. On the other hand we forget where we put our keys! We need to remember that forgiving means to stop resenting and deal with the anger issues. Forgetting is intentionally disregarding it. Letting it go!
Forgiving is a habit. Forgetting is the result.*
So whatever is bothering you...let it go!
Matthew 6:15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
I Corinthians 13:5....It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
The Sword and Fruit of the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 6:17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.*
Galatians 5:22-23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!*
Isn't it interesting that the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit are listed together. When we think of a sword we typically think of a long and very sharp weapon. Only skillful swordsmen can wield a sword with accuracy. It takes instruction and practice. The sword of the spirit is the word of God and it too, takes instruction and practice.*
The helmet of salvation protects our head, our brains, our thoughts and our knowledge. The word of God helps us to sort out what is our will; (the soul), and our spirit; (that part of us that connects us to the Word.) It helps us to decide; (when we submit our will to God's will) what the right thing to do is.
When we submit our will to the Lord, learn His word and get good and godly instruction, our lives will then produce the fruit of the spirit. And that is a must as a believer because it is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance!
At first wielding our sword and yielding good fruit seems impossible, but with practice and instruction we'll get better at it. We will never be perfect at it but we will get more and more effective! Hang in there!
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 5:14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.
*For further study read Ephesians 6:11-17 and Galatians 5:19-26 Which have more information on the whole armor of God, the works of the flesh and the fruit of the spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!*
Isn't it interesting that the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit are listed together. When we think of a sword we typically think of a long and very sharp weapon. Only skillful swordsmen can wield a sword with accuracy. It takes instruction and practice. The sword of the spirit is the word of God and it too, takes instruction and practice.*
The helmet of salvation protects our head, our brains, our thoughts and our knowledge. The word of God helps us to sort out what is our will; (the soul), and our spirit; (that part of us that connects us to the Word.) It helps us to decide; (when we submit our will to God's will) what the right thing to do is.
When we submit our will to the Lord, learn His word and get good and godly instruction, our lives will then produce the fruit of the spirit. And that is a must as a believer because it is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance!
At first wielding our sword and yielding good fruit seems impossible, but with practice and instruction we'll get better at it. We will never be perfect at it but we will get more and more effective! Hang in there!
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 5:14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.
*For further study read Ephesians 6:11-17 and Galatians 5:19-26 Which have more information on the whole armor of God, the works of the flesh and the fruit of the spirit.
Friday, June 20, 2014
From Impossible to Possible
I know of a person who is going through a very physically difficult time. Due to their difficulties they have had to learn to adapt the way the way they do things. Immediately after surgery simple things were impossible. Seriously and totally impossible. The person was not even able to take care of the most necessary of needs! But by much prayer and effort, some of the things that were impossible, are now possible! Just not the same way.
There are other battles as well. She is told at times, "Oh that's the hard way or you can't do that." And its a struggle to not pop of with some snarky remark. But it is better to be a "hard" way than an impossible way! Then others are amazed at the work God has wrought in her!
*Mark 9:23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
There are other battles as well. She is told at times, "Oh that's the hard way or you can't do that." And its a struggle to not pop of with some snarky remark. But it is better to be a "hard" way than an impossible way! Then others are amazed at the work God has wrought in her!
*Mark 9:23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
Monday, June 16, 2014
Sabotage! -When Temptation is Subtle
We were created for a purpose. I have heard it said, "No one ever became successful by accident." What a valid statement! It takes passion and focus to fulfill our purpose. And God definitely has a purpose for our lives! But lets face it we are made of flesh and blood, (which by the way is why we need our armor!) and temptation is a part of our lives!
We sometimes think of temptation as a very obvious thing and sometimes it is. Smoking, drugs, lust, those are very obvious. But many times temptation isn't so easily detected.
Satan does not tempt us with things that don't appeal to us. That wouldn't even be temptation! Subtle temptations are those things that keep us from our purpose. Things we don't even think about most of the time. Reading, video games, or movies for example. These things are not inherently evil. But when things get out of balance, important things fall by the wayside. Fortunately our God knows that we will fall sometimes and He loves us anyway. The righteous will fall seven times and yet rise again!
Prayer: Thank you that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Thank you for blessing us with so many good things. Please help us to find balance and stay focused on our purpose!
*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.
*Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
*James 1:14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.
*James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
*Psalms 37:5 Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.
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Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Casting out Demons... It Begins at Home
First of all do you believe in demons? Then do you believe we have power over them? Do you see demonic activity in the lives of others? Do you long to lay hands on folks and cast out demons? If we've answered yes to any of these questions, we first need to look in our own living rooms!
Often we think of demons as having a lot of power, causing large disruptions in the lives of the possessed and the oppressed. And to be sure, there are strong holds out there. Alcoholism, drug addictions, pornography, cruelty, etc. Big ticket items!
But what about the little imps? You know the ones that influence irritability, the little white lies, discussing/gossiping about other people? Yes... those too are demonic activity!
We will never have perfect households. But until we realize that we have our own imps to overthrow, we will truly have no power overthrow the rulers of darkness in the lives of others. In the third chapter of II Timothy we learn that the end times will be perilous. All kinds of evil! In verse 5 we learn of a very relative type of evil, directed to believers, They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
We need to tap into the wonderful power of prayer!
*Matthew 18:18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
Matthew 18:19 Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
*Matthew 18:20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
Song: What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
Prayer: Lord, bless our homes with unity, peace and prayer!
*I recommend reading Frank E. Peretti's This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness. Though they are works of fiction, I believe they give a very accurate visual of spiritual warfare. They depict the effect prayer has on warfare. We get to see the importance of prayer as it strengthens 'Heaven's Host of Angels and how the lack of prayer weakens it.
Often we think of demons as having a lot of power, causing large disruptions in the lives of the possessed and the oppressed. And to be sure, there are strong holds out there. Alcoholism, drug addictions, pornography, cruelty, etc. Big ticket items!
But what about the little imps? You know the ones that influence irritability, the little white lies, discussing/gossiping about other people? Yes... those too are demonic activity!
We will never have perfect households. But until we realize that we have our own imps to overthrow, we will truly have no power overthrow the rulers of darkness in the lives of others. In the third chapter of II Timothy we learn that the end times will be perilous. All kinds of evil! In verse 5 we learn of a very relative type of evil, directed to believers, They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
We need to tap into the wonderful power of prayer!
*Matthew 18:18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
Matthew 18:19 Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
*Matthew 18:20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
Song: What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
Prayer: Lord, bless our homes with unity, peace and prayer!
*I recommend reading Frank E. Peretti's This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness. Though they are works of fiction, I believe they give a very accurate visual of spiritual warfare. They depict the effect prayer has on warfare. We get to see the importance of prayer as it strengthens 'Heaven's Host of Angels and how the lack of prayer weakens it.
24/7
It's not always convenient to follow Christ. But inconveniences are opportunities to prove Christ lives in us.
As new believers we need to be taught, and as seasoned believers we need to add to our faith.
Remember God, looks at our hearts and our motives. And He is working something good in us, if we'll allow it! Its always our choice. Jesus is not a task master, He came as a humble servant and we are to be like Him, 24/7.
*Matthew 28:20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
*II Peter 1:5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,
*Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
*Philippians 2:13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
As new believers we need to be taught, and as seasoned believers we need to add to our faith.
Remember God, looks at our hearts and our motives. And He is working something good in us, if we'll allow it! Its always our choice. Jesus is not a task master, He came as a humble servant and we are to be like Him, 24/7.
*Matthew 28:20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
*II Peter 1:5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,
*Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
*Philippians 2:13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Custom Fitted Armor- It Grows Like a Superhero's
No two people are the same. Even identical twins have different fingerprints. Why should we think that our armor is the same?
Take a look at the armor chapter, Ephesians chapter six and you will see that the bulk of the chapter is behavioral oriented:
1. Children obey your parents; (obey)
2. Honor your father and mother. (honor)
3.That it may... (a result of the doing)
4.Father's don't exasperate children. (don't)
5. Servants obey. (obey)
6., 7, 8 the how to any why explanations
9. Masters treat your servants... (treat)
10. Be strong. (be)
11. Put on the whole armor. (put on)
12. Our struggle is not with flesh and blood. (explanation why)
13. Put on the armor so you can stand. (strategy)
14. Stand with the belt, (stand), wearing the breastplate of righteousness. (wearing; acting in accord with divine or moral law)
15.Having our feet fitted. (putting on shoes)
16.Taking helmet of salvation and sword of the spirit (taking up and putting on)
Mother and fathers are different, children are different, employees and employers are different. We are all at different places in our understanding and wisdom. Each of our situations are different.
The important thing is this: Our armor is a living thing. It grows as we grow.The more obstacles we overcome the stronger and more effective our armor becomes. It flexes and fits us like a superhero's does!
*Isaiah 28:10 He tells us everything over and over— one line at a time, one line at a time, a little here, and a little there!”
*John 15:2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.
*II Peter 1:5 -7 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
Take a look at the armor chapter, Ephesians chapter six and you will see that the bulk of the chapter is behavioral oriented:
1. Children obey your parents; (obey)
2. Honor your father and mother. (honor)
3.That it may... (a result of the doing)
4.Father's don't exasperate children. (don't)
5. Servants obey. (obey)
6., 7, 8 the how to any why explanations
9. Masters treat your servants... (treat)
10. Be strong. (be)
11. Put on the whole armor. (put on)
12. Our struggle is not with flesh and blood. (explanation why)
13. Put on the armor so you can stand. (strategy)
14. Stand with the belt, (stand), wearing the breastplate of righteousness. (wearing; acting in accord with divine or moral law)
15.Having our feet fitted. (putting on shoes)
16.Taking helmet of salvation and sword of the spirit (taking up and putting on)
Mother and fathers are different, children are different, employees and employers are different. We are all at different places in our understanding and wisdom. Each of our situations are different.
The important thing is this: Our armor is a living thing. It grows as we grow.The more obstacles we overcome the stronger and more effective our armor becomes. It flexes and fits us like a superhero's does!
*Isaiah 28:10 He tells us everything over and over— one line at a time, one line at a time, a little here, and a little there!”
*John 15:2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.
*II Peter 1:5 -7 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Abba, Father
Abba is a term that does in fact mean "father". But it is special in that it is a term that can only used in the true intimacy of a child and their father. For instance, slaves were never permitted to call the head of the household Abba, but they could use the term father. Think of Abraham, the "father" of many nations.
Abba is used in the New Testament on three occasions.
Jesus cried, "Abba, Father" in the garden of Gethsemane. He was in anguish.
We then see it used again in Romans 8:15 NIV For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba!" When we call to "Abba Father" there is no fear.
And one last time in Galatians 4:6 NIV Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." Again... "Abba Father" is used to demonstrate the parent/child relationship.
Abba is a term a child uses of parental endearment. We should think of the term "Abba, Father" as a prince or princess would address their father , the King.
Abba Father loves you!
Abba is used in the New Testament on three occasions.
Jesus cried, "Abba, Father" in the garden of Gethsemane. He was in anguish.
We then see it used again in Romans 8:15 NIV For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba!" When we call to "Abba Father" there is no fear.
And one last time in Galatians 4:6 NIV Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." Again... "Abba Father" is used to demonstrate the parent/child relationship.
Abba is a term a child uses of parental endearment. We should think of the term "Abba, Father" as a prince or princess would address their father , the King.
Abba Father loves you!
Friday, June 6, 2014
Is It Okay To Be Frustrated?
The answer is a resounding yes! We are human and filled with many emotions and as I have said before, anger is one of them.
In the love chapter, I Corinthians 13:5 KJV it tells us that love is not easily provoked.
NIV it says we are not to be easily angered.
In Ephesians 6:4 we are taught that fathers are not to provoke their children to anger.
But how can we understand how to be angry without sinning?
Realize that at times we will be provoked. It will absolutely happen!
I Peter 5:8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
Satan is relentless!
I really like the NLT version of Ephesians 4:26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry,
So easily said, so hard to do! This where loving the Lord with all of our strength comes into play. We must gird ourselves in the whole armor of God and follow the behavioral path of godliness.
* See Ephesians 6:10-18 And Proverbs 3:6
We must get in the word and get the word in us.
We must spend time in prayer.
*Ephesians 6:10-18
*II Timothy 4:12
Please be encouraged! Take time for a quiet time with Jesus. Pray and read your Bible each and every day! If you don't have time... cut something out of your schedule. Get up earlier, or stay up later.
In the love chapter, I Corinthians 13:5 KJV it tells us that love is not easily provoked.
NIV it says we are not to be easily angered.
In Ephesians 6:4 we are taught that fathers are not to provoke their children to anger.
But how can we understand how to be angry without sinning?
Realize that at times we will be provoked. It will absolutely happen!
I Peter 5:8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
Satan is relentless!
I really like the NLT version of Ephesians 4:26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry,
So easily said, so hard to do! This where loving the Lord with all of our strength comes into play. We must gird ourselves in the whole armor of God and follow the behavioral path of godliness.
* See Ephesians 6:10-18 And Proverbs 3:6
We must get in the word and get the word in us.
We must spend time in prayer.
*Ephesians 6:10-18
*II Timothy 4:12
Please be encouraged! Take time for a quiet time with Jesus. Pray and read your Bible each and every day! If you don't have time... cut something out of your schedule. Get up earlier, or stay up later.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
The Power of Words - Talkin' The Walk
It's so easy to pop off with a snarky, little comment when we are irritated! But then nobody ever said talkin' the walk was easy!
Words are very powerful. Words can cause laughter or tears. They and curse or bless, they can wound or heal. But, once words are spoken that can never be taken back.
Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
We all know that unkind words hurt and cause anger, but kind words are powerful tools! Take a look:
*Proverbs 16:24 Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
*Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
*Proverbs 25:15 Patience can persuade a prince, And soft speech can break bones.
Jesus said that what comes out of our mouth is what is in our heart. In other words think, input-out-put. Our speech should be kind and full of grace. Putting God's word into our heart is the only way we can "talk" the walk!
*Luke 6:45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
*Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Psalms 119:11
*Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
(One definition of "salt" is this: wisdom and grace exhibited in speech)
Words are very powerful. Words can cause laughter or tears. They and curse or bless, they can wound or heal. But, once words are spoken that can never be taken back.
Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
We all know that unkind words hurt and cause anger, but kind words are powerful tools! Take a look:
*Proverbs 16:24 Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
*Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
*Proverbs 25:15 Patience can persuade a prince, And soft speech can break bones.
Jesus said that what comes out of our mouth is what is in our heart. In other words think, input-out-put. Our speech should be kind and full of grace. Putting God's word into our heart is the only way we can "talk" the walk!
*Luke 6:45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
*Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Psalms 119:11
*Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
(One definition of "salt" is this: wisdom and grace exhibited in speech)
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
The Importance of Godly Friendship - Dedicated to Kim Farrell
II Corinthians 6:14 Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?
I have very fond memories of my best friend. Even after 40 some-odd years we are still best friends! We did everything together. We were practically inseparable. And even though we live miles apart, when we pick up the phone we pick up right where we left off!
As children friendship is all about good times and fun. But a real friend won't just tell you what you want to hear. They will tell you the truth and that's important. A real friend will encourage you when you are discouraged. They will give you the "high-five", when you are on the right track. And a true friend will help you get to the root of the matter and get you back on track!
Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
I Corinthians 13:6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It goes without saying that Jesus is the best friend! You can tell Him absolutely anything! But come to Him ready to listen!
John 15:15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda - The Land of Regrets
" I could have..."
"I should have..."
" I would have..."
"I should have..."
" I would have..."
You fill in the blanks. We all have regrets. But we can't move forward until we come to terms with the past.
A wise man said, "You can't unscramble eggs." And he was right.
Confess the issue to God and ask for forgiveness.*
Learn from the mistakes and realize you will still make some mistakes.*
Forgive yourself and move forward!*
*I John 1:9 If we confess our sins He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteous.
*Proverbs 24:16 A godly man may trip seven times but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.
*Philippians 3:12 I don't me to say I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection but I press on to possess the perfection for which Christ first possessed me.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Rash Decions!
rash:1. acting or tending to act too hastily or without due consideration.
2. characterized by or showing too great haste or lack of consideration: rash promises.
Rash decisions are decisions that are made in the heat of the moment. These "spur of the moment decisions are made when our emotions begin rapid-firing and we do things impulsively because we are not thinking, we are feeling.
The answer is in yielding to the Holy Spirit. We can not bear the fruit of the spirit if we do not walk in the spirit and we can not walk in the spirit unless we yield to Him. In essence giving Him permission to guide our lives.
Galatians 5:16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
Proverbs 13:16 Wise people think before they act; fools don't and even brag about their foolishness.
I Peter 1:13 So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.
Prayer: Father, please help me to make wise and not hasty decisions!
2. characterized by or showing too great haste or lack of consideration: rash promises.
Rash decisions are decisions that are made in the heat of the moment. These "spur of the moment decisions are made when our emotions begin rapid-firing and we do things impulsively because we are not thinking, we are feeling.
The answer is in yielding to the Holy Spirit. We can not bear the fruit of the spirit if we do not walk in the spirit and we can not walk in the spirit unless we yield to Him. In essence giving Him permission to guide our lives.
Galatians 5:16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
Proverbs 13:16 Wise people think before they act; fools don't and even brag about their foolishness.
I Peter 1:13 So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.
Prayer: Father, please help me to make wise and not hasty decisions!
Talk To The Hand!
Rejection pure and simple and it hurts.
When someone shows you the hand or walks away it shuts down communication. In essence they are saying, "I don't want to hear it", "I'm not interested", or just flat out, "Go away!" When that happens our feelings are affected. We are hurt, wounded.
I have heard it said that nerves take longer to heal than bones or muscles. Feelings are the nerve center of the emotions. It can take a long time for the "nerves" to heal. But what do in the mean time, the time it takes for the "nerves" to heal? Perhaps the better question is, "What should we do?"
What we should do is give those hurt and angry feelings to the Lord. That is what loving the Lord with our heart means. But it isn't easy. Our minds keep bringing up the event. And when it does it is like picking at a sore. It just stays sore and can't heal.
It is during those times we need to remember that Jesus too was rejected, wounded. He was a man of sorrows and well acquainted with grief.* Jesus is our high priest. He was tempted as tried as we are. And I might add on a much grander scale. But He didn't sin. And neither should we.
Jesus has told us not to let our hearts be troubled. He is the living Word of God and the only way we can heal is to focus on Him. Faith turns our us on Him, pity turns our eyes on ourselves.
When we are tempted to keep thinking about our rejections we need to pray that the our words and our thoughts are pleasing to the Lord. We are not our own, not if we really belong to Jesus. We are bought with a price and to walk in our salvation and redemption means we have to love Jesus with all of our heart, mind soul and strength.
So when we are troubled this is what we should do:
1. Rejoice in the Lord. (Philippians 4:4)
2.Be gentle (Philippians 4:5)
3. Pray with thanksgiving. (Philippians 4:6)
4. Allow ourselves to receive God's peace. (Philippians 4:7)
5. Think about good things. (Philippians 4:8)
Isaiah 53:3He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
* Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
*Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
When someone shows you the hand or walks away it shuts down communication. In essence they are saying, "I don't want to hear it", "I'm not interested", or just flat out, "Go away!" When that happens our feelings are affected. We are hurt, wounded.
I have heard it said that nerves take longer to heal than bones or muscles. Feelings are the nerve center of the emotions. It can take a long time for the "nerves" to heal. But what do in the mean time, the time it takes for the "nerves" to heal? Perhaps the better question is, "What should we do?"
What we should do is give those hurt and angry feelings to the Lord. That is what loving the Lord with our heart means. But it isn't easy. Our minds keep bringing up the event. And when it does it is like picking at a sore. It just stays sore and can't heal.
It is during those times we need to remember that Jesus too was rejected, wounded. He was a man of sorrows and well acquainted with grief.* Jesus is our high priest. He was tempted as tried as we are. And I might add on a much grander scale. But He didn't sin. And neither should we.
Jesus has told us not to let our hearts be troubled. He is the living Word of God and the only way we can heal is to focus on Him. Faith turns our us on Him, pity turns our eyes on ourselves.
When we are tempted to keep thinking about our rejections we need to pray that the our words and our thoughts are pleasing to the Lord. We are not our own, not if we really belong to Jesus. We are bought with a price and to walk in our salvation and redemption means we have to love Jesus with all of our heart, mind soul and strength.
So when we are troubled this is what we should do:
1. Rejoice in the Lord. (Philippians 4:4)
2.Be gentle (Philippians 4:5)
3. Pray with thanksgiving. (Philippians 4:6)
4. Allow ourselves to receive God's peace. (Philippians 4:7)
5. Think about good things. (Philippians 4:8)
Isaiah 53:3He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
* Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
*Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Buttons and Switches.
When anger rises up quickly its because we are mad, frustrated or impatient. Our spiritual nature switch gets flipped off and our carnal nature button has been pushed. We need to be aware of those emotions before they get the better of us.
Galatians 5:19-20 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,
Satan tries everything to keep us from finding the time to spend in prayer and the Word. But when we spend time seeking the Lord it equips us for the day. Our light switch is turned on and darkness is dispelled. We are more apt to cry out to God through out the day because we've already spent time with Him
.
Ps. 18:3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.
Ps. 119:105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path..
Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
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