Good morning to all,
Unless you have received a vision from God Himself, I'm not sure how many days any of us have been guaranteed! If I told you that Jesus Christ was going to visit your home tomorrow, would you do anything different about your life? All of us have a limited number of days that we will be here on this earth and that time is intended for us to grow in the knowledge and ways of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ecclesiastes 5:18 tells us that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them--for this is their lot. Everything is in vain unless it is done for the Lord! You might think that you've discovered the key to long life. Okay, maybe you get a few extra years because God sees fit for you to hang on 30 or 40 years more than your family and friends! If you outlive them, maybe you live to be a 120 or so. But in the big scope of things, life is short and we've got a lot of work to do! Are you willing to put aside what you think is important and ask Him to show you what is important? Consider that He accomplishes the Fathers will whether you get on board or not! He wants us to find satisfaction in serving Him in whatever capacity that He sees fit and for us to not spin our wheels doing things that are in vain! When you realize that you are part of the plan, then you will realize that your life is so much more! No matter what life brings you, consider what Job 27:3-4 says; 'as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not say anything wicked, and my tongue will not utter lies.' Right now, right where you are standing, God wants you to serve Him and Him only. You say you'll think about it! I've still got time. Ask Him to change you right where you stand so that you see things through His eyes. Then your life will have a sense of urgency that allows Him to use your life to accomplish the things that are important!
Your brother in Christ,
p
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Are you still yoked to slavery? 1 Timothy 6:1
Good morning everyone,
Yoke is described in a number of ways both literally and figuratively. Literally it means a bar of wood, so constructed as to unite two animals (usually oxen), enabling them to work in the fields, drawing loads, pulling instruments used for farming. Figuratively, it is a symbol of slavery (1 Timothy 6:1). What is more important to you than a personal relationship with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Anything we place above that relationship becomes what we are slaves to! When we are enslaved to the 'collar', we are controlled by forces that are not of God. Unless we surrender the 'yoke of oppression' to the Lord, the burden becomes too much. When we see others overcome with similar burdens, we should help them bear those burdens to fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). See, by us casting each burden on the Lord, He will sustain us! He will never permit the righteous to be moved (Psalm 55:22)! When we know Him and we hold fast to Him in love, He will deliver us. He will protect those that know Him by name (Psalm 91:14)! If we place everything at the Masters feet, your yoke will become easy and your burdens will become light (Matthew 11:30)! Remember that anything you have is really nothing that you need to carry unless it praises the One that ask you to carry it!
Your brother in Christ,
p
Yoke is described in a number of ways both literally and figuratively. Literally it means a bar of wood, so constructed as to unite two animals (usually oxen), enabling them to work in the fields, drawing loads, pulling instruments used for farming. Figuratively, it is a symbol of slavery (1 Timothy 6:1). What is more important to you than a personal relationship with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Anything we place above that relationship becomes what we are slaves to! When we are enslaved to the 'collar', we are controlled by forces that are not of God. Unless we surrender the 'yoke of oppression' to the Lord, the burden becomes too much. When we see others overcome with similar burdens, we should help them bear those burdens to fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). See, by us casting each burden on the Lord, He will sustain us! He will never permit the righteous to be moved (Psalm 55:22)! When we know Him and we hold fast to Him in love, He will deliver us. He will protect those that know Him by name (Psalm 91:14)! If we place everything at the Masters feet, your yoke will become easy and your burdens will become light (Matthew 11:30)! Remember that anything you have is really nothing that you need to carry unless it praises the One that ask you to carry it!
Your brother in Christ,
p
Friday, March 9, 2012
What is your story? Psalm 107:1-3
Good morning everyone,
I recently attended the men's prayer breakfast at our church and Sammie Cayton gave his testimony and he talked about the fact that we should all have a story to tell. Psalm 107:1-3 says that we should give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story--those He redeemed from the hand of the foe, those He gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. No matter who you are, if you know the Lord, you have been redeemed from the hand of the foe! Hallelujah! If you are not in a relationship with your Lord and Savior, you are still in bondage! It is either one or the other. And if you have been freed from the enemy, why wouldn't it be a wondrous thing to tell those you meet. See, you don't really have to get all up in arms and beat someone over the head to share your story. People are people and people are searching for answers to their problems. If you are genuine about having been lost until you were found, people will listen. Will they all come into a personal relationship with God? Probably not, but who are you to pick and choose which people you tell your story to? Your story is unique and not a cookie cutter product! I love to tell my story when given the opportunity because it gets more precious the older I get. I was once lost and now I'm found. Boldness comes from the Truth setting you free! If you will let people know how dirty your clothes were before they were made clean, they may just want to have the same 'Super Detergent' clean them! If God has made you clean, tell folks because your story might touch someone that needs to know He cares about them also!
Your brother in Christ,
p
I recently attended the men's prayer breakfast at our church and Sammie Cayton gave his testimony and he talked about the fact that we should all have a story to tell. Psalm 107:1-3 says that we should give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story--those He redeemed from the hand of the foe, those He gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. No matter who you are, if you know the Lord, you have been redeemed from the hand of the foe! Hallelujah! If you are not in a relationship with your Lord and Savior, you are still in bondage! It is either one or the other. And if you have been freed from the enemy, why wouldn't it be a wondrous thing to tell those you meet. See, you don't really have to get all up in arms and beat someone over the head to share your story. People are people and people are searching for answers to their problems. If you are genuine about having been lost until you were found, people will listen. Will they all come into a personal relationship with God? Probably not, but who are you to pick and choose which people you tell your story to? Your story is unique and not a cookie cutter product! I love to tell my story when given the opportunity because it gets more precious the older I get. I was once lost and now I'm found. Boldness comes from the Truth setting you free! If you will let people know how dirty your clothes were before they were made clean, they may just want to have the same 'Super Detergent' clean them! If God has made you clean, tell folks because your story might touch someone that needs to know He cares about them also!
Your brother in Christ,
p
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Majestic in holiness! Exodus 15:11
Good morning everyone,
When you think of majestic, I think of the word 'magnificent!' God created the heavens and the earth and in His creation, there are many things that should catch our attention and make us stop in our tracks. I'm blown away at the splendor and majesty that are displayed. With that said, since He created those displays and He considers us more important than those, how can we ever doubt His love for us! Exodus 15:11 says, 'Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you--majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?' See His handy work should be a constant reminder of who He is! That is to get our attention so that we focus on the more important point and that is to enter into holiness with Him! He has invited us to the 'grandest' party of all and that is into His Holiness. A Spiritual awakening has happened in my heart to the point of me wanting to serve Him and Him only. I invite you to go along with me and experience His holiness. By the way, there is no other god like Him! It doesn't get any better than the majestic, all powerful, magnificent Lord that we are to serve! Quit trying to find that god that you want to create to satisfy your own worldly needs. Confess to Him that you want Him and Him only. Psalm 29:2 tells us to ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness. His name alone represents who He is and what He should stand for in your life! Lord of all means everything and that includes you and I!
Your brother in Christ,
p
When you think of majestic, I think of the word 'magnificent!' God created the heavens and the earth and in His creation, there are many things that should catch our attention and make us stop in our tracks. I'm blown away at the splendor and majesty that are displayed. With that said, since He created those displays and He considers us more important than those, how can we ever doubt His love for us! Exodus 15:11 says, 'Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you--majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?' See His handy work should be a constant reminder of who He is! That is to get our attention so that we focus on the more important point and that is to enter into holiness with Him! He has invited us to the 'grandest' party of all and that is into His Holiness. A Spiritual awakening has happened in my heart to the point of me wanting to serve Him and Him only. I invite you to go along with me and experience His holiness. By the way, there is no other god like Him! It doesn't get any better than the majestic, all powerful, magnificent Lord that we are to serve! Quit trying to find that god that you want to create to satisfy your own worldly needs. Confess to Him that you want Him and Him only. Psalm 29:2 tells us to ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness. His name alone represents who He is and what He should stand for in your life! Lord of all means everything and that includes you and I!
Your brother in Christ,
p
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Consider what to do when you've tried your way! Psalm 119:2-4
Good morning everyone,
God allows some plenty and some He allows not as much! He knows what we are capable of and He knows how much we can handle. Does it ever bother you when you are limited with your efforts? You know what needs to happen, but you are not in a position to carry out those needs. You feel as though your hands are tied. Frustration after frustration ends in you either banging your head against the wall and you get a head ache or you turn it over to the One who can take care of your problems. Usually when this chain of events has taken place, I've tried to consider my ways without even asking Him what He thinks. Anytime that happens, the results will be anything but His desired results. My problem is not giving Him the situation fully. See, I want to take part of the situation and fix it according to Paul's solution and not God's solution. Psalm 119:2-4 says, 'Blessed are those who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart--they do no wrong but follow His ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.' This past weekend, Deborah and I had to move furniture. She had great suggestions that I basically blew off because I made her a glorified onlooker, listened to her suggestions a little, and still did it the way I thought best. To say the least, I lost my helper. Sounds very similar to my consultation with the Father. Deborah said that making plans in an organized fashion would solve the problem and my plan was to just get it done. Made her nervous and upset as well as making my Father upset. I learned a lot! I either consider her ways and try them or I shouldn't ask her for help. My track record is not good in letting others help me to get things done. Next time I have the opportunity, I want to be a better example of allowing His opinion to rule. It also means that I need to let a helper help me and not just feel unimportant!
Your brother in Christ,
p
God allows some plenty and some He allows not as much! He knows what we are capable of and He knows how much we can handle. Does it ever bother you when you are limited with your efforts? You know what needs to happen, but you are not in a position to carry out those needs. You feel as though your hands are tied. Frustration after frustration ends in you either banging your head against the wall and you get a head ache or you turn it over to the One who can take care of your problems. Usually when this chain of events has taken place, I've tried to consider my ways without even asking Him what He thinks. Anytime that happens, the results will be anything but His desired results. My problem is not giving Him the situation fully. See, I want to take part of the situation and fix it according to Paul's solution and not God's solution. Psalm 119:2-4 says, 'Blessed are those who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart--they do no wrong but follow His ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.' This past weekend, Deborah and I had to move furniture. She had great suggestions that I basically blew off because I made her a glorified onlooker, listened to her suggestions a little, and still did it the way I thought best. To say the least, I lost my helper. Sounds very similar to my consultation with the Father. Deborah said that making plans in an organized fashion would solve the problem and my plan was to just get it done. Made her nervous and upset as well as making my Father upset. I learned a lot! I either consider her ways and try them or I shouldn't ask her for help. My track record is not good in letting others help me to get things done. Next time I have the opportunity, I want to be a better example of allowing His opinion to rule. It also means that I need to let a helper help me and not just feel unimportant!
Your brother in Christ,
p
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Gratitude should be something that goes forward! Colossians 3:16
Good morning everyone,
Gratitude is one of those choices that we make or choose not to make on a daily basis. Remember the phrase, 'pay it forward?' You can make someones day if you do something nice for them or buy them a cup of coffee without being prompted. In the book, 'As Bill Sees It', the author says gratitude should go forward, rather than backward. In other words, if you carry the message to still others, you will be making the best possible repayment for help given to you. Think of the One that has given you the most in your life. Before you were even born, He knew you! That thought alone is almost too much to consider. Not only did He know you but He masterfully made you like no other. Okay, then to top things off, He died on a cross for you to show His Great Love for you. See, we owe the Master all the gratitude we can muster because it will never be enough, but as an act of humility, we should spend our life dedicating all we have to Him. As life unfolds and you choose to serve Him, you will find the keys to the car that will take you where only He has traveled! On this adventure, you will be given opportunity after opportunity to make choices about being thankful. Remember that what you do will never be enough but it will be an opportunity to give all that you have. The widow who gave 2 mites was much more than the one who gave millions because the 2 mites were all she had! Today, ask Him to help you see way beyond your troubles because if you look far enough, you will find that someone else has it much tougher! Pray for them and see what happens to your own issues! Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
Your brother in Christ,
p
Gratitude is one of those choices that we make or choose not to make on a daily basis. Remember the phrase, 'pay it forward?' You can make someones day if you do something nice for them or buy them a cup of coffee without being prompted. In the book, 'As Bill Sees It', the author says gratitude should go forward, rather than backward. In other words, if you carry the message to still others, you will be making the best possible repayment for help given to you. Think of the One that has given you the most in your life. Before you were even born, He knew you! That thought alone is almost too much to consider. Not only did He know you but He masterfully made you like no other. Okay, then to top things off, He died on a cross for you to show His Great Love for you. See, we owe the Master all the gratitude we can muster because it will never be enough, but as an act of humility, we should spend our life dedicating all we have to Him. As life unfolds and you choose to serve Him, you will find the keys to the car that will take you where only He has traveled! On this adventure, you will be given opportunity after opportunity to make choices about being thankful. Remember that what you do will never be enough but it will be an opportunity to give all that you have. The widow who gave 2 mites was much more than the one who gave millions because the 2 mites were all she had! Today, ask Him to help you see way beyond your troubles because if you look far enough, you will find that someone else has it much tougher! Pray for them and see what happens to your own issues! Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
Your brother in Christ,
p
Thursday, March 1, 2012
What are you worth? Mark 12:41-43
Good morning everyone,
You may ask yourself, depending on what day of the week that it is, what God could ever do with you? You shouldn't think of yourself as a loser or better than your neighbor, but equal because God created you both! He also took the time to make you according to certain specifications that are different than anybody else. Just like a snowflake, no two humans are exactly alike. It may appear on the surface that identical twins are exact duplicates, but underneath it all, they are each 'one of a kind!' Why is that important? Because, He has a plan for you and you only! You may not know His plan for you yet, but that shouldn't keep you from consulting the One who created you! If He feels that snow flakes are important enough to make them all different, how much more valuable are you? Luke 12:6-7 describes the value of sparrows as compared to humans. 'Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.' See, God created you to be so much more than you probably realize! Don't let others determine your self worth. That is a problem that they will have to contend with the Creator. For yourself, never stop serving Him and before you know it, He will have you right where He wants you. Mark 12:41-43 tells us a great story about a widow giving all she had. Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others." See it isn't really about giving what you think is important but more about making everything available to Him and seeing what He does with the small amount you have! You will be amazed. Before you know it, you will see that your worth is more valuable than all the gold in the world! Ask Him to change your heart so that compassion becomes your nature!
Your brother in Christ,
p
You may ask yourself, depending on what day of the week that it is, what God could ever do with you? You shouldn't think of yourself as a loser or better than your neighbor, but equal because God created you both! He also took the time to make you according to certain specifications that are different than anybody else. Just like a snowflake, no two humans are exactly alike. It may appear on the surface that identical twins are exact duplicates, but underneath it all, they are each 'one of a kind!' Why is that important? Because, He has a plan for you and you only! You may not know His plan for you yet, but that shouldn't keep you from consulting the One who created you! If He feels that snow flakes are important enough to make them all different, how much more valuable are you? Luke 12:6-7 describes the value of sparrows as compared to humans. 'Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.' See, God created you to be so much more than you probably realize! Don't let others determine your self worth. That is a problem that they will have to contend with the Creator. For yourself, never stop serving Him and before you know it, He will have you right where He wants you. Mark 12:41-43 tells us a great story about a widow giving all she had. Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others." See it isn't really about giving what you think is important but more about making everything available to Him and seeing what He does with the small amount you have! You will be amazed. Before you know it, you will see that your worth is more valuable than all the gold in the world! Ask Him to change your heart so that compassion becomes your nature!
Your brother in Christ,
p
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