The Bible talks a lot about unity. One of the greatest hindrances to answered prayer is disunity. When a husband and wife live together in unity their prayer life is so much more powerful than if they are in strife! When a church body is in unity, you better watch out because their prayers are going to change the world! That's why the devil tries so hard to bring strife in a marriage, in a friendship, and in a church body. Because he knows that where there is division there is lack of power.
I love Philippians 2:1-4
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and in purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
So we have to do everything we can to remain in unity with our brothers and sisters. That means overlooking little slights against us, always giving the benefit of the doubt, and forgiving easily and quickly.
Remember "satan roams around like a roaring lion seeking those he may devour". He is looking for someone to take the bait of offense!
Today lets choose to love and not be easily offended. Let's choose to forgive. I have wasted to much of my life in bitterness and judgement of others. Together we can choose to live a life of love, always thinking the best of people.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Heaven or Hell?
The Lord put it on my heart to talk about the topic of heaven and hell today. I've had people ask me this interesting question, "If God is a loving God, then how can He send someone to Hell?"
In fact, I have asked this question myself. I have sought God for the answer and here is what He told me.
God does not send anyone to Hell, they send themselves. When a person is born, they are born into the family of sin, therefore they are sinners by nature. Sin deserves punishment and the punishment for sin is hell or separation from God, eternal death. Yikes! What if someone killed one of your loved ones and a judge let him go free? That would not be right, would it? The same for God, He would not be righteous if He let sinners go free. Yes, He is a God of love, but in that love there is judgement. However hard this is for us to understand, it is the way it is. But here is the amazing thing; because He loved you so much He did not want you to go to Hell so He took all of your sin (all the sins you have ever committed or ever will commit) upon himself. He literally took them. It was as if He sinned. Then He took your punishment. He died a horrible death and suffered immensely but He didn't stop there. He went to Hell for you so you wouldn't have to. Now that is a loving God!
All we have to do is accept what He did for us. We have to recognize that we are a sinner in need of forgiveness and then accept that Christ already paid the price for us!
Amazing!
I want to tell you a testimony. One day I was praying and I said to God. "God I am sure glad you are God, because if I was God I don't think I could have gone to the cross and went through what you went through."
Then God brought the beautiful faces of my children to my mind. Each one of them. And I felt so much love and desire to protect each one of them. Then God asked me this question, "What if it was up to you and if you did not go to the cross it would mean eternal torment and separation from your children?" I shudder just thinking about it. Then I said, "Yes, Lord, I see now. I would try to go. I would do everything I could to endure it so that I could be with my children."
And in this, the Lord showed me that this is comparable to how He felt and why He did it. Only the amount of love I feel for my children, is only a tiny drop compared to how much He loves each one of us!
If you want to read more about salvation go to one of my earlier posts entitled, "Salvation is a Parachute".
In fact, I have asked this question myself. I have sought God for the answer and here is what He told me.
God does not send anyone to Hell, they send themselves. When a person is born, they are born into the family of sin, therefore they are sinners by nature. Sin deserves punishment and the punishment for sin is hell or separation from God, eternal death. Yikes! What if someone killed one of your loved ones and a judge let him go free? That would not be right, would it? The same for God, He would not be righteous if He let sinners go free. Yes, He is a God of love, but in that love there is judgement. However hard this is for us to understand, it is the way it is. But here is the amazing thing; because He loved you so much He did not want you to go to Hell so He took all of your sin (all the sins you have ever committed or ever will commit) upon himself. He literally took them. It was as if He sinned. Then He took your punishment. He died a horrible death and suffered immensely but He didn't stop there. He went to Hell for you so you wouldn't have to. Now that is a loving God!
All we have to do is accept what He did for us. We have to recognize that we are a sinner in need of forgiveness and then accept that Christ already paid the price for us!
Amazing!
I want to tell you a testimony. One day I was praying and I said to God. "God I am sure glad you are God, because if I was God I don't think I could have gone to the cross and went through what you went through."
Then God brought the beautiful faces of my children to my mind. Each one of them. And I felt so much love and desire to protect each one of them. Then God asked me this question, "What if it was up to you and if you did not go to the cross it would mean eternal torment and separation from your children?" I shudder just thinking about it. Then I said, "Yes, Lord, I see now. I would try to go. I would do everything I could to endure it so that I could be with my children."
And in this, the Lord showed me that this is comparable to how He felt and why He did it. Only the amount of love I feel for my children, is only a tiny drop compared to how much He loves each one of us!
If you want to read more about salvation go to one of my earlier posts entitled, "Salvation is a Parachute".
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Healing
Psalm 103
Praise the Lord , O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits -
Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems you life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.
Don't ever be confused on the issue of whether or not it is God's will to heal you! The Word of God is filled with proof that it is always God's will for a person to be healed. We can pray confidently for healing knowing that we are praying the will of God! Sometimes healing comes instantly and sometimes over a period of time but, with faith, healing will come.
Sometimes, when people aren't healed we tend to blame God. But God is perfect and there are things going on behind the scene so to speak, that we may not see or understand at the moment.
I say, we keep on believing the truth God has told us, we keep our eyes on God and keep on trusting Him no matter what we see in the natural!
"Focus not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen, for things that are seen are temporal, things that are unseen are eternal."
Praise the Lord , O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits -
Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems you life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.
Don't ever be confused on the issue of whether or not it is God's will to heal you! The Word of God is filled with proof that it is always God's will for a person to be healed. We can pray confidently for healing knowing that we are praying the will of God! Sometimes healing comes instantly and sometimes over a period of time but, with faith, healing will come.
Sometimes, when people aren't healed we tend to blame God. But God is perfect and there are things going on behind the scene so to speak, that we may not see or understand at the moment.
I say, we keep on believing the truth God has told us, we keep our eyes on God and keep on trusting Him no matter what we see in the natural!
"Focus not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen, for things that are seen are temporal, things that are unseen are eternal."
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Shooting Stars
Great men and women of God aren't made in a day and they aren't born great either! Not one of us is born with a perfect character developed within us. In fact, we are all born into the family of sin and have to be born again into the family of God. Have you ever noticed that we don't have to teach children to lie or hit or disobey, we have to teach them to tell the truth, to be kind and obedient.
Many times, I have asked God why I have to go through all the things I am going through. Why do I have to wait so long to get answered prayer? Sometimes God answers my prayers quickly but more often than not, I am asked to wait. And usually, I wait until it seems to be almost too late and then God answers.
God has shown me that character is built over time, through trials and tribulations.
James 1:2 says:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Now how many of us consider trials to be pure joy? Usually not me! But I am learning that these are the things that are developing Godly character in me. I am learning to be humble, faithful, patient, steady, and many other Godly characteristics.
Have you seen men and women of God who seem like shooting stars? They rise up in a moment of time, show their glory and then fall? Well, probably, they didn't wait on God and let Him build their character so they would be ready to face the trials and oppositions that come with ministry.
So, be patient friends. Let God work that perfect work in you. When you pray for something, trust Him and know that His timing is not our timing! And know that all the while God is working a perfect work in you so that you can be mature and complete not lacking anything.
Many times, I have asked God why I have to go through all the things I am going through. Why do I have to wait so long to get answered prayer? Sometimes God answers my prayers quickly but more often than not, I am asked to wait. And usually, I wait until it seems to be almost too late and then God answers.
God has shown me that character is built over time, through trials and tribulations.
James 1:2 says:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Now how many of us consider trials to be pure joy? Usually not me! But I am learning that these are the things that are developing Godly character in me. I am learning to be humble, faithful, patient, steady, and many other Godly characteristics.
Have you seen men and women of God who seem like shooting stars? They rise up in a moment of time, show their glory and then fall? Well, probably, they didn't wait on God and let Him build their character so they would be ready to face the trials and oppositions that come with ministry.
So, be patient friends. Let God work that perfect work in you. When you pray for something, trust Him and know that His timing is not our timing! And know that all the while God is working a perfect work in you so that you can be mature and complete not lacking anything.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Fruit of the Spirit
I asked God what to write today and He brought to my mind this same verse again:
Philippians 1:9
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.
The phrase that really sticks out to me is "filled with the fruit of righteousness".
So when our love abounds more and more we will be filled with the fruit of righteousness.
What is the fruit of righteousness? It's the same as the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22 says,
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
We are filled with the fruit of the Spirit when we "walk by the Spirit".
So a good test each day, maybe several times a day, is to ask ourselves, "Am I displaying love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?" And if these things are not evident in us then it is time to spend some time with God! We need to ask Him to fill us with His Spirit! The more time we spend with God the more these characteristics will be displayed in our lives.
Spending time with God is not a chore! We don't do it because we have to or because we think we are doing it for Him. NO! We spend time with God because we want to! Because being with Him is wonderful, healing, and will literally save our lives.
Sometimes we think that we just don't have the "time" to spend with God. But the truth is, we all have the same amount of time and we have to choose how we spend it. How we choose to spend our time reflects our greatest priorities!
Wow, God! Ouch again, but thanks for teaching us the truth! Because knowing the truth is what will set us free!
Philippians 1:9
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.
The phrase that really sticks out to me is "filled with the fruit of righteousness".
So when our love abounds more and more we will be filled with the fruit of righteousness.
What is the fruit of righteousness? It's the same as the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22 says,
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
We are filled with the fruit of the Spirit when we "walk by the Spirit".
So a good test each day, maybe several times a day, is to ask ourselves, "Am I displaying love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?" And if these things are not evident in us then it is time to spend some time with God! We need to ask Him to fill us with His Spirit! The more time we spend with God the more these characteristics will be displayed in our lives.
Spending time with God is not a chore! We don't do it because we have to or because we think we are doing it for Him. NO! We spend time with God because we want to! Because being with Him is wonderful, healing, and will literally save our lives.
Sometimes we think that we just don't have the "time" to spend with God. But the truth is, we all have the same amount of time and we have to choose how we spend it. How we choose to spend our time reflects our greatest priorities!
Wow, God! Ouch again, but thanks for teaching us the truth! Because knowing the truth is what will set us free!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
A Completed Work
In Philippians 1:6 Paul wrote,
...being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
What an exciting promise! Has God begun a good work in you? If He has then you can rest assured that He will carry it on to completion!
Our goal is to become like Christ, and sometimes on this journey, we feel overwhelmed and defeated, almost like giving up. Sometimes we feel that there is just too much wrong with us to ever become like Christ.
God changes us "little by little". Every day He is working in us and changing us and sometimes we won't notice these changes for days, weeks,or months. Dare I say years? But if you will continue to trust and continue in His Word, He will complete the work He began in you! That's a promise!
...being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
What an exciting promise! Has God begun a good work in you? If He has then you can rest assured that He will carry it on to completion!
Our goal is to become like Christ, and sometimes on this journey, we feel overwhelmed and defeated, almost like giving up. Sometimes we feel that there is just too much wrong with us to ever become like Christ.
God changes us "little by little". Every day He is working in us and changing us and sometimes we won't notice these changes for days, weeks,or months. Dare I say years? But if you will continue to trust and continue in His Word, He will complete the work He began in you! That's a promise!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Complaining?
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life...
Philippians 2:14-16
I have to admit, I am still working on this one... God has really brought it to my attention how much I actually complain. But I have noticed that more and more often I take note of when I am about to complain and just shut my mouth.
If you ask him to, the Holy Spirit will convict you or "nudge" you when you are about to complain or argue. And if you are listening to Him you can notice it and stop! Then immediately you can change your thought to one of thankfulness.
I love what the verse says, we can shine like stars in the universe as we hold out the Word of life. Who is going to listen to the Word from a person who spends their time complaining? Complaining means we are discontent and unthankful and that means we are not trusting God. Ouch. I guess today, this was a lesson for me. Thanks God!
Philippians 2:14-16
I have to admit, I am still working on this one... God has really brought it to my attention how much I actually complain. But I have noticed that more and more often I take note of when I am about to complain and just shut my mouth.
If you ask him to, the Holy Spirit will convict you or "nudge" you when you are about to complain or argue. And if you are listening to Him you can notice it and stop! Then immediately you can change your thought to one of thankfulness.
I love what the verse says, we can shine like stars in the universe as we hold out the Word of life. Who is going to listen to the Word from a person who spends their time complaining? Complaining means we are discontent and unthankful and that means we are not trusting God. Ouch. I guess today, this was a lesson for me. Thanks God!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Whatever things are Noble
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.
I will never leave you alone about the issue of "what you think about". You know why? Because it can make or break you!
I was reading an article in Joyce Meyer's magazine this morning. It said that our thoughts have actual physical structure and that whenever we think good thoughts our minds are bathed in a good chemical and when we think bad thoughts our minds are bathed in a bad chemical. The article said that medical science has proven that almost all illness originates from our thought life! Amazing! Didn't God say that a long time ago though?
In Proverbs it says,
A merry heart does good like a medicine but a broken spirit dries the bones!
God is so good, how does He know all this stuff? :) (you know I am kidding right?)
2 Corinthians 10:5 ... We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
We have to take our thoughts captive! We have to cast down the bad thoughts and replace them with the truth. We have to literally fill our minds with whatever is good, true, and wholesome!
When we watch television or listen to music, we have to be careful what we let in! Because what goes in will come out! If you feed fear in, then you will have fear. If you feed curse words in, they will eventually come out! But what if we only watched wholesome shows and we filled our minds with music and books that give God glory? We would be so full of God that we would be overflowing! We might even start to think more positively!
Matthew 12:34
...For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
Proverbs 23:7
For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he...
By the way, you can get Joyce Meyer's magazine for free by going on her website and signing up for it. The website is http://www.joycemeyerministries.org/. It is packed with great information.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.
I will never leave you alone about the issue of "what you think about". You know why? Because it can make or break you!
I was reading an article in Joyce Meyer's magazine this morning. It said that our thoughts have actual physical structure and that whenever we think good thoughts our minds are bathed in a good chemical and when we think bad thoughts our minds are bathed in a bad chemical. The article said that medical science has proven that almost all illness originates from our thought life! Amazing! Didn't God say that a long time ago though?
In Proverbs it says,
A merry heart does good like a medicine but a broken spirit dries the bones!
God is so good, how does He know all this stuff? :) (you know I am kidding right?)
2 Corinthians 10:5 ... We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
We have to take our thoughts captive! We have to cast down the bad thoughts and replace them with the truth. We have to literally fill our minds with whatever is good, true, and wholesome!
When we watch television or listen to music, we have to be careful what we let in! Because what goes in will come out! If you feed fear in, then you will have fear. If you feed curse words in, they will eventually come out! But what if we only watched wholesome shows and we filled our minds with music and books that give God glory? We would be so full of God that we would be overflowing! We might even start to think more positively!
Matthew 12:34
...For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
Proverbs 23:7
For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he...
By the way, you can get Joyce Meyer's magazine for free by going on her website and signing up for it. The website is http://www.joycemeyerministries.org/. It is packed with great information.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Greatness of Knowing Christ
My prayer for you today, dear friends, is that you would come to know Christ more intimately. I pray that He would reveal himself to you in a way that you can really sense His presence near you. I pray that He will cause you to hunger and thirst for Him first and foremost in your life. For He is more vital to you than even your bread and water.
In Philippians Paul talks about how he is a highly qualified Jew. He says that if anyone has a reason to boast, it's him because of all that he had attained from being a Pharisee. Then in chapter 3 verse 7 he says:
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law but that which is through faith in Christ- the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
He says that he counts everything as "dung" (in the King James version it says dung) compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ! Wow! Knowing Christ must be something really wonderful.
You know, there are so many people around the world who love Christ with such a passion that they are willing to sacrifice their lives, their comfort, even their friends and families for Him. Why would people do that? Because, there is NOTHING in this world that compares to the love of Jesus. Nothing, nothing, nothing.
I like the story of the little boy left in a room with a heater. His dad tells him not to touch it. When the dad walks out of the room, he touches the heater, it singes his fingers. Now he has "experienced" the heater. So later, when a fireman comes and tells him that the heater is not really hot, it is safe to touch, the little boy cannot be convinced. Because now he has experienced the heater. This is what true fellowship with Jesus Christ is like. Once you have experienced it, no one can tell you that it is not real!
In Philippians Paul talks about how he is a highly qualified Jew. He says that if anyone has a reason to boast, it's him because of all that he had attained from being a Pharisee. Then in chapter 3 verse 7 he says:
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law but that which is through faith in Christ- the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
He says that he counts everything as "dung" (in the King James version it says dung) compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ! Wow! Knowing Christ must be something really wonderful.
You know, there are so many people around the world who love Christ with such a passion that they are willing to sacrifice their lives, their comfort, even their friends and families for Him. Why would people do that? Because, there is NOTHING in this world that compares to the love of Jesus. Nothing, nothing, nothing.
I like the story of the little boy left in a room with a heater. His dad tells him not to touch it. When the dad walks out of the room, he touches the heater, it singes his fingers. Now he has "experienced" the heater. So later, when a fireman comes and tells him that the heater is not really hot, it is safe to touch, the little boy cannot be convinced. Because now he has experienced the heater. This is what true fellowship with Jesus Christ is like. Once you have experienced it, no one can tell you that it is not real!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Peace
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 4-7
This verse is so awesome! There is so much packed into one little section of scripture! God's Word is powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword! Hallelujah!
I love where it says, "The Lord is near".
God gave me a revelation this morning, it's something I already knew but it just became reality to me. Do you ever have those moments? When we pray and ask God for something like for instance, healing our bodies, or providing for a need we have, we are not having to beg God. We are not trying to get God to do something that He doesn't want to do. My Pastor always says, "You don't have to twist God's arm!" God wants to heal your body. He wants to get your loved one saved. God wants to provide for you. In fact, He wants it more than you do! Can you believe that?
So friends, don't be worried about anything today! Just submit your requests to God, with thanksgiving (don't miss that part) and then the peace of God which transcends understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus!
What is peace that transcends understanding? It's when you know that you know that God is for you and not against you and that He is working on your behalf, for your good. I can promise you today, that God is for you and not against you, and that He is working all things together for your good!
Take a few minutes and reread that scripture a few times. You will begin to see more and more jewels that are within it!
I'm praying for you!
Philippians 4: 4-7
This verse is so awesome! There is so much packed into one little section of scripture! God's Word is powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword! Hallelujah!
I love where it says, "The Lord is near".
God gave me a revelation this morning, it's something I already knew but it just became reality to me. Do you ever have those moments? When we pray and ask God for something like for instance, healing our bodies, or providing for a need we have, we are not having to beg God. We are not trying to get God to do something that He doesn't want to do. My Pastor always says, "You don't have to twist God's arm!" God wants to heal your body. He wants to get your loved one saved. God wants to provide for you. In fact, He wants it more than you do! Can you believe that?
So friends, don't be worried about anything today! Just submit your requests to God, with thanksgiving (don't miss that part) and then the peace of God which transcends understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus!
What is peace that transcends understanding? It's when you know that you know that God is for you and not against you and that He is working on your behalf, for your good. I can promise you today, that God is for you and not against you, and that He is working all things together for your good!
Take a few minutes and reread that scripture a few times. You will begin to see more and more jewels that are within it!
I'm praying for you!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Pressing On
I just love Philippians! It is so power packed. In chapter 3 Paul talks about how he wants to be all He can be for Christ, to live for Him only, then starting at verse 12 he says,
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Sometimes we all tend to get so bogged down in our mistakes that it is hard to look forward. Or sometimes we feel so bad about the wrong things we have done that we don't even feel that we can approach God. We run from God when we really need to run to God. No matter what we have done God is holding out His arms to us! It only takes a moment to ask forgiveness and God instantly forgives you. He separates your sin as far as the East is from the West. Just ask God to help you change in that area and move on! That's what God really wants from us! That is why we have a righteousness apart from our works! We have a righteousness that is by faith alone! Praise God!
So today, press on toward the mark! Don't look back! You may have to choose to do this again and again, but do it! Go forward! Amen
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Sometimes we all tend to get so bogged down in our mistakes that it is hard to look forward. Or sometimes we feel so bad about the wrong things we have done that we don't even feel that we can approach God. We run from God when we really need to run to God. No matter what we have done God is holding out His arms to us! It only takes a moment to ask forgiveness and God instantly forgives you. He separates your sin as far as the East is from the West. Just ask God to help you change in that area and move on! That's what God really wants from us! That is why we have a righteousness apart from our works! We have a righteousness that is by faith alone! Praise God!
So today, press on toward the mark! Don't look back! You may have to choose to do this again and again, but do it! Go forward! Amen
Monday, December 1, 2008
Joy
The Bible has a lot to say about joy. I was out shopping, by myself, the other day and I was having a great time with the Lord. We were out on a date! I was full of joy and I was feeling so strong. I told the Lord, "Wow, I wish I could feel this healthy and strong all the time." He brought a scripture immediately to my mind. "The joy of the Lord is my strength!" And I realized how very true that is. When we have joy we feel strong. When we are sad or depressed we tend to feel weak and apathetic. The Bible says that "a broken spirit dries the bones." At the moment of salvation, Jesus comes to live in our hearts and we have a "deposit" of all the fruits of the Spirit, one of them being joy. So whether you feel it or not, you have joy! Sometimes this joy is manifested easily and without effort in our lives, but most of the time we have to "stir ourselves up." We have to refuse to think bad thoughts and choose to think good ones! We have to focus on Jesus and not on our problems.
Joy is described as "calm delight." It's a feeling that is deep down in your spirit, that you can have all the time just because you know Jesus.
Psalms 16:11 says;
Thou will show me the path of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.
It's in the presence of God that there is fullness of joy!
What are some ways that you can stir up joy today?
1) Think of a way you can help someone else today, it may be small or big, but it will end up bringing you joy!
2) Do something fun, something that you really enjoy. Be spontaneous!
3) Keep your life adventurous, take a different route to work or shop at a different store than you normally would, call someone and go out to lunch!
4) Put on a worship CD and Praise God! I promise you will find joy!
5) Make a list of things that you are thankful for.
6) Think of your own list of things that bring you joy.
7) Look up every scripture on joy and read it. Pick one to memorize.
Today, rejoice and be exceedingly glad! Rejoice to the King of all ages!
Joy is described as "calm delight." It's a feeling that is deep down in your spirit, that you can have all the time just because you know Jesus.
Psalms 16:11 says;
Thou will show me the path of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.
It's in the presence of God that there is fullness of joy!
What are some ways that you can stir up joy today?
1) Think of a way you can help someone else today, it may be small or big, but it will end up bringing you joy!
2) Do something fun, something that you really enjoy. Be spontaneous!
3) Keep your life adventurous, take a different route to work or shop at a different store than you normally would, call someone and go out to lunch!
4) Put on a worship CD and Praise God! I promise you will find joy!
5) Make a list of things that you are thankful for.
6) Think of your own list of things that bring you joy.
7) Look up every scripture on joy and read it. Pick one to memorize.
Today, rejoice and be exceedingly glad! Rejoice to the King of all ages!
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