Monday, July 21, 2014
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Talk Tuesday-The Way That Leads To Life
The Bible warns us that,”There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,” Proverbs 14:12. Many times my errant ways seem justified to me. When I get hurt, feel betrayed, frustrated, angry or indignant, my thoughts often stray into the territory of unforgiveness and retribution. Then God's Word redirects my heart towards life and peace. “14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins,” Matthew 6:14-15; “ Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you,” Matthew 7:1-2.
The Psalmist writes, “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in His ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands,” Psalm 119: 1-6. In a world that preaches self-gratification and glorification of our mortal flesh, how can we find the way that leads to life? The Psalmist also asks, “How can a young man keep his way pure?” Psalm 119:9. Then the answer is revealed in his own response, “By living according to Your word. I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against you,” Psalm 119:9-11.
The end of our earthly lives will come. Enter through the 'narrow gate' and find the Way that leads to life. “Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,'” John 14:6; “He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it,” Luke 11:28.
The Psalmist writes, “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in His ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands,” Psalm 119: 1-6. In a world that preaches self-gratification and glorification of our mortal flesh, how can we find the way that leads to life? The Psalmist also asks, “How can a young man keep his way pure?” Psalm 119:9. Then the answer is revealed in his own response, “By living according to Your word. I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against you,” Psalm 119:9-11.
The end of our earthly lives will come. Enter through the 'narrow gate' and find the Way that leads to life. “Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,'” John 14:6; “He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it,” Luke 11:28.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Talk Tuesday-Don't Stay Down!
Have you ever felt really down about yourself and distant from GOD? Have you ever felt despondent, discouraged or disappointed by your own behaviour as a professing Christian? Well, I certainly have!
This week I was reminded of GOD's infinite mercy, grace and love. As I considered my own sinfulness, I felt the Holy Spirit encourage me to simply confess, repent and pray. So, I did. I acknowledged my waywardness before the LORD (because that is exactly what sin is!), I asked for forgiveness and petitioned Him for help. Afterwards, I felt refreshed, restored and ready to face the future.
The Bible tells us that, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness,” 1 John 1:9. JESUS CHRIST is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and He advocates on our behalf. “But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world,” 1 John 2:1-2. The HOLY SPIRIT teaches us the Word of GOD and convicts us of sin. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you,” John 14:26. “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment,” John 16:8.
Today, if you are feeling down, dive into His Word and pray. He has a great plan for your life! “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do,” Ephesians 2:10. Remember whose you are. "14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children," Romans 8:14-16. Then, remember who HE is. “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy,” Psalm 145:8. Now, RISE, REJOICE and RECEIVE HIS promises for your life!
"Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways." Psalm 128:1
This week I was reminded of GOD's infinite mercy, grace and love. As I considered my own sinfulness, I felt the Holy Spirit encourage me to simply confess, repent and pray. So, I did. I acknowledged my waywardness before the LORD (because that is exactly what sin is!), I asked for forgiveness and petitioned Him for help. Afterwards, I felt refreshed, restored and ready to face the future.
The Bible tells us that, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness,” 1 John 1:9. JESUS CHRIST is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and He advocates on our behalf. “But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world,” 1 John 2:1-2. The HOLY SPIRIT teaches us the Word of GOD and convicts us of sin. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you,” John 14:26. “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment,” John 16:8.
Today, if you are feeling down, dive into His Word and pray. He has a great plan for your life! “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do,” Ephesians 2:10. Remember whose you are. "14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children," Romans 8:14-16. Then, remember who HE is. “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy,” Psalm 145:8. Now, RISE, REJOICE and RECEIVE HIS promises for your life!
"Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways." Psalm 128:1
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Talk Tuesday-Trust Him More
Last week my faith felt smaller than a mustard seed! I felt weak, defeated and overwhelmed by situations in the storm we were facing. My disappointment in myself rose to the surface as I considered the many times GOD had shown Himself strong and mighty in my life. Shouldn't my faith have been larger and more constant in the midst of it all? Then it came to me, 'CONFESS and PRAY.' So I did.
In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the LORD says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” I confessed my weakness and asked for His perfect strength. I remembered His promise that, “...if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you,” Matthew 17:20. So I confessed that my faith felt smaller than a mustard seed, and prayed for more faith. “7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened,” Matthew 7:7-8.
This week, I am so very thankful to be able to say that my faith is at least the size of a mustard seed again! Imagine, a mustard seed is between 1 or 2 mm in diameter! Now I find myself commanding the mountain to be moved!! He has answered my prayer and increased my faith. I am beginning to see the situations in the storm change and soon the storm itself will dissipate.
This morning the Holy Spirit reminded me of GOD's great promise from Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your GOD. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
To all my Christian Brothers and Sisters, both present and soon to come, remember this: “'No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,' declares the LORD.” Isaiah 54:17
When you find yourself suspended between the reality of faith and unbelief, TRUST HIM MORE!
In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the LORD says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” I confessed my weakness and asked for His perfect strength. I remembered His promise that, “...if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you,” Matthew 17:20. So I confessed that my faith felt smaller than a mustard seed, and prayed for more faith. “7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened,” Matthew 7:7-8.
This week, I am so very thankful to be able to say that my faith is at least the size of a mustard seed again! Imagine, a mustard seed is between 1 or 2 mm in diameter! Now I find myself commanding the mountain to be moved!! He has answered my prayer and increased my faith. I am beginning to see the situations in the storm change and soon the storm itself will dissipate.
This morning the Holy Spirit reminded me of GOD's great promise from Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your GOD. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
To all my Christian Brothers and Sisters, both present and soon to come, remember this: “'No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,' declares the LORD.” Isaiah 54:17
When you find yourself suspended between the reality of faith and unbelief, TRUST HIM MORE!
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Talk Tuesday-Forward In FAITH
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him,” 1 Corinthians 2:9.
Loving God has to do with obedience, “If you love me, keep my commands,” John 14:15. It is hard to obey God and to live in this world. It may oftentimes seem as though the standards of this world are in opposition to the Word of God. There are instances when doing the right thing seems to yield rejection, exclusion, ridicule, persecution and suffering. Yet Jesus says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 5:10.
Hold fast to His Word and go forward in FAITH. The Bible reminds us that, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see,” Hebrews 11:1; “For we walk by faith, not by sight,” 2 Corinthians 5:7.
Whatever it is that GOD has promised you, hold on in FAITH. Do not let sight cause you to fall, and should you stumble, get back up on your knees and pray to the ONE who is able to restore. JESUS says, “My kingdom is not of this world,” John 18:36; “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33. When we look towards this world for our reward, we will find ourselves feeling disappointed. Remember, “...the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” Romans 14:17.
For those who have never experienced the blessing of knowing the LORD, the invitation is always open to you! “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39
Loving God has to do with obedience, “If you love me, keep my commands,” John 14:15. It is hard to obey God and to live in this world. It may oftentimes seem as though the standards of this world are in opposition to the Word of God. There are instances when doing the right thing seems to yield rejection, exclusion, ridicule, persecution and suffering. Yet Jesus says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 5:10.
Hold fast to His Word and go forward in FAITH. The Bible reminds us that, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see,” Hebrews 11:1; “For we walk by faith, not by sight,” 2 Corinthians 5:7.
Whatever it is that GOD has promised you, hold on in FAITH. Do not let sight cause you to fall, and should you stumble, get back up on your knees and pray to the ONE who is able to restore. JESUS says, “My kingdom is not of this world,” John 18:36; “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33. When we look towards this world for our reward, we will find ourselves feeling disappointed. Remember, “...the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” Romans 14:17.
For those who have never experienced the blessing of knowing the LORD, the invitation is always open to you! “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Talk Tuesday-Watch and Pray
Jesus models what it means to watch and pray. In the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-38) Jesus is tempted to succumb to the flesh and resist death on the cross. In his humanity, he cries out for the cup of suffering to pass from him. Yet he denounces his will with a determination rooted in obedience and opts for the will of the Father instead. The Bible describes the depth of the agony of soul Jesus endured at that hour. He knew the weakness of the flesh and prayed against its will. Jesus Christ came as fully man, even though He was fully God.
When he came back to the disciples, whom he asked to watch and pray with him, he found them asleep. Disappointed, he asked them, “Could you not watch one hour?” Mark 14:37. The warning He issued is both poignant and instructive; “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38
How many times have we experienced this very dilemma? The Apostle Paul describes it aptly, “Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am!” Romans 7:21-24
God has given us the power to overcome, but we are to partner with Him through prayer, watchfulness and obedience. His instructions are to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), to “guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it,” (Proverbs 4:23), to be realistic about your sinful nature, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9), to remain rooted in His Word, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you,” (Psalm 119:11), to "walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh,"(Galatians 5:16) and to “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you,” James 4:7. Remember Him in the hour of your temptation, for His promise is that:
“13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Watch and Pray, for the hour is at hand! And if you fall, remember this, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness,” 1 John 1:9
Godspeed for the journey ahead!
When he came back to the disciples, whom he asked to watch and pray with him, he found them asleep. Disappointed, he asked them, “Could you not watch one hour?” Mark 14:37. The warning He issued is both poignant and instructive; “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38
How many times have we experienced this very dilemma? The Apostle Paul describes it aptly, “Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am!” Romans 7:21-24
God has given us the power to overcome, but we are to partner with Him through prayer, watchfulness and obedience. His instructions are to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), to “guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it,” (Proverbs 4:23), to be realistic about your sinful nature, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9), to remain rooted in His Word, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you,” (Psalm 119:11), to "walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh,"(Galatians 5:16) and to “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you,” James 4:7. Remember Him in the hour of your temptation, for His promise is that:
“13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Watch and Pray, for the hour is at hand! And if you fall, remember this, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness,” 1 John 1:9
Godspeed for the journey ahead!
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Talk Tuesday-The Essence of Time
Time cannot be held down, manipulated, controlled or stopped. Time is a quantity whose quality is determined by the choices we make-not only for ourselves, but for our generations to come. Earthly time is short and finite, yet it determines the outcome of our eternal time. What does Jesus say about time?
The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age
"3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, 'Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?' 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: 'Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.'" Matthew 24:3-14
Jesus warns of His return to earth and what it means to humanity. He warns of impending tribulation and persecution; the earth will groan, the stars will fall from the sky, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. Yet there remains the Kingdom promise of eternal salvation and peace. Of His return He warns, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only,” Matthew 24:36; “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect,” Matthew 24:44.
Live with an understanding of the essence of time or before you know it, time will have passed you by in a blur of activity, busyness and worldly pursuits. A life with Christ is an eternity with God. A life without Christ is an eternity without God. Choose before it is too late.
The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age
"3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, 'Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?' 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: 'Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.'" Matthew 24:3-14
Jesus warns of His return to earth and what it means to humanity. He warns of impending tribulation and persecution; the earth will groan, the stars will fall from the sky, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. Yet there remains the Kingdom promise of eternal salvation and peace. Of His return He warns, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only,” Matthew 24:36; “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect,” Matthew 24:44.
Live with an understanding of the essence of time or before you know it, time will have passed you by in a blur of activity, busyness and worldly pursuits. A life with Christ is an eternity with God. A life without Christ is an eternity without God. Choose before it is too late.
12 “'And
behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to
give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha
and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the
First and the Last.' 14 Blessed are those who
do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of
life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” Revelation
22:12-14
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