"As waters break out, the Lord has broken out against my enemies before me." (2 Samuel 5:20b)
King David was in battle against the Philistines and the promise of the Lord was that he would hand over the enemy to David and his men. I like the analogy of the waters breaking forth. When I read this passage of scripture I can vision David's army coming against the Philistines in a way that caused the Philistine army to be in awe and amazment of the feeling of overshadowing. When I think of waters breaking forth, I think of a gushing, forceful, speedy, energized body of water spreading out and covering whatever it falls upon. This is how the power of God should be in our lives. If we are facing giants (the Philistines were in the land of gaints) we can overcome those gaints by the force of God that works in us by just releasing ourselves to the obedience of God's will in us. Whatever the battle, it's not greater than the power of God. Whatever the choice, it's not greater than the power of God. Whatever the decision, it's not greater than the power of God. We need to let the power of God break forth like waters into our lives and we will see the glory of the Lord work in our daily lives.
David inquired of the Lord in his battle. We must do the same and in so doing, we will see that the Lord will go before us and cause us to "hear the sound of marching" (another post). When we hear from God we are to move quickly and as King James says, "bestir thyself" - become active, rouse up. It's time to be active in the Kingdom of God and rouse up some dead spirits that have been just laying around among giants and to go forth in His name and live victorious!! Inquire of the Lord today and watch Him do a work in you!!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Inquiring Minds
The Lord has put in my spirit this week the passage of scripture we find in 2 Samuel chapter 5 that talks about King David inquiring of the Lord about a battle with the Philistines. We have battles in our lives just about everyday. We make choices in our lives just about everyday. We have some kind of decision that we have to make in our lives everyday. Those battles, choices, and decisions may be good battles, choices, and decisions, or they may be bad battles, choices, and decisions. How can we take those battles, choices, and decisions and be confident that we are going to be victorious? We do what David did. We inquire of the Lord about our battles, choices, and decisions.
David knew that there was going to be a battle against the Philistines and the first thing he did was inquire. 2 Samuel 5: 18, 19 "Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the Lord, 'Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?' The Lord answered him, 'Go, for I will surely hand the Philistines over to you.' " David used good sense when it came down to choosing this battle and he made the right decision. He asked the Lord what to do. He was victorious because the Lord assisted him in this battle. We can be victorious in our battles, heartaches, frustrations, etc... if we would just learn to inquire of the Lord about our business.
I believe God has more for us in this passage of scripture so, to borrow a phrase from Paul Harvey, keep tuned in for "the rest of the story, good day!"
David knew that there was going to be a battle against the Philistines and the first thing he did was inquire. 2 Samuel 5: 18, 19 "Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the Lord, 'Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?' The Lord answered him, 'Go, for I will surely hand the Philistines over to you.' " David used good sense when it came down to choosing this battle and he made the right decision. He asked the Lord what to do. He was victorious because the Lord assisted him in this battle. We can be victorious in our battles, heartaches, frustrations, etc... if we would just learn to inquire of the Lord about our business.
I believe God has more for us in this passage of scripture so, to borrow a phrase from Paul Harvey, keep tuned in for "the rest of the story, good day!"
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Coke is evil
I sit in my office this morning a humbled man. I sit in my office this morning in repentance. I sit in my office this morning in shame. BOY, DO I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION NOW! Last night as I was having dinner at my CTI (Christian Training Institute) class (subway sandwiches, chips and COKE) I began to feel dirty and ashamed of what I was putting in my body. Why you ask? You may or may not know that the congregation of KC and myself were on a 21 day Daniel fast and of course it, as all great things, has come to an end. But you know, as I was on that fast and only drinking water I began to feel better about myself, lost some weight but also my body, stomach, energy, etc... seemed to be better than ever (benefits of giving yourself to the Lord through discipline). All I have been drinking lately is water, some tea this past Sunday, but that was it. When I decided to drink a COKE last night with my sub sandwich about 5 minutes later I began to feel why cokes are evil. My body began to let me know that I was putting something into it that seemed to be foreign in nature from what it has become accustom to. You know what I mean?
As I was reading my devotional this morning I was intrigued by the title of it: "Choices" (I made a bad one last night with the evil coke). I want to share with you this morning a little from that devotional. 2 Corinthians 5:9 says, "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it." Your life is a series of choices. From the instant you wake up in the morning until the moment you nod off to sleep at night, you make lots of decisions: decisions about the things you do, decisions about the words you speak, and decisions about the thoughts you choose to think. Simply put, the quality of those decisions determines the quality of your life. So, if you sincerely want to lead a life that is pleasing to God, you must make choices that are pleasing to Him.
I care about the decisions that my two children are going to make in their own life and with that caring, I as a parent, want to teach them the qualities of life. The most important quality that anyone could receive is having and walking in the presence of God through an upright, quality relationship with Christ. God is looking for us all to live a life of quality in our daily lives and to make good choices through His guidance. Just like in the devotional this morning tells us, we have to make good choices from the time that we wake up in the morning until the time that we go to bed and then do it all over again the next morning. We can only make good choices and the right choices when we are relying upon God to lead us and guide us because afterall, we are supposed to surrender our all to Him anyway! Be blessed today and drink water, stay away from the evil coke!!
As I was reading my devotional this morning I was intrigued by the title of it: "Choices" (I made a bad one last night with the evil coke). I want to share with you this morning a little from that devotional. 2 Corinthians 5:9 says, "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it." Your life is a series of choices. From the instant you wake up in the morning until the moment you nod off to sleep at night, you make lots of decisions: decisions about the things you do, decisions about the words you speak, and decisions about the thoughts you choose to think. Simply put, the quality of those decisions determines the quality of your life. So, if you sincerely want to lead a life that is pleasing to God, you must make choices that are pleasing to Him.
I care about the decisions that my two children are going to make in their own life and with that caring, I as a parent, want to teach them the qualities of life. The most important quality that anyone could receive is having and walking in the presence of God through an upright, quality relationship with Christ. God is looking for us all to live a life of quality in our daily lives and to make good choices through His guidance. Just like in the devotional this morning tells us, we have to make good choices from the time that we wake up in the morning until the time that we go to bed and then do it all over again the next morning. We can only make good choices and the right choices when we are relying upon God to lead us and guide us because afterall, we are supposed to surrender our all to Him anyway! Be blessed today and drink water, stay away from the evil coke!!
Monday, January 25, 2010
No Complaining
What wonderful weekend services we had at KC yesterday! We witnessed 4 individuals joining the church, 2 individuals being baptized in water, and experienced a great day in the Lord.
I spoke in last nights service about when God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt they got to a place to where they became frustrated on their journey. Exodus 16: 2 says, "In the desert the whole community grumbled (murmured - kjv) against Moses and Aaron." In other words they began to complain because they were out of their comfort zone, so to speak. They were finally out from under the bondage of Pharaoh but when they began to go through some "pains of change" (hunger, thirst) they referred back to their past. "If only we had died by the Lord's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted..." (vs 3). Isn't it funny how when God is trying to "move" us to a place to where he can use us and free us from the bondage of the enemy and sometimes "ourselves", how we just pay no attention to God having authority over our lives and we tend to not trust in him. I don't want to be like the Israelites and complain about the "season" that God has moved me in and further more the "season" that he has laid out ahead for me! When God is trying to reposition us it's for our own good and His glory!
I see that the Israelites became carnal minded when they should have continued to follow Moses and Aaron (God's leaders for them) and trusted in what God was telling them and where he was leading them. The bible says "to be carnally minded is death.." (Romans 8: 6) If we, in our Christian walk, expect to have love, joy, peace and a spirit filled life we have to be spiritually minded. We can't do what the Israelites did and start complaining. That verse goes on to say, "but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." The Lord had a plan for the children of Israel and he also has a plan for you today.
As we go through this Christian life let's be reminded that God is a good God and that he loves us and he is planning things out for us. He has gone before us to make way for our freedom. Let him lead and guide you without complaining! I've had some complaints of my own lately, but God is showing me that if I just trust in him he will bring me out of bondage and into life and peace!
I spoke in last nights service about when God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt they got to a place to where they became frustrated on their journey. Exodus 16: 2 says, "In the desert the whole community grumbled (murmured - kjv) against Moses and Aaron." In other words they began to complain because they were out of their comfort zone, so to speak. They were finally out from under the bondage of Pharaoh but when they began to go through some "pains of change" (hunger, thirst) they referred back to their past. "If only we had died by the Lord's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted..." (vs 3). Isn't it funny how when God is trying to "move" us to a place to where he can use us and free us from the bondage of the enemy and sometimes "ourselves", how we just pay no attention to God having authority over our lives and we tend to not trust in him. I don't want to be like the Israelites and complain about the "season" that God has moved me in and further more the "season" that he has laid out ahead for me! When God is trying to reposition us it's for our own good and His glory!
I see that the Israelites became carnal minded when they should have continued to follow Moses and Aaron (God's leaders for them) and trusted in what God was telling them and where he was leading them. The bible says "to be carnally minded is death.." (Romans 8: 6) If we, in our Christian walk, expect to have love, joy, peace and a spirit filled life we have to be spiritually minded. We can't do what the Israelites did and start complaining. That verse goes on to say, "but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." The Lord had a plan for the children of Israel and he also has a plan for you today.
As we go through this Christian life let's be reminded that God is a good God and that he loves us and he is planning things out for us. He has gone before us to make way for our freedom. Let him lead and guide you without complaining! I've had some complaints of my own lately, but God is showing me that if I just trust in him he will bring me out of bondage and into life and peace!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Break-Fast
This morning began a brand new season for the congregation of Kempville Chapel. Today we "break the fast" that we committed to as a unit. I had a pancake for "breakfast" this morning and it was absolutely the finest tasting pancake that I believe I have ever put in my mouth, by the way, the cup of coffee was just "good to the last drop"! For lunch I had nothing, but for dinner this afternoon, hamburger steak, tater tots, and salad, em' em' good! I was speaking with a close minister friend of mine (my best friend actually) this morning about what God has already done in our time of fasting and prayer for a greater move of the Spirit and Salvation coming to those that are lost and he made this comment: "this morning you are having break-fast" in other words, breakfast - the night is over it's time to be replenished. This speaks to those that have been deligently seeking God in giving him the firstfruits of the year (21 days).
As I break-fast today I am still lending an ear to the voice of God and surrendering my all to him because I believe that the benefits, answers, INSTRUCTIONS or whatever you label it, are going to come all year long as well as it has in the 21 days. You see Moses seperated himself for 40 days to get "in the presence of God" not knowing that God would give him the commandments (instructions). We have already seen the mighty hand of God in Salvation to four young people in the last week and a half alone! I'm trusting that we as children of God allow ourselves the opportunity to be changed through prayer and fasting so that our hearts begin to break for the things that break the heart of God. You see some would say that fasting is not important, that they can receive and have prayers answered by just praying and still eating. Well, maybe so, but OH WHAT BENEFITS come to a willing vessel that magnifies the name of the Lord and his wonderous works.
Today's food that I consumed was great, but it doesn't hold a candle to the spiritual nurishment that has been consumed over the past 21 days. I praise the Lord for sustaining me in times of weakness and hunger. I praise the Lord for his guiding hand and I stand on his promise that he will see me through. Wherever the Lord leads me (geographically and spiritually) I want to serve Him!!!! Let us all have break-fast today and be replenished by the hand of God!
As I break-fast today I am still lending an ear to the voice of God and surrendering my all to him because I believe that the benefits, answers, INSTRUCTIONS or whatever you label it, are going to come all year long as well as it has in the 21 days. You see Moses seperated himself for 40 days to get "in the presence of God" not knowing that God would give him the commandments (instructions). We have already seen the mighty hand of God in Salvation to four young people in the last week and a half alone! I'm trusting that we as children of God allow ourselves the opportunity to be changed through prayer and fasting so that our hearts begin to break for the things that break the heart of God. You see some would say that fasting is not important, that they can receive and have prayers answered by just praying and still eating. Well, maybe so, but OH WHAT BENEFITS come to a willing vessel that magnifies the name of the Lord and his wonderous works.
Today's food that I consumed was great, but it doesn't hold a candle to the spiritual nurishment that has been consumed over the past 21 days. I praise the Lord for sustaining me in times of weakness and hunger. I praise the Lord for his guiding hand and I stand on his promise that he will see me through. Wherever the Lord leads me (geographically and spiritually) I want to serve Him!!!! Let us all have break-fast today and be replenished by the hand of God!
8th grade recognition
Absence
Sorry about the absence of posting anything since Monday but we are in the process of getting Blake back to health. He has battled double pneumonia this week, in the process, he is going "stir crazy" and I think that I am about to be in the same boat with him. To God be the glory, he is on the downslide of this sickness. Thank you for your prayers and calls in regards to Blake for his speedy recovery.
I will make another post this afternoon, but I want to release a blessing to you first. We were able to see the hand of God again this past Wed night with another young person receiving Christ into their heart! Salvation is on the rise!!! Praise the Lord for his wonderful grace, mercy, and salvation. I look forward to this coming Sunday morning worship!
Be blessed today is my prayer.
I will make another post this afternoon, but I want to release a blessing to you first. We were able to see the hand of God again this past Wed night with another young person receiving Christ into their heart! Salvation is on the rise!!! Praise the Lord for his wonderful grace, mercy, and salvation. I look forward to this coming Sunday morning worship!
Be blessed today is my prayer.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Weekend Reflections
"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
2 Corinthians 9:15
I want to give God praise this morning for what he is doing in our church at Kempville Chapel. Yesterday morning we "opened the doors to the church" and accepted two new members and word has it that another one is going to join next Sunday!! Last Sunday (Jan. 10th) there was a young lady Saved in Sunday School and I had the honor to baptize her during the service yesterday and during the baptizing Natalie Jones received Salvation in the fellowship hall of the church! That's not all, last Wed. night Adam Kemp received Salvation after church at his grandparents house and they also had a feet washing before they left!!! I'm looking forward to next Sunday morning as to baptizing Adam and hopefully Natalie and also expecting more to be baptized as we continue to pray for salvation for the lost!!!
God is doing a work as we commit to Him! Praise God for his indescribable gift of salvation and the joy of being a Christian and seeing the hand of God move. I believe that we are beginning to see REVIVAL happen in our church and we are beginning to be "effective and productive" for the Lord!!!! Be blessed today and do something RADICAL for the Lord.
2 Corinthians 9:15
I want to give God praise this morning for what he is doing in our church at Kempville Chapel. Yesterday morning we "opened the doors to the church" and accepted two new members and word has it that another one is going to join next Sunday!! Last Sunday (Jan. 10th) there was a young lady Saved in Sunday School and I had the honor to baptize her during the service yesterday and during the baptizing Natalie Jones received Salvation in the fellowship hall of the church! That's not all, last Wed. night Adam Kemp received Salvation after church at his grandparents house and they also had a feet washing before they left!!! I'm looking forward to next Sunday morning as to baptizing Adam and hopefully Natalie and also expecting more to be baptized as we continue to pray for salvation for the lost!!!
God is doing a work as we commit to Him! Praise God for his indescribable gift of salvation and the joy of being a Christian and seeing the hand of God move. I believe that we are beginning to see REVIVAL happen in our church and we are beginning to be "effective and productive" for the Lord!!!! Be blessed today and do something RADICAL for the Lord.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Effective and Productive
"For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Peter 1:8 NIV)
The qualities that Peter was talking about are a very important part of our lives as Christians. It is of the utmost importance that we are among the "rich" when it comes to the blessings of God. What do I mean by "rich"? Peter said to have faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. These are characteristics of a true disciple of Jesus Christ and I believe that if we are not practicing these qualities or do not have these qualities in us, we may not be right with God. Yes, this is a bold statement, but I believe that it's time to be BOLD if we are going to win the lost for Jesus and expect to receive blessings from God.
Peter goes on to say that "if anyone does not have them, (qualities) he is near-sighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins." (v 9) What have we caused in our own lives to seep in and make us blind to the characteristics of being a Christian? In my prayer time I find that I have been blind to some things of God and have had a case of near-sightedness of my own. As I was taking the family dog out this morning I was pondering on some things and I was reminded of the television series Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous made popular by Robin Leach that featured the extravagant lifestyles of wealthy entertainers, athletes and business moguls. I don't know why I thought of this show other than God leading me to this scripture this morning about the qualities of a Christians. Go radical with me just for a moment and imagine Peter doing a TV show in Heaven somewhat like Leach's show but it involved the Children of God! Would you be a featured person on the scroll screen of Heaven with your "qualities and characteristics" being that of what Jesus has set out for you to be? This makes me want to follow the instructions of Peter and "make my calling and election sure to receive a rich welcome into the eternal Kingdom of God." (v 10,11)
For me to be effective and productive, I have to reach for these characteristics of God and live a life that is pleasing to him and then he will make me "rich" with blessings of abundance! Be blessed today!!!!
The qualities that Peter was talking about are a very important part of our lives as Christians. It is of the utmost importance that we are among the "rich" when it comes to the blessings of God. What do I mean by "rich"? Peter said to have faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. These are characteristics of a true disciple of Jesus Christ and I believe that if we are not practicing these qualities or do not have these qualities in us, we may not be right with God. Yes, this is a bold statement, but I believe that it's time to be BOLD if we are going to win the lost for Jesus and expect to receive blessings from God.
Peter goes on to say that "if anyone does not have them, (qualities) he is near-sighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins." (v 9) What have we caused in our own lives to seep in and make us blind to the characteristics of being a Christian? In my prayer time I find that I have been blind to some things of God and have had a case of near-sightedness of my own. As I was taking the family dog out this morning I was pondering on some things and I was reminded of the television series Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous made popular by Robin Leach that featured the extravagant lifestyles of wealthy entertainers, athletes and business moguls. I don't know why I thought of this show other than God leading me to this scripture this morning about the qualities of a Christians. Go radical with me just for a moment and imagine Peter doing a TV show in Heaven somewhat like Leach's show but it involved the Children of God! Would you be a featured person on the scroll screen of Heaven with your "qualities and characteristics" being that of what Jesus has set out for you to be? This makes me want to follow the instructions of Peter and "make my calling and election sure to receive a rich welcome into the eternal Kingdom of God." (v 10,11)
For me to be effective and productive, I have to reach for these characteristics of God and live a life that is pleasing to him and then he will make me "rich" with blessings of abundance! Be blessed today!!!!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Stinkers
Attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what people do or say. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. (Charles Swindoll)
This quote was taken from my morning devotional and it talked about counting our blessings and the attitude that we must have as Christians. Sometimes I think that our attitudes cause us as individuals to stink, and if we as individuals stink, then the people that are around us are going to stink. I heard it said one time that you can put a person with an awful, rotten, mopey attitude in the room with several happy, enthusiastic people and after a period of time some of those people begin to have a change in their attitude because of the influence of this rotten attitude. Have you noticed how easily influenced that people can be? How are you influencing the people around you, or, are you being influenced by someone else's rotten attitude?
Philippians 4:8 says "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." (NIV) If we would do what Paul was saying we will have better attitudes about life, about our home, about our church, about our jobs, about our situations, about everything! Think on the things of God today and let him change your attitude about things. Let's not be stinkers when it comes to being Christlike!
This quote was taken from my morning devotional and it talked about counting our blessings and the attitude that we must have as Christians. Sometimes I think that our attitudes cause us as individuals to stink, and if we as individuals stink, then the people that are around us are going to stink. I heard it said one time that you can put a person with an awful, rotten, mopey attitude in the room with several happy, enthusiastic people and after a period of time some of those people begin to have a change in their attitude because of the influence of this rotten attitude. Have you noticed how easily influenced that people can be? How are you influencing the people around you, or, are you being influenced by someone else's rotten attitude?
Philippians 4:8 says "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." (NIV) If we would do what Paul was saying we will have better attitudes about life, about our home, about our church, about our jobs, about our situations, about everything! Think on the things of God today and let him change your attitude about things. Let's not be stinkers when it comes to being Christlike!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Haiti Earthquake
As we pray today the people of Haiti need our prayers desperately. I was watching the news and looking at the Internet coverage of the earthquake and I have a since of urgency to pray for those that have lost loved ones and for those that may still be trapped alive. There is an image on FOX News of a father holding his infant daughter that had been pulled from the rubble and you can see the anguish on his face. Headlines are reporting that bodies are piling up on the streets from this devastating earthquake. Those of us who can not go to them can send prayers to our Heavenly Father in their time of need. Join with me today in prayer for the people of Haiti.
Monday, January 11, 2010
More than enough
We had a great service yesterday morning at Kempville Chapel and during Sunday School we had a young lady give her life to Christ. Alanna Young was saved and is now a part of the Body of Christ! This year is starting out great!!! We also had a great time of worship with people just getting lost in the presence of God. When people really turn everything over to the Lord during times of praise and worship you begin to feel and see an uplifting of the love that God has for His children. I'm reminded of what Paul said in Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (niv). I'm excited about what God has in store for us in this new year because he has promised that he would open the windows of heaven and pour out his blessings upon those who seek him and worship him.
Yesterday I spoke to the congregation about some "lions" that may be staring them in the face and keeping them from realizing how big God is in their lives. I shared with them that during this first fruits 21 day commitment that I have been on, the Lord is causing me (the Pastor) to see some things (lions) that are dark and not pleasing to him. I shared with them the passage of Scripture in 2 Samuel 23:20 where Beniah was a "lion chaser" and overcame other "odds" that showed just how big his God was. We have to live our lives daily with the power of God on our tongues, fingertips, feet, eyes, etc.... Our whole being (all that is within us) should be about the power of God working in our lives! Are you facing any lions that may be trying to steal your joy, peace, love, etc... If so, talk to God about your battles (lions) and he will answer you and he will give you exceedingly abundantly more (above) than you can ask for!
Be blessed today and chase those lions with the power of God in your life!
Yesterday I spoke to the congregation about some "lions" that may be staring them in the face and keeping them from realizing how big God is in their lives. I shared with them that during this first fruits 21 day commitment that I have been on, the Lord is causing me (the Pastor) to see some things (lions) that are dark and not pleasing to him. I shared with them the passage of Scripture in 2 Samuel 23:20 where Beniah was a "lion chaser" and overcame other "odds" that showed just how big his God was. We have to live our lives daily with the power of God on our tongues, fingertips, feet, eyes, etc.... Our whole being (all that is within us) should be about the power of God working in our lives! Are you facing any lions that may be trying to steal your joy, peace, love, etc... If so, talk to God about your battles (lions) and he will answer you and he will give you exceedingly abundantly more (above) than you can ask for!
Be blessed today and chase those lions with the power of God in your life!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Know His Wisdom
"For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength."
I Corinthians 1:25
In some conversations that you may hear over the period of your lifetime you may hear someone say that it is foolish to believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost. I've actually heard those words come from individuals that really thought it was foolish to believe in something or someone that you could not put your hands on or you could not see. Is it foolish to believe? I believe with all my heart that it's foolish NOT to believe! We have all things set before our eyes (trees, mountains, bodies of water, plants, animals, newborn babies, even the white snow that is still falling from the sky) that come from the God of all creation!
Paul said that the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom. This tells me that no matter how much I think I know or how much I educate myself, or how much I think I've arrived, it has not even exceeded matching up with God's foolishness. Paul says to the Corinthians; "think of what you were when you were called." Do you remember what you were when God called you? You were a sinner that didn't have a clue about the Kingdom of God but through prayer, reading the word, and fasting we can become His righteousness and know His wisdom!
The Bible says that "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." (vs 30) God made a way for us to know His wisdom, through Jesus Christ! Let this be a day that you reach for more of Him with every breath that you take and every step that you make. Are your steps pleasing Him?
I Corinthians 1:25
In some conversations that you may hear over the period of your lifetime you may hear someone say that it is foolish to believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost. I've actually heard those words come from individuals that really thought it was foolish to believe in something or someone that you could not put your hands on or you could not see. Is it foolish to believe? I believe with all my heart that it's foolish NOT to believe! We have all things set before our eyes (trees, mountains, bodies of water, plants, animals, newborn babies, even the white snow that is still falling from the sky) that come from the God of all creation!
Paul said that the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom. This tells me that no matter how much I think I know or how much I educate myself, or how much I think I've arrived, it has not even exceeded matching up with God's foolishness. Paul says to the Corinthians; "think of what you were when you were called." Do you remember what you were when God called you? You were a sinner that didn't have a clue about the Kingdom of God but through prayer, reading the word, and fasting we can become His righteousness and know His wisdom!
The Bible says that "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." (vs 30) God made a way for us to know His wisdom, through Jesus Christ! Let this be a day that you reach for more of Him with every breath that you take and every step that you make. Are your steps pleasing Him?
Friday, January 8, 2010
Calming Fears
I want to share with you today's devotion from my devotional book, Once a Day Every Day for Men, that I have for this year (hope everyone has some sort of devotional tool plus the Bible everyday to help you along the way).
Calming Your Fears
"Be not afraid; only believe." Mark 5:36
Most of the things we worry about will never come to pass, yet we worry still. We worry about the future and the past; we worry about finances and relationships. As we survey the landscape of our lives, we observe all manner of molehills and imagine them to be mountains. Are you concerned about the inevitable challenges that make up the fabric of everyday life? If so, why not ask God to help you regain a clear perspective about the problems (and opportunities) that confront you? When you petition your Heavenly Father sincerely and seek His guidance, He can touch your heart, clear your vision, renew your mind, and calm your fears.
Calming Your Fears
"Be not afraid; only believe." Mark 5:36
Most of the things we worry about will never come to pass, yet we worry still. We worry about the future and the past; we worry about finances and relationships. As we survey the landscape of our lives, we observe all manner of molehills and imagine them to be mountains. Are you concerned about the inevitable challenges that make up the fabric of everyday life? If so, why not ask God to help you regain a clear perspective about the problems (and opportunities) that confront you? When you petition your Heavenly Father sincerely and seek His guidance, He can touch your heart, clear your vision, renew your mind, and calm your fears.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
A touch births service
"When Jesus came into Peter's house he saw Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him." Matthew 8:14, 15
I can see Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed, the Bible doesn't say, but she was probably pale, chilled, nauseous, weak, achy, etc... and yet didn't say a word. When I read this scripture today it jump out at me that Jesus didn't say a word either! He just touched her hand and the fever that was inside her body making her weak, achy, chilled, etc... left in an instant, just by His touch. What did she do in the moment Jesus' hand left her hand do you wonder? I like to believe that she maybe just lay there for a moment in awe of what had just happened to her. I believe that she was in awe of the pain instantly leaving her body. I believe that she was in awe of feeling the fever leave her body. I can see her after that moment of awe, throwing back the sheets and rising to her feet and going to work doing what mother-in-laws do! She was able to serve Jesus and Peter because Jesus had served her with his touch!
Do you need the hand of Jesus to touch you today? Do you find yourself in bed, Spiritually speaking or maybe even sick in body? Jesus will walk by and touch your hand and you will feel Him, if you let Him! Do you need Him to touch you today so that you can be of service to Him? We all are called to do something for Him and we need to seek His direction for our lives and find out what our service to Him will be!
I can see Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed, the Bible doesn't say, but she was probably pale, chilled, nauseous, weak, achy, etc... and yet didn't say a word. When I read this scripture today it jump out at me that Jesus didn't say a word either! He just touched her hand and the fever that was inside her body making her weak, achy, chilled, etc... left in an instant, just by His touch. What did she do in the moment Jesus' hand left her hand do you wonder? I like to believe that she maybe just lay there for a moment in awe of what had just happened to her. I believe that she was in awe of the pain instantly leaving her body. I believe that she was in awe of feeling the fever leave her body. I can see her after that moment of awe, throwing back the sheets and rising to her feet and going to work doing what mother-in-laws do! She was able to serve Jesus and Peter because Jesus had served her with his touch!
Do you need the hand of Jesus to touch you today? Do you find yourself in bed, Spiritually speaking or maybe even sick in body? Jesus will walk by and touch your hand and you will feel Him, if you let Him! Do you need Him to touch you today so that you can be of service to Him? We all are called to do something for Him and we need to seek His direction for our lives and find out what our service to Him will be!
He's All I Need
He's all I need
He's all I need
Jesus is all I need.
He satisfies
My needs supply
Jesus is all I need.
This is a simple worship hymn that sums it all up! I'm reminded of the woman with the issue of blood that had been sick for twelve years and the bible says that "she had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse." (Mark 5:26 niv). For twelve long years suffering with this condition and doing everything that she possibly could do without avail, I wonder if she ever got weary? I'm sure that she must have been frustrated after doing everything possible to be healthy. I find when I keep reading in that passage that she did have something that she had not run out of or spent yet, she had hope! You see when she heard about Jesus, I believe that the hope of being healed by Him grew more and more by the moment and when she finally saw Him and got behind Him she reached out and touched His cloak (garment) and "immediately" the bleeding stopped! He's all that she needed! Her "faith" was all she needed to be healed by the "Healer"!
I know that some of you reading this today have joined in with me and others in prayer and fasting for the first 21 days of the year and you may be getting frustrated and weak and weary. But let me remind you that your sacrifice will be blessed and that Jesus is all you need! I know it's hard to give up some things that our bodies are addicted to (cokes, little debbie cakes, meat, O'Charley's rolls, etc...) but without the sacrifice there is no atonement. We have to be determined that no matter what comes our way and no matter how many withdrawals we have, Jesus is all we need! I trust that you are praying and seeking God for direction in your lives today and wanting more of Jesus. He's all I need!
He's all I need
Jesus is all I need.
He satisfies
My needs supply
Jesus is all I need.
This is a simple worship hymn that sums it all up! I'm reminded of the woman with the issue of blood that had been sick for twelve years and the bible says that "she had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse." (Mark 5:26 niv). For twelve long years suffering with this condition and doing everything that she possibly could do without avail, I wonder if she ever got weary? I'm sure that she must have been frustrated after doing everything possible to be healthy. I find when I keep reading in that passage that she did have something that she had not run out of or spent yet, she had hope! You see when she heard about Jesus, I believe that the hope of being healed by Him grew more and more by the moment and when she finally saw Him and got behind Him she reached out and touched His cloak (garment) and "immediately" the bleeding stopped! He's all that she needed! Her "faith" was all she needed to be healed by the "Healer"!
I know that some of you reading this today have joined in with me and others in prayer and fasting for the first 21 days of the year and you may be getting frustrated and weak and weary. But let me remind you that your sacrifice will be blessed and that Jesus is all you need! I know it's hard to give up some things that our bodies are addicted to (cokes, little debbie cakes, meat, O'Charley's rolls, etc...) but without the sacrifice there is no atonement. We have to be determined that no matter what comes our way and no matter how many withdrawals we have, Jesus is all we need! I trust that you are praying and seeking God for direction in your lives today and wanting more of Jesus. He's all I need!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Spiritual Health
It seems like forever since I have posted anything on the blog but the truth is I've been pretty busy! The past couple of days have just been filled with visiting and witnessing, stocking up on healthy food for the snow scare, and other family things! Life is great!
We had an awesome time in the Lord Sunday morning at KC with a singing from The Wisecarvers from Erwin, Tn. It was a great way to kick off the first Sunday of the New Year! I believe God has something in store for the folks at KC and also for all of His children who want to make a difference in life. We are starting off this year in anticipation of a great revival within our church and also within our lives! I can't wait to see what God does!
With the new year comes new resolutions to be in better health physically and I don't know if you made one or not but let me share with you something about your Spiritual health. "And we have this command from Him: the one who loves God must also love his brother." (I John 4:21 Holman CSB) C. S. Lewis once said, "A man's spiritual health is exactly proportional to his love for God." If we are to enjoy the spiritual health that God intends for us, we must praise Him, we must love Him, and we must obey Him.
When we worship God faithfully and obediently, we invite His love into our hearts. When we truly worship God, we allow Him to rule over our days and our lives. In turn, we grow to love God even more deeply as we sense His love for us. We are to "love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength" and if we do that then our spiritual health will overflow into love for our brothers! Seek His righteousness for this new year!
We had an awesome time in the Lord Sunday morning at KC with a singing from The Wisecarvers from Erwin, Tn. It was a great way to kick off the first Sunday of the New Year! I believe God has something in store for the folks at KC and also for all of His children who want to make a difference in life. We are starting off this year in anticipation of a great revival within our church and also within our lives! I can't wait to see what God does!
With the new year comes new resolutions to be in better health physically and I don't know if you made one or not but let me share with you something about your Spiritual health. "And we have this command from Him: the one who loves God must also love his brother." (I John 4:21 Holman CSB) C. S. Lewis once said, "A man's spiritual health is exactly proportional to his love for God." If we are to enjoy the spiritual health that God intends for us, we must praise Him, we must love Him, and we must obey Him.
When we worship God faithfully and obediently, we invite His love into our hearts. When we truly worship God, we allow Him to rule over our days and our lives. In turn, we grow to love God even more deeply as we sense His love for us. We are to "love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength" and if we do that then our spiritual health will overflow into love for our brothers! Seek His righteousness for this new year!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!
2010 is here! Can you believe that we have started another decade? The Lord has blessed us yet again to rise another day and this day just happens to be the first day of 2010! As I was looking in God's word this morning, I read in Psalm 40 verse 3 where David said, "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord." Do you have a NEW song in your mouth today? God has granted you not only another day, but has granted you to see and be a part of a new beginning, a new year, a new decade!
You may be reading this and thinking that this 'ol boy is crazy but I'm glad that I have another opportunity to put a new song in my mouth! I'm looking forward to a new year in Christ. I'm looking forward to all the blessings that He's going to release to His children!
Have you been battling in your mind, spirit, and body over the things that afflict you? Put a new song in your mouth! The bible says that "the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (I John 4:4 niv) also it says that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). We don't have to be afflicted by sins of the world, we don't have to be afflicted by pain and sickness, we don't have to deal with depression in our lives, we don't have to have a broken marriage, we don't have to live in poverty, and the list goes on and on. We can put a new song in our mouth for this new year of 2010 and live victorious through Jesus Christ! Do you know Him?
I want to wish all of you a very Happy New Year!
You may be reading this and thinking that this 'ol boy is crazy but I'm glad that I have another opportunity to put a new song in my mouth! I'm looking forward to a new year in Christ. I'm looking forward to all the blessings that He's going to release to His children!
Have you been battling in your mind, spirit, and body over the things that afflict you? Put a new song in your mouth! The bible says that "the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (I John 4:4 niv) also it says that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). We don't have to be afflicted by sins of the world, we don't have to be afflicted by pain and sickness, we don't have to deal with depression in our lives, we don't have to have a broken marriage, we don't have to live in poverty, and the list goes on and on. We can put a new song in our mouth for this new year of 2010 and live victorious through Jesus Christ! Do you know Him?
I want to wish all of you a very Happy New Year!
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