"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
Mercy - compassionate forbearance toward an offender or enemy.
Merciful - showing compassion
Ick !!! Blahhhhh !!! Pooey !!!! Yeesssssch !!! Get outta here !!!! NO WAY !!!! I ain't showing no mercy to nobody whose done what they've done to me. You're outta your ever-lovin' mind !!!!!! You're crazy, man !!!!!! They deserve everything they get, and more !! Show them compassion........you've lost what little mind you've had left !!!
Sound familiar? I'll bet it does. We've heard that and similar stuff from many, many Christian people, and it's probably passed our own lips once or twice also. Oh my ..... . . . . .. . . . . . . . Where, oh where would we be if Jesus said that to His Father about us?????? Oh my, indeed. I know I'd be in the pit of hell for sure!!!
Mercy is love in action. When Jesus commanded us to love those who do us wrong, He was saying "be merciful". Do not retaliate, do not gossip, do not bring offense. Be gentle and compassionate. Let the Fruit of the Spirit be evident in our lives. Allow good to overcome the evil. What is most distressing of all, is that the Scriptures are talking to the believers, not the non-believers. If non-believers see that Christians cannot be tolerant and loving of one another, what is there to draw them to Christ? If we cannot be merciful to other Christians, how can we ever be merciful to the non-believer?
Every last one of us has at one time or another has been terribly hurt by someone we love. Cut-to-the-bone hurt. The kind of hurt that makes one want to lash out and cause horrendous physical and emotional pain. Or just simply cut them out of our lives forever. Dead. THERE, SEE HOW YOU LIKE IT !! But sweet Jesus just looks at us with tears in His eyes and gently whispers to us "that's not My way, child. Extend to them the same mercy I've shown to you. I love you. Do you love me? Can you show it?"
Jesus never said walking with Him would be a piece of cake. But oh, the exquisite joy in the spirit when we are centered in His will. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. . . the joy of the Lord is my strength. . . nothing is impossible with God . . . all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. Do you love me? Jesus asked Peter. And Jesus asks us the same question. . .do you love me?
"Sweet, sweet Jesus, thank you for loving me when I am unlovable. Thank you for being merciful to me when I am unmerciful. Where would I be without you? What would I be without you? Your love and mercy plucked me out of the miry clay and set my feet on the Solid Rock. Change my heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. I want Your heart, Lord, not the heart of the world. Make me more like you. Amen."
For Further Study:
1 John 5:1-5
1 Timothy 1:12-14
2 Samuel 24:14
Micah 6:8
Matthet 18:33
James 2:13
Jude 1:22-24
John 1:42 - What did you call me ..........
"Jesus looked at him and said, 'You are Simon son of John, You will be called Cephas' (which, when translated, is Peter)"
Name changes are vitally important. In fact, they are critical and not to be done without tremendous thought and care. When Israel was taken captive into Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar changed the names of the Israelites to Persian varieties, thereby encouraging them to change their loyalty, to give them a new identity, from Israel to Persia. For some it worked, but not for Daniel. He would not allow his mind to be manipulated in that manner. He would not allow who he was, his identity to be altered. This could be construed as a bad name change.
But when God changes our name, that is something else entirely. The Old Testament is replete with those whose names were changed by God. Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Queen Esther, and Naomi lead the list. And in each instance, with a change of name came a change of character and identity. And with that came a new direction and calling. It was no different with Peter.
And neither is it with us. When we received Jesus as our Savior, our given names were not changed but another was added to it. Christian. A name that moved us from the earthly realm to the heavenly realm. A name, that if adhered to properly, changes our character, our behavior, our way of thinking and responding to external stimuli. Christian. Follower of Christ. A New Identity. A new direction and a new calling. It sets us apart and calls us to a higher standard, a heavenly standard. This name tells the world to whom we are committed. It is a name to be honored and revered by the life we lead.
The world may try and sully our name but it can only do as much as we give permission for. The only way our name can be damaged is by the way we ourselves treat it. If we do and say things that tarnish the name "Christian", then we have given the world permission to abuse it.
How are you treating your new name? Is it shining brightly or does it need a bit of polishing to remove some tarnish? What would Jesus think of the way you are using it?
"Loving Jesus, yours is the sweetest name of all. I love to say it......Jesus. My desire is for my name to be as sweet in Your ears as Yours is to mine. I want to be a pleasing sound to you, a sweet fragrance lifting up to you. Help me, Lord Jesus, to live my life that it honors and glorifies Your Name only. Let others be drawn to you by what they see in me. Help me to live honoring you. Amen."
For Further Study:
Psalm 89:24
Psalm 8:9
9:10
20 :7
34:3
52:9
Proverbs 22:1
Ecclesiastes 7:1
Revelation 3:11-3
Name changes are vitally important. In fact, they are critical and not to be done without tremendous thought and care. When Israel was taken captive into Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar changed the names of the Israelites to Persian varieties, thereby encouraging them to change their loyalty, to give them a new identity, from Israel to Persia. For some it worked, but not for Daniel. He would not allow his mind to be manipulated in that manner. He would not allow who he was, his identity to be altered. This could be construed as a bad name change.
But when God changes our name, that is something else entirely. The Old Testament is replete with those whose names were changed by God. Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Queen Esther, and Naomi lead the list. And in each instance, with a change of name came a change of character and identity. And with that came a new direction and calling. It was no different with Peter.
And neither is it with us. When we received Jesus as our Savior, our given names were not changed but another was added to it. Christian. A name that moved us from the earthly realm to the heavenly realm. A name, that if adhered to properly, changes our character, our behavior, our way of thinking and responding to external stimuli. Christian. Follower of Christ. A New Identity. A new direction and a new calling. It sets us apart and calls us to a higher standard, a heavenly standard. This name tells the world to whom we are committed. It is a name to be honored and revered by the life we lead.
The world may try and sully our name but it can only do as much as we give permission for. The only way our name can be damaged is by the way we ourselves treat it. If we do and say things that tarnish the name "Christian", then we have given the world permission to abuse it.
How are you treating your new name? Is it shining brightly or does it need a bit of polishing to remove some tarnish? What would Jesus think of the way you are using it?
"Loving Jesus, yours is the sweetest name of all. I love to say it......Jesus. My desire is for my name to be as sweet in Your ears as Yours is to mine. I want to be a pleasing sound to you, a sweet fragrance lifting up to you. Help me, Lord Jesus, to live my life that it honors and glorifies Your Name only. Let others be drawn to you by what they see in me. Help me to live honoring you. Amen."
For Further Study:
Psalm 89:24
Psalm 8:9
9:10
20 :7
34:3
52:9
Proverbs 22:1
Ecclesiastes 7:1
Revelation 3:11-3
Luke 10:19 - Bang, Bang, you're dead . . . . .
"Jesus said: I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you."
Authority: the right to control, command, determine or trample on.
Spiritual warfare is tremendous. It is one of the things that every born-again Christian is mandated. But sadly, the majority are terrified of the words "spiritual warfare" because they don't understand it, so therefore will not act on it.
The easiest and most common form of spiritual warfare is prayer. Simple prayer. Prayer for protection. Prayer for guidance. Prayer for healing. Intercessory prayer. Prayers of praise. Any kind of prayer is spiritual warfare. When you are in prayerful communication with Christ, you are OUT OF communication with the devil, therefore you are stepping on his head and overcoming his power. When you are reading your Bible, you are in warfare. Filling your heart and mind with the pure word of the Lord is a direct assault at hell. It overcomes ALL the power of the enemy.
One thing that Satan does not want to become revelation knowledge in your spirit, is that HE IS DEFEATED. Oh, we all have that head knowledge, but not many LIVE in this spirit revelation. That is something Satan is effectively preventing from happening in the Body of Christ.
Jesus Christ gave us His authority to overcome the powers of hell. That's like a king giving you his signet ring; or the President of the U.S. sending you on a mission as his personal delegate; or you giving one of your children a note authorizing them to make a withdrawal at the bank in your name. Carte blanche. Unconditional authority. Full discretionary power. Step on that devil and tell him just exactly who is in charge !!!!! And it's not him !!!
When you are centered in Christ and you exercise your spiritual authority, Jesus promised nothing will harm you! Do you believe what Jesus said? Then step up and take charge of your spiritual life. It is a Christ Command, not a Sacred Suggestion. He's given us the authority and tools, what are you waiting for?
I saw a cartoon of 2 grandmotherly-types bent over the prone body of the devil. He had several lumps on his head and the one lady had her foot on his back and her arm with her pocketbook raised to clobber him again. The caption read "He TRIED to steal my joy !!!!" There ya go. Don't let hell steal what has rightfully been given to you by God Almighty. Use your God-given authority and become an overcomer.
Do you need to make a new battle plan? Seek your commander-in-chief, He will lay it all out for you.
"Sweet Jesus, strengthen me for battle. Teach me to use the power you have given me that I might truly be an overcomer. I give you my fear and trepidation and I ask for holy boldness that I may accomplish your will for my life. I receive Your Spirit of power and love and a sound mind. Protect me, I pray. Amen."
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 28:18
John 20:21
Romans 8:15
Ephesians 6:11-13
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
1 John 5:3-6
Revelation 2; 3
21:7
Authority: the right to control, command, determine or trample on.
Spiritual warfare is tremendous. It is one of the things that every born-again Christian is mandated. But sadly, the majority are terrified of the words "spiritual warfare" because they don't understand it, so therefore will not act on it.
The easiest and most common form of spiritual warfare is prayer. Simple prayer. Prayer for protection. Prayer for guidance. Prayer for healing. Intercessory prayer. Prayers of praise. Any kind of prayer is spiritual warfare. When you are in prayerful communication with Christ, you are OUT OF communication with the devil, therefore you are stepping on his head and overcoming his power. When you are reading your Bible, you are in warfare. Filling your heart and mind with the pure word of the Lord is a direct assault at hell. It overcomes ALL the power of the enemy.
One thing that Satan does not want to become revelation knowledge in your spirit, is that HE IS DEFEATED. Oh, we all have that head knowledge, but not many LIVE in this spirit revelation. That is something Satan is effectively preventing from happening in the Body of Christ.
Jesus Christ gave us His authority to overcome the powers of hell. That's like a king giving you his signet ring; or the President of the U.S. sending you on a mission as his personal delegate; or you giving one of your children a note authorizing them to make a withdrawal at the bank in your name. Carte blanche. Unconditional authority. Full discretionary power. Step on that devil and tell him just exactly who is in charge !!!!! And it's not him !!!
When you are centered in Christ and you exercise your spiritual authority, Jesus promised nothing will harm you! Do you believe what Jesus said? Then step up and take charge of your spiritual life. It is a Christ Command, not a Sacred Suggestion. He's given us the authority and tools, what are you waiting for?
I saw a cartoon of 2 grandmotherly-types bent over the prone body of the devil. He had several lumps on his head and the one lady had her foot on his back and her arm with her pocketbook raised to clobber him again. The caption read "He TRIED to steal my joy !!!!" There ya go. Don't let hell steal what has rightfully been given to you by God Almighty. Use your God-given authority and become an overcomer.
Do you need to make a new battle plan? Seek your commander-in-chief, He will lay it all out for you.
"Sweet Jesus, strengthen me for battle. Teach me to use the power you have given me that I might truly be an overcomer. I give you my fear and trepidation and I ask for holy boldness that I may accomplish your will for my life. I receive Your Spirit of power and love and a sound mind. Protect me, I pray. Amen."
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 28:18
John 20:21
Romans 8:15
Ephesians 6:11-13
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
1 John 5:3-6
Revelation 2; 3
21:7
Ecclesiastes 12:14 - Rot Row Elroy . . . . . . .
"For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
I read a book a long time ago, I can't even remember the name of it now, but the opening line of the book has never left me. It said "If your forehead was a movie screen and every thought that ever entered your mind was played across it for everyone to see, what would the world be viewing?"
Wow. I don't think there is anyone on the planet that would want most of their thoughts made public. Just think of the consequences of some of those thoughts. Friendships would be forever lost. Family ties would be shattered. Jobs would be gone in the blink of an eye. Financial undertakings would fall through. There would be riots in the churches on Sundays. Ohhhhhhhh yeaaaaaaaaah. And this is just in the Christian community. Look at the foreheads of those who have not received Jesus and the horror we would see would be devastating. And that's just the beginning of all the tragedies that would occur. Unthinkable horror.
At this very moment, this is what our Lord and Savior sees. Nothing, absoutely nothing in all eternity, is hidden from Him. He sees and hears it ALL !!!! What a horrendous assault on His holiness. How can He even bear the blackness and ugliness of our hearts? But yet to come, everything will be brought out in the open at the final judgment. For EVERYONE to see and hear. Every thing we thought was secret and hidden from the world will be revealed to all. Frightening. Very frightening.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ has shown us a way out of this catatrosphe. By receiving Jesus as our Savior, everything behind us is totally and completely wiped out! Gone forever, never, ever to be remember. And through daily, sometimes by the minute, true repentance, our current sins are absolved. The scriptures below are just some that show us the way to glorifying God with every part of our being. It's hard work. We stumble and fall countless times. But our loving Lord sees our hearts, knows are deepest desires, and gently reproves us and helps us to steadily grow in Him through His Holy Spirit. How great is the love of our Savior for us !!!!
Take time right now to examine your heart. What is in there that you don't want the world to see? Jesus sees it. Ask Him to erase everything that is not of Him and to fill those spaces with His Holy Spirit. His love for you will do this in a heartbeat. It's time to renew our minds in Christ.
"Precious Savior, forgive the ugliness of my heart. Erase them forever with Your Holy Spirit. I struggle so hard with this daily life. Strengthen me, that every thought I have will glorify you. I want to be an honor to Your Name, not a curse. Set a hedge and a guard about my mind, help me to take captive every thought, to Your Honor and Glory. Forever. Amen."
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 51:9-11
Proverbs 16:2
Mark 2:8
Romans 2:6
12:1-3
Philippians 4:6-8
2 Cornthians 10:5
Revelation 20:13
I read a book a long time ago, I can't even remember the name of it now, but the opening line of the book has never left me. It said "If your forehead was a movie screen and every thought that ever entered your mind was played across it for everyone to see, what would the world be viewing?"
Wow. I don't think there is anyone on the planet that would want most of their thoughts made public. Just think of the consequences of some of those thoughts. Friendships would be forever lost. Family ties would be shattered. Jobs would be gone in the blink of an eye. Financial undertakings would fall through. There would be riots in the churches on Sundays. Ohhhhhhhh yeaaaaaaaaah. And this is just in the Christian community. Look at the foreheads of those who have not received Jesus and the horror we would see would be devastating. And that's just the beginning of all the tragedies that would occur. Unthinkable horror.
At this very moment, this is what our Lord and Savior sees. Nothing, absoutely nothing in all eternity, is hidden from Him. He sees and hears it ALL !!!! What a horrendous assault on His holiness. How can He even bear the blackness and ugliness of our hearts? But yet to come, everything will be brought out in the open at the final judgment. For EVERYONE to see and hear. Every thing we thought was secret and hidden from the world will be revealed to all. Frightening. Very frightening.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ has shown us a way out of this catatrosphe. By receiving Jesus as our Savior, everything behind us is totally and completely wiped out! Gone forever, never, ever to be remember. And through daily, sometimes by the minute, true repentance, our current sins are absolved. The scriptures below are just some that show us the way to glorifying God with every part of our being. It's hard work. We stumble and fall countless times. But our loving Lord sees our hearts, knows are deepest desires, and gently reproves us and helps us to steadily grow in Him through His Holy Spirit. How great is the love of our Savior for us !!!!
Take time right now to examine your heart. What is in there that you don't want the world to see? Jesus sees it. Ask Him to erase everything that is not of Him and to fill those spaces with His Holy Spirit. His love for you will do this in a heartbeat. It's time to renew our minds in Christ.
"Precious Savior, forgive the ugliness of my heart. Erase them forever with Your Holy Spirit. I struggle so hard with this daily life. Strengthen me, that every thought I have will glorify you. I want to be an honor to Your Name, not a curse. Set a hedge and a guard about my mind, help me to take captive every thought, to Your Honor and Glory. Forever. Amen."
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 51:9-11
Proverbs 16:2
Mark 2:8
Romans 2:6
12:1-3
Philippians 4:6-8
2 Cornthians 10:5
Revelation 20:13
Matthew 14:31 - Uhhhh, I don't think so . . . . . .
". . . You of little faith, he said, why did you doubt?"
Doubt. Hesitate to believe. To be uncertain about. Consider questionable. Everyone doubts. Some of us question everything and we are called cynical. Still others believe everything and they are called gullible. Some things are good to hesitate about, such as buying a new car or house, or taking an experimental medicine, or riding your bike in a thunderstorm. We need to think twice about quitting our jobs before we have another one. Sometimes doubting an action is very good.
To hesitate in our faith is not so good, but it happens to the best of us and we are in good company. Abraham and Sarah both doubted when God told them they would be parents. Moses doubted when God told him he would lead Israel out of Egypt. The Israelites doubted all through the wilderness. Gideon the farmer doubted when God told him he would be a judge and a teacher. Zechariah doubted when God told him he would be a father. Thomas doubted when he had been told Jesus had risen from the dead. And yet, God Almighty used each one of these people, and many, many other doubters, to accomplish mighty things for the kingdom of God. Our Lord showed infinite patience with each of these and He does so with us, too. And in each case, God strengthened their faith by using them in miraculous happenings.
Honest doubt is not a bad starting point as long as we don't stay there. The more we read and study Scripture, the stronger our faith becomes and the less we doubt. God uses our doubts to strengthen and encourage us in our spirit life. He gives us big and little miracles all along our walk with Him to show us His love and to chip away at the wall of doubt until it crumbles altogether. As doubt falls away, our faith grows, till we no longer question anything but fully rely on the Lord Jesus Christ for everything. It is a learning process, day by day. Sometimes minute by minute. But we are still going forward. Trusting. Obeying. Growing. Becoming more and more like Jesus.
What are the doubts in your spiritual life? If you haven't asked the Lord for healing, you doubt. If you have not asked for spiritual direction, you doubt. If you have not sought guidance for your daily decisions, you doubt. If you have not tithed, you doubt. If you have not asked for your tongue to be stilled, you doubt. And the list goes on and on and on.
What are you hesitating with Jesus about?
"Lord Jesus, Master of my Life, I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief. Take away my doubts and fears and fill me with the strength and convictions of Your Holy Spirit. Open my mouth, O God, free me from the inhibitions of the world, that my life will be a glory to Your name . Let my trust in you be complete. Amen."
For Further Study:
2 Chronicles 14:11
Jeremiah 32:27
Mark 5:36
9:23
10:27
Romans 8:28
2 Corinthians 9:8
Doubt. Hesitate to believe. To be uncertain about. Consider questionable. Everyone doubts. Some of us question everything and we are called cynical. Still others believe everything and they are called gullible. Some things are good to hesitate about, such as buying a new car or house, or taking an experimental medicine, or riding your bike in a thunderstorm. We need to think twice about quitting our jobs before we have another one. Sometimes doubting an action is very good.
To hesitate in our faith is not so good, but it happens to the best of us and we are in good company. Abraham and Sarah both doubted when God told them they would be parents. Moses doubted when God told him he would lead Israel out of Egypt. The Israelites doubted all through the wilderness. Gideon the farmer doubted when God told him he would be a judge and a teacher. Zechariah doubted when God told him he would be a father. Thomas doubted when he had been told Jesus had risen from the dead. And yet, God Almighty used each one of these people, and many, many other doubters, to accomplish mighty things for the kingdom of God. Our Lord showed infinite patience with each of these and He does so with us, too. And in each case, God strengthened their faith by using them in miraculous happenings.
Honest doubt is not a bad starting point as long as we don't stay there. The more we read and study Scripture, the stronger our faith becomes and the less we doubt. God uses our doubts to strengthen and encourage us in our spirit life. He gives us big and little miracles all along our walk with Him to show us His love and to chip away at the wall of doubt until it crumbles altogether. As doubt falls away, our faith grows, till we no longer question anything but fully rely on the Lord Jesus Christ for everything. It is a learning process, day by day. Sometimes minute by minute. But we are still going forward. Trusting. Obeying. Growing. Becoming more and more like Jesus.
What are the doubts in your spiritual life? If you haven't asked the Lord for healing, you doubt. If you have not asked for spiritual direction, you doubt. If you have not sought guidance for your daily decisions, you doubt. If you have not tithed, you doubt. If you have not asked for your tongue to be stilled, you doubt. And the list goes on and on and on.
What are you hesitating with Jesus about?
"Lord Jesus, Master of my Life, I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief. Take away my doubts and fears and fill me with the strength and convictions of Your Holy Spirit. Open my mouth, O God, free me from the inhibitions of the world, that my life will be a glory to Your name . Let my trust in you be complete. Amen."
For Further Study:
2 Chronicles 14:11
Jeremiah 32:27
Mark 5:36
9:23
10:27
Romans 8:28
2 Corinthians 9:8
Matthew 10:15 - It's a Small World . . .
"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Children are treasures we don't often appreciate in the fullest. Children come to us in many different ways: precocious; mischievous; joyful; bashful; stubborn; affectionate; boisterous; good-natured; naughty; and any other number of ways. I'm sure you can think of a few adjectives yourself. We tell them to be seen and not heard. We expect them to sit and play quietly. We try to mold them into "little adults", make them like us. (oops! isn't that what Jesus is trying to do with us?)
What do children do when you take them to a parade? They wiggle and squirm and crawl and shove and maneuver themselves in anyway possible to the front of the line so they can get the full, complete, unobstructed view of the parade. They pull away from you any way they can to get where they want to be. Jesus saw the children from this perspective.
And so, we take our cue from these little ones and become what Jesus saw. The first thing he saw was expectancy. They did whatever it took to get to the front row because they were expecting something wonderful. They were drawn by the gentleness, love and compassion they heard in His voice. They anticipated something good and they were going after it.
When the children got where they wanted to be, they were full of wonder. Their eyes were probably as big as saucers as Jesus lifted them one by one, caressed them, kissed them, blessed them. Oh, the awe of being enfolded in the arms of gentleness and mercy! Of being accepted and loved with no reservations! Oh, such sweet, sweet joy!
The children didn't care what they had to do to get what they wanted. They didn't care who saw them or heard them or got pushed out of the way or got their toes stepped on or anything. They were focused on Jesus and they were going to Him no matter what it took to get there. They were free from all self-consciousness. They didn't give so much as an eye-blink to what anyone thought of them. They had absolutely no pride. And they attained their goal.
This is what Jesus said we MUST be in order to enter heaven. Expectant, full of wonder and joy, and free from all self-consciousness as we live our lives day by day. Not allowing anything, anything at all, to hinder us from getting closer to Jesus.
What are you allowing to get in your way, to stop you from being right up on the lap of Jesus? What obstacles do you need to overcome?
"Lord Jesus, free me from the things that hinder. Remove the stumbling blocks that would keep me from you. I give you my pride and selfishness, my lack of meekness and humility; make me like you, Jesus. I give you permission to create in me the attitude of a child for you. Sweet Savior, change my heart. Amen"
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 18:2-6
Psalm 18:27
149:4
Ephesians 4:2
James 4:10
1 Peter 5:6
Children are treasures we don't often appreciate in the fullest. Children come to us in many different ways: precocious; mischievous; joyful; bashful; stubborn; affectionate; boisterous; good-natured; naughty; and any other number of ways. I'm sure you can think of a few adjectives yourself. We tell them to be seen and not heard. We expect them to sit and play quietly. We try to mold them into "little adults", make them like us. (oops! isn't that what Jesus is trying to do with us?)
What do children do when you take them to a parade? They wiggle and squirm and crawl and shove and maneuver themselves in anyway possible to the front of the line so they can get the full, complete, unobstructed view of the parade. They pull away from you any way they can to get where they want to be. Jesus saw the children from this perspective.
And so, we take our cue from these little ones and become what Jesus saw. The first thing he saw was expectancy. They did whatever it took to get to the front row because they were expecting something wonderful. They were drawn by the gentleness, love and compassion they heard in His voice. They anticipated something good and they were going after it.
When the children got where they wanted to be, they were full of wonder. Their eyes were probably as big as saucers as Jesus lifted them one by one, caressed them, kissed them, blessed them. Oh, the awe of being enfolded in the arms of gentleness and mercy! Of being accepted and loved with no reservations! Oh, such sweet, sweet joy!
The children didn't care what they had to do to get what they wanted. They didn't care who saw them or heard them or got pushed out of the way or got their toes stepped on or anything. They were focused on Jesus and they were going to Him no matter what it took to get there. They were free from all self-consciousness. They didn't give so much as an eye-blink to what anyone thought of them. They had absolutely no pride. And they attained their goal.
This is what Jesus said we MUST be in order to enter heaven. Expectant, full of wonder and joy, and free from all self-consciousness as we live our lives day by day. Not allowing anything, anything at all, to hinder us from getting closer to Jesus.
What are you allowing to get in your way, to stop you from being right up on the lap of Jesus? What obstacles do you need to overcome?
"Lord Jesus, free me from the things that hinder. Remove the stumbling blocks that would keep me from you. I give you my pride and selfishness, my lack of meekness and humility; make me like you, Jesus. I give you permission to create in me the attitude of a child for you. Sweet Savior, change my heart. Amen"
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 18:2-6
Psalm 18:27
149:4
Ephesians 4:2
James 4:10
1 Peter 5:6
Isaiah 26:3 - Two little Words . . .
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You."
perfect: entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings
peace: a state of tranquillity or serenity
steadfast: firm in purpose; unwavering; fixed in direction
trust: reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person
Trust is a very fragile emotion. Our money is imprinted with "In God We Trust", but we horde our money, not God. We tell our most cherished loved ones that "I trust you with my life", but when push comes to shove, we really don't. Our bosses tells us that "I trust you will get this project finished on time," and then they check on us to see if we're really doing it. They don't actually trust us at all. If we are very truthful with ourselves, we don't really trust anyone, at all, for anything. That's just human nature.
When we received Jesus as our Savior, our human nature began to morph into a different nature, God's nature. Scripture calls us to put away the "old man" and to "put on the mind of God," to be changed in our thinking. This is a learning process, a growing process. It doesn't happen overnight, but steadily and gradually as we read and study and immerse ourselves in Christ.
Looking at the definitions above, and injecting the definitions in place of the words gives us a different perspective. "You, God, will keep (me ) in a state of tranquility or serenity entirely without flaws, defects or shortcomings as my mind is fixed in direction and unwavering, because I have reliance on the strength, integrity, and ability of YOU." Wow !!! Sometimes we have to SEE what the word means in order to really understand the incredible awesomeness of God Almighty.
Trusting God wholeheartedly, without reservation of any kind, blindly and in total love, brings us a peace in our spirits that is without blemish, pure and holy, the peace that is God Himself. The flesh may TRY to come unhinged, but when you encounter the PERFECT PEACE of God Almighty, even the flesh relaxes and submits to the hand of God. Knowing and allowing the hand of the Lord to have His way, no matter what the situation is. That, my precious Saint, is trust!!!
Have you encountered the "perfect peace"? Is your mind unwavering, fixed in the direction of Jesus? Is your reliance on the integrity of God? What is the state of your trust?
"Lord Jesus, you are my all in all. In You I live and breathe and have my being. You created me and have loved me from the beginning of time. In You and You alone do I place my complete trust, for I know, O God, that You have only the best in mind for me. Help me, Lord, to keep my mind stayed on You, to always know that what You want for me is the best. I desire to trust in You only. Amen"
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 84:12
146:3
Proverbs 3:5-6
Nahum 1:7
John 14:1
Romans 10:11
15:13
1 Corinthians 13:7
1 Peter 2:6
perfect: entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings
peace: a state of tranquillity or serenity
steadfast: firm in purpose; unwavering; fixed in direction
trust: reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person
Trust is a very fragile emotion. Our money is imprinted with "In God We Trust", but we horde our money, not God. We tell our most cherished loved ones that "I trust you with my life", but when push comes to shove, we really don't. Our bosses tells us that "I trust you will get this project finished on time," and then they check on us to see if we're really doing it. They don't actually trust us at all. If we are very truthful with ourselves, we don't really trust anyone, at all, for anything. That's just human nature.
When we received Jesus as our Savior, our human nature began to morph into a different nature, God's nature. Scripture calls us to put away the "old man" and to "put on the mind of God," to be changed in our thinking. This is a learning process, a growing process. It doesn't happen overnight, but steadily and gradually as we read and study and immerse ourselves in Christ.
Looking at the definitions above, and injecting the definitions in place of the words gives us a different perspective. "You, God, will keep (me ) in a state of tranquility or serenity entirely without flaws, defects or shortcomings as my mind is fixed in direction and unwavering, because I have reliance on the strength, integrity, and ability of YOU." Wow !!! Sometimes we have to SEE what the word means in order to really understand the incredible awesomeness of God Almighty.
Trusting God wholeheartedly, without reservation of any kind, blindly and in total love, brings us a peace in our spirits that is without blemish, pure and holy, the peace that is God Himself. The flesh may TRY to come unhinged, but when you encounter the PERFECT PEACE of God Almighty, even the flesh relaxes and submits to the hand of God. Knowing and allowing the hand of the Lord to have His way, no matter what the situation is. That, my precious Saint, is trust!!!
Have you encountered the "perfect peace"? Is your mind unwavering, fixed in the direction of Jesus? Is your reliance on the integrity of God? What is the state of your trust?
"Lord Jesus, you are my all in all. In You I live and breathe and have my being. You created me and have loved me from the beginning of time. In You and You alone do I place my complete trust, for I know, O God, that You have only the best in mind for me. Help me, Lord, to keep my mind stayed on You, to always know that what You want for me is the best. I desire to trust in You only. Amen"
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 84:12
146:3
Proverbs 3:5-6
Nahum 1:7
John 14:1
Romans 10:11
15:13
1 Corinthians 13:7
1 Peter 2:6
Hebrews 12:1 - Peek-a-boo, I see you . . .
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
I have just finished reading a trilogy by Francine Rivers called"The Mark of the Lion". The era is 79 A.D., the time of Nero, the Diaspora, and the beginnings of the first Christian churches. Although this is fiction, the history is right on the money. It is a fabulous study of the times of Christian martyrdom and what the early church endured to bring it to it's present standing.
Reading the stories, I was greatly impacted by the faith of the First Century Christians. What they endured - slavery; beatings; imprisonment; torture; what they gave up - freedom; their countries; homes; families; their lives; - simply to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It caused me to just sit and meditate on where I would be if not for the strength, courage, and incredible, incredible faith of these most precious saints of God.
This innumerable "cloud of witnesses" paved the way with their very lives that I may sit in peace and safety today, with no fear of any kind of repercussions when I proclaim my faith. They willingly laid down their lives, that I wouldn't have to. The strength and convictions of their faith shame me. Their witness of their faith in the face of the most unholy cruelty cause me to cry out to God for my weakness and selfishness. But then I am strengthened and lifted up in the knowledge that I am redeemed, and able to proclaim the salvation of Jesus Christ when called upon to do so.
It is the witness of these countless nameless ones that bless my soul, that I praise God for. If they could throw off the sin that hinders, I can do no less. If they could stand pure before the Lord in the face of torture and death, I can do no less in the face of peace and safety. If the Lord God Almighty could strengthen them to walk in His steps, He will do no less for me if I ask Him.
Some day, by God's grace, we all will be in that numbered "cloud of witnesses". If future generations could read about our lives, what would they learn from the faith we live today?
"Precious Lord Jesus, strengthen me, I am so weak. My tongue ties and my voice falters when I am called upon to witness for you. I pray, Lord, that you will loosen my tongue and strengthen my voice that I may proclaim your glory whenever called upon, that the actions of my life will show the world who I live for. My heart's desire is to be a true and faithful witness for you, that you will be glorified. Help me, Lord I pray. Amen."
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 9:24
16:13
Philippians 1:27
2 Timothy 4:7
Hebrews 12:2
1 Peter 5:9
1 John 1:9
3 John 1:3
Jude 1:20
Revelation 2:10, 13
14:12
I have just finished reading a trilogy by Francine Rivers called"The Mark of the Lion". The era is 79 A.D., the time of Nero, the Diaspora, and the beginnings of the first Christian churches. Although this is fiction, the history is right on the money. It is a fabulous study of the times of Christian martyrdom and what the early church endured to bring it to it's present standing.
Reading the stories, I was greatly impacted by the faith of the First Century Christians. What they endured - slavery; beatings; imprisonment; torture; what they gave up - freedom; their countries; homes; families; their lives; - simply to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It caused me to just sit and meditate on where I would be if not for the strength, courage, and incredible, incredible faith of these most precious saints of God.
This innumerable "cloud of witnesses" paved the way with their very lives that I may sit in peace and safety today, with no fear of any kind of repercussions when I proclaim my faith. They willingly laid down their lives, that I wouldn't have to. The strength and convictions of their faith shame me. Their witness of their faith in the face of the most unholy cruelty cause me to cry out to God for my weakness and selfishness. But then I am strengthened and lifted up in the knowledge that I am redeemed, and able to proclaim the salvation of Jesus Christ when called upon to do so.
It is the witness of these countless nameless ones that bless my soul, that I praise God for. If they could throw off the sin that hinders, I can do no less. If they could stand pure before the Lord in the face of torture and death, I can do no less in the face of peace and safety. If the Lord God Almighty could strengthen them to walk in His steps, He will do no less for me if I ask Him.
Some day, by God's grace, we all will be in that numbered "cloud of witnesses". If future generations could read about our lives, what would they learn from the faith we live today?
"Precious Lord Jesus, strengthen me, I am so weak. My tongue ties and my voice falters when I am called upon to witness for you. I pray, Lord, that you will loosen my tongue and strengthen my voice that I may proclaim your glory whenever called upon, that the actions of my life will show the world who I live for. My heart's desire is to be a true and faithful witness for you, that you will be glorified. Help me, Lord I pray. Amen."
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 9:24
16:13
Philippians 1:27
2 Timothy 4:7
Hebrews 12:2
1 Peter 5:9
1 John 1:9
3 John 1:3
Jude 1:20
Revelation 2:10, 13
14:12
Genesis 6:9 - Float your Boat
"Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God."
righteous - upright and moral
blameless - having no guilt
Interesting definition of these two words. Puts a different light on this verse, doesn't it. Just reading the verse itself makes Noah sound kinda holier-then-thou, but that's not the case at all. To me, the catch phrase here is ". . . among the people of his time . . ." "Moses was upright and moral, having no guilt among the people of his time, . . ."
During the time of Noah, the people of the earth had reached such a state of corruption, lawlessness, violence, and immorality that God wiped the earth clean. Erased the blackboard. Tied everything up in a super-flex garbage bag and tossed it off into eternity. Have you ever done that with a project; completely destroyed it just so you could start over fresh? Back to the drawing board. But what made Noah special and set apart?
Noah was NOT sinless. He was a human man, with all the bumps, bruises and warts common to humanity. He sinned on a daily basis just as we do. He had a wife and children, therefore he had arguments. Maybe he got tippsy on too much wine. Maybe he grumbled and complained about the state of the world and the economy. He sinned. But what set Noah apart was the fact that he did not enter into the ways of the world. Instead, he walked and talked and shared his life with God on a daily basis. He purposely set his face on heavenly things and kept himself pure from the corruption of the world. Upright and Moral. Hard, hard work. And he required it of his family. MORE arguments, I'm sure!
6,000 years later, not much has changed. The world is becoming more corrupt, lawless, violent and immoral on a daily basis. Are we sinless? No more then Noah was. Can we be righteous and blameless? Absolutely! We simply become little Noahites and do not participate in the things of the world! Impossible, you say? No way. "ALL things are possible with God." Just like Noah, if we walk with God on a daily basis, in some cases minute-by-minute, we will be "upright and moral" and "have no guilt" among the people of OUR time. Genesis 6:22 says: "Noah did EVERYTHING jus as God commanded him."
And therein lies the secret: obedience. That's all. Just do what God says. Noah wholeheartedly loved and obeyed God. Just like King David. Just like the apostle Paul. And wow, did those guys sin. And yet, they were righteous and blameless. They walked with God. And they are our examples through eternity, the way they lived their lives influences us today. We are called to live IN the world, but not be OF the world. We are called to walk with God, be upright and moral and have no guilt among the people of our time!
What do people see when they observe your life? Do they see you walking with God? Are you influencing others or is the world influencing you?
"Lord Jesus, forgive me. Forgive all the sins of my life because I turned away from your face. Help me, Jesus, to keep my eyes on You and not on the world. I want to walk and talk with you all the moments of my life. Strengthen me with your Holy Spirit, enable me to be righteous and blameless among the people of my time, that others will see your glory and praise your Holy Name. Amen."
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE:
Leviticus 19:2
1 John 5:3
Ephesians 5:2-4
Colossians 3:12
1 Thessalonians 3:13
4:7
2 Timothy 2:20-22
Hebrews 3:1
righteous - upright and moral
blameless - having no guilt
Interesting definition of these two words. Puts a different light on this verse, doesn't it. Just reading the verse itself makes Noah sound kinda holier-then-thou, but that's not the case at all. To me, the catch phrase here is ". . . among the people of his time . . ." "Moses was upright and moral, having no guilt among the people of his time, . . ."
During the time of Noah, the people of the earth had reached such a state of corruption, lawlessness, violence, and immorality that God wiped the earth clean. Erased the blackboard. Tied everything up in a super-flex garbage bag and tossed it off into eternity. Have you ever done that with a project; completely destroyed it just so you could start over fresh? Back to the drawing board. But what made Noah special and set apart?
Noah was NOT sinless. He was a human man, with all the bumps, bruises and warts common to humanity. He sinned on a daily basis just as we do. He had a wife and children, therefore he had arguments. Maybe he got tippsy on too much wine. Maybe he grumbled and complained about the state of the world and the economy. He sinned. But what set Noah apart was the fact that he did not enter into the ways of the world. Instead, he walked and talked and shared his life with God on a daily basis. He purposely set his face on heavenly things and kept himself pure from the corruption of the world. Upright and Moral. Hard, hard work. And he required it of his family. MORE arguments, I'm sure!
6,000 years later, not much has changed. The world is becoming more corrupt, lawless, violent and immoral on a daily basis. Are we sinless? No more then Noah was. Can we be righteous and blameless? Absolutely! We simply become little Noahites and do not participate in the things of the world! Impossible, you say? No way. "ALL things are possible with God." Just like Noah, if we walk with God on a daily basis, in some cases minute-by-minute, we will be "upright and moral" and "have no guilt" among the people of OUR time. Genesis 6:22 says: "Noah did EVERYTHING jus as God commanded him."
And therein lies the secret: obedience. That's all. Just do what God says. Noah wholeheartedly loved and obeyed God. Just like King David. Just like the apostle Paul. And wow, did those guys sin. And yet, they were righteous and blameless. They walked with God. And they are our examples through eternity, the way they lived their lives influences us today. We are called to live IN the world, but not be OF the world. We are called to walk with God, be upright and moral and have no guilt among the people of our time!
What do people see when they observe your life? Do they see you walking with God? Are you influencing others or is the world influencing you?
"Lord Jesus, forgive me. Forgive all the sins of my life because I turned away from your face. Help me, Jesus, to keep my eyes on You and not on the world. I want to walk and talk with you all the moments of my life. Strengthen me with your Holy Spirit, enable me to be righteous and blameless among the people of my time, that others will see your glory and praise your Holy Name. Amen."
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE:
Leviticus 19:2
1 John 5:3
Ephesians 5:2-4
Colossians 3:12
1 Thessalonians 3:13
4:7
2 Timothy 2:20-22
Hebrews 3:1
Philippians 1:6 - Under construction
". . . being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
We've all been in that place, and more then one time I'll bet, where we start a project that never seems to get finished. We are in the middle of weeding the garden or cleaning the patio or cleaning out the spare room or the garage or sorting through clothes we don't wear any more or getting rid of the kid's old toys or finish putting up the molding or painting the utility room or any one of a bazillion things. And we get interrupted. A phone call or a child cries or your spouse beckons you or the pot on the stove runs over or whatever. And you lose your momentum. Or you just plain forget what you were doing when you got called away (that's a little frightening, isn't it?). Sometimes at a latter date we might get back to he project, or maybe not. But there are always things left undone. Always.
Have you ever seen the Christian t-shirt that said: "Under construction - God's not finished with me yet". We are all a work in progress. On major highway projects, We've seen this sign: "Temporary Inconvenience - Permanent Improvement." And we've groaned, knowing the work was going to take forrrrrrrrr-ever, because half the time, there was no work going on at all. Major frustration.
Did you ever wonder what it would be like if our Father got called away on another matter and forgot what He was doing with us? Just left us hanging in mid-air, feet dangling, arms swinging, construction signs all around us but no work going on? It's a horrifying thought, isn't it? But Praise the Name of the Lord, our God is not like that. He has promised us that what He has started He will finish!!!! No stone left unturned, no job left undone. He is faithful and true and ALWAYS on the job! Sometimes we may FEEL abandoned, but we are not. Sometimes we cry out in pain and despair, wondering if we are being heard, and we are. Jesus said "I will never leave you or forsake you". He will NEVER leave a work undone.
Our God is faithful and true. He will help us grow in grace and spiritual maturity until the instant we are called home. When we get discouraged and weary with the never-ending tasks, God doesn't. When we run out of funds to finish a project, God doesn't. When we get physically worn down, God doesn't. When we throw up our hands in despair because the work didn't turn out the way we wanted, God doesn't. God is never incomplete,unfinished, weary, or distressed.
Because you ARE, the work that God Almighty started in your life at the moment of conception will be completed. He said so. Period and Amen. There are no "accidents of birth" with God. You were created for a purpose and that purpose will be fulfilled, because God is ever at work.
It's time to stop frettin' and start prasin' for what the finished product will be. Don't you agree?
"Thank you, Jesus, for loving me so much that you are willing, even eager, to complete your work in me. I pray, my Savior, that all that I do and say will be a blessing to your Name and and that my life honors You. Help me to be patient while you shape me into your likeness. Amen."
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
Psalm 33:11
139:15
Proverbs 16:9
19:21
Isaiah 55:11-12
64:8
Jeremiah 29:11
We've all been in that place, and more then one time I'll bet, where we start a project that never seems to get finished. We are in the middle of weeding the garden or cleaning the patio or cleaning out the spare room or the garage or sorting through clothes we don't wear any more or getting rid of the kid's old toys or finish putting up the molding or painting the utility room or any one of a bazillion things. And we get interrupted. A phone call or a child cries or your spouse beckons you or the pot on the stove runs over or whatever. And you lose your momentum. Or you just plain forget what you were doing when you got called away (that's a little frightening, isn't it?). Sometimes at a latter date we might get back to he project, or maybe not. But there are always things left undone. Always.
Have you ever seen the Christian t-shirt that said: "Under construction - God's not finished with me yet". We are all a work in progress. On major highway projects, We've seen this sign: "Temporary Inconvenience - Permanent Improvement." And we've groaned, knowing the work was going to take forrrrrrrrr-ever, because half the time, there was no work going on at all. Major frustration.
Did you ever wonder what it would be like if our Father got called away on another matter and forgot what He was doing with us? Just left us hanging in mid-air, feet dangling, arms swinging, construction signs all around us but no work going on? It's a horrifying thought, isn't it? But Praise the Name of the Lord, our God is not like that. He has promised us that what He has started He will finish!!!! No stone left unturned, no job left undone. He is faithful and true and ALWAYS on the job! Sometimes we may FEEL abandoned, but we are not. Sometimes we cry out in pain and despair, wondering if we are being heard, and we are. Jesus said "I will never leave you or forsake you". He will NEVER leave a work undone.
Our God is faithful and true. He will help us grow in grace and spiritual maturity until the instant we are called home. When we get discouraged and weary with the never-ending tasks, God doesn't. When we run out of funds to finish a project, God doesn't. When we get physically worn down, God doesn't. When we throw up our hands in despair because the work didn't turn out the way we wanted, God doesn't. God is never incomplete,unfinished, weary, or distressed.
Because you ARE, the work that God Almighty started in your life at the moment of conception will be completed. He said so. Period and Amen. There are no "accidents of birth" with God. You were created for a purpose and that purpose will be fulfilled, because God is ever at work.
It's time to stop frettin' and start prasin' for what the finished product will be. Don't you agree?
"Thank you, Jesus, for loving me so much that you are willing, even eager, to complete your work in me. I pray, my Savior, that all that I do and say will be a blessing to your Name and and that my life honors You. Help me to be patient while you shape me into your likeness. Amen."
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
Psalm 33:11
139:15
Proverbs 16:9
19:21
Isaiah 55:11-12
64:8
Jeremiah 29:11
John 17:20 - Pay it Forward
". . . I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message."
Prayer is the most powerful weapon we have. It opens the gates of heaven, takes us directly into the Throne Room of Grace, and knocks our enemies flat on their backs. Prayer protects us; guides us; strengthens us; encourages us; gives us peace; heals us; unifies us in the Body of Christ; keeps us humble; takes our eyes off of ourselves; and centers us in Christ; among other things. Prayer is mighty to the pulling down of strongholds. And yet we treat it lightly.
"I'll just add that to my prayer list for when I pray." "Say a prayer for me when you think of it." "Don't forget your prayers." We throw out these lines with almost no thought to just exactly what we're saying. Sad that we don't realize the power given us by the Holy Spirit through prayer.
In the upper room on the night Jesus was to be arrested, He prayed the prayer that is John 17. The first prayer He prayed was for Himself. The second prayer was for all of those who followed Him at that time. But His last prayer was for me. ME. Someone who would not be born for another 1,947 years. And, of course, you. He said "Father, I'm praying for the unity, for the protection, for the holiness of all those who will receive Me into their hearts because of the work of these disciples right now." THAT'S ME and YOU !!!! JESUS PRAYED FOR US !!!
I believe it was because of that prayer that I came to receive Jesus Christ as my Savior and Master. I believe it is because of that prayer that I am continually strengthened in my day to day walk with Him. I believe that if there is never another prayer said for me on this earth, I am still covered and bathed in blessings because Jesus prayed for me then and is even now speaking to our Father for me. This just takes my breath away!!!! How great, how magnificent, how tender, is the Father's love for me . . . . . . . .
Should I never pray again because Jesus is taking care of the matter? Absolutely not!!! One good deed deserves another. We are to do as Jesus did, and that is pray for one another. Pay it forward or rather, pray it forward. Pass on the blessings. Magnify the Lord's Name by being deeply concerned for the spiritual life of our brothers and sister. I know we pray for our families, our children, grandchildren. But have you ever prayed for those of your lineage who will come after you that you will never see this side of eternity? Have you prayed for their salvation and spiritual endurance in times of trial and tribulation? Jesus did. So should we.
Prayer is simply a conversation WITH God, not to God. It is sharing. What have you talked with God about today? What did He tell you?
"Sweet, loving Jesus, thank you for praying for me, for covering me with Your grace and mercy. Bring to my mind a constant stream of those You know need prayer cover. Fill my heart with the words You want prayed for them. Holy Spirit, continually remind me to pray for all those who will come after me, who because of something I said or did encouraged them to receive Jesus into their hearts. Use me, Lord Jesus, to glorify Your Name in everything I think and say and do. Amen."
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
1 Samuel 7:5
1 Kings 13:6
Isaiah 53:12
Romans 8:25-27
Hebrews 7:25
1 Timothy 2:1
Prayer is the most powerful weapon we have. It opens the gates of heaven, takes us directly into the Throne Room of Grace, and knocks our enemies flat on their backs. Prayer protects us; guides us; strengthens us; encourages us; gives us peace; heals us; unifies us in the Body of Christ; keeps us humble; takes our eyes off of ourselves; and centers us in Christ; among other things. Prayer is mighty to the pulling down of strongholds. And yet we treat it lightly.
"I'll just add that to my prayer list for when I pray." "Say a prayer for me when you think of it." "Don't forget your prayers." We throw out these lines with almost no thought to just exactly what we're saying. Sad that we don't realize the power given us by the Holy Spirit through prayer.
In the upper room on the night Jesus was to be arrested, He prayed the prayer that is John 17. The first prayer He prayed was for Himself. The second prayer was for all of those who followed Him at that time. But His last prayer was for me. ME. Someone who would not be born for another 1,947 years. And, of course, you. He said "Father, I'm praying for the unity, for the protection, for the holiness of all those who will receive Me into their hearts because of the work of these disciples right now." THAT'S ME and YOU !!!! JESUS PRAYED FOR US !!!
I believe it was because of that prayer that I came to receive Jesus Christ as my Savior and Master. I believe it is because of that prayer that I am continually strengthened in my day to day walk with Him. I believe that if there is never another prayer said for me on this earth, I am still covered and bathed in blessings because Jesus prayed for me then and is even now speaking to our Father for me. This just takes my breath away!!!! How great, how magnificent, how tender, is the Father's love for me . . . . . . . .
Should I never pray again because Jesus is taking care of the matter? Absolutely not!!! One good deed deserves another. We are to do as Jesus did, and that is pray for one another. Pay it forward or rather, pray it forward. Pass on the blessings. Magnify the Lord's Name by being deeply concerned for the spiritual life of our brothers and sister. I know we pray for our families, our children, grandchildren. But have you ever prayed for those of your lineage who will come after you that you will never see this side of eternity? Have you prayed for their salvation and spiritual endurance in times of trial and tribulation? Jesus did. So should we.
Prayer is simply a conversation WITH God, not to God. It is sharing. What have you talked with God about today? What did He tell you?
"Sweet, loving Jesus, thank you for praying for me, for covering me with Your grace and mercy. Bring to my mind a constant stream of those You know need prayer cover. Fill my heart with the words You want prayed for them. Holy Spirit, continually remind me to pray for all those who will come after me, who because of something I said or did encouraged them to receive Jesus into their hearts. Use me, Lord Jesus, to glorify Your Name in everything I think and say and do. Amen."
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
1 Samuel 7:5
1 Kings 13:6
Isaiah 53:12
Romans 8:25-27
Hebrews 7:25
1 Timothy 2:1
Psalm 141:3 - Yak, Yak, Yak, Yak, Yak . . .
"Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips."
What a nation of talkers we've become. Most times it seems that if we are not talking, there's something the matter with us. Cell phones have become appendages on the sides of our faces. Thumbs have calluses on them from texting. And if we're not on the phones, we're on our computers, IM-ing, facebooking, twittering, blogging and the like. We have this compulsion to always be verbal in one way or another. Why? Whatever in the world do people find to talk about so much?
I believe if we could eavesdrop on the majority of these conversations, our poor ears would instantly rot and fall off (wow, now there's a picture or you!). First of all it would simply be the language, the cursing and vulgarity. That by itself is enough to make curly hair go straight!! But then, the topics of these conversations are vile, slanderous, and killing of the spirits. Evil in the sight of the Lord.
Jesus told us that what is in our hearts will flow out of our mouths. Bitterness, anger, hate, prejudices, bigotry, jealousy, envy and the like roll off our tongues in gossip and slander, causing others to have negative, dangerous thoughts and feelings about others. And by some slim chance you don't repeat anything, simply listening gives credence to the speaker. But if our hearts are filled with the joy of the Lord and the fruit of the Spirit, then our words will bring life, peace and the light of Jesus Christ. Compassion and mercy will bubble up from the well of life within us, making melodious sounds to the Lord as we speak gracefully and thankfully of the things of God. The words from the Christian mouth are to build up and encourage, not tear down and destroy.
How and what we speak tells the world what god we follow. In the past week, to whom have you spoken and what did you talk about? Was Jesus glorified?
"Sweet Jesus, lover of my soul, forgive me. I am a person of unclean lips and I live among people of unclean lips. Change my heart, my Savior, so that I may be like you. Cause me to be mute unless you are glorified by my speech. Take away all desre to take part in any gossip, let my words be holy and pleasing unto you. Amen,."
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 19:14
Ecclesiastes 5:1-3
Matt 12:35-37
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Psalm 59:12
Proverbs 8:8
18:4,21
19:1,9
What a nation of talkers we've become. Most times it seems that if we are not talking, there's something the matter with us. Cell phones have become appendages on the sides of our faces. Thumbs have calluses on them from texting. And if we're not on the phones, we're on our computers, IM-ing, facebooking, twittering, blogging and the like. We have this compulsion to always be verbal in one way or another. Why? Whatever in the world do people find to talk about so much?
I believe if we could eavesdrop on the majority of these conversations, our poor ears would instantly rot and fall off (wow, now there's a picture or you!). First of all it would simply be the language, the cursing and vulgarity. That by itself is enough to make curly hair go straight!! But then, the topics of these conversations are vile, slanderous, and killing of the spirits. Evil in the sight of the Lord.
Jesus told us that what is in our hearts will flow out of our mouths. Bitterness, anger, hate, prejudices, bigotry, jealousy, envy and the like roll off our tongues in gossip and slander, causing others to have negative, dangerous thoughts and feelings about others. And by some slim chance you don't repeat anything, simply listening gives credence to the speaker. But if our hearts are filled with the joy of the Lord and the fruit of the Spirit, then our words will bring life, peace and the light of Jesus Christ. Compassion and mercy will bubble up from the well of life within us, making melodious sounds to the Lord as we speak gracefully and thankfully of the things of God. The words from the Christian mouth are to build up and encourage, not tear down and destroy.
How and what we speak tells the world what god we follow. In the past week, to whom have you spoken and what did you talk about? Was Jesus glorified?
"Sweet Jesus, lover of my soul, forgive me. I am a person of unclean lips and I live among people of unclean lips. Change my heart, my Savior, so that I may be like you. Cause me to be mute unless you are glorified by my speech. Take away all desre to take part in any gossip, let my words be holy and pleasing unto you. Amen,."
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 19:14
Ecclesiastes 5:1-3
Matt 12:35-37
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Psalm 59:12
Proverbs 8:8
18:4,21
19:1,9
Psalm 119:103 - Red Rob-in, Yummmmmmmmmm
"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter then honey to my mouth!"
Have you ever tasted words? I know, people always tell you "be careful what you say, you may eat those words one day." But you've never actually eaten words. Literally eaten them. It's just a saying, right?
We've been told often enough that there are no wasted words in Scripture, that everything is important and has meaning. But what about this verse? We've read it and others like it, but probably have never REALLY thought what it's saying to us. We just take it as an abstract teaching or a metaphor. But it's not.
In Biblical times, when the Jewish boys went to synagogue to learn the Torah, they didn't have pencil and paper or computers to write on. They were given a piece of slate stone and a sharpened stick, or stylus, to write with. The slate stone was covered over with a layer of honey, and as the boys copied the Torah on the honey-glazed slate to memorize it, the stylus would become thickened and it wouldn't write legibly. The boys would lick the stylus clean and continue writing. And of course, the honey was sweet. They therefore came to equate the Word of God with sweetness. And even better. The author writes " . . . sweeter then honey . . . " They were literally eating the words of the Lord.
How fabulous that is when you think about it. Writing the word of God and then putting those words physically into your mouth. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Today the believer doesn't need to do that. From the moment of our receiving Jesus into our hearts, we have been indwelt with the Holy Spirit, our teacher. As we read the Word and study and pray, He infuses our spirits with knowledge and wisdom and understanding and we begin to know the sweetness of God's Word. It becomes part of us, we feed on it. Oh my, but it's luscious.
The Red Robin commercial is really good. You just hear the music or the words and you automatically think of something good to eat. That's how we are to become with the Word of God. As soon as we hear it, our spirits should begin to salivate and our hearts drool for want of more. Yummmmmmmmmmmm. The term "feast on the Lord" takes on a whole new meaning.
Is your soul hungry for something good to eat? Do you feel you're not getting what you what when you come to the table of God? Do you leave your studies and prayer time still feeling hungry and unsatisfied? Have you asked Jesus to give you a spiritual hunger for the things of God and then satisfy you with His Holy Spirit teaching? God is good. Start taking bigger bites and chewing more slowly. Savor the taste of the Lord and enjoy His sweetness.
And if all else fails, write in honey.
"Lord Jesus, give me a deep, deep hunger for You and the Word. Like the woman at the well I was thirsting. For things that did not satisfy. . . Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord. Come and quench this thirsting of my soul. Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more . . . fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole. "
Supporting Scriptures:
Psalm 19:10
34:8
42:2
Isaiah 5:13
55:1
Matthew 5:6
John 6:35
Acts 2:42
20:7
Hebrews 12:5
Have you ever tasted words? I know, people always tell you "be careful what you say, you may eat those words one day." But you've never actually eaten words. Literally eaten them. It's just a saying, right?
We've been told often enough that there are no wasted words in Scripture, that everything is important and has meaning. But what about this verse? We've read it and others like it, but probably have never REALLY thought what it's saying to us. We just take it as an abstract teaching or a metaphor. But it's not.
In Biblical times, when the Jewish boys went to synagogue to learn the Torah, they didn't have pencil and paper or computers to write on. They were given a piece of slate stone and a sharpened stick, or stylus, to write with. The slate stone was covered over with a layer of honey, and as the boys copied the Torah on the honey-glazed slate to memorize it, the stylus would become thickened and it wouldn't write legibly. The boys would lick the stylus clean and continue writing. And of course, the honey was sweet. They therefore came to equate the Word of God with sweetness. And even better. The author writes " . . . sweeter then honey . . . " They were literally eating the words of the Lord.
How fabulous that is when you think about it. Writing the word of God and then putting those words physically into your mouth. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Today the believer doesn't need to do that. From the moment of our receiving Jesus into our hearts, we have been indwelt with the Holy Spirit, our teacher. As we read the Word and study and pray, He infuses our spirits with knowledge and wisdom and understanding and we begin to know the sweetness of God's Word. It becomes part of us, we feed on it. Oh my, but it's luscious.
The Red Robin commercial is really good. You just hear the music or the words and you automatically think of something good to eat. That's how we are to become with the Word of God. As soon as we hear it, our spirits should begin to salivate and our hearts drool for want of more. Yummmmmmmmmmmm. The term "feast on the Lord" takes on a whole new meaning.
Is your soul hungry for something good to eat? Do you feel you're not getting what you what when you come to the table of God? Do you leave your studies and prayer time still feeling hungry and unsatisfied? Have you asked Jesus to give you a spiritual hunger for the things of God and then satisfy you with His Holy Spirit teaching? God is good. Start taking bigger bites and chewing more slowly. Savor the taste of the Lord and enjoy His sweetness.
And if all else fails, write in honey.
"Lord Jesus, give me a deep, deep hunger for You and the Word. Like the woman at the well I was thirsting. For things that did not satisfy. . . Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord. Come and quench this thirsting of my soul. Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more . . . fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole. "
Supporting Scriptures:
Psalm 19:10
34:8
42:2
Isaiah 5:13
55:1
Matthew 5:6
John 6:35
Acts 2:42
20:7
Hebrews 12:5
Psalm 81:11-12 - Temper Tantrums
"But My people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to Me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices."
Stubborn: unreasonably obstinate; having an unreasonable attitude
When I see the word "stubborn", I immediately think of my children when they were toddlers. They had no concept of what was good or bad for them, they only knew what they wanted and when they wanted it. Boy, could they pitch some hissy-fits!! They were champions at temper tantrums until they had had enough spankings and sit-downs and learned what was acceptable behavior and what was not. Sometimes I even let them go so that they would see that what they wanted wasn't all that great. They have since grown into wonderful adults with good principles and ethics. And now they teach their own children.
In our natural lives, we are living parables. How we've all acted as toddlers and children is exactly how we act or have acted in the spirit every time we sin. A perfect picture of our attitude with God. And we can pitch some incredible spiritual hissy-fits!!! Temper tantrums abound when we decide that sin is better then obedience.! And the consequences we reap prove out our attitudes.
When we are stubborn enough, hard-headed enough, obstinate enough, the Lord will allow us to go off on our tangent, just to let us find out for ourselves that the grass is NOT any greener on the other side of the fence. In fact, it's usually all jaggers and pricker-bushes, sticks and stones and stagnant water. Totally unhealthy and draining of life. Only then do we realize how very good we had it. God will allow us continue in our stubbornness just to bring us to our senses. He does not stop us from rebelling because He wants us to learn the consequeces of sin.
Every sin we commit is a spiritual temper tantrum and our loving Father cannot abide bratty children. He will continue to chastise us until we either conform to His will or walk away from Him. We have a choice. To love and obey God, or not.
Are you guilty of spiritual temper tantrums?
"Abba-Daddy, forgive me. I can be such a brat at times, selfish and unyielding. I am so sorry. Take my heart of stone, Abba, and give me a heart of flesh, malleable in Your hand. Give me a willing spirit, obedient, loving and trusting. Daddy, I want a heart like Jesus. Amen."
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
Nehemiah 9:27
Job 8:4
5:17
Psalm 94:12
Proverbs 15:32
Acts 7:42
Romans 1:26
6:27
Galatians 6:8
Hebrews 12:5
Revelation 3:19
Stubborn: unreasonably obstinate; having an unreasonable attitude
When I see the word "stubborn", I immediately think of my children when they were toddlers. They had no concept of what was good or bad for them, they only knew what they wanted and when they wanted it. Boy, could they pitch some hissy-fits!! They were champions at temper tantrums until they had had enough spankings and sit-downs and learned what was acceptable behavior and what was not. Sometimes I even let them go so that they would see that what they wanted wasn't all that great. They have since grown into wonderful adults with good principles and ethics. And now they teach their own children.
In our natural lives, we are living parables. How we've all acted as toddlers and children is exactly how we act or have acted in the spirit every time we sin. A perfect picture of our attitude with God. And we can pitch some incredible spiritual hissy-fits!!! Temper tantrums abound when we decide that sin is better then obedience.! And the consequences we reap prove out our attitudes.
When we are stubborn enough, hard-headed enough, obstinate enough, the Lord will allow us to go off on our tangent, just to let us find out for ourselves that the grass is NOT any greener on the other side of the fence. In fact, it's usually all jaggers and pricker-bushes, sticks and stones and stagnant water. Totally unhealthy and draining of life. Only then do we realize how very good we had it. God will allow us continue in our stubbornness just to bring us to our senses. He does not stop us from rebelling because He wants us to learn the consequeces of sin.
Every sin we commit is a spiritual temper tantrum and our loving Father cannot abide bratty children. He will continue to chastise us until we either conform to His will or walk away from Him. We have a choice. To love and obey God, or not.
Are you guilty of spiritual temper tantrums?
"Abba-Daddy, forgive me. I can be such a brat at times, selfish and unyielding. I am so sorry. Take my heart of stone, Abba, and give me a heart of flesh, malleable in Your hand. Give me a willing spirit, obedient, loving and trusting. Daddy, I want a heart like Jesus. Amen."
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
Nehemiah 9:27
Job 8:4
5:17
Psalm 94:12
Proverbs 15:32
Acts 7:42
Romans 1:26
6:27
Galatians 6:8
Hebrews 12:5
Revelation 3:19
1 Peter 2:11-12 - I pledge allegiance to . . .
". . . I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world . . . Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."
alien: a person from another country who has not acquired naturalization.
stranger: an outsider
In the natural, America is the one, true land of aliens and strangers. We were settled by aliens and strangers. My grandparents were aliens and strangers. My mother is a first-generation American. My grandparents settled in a community made up of mostly their own ethnic group. Because they were "outsiders", they banded together with others of "like mind" for comfort, safety, and fellowship. They didn't feel quite so alone with others of the "old country" near them. They grew strong and flourished because of the continual interaction with others of their own ethnicity. They kept to their own communities because it was safe, they were accepted, and they could pretty much enjoy a life of peace and contentment with hard work. New York City is a great example of this with all of their diverse, ethnic neighborhoods and the rivalry that goes with it.
In our Christian walk, we are people of the Spirit living in the natural. We are aliens, outsiders. We don't fit the mold of the world. Our lifestyle is contrary to that of non-Christians. We gather into our own small communities for fellowship, strengthening, comfort, safety. We call these communities churches.
America today has never known spiritual persecution. Ridicule yes, persecution no. We've never been driven from our homes and cities. We've never had to go underground to worship. We've never known the fear of death for our faith. We are wrapped in a cocoon, insulated from the harshest realities.
Peter was encouraging the early Christians during the Diaspora to ". . . lead such good lives among the pagans . . . " that in spite of everything, God would be glorified. If this was the call to Christian life during one of the most horrendous periods of persecution in the Church, how much more so should we today be following this practice? We have nothing to hinder us, but us! We are our own worst enemy.
We are citizens of heaven!!! Our first and foremost allegiance, the loyalty of a citizen to his or her government or of a subject to his or her sovereign, is to Almighty God . I pledge allegiance to Jesus Christ, King of my homeland, the yearning of my heart, the desire of my soul. Our loyalty must be to God's truth, His way of life, and His people. For a Christian to do less is to indulge his ego at the expense of his soul. Is it worth it?
The way we live our lives reveals how we feel about Jesus Christ. Is the world seeing you in such a light, that in spite of all the earthly clamor, they give glory to God because of you?
"Lord Jesus, you are my King forever. To you I pledge my life. Use me, Jesus, in such a way that others will see Your Glory and come to know you as Savior and Master. Help me to live my life in such a way that others will praise Your Name for what they see and hear. I ask in Your Name. Amen."
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
Matthew 5:16
Romans 12:12
1 Timothy 5:10
6:18
2 Timothy 1:3
3 John 1:5
.
alien: a person from another country who has not acquired naturalization.
stranger: an outsider
In the natural, America is the one, true land of aliens and strangers. We were settled by aliens and strangers. My grandparents were aliens and strangers. My mother is a first-generation American. My grandparents settled in a community made up of mostly their own ethnic group. Because they were "outsiders", they banded together with others of "like mind" for comfort, safety, and fellowship. They didn't feel quite so alone with others of the "old country" near them. They grew strong and flourished because of the continual interaction with others of their own ethnicity. They kept to their own communities because it was safe, they were accepted, and they could pretty much enjoy a life of peace and contentment with hard work. New York City is a great example of this with all of their diverse, ethnic neighborhoods and the rivalry that goes with it.
In our Christian walk, we are people of the Spirit living in the natural. We are aliens, outsiders. We don't fit the mold of the world. Our lifestyle is contrary to that of non-Christians. We gather into our own small communities for fellowship, strengthening, comfort, safety. We call these communities churches.
America today has never known spiritual persecution. Ridicule yes, persecution no. We've never been driven from our homes and cities. We've never had to go underground to worship. We've never known the fear of death for our faith. We are wrapped in a cocoon, insulated from the harshest realities.
Peter was encouraging the early Christians during the Diaspora to ". . . lead such good lives among the pagans . . . " that in spite of everything, God would be glorified. If this was the call to Christian life during one of the most horrendous periods of persecution in the Church, how much more so should we today be following this practice? We have nothing to hinder us, but us! We are our own worst enemy.
We are citizens of heaven!!! Our first and foremost allegiance, the loyalty of a citizen to his or her government or of a subject to his or her sovereign, is to Almighty God . I pledge allegiance to Jesus Christ, King of my homeland, the yearning of my heart, the desire of my soul. Our loyalty must be to God's truth, His way of life, and His people. For a Christian to do less is to indulge his ego at the expense of his soul. Is it worth it?
The way we live our lives reveals how we feel about Jesus Christ. Is the world seeing you in such a light, that in spite of all the earthly clamor, they give glory to God because of you?
"Lord Jesus, you are my King forever. To you I pledge my life. Use me, Jesus, in such a way that others will see Your Glory and come to know you as Savior and Master. Help me to live my life in such a way that others will praise Your Name for what they see and hear. I ask in Your Name. Amen."
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
Matthew 5:16
Romans 12:12
1 Timothy 5:10
6:18
2 Timothy 1:3
3 John 1:5
.
1 John 2:15 - A rose is a rose
"Do not love the world or anything in the world."
Why? Because love of the world is idol worship. Plain and simple. I think there's a commandment about that somewhere in the Bible. Yikes!!! Aren't you going a bit overboard here, girl? I mean, really, isn't that taking things just a little bit too far? Well, let's just call a spade a spade. You can't hide what it is by calling it a coal shovel. A rose by any other name is still a rose. If you love the world, you are an idol worshiper.
Just what, exactly, IS love of the world? Love is defined as "having a profoundly tender, passionate affection toward" . Now, love of the world or anything in it may not be "tender", but it can most certainly be "passionate". In other words, to love the world is to be passionate about anything that is not of God and takes time away from God. There are myriad things that we are passionate about: sports; antique collecting; latest fashions; fake nails; car shows; paintings; reading; eating; TV; yard work; our occupation; our family; computers; traveling; cleanliness; cars; social events; beauty treatments; youthful appearance; prestige; bank account; and the list goes on and on and on and ON. You get the picture. It's where all your spare, and sometimes not-so-spare time and energy is concentrated and time with God is excluded. It's where your heart is.
Even things of God can become idols. Oh yes, Satan can and does use our godly work against us. We can get so involved in "ministry" that we don't have time to spend alone with the Lord. Yes, it's true. We can become so busy building up committees & groups; setting agendas; being in control of church organizations; running this program and that program that we don't have "me time" with our Lord. Our families suffer. We can become so tired and run down that sometimes we actually collapse. This is absolutely not what God intended.
Here's an exercise for you to do to see where you are spiritually in this matter. Sit back, relax, and take a mental inventory of your possessions and works. Look everywhere in the house, the yard, garage, at church, your social life, your family. Be honest or it won't work. See everything? Now, someone comes to you and asks for one of your possessions, or asks you to step down from something in the church, or socially, or whatever. Can you instantly, without a thought, give it up? If anything other then 'yes' entered your mind, there's a problem and you need to address it.
"If you own something that someone else desires and you cannot give it up, you do not own it, it owns you!"
And that, my blessed Saint, is love of the world. So now, the question is: who and/or what owns you?
"Lord Jesus, King of heaven and earth, creator of all things, forgive me for the lust I feel for earthly things. My heart is so deceitful, my eyes have been blinded to the truth. Cleanse my heart, O God, and place a right spirit within me. Help me to appreciate, but not be bound to, the things of earth. You, O Lord, are my heart's desire, I don't want anything to replace you. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, I ask in the Name of Jesus. Amen."
Supporting Scriptures:
Exodus 20:3
1 Chronicles 16:26
Psalm 96:5
106:36
Romans 12:2
2 Corinthians 6:P16
Ephesians 2:19
2 Thessalonians 3:5
Why? Because love of the world is idol worship. Plain and simple. I think there's a commandment about that somewhere in the Bible. Yikes!!! Aren't you going a bit overboard here, girl? I mean, really, isn't that taking things just a little bit too far? Well, let's just call a spade a spade. You can't hide what it is by calling it a coal shovel. A rose by any other name is still a rose. If you love the world, you are an idol worshiper.
Just what, exactly, IS love of the world? Love is defined as "having a profoundly tender, passionate affection toward" . Now, love of the world or anything in it may not be "tender", but it can most certainly be "passionate". In other words, to love the world is to be passionate about anything that is not of God and takes time away from God. There are myriad things that we are passionate about: sports; antique collecting; latest fashions; fake nails; car shows; paintings; reading; eating; TV; yard work; our occupation; our family; computers; traveling; cleanliness; cars; social events; beauty treatments; youthful appearance; prestige; bank account; and the list goes on and on and on and ON. You get the picture. It's where all your spare, and sometimes not-so-spare time and energy is concentrated and time with God is excluded. It's where your heart is.
Even things of God can become idols. Oh yes, Satan can and does use our godly work against us. We can get so involved in "ministry" that we don't have time to spend alone with the Lord. Yes, it's true. We can become so busy building up committees & groups; setting agendas; being in control of church organizations; running this program and that program that we don't have "me time" with our Lord. Our families suffer. We can become so tired and run down that sometimes we actually collapse. This is absolutely not what God intended.
Here's an exercise for you to do to see where you are spiritually in this matter. Sit back, relax, and take a mental inventory of your possessions and works. Look everywhere in the house, the yard, garage, at church, your social life, your family. Be honest or it won't work. See everything? Now, someone comes to you and asks for one of your possessions, or asks you to step down from something in the church, or socially, or whatever. Can you instantly, without a thought, give it up? If anything other then 'yes' entered your mind, there's a problem and you need to address it.
"If you own something that someone else desires and you cannot give it up, you do not own it, it owns you!"
And that, my blessed Saint, is love of the world. So now, the question is: who and/or what owns you?
"Lord Jesus, King of heaven and earth, creator of all things, forgive me for the lust I feel for earthly things. My heart is so deceitful, my eyes have been blinded to the truth. Cleanse my heart, O God, and place a right spirit within me. Help me to appreciate, but not be bound to, the things of earth. You, O Lord, are my heart's desire, I don't want anything to replace you. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, I ask in the Name of Jesus. Amen."
Supporting Scriptures:
Exodus 20:3
1 Chronicles 16:26
Psalm 96:5
106:36
Romans 12:2
2 Corinthians 6:P16
Ephesians 2:19
2 Thessalonians 3:5
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