Sunday, May 31, 2015

Know When to Leave

Israel should have left Egypt after the famine was over, or at least upon Joseph’s death. That was God’s plan all along that they lived in the Promised Land not Egypt or anywhere else. They stayed because they were “prosperous” there. There’s an old saying that sums it up, “Flirting with sin may lead to a committed relationship!” It’s not about how close you can ‘walk the line’ – stay in God’s perfect will always.


Look at what “Here” was like for God’s People at the beginning of Exodus 1:1-7

A. Their identity. v. 1-4 This book of redemption and freedom is begun by the Lord naming names – the 12 tribes. Why is this important? It’s a good reminder that you live, and then you die...so make the most of your time.
B. Their security. v. 5 Joseph was their security, because Joseph had gone before them already. He is an OT picture of Jesus Christ, Who has gone on before us and paved the way for us. Spiritually speaking, we are secure. But on a human level, Joseph died, according to v. 6, and eventually their security diminished...the basis of their blessing was gone.
C. Their prosperity v. 7 It can be a deceptive thing...prosperity. And there is a great difference between physical prosperity and spiritual prosperity. The children of Israel, in this paradise, became prisoners. Chapter 20 refers to Egypt as ‘the house of bondage’. It is possible to have everything...except joy. Things do not satisfy. It is possible to have gold, but not have God. 


The greatest "riches" come from God. Amen?

Saturday, May 30, 2015

How Did We Get Here?

 For  Israel, from Exodus Chapter 1 - “Here: was Egypt and bondage. They were slaves: forced labor, oppressed, worked ruthlessly and bitter with hard labor. (vv. 11-14) In V 22 every male born was to be thrown into the Nile.
How did they find themselves in such dire circumstances? - from their choices in disobedience!

We see their response in Chapter 2: 23 – “groaned and cried out”.
Sin is a place. It’s a place you can go. It’s not just an action or an occurrence, it is a conscious journey you make and it doesn’t take long to arrive at the place of sin. It often becomes a place of slavery. Thank goodness the lockdown can be lifted, the chains can be broken, and thank God that the place of sin is also a place that you can leave!

Jesus told the story of the prodigal son went off to a far country. For him, sin was a place. He lost all his friends and wallowed in the mud at a pig farm before he came to himself and decided to leave that place. - Egypt in the Bible is a picture of the world...the place of sin. The Bible talks about people ‘sojourning’ into Egypt. This is just a temporary visit. Abraham left God’s Promised Land and sojourned into Egypt when famine came. He didn’t plan on staying, but while in the place of sin he lied about his wife and got into trouble. He had to repent and obey God's call on his life. 

So should we - Amen?

Friday, May 29, 2015

Israel Here to There

Today let’s Look at Israel’s Journey in the Here to There Process:
1. The Beginning - So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!” “Here I am,” he replied. “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.” Genesis 46:1-4 – There was a great famine in the land. God provided salvation through Joseph in Egypt
Now Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in Goshen, and they acquired property in it and were fruitful and became very numerous. Genesis 47:27 
When Jacob finished charging his sons, he drew his feet into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people. Genesis 49:33
2. The Problem - Genesis 50:24-26 – 24 Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die, but God will surely take care of you and bring you up from this land to the land which He promised on oath to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob." 25 Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, "God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones up from here." 26 So Joseph died at the age of one hundred and ten years; and he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt. When Joseph died they were to take him back to the land God had given them. They should have returned home as well. God had to make Egypt (“Here”) uncomfortable (slavery) so that they’d want to leave if given the chance again.
3. The Promise fulfilled -Joshua 21:43-45 - Look at what happened when Israel arrived There!  43 So the LORD gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. 44 The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD handed all their enemies over to them. 45 Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled.
How about you? Have you ever ignored God’s prompting to leave “Here” and step into the unknown in faith?
Perhaps you were so consumed with life (life on your terms) that you missed His prompting?
The reason God puts us through this cycle is to make us more Christ-like. Each time we go through the cycle our hearts become more in tune with God’s which makes it easier to hear His voice, obey His command to leave “Here” and trust in His love and provision to get us “There”.

God still speaks to us today. Are we listening? 

Thursday, May 28, 2015

From Here to There

One truth about the Christian walk is that God loves us too much to keep us the way we are. He continues to mold us into the image of His Son Jesus Christ. This is a never ending process until He takes us to be with Him into eternity.  For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ JesusPhilippians 1:6
Here to There concept…
Here is where you are at right now – spiritually, financially, in relationships, career, education, mentally, emotionally, and faith walk with Jesus Christ. God does not want you to get comfortable “Here” because He wants to bring you to a place where you will be more like Christ. That place is “There”. “
There is where you should be. Not always where you want to be, or where your friends tell you. It’s not even in some cases where you thought you would ever go. But it’s God’s place for you. And once you arrive I promise you will thank God for bringing you “There”. The toughest part is neither “Here” nor “There” but “The Land Between”.
The Land Between is neither here nor there. It is a place you must go through to: heal, experience, learn, and grow. This is the place of uncertainly, the place where God’s chisel is most active. It can be an extremely difficult and painful place but God gives you the strength, peace, comfort, wisdom, - everything you need for the journey if you Trust Him.
From “Here” to “The Land Between” to “There” is a never ending cycle while we are this side of heaven. Our “Theres” eventually become “Heres” and then God will move us to “The Land Between”. We are either in a trial, coming out of a trial or going into a trial and that pretty much defines our cycle.
We need to open our eyes, minds, and heart to what God has in store for us. We must be honest with ourselves on where we are and why. Amen?

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Hope Reminder

I came across a study I did on hope a couple of years ago. It was a great reminder of where our hope truly (and only) comes from. 


Hope defined:

The feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. “Hope” in Scripture means “a strong and confident expectation.”

What does the Bible say about hope? (180 times - 34 in Psalms)

Psalm 9:18 -But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.

Psalm 25:3 -No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.

Psalm 25:5 - Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 37:34 - Hope in the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.

Psalm 130:7 - Put your hope in the LORD(& His Word), for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.

Sometimes we get weary and our hope starts to fail, but we must remember that only God can give you rest. Jesus said in

Matthew 11:28-30 KJV “28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Come unto me (One of Jesus’ favorite words is Come…and see, follow me, to have life, And drink from the living waters)

The way to and the knowledge of God only comes through Christ. Therefore all matters of grace, hope, peace, love, happiness, and salvation are in His hands.  Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
 - John 6:35 This is an invitation to all sinners…save us and give relief to distressed minds.

Believers can have rest and hope because we have the presence of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, and knowledge of Christ’s love and promises for us.

Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Let your life show God's hope every day. Amen?

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

All About Timing

The Bible teaches us how Jesus expects us to use time:
  • We follow God’s timetable, not our own – Despite being bombarded with choices between good, very good, and best, Jesus stayed so closely aligned with the Father that he always made the right choice of what to do and when to do it. Following Jesus means focusing on the eternal not the temporal.
  • We look toward eternity, not just the momentary – Jesus always had the end in mind.. Even as he died, he said, in a sense, “Father, forgive them. They don’t see the end of time and so they don’t know what they are doing. They don’t understand who I am.” We must get our eyes and attention off the “petty” distractions around us and remember there is only one of the purposes we cannot do in heaven – evangelism. Our focus must be on telling others about Jesus.
  • We believe that God is always right on time – Timing was so critical to Jesus and his mission that he even died right on time. When the Roman guards came, expecting to break his legs and hasten his death, they found Jesus already dead. It was finished, and finished in time to fulfill the prophecy that none of his bones would be broken. Following Jesus takes faith.
God used precision timing in the life of Jesus and his timing is just as precise in your life! Always follow, look to, and believe in God’s timing.
Amen?

Monday, May 25, 2015

Remembering

On Memorial Day we honor and remember those who have given their lives for our freedom. One great freedom is to worship God without the intervention of the government. We should never take that for granted or treat it carelessly.

As Christ followers we need to remember and understand about what the Bible has to say to us. Knowledge of God's Word is the key to understanding His will and plan for us. It will transform you and allow you to live in His perfect will.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.-Romans 12:2

Seek His wisdom and purpose for your life. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is -Ephesians 5:17.

You will be able to pray with confidence to ask boldly for His promises and desires for your life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14

Seek first and always the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Amen?

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Time


Do you ever wonder why you were born at this time, to the family you are in, the area you live in, or your purpose? A long time ago a whole race of people were about to exterminated. A queen's Uncle confronted her with these words; 


 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” - Esther 4:14 


Maybe part of the answer to the above question for a believer is -Now is your timeIt is time to speak the truth of God to the world around us. Call sin - sin, and lies - lies. Jesus came to save us from our sin, and everyone else as well.  
How can they respond  to the Truth if we do not share? 



The evil one is not afraid to spread lies.  
Why should we be afraid to spread the truth?



 This is your time to make God smile. Amen?

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Directions

Once I was using the ATM at my local bank. It’s set up like a lot of banks with a set of glass doors to the machine and then another set in to the bank. I always watch the people coming in while I’m making a withdrawal. I saw this man coming in the door at a pretty good clip. He comes in the first set of doors and turns right behind me and runs right in to the glass wall!

He falls to the ground hard, and his file and papers going flying. I turned and helped him to his feet. As I picked up his papers I asked if he was okay. He replied, “What happened?” I told him he ran in to a wall. He said, “That’s impossible, the man from the bank told me to come through the doors and turn right and I’d be at his desk.”  

Well, he was okay and went on through the second set of doors to his appointment. I thought now there is someone who takes instruction literally!

Even though it was kind of funny I can appreciate someone taking and following directions. Jesus said, “If you love me then obey my commands”. Makes you think. If God spoke literally to us and told us to go and do this or that, would we?

Wait a minute, I think He did.

Be wise and faithful – obey God's Word.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Sorry

A few years ago I was at a bookstore trying to find my next reading “treasure”. As I was looking at a book I heard an employee next to me talking to a woman who had “borrowed” one of the stores carts. She had loaded it with items. The employee told her she wasn't suppose to use it, and would take her books to the front where she could pay for them later. The woman strongly resisted saying, ‘You can’t have them. Somebody will steal them.”

That person left and shortly another employee came to relieve her of her cart but met the same resistance. It was getting a little weird, so I went to the other side of the store where the music is displayed. After laying down a cd I was looking at, a hand quickly reached in front of me grabbing the music disc, and putting it on her cart. Yes, the woman had followed me! I went down further and she reached in front of me again grabbing the item I was looking at. I quickly went down the row over to the next aisle, and within seconds she was standing at my side.

I asked, “Can I help you?” She replied, “I ran out of ideas of things to put on my cart so I will take things you are interested in.” I prayed quickly and looked her in the eye, “You need to stop this behavior.” She looked down and said, “I will, I promise, I am sorry.” She left her cart and walked away. I guess that was a hobby of hers to go around picking up all sorts of things, and then leaving without buying. The employees certainly were glad she was gone.

I thought about this later and came to the conclusion that this is like our relationship with God sometimes. We get busy doing all sorts of things that really don’t help others, but we don’t know how to stop. If we are in the Word and listen to the Holy Spirit we will be convicted to end this “sinful” behavior. It’s freeing when we’re told to stop! We can promise God that we will stop, say we are sorry, and then change our behavior. That’s cool. I think they call it repentance and forgiveness.

Do you need to “stop” certain behavior, thoughts, or words today?

Confess bad behavior (your sin) and ask forgiveness. Amen?

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Do It

Have you ever heard the story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody?

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it.  Everybody was sure Somebody would do it.  Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.  Somebody got angry at that, because it was Everybody's job.  Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it.   The final result was that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

Today, more than ever, somebody needs to be responsible for the mission of church - making disciples. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”- Matthew 28:18-20. 
Everybody is responsible, so church it's time to get busy and not count on anybody else. Amen?

Be about God's work today and always. Amen?

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Know It

The world has asked since the beginning, What is truth? God has answered that question, but we sometimes have a "hearing problem". Consider Proverbs 12:15,
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.

The world tells you that, If it feels good do it
The Bible teaches Morality there is a right and wrong 
                   
The world gives you an evolving Definition of “Family”
God Created the Family A man then a woman and He said It was good!   
    
The world engages in Cover –ups (It’s only a lie if you get caught)
Jesus Christ uncovered our sin and died on a cross offering Forgiveness and Salvation to the world.
              
The world says Life leads to Death (You live then you die)
Jesus said Death leads to Life (Victory over death) 
  
The world will tell you that there are, Many ways, No truth, and life is short.
Jesus said, “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life       
His Way is well defined. His Truth never changes, His Life is eternal!

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— they do no wrong but follow his ways. Psalm 119:1-3

Know and follow the Truth. Amen?

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Joy

Today joy is so often thought to be the very opposite of faith, but joy is something much deeper and much more lasting. Look at Isaiah 9:1-4Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders,  the rod of their oppressor.

Isaiah gives us three significant things about God in which we can rejoice.

1. Rejoice That God Lives
2. Rejoice That God Cares
3. Rejoice That God's Plan Is Invincible

To be sensitive to the Holy Spirit must mean that we will be more sensitive to people and their pain; to be more sensitive to people ought to make us more open to God and his purposes.

Know and live the Lord’s joy. Amen?

Monday, May 18, 2015

Alive

I heard someone say the other day, "Dead is Dead". That's kind of blunt, but that's what it comes down to for all of us. Will we choose to devote ourselves entirely to Someone who’s alive and can bring us vitality, victory, fruitfulness, and freedom? Or will we keep trying to hold on to our old existence – something that’s dead and ought to be buried?

We are spiritually lifeless without any connection to God. Baptism in the Spirit is a universal reality for Christians. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.– 1 Corinthians 12:13

We can die or we can be dyed by Jesus Christ. We are different and are living in a different environment after we accept Christ – we are now the color of Christ!

The Holy Spirit comes to stay.Jesus promises,
 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.– John 14:16-17

He thinks with incredible wisdom and intelligence, because “the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God” (1 Cor. 2:10)

All believers can be alive and over-flowing with the Spirit if we choose.  
What are you choosing this day?

Be wise - be anointed - be alive in Christ.
Amen?

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Your Verse

My life verse passage is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, 
 Rejoice always,  pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt  but test them all; hold on to what is good,  reject every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 

It reminds me to keep my focus on where it belongs - with a joyful, prayerful, and thankful heart. God is always faithful and will see me through anything.

Is there a verse (or passage) that guides your life and way of thinking?

God establishes a little section of His Word deep within you that becomes a spiritual foundation upon which to build your life. Keep your eyes and heart open for a Scripture that speaks to you in a personal way. When you come across verses that speak to you, write them down, memorize them, and hide them in your heart to meditate on their meaning for your life.

 Always have God's Word in you. You never know who will be reading. 

Amen?

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Grow Church Grow

Today we'll look at the story of the Sower of Seeds in Luke 8, and what it should mean to the church.

While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture.Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”

Jesus tells us that it is what happens when we share the Gospel.

The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
It has a Seed Rejection ration of 75%! To improve on a 25% success rate we must plant more seeds! We should plant more seeds but according to Jesus our conversions will remain at the same percentage. My thought is, Why not try to be more strategic in our seed planting?

Strategic seed planting would involve working the soil in advance. In other words:
1.     Engage in conversation about your faith.
2.     Pray, pray, pray for who and when we are to share the Gospel with.
3.     Live out your faith for all to see.
4.     Know the Word of God and share it accurately and truthfully.
5.     Be sensitive to what someone is telling you. They might not be saying no, but have question.
6.     Continue to be involved in the lives of new believers.
7.     Be ready always to share the Good News of Jesus.

Let's plant the seeds of the Gospel in good soil. Amen?

Friday, May 15, 2015

God's Hands

How does God wants us to be “Jesus to the world”?

Look at Isaiah 35:3-4 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts,” Be strong, do not fear; your God will come,  he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”

Praising the Lord might be more than when I put my hands up during a worship service.

Here are four ways God wants us to use our hands:
Our Hands need to be Out
 This shows concern for others, and causes me to do something for someone else.

Our Hands need to be On
This shows caring for the least of these. It is God working through us as His hands and feet. If the redemptive work of Christ is to continue believers must get involved in other’s lives.

Our Hands need to be Up
This shows a changed life, and our relationship with God is the most important thing in our lives.

Our Hands need to be Open
This shows choosing to do things God’s way, and not our way.
It allows the Lord to give and take as we give up control.

How to be His Hands
Study but depend on His wisdom.
Be prepared but pray for His power.
Be willing to go but follow His directions.
Live a good life but call on Christ for forgiveness.

Let's rely on God’s strength to be His hands today and always. Amen?

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Not Done

There is a beautiful passage found in Psalm 71:14-18 that tells us how we should live our lives, and share what God has done.

As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long—though I know not how to relate them all. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. 
Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Look what is said in the next verse about sharing with younger generations.

 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation,  your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Those of us that are older should take special note of this verse. We feel sometimes as we get older that we’ve done our share, or we’re ready to “sit and soak”. This is not Scriptural! Craig Groeschel says, If you are not dead – then you are not done!

The conversation goes both ways, and we both have things to teach each other. May we tell of the great things that the Lord has done.
Amen?

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Forgiveness Helps

Today we will finish our lesson on forgiveness. There are two things to consider when dealing with your hurt. God doesn't want you to keep hurting yourself.

There is a Christ Pattern of forgiveness:
1. Forgiveness is not forgetting. Don't put yourself in the same position to be hurt over and over again. Solomon said, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly” - Proverbs 26:11 
2. Create boundaries with destructive people – Warn once then twice –enough! - Titus 3:10 You can pray for them and wish hem well. but do not need to keep being abused. 
3. Remember God’s forgiveness is not your business. Jesus said,  Man, who appointed me judge? – Luke 12:13 Let God be God, and may we focus on being healthy with a heart for forgiveness. 

There is a Christ Model to Forgive Others –  Jesus on the cross said, “They don’t know what they are doing” We have to remember that forgiveness involves death:
-        Name it (The rumor, truth, gossip, grief, or hurt)
-        Accept it (Like Christ on the cross) - they don’t pay – you do
-        Absorb it (Allow it to change you) - take the pain

Remember you can’t be resurrected until you die. It’s time to absorb it, forgive, and move forward without unforgiveness controlling you. God never wastes a hurt. Forgive and be healed.

Amen?

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Treatment

Have you ever really thought about how people treat each other?
 The Bible gives this great picture of the shepherd and the flock. Jesus is the great Shepherd. Believers are His sheep and and follow Him. Beware sheep have teeth!

 “Bites” come in all forms - Rumors, gossip, lying, any way you can tear down ones character, and unforgiveness. Petty to big things cut, but death can occur by thousand paper cuts.

Christians must be masters of forgiveness. The lack of it manifests over time when we:
-        hold back, we remember past hurts, and shut down others.
-        make lists and labels concerning people. We view them as “land mines”, and make excuses not to do things with them.
-        plan revenge, gossip, and want to punish those who have hurt us.
Before you know it you’re “done”...
  But Jesus said, "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. - Matthew 6:32-34

Offering forgiveness heals your wounds. As God for the strength to do it right now. Put a smile on His face. Amen?

Monday, May 11, 2015

God's Love Sign

Do we love God with our heart, mind, body, and soul, and our neighbor as ourselves? 1 Corinthians 13:4 says, Love is patient, love is kind…
Are we showing these attributes of God as a sign to the world around us? Here’s a test. When you are holding a drink in a cup and you are bumped something usually spills out, right? 

What happens when we’re bumped? You know – when something doesn’t go right or the way you want – someone makes you mad, etc.. You get bumped. So what comes out of you?

Know this -what spills out of us is really what is in us!

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:8-9.


 Let’s work and focus on what is in us so we’ll know in advance what will spill out. Amen?

Sunday, May 10, 2015

A Mother's Hope

Happy Mother's Day! Godly Mothers want their children to know God’s plan and purposes for their lives. Just like the Old Testament prophesy that came true at Pentecost. “And afterward,   I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Joel 2:28

Do you have a vision for your life?

Life is way too short and you are way too important to God and the plans He has for your life for you to not have a vision for your life.

4 things to help develop a vision for your life:
1. Know yourself.
2. Develop your strengths
3. Learn from other people
4. Benefit others

What vision does God have for you?


Always seek God’s vision for your life, and your children. Amen?