Jesus Take My Reins
Good Day to all. I have started a new page for those that want to read. God has always been so good to me and my family and I would like to dedicate a page for His honor. Read if you would like or pass, as this is from the heart and to share God's Love.
May you have a blessed day.
October 9, 2008
Taming the Tongue
James 3: 5,6
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Let's think about this. What are you saying? Do we even consider what is truely being done here? Who are you hurting the most? Unfortunately, we don't consider, that it is hurting the one speaking more so then the one being said about. Don't get me wrong it HURTS the person alot that is being talked about, but in the end, the one who speaks negative about someone, it catches up and that my friend HURTS too.
Go back to the old saying if you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all. With that said~~YES, we all need TRUE friends that we can share our thoughts with, but be very picky who you confide in. A true friend will listen and guess what keep it to themselves. Usually after getting your frustrations out, you can see a bigger picture or even a fault of your own. A true friend will help you find a solution, not go behind your back to talk about your situation with someone else.
We all fall short in this! But lets remind ourselves that speaking negative about others will only end up with a big ole mess. Confide only in a true friend that understands you and that will help you see the big picture. We are to lift up ~ not bring down each other. Many times, after venting, I can see a much bigger picture (that is God not me setting me straight) and there are times the problem is me not the other person.
So please treat people with love and compassion instead of fire. God calls us to love, be peace makers, be kind and so forth. So lets try our best to be better. Remember when you fall, and we will, God is there to pick us up , dust us off and try again. Thank God he has compassion and a true love for us.
Scriptures to think about. Proverbs 15:7, Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 18:21
The Lord is working this morning. Proverbs 17: 22 says A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Are you good medicine or are you drying up bones?
Proverbs 15: 13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Are you putting a smile on people or are you crushing and causing heartache?
Proverbs 15: 18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms the quarrel. So which one are you?
God Bless and have a super day.
September 29, 2008
Take Courage and somethings you will have to do it afraid.
Remember the story of David and Goliath. Now, David was not afraid, but this gives a great example of courage and knowing that God was with him.
1 Samuel 17: 32-37
David said to Saul, "Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him." Saul replied, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth." But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine. Saul said to David, "Go, and the Lord be with you."
We need to take a stand! God will give you the courage to do whatever He has called you to do. When God puts a desire in your heart, I say go for it, step out of the boat and trust God to walk you through. The key thing we need to do is keep our focus on God and watch things happen. Let's look at another scripture and think about this.
Matthew 14: 25-31
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out of fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
Peter walked on the water until he stop looking at Jesus and started looking around him at his situation. Peter was walking on water! How cool would that be? Has God called you to do something and you took that first step, staying focused on him, and then all of a sudden you feel as if you are sinking? That is because you took your focus, your trust, your confidence out of God and put it in the situation you are facing. Meaning, you are looking for answers in all the wrong places, you are not trusting God as you did in the beginning, you are placing more confidence in yourself or others rather then God.
I say, if God has moved you to do something, DO IT, don't let being afraid stop you. Learn to do it afraid and guess what? You will learn that really there was nothing to be afraid of. I have recently stepped out of the boat. God gave me a desire and He gave me the courage to do something I thought I would NEVER do. And you know what, it wasn't that scary after all and the reward was greater then I would have ever expected.
SO GO AHEAD, STEP OUT, GOD WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!!!
Take courage my dear friends and trust God! Keep your focus on Him and you will have the courage to do something for God. Isn't it time we gave back to God? Look at all the things He gives us!!
God Bless and have a super day.
September 18, 2008
Well good morning to everyone. Hope to find you in good spirits and a loving mind towards others.
I think it is time to review God's guidelines for our lives. The Ten Commandments. They are found in Deuteronomy 5.
God made a promise to his people and gave them decrees and laws to live by. He said to learn them and be sure to follow them. As simple as they seem to follow, we have a hard time doing so, WHY is the question that comes to my mind.
I truly feel if you keep this close to us and try to follow them, then we will see a major difference in our lives. No where does it say "You shall be perfect or else" God gave us these guidelines to live by.
Commandments 1 and 2 talks about no other god before Him and not to make yourself an idol. What are we putting before God, what is your #1 priority? If you are not putting your relationship with God 1st in your life and spending time with him then you are making other things more important and, to me, that is making an idol for ourselves, because we are not putting God 1st. Where do you turn in time of need or in time of happiness and fulfillment. God should be the first thing on our minds daily. He should be given priority in our lives. Are we spending more time riding, working, playing ~ doing everyday stuff rather then wanting God to be a BIG part of our lives. Are we forgetting to include God in our lives? When something great happens, are we giving the glory to God?
Commandment 3 talks about using God's name in vain or misusing it. We should not take light in this matter. We should not misuse His name by saying it in an empty or worthless way.
Commandment 4 talks about keeping the Sabbath day holy. What does that mean to me, well God said work 6 days and on the 7th day you are to rest and is a day for God. Why is this so important, because God said so ~~ simple, but seems hard to follow. If we can work, play, ride and do what pleases us 6 days, then surely we can put one day aside to fellowship and honor God. There is alot to say about this and there are different opinions, but what I'm trying to say is make a day for God important, special, a renewing of the mind. GIVE GOD SOME OF YOUR TIME.
Commandment 5 talks about honoring your father and mother. They brought us into this world, we should show respect towards them and do our best to take care of them.
Commandment 6 and 7 talks about do not murder and do not commit adultery. This two are easy, but think about how many times you have thought in your mind bad and hateful things about someone. Wishing someone was dead or gone. God does not want us to hate or wish death or bad things on anyone. See Matthew 5:21-25 it talks about anger and how to manage it. And think about how many times you have said in your mind lustful things about someone that appeals to you. See Matthew 5:27-30. When we catch ourselves doing one or the other of these two, ask God to help you change your thinking and he will do so. Fight and resist when such thoughts pop into your head and the more you fight it the less it will enter your head.
Commandment 8 talks about stealing. Don't ever take what is not yours. Work for what you want and don't expect someone to carry your load. Simple!!
Commandment 9 talks about giving false testimony. This summons it up for me ~~ If you don't have something good to say then don't say it. Don't spread rumors!! Do to others as you would have done to yourself. Who can say they are perfect and don't make mistakes. We should be honest with ourselves and with others. Honesty is the best policy. Lying to someone is wrong. Honest scales are from the Lord, Proverbs 16: 11. God wants truth to be in our hearts and come out of our mouths. To treat everyone with love and tenderness, even in those times that are difficult. Little white lyes will not help anyone. Be careful what you say and how you say it. Lots to say on this subject too, but will leave it at that for the time being.
Commandment 10 talks about wanting what someone else has. You are to be content with what God has given you. Not to be jealous of someone else. God will get you where you want to be over time. He gives to each of us according to what He knows we can handle and be trusted with. Be glad for the success of your neighbor and work hard for your success. Being jealous and envying others will cause more headache and problems along the way.
In the new testiment Jesus gives the greatest commandment of all and that is to LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENTGH and right after that to LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.
Blessings to all!!
August 27, 2008
The power of the mouth and how it affects our lives.
James 3: 5,6 and 10
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
Galatians 6: 7,8
...... A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Proverbs 18: 21
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Okay, now this is a subject hard to grasp sometimes. As Christians, we must learn to control our tongue and what we say. What we say WILL affect our lives, you WILL reap what you sow.
1 Thessalonians 5: 11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, .......
God calls us to edify and build each other up, not to put down and to be negative to each other. It is acting in the flesh that will cause us trouble. We must fight this and retrain ourselves to act in the Spirit. If we will be diligent in this matter, we will see a difference not only in what we say but also what others say about us. You reap what you sow. Be negative and you will hear negative, be positive and you will hear positive. God has a way of doing things and causing good to happen. How you treat others, will in fact, affect you! You decide!!!
I encourage you to really think before you speak. You can change, if you truly want to. God is there to help and if you ask Him, change will come.
So if you wouldn't want someone to treat you bad or say things about you that aren't good, then treat others the way you want to be treated and only say things that are positive and what you would want someone to say about you. That sums it up pretty good in my eyes. Do unto others as you would have done unto you!!!
God Bless and have a super day.
August 20, 2008
Well Hello guys, it has been awhile since I have written my thoughts. It has been very busy around here and things are slowing down just a bit for the time being. I was watching Joyce Meyers this morning and felt like I needed to share what was sparked once again in my heart. I hope you get as much insight to this as I did.
The Valley of Dry Bones Ezekiel 37: 1 - 10
The hand of the Lord was upon me, and be brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, "Son of man, can these bones live?"
I said, "Sovereign Lord, you along know."
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin, I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.
So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.' " So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet -- a vast army.
God's words are powerful and mighty. He calls us to be positive and to speak His words over our situations. Too many times we speak negative words; and that only produces negative outcomes. Think about it -- God puts desires into our hearts, it is our job to confess with our mouths the final outcome to that desire. If we go around saying; No we can't do that, or that is impossible, or that will never happen to me and so forth. Well, guess what you are prophesying negative words which in turn produces negative outcomes.
So change your way of thinking and get inline with God's word. This will change your life and the more you practice positive thinking and positive words you will see a BIG difference in your life.
Everyone have a super day and God Bless.
July 21, 2008
Priorities and Investing
I was watching Joyce Meyers this morning and she made a really good point. What are we doing as Christians for our youth of today. Whether you have children or not we have a responsibility to them. They need positive leadership and a positive direction. Are you leaving a positive track for them to follow. Are we spending more time working to make a living and leaving our youth to find their own way. Are we giving them quality time and a solid path to follow? I'm not talking about just spiritual ~~ that is important but how we live our everyday life reflects on them and what they learn about life.
For me, I don't have any children of my own, but I can be a positive role model for youth around me. If a child does not have God fearing parents then where are they going to learn about God? We don't have to force Jesus on anyone, it is how we act in everyday situations that make a difference. Being positive as we are around them will cause them to see a different way to things.
How do we get positive, by putting our priorities in line. FIRST and foremost our personal relationship with Jesus. The more we invest in our own relationship with God the better we are going to be in earthly relationships. SECOND our family, how can we be a positive influence if our heart is not 100% into our family and being a path for them. If we can't learn to be positive with our family and making right chooses then how can we be positive with others. THIRD our jobs. Some people have these 3 in different orders. If you place your job over Jesus and your family, then you are going to see a day when set back and think was it worth it. Jobs are important, as we all need to work to support our families, but do you spend more time working and investing your time there then building your relationship with Jesus and being a positive role model and spending quality time with your family.
You put Jesus FIRST in your life and just see how God can and will change your life. He loves you more then you know and He knows what you need. So don't let another day go by with your priorities out of whack.
Be a positive person to those that are in your life because that just might be the only positive thing they see and it is so much more important with the youth as they need good christian leadership. Don't they already have enough of the bad influence going on around them? Make a difference today.
God Bless until next time.
July 2, 2008
Good Morning everyone. Yesterday we touched on worry but let's go alittle further today and talk about fear. Fear goes hand and hand with worry in my eyes. When we fear it turns into worry ~~ so we must conquer fear in order to conquer worry.
What is the antidote for fear? To recognize Christ's presence in our life.
Mark 6:45-51 talks about Jesus walking on water. Here is sends His disciples out into the boat while He stays on the land to go pray. When he is finished, the boat is out in the middle of the lake, He goes out to them. The disciples were afraid as Jesus approached them because they thought He was a ghost. So immediately Jesus told them "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.
The disciples were afraid but Jesus' presence calmed their fears. We all experience fear from time to time. Do we try to deal with fear by ourselves, or do we let Jesus deal with it? Take heart and know that in times of fear and uncertainty, it is calming to know that Christ is always with us.
Let's look at 1 Chronicles 28:20 David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.
Now this is a powerful verse. In my footnotes David advised Solomon not to be frightened about the size of his task as king and builder of the temple. Fear can immobilize us. The size of a job, its risks, or the pressure of the situation can cause us to freeze and do nothing. One remedy for fear is found here ~~ don't focus on the fear, instead, get to work. Getting started is often the most difficult and frightening part of a job. Now here is my thought: Don't let fear control you, don't let it keep you from doing what needs to be done, don't let it take away from your dreams and goals in life. Remember we are more then conquerors through Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline. When we allow our fears to take over, we neutralize our effectiveness for God. The power of the Holy Spirit can help us overcome our fear of what some might say or do to us, so that we can continue to do God's work.
So when fear creeps up on you here is a scripture to remember. Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation ~~ whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life ~~ of whom shall I be afraid?
Jesus can and will calm the storm in your life. Trust in Him and have faith. God did not create us to go around in fear and to be unproductive. Just like worry, give God your fears and see him work in your life. We can not go around in life fearing what is next, what does tomorrow hold and all the what if's in life. Take hold of your life and live it according to God's word.
We can conquer! We can live! We can do anything we put our minds to!
WE CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENS US.
God Bless and have a great day.
July 1, 2008
Let's talk about a very common problem that really shouldn't be a problem at all, WORRY. What does God's word say about this subject? Let's go to Matthew 6:25 - 34 ( I won't type out the whole thing, but will touch on some of the scripture written. I do, however, encourage you to study this and ask God to give you a complete understanding of these scriptures.)
It starts out "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life.... Okay how simple is this verse and what part is so hard for us to grasp? Worry is something that can bring you down, cause confusion and just turn our world upside down. God is very clear in this verse and the verses to follow. DO NOT WORRY. When we are a born again Christian, we have a Father that will take care of us and always provides us with what we need. Don't let the world or your situation take your eyes off of God. Worry only takes away from our lives, it adds nothing to it. God knows what you need before you even ask Him. God wants us to cast our cares, worries, situations and all things to Him. Our part is to let it go as soon as we call upon God for help and relief.
Why worry about something you can't control? All it does is add gray hairs and cause depression. God does not want us to be depressed that is why he made this scripture so clear. Now, worry is something we can control if we choose to control it instead of it being in control of us. Once you give your worry to God, stop thinking about it and trust that God will take care of you and the problem. This is something that once you practice it, it will become easier to do.
So how do we get to a place of control. Again, very simple in verse 33 I find the answer it says "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." The more we focus on God and His word, you will find peace and security. God takes care of His children. He will not leave us nor forsake us. He will not let us out of His sight to go it alone. Once you give worry over to God, watch how different you look at things. For me, I always think back to what God has done in my life and what He has pulled me through and remind myself ~~ God is with me and look at what He has done for me in the past.
Worry and struggling through life seems normal for us, because we live in the flesh and we are brained washed into thinking that is just the way it is. BUT that is not what God's word says to me. It tells me that if I choose to believe in God and His word then I can have victory during the storm. Change your thinking and what your worry disappear. Work at it and when worry strikes you the strike it back. Don't let it over power you and take away from you.
May God bless you today and as God blesses you, bless someone else.
June 26, 2008
Giving credit where credit is due. Are we honoring God and giving God the credit for the success in our lives? Or are we so focused on what we have accomplished that we forget where it came from? God gives us a purpose in life, a direction or path to take. God wants us to succeed in all things but when we do succeed who gets the credit? It should be God, why because it is God that gives us our hearts desires and causes us to succeed in all things.
When we lose sight of this we do not honor God, therefore, we take the credit for our success. So God will do what He needs to do to bring us back into a humble state. This isn't a pleasant feeling and sometimes we wonder where did God go, why is things not working out as before? Many questions start popping into our heads but the questions can be truthfully answered if we stop and take a good look at what we are doing and saying.
In Daniel 4:28-37 we can find an answer that will help us understand and reflect on the why. King Nebuchadnezzar had this same problem. He was a great king that knew there was a God and recognized God's work, but didn't acknowledge God as Lord. So God told him one day, as King Nebuchadnezzar was gloating about all he had done and all that he had built and how it was all about his hand at work, your royal authority has been taken away. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes. Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled.
At the end of that time, what happened? Nebuchadnezzar raised his eyes toward heaven and he was restored. He finally acknowledge God as Lord and gave credit where credit was due. God had to take him out and humble him causing him to see what he had done. When he finally came to a place of change in his heart, he was restored to his throne and became even greater then before. Nebuchadnezzar praised, exalted and glorified God which pleased God and thus causing God to put him back to continue his work and place where he was.
Don't get so caught up in what you think is your success and forget that it is God in charge. God deserves the praise and glory for our success. Yes we can have a good feeling of accomplishment but don't get the big head and think it is all about the great stuff you do that made you successful. Don't get so caught up into yourself that you forget where you came from. Always give God the praise and honor of your success. God wants to be a part of your whole life. If we get to a point of thinking we are great and don't need God well then get ready because God will do what He needs to in order to save us from ourselves. He does this because He loves us and wants us as His own. Just like we discipline our children when they step out of line, God does the same for us.
What we accomplish in our life can be so wonderful and fulfilling just remember to give credit where credit it due.
Wishing everyone a blessed day.
June 25, 2008
Why aren't we getting results? I was thinking this morning and I know God revealed something to me. God's word is our instructions as to how to handle all situations, but why aren't we making head way? A simple reason came to mind ~ God tells us very plain and simple in His word the hows to all the whys. BUT we don't follow His instructions.
Example: you have decided to start barrel racing. You go out and buy a horse, all the tack and get instructions as to how to ride a barrel horse. At first all goes well as you follow the instructions given to you. One day everything falls apart, you can't seem to get your horse to turn a barrel, rate a barrel or even stop. You get frustrated and before you know it everything you have learned has been forgotten and you start looking for an easier way to get the results you once had. Problem is now way beyond your hope of ever getting back to what you once had and the results you once had gotten with your horse. So what do you do? Did you once stop and think about going back and following your first instruction? Or did you try and find a different way to fix the problem? Did you forget you had an instruction book that was simple and detailed as to how to get the best and final result? All you have to do is go back review what you had learned from that book and apply it, but time has passed and you have forgot about that book that gave you so much information and thus you have not been getting positive results. You look to other means to find your answers but are only finding yourself more and more frustrated.
Think about this, God's word is full of instructions as how to live and how to get positive changes in our lives. Yet we forget what we have read and get so frustrated. We ask God for help, but feel as if we are getting nowhere. God will help you but we have to do our part and that is to go back to the book, find your answer, and here is the kicker, you must apply it once again to your life. When we do that God is always there to help us grow and climb higher. God is waiting for you to decide to follow Him and His word so He can walk with you in order to overcome your situation. Don't forget what God had taught you. Instead apply His word and see that positive changes do come about once again.
I hope I haven't confused anyone, but this was so simple to me when God showed it to me. God's word is sharper then any two edged sword, so why not apply it to my life and for me stop trying to find a different way when all along God has provided me with the tools I need, if I only use them. It doesn't have to be hard. It worked before why wouldn't it work again. For me, don't forget God's word, His promises, His help and by all means don't try and find a different way just because I might forget what God has done for me in the past. My job is to stay close to God and do my very best to follow His word, it is God's job to help me follow them as long as I make it a priority to stay close to Him. He won't love me less but He is telling me I have already shown you the answer, go back and follow it ~~ it is that simple.
God Bless and have a great day.
June 23, 2008
Good Morning to everyone. I would like to share something very important this morning. It is all about the Joy that only God can give us and freely gives us if we just take hold of it and understand that it is there no matter what we face from day to day.
First do you know who you are? You are a christian, right? Then know this ~~ you are a chosen people. 1 Peter 2:9 says But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.
God gives us joy, we must take hold of it and declare it everyday. Circumstances will cause us to lose sight of that joy, but it shouldn't. John 15:11 tells us and this is Jesus talking saying "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. God freely gives us joy ~ we must understand and know that joy is planted in us. How do I know this, well it is simple, Christ dwells within us, so the joy is there. Each day ask God to revive the joy inside of you.
Don't let what is going around you to take away what God has planted in you. Choose to believe God's word over your situation. Praise God during hard times, take your mind of your problems and spend time with God. He will restore you. God will not leave you alone, but we leave God alone sometimes when we lose our joy, peace, hope and love. Stay connected to God and just see what happens.
Psalm 4:7 says You have filled my heart with greater joy then when their grain and new wine abound. Look at this: 2 kinds of joy are contrasting here ~ inward joy that comes from knowing and trusting God and happiness that comes as a result of pleasant circumstances. Inward joy is steady as long as we trust God; happiness is unpredictable. Inward joy defeats discouragement; happiness covers it up. Inward joy is lasting; happiness is temporary. This is very interesting to me. God wants us to have both, but He also wants us to have joy no matter what we go through, because joy is far much deeper then happiness. Look in Psalm 16:9-11 and you will see.
God began a good work in us and He won't leave us alone to go at it by ourselves. He gives us all we need, if only we will grasp it and hold onto it.
Ask God today, to restore your joy. He did it for me and He will do it for you.
God Bless!!!
May 30, 2008
Today I would like to continue with a study started in Matthew 7:7
"Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you."
I would like to focus on the last part of this. First we must ask, then we must seek and then go to knocking. God tells us plainly what to do and the order to do it in. We ask God for something, we seek out his word for the answer we need ~~ now we need to start knocking. In my life God answers prayers in many different ways, something it is quick and makes me go WOW and other times He answers but He takes me down another path. God puts the good desires and plans for our lives in us whether we believe it or not. Note: that I have said good (lets keep that in mind as I don't want to be misunderstood) Since we all here are into horses, I will speak of barrel racing. Barrel racing has its place in peoples lives on different levels. Some it is just a hobby and goes all the way to means of making a living.
How many times do we give up and want to throw in the towel, but deep down you know that is not what you really want. Sometimes we must keep knocking, keep going forward and not give up. Keep striving to accomplish that desire. In Luke 11:5-8 it talks about a person going to a friends house in the middle of the night needing something. He knocks but no answer, he continues to knock to the point of getting his friend out of bed even after he was told to go away. That is called persistence! We must continue to go forward even though there are times it seems difficult.
Don't allow doubt and fear to keep you from the desires of your heart. Keep knocking because there could be a point where you are fixing to get a break through and give up right before it comes. Don't allow the devil to convince you that you can't reach that level or that you are not good enough. We all have different gifts and different levels we want to accomplish. The talents God has given you is for a reason. Some areas we have a stronger desire to develop where other areas are not as important to us. Whatever your goal is in life, always look to God for the right path. Don't give up because you are going through a hard time, push through and go forward. Don't allow what others might have to say to keep you from what you know you want. Ask God for direction, seek out what He has to say about it and KEEP KNOCKING because that door will open at just the right time.
Stay focused, enjoy what God has given you, don't give up and have fun. God wants us to be successful in all things we do. Keep Him first and always keep Him in your life on a daily bases. And remember Jesus has the reins and rides with you all the time.
May 21, 2008
Something to think about. Before I began my reading this morning I asked God to show me, in his word, what I needed today. This is where He took me Matthew 18:21-35. I won't type out all the verses but will encourage you to read them for yourself. Today, as I have read this many times, saw this in a different light this morning.
To give you the just of the these scriptures it talks about a master going to his servant to settle an account. The servant owed his master alot of money so the master ordered that he, his family and all that he had be sold to repay this debt. The servant begged for more time and the master had pity, canceled the debt and let him go. Now that same servant that had been showed mercy went out and found another servant that owed him money (a lot less than what he had owed his master) and began to choke him, saying "pay back what you owe me". This is what happened. The first servant showed no mercy for the second even though his master showed mercy to him. He refused to work with him and had him thrown in prison until he could pay the debt. When the master heard of this, he became very anger, called the 1st servant in and said "you wicked servant, I canceled your debt because you begged me. Shouldn't you do the same by showing mercy towards him." The master then had that servant thrown into prison until he could pay back the debt.
God wants us to show each other the same mercy and compassion as we want God to show us. We go to God for many things, all kinds of situations and needing help from Him. But do we do to others as God does for us. How many times do we ask God to forgive us for wrong doings, bad decisions, acting out, hateful thoughts, our anger, selfishness, bitterness, rages and anything else? What does God do? He forgives us and helps us to move forward.
Something to think about: Has someone come to you asking for mercy and compassion in the form of I'm sorry, please forgive me? Do you forgive them or thrown them to the curb so to say? Do you show them the same compassion as God shows you? If you don't ~ why then should God show you compassion when you go to Him?
The last verse of these scriptures says: This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.
Ask God everyday to put mercy and compassion in your heart, so you can treat others the way God treats us. We can not act according to God's word if we don't ask God to help us and to allow His word to flow in us and through us. Our flesh, if not kept in check, will over take our heart. The only way to grow and make a difference is by spending time with God.
Challenge: For 1 week make a special effort to spend time with God on a daily bases. Ask God to help you and to show you the way. To open your heart up to Him and allow Him to show you what you need, what you might need to work on and for His word to be real in your life.
Remember how we treat others is how we want God to treat us. If you make a mistake, don't beat yourself up, as we all fall short of God's glory, but to make an effort to improve you life and your walk with God.
It isn't about religion ~~ It is about having a relationship with God.
May 19, 2008
Why is faith so important in our lives? Why is believing in God for what we ask for so important as well? What do we need to make right decisions in our lives?
Lets start in James 1:5-8
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
First it is telling us to ask God for wisdom and trust He will give it to you. Note: it doesn't say He will only give to those that walk the straight and narrow. No matter how hard you try to live right and for God, we will fail from time to time. God gives generously to all without finding fault. That right there takes a load of my shoulders. So in order for us to make right decisions in our lives, we must ask God for wisdom on a daily bases and He will give it to you when you sincerely ask for it.
Second thing He is telling us is to believe what we ask for without doubt. How do we conquer doubt? Refuse to listen to it. Make every effort to cast it down. The devil will do whatever he needs to do to take away our faith, trust and believing in God away from us. Use God's word against such thoughts. Example: Matthew 16:17 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. AND again in chapter 18:18 it says the same thing. "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
Third thing He tells us is to not be double-minded. Stay focused on God and His word, don't allow satan to get you side tracked.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Faith is something that God causes to grow in our lives. Once you believe that God exists, it tells me that God will do the rest. I cannot do anything on my own, God doesn't want us to be so dependent on ourselves that we shut Him out. God wants all of you even the smallest parts along with the biggest parts. You matter to God no matter what you are going through or the problems you have. Once you give your life over to Him, He will start the process of growing your faith.
Psalm 119:130
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
The more time you invest in a relationship with God, the more you will come to understand His word. Actually for me, it took a long time for me to read and get anything out of the bible. BUT I finally started to understand what I was reading the more time I spent with God and He would show me things. It is a pretty cool feeling when you realize for the first time the WOW of God's word.
God Bless and Have a wonderful day.
May 16, 2008
This morning I would like to share something that holds all of us back from time to time.
Judging others and holding grudges. A tough subject that seems hard not to do. Our flesh will always SCREAM out to judge others and to hold grudges. This is something that we must really try to overcome. Why? Because these actions and feelings will keep us from the blessings of God. So here we go.
Matthew 7:1,2
Do not judge, or you will be judged. For in the same you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Here is a footnote to better explain what Jesus is telling us. Jesus tells us to examine our own motives and conduct instead of judging others. The traits that bother us in others are often the habits we dislike in ourselves. Our untamed bad habits and behavior patterns are the very ones that we most want to change in others. Do you find it easy to magnify others' faults while excusing your own? If you are ready to criticize someone, check to see if you deserve the same criticism. Judge yourself first, and then lovingly forgive and help your neighbor.
So how do we go about this? For me it is found in a 4 letter word ~ L.O.V.E. God calls us to first, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And the second is like it, Love your neighbor as yourself.
There is so much to study when it comes to judging others and this is such a hard pill to swallow sometimes. First and foremost only God can help you remove these actions and feelings. If you try to do it on your own, you will fail.
Mark 4:24
"Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you - and even more.
What does this tell me. We need to always be careful not to jump on the band wagon so to say when we hear people talk. We don't need to judge others by what someone else may say about them. We don't need to judge someones actions so quickly. We don't need to be so harsh with one another. I know I don't like it when someone judges my words or actions, when they have no idea what the situation was. Or when they judge me because I'm having a bad day. One thing I have learned is it is better to pray for a person then to put titles, labels or negative words out there for someone else to take and run with it. This can be difficult if we try to do it by ourselves, because we all get caught up in the moment. God will change your way of thinking when you ask Him to and you have to be sincere about changing. God calls us to love each other, that doesn't mean we have to accept bad behavior, tolerate someone doing something wrong and so forth.
So what do we do? Pray, seek God's word and allow God the time to open up our heart as well as the heart of the person involved. God's word says in James 2:12,13 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement. God also directs us to speak truthfully (Ephesians 4:25) and in love. God also tells us in Ephesians 4:31 to get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every kind of malice. And goes on to say in verse 32 to be kind and comassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave us.
Romans 14:13
Therefore let us stop passing judgement on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.
This again is a subject that has alot to say and for us to understand. I do believe if we put our minds to being more positive we can overcome, with God's help, judgement. It is something you have to diligently put into to practice in order to change your ways. Always remember one thing ~ nobody is perfect and we will stumble and fall from time to time. We are to lift up each other and encourage one another. When you find yourself slipping back into judging, stop and ask God for help. He will help you as He knows we will never be perfect as long as we are living on this earth.
May God bless you this day and guide you along your way.
May 11, 2008
What I learned today. It isn't new, but just a good ole reminder.
It starts in Matthew 7:7,8 "Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
How many times do we really want something from God but have the attitude of: He has more important things to deal with then what I want or I haven't been exactly the best lately or I don't deserve anything good and so forth.
Look again at the scripture. Where does it say (and it is pretty to the point) God doesn't have time, you have to be perfect, you must earn God's blessings and so forth. God made this scripture so simple but many times we make His word difficult. God said ASK that is the key word here. Now what is the next key word? GIVEN.
Now lets go to Matthew 21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ASK for in prayer.
Ask and Believe ~~ They work hand and hand. If it weren't so God would not have put it in His word. Yes, there are times God doesn't answer our prayers immediately and sometimes the answer is no. But one thing I do know is that God knows what is best for me. He wants us to ask him for things and He wants us to ask Him first before anyone else. God wants to give good things to all His children, but WE HAVE TO ASK. Don't take it for granted or have the thought that God already knows what I need so therefore I don't need to ask. If that was so why would God tell us to Ask.
This was such a great reminder for me today at church and I felt this would benefit others just as it has opened my eyes and given me a much better understanding. There was more but this really stuck in my head.
God Bless and don't forget or be afraid to ASK GOD for anything.
Where do I start, Oh Lord. Give me direction and guide me along the way.
God has a plan for each of us. We are not out in this world alone, but have a wonderful Lord to show us the way. Though we stumble and fall, He is always there to pick us up. Psalm 17:23,24 If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.
As Christians, we strive to be the best we can. But there are times we lose sight and direction from God because we fall away. I am guilty to this. I don't always handle situations the way God would want me to. I get upset with myself during those times. What keeps me going and striving forward? God's word and how it gives me peace. Remembering that no one person is perfect that walks on this earth. That does not give me an excuse to act out, but gives me insight to God's love and patience as He deals with me.
God has brought me along way, I'm not perfect nor will I be while here on earth. One thing I know I'm not the person I once was but I'm better then I was and God is here to help me. He shows me things and opens my heart so that I want to be more like Him. I can not let past situations keep me down or there will be no growth. I can't allow what people say about my actions influence me to NOT keep going forward. What person acts and reacts to all situations right all the time? There is not one.
God sent His Son, Jesus, to save the world not to condemn it. John 3:16,17 a scripture that everyone knows. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
God has so much love and shows much mercy to all of us. If only we could grasp just how much that love is. This day, remember you are special and God has a purpose and plan for you. Don't let the worries of this day bring you down, but allow God to lift you up and carry you on. You are a blessing!!!
When you are in the arena performing or out in the arena of life-remember you are not alone! God Loves You and wants to be your friend as well as your Savior!
God Bless to all.