24This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.Psalm 118:24
I was on my way to work today and was listening to a song titled this is the day...Its a very popular chorus and its derived from the above scripture. Up until today, it was just a song that was easy to sing, a chorus to God, but as I was walking to the train station I began to meditate on the wordings, as to why we should rejoice for a new day and it dawned on me.....
As christians this earth is for our possession because the maker and ruler of the earth is over father, so when He tells us to rejoice in the new day, we have every right to, because our father the owner of the land has given us every reason to do just that. Not sure what those reason are to rejoice....Take a good look at the bible and read some of His promises to His children.....
He promised that whereever your feet shall tread upon, you shall possess, He promised that while you are on this earth He will not leave you or forsake you.....................................................................................
He Promised that all things will work together for your good because you love Him and are called according to His purpose...................................
He promised that He would bless the work of your hand..........................
He promised that He will satisfy you with long life.................................
He promised that he will guide your footsteps and that nothing shall by no mean hurt you
He says that the thought He has towards you are for good and not of evil, to bring you a hope and a future
And the list goes on, so he tells you to rejoice because He got you covered in all areas, He is a promise keeper, He is able and willing to meet all our needs, we just have to be in a position to receive and you can only recieve when you appreciate all that He has done.....So let us learn to rejoice in everyday that God gives us to show forth His glory....
Yeah the bills might not be paid, the job hunt might be lousy, the husband might be acting a fool again, the wife might be making the house unbearable, but in all things we should give thanks, trust in God and know that he has everything under control we just have to leave it in His hands and rejoice because HE GOT YOU COVERED. So if you wake up tomorrow and you feel burdened down, remember this psalm and think of all His promises to you His beloved child. Smile and give him glory because you are the apple of His Eye.
If you looks throughout bible, you will see over and over again where God promised His children rest, as long as they walk in obedience to Him and turn not from His commandments. I just want to briefly talk about what happens to most of us once we have encountered this rest in God. Imagine after going through so much in life and everything seems so bleak, nothing is forth coming and we've prayed and fasted and done everything we know to do, staying continuously in the Word of God, meditating on His promises. Then suddenly just when you are about to throw in the towel, God comes through at the perfect time and after that everything start to go all rosy, no stress at work, no stress in the family, when you are asked if you have any prayer request, you shake your head no, and just ask that they should just praise God for you.
Then it suddenly happens, creeings up on you like a bad habit, you find that you aren't has fervent in the things of God has you use to, prayer is now a drag, everything is become a chore and a routine, you begin to doubt and question your faith and wonder if God is still with you, all sorts of thought go through your head, and you just cant place your hand on what is missing in your spiritual walk.
This is how the enemy rubs us of truly enjoying the rest of God and utilising that time for what its really meant for, which is to rejuvenate your spirit man for the next phase of your walk with God. My dear brothers and sisters, the above description is called the spirit of complacency and apathy.
I would like to use the illustration of a person who just got their license and a new car, when they first started driving both hands are on the wheel, obeying every traffic sign, signalling before changing lanes, wearing their seatbelts, the works.But then slowly you start getting use to the road and the car, and instead of two hands, you use one, instead of coming to a complete stop at stop signs, we just roll through.
The same goes with when we think the rest of God means time to just relax but reverse is the case. When God gives us rest from all that use to oppose us, we are to use that time to rejuvenate our spirit man, to equip ourselves for the next round so to speak, just like Caleb, after God gave them the promise land, at 80+ years, this man said “Now therefore, giveme this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said”, so the same has to be our attitude no matter what phase of life we are in, be it in God’s rest or going into his rest, we are not to for one minute relax, or think everything is now all rosy, but the bible says do not be ignorant of the devices of the devil, because he will find every opportunity to slow us down.So my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, there isn’t a time on this earth that we should assume we can relax, the bible even say the from the time of John the Baptist, the kingdom of God suffereth violence and the violence take it by force, so we need to be at alert at all times.So even when all things are going good and we have no problem facing us, we should follow the advice of Apostle Paul in Ephesians 41Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
But we have this treasure in Earthen Vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not us.
Here Apostle Paul was talking to the Corinthian Church about who they were in Christ. Its not about who we use to be or the mess we had gotten ourselves in, in the past. But about who we are now.
Most of the times when trials comes our way, or things are looking impossible, we begin to loose sight of who we are and whose we are, and start concentrating on the issue. But apostle paul is saying we have a treasure in us, and that treasure is the power of God that was released to us the day we became born again Christians and believed that Jesus came to earth to die for our sins. The treasure in essence is the Holy Spirit that will work the issue out for our good if we just keep our minds on God and not the issue.
And I know this is easier said than done, trust me, been there and still find myself there once in a while. God will never leave us down and out as long as we walk with Him. He will not let anything tarnish His image and won't allow anything or anyone to share His glory.
Trust in Him allow him to work it out because He knows best, don't try to play god in your life or situation just yield yourself and your situation to Him and watch Him get all the glory and you start enjoying the fullness of life in Him.
Good Morning all, This is from an email I received from Dayspring.com. It was adapted from Max Lucado's new book titled COme thirsty. It blessed me and I would like to share it with you all.
What image best describes your heart? A water-drenched kid in front of an open fire hydrant? Or a bristled, desert tumbleweed?
You're acquainted with physical thirst. Stop drinking and see what happens. Coherent thoughts vanish, skin grows clammy, and vital organs shut down. Deprive your body of necessary fluid, and it will tell you.
Deprive your soul of spiritual water, and it will tell you. Dehydrated hearts send desperate messages. Snarling tempers. Waves of worry. Growing guilt and fear. Hopelessness. Resentment. Loneliness. Insecurity.
But you don't have to live with a dehydrated heart. God invites you to treat your thirsty soul as you would treat your physical thirst. Just visit the WELL and drink deeply.
Receive Christ's
Work on the cross,
The
Energy of His Spirit,
His
Lordship over your life,
And His unending, unfailing
Love.
He does the hard part. All you do is ask. There is no spiritual "to do" list for you to tackle, no inventory of rules and regulations. Just drink. Let Christ be the water for your soul. Come thirsty, and drink the water of life.
Gotthis via email yesterday and decided to share it with you all, its very intereting and true. Have a blessed week God is not going to ask me how much I made. He will ask me how much I gave. God will not ask me about the size of my house. He will ask me did I invite Him in. God will not ask me about the elegance of the neighborhood. He will ask me how I treated my neighbor. God will not ask me what kind of car I drove. He will ask me did I give those with no car a ride. God will not ask me about the beauty of my wife. He will ask me did I treat her with love. God will not ask me about the style of my clothes. He will ask me did I help clothe others. God will not ask me the size of my bank account. He will ask me how much is in my heavenly account. God will not ask me how many children I fathered. He will ask me if I was a good father to my children. God will not ask me did I achieve fame. He will ask me about my reputation.
God will not ask me if I travelled the world. He will ask me did I improve the world. God will not ask me about the troubles that I had. He will ask me if I helped comfort the troubled. God will not ask me if I did miracles in the name of His Son. He will ask me if I really knew Him.
The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. [1] 5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. [2] Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty- he is the King of glory. Selah
This is another song that I love it was sung by Judy Jacobs, written by Douglas Miller. JUst read the wordings and let it minister to you and bless you. Its in line with what I wrote on yesterday..................
Though the storms keep on raging in my life, And sometimes its hard to tell the night from day. Still the hope that lies within me is reassured. As I keep my eyes upon the distant shore. I know He'll lead me safely to that blessed place He has prepared. But if the storms dont cease, and the winds keep on blowing in my life. My soul has been anchored in the Lord. I realize that in this life you're going to be tossed by the winds and the currents that seem so fierce. But in the word of God I have an anchor and it keeps me steadfst, unmovable, despite the tide, my soul is anchored.
This song was taken off Judy Jacobs album titled No God like Jehovah. Very powerful cd.
I just also want to add a line or two, while i was copying this on here now, this scripture came to mind, it was used to preach at my church on sunday, talking about been calm and having the peace of God in the midst of the storm, knowing that God is working it out for us, even though we dont see it.
mark 4:34-41 reads
35On that same day [when] evening had come, He said to them, Let us go over to the other side [of the lake]. 36And leaving the throng, they took Him with them, [just] as He was, in the boat [in which He was sitting]. And other boats were with Him. 37And a furious storm of wind [[3] of hurricane proportions] arose, and the waves kept beating into the boat, so that it was already becoming filled. 38But He [Himself] was in the stern [of the boat], asleep on the [leather] cushion; and they awoke Him and said to Him, Master, do You not care that we are perishing? 39And He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Hush now! Be still (muzzled)! And the wind ceased ([4] sank to rest as if exhausted by its beating) and there was [immediately] a great calm ([5] a perfect peacefulness). 40He said to them, Why are you so timid and fearful? How is it that you have no faith (no [6] firmly relying trust)? 41And they were filled with great awe and [7] feared exceedingly and said one to another, Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey Him?
Simply put we just need to relax and know that even when we think God is not doing anything He is up to something, the word says He knows the end from the beginning, and we just need to trust Him a little more than we do now, cause He already sees us on the other side , the victory side, we just need to work it out and not give up in the middle of the storm. Have a blessed day
11Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be [6] content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am. 12I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want.
I came across this scripture last week sometime, and I've been wanting to come on here to share it with you all. When I finished reading it, I had to ask myself if I can truly say that I am content in my current situation, and I honestly knew that I wasn't and I couldn't. It amazed me how apostle paul could write such words, and knowing what he was going through at the time at which he wrote this particular chapter, he was in prison. It takes a lot of discpline and faith along with perseverance to open ones mouth to say they are content even though they are in prison. And then reading further the next verse states
have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [7] infuses inner strength into me; I am [8] self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].
He has his mind totally focused on Christ, hence the reason he was able to make that statement and not letting his situation determine his attitude or emotion. He was looking at the bigger picture. It made me think and pray that I learn to be content in whatever situation I am in, not complaining or bashing God or asking why. It takes a lot of discpline to get to the point where we can open our mouths to say we are content, even though what we are believing God for has yet to be made manifest in the physical. It also takes says a lot about our trust in God if we can stay content in all situation, knowing that God's word concerning us will come to pass, every single bit of it. One of my favourite scriptures is found in the book of numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that he should lie. & nbsp; He is not a human, that he should change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? & nbsp; Has he ever promised and not carried it through?
The prayer for myself and for all that are reading this, is that we ask the holy spirit to help us learn to be content in this journey of life, knowing that where we are today isnt the end of the story, its just part of it. Have a blessed week
This topic just came to me now, while listening to a song titled say the name........The chorus of the songs goes.........
Say the name of Jesus, Say the name so precious, say the name of Jesus there is no other name I know, when you dont know what else to pray, when you cant find the words to say, when you can't make it throught the day, say the name..........
Its a really powerful song, and I was reading phillipians 2:9-11 9Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has [1] freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, 10That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee [2] should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11And every tongue [[3] frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
We tend to take this name for granted or misuse it. There is really power in that name, and I am talking as a believer, many are times that this name has worked tremendously in my life and it still does, cause He is still the same God yesterday, today and forever and He is ready to help you. Please let us stop running from pillar to post, when He is calling us to draw near unto Him. He is waiting to perform wonders in you life, just yield to Him and dont let circumstances dictate your destiny. If you feel like you cant take it anymore, like the song above says, just say that name believe in your heart and He will come through for you.
And if you dont even know Jesus has your personal saviour, there is no time as the present to surrender your life to Him. He is waiting to take you in......Jesus is Lord......Just allow Him today to be the Lord of your life, trust me, you will never be the same again and you will be glad that you took the time to pray Him into you Life.
DOnt know how to pray Him in, Just say Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God, I believe you died for my sins, I come to you today and repent of all my ways, and I ask you to be the Lord of my Life now and forever more. Amen........
Be Blessed as the power of God begins to work in you.
Hello all in blogsville, I just want to share with you some of the things that I have been learning in the past few weeks. I pray that this blesses you as it did me, talking about the awesomeness of God and how limitless our God is in all things......................
A few weeks back, I was reading jobs chapter 39, 40 and 41. In this chapter God was talking to Job and asking him various questions, because prior to these chapters, Job was constantly questioning God concerning his situation and make assumptions based on his little knowledge of God. So when God decided to respond to his question, He starts off in chapter 38 by saying "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you and you shall answer me. Right there God makes Job know that the questions that Job had been asking was based on limited knowledge of God. God continues in chapter 38 verse 4 saying 'where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? ....5.who marked off its dimensions, surely you know, who stretched a measuring line across it? 6 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone 7 while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy....... and it goes on and on until chapter 41. After reading all this it made me to understand, that we are in no position to question God when we dont undestand what is going on in our lives, becasue our knowledge is very limited. We should be able to trust God enough and walk in His ways and know that He will bring us to a place of rest and joy. Sometimes we get out of place by pointing fingers to God and making demands, wanting answers to things that we just need to be patient on. You might be saying does that mean, we cant ask God questions about out lives, yes we can, but we need to be humble in our approach, not demanding..also in questioning God, doubt comes in and also lack of trust in His word....
So let us learn to question less and trust more.........Jeremiah 29:11 reads For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future. 12 reads then you will call upon me and come to pray to me and I will listen to you...........
1. Wake Up !! & nbsp; Decide to have a good day. & nbsp; "This is the day the Lord hath made; & nbsp; let us rejoice and be glad in it." & nbsp; Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7
3. Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3
4. Stand Up!! . . . for what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up !! ...... . . to the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up !! . . for something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up !! . . . your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6
A POSITIVE THOUGHT If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart. What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem; not to mention that Friday at Calvary. Face it, He's crazy about you.
I got this via email today, and decided to share with everyone, I actually had God ask me a similar question this past week, it really made me think, of how we take the love and mercy of God for granted. Thanks to GOd that he is a longsuffering and merciful God.....Lets not take what He has blessed us with for granted, no matter how little you might think it is, that little that you think you've got is someone else's prayer point... Be blessed and appreciate Him today.
Think back to when you met that man/woman that you just knew would be the one. Remember when you realized/admitted to yourself that you loved him/her.
Now remember how much you wanted to act like you were in a movie, and yell to everyone in the football stadium "I love (fill in the name)!"
You told family and friends how perfect he/she was. You told your boys/girls how she/he was just what you were looking for Well, I told THE LORD I love Him today. And He said to me; "How much do you love me? You haven't told anyone how good I've been to you". "You haven't shared how perfect my love is".
"You haven't spread the good news that I am always there to listen to your problems". "You haven't told your family how I helped you pay your bills when you didn't have a high paying job, or how I got you a better one". "You didn't tell your boys how I took away that addiction that would have cost you not only your job, but that woman that was just what you were looking for". "So how much do you really love me?"
So, I said I would share with my friends and family (for starters) just how wonderful, perfect, understanding, patient, loving, unselfish, considerate and forgiving GOD really is. He has blessed me with a family that loves me and friends that I can confide in. But even more than that, He has saved me from a destruction I couldn't even have seen coming. He gave to me the peace of knowing Him and He has never broken a promise. Truly He is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
And I stand in my stadium today to yell to you all "I LOVE THE LORD!"
1[1] Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; 2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD ; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil. 9 For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. 11 But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.
FOR THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT, BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME, AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO, BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.
FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES BECAUSE THAT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES THAT I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I AM EMPLOYED.
FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE .
FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME .
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND THAT I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.
FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH THAT SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I CAN HEAR.
FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR .
FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD. ! FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I AM ALIVE
[[b]i]David says in Psalm 121v1-21 I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.[/b] Here David is saying that in the times of trouble or adversity, he has learned to look up to God who rules over all and not let situations or circumstances weigh him down. Lately I found myself meditating on these (2) verses of scripture along with [b]Hebrews 12:2…2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.[/b]These (2) scriptures tells us where our focus should be on no matter the situation we might come across in life, even though it might be easier said then done, it is for our benefit that we keep our eyes on God and not on the situation or circumstances. Because God is all knowing, its only wise that we trust in Him completely. Sometimes we say we are focus is on God when in reality, our focus has totally shifted towards that new job that we want to get, or that new relationship/friendship, or whatever it is that is happening in our lives that we count as major accomplishments. All these things to God are trivial things, that can be gone in any second, that is why God wants us to focus on Him, so that we can maintain our Joy, peace and strength. [/i] :)
[i]Goodmorning to all in blogsville, just wanted to share the wordings of a song that has been in my spirit for over 2 months. I want to encourage us today, that we dont need to have the greatest voice to praise or sing a song to the Lord, all He wants is that we mean what we say when we say it. Be blessed as you read the wordings :D [/i]
[i][b]You deserve the glory, and the honour Lord I lift my voice/heart in worship As I glorify your name You deserve the glory, and the honour Lord I lift my voice/heart in worship As I glorify your name
You are great You do miracle so great There is no one else like you There is no one else like you You are great You do miracle so great There is no one else like you.[/b][/i]
I am currently studying the book of Job, and I wanted to share a topic that keeps popping into my head every time I read a chapter of this book. Just a little background into who Job was to get a better understanding of where I am heading with this message. Job was a very rich man in the Old Testament who was in right standing with God that even God himself was boasting about Job’s relationship with Him to satan. In job 1 verse 8 God tells satan, [b][i]Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth--a man of complete integrity. He fears God and will have nothing to do with evil."[/i] [/b] Anyhow, in the course of Job’s life he was attacked by satan, in which he lost everything he ever worked for in his life, including his children, they all died. He even was afflicted in his body as well. In the course of all these afflictions and trials, we were told that his three friends came to console him, but in their trying to console him, they starting condemning him, that he must have sinned or done wrong in the sight for God to have afflicted him in such a manner. Now these men where suppose to be his closest friends, and instead of consoling Job and praying with him they condemned him, cursed at him and what have you. The point in this was that no matter how much they talked about him and his relationship with God, he didn’t waver in faith at all. He knew the God that he served and had the confidence that God was with him. In chapter 20, while still been accused by his friends, he made a bold statement that said even thought things look really tough, he know that his redeemer, meaning God still lives and one day will be reconciled with him. Now after reading the book of Job up to this point, I had to ask God how much I know the God that I am serving. That if I was ever in a situation like this, heavens forbid, how long will I last in it, before I start to curse God and question my faith. The truth of the matter is loyalty is best tested in times of adversity, and then is when you know you level of trust and knowledge of the one you are in relationship with. Daniel 11:32 reads[[b]i] but the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God].[/i][/b] So for Job to have withstood all the accusation from his friends, he definitely had a confidence in the God that he served and knew how God operates. We need to get to a place in our walk with God where we can confidently stand in faith no matter what may be happening around us, and say even though things may not be going right, I know the God that I serve and that He is faithful to the ones He calls His own. So I want to challenge us to take time out to know the God that we serve so that we can stand when the enemy comes with all his tricks.
Before I start, the topic was actually taken from another blog that I read the other day (CP’s). While reading the bible last night, this topic just stood out in my mind, so I decided to blog about it.
I use to think I was flawless in character until I got saved, and I would pray a prayer that God let me see myself the way you see me. I can tell you that I wasn’t ready to see what God saw in me, at first I would ignore it, and wonder why am I behaving this way or that. Anyhow, while thinking on this last night, I remembered the verse in [b]Malachi 3:3 which reads, He (meaning God) sits as a refiner and purifier of silver, He will purify the priests, the sons of Levi, and refine them like gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord offerings in righteousness. [/b] Then I also thought about diamond, how it is retrieved from the earth, originally it would not have the glow and clarity that we all see at the store, it would go through a process before it becomes the diamond that we are all familiar with. I use this illustration to say this, when we got saved, we were more or less like the diamond before it is worked on, or the silver before it is refined. Before the end product comes about, all the impurities has to be taken off it, and that in itself is a process in which God is ready to assume the position, all we need to do is allow him to do so. God know that as human beings we have flaws and short comings, but He is willing to fix it , only if we are willing to surrender it to Him, cause it is only through this that we can have a sound relationship with God and grow strong in our faith. So if you have a habit that you are ashamed off, don’t condemn yourself, just give it to God, and He will purify you and make you stronger to overcome the habit. [b]2 corinthians 12:9-12 reads, 8Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9Each time he said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. 10Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.[/b]It is in our imperfection that Christ can demonstrate his power in our lives, so rejoice that you got something in you that God can work on. We were not made to be perfect. We were made to worship God and trust in Him. I hope this has blessed you as it has blessed me.
[i][b]1O GIVE thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! 2Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has delivered from the hand of the adversary, 3And gathered them out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the [Red] Sea in the south. 4Some wandered in the wilderness in a solitary desert track; they found no city for habitation. 5Hungry and thirsty, they fainted; their lives were near to being extinguished. 6Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses. 7He led them forth by the straight and right way, that they might go to a city where they could establish their homes. 8Oh, that men would praise [and confess to] the Lord for His goodness and loving-kindness and His wonderful works to the children of men! 9For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with good.[/b][/i] [b][i]Psalm 107 (amp)[/i][/b] [i]Have you thanked Him lately, take a few minutes to think of all He has done for you even to this particular second, and give Him all the praise, He is worthy.
Be blessed and thankful........He is waiting on your appreciation of Him. :D [/i]
[i]When I was in school, I knew of quiet a few guys that when they speak they use this phrase, "my word is bond". Which implied that they could be held to their word, and not go back on it. I have come to notice that today, words mean absolutely nothing because of the way its used. We are quick to give a response just to shut the next person up, or to get out of a responsibility, and a host of other reasons, were we just talk just for the sake of it. The bible says we will be held acccountable for every word that proceeds from our mouth, every single word. The bible said let no idle talk proceed out of our mouth, and that our Yes should be Yes, and also our No should be No. No wishy washy with our tongue. I'm sure we can all agree that if we are careful with they way we use our words, we can avoid a lot of headache and disagreement between each other. I for one can tell you that I have come to learn to watch the way I talk to people, cause I have gotten into quite a few misunderstanding with people because what I said was misinterpreted, or I spoke at the wrong time. Lets learn to caution our outflow, and ask that God give us the wisdom to control the words that come out of our mouth.
[i]I wrote last week about putting to practice the word of God that we hear, in order for us to get a better understanding of the word. Now I want to take the time out to let us know what happens, when we hear the word and not put it to practice. I will use the story of pharaoh and the Isrealites to illustrate this point. In Exodus when Moses went to ask Pharaoh to allow the people of Isreal to go back to their homeland, Pharaoh refused, because the Isrealites to him were properties, and he was thinking of all that he would loose if he let them go. Anyhow, Moses tried desperately to reason with pharaoh, coming to him with direct commands from God, but Pharaoh refused to listen. [b]In Exodus 9:34, the bible says that When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts.[/b] The rain and hail here was one of the plagues that God poured out on Egypt because of Pharaoh’s disobedience. And chapters 9 and 10 of exodus goes on and on about all the plagues that God sent out on the people of Egypt, and because Pharaoh’s heart continue to harden, the plagues got worse. Pharaoh was told what to do and he refused, at the end of the day it cost him is first son. This all could have been avoided if he just heeded to the voice of God coming through Moses. Another example of a hardened heart comes from the book of 2 chronicles 36:13-16, it reads;[b] He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him take an oath in God's name. He became stiff-necked and hardened his heart and would not turn to the LORD , the God of Israel. 14 Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful, following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the LORD , which he had consecrated in Jerusalem. 15 The LORD , the God of their fathers, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. 16 But they mocked God's messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the LORD was aroused against his people and there was no remedy. [/b] When we refuse to obey the commandments of God, and practice the word we hear, we run the risk of becoming casualties to our disobedience. As you can see the consequences for hardness of heart is really severe, because not only do you suffer, but people around you to feel it as well. We can avoid this by putting the word to practice every time we hear it, and when we do something wrong and get convicted in our spirit, we should take heed and repent right away or else the hard becomes indifferent to that thing once it happens again. I pray that God will continue to give us the grace to obey Him and turn from every thing that displeases Him.
[i]Please bare with me, it might seem like I am repeating myself, but I just really want to share what is in my heart concerning practicing the word of God. The bible says, we shouldn't just be hearers of the word, but doers as well. As I mentioned in the previous post, in order to get a better understanding of the word of God, we need to apply it to our day to day lives. I for one can testify that it works, cause sometimes I wished when I pray that the things would just happen right away, then I realized that God is not a magician, and He won't give us something if He feels we are not ready to it. For us to actually get something from God, He wants to know that He can trust us with that thing, but if we just hear the word of God, and put it in our back pocket till the day we need it, it becomes useless, cause then we won't even remember that we have that word, when the actual need arises. Unlike a person who hears the word and practices it, the bible says that man shall be blessed in deed. [b]James 1:22-25 reads 22But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]. 23For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror; 24For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and promptly forgets what he was like. 25But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience).[/b] And like I said, it might not be easy, or we can be quick to say we cant do it, but the holy spirit is there to help us out. The bible say the spirit leads in all truth. WE can do it, let just make up our minds to be christians in deed. It is possible and You can do it.
[i]I just want to share a few words with us all. I found myself asking God a question about what it takes to be a christian and what it means to actually have a relationship with Him. Then this verse of the bible came to mind, where Jesus was teaching about love, saying how can we say we love God that we can't see if we can't love our brothers we see on a daily basis. And it dawned on me that we can be saved, born again, spirit filled but yet far from God. It takes more than just confession to make heaven, it actually involves pratical application to the word of God we hear. As I am writing this, I am also learning something, because most of the time, we as christians get so caught up in religion that we miss the most important part of the new found life in christ. I realized that as christians, we need to apply the word of God to everything we do. One can be a housewife, and the job you do in the house can be done to glorify God. You might think, how is that possible, it's the attitude and the mindset, knowing that even though no one see what you are doing, the God who sees what you do in secret will reward you in public. Though we want to be acknowledged in our day to day activity, we should also get in a mode where we just show love to the unlovable, putting ourselves in a situation where we would ask, what would Jesus do if He were confronted with the same situation. You might say, well I am not Jesus, true we are not, but the bible says, the same power that raised Him from the dead, lives on our inside. So we can do all things through Christ that strenghtens us, we can put into practice all we hear so as to develop a deeper relationship with God. I can go on and on, on this topic, but I hope you get the idea that I am trying to pass across. Have a blessed evening :D [/i]
[i][b]4God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.(3) 5And He Who is seated on the throne said, See! I make all things new. Also He said, Record this, for these sayings are faithful (accurate, incorruptible, and trustworthy) and true (genuine).(4) 6And He [further] said to me, It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I [Myself] will give water without price from the fountain (springs) of the water of Life.(5) [/b][/i] [i][b]Revelation 21 verse 4-6[/b][/i] [i]God is ready to make everything new in your life, just come to Him and you will thirst no more, be blessed as you meditate on this word. :D [/i]
