Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Merry Christmas
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” This timeless treasure, written by Eddie Pola and George Wyle, describe my feelings perfectly. I love Christmas! Though we don’t usually see much snow in Eastern North Carolina, we do have our fair share of ice, but somehow even without the snow Christmas day is the most beautiful day of the year. There’s nothing quite as special as gathering everyone you love all in one place, reciting the story of Jesus birth, laughing till you can barely breathe as you share memories of Christmas’ past and making new memories that you will laugh about next year. Yes, Christmas is truly the most wonderful, beautiful and magnificent time of the year. Merry Christmas from our home to yours.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Overwhelming Sense of Urgency
For several weeks now, I've felt an overwhelming sense of urgency. I can't explain it, but it's taken over my mind and my heart. There's a passion burning inside of me that can't be easily put out. I've cried and prayed more in the last few weeks than I have in a while. Why? Because the world around me is lost, searching for answers, searching for security and peace and while we have the answer we're too busy fussing and complaining about how loud the sound is, "I don't like that song," or "the day the church gets a projector, I'm leaving." Oh it sounds funny, but don't laugh. It's the truth. These things are taking place across our spoiled nation. We've made this thing about us and that's where we've gone wrong. We've shifted our focus from God to self while our families, friends and neighbors die lost.
Lately, I have been overcome with grief. My heart has been heavy even to the point where you could see the effects of this stress on my heart through my clothes with every beat. I've written it off as anxiety, but it's deeper than that. I do not cry for myself, but for those who can't seem to see their own condition. I've wept and repented for my laziness, carelessness and for keeping my silence when I should speak out, but now I weep for those who are in trouble. They've seared their hearts and closed their ears. They've rolled their eyes and with their actions rejected God. How can God speak and those who call Him Lord just walk away as if He never spoke a word?
Yesterday, I drove down to the beach a little after 4pm. With my Bible and journal in hand, I found a secluded spot and began to pray. I'm so hungry for God, for a move of God. Nothing else will satisfy. Nothing else can compare to His glory. I stayed there for hours, just me and God. I read His Word, meditated on every word, but my heart was arrested by the words found in Matthew 23:13, "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in." Today across America, we have churches and those who are religious standing between people and God. Notice what Barnes Notes has to say regarding this passage of scripture.
"MATTHEW 23:13
Woe unto you—You are guilty, and punishment will come upon you. Jesus proceeds to state wherein they were guilty. This most eloquent, most appalling, and most terrible of all discourses ever delivered to mortals was pronounced in the temple, in the presence of multitudes. Never was there more faithful dealing, more terrible reproof, more profound knowledge of the workings of hypocrisy, or more skill in detecting the concealments of sin. This was the last of the Saviour’s public discourses; and it is a most impressive summary of all that he had ever said, or that he had to say, of a wicked and hypocritical generation.
You shut up the kingdom of heaven—Note, Matt. 3:2. They shut it up by teaching false doctrines respecting the Messiah; by binding the people to an observance of their traditions; by opposing Jesus, and attempting to convince the people that he was an impostor, thus preventing many from becoming his followers. Many were ready to embrace him as the Messiah, and were about entering into the kingdom of heaven—that is, the church—but they prevented it. Luke says Luke 11:52 they had taken away the key of knowledge, and thus prevented their entering in—that is, they had taken away the right interpretation of the ancient prophecies respecting the Messiah, and thus had done all that they could to prevent the people from receiving Jesus as their Redeemer.
We have an awesome responsibility. We're called and commissioned by God to go into the world and make disciples. We're called to deny ourselves, told to pick up our cross and follow Him. Jesus did not seek to be served, but instead chose to serve others. He left His throne in Heaven to done the robe of flesh, become like you and me and give His life on the cross. He didn't seek attention, but chose to bring attention to God. When and why did this whole thing become about us and what we want? Who are we without God? NOTHING!
God says in Job 38:4-14 NLT, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Do you know how its dimensions were determined and who did the surveying? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels£ shouted for joy?
“Who defined the boundaries of the sea as it burst from the womb, and as I clothed it with clouds and thick darkness? For I locked it behind barred gates, limiting its shores. I said, ‘thus far and no farther will you come. Here your proud waves must stop!’
“Have you ever commanded the morning to appear and caused the dawn to rise in the east? Have you ever told the daylight to spread to the ends of the earth, to bring an end to the night’s wickedness? For the features of the earth take shape as the light approaches, and the dawn is robed in red...."
The LORD, your Redeemer and Creator, says: “I am the LORD, who made all things. I alone stretched out the heavens. By myself I made the earth and everything in it. Isaiah 44:24
We must remember our place in the grand scheme of things and return to our creator. We must repent and humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God and become His servants once again. Time is running out and there's no time for playing games, being stubborn, hardheaded, stiff necked and selfish. There's no time for fussing and complaining. It's time to return to our first love and put away childish behavior. Let us open our eyes once again and see God in all His glory. Let us open our ears once again to hear His voice. Let us open our hearts once again and be moved with compassion for the lost. If not, we will be as the scribes and pharisees found in Mathew 23:13, rebuked by God. The world needs to see Jesus! This world needs to hear Jesus!
Pray with me. God forgive me! I see myself through Your eyes today. I see the filth that has corrupted and distorted my vision. I've been blinded by the god of this world, molded by this world's design and have compared myself to those around me instead of You. Please forgive me. Teach me, instruct me. Create in me a clean heart, God. Renew a right spirit in me. Don't remove Your presence from me, but allow me to be Your servant once again. Use me for Your glory. Revive me! Set my feet straight and I'll follow You, Lord. I am Yours! I need You, God! I love You, God! I denounce all other gods for You are the one true God. I surrender all -- ALL -- of me right now. I am Yours! Take me, use me, saturate me with Your anointing. Give me the words to speak and shine through me so that all may know You. In Jesus name I humbly pray, Amen.
Lately, I have been overcome with grief. My heart has been heavy even to the point where you could see the effects of this stress on my heart through my clothes with every beat. I've written it off as anxiety, but it's deeper than that. I do not cry for myself, but for those who can't seem to see their own condition. I've wept and repented for my laziness, carelessness and for keeping my silence when I should speak out, but now I weep for those who are in trouble. They've seared their hearts and closed their ears. They've rolled their eyes and with their actions rejected God. How can God speak and those who call Him Lord just walk away as if He never spoke a word?
Yesterday, I drove down to the beach a little after 4pm. With my Bible and journal in hand, I found a secluded spot and began to pray. I'm so hungry for God, for a move of God. Nothing else will satisfy. Nothing else can compare to His glory. I stayed there for hours, just me and God. I read His Word, meditated on every word, but my heart was arrested by the words found in Matthew 23:13, "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in." Today across America, we have churches and those who are religious standing between people and God. Notice what Barnes Notes has to say regarding this passage of scripture.
"MATTHEW 23:13
Woe unto you—You are guilty, and punishment will come upon you. Jesus proceeds to state wherein they were guilty. This most eloquent, most appalling, and most terrible of all discourses ever delivered to mortals was pronounced in the temple, in the presence of multitudes. Never was there more faithful dealing, more terrible reproof, more profound knowledge of the workings of hypocrisy, or more skill in detecting the concealments of sin. This was the last of the Saviour’s public discourses; and it is a most impressive summary of all that he had ever said, or that he had to say, of a wicked and hypocritical generation.
You shut up the kingdom of heaven—Note, Matt. 3:2. They shut it up by teaching false doctrines respecting the Messiah; by binding the people to an observance of their traditions; by opposing Jesus, and attempting to convince the people that he was an impostor, thus preventing many from becoming his followers. Many were ready to embrace him as the Messiah, and were about entering into the kingdom of heaven—that is, the church—but they prevented it. Luke says Luke 11:52 they had taken away the key of knowledge, and thus prevented their entering in—that is, they had taken away the right interpretation of the ancient prophecies respecting the Messiah, and thus had done all that they could to prevent the people from receiving Jesus as their Redeemer.
We have an awesome responsibility. We're called and commissioned by God to go into the world and make disciples. We're called to deny ourselves, told to pick up our cross and follow Him. Jesus did not seek to be served, but instead chose to serve others. He left His throne in Heaven to done the robe of flesh, become like you and me and give His life on the cross. He didn't seek attention, but chose to bring attention to God. When and why did this whole thing become about us and what we want? Who are we without God? NOTHING!
God says in Job 38:4-14 NLT, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Do you know how its dimensions were determined and who did the surveying? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels£ shouted for joy?
“Who defined the boundaries of the sea as it burst from the womb, and as I clothed it with clouds and thick darkness? For I locked it behind barred gates, limiting its shores. I said, ‘thus far and no farther will you come. Here your proud waves must stop!’
“Have you ever commanded the morning to appear and caused the dawn to rise in the east? Have you ever told the daylight to spread to the ends of the earth, to bring an end to the night’s wickedness? For the features of the earth take shape as the light approaches, and the dawn is robed in red...."
The LORD, your Redeemer and Creator, says: “I am the LORD, who made all things. I alone stretched out the heavens. By myself I made the earth and everything in it. Isaiah 44:24
We must remember our place in the grand scheme of things and return to our creator. We must repent and humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God and become His servants once again. Time is running out and there's no time for playing games, being stubborn, hardheaded, stiff necked and selfish. There's no time for fussing and complaining. It's time to return to our first love and put away childish behavior. Let us open our eyes once again and see God in all His glory. Let us open our ears once again to hear His voice. Let us open our hearts once again and be moved with compassion for the lost. If not, we will be as the scribes and pharisees found in Mathew 23:13, rebuked by God. The world needs to see Jesus! This world needs to hear Jesus!
Pray with me. God forgive me! I see myself through Your eyes today. I see the filth that has corrupted and distorted my vision. I've been blinded by the god of this world, molded by this world's design and have compared myself to those around me instead of You. Please forgive me. Teach me, instruct me. Create in me a clean heart, God. Renew a right spirit in me. Don't remove Your presence from me, but allow me to be Your servant once again. Use me for Your glory. Revive me! Set my feet straight and I'll follow You, Lord. I am Yours! I need You, God! I love You, God! I denounce all other gods for You are the one true God. I surrender all -- ALL -- of me right now. I am Yours! Take me, use me, saturate me with Your anointing. Give me the words to speak and shine through me so that all may know You. In Jesus name I humbly pray, Amen.
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Decision is Yours
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
—John 1:12
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
—John 3:16-17
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
—John 14:6
Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.
—Acts 13:38-39
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
—Romans 1:16
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
—Romans 3:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
—Romans 6:23
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
—Romans 10:9-13
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
—2 Corinthians 5:17
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
—Ephesians 1:13-14
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
—Ephesians 2:8-9
For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep (meaning death) we might live with him.
—1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
—Titus 2:11-14
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
—1 Peter 1:8-9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Knowing this you can choose to walk away, but you can't say you didn't know." - William Wilberforce
—John 1:12
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
—John 3:16-17
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
—John 14:6
Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.
—Acts 13:38-39
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
—Romans 1:16
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
—Romans 3:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
—Romans 6:23
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
—Romans 10:9-13
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
—2 Corinthians 5:17
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
—Ephesians 1:13-14
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
—Ephesians 2:8-9
For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep (meaning death) we might live with him.
—1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
—Titus 2:11-14
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
—1 Peter 1:8-9
"Knowing this you can choose to walk away, but you can't say you didn't know." - William Wilberforce
Challenge of the Heart
Tonight my heart is heavy.
There's so much to be done.
I hear the cries of a hurting world
They need to be won.
There's a void they can not fill
Though they've seemingly tried everything
Money, drugs, the list goes on
But still something is missing
We hold the key
that unlocks the door
We have the hope
they're searching for
His name is Jesus,
the risen King,
If we can but go to where they are
We can help them see their need.
See right now they can't see past religion
to see that relationship is what it's all about
They can't see past our list of do's and don'ts
Because too often we fuss and pout.
When will we wake up and stop ignoring
the real issues that bind our hands and feet
While we're selfish, self-centered, with mouths running wild
We're setting ourselves up for defeat.
The mission is simple
but the fight is draining
The message is repent
but we keep refraining
from dealing with the issues in our hearts
How can we reach others
If we're torn apart?
Unity, unity,
Gather the called
United we stand
Divided we fall.
God is calling
A world is dying
Wake up, sleeper
Start crying.
The altar is empty
The pews are not filled
Hell is enlarging
Because we're not in the field
Wake up, Wake up
Sound the alarm
The enemy is attacking
and we are not armed.
Our weapons are not carnal
but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strongholds
So wake up, put your armor on.
Stop fussing and griping
Stand up and move on
There's too much at stake
For you to think of yourself alone.
God is calling, a world is dying
Friend, what will your choice be
if we'll unite and work together
So many bound can be made free.
Written by: Kimberly Waters
Sept 27, 2009
There's so much to be done.
I hear the cries of a hurting world
They need to be won.
There's a void they can not fill
Though they've seemingly tried everything
Money, drugs, the list goes on
But still something is missing
We hold the key
that unlocks the door
We have the hope
they're searching for
His name is Jesus,
the risen King,
If we can but go to where they are
We can help them see their need.
See right now they can't see past religion
to see that relationship is what it's all about
They can't see past our list of do's and don'ts
Because too often we fuss and pout.
When will we wake up and stop ignoring
the real issues that bind our hands and feet
While we're selfish, self-centered, with mouths running wild
We're setting ourselves up for defeat.
The mission is simple
but the fight is draining
The message is repent
but we keep refraining
from dealing with the issues in our hearts
How can we reach others
If we're torn apart?
Unity, unity,
Gather the called
United we stand
Divided we fall.
God is calling
A world is dying
Wake up, sleeper
Start crying.
The altar is empty
The pews are not filled
Hell is enlarging
Because we're not in the field
Wake up, Wake up
Sound the alarm
The enemy is attacking
and we are not armed.
Our weapons are not carnal
but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strongholds
So wake up, put your armor on.
Stop fussing and griping
Stand up and move on
There's too much at stake
For you to think of yourself alone.
God is calling, a world is dying
Friend, what will your choice be
if we'll unite and work together
So many bound can be made free.
Written by: Kimberly Waters
Sept 27, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
You Are My Everything
My heart is wide open
Nothing's hidden from your view
I lay here at your feet, Lord
I long to worship You.
You are my shelter
You are my healer
You are the rock I lean on
The friend that I depend on
You're my provider
You are my counselor
And I take refuge in
The shadow of Your wings
You, O Lord, are my everything
You are beautiful
No one compares to You
Your majesty and grace
leave me speechless.
Words and Music By: Kimberly Waters
All rights reserved Copywrite 9-22-09
Nothing's hidden from your view
I lay here at your feet, Lord
I long to worship You.
You are my shelter
You are my healer
You are the rock I lean on
The friend that I depend on
You're my provider
You are my counselor
And I take refuge in
The shadow of Your wings
You, O Lord, are my everything
You are beautiful
No one compares to You
Your majesty and grace
leave me speechless.
Words and Music By: Kimberly Waters
All rights reserved Copywrite 9-22-09
Open Your Ears And Listen!
Romans 12:2 NLT, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.”
Isn’t it funny how often you hear people say, “I wish God would let me know what I need to do”, yet their actions speak differently? I mean, take for instance, John Doe. John Doe is a good man, has a good education, a good job, and provides well for his family. He’s a loving father and husband. He’s faithful to church every Sunday and Wednesday and he’s always in the altar crying and seeking God. Looks good doesn’t it? Well, let’s look closer. Let’s see what God sees.
John Doe wakes up every morning at 5am. He gets a quick shower, brushes his teeth, grabs his briefcase, breakfast and coffee and rushes off to work. With his Christian music blasting, he prays for God to help him be in a witness, but at work, he overhears some buddies of his talking about a party they attended. As they boast of their lude behavior, John knows he needs to walk away but something within him wants to listen. John begins to get visuals in his mind. He knows it’s wrong, but as long as he doesn’t act on them, he should be fine, right?
During lunch, he grabs a quick meal, tries to relax just a bit before heading back to the mind grinding, number crunching career he chose and went to college for. He closes his eyes, has his CCM blasting, but when he closes his eyes his mind begins to wonder. Before he knows it he's began to fantasize about things he shouldn't. He looks over at his Bible in the passenger seat, but says, "No I can handle it." Though he feels guilty he justifies himself thinking, "I'll never actually do these things."
5 o’clock hits. John races out the door, endures the traffic until he finally pulls in at his beautiful home in the suburbs of Whereverville. "Hi honey, I'm home!", he kisses his wife, grabs his kids in his arms and asks them all about their day. Seated for dinner, this close, loving family, sits giving God praise for the delicious meal set before them, completely unaware that the enemy has his sights set on them.
Later John and his family enjoy some quality time together. It would seem they have it all together. It would seem this family would be indestructible, but the enemy has a fool proof plan that he's mastered for centuries.
That night, once everyone is in bed, drifting off to sleepy town, John lays awake and in the quiet, he hears God speak. “John, my son, satan is laying traps for you. Today, you gave ear to a conversation you should have walked away from and closed your ears from listening to me. When the battle intensified with visuals, you allowed lustful desires run freely in your mind. Listen to me, son, if you don’t take these thoughts captive and caste them out, they will overtake you, cause you to become dissatisfied with your wife and family and cause you to begin looking elsewhere for what I’ve already given you. Get up! Come downstairs and spend time with me now. Let me sanctify your mind and help you put your armor back on. The enemy has set his sights on your family and he's begun with you. Let me give you the thoughts you need to think.”
Right now, John has a choice to make.
There are a lot of homes being torn apart today. Many families that we'd say would never be torn apart, are being torn apart. Why? Because the enemy is perfecting his tactics daily. He has no new tricks, just new people to try them on and guess what. He's so subtle that we don't take him seriously in the beginning. John is a good man. He sincerely wants to please God but he's not taking the necessary steps to do that. We are in a war and that war is not with flesh and blood, but with spiritual wickedness in high places. There's a real devil, Satan. The bible says he desires to sift us as wheat. (Luke 22:31) Do you know what that means? In Luke 22:31, Jesus warns Simon Peter about his arrogance and self-confidence. When wheat was sifted during the time of this instance, it was thrown in the air. The wheat would fall and the chaff would blow away. Jesus was warning Peter that Satan had his sights set on him. He had requested to show God and everyone else that Peter was nothing more than chaff among wheat. That he wasn't all he said he was and would never be much more than just mouth... all talk!
Today, Satan has his sights set on each and everyone of us. He desires to embarrass us before the Father and each other and ultimate destroy us. Sin gone unchecked will lead to destruction. You may think you're strong enough to handle things, but you're not. We must put on the mind of Christ and allow Him to renew our minds daily. We must put on the full armor of God, take every thought into captivity that exalts itself against God, take the enemy seriously. There's too much at stake!
1 Peter 5:8-9a NLT
"Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. "
Isn’t it funny how often you hear people say, “I wish God would let me know what I need to do”, yet their actions speak differently? I mean, take for instance, John Doe. John Doe is a good man, has a good education, a good job, and provides well for his family. He’s a loving father and husband. He’s faithful to church every Sunday and Wednesday and he’s always in the altar crying and seeking God. Looks good doesn’t it? Well, let’s look closer. Let’s see what God sees.
John Doe wakes up every morning at 5am. He gets a quick shower, brushes his teeth, grabs his briefcase, breakfast and coffee and rushes off to work. With his Christian music blasting, he prays for God to help him be in a witness, but at work, he overhears some buddies of his talking about a party they attended. As they boast of their lude behavior, John knows he needs to walk away but something within him wants to listen. John begins to get visuals in his mind. He knows it’s wrong, but as long as he doesn’t act on them, he should be fine, right?
During lunch, he grabs a quick meal, tries to relax just a bit before heading back to the mind grinding, number crunching career he chose and went to college for. He closes his eyes, has his CCM blasting, but when he closes his eyes his mind begins to wonder. Before he knows it he's began to fantasize about things he shouldn't. He looks over at his Bible in the passenger seat, but says, "No I can handle it." Though he feels guilty he justifies himself thinking, "I'll never actually do these things."
5 o’clock hits. John races out the door, endures the traffic until he finally pulls in at his beautiful home in the suburbs of Whereverville. "Hi honey, I'm home!", he kisses his wife, grabs his kids in his arms and asks them all about their day. Seated for dinner, this close, loving family, sits giving God praise for the delicious meal set before them, completely unaware that the enemy has his sights set on them.
Later John and his family enjoy some quality time together. It would seem they have it all together. It would seem this family would be indestructible, but the enemy has a fool proof plan that he's mastered for centuries.
That night, once everyone is in bed, drifting off to sleepy town, John lays awake and in the quiet, he hears God speak. “John, my son, satan is laying traps for you. Today, you gave ear to a conversation you should have walked away from and closed your ears from listening to me. When the battle intensified with visuals, you allowed lustful desires run freely in your mind. Listen to me, son, if you don’t take these thoughts captive and caste them out, they will overtake you, cause you to become dissatisfied with your wife and family and cause you to begin looking elsewhere for what I’ve already given you. Get up! Come downstairs and spend time with me now. Let me sanctify your mind and help you put your armor back on. The enemy has set his sights on your family and he's begun with you. Let me give you the thoughts you need to think.”
Right now, John has a choice to make.
There are a lot of homes being torn apart today. Many families that we'd say would never be torn apart, are being torn apart. Why? Because the enemy is perfecting his tactics daily. He has no new tricks, just new people to try them on and guess what. He's so subtle that we don't take him seriously in the beginning. John is a good man. He sincerely wants to please God but he's not taking the necessary steps to do that. We are in a war and that war is not with flesh and blood, but with spiritual wickedness in high places. There's a real devil, Satan. The bible says he desires to sift us as wheat. (Luke 22:31) Do you know what that means? In Luke 22:31, Jesus warns Simon Peter about his arrogance and self-confidence. When wheat was sifted during the time of this instance, it was thrown in the air. The wheat would fall and the chaff would blow away. Jesus was warning Peter that Satan had his sights set on him. He had requested to show God and everyone else that Peter was nothing more than chaff among wheat. That he wasn't all he said he was and would never be much more than just mouth... all talk!
Today, Satan has his sights set on each and everyone of us. He desires to embarrass us before the Father and each other and ultimate destroy us. Sin gone unchecked will lead to destruction. You may think you're strong enough to handle things, but you're not. We must put on the mind of Christ and allow Him to renew our minds daily. We must put on the full armor of God, take every thought into captivity that exalts itself against God, take the enemy seriously. There's too much at stake!
1 Peter 5:8-9a NLT
"Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. "
Friday, September 11, 2009
Like Fire
You know there have been so many times when I've questioned, "God can you see me? Can you hear me? Are you still here? Why can't I hear you? Why can't I see you working?" Only to find that He's still here speaking softly. I get so distracted by the sounds of the winds and the rain beating against me that it drowns out His voice, but then He tells it all to cease in our intimate times alone. Oh Hallelujah!! I'm learning more and more what it means to praise Him in the storm and just trust Him.
Sometimes I feel like I can relate so well to Jeremiah, the weeping prophet. His message was never received. He was rejected, his messages were rejected and all because God was rejected by the people. I'm reminded so often of Jeremiah 20. Jeremiah, in obedience to God, is prophesying and Pashhur the priest, the chief officer in the house of the LORD --- the house of the Lord now --- doesn't like what he hears so he has Jeremiah arrested, beaten, wipped and put in stocks. Can you imagine what Jeremiah was thinking that whole night?!?! No doubt he was bleeding, in agony and unable to find a position that didn't strain in ever weakening muscles. For a full night he suffered and, no doubt, questioned God's whereabouts. The next day, when Jeremiah was released, you'd think he'd "like his wounds" and get out of there, but notice what He did.
Jeremiah 20:3-6
The next day, when Pashhur finally released him, Jeremiah said, “Pashhur, the LORD has changed your name. From now on you are to be called ‘the Man Who Lives in Terror.’ For this is what the LORD says: I will send terror upon you and all your friends, and you will watch as they are slaughtered by the swords of the enemy. I will hand the people of Judah over to the king of Babylon. He will take them captive to Babylon or run them through with the sword. And I will let your enemies plunder Jerusalem. All the famed treasures of the city—the precious jewels and gold and silver of your kings—will be carried off to Babylon. As for you, Pashhur, you and all your household will go as captives to Babylon. There you will die and be buried, you and all your friends to whom you promised that everything would be all right.”
Can you imagine what Pashur was thinking? I'd like to think that he saw God radiating through that tired and wounded man of God. I'd like to imagine that he felt God's overwhelming conviction, but the fact is, people don't always recognize God's voice. How about Jeremiah? Here he is prophesying with such boldness. There was no time for fear, no time to think "what's going to happen to me after this?" I believe He was so overcome by the presence of God, so saturated in God's anointing that he didn't have time to think about what He was saying, it just came out. Notice what Jeremiah goes on to say.
"O LORD, you persuaded me, and I allowed myself to be persuaded. You are stronger than I am, and you overpowered me. Now I am mocked by everyone in the city. Whenever I speak, the words come out in a violent outburst. “Violence and destruction!” I shout. So these messages from the LORD have made me a household joke. And I can’t stop! If I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in!
I have heard the many rumors about me. They call me “The Man Who Lives in Terror.” And they say, “If you say anything, we will report it.” Even my old friends are watching me, waiting for a fatal slip. “He will trap himself,” they say, “and then we will get our revenge on him.” But the LORD stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him they will stumble. They cannot defeat me. They will be shamed and thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten. O LORD Almighty! You know those who are righteous, and you examine the deepest thoughts of hearts and minds. Let me see your vengeance against them, for I have committed my cause to you. Now I will sing out my thanks to the LORD! Praise the LORD! For though I was poor and needy, he delivered me from my oppressors."
Like Jeremiah, we're called to proclaim a message that at times will not be received. We will shed many tears along this journey, but like Jeremiah, when God's presence overpowers us, we have no choice but to proclaim His truth. It's like fire shut up in our bones.
Sometimes I feel like I can relate so well to Jeremiah, the weeping prophet. His message was never received. He was rejected, his messages were rejected and all because God was rejected by the people. I'm reminded so often of Jeremiah 20. Jeremiah, in obedience to God, is prophesying and Pashhur the priest, the chief officer in the house of the LORD --- the house of the Lord now --- doesn't like what he hears so he has Jeremiah arrested, beaten, wipped and put in stocks. Can you imagine what Jeremiah was thinking that whole night?!?! No doubt he was bleeding, in agony and unable to find a position that didn't strain in ever weakening muscles. For a full night he suffered and, no doubt, questioned God's whereabouts. The next day, when Jeremiah was released, you'd think he'd "like his wounds" and get out of there, but notice what He did.
Jeremiah 20:3-6
The next day, when Pashhur finally released him, Jeremiah said, “Pashhur, the LORD has changed your name. From now on you are to be called ‘the Man Who Lives in Terror.’ For this is what the LORD says: I will send terror upon you and all your friends, and you will watch as they are slaughtered by the swords of the enemy. I will hand the people of Judah over to the king of Babylon. He will take them captive to Babylon or run them through with the sword. And I will let your enemies plunder Jerusalem. All the famed treasures of the city—the precious jewels and gold and silver of your kings—will be carried off to Babylon. As for you, Pashhur, you and all your household will go as captives to Babylon. There you will die and be buried, you and all your friends to whom you promised that everything would be all right.”
Can you imagine what Pashur was thinking? I'd like to think that he saw God radiating through that tired and wounded man of God. I'd like to imagine that he felt God's overwhelming conviction, but the fact is, people don't always recognize God's voice. How about Jeremiah? Here he is prophesying with such boldness. There was no time for fear, no time to think "what's going to happen to me after this?" I believe He was so overcome by the presence of God, so saturated in God's anointing that he didn't have time to think about what He was saying, it just came out. Notice what Jeremiah goes on to say.
"O LORD, you persuaded me, and I allowed myself to be persuaded. You are stronger than I am, and you overpowered me. Now I am mocked by everyone in the city. Whenever I speak, the words come out in a violent outburst. “Violence and destruction!” I shout. So these messages from the LORD have made me a household joke. And I can’t stop! If I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in!
I have heard the many rumors about me. They call me “The Man Who Lives in Terror.” And they say, “If you say anything, we will report it.” Even my old friends are watching me, waiting for a fatal slip. “He will trap himself,” they say, “and then we will get our revenge on him.” But the LORD stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him they will stumble. They cannot defeat me. They will be shamed and thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten. O LORD Almighty! You know those who are righteous, and you examine the deepest thoughts of hearts and minds. Let me see your vengeance against them, for I have committed my cause to you. Now I will sing out my thanks to the LORD! Praise the LORD! For though I was poor and needy, he delivered me from my oppressors."
Like Jeremiah, we're called to proclaim a message that at times will not be received. We will shed many tears along this journey, but like Jeremiah, when God's presence overpowers us, we have no choice but to proclaim His truth. It's like fire shut up in our bones.
Friday, August 28, 2009
You Whisper Softly
You whisper softly,
"Daughter, draw near,
I'll take your sorrow,
replace your fear.
Yesterday is gone
Today is at hand
I hold your tomorrow
Come walk in my plan.
You'll hear other voices
As you walk along
They'll try to distract you
and say you're alone.
But do not listen
No don't give them ear
I'll never leave or forsake you
I'm always right here.
Don't faint in well doing
Be of good cheer
The race is almost over
The ending is near.
There's work to be done
No time to waste
Take heed, my daughter,
Do not haste,
Be careful on this journey
Be wise in all you do
I'll give you My wisdom
And I will guide you.
I'll wrap my arms around you,
Carry you when you're weak,
I'll be a shield around you,
Wipe the tears from your cheek.
Come to me, daughter,
Hear the words I say
You are my love
and I'm with you always."
Written By: Kimberly Waters
Date: Aug 28, 2009
"Daughter, draw near,
I'll take your sorrow,
replace your fear.
Yesterday is gone
Today is at hand
I hold your tomorrow
Come walk in my plan.
You'll hear other voices
As you walk along
They'll try to distract you
and say you're alone.
But do not listen
No don't give them ear
I'll never leave or forsake you
I'm always right here.
Don't faint in well doing
Be of good cheer
The race is almost over
The ending is near.
There's work to be done
No time to waste
Take heed, my daughter,
Do not haste,
Be careful on this journey
Be wise in all you do
I'll give you My wisdom
And I will guide you.
I'll wrap my arms around you,
Carry you when you're weak,
I'll be a shield around you,
Wipe the tears from your cheek.
Come to me, daughter,
Hear the words I say
You are my love
and I'm with you always."
Written By: Kimberly Waters
Date: Aug 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Frustration
Fit to be tied,
I want to run.
Ready to ride
Into the setting sun
Far, far away
Anywhere but here
Somewhere else
As long as it's not near
I want to feel
The cool breeze blow through my hair
I want to feel
Something other than eyeballs that stare
Why are people full of complaint
Why are people so full of hate
If only something could be done
But wait it has
You gave Your only Son.
Yet they reject even Him
They'd rather live and die in sin.
So what am I left to do
Share the Gospel anyway
and leave them without excuse.
I want to run.
Ready to ride
Into the setting sun
Far, far away
Anywhere but here
Somewhere else
As long as it's not near
I want to feel
The cool breeze blow through my hair
I want to feel
Something other than eyeballs that stare
Why are people full of complaint
Why are people so full of hate
If only something could be done
But wait it has
You gave Your only Son.
Yet they reject even Him
They'd rather live and die in sin.
So what am I left to do
Share the Gospel anyway
and leave them without excuse.
Recaptured Vision
God's sweet, soft voice once called my name
so many years ago.
I responded with "Yes, my dear Lord"
Though His question I did not know.
As He embraced me in His strong, gentle arms
My heart released it's joyful praise
"I will serve you, O Lord. I will go where you lead.
I will proclaim Your name all my days!"
My heart was so intertwined with His
It mattered not what he'd implore.
My answer would never be withdrawn or be swayed
I was ready for whatever He had in store.
Or was I?
I dare not speak in vain.
What's this He's asking of me?
This is impossible! I'm going insane.
You've called me to witness
You've called me to shine
You've called me to speak out saying
"you'll open the eyes of the blind"
You've showered me with blessings
Taught me to play and sing
You've set my feet on this winding path
telling me you will lead.
I'm trying hard to follow
I'm trying hard to keep up
Sometimes I try to jump ahead
and sometimes I want to give up
This is impossible for me, Lord
This is so out of my league
I'm not strong enough for this, Lord
I beginning to feel fatigue
The way is sometimes clouded
Perhaps I've gone astray
No wait, I think I hear you
Keep talking, please don't delay.
Your voice brings me comfort
It's the security I need
Cause when I can't see Your hand at work
Your voice safely guides me.
I've stumbled several times now, Lord
I've fallen and skint my knees
I never realized, way back when,
How difficult this would be
But I won't turn back
No I didn't speak in vain
I'm proud to be a Christian
I want to proclaim your name.
I'm a soldier in Your army, Lord
My battle scars are old and new
My vision has been impaired at times
Cause I took my eyes off You.
Now I'm firmly rooted and grounded
I know in whom I believe
I will keep my eyes fixed on Jesus
I will not be deceived
You called my name then and I answered
Today my answer is still the same
The vision is recaptured
My heart cries "yes!" over and over again!
Written By: Kimberly Waters
Date: August 26, 2009
so many years ago.
I responded with "Yes, my dear Lord"
Though His question I did not know.
As He embraced me in His strong, gentle arms
My heart released it's joyful praise
"I will serve you, O Lord. I will go where you lead.
I will proclaim Your name all my days!"
My heart was so intertwined with His
It mattered not what he'd implore.
My answer would never be withdrawn or be swayed
I was ready for whatever He had in store.
Or was I?
I dare not speak in vain.
What's this He's asking of me?
This is impossible! I'm going insane.
You've called me to witness
You've called me to shine
You've called me to speak out saying
"you'll open the eyes of the blind"
You've showered me with blessings
Taught me to play and sing
You've set my feet on this winding path
telling me you will lead.
I'm trying hard to follow
I'm trying hard to keep up
Sometimes I try to jump ahead
and sometimes I want to give up
This is impossible for me, Lord
This is so out of my league
I'm not strong enough for this, Lord
I beginning to feel fatigue
The way is sometimes clouded
Perhaps I've gone astray
No wait, I think I hear you
Keep talking, please don't delay.
Your voice brings me comfort
It's the security I need
Cause when I can't see Your hand at work
Your voice safely guides me.
I've stumbled several times now, Lord
I've fallen and skint my knees
I never realized, way back when,
How difficult this would be
But I won't turn back
No I didn't speak in vain
I'm proud to be a Christian
I want to proclaim your name.
I'm a soldier in Your army, Lord
My battle scars are old and new
My vision has been impaired at times
Cause I took my eyes off You.
Now I'm firmly rooted and grounded
I know in whom I believe
I will keep my eyes fixed on Jesus
I will not be deceived
You called my name then and I answered
Today my answer is still the same
The vision is recaptured
My heart cries "yes!" over and over again!
Written By: Kimberly Waters
Date: August 26, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Trust & Obey
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
This morning I woke up to Jeremiah 29:11 repeating in my heart. Sometimes, I believe, we ask to know God's Will to feel that the sense of purpose for our lives. One we know our calling, we want to know the next step to take, the next plan of action and while all this is fine and dandy, the next thing we do seriously messes us up. God speaks. He tells us where to go, what to do and you know what we do? We begin to try to logic His reasons, His motives and how all this is going to work in our favor. We are such "me, me, me" driven people. We want to know how His plan is going to benefit our lives. Guess what. It's not about us! That's the first lesson we've got to learn. His plan, His purpose, His Will it's all about Him! He is the alpha and omega. The beginning and the end. The author and finisher of our faith. Everything revolves around Him -- not us. The second lesson to learn is to trust and obey.
I home-schooled my son for preschool. I started out desiring to teach him the basics, but what I found more often then not, God was teaching me the basics. It never failed almost ever lesson I prepared for my son, God prepared a lesson for me too. One such lesson was when I presented my son with a connect-the-dots worksheet. He's first questions was, "What is it, mommy?" I said, "You'll find out by connecting the dots." This worksheet was designed to help teach him to count, if it were numbers and the alphabet if the dots were marked with letters. This also taught him how do draw lines from one point to another, how to hold his pencil and the educational reasons keep going. For me, I learned that we are just like my four year old son. We want to know the purpose behind the design and we connect the dots we begin to get frustrated, feel confused, lost even because, unlike the worksheet, we don't always see the next dot to go to. This is where we learn to trust and just obey.
When I rededicated my life to God in 1998, I had so many questions. "Lord, what is Your will for me? Have I messed up Your perfect plan for my life? Oh God please use me! Don't allow me to mess up again. Show me Your Will and help me to follow you." It didn't take long for God to answer me. He guided my heart with these words, "Daughter, I love you. You will marry a preacher. Don't date anyone who is not a preacher." No those weren't His exact words but that pretty much sums it up. He let me know what to stay away from and what to focus my attention on... His Word! His desire was to be my companion and, in His time, He'd send me the man He created for me and in 2000 He did just that. Our journey together hasn't always been easy. We've faced many hard trials together in the ministry and in our personal lives, yet through it all, we're learning the art of surrender, trust and obedience! God asks us all to surrender ourselves to His purpose and to trust Him. Our vision is impared by all that we can't see, but He sees the finished product, the final masterpiece. He knows all things, sees all things and instructs us accordingly.
Now, I have a huge problem. Maybe you do too. When God points me in a direction, tells me what to do, where to go and what to say, I instantly begin pondering the reasons. I want to know why, how, how long, what is this leading to and let's not forget the "how does this benefit me". I'll admit it. I'm guilty. I'm an -over- analytical person. I love to study people and why we do what we do. I'm bad about listening to someone speak, but reading their body lanuage and facial expressions more. I read "between the lines" more than I hear what they're actually saying. This is impossible to do with God. First of all, just to state the obvious, we can't see him. Secondly, because we can not comprehend His ways. Job 37:5 says, "God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend." Ecclesiastes 11:5 says, "God’s ways are as hard to discern as the pathways of the wind, and as mysterious as a tiny baby being formed in a mother’s womb." We can read and study God's Word until we can quote it back and forth, but we'll never fully understand and comprehend God. It's impossible. God reveals Himself in small doses through out His Word and I'm convinced He does the same in our lives.
I have many friends, but only two best friends. It takes time to get to know someone, to trust someone and to find that special something that sets them above the rest. Building such a relationship requires time, effort and the "want to". The relationship grows with time and experiences, until one day you look back and find that with each experience you've learned to trust them more. The same can be said for our relationship with God. Our relationship with God will determine how well we trust Him. As we spend more time with Him, He reveals Himself more and more and allows us insight into His heart, His purpose and His plan.
Today you may be trying to connect the dots. You feel confused, lost and wondering what's next. Let me encourage you. Don't allow yourself to be distracted by those things you're not meant to understand and focus your attention on God. We're not meant to live life like a giant scavenger hunt looking for clues to paste the pieces together. We know our mission (Matthew 28:19-20). We know our final destination (John 14:2) and we know that God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Now let us trust Him to lead us and guide us according to His divine plan, knowing that He has it all planned out and can and will sustain us in our journey.
Let us pray.
Dear Lord,
We praise you and magnify your name. Thank you for being patient with us, for allowing us to be apart of your perfect plan despite our many shortcomings. Thank you for helping us to realign ourselves through Your Word. Father, we don't understand Your ways, nor do we understand your reasons. Please forgive us for being selfish and wanting everything to make sense to us. Please help us to accept the plate you set before us and be satisfied with your plan for our lives today, for we know you will take care of tomorrow. Touch our hearts, open our eyes and ears and fill us with your peace and joy. Encamp Your angels angels around us and keep us with your mighty power. We desire to please you and you alone, O Lord, to give you glory and honor and praises. We surrender ourselves to your Will today. Use us as you please. In Jesus name, Amen.
This morning I woke up to Jeremiah 29:11 repeating in my heart. Sometimes, I believe, we ask to know God's Will to feel that the sense of purpose for our lives. One we know our calling, we want to know the next step to take, the next plan of action and while all this is fine and dandy, the next thing we do seriously messes us up. God speaks. He tells us where to go, what to do and you know what we do? We begin to try to logic His reasons, His motives and how all this is going to work in our favor. We are such "me, me, me" driven people. We want to know how His plan is going to benefit our lives. Guess what. It's not about us! That's the first lesson we've got to learn. His plan, His purpose, His Will it's all about Him! He is the alpha and omega. The beginning and the end. The author and finisher of our faith. Everything revolves around Him -- not us. The second lesson to learn is to trust and obey.
I home-schooled my son for preschool. I started out desiring to teach him the basics, but what I found more often then not, God was teaching me the basics. It never failed almost ever lesson I prepared for my son, God prepared a lesson for me too. One such lesson was when I presented my son with a connect-the-dots worksheet. He's first questions was, "What is it, mommy?" I said, "You'll find out by connecting the dots." This worksheet was designed to help teach him to count, if it were numbers and the alphabet if the dots were marked with letters. This also taught him how do draw lines from one point to another, how to hold his pencil and the educational reasons keep going. For me, I learned that we are just like my four year old son. We want to know the purpose behind the design and we connect the dots we begin to get frustrated, feel confused, lost even because, unlike the worksheet, we don't always see the next dot to go to. This is where we learn to trust and just obey.
When I rededicated my life to God in 1998, I had so many questions. "Lord, what is Your will for me? Have I messed up Your perfect plan for my life? Oh God please use me! Don't allow me to mess up again. Show me Your Will and help me to follow you." It didn't take long for God to answer me. He guided my heart with these words, "Daughter, I love you. You will marry a preacher. Don't date anyone who is not a preacher." No those weren't His exact words but that pretty much sums it up. He let me know what to stay away from and what to focus my attention on... His Word! His desire was to be my companion and, in His time, He'd send me the man He created for me and in 2000 He did just that. Our journey together hasn't always been easy. We've faced many hard trials together in the ministry and in our personal lives, yet through it all, we're learning the art of surrender, trust and obedience! God asks us all to surrender ourselves to His purpose and to trust Him. Our vision is impared by all that we can't see, but He sees the finished product, the final masterpiece. He knows all things, sees all things and instructs us accordingly.
Now, I have a huge problem. Maybe you do too. When God points me in a direction, tells me what to do, where to go and what to say, I instantly begin pondering the reasons. I want to know why, how, how long, what is this leading to and let's not forget the "how does this benefit me". I'll admit it. I'm guilty. I'm an -over- analytical person. I love to study people and why we do what we do. I'm bad about listening to someone speak, but reading their body lanuage and facial expressions more. I read "between the lines" more than I hear what they're actually saying. This is impossible to do with God. First of all, just to state the obvious, we can't see him. Secondly, because we can not comprehend His ways. Job 37:5 says, "God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend." Ecclesiastes 11:5 says, "God’s ways are as hard to discern as the pathways of the wind, and as mysterious as a tiny baby being formed in a mother’s womb." We can read and study God's Word until we can quote it back and forth, but we'll never fully understand and comprehend God. It's impossible. God reveals Himself in small doses through out His Word and I'm convinced He does the same in our lives.
I have many friends, but only two best friends. It takes time to get to know someone, to trust someone and to find that special something that sets them above the rest. Building such a relationship requires time, effort and the "want to". The relationship grows with time and experiences, until one day you look back and find that with each experience you've learned to trust them more. The same can be said for our relationship with God. Our relationship with God will determine how well we trust Him. As we spend more time with Him, He reveals Himself more and more and allows us insight into His heart, His purpose and His plan.
Today you may be trying to connect the dots. You feel confused, lost and wondering what's next. Let me encourage you. Don't allow yourself to be distracted by those things you're not meant to understand and focus your attention on God. We're not meant to live life like a giant scavenger hunt looking for clues to paste the pieces together. We know our mission (Matthew 28:19-20). We know our final destination (John 14:2) and we know that God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Now let us trust Him to lead us and guide us according to His divine plan, knowing that He has it all planned out and can and will sustain us in our journey.
Let us pray.
Dear Lord,
We praise you and magnify your name. Thank you for being patient with us, for allowing us to be apart of your perfect plan despite our many shortcomings. Thank you for helping us to realign ourselves through Your Word. Father, we don't understand Your ways, nor do we understand your reasons. Please forgive us for being selfish and wanting everything to make sense to us. Please help us to accept the plate you set before us and be satisfied with your plan for our lives today, for we know you will take care of tomorrow. Touch our hearts, open our eyes and ears and fill us with your peace and joy. Encamp Your angels angels around us and keep us with your mighty power. We desire to please you and you alone, O Lord, to give you glory and honor and praises. We surrender ourselves to your Will today. Use us as you please. In Jesus name, Amen.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Just Say the Word!
This morning, I woke up bright and early with a lot on my mind. I needed to go for a walk and just spend some time with God. I wanted to hurry and get out the door before anyone woke up, but that didn't happen. As soon as I was dressed, had Rockie on his leash and had walked out the door, I heard my little girl ask, "Mommy, can I walk with you." I couldn't resist. I saw her smile and just couldn't help myself. I knew I needed the alone time but couldn't find it in my heart to tell her no, so she came with me.
As we walked, I began releasing all that was on my heart. Though outwardly it was unnoticeable, God heard everything I was thinking. Later, when we got back, I took out my Bible for my morning devotion. God had definitely heard my cry for help and He responded with this story found in Matthew chapter 8.
Matthew 8:5-10, 13 NASB
"...when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him, and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented.” Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. “For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel. And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed that very moment.
When I read this story today, the words "Just say the word" captivated my heart. What faith! What amazing, unwaivering faith! The centurion recognized Jesus authority and knows that with just a spoken word from Jesus, his servant will be healed. What a lesson we can take from this.
What's going on in your life right now? What do you have need of? Are you searching for answers? Are you searching for peace? Perhaps you're battling with your health, finances, direction or maybe you're just seeking a closer walk with God. First, remember this. We need to recognize and remember Jesus' authority, then surrender our needs and caste all our cares on Him and then just begin to rejoice knowing that when God speaks His Word will make the difference! He knows where you are today. He knows what you're going through and He's right there with you. Don't give up! Don't give in! Keep trusting Him and like I heard someone say recently, "When you can't hear God, read God!" His Word is faithful! His Word is sure! His Word is Powerful! His Word is all that you need! Amen! Amen! and Amen!
Worship Him today!
Hebrews 11:3a NASB
"By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God."
Isaiah 55:11 NASB
"So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."
As we walked, I began releasing all that was on my heart. Though outwardly it was unnoticeable, God heard everything I was thinking. Later, when we got back, I took out my Bible for my morning devotion. God had definitely heard my cry for help and He responded with this story found in Matthew chapter 8.
Matthew 8:5-10, 13 NASB
"...when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him, and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented.” Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. “For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel. And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed that very moment.
When I read this story today, the words "Just say the word" captivated my heart. What faith! What amazing, unwaivering faith! The centurion recognized Jesus authority and knows that with just a spoken word from Jesus, his servant will be healed. What a lesson we can take from this.
What's going on in your life right now? What do you have need of? Are you searching for answers? Are you searching for peace? Perhaps you're battling with your health, finances, direction or maybe you're just seeking a closer walk with God. First, remember this. We need to recognize and remember Jesus' authority, then surrender our needs and caste all our cares on Him and then just begin to rejoice knowing that when God speaks His Word will make the difference! He knows where you are today. He knows what you're going through and He's right there with you. Don't give up! Don't give in! Keep trusting Him and like I heard someone say recently, "When you can't hear God, read God!" His Word is faithful! His Word is sure! His Word is Powerful! His Word is all that you need! Amen! Amen! and Amen!
Worship Him today!
Hebrews 11:3a NASB
"By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God."
Isaiah 55:11 NASB
"So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Hold On, Holdfast and Have Faith!
Today as I read, a passage of Scripture that's not new to me, spoke volumes to me. Though I've heard it preached, taught and have even taught lessons on the subject, today while reading, it was like a light switch was flipped on in my head.
Jesus says in Matthew 6:25-34 (NASB), "For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?"
Let's stop right there for a moment, shall we? Jesus tells us not to worry about our life. He gives beautiful examples of how God cares for the birds of the air. Have you ever watched a bird early in the morning, while the ground is still soft and wet with dew? The bird conveniently snatches up a worm that came up to enjoy the cool breeze of the morning air.
I enjoy watching birds. I love to hear them sing their clear, crisp melodies of praise. They seemingly have not a care in the world. In moments they can flap their wings, reach the heights and see the all the beautiful sights that you and I would have to hop in an airplane or climb a mountain to see and even then our view would pale in comparison to theirs. What a life, but wait, notice what Jesus says in Matthew 6:26b NASB "Are you not worth much more than they?"
Psalms 8:3-4 NASB says, "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained (created); what is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him?"Who are we in comparison to other creatures God has made? I'll tell you. In no other creature has God breathed His breath of life, no other creature was created in His image and no other creature has ever been ransomed by the blood of His only Son, Jesus. Think about it! God loves us! He created us for the sole purpose to be His companion. He enjoys are company. He loves to embrace us in His arms and caress us with His gentle hand of mercy. Everything else was created for our pleasure, for us to enjoy as a gift of love. Has your spouse ever given you the whole world? Neither has mine, but God did. Only He can.
Jesus goes on to speak of the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28-30) and shares that not even King Solomon with all His wisdom and wealth was ever clothed with such beauty as that of a single lily, and shares that if God so clothes the grass of the field, how much more will He clothe us. Wait a second, I hear a rebuke coming... "You of little Faith!" Watch out, where's my umbrella, it's raining conviction right now! I'm so guilty! I've worried so much over so little in the grand scheme of things. I've allowed the cares of this life to captivate my attention when I should have stayed focused on Him. He is God! He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think. He's trustworthy and faithful!
Jesus continues to exhort us in Matthew 6:33 NASB saying, "But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Oh my! The end of this verse sends chills down my spine, causing me to cringe, but it's true. Job 14:1 NLT says, "How frail is humanity! How short is life, and how full of trouble!" What a word of truth, but here's more truth...
John 16:33 NLT, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
2 Corinthians 12:19 NKJV, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
John 14:1-4,6 NASB, "Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.
John 14:27 NASB, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
What a comfort and a joy to know that through all the toils and trials of this life, God is with us and His grace is sufficient to keep us! As the song says, "Though all hell asails me, I shall not be moved."
Today you probably feel like you've been lost at sea. You may feel if one more wave crashes against you, it's all over. Your strength is gone, your heart is breaking. You feel alone and seemingly no ones sees and no one cares. Let me encourage you today. God sees and God cares! He has already prepared the way before you. You may feel you can't see, hear or feel Him, but He's there! He's parting the seas in front of you. Just keep holding on, keep trusting Him! In the darkest of nights there's a lesson to learn. A seed has been planted and it's breaking out of the mold and shell. It's growing! Pretty soon you'll blossom as His beauty radiates through you and His fragrance fills the atmosphere around you. Hold on, holdfast and have Faith!
Jesus says in Matthew 6:25-34 (NASB), "For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?"
Let's stop right there for a moment, shall we? Jesus tells us not to worry about our life. He gives beautiful examples of how God cares for the birds of the air. Have you ever watched a bird early in the morning, while the ground is still soft and wet with dew? The bird conveniently snatches up a worm that came up to enjoy the cool breeze of the morning air.
I enjoy watching birds. I love to hear them sing their clear, crisp melodies of praise. They seemingly have not a care in the world. In moments they can flap their wings, reach the heights and see the all the beautiful sights that you and I would have to hop in an airplane or climb a mountain to see and even then our view would pale in comparison to theirs. What a life, but wait, notice what Jesus says in Matthew 6:26b NASB "Are you not worth much more than they?"
Psalms 8:3-4 NASB says, "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained (created); what is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him?"Who are we in comparison to other creatures God has made? I'll tell you. In no other creature has God breathed His breath of life, no other creature was created in His image and no other creature has ever been ransomed by the blood of His only Son, Jesus. Think about it! God loves us! He created us for the sole purpose to be His companion. He enjoys are company. He loves to embrace us in His arms and caress us with His gentle hand of mercy. Everything else was created for our pleasure, for us to enjoy as a gift of love. Has your spouse ever given you the whole world? Neither has mine, but God did. Only He can.
Jesus goes on to speak of the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28-30) and shares that not even King Solomon with all His wisdom and wealth was ever clothed with such beauty as that of a single lily, and shares that if God so clothes the grass of the field, how much more will He clothe us. Wait a second, I hear a rebuke coming... "You of little Faith!" Watch out, where's my umbrella, it's raining conviction right now! I'm so guilty! I've worried so much over so little in the grand scheme of things. I've allowed the cares of this life to captivate my attention when I should have stayed focused on Him. He is God! He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think. He's trustworthy and faithful!
Jesus continues to exhort us in Matthew 6:33 NASB saying, "But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Oh my! The end of this verse sends chills down my spine, causing me to cringe, but it's true. Job 14:1 NLT says, "How frail is humanity! How short is life, and how full of trouble!" What a word of truth, but here's more truth...
John 16:33 NLT, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
2 Corinthians 12:19 NKJV, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
John 14:1-4,6 NASB, "Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.
John 14:27 NASB, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
What a comfort and a joy to know that through all the toils and trials of this life, God is with us and His grace is sufficient to keep us! As the song says, "Though all hell asails me, I shall not be moved."
Today you probably feel like you've been lost at sea. You may feel if one more wave crashes against you, it's all over. Your strength is gone, your heart is breaking. You feel alone and seemingly no ones sees and no one cares. Let me encourage you today. God sees and God cares! He has already prepared the way before you. You may feel you can't see, hear or feel Him, but He's there! He's parting the seas in front of you. Just keep holding on, keep trusting Him! In the darkest of nights there's a lesson to learn. A seed has been planted and it's breaking out of the mold and shell. It's growing! Pretty soon you'll blossom as His beauty radiates through you and His fragrance fills the atmosphere around you. Hold on, holdfast and have Faith!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
All Things Work Together For Good
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Every time I read this passage of Scripture, I wonder why God called me. For the most part, in a crowd of people, I’m least likely to be noticed. Perhaps it’s because I’m the one who enters a room and looks for the corner. I’m not one to demand attention. I’m quiet and shy. So why would God call me? I’ll share a secret with you, because He has a plan!
I’m always encouraged when I read how much God loves and forgives the people of Israel. Even with all their drama, He remains faithful to His promise. He promised them peace and prosperity for as long as they served Him, worshiped Him and put any other god away and they did and they had peace and prosperity. On the other side, He told them that at any time they turned away from Him, their enemies would overtake them. We see throughout Scripture where God’s words became reality. We see and hear it on the news even today, but the fact remains, they want peace but peace won't come because of that covenant. God still loves His people and has a plan for His people. Whether we trust and obey or if we turn away, He still has a plan. It’s up to us to fulfill our purpose. We can choose our own path, be led astray and we’ll face hard times alone, or we can choose to surrender to His call and walk this road of life with all its mountains and valley’s but with assurance knowing God has paved the way before us.
Every time I read this passage of Scripture, I wonder why God called me. For the most part, in a crowd of people, I’m least likely to be noticed. Perhaps it’s because I’m the one who enters a room and looks for the corner. I’m not one to demand attention. I’m quiet and shy. So why would God call me? I’ll share a secret with you, because He has a plan!
I’m always encouraged when I read how much God loves and forgives the people of Israel. Even with all their drama, He remains faithful to His promise. He promised them peace and prosperity for as long as they served Him, worshiped Him and put any other god away and they did and they had peace and prosperity. On the other side, He told them that at any time they turned away from Him, their enemies would overtake them. We see throughout Scripture where God’s words became reality. We see and hear it on the news even today, but the fact remains, they want peace but peace won't come because of that covenant. God still loves His people and has a plan for His people. Whether we trust and obey or if we turn away, He still has a plan. It’s up to us to fulfill our purpose. We can choose our own path, be led astray and we’ll face hard times alone, or we can choose to surrender to His call and walk this road of life with all its mountains and valley’s but with assurance knowing God has paved the way before us.
Worth It!
In a day filled with insurmountable pressures, it’s no wonder discouragement and disappointments run rampant. Just when you think you’ve got life figured out, here come the many loops on this grand roller coaster ride of life. You’re up one day, smelling the roses, and the next, something or someone comes along and mows right over them – and you. Thank God, He remains in control during the midst of our confusion and turmoil. Without Him, we’d be as a good friend of mine use to say, “As lost as a ball in tall weeds.”
Sometimes I feel lost. Sometimes I feel like it’s, one more blow and I’m knocked out for good. Sometimes I ask God, “How much more of this can I take?” I get discouraged and, Lord knows, I’ve had many disappointments. Gazing from the outside in, some would say, I’ve endured more defeats then I’ve celebrated victories. Though it may appear that way a lot of the time, deep inside, I know that though I can’t always see the outcome and though I don’t always understand the how’s and why’s, I can rest assure of this truth, God is doing a work in me.He’s molding me and fashioning me into a vessel He can use. That makes it all worth it!
Sometimes I feel lost. Sometimes I feel like it’s, one more blow and I’m knocked out for good. Sometimes I ask God, “How much more of this can I take?” I get discouraged and, Lord knows, I’ve had many disappointments. Gazing from the outside in, some would say, I’ve endured more defeats then I’ve celebrated victories. Though it may appear that way a lot of the time, deep inside, I know that though I can’t always see the outcome and though I don’t always understand the how’s and why’s, I can rest assure of this truth, God is doing a work in me.He’s molding me and fashioning me into a vessel He can use. That makes it all worth it!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
The Voice of God (Poem)
You've been hurt by those who claim to love you.
You've been rejected by your own.
You've reached out to be slapped away
Now you feel so all alone.
Your life has not been easy
You've shed more tears than most your age.
You search for truth, hope and love
I am the truth, the light, the way.
Don't be fooled by those who come in my name
Their fruits speak clearly from whom they've been sent.
Come to me, my sweet love
Speak your heart, feel free to vent.
I knew you before the world's were framed
I've prepared you for this day
I long to spend eternity with you
Let me wipe your tears away.
My grace is sufficient
My love will never end
Draw near and I will show you
I'm one on whom you can depend.
I love you more then you'll ever know
I love you more than your mind can conceive
Remove your doubts, your fear and anxieties
Come and believe
Allow me to reveal myself
so you'll know and understand
I'm not a man that I should lie
Draw near, come take my hand.
Written By: Kimberly Thomas-Waters
May 19, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wait for the Lord
"Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord."
Psalm 27:14 NASB
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord."
Psalm 27:14 NASB
With so many decisions to make, so many choices to choose from. In every aspect of my life, I want to be pleasing to the Lord. I want to be where He wants me to be, doing what He wants me to do, living as He wants me to live and just totally, completely, 100% be sold out to Him! My heart's desire and #1 passion is to be everything God wants me to be. I've failed him all too often. I've went my own way too many times. I've made my decisions too many times and have had to reap the benefit or consequeneses. God doesn't break our arm to be in His perfect Will. He gives each of us our chance to choose. At times we go our own way and tho' He blesses us, the blessings are not as great as they could have been. And some times going our own way gets us in to big trouble. No matter where our own path leads us, He's forever standing there waiting for us to come back to Him and with open arms He invites us to follow Him again.
Too many times, I've had to learn things the hard way. My stubborness, hard-headedness and impatience has lead me all too often to grief. Whether sin or just simply walking in God's permissive will neither are as satisfiying as God's Perfect Will! It's only when we stand and wait on the Lord that our strength is renewed. It's only when we wait on the Lord that our battles are overcome. It's only when we wait on the Lord that our requests and petitions are answered and the path is brightened enough to take another step. It's only when we wait on the Lord that are faith is increased!
Maybe you're facing a "mountain". Maybe there's something or someone in your way. Whatever your circumstanc, wherever your decisions have left you or are leading you, and no matter what your choices may seem to be... "Wait on the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait on the Lord!"
He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the beginning and the end! He is Jehovah Jirah! He is God! Praise Him Saints of God for His goodness and His mercy! He IS worthy to be praised!
- originally posted at www.mychurch.org/kdtw 9/17/07
Just Sing
When you feel you can't go on... sing your song!
Make up the words as you go along... but sing your song!
No one can sing it for you. This is yours and yours alone.
Give everything you've got, don't fear the outcome.
Give glory and honor where they belong...
give praise to the Lord, sing your song!
Make up the words as you go along... but sing your song!
No one can sing it for you. This is yours and yours alone.
Give everything you've got, don't fear the outcome.
Give glory and honor where they belong...
give praise to the Lord, sing your song!
Change
"When you consider how hard it is to change
yourself and your own ways,
think how nearly impossible it is
to change others."
- "I'm More Than A Pastor's Wife" by: Lorna Dobson
Today as I was reading, "I'm More Than A Pastor's Wife" by Lorna Dobson, I came across this profound quote. There's much to be said on the subject. As anyone can attest, change is never easy. At the forefront of change you'll find struggle, rejection, closed ears and big mouths. Let's be real here. Change calls for... well... change.
When we’ve come to the realization that we have to lay across the bed to zip our favorite pair of jeans (ladies) or that we can no longer see our belt (men) we come face to face with the reality that something needs to change. Oh yeah, it hurts our feelings when we have to pass up that nice, delicious, cream-filled donut or just say no to another helping of that delicious ALL YOU CAN EAT dinner buffet, but when that belly and those hips begin to shrink, you start dancing and singing praises. Don’t tell me you don’t! So we agree, change is not easy, but oh so worth it! So then why is it so hard? Here’s why! As a general rule, we do not like to deny ourselves. We want what we want, when we want it. We’re, by nature, selfish people… generally. It’s a lot easier for us to point out the faults of others and glorify ourselves; however, when we do this, we’re only deceiving ourselves.
As I read the quote above, I had many thoughts. I know once I have my mind set on something I’m not easily persuaded or convinced otherwise. Just ask my husband. I’m a deep, analytical thinker… known to be over analytical at times. It takes a lot to make me believe something and once I believe something to be truth, it takes God to change my perspective or my take on the subject. Argue, make threats, fuss, pout and whatever else, but you’re only wasting your time. I’m stubborn. I like it! I’m not gullible or easily swayed. I listen to all sides but in the end I make up my own mind with much prayer and after looking to the Word… but guess what. I’ve been wrong! Yeah. I’ll admit it. I’ve been wrong about lots of things in my life that I believed to be God’s truth. It took time, study and a lot of time with God to convince me I was wrong, but nevertheless, I was wrong. So, if it took so long or so much to change me, how can I begin to expect changing others to be some how be easy.
Change can be scary. So does that mean we should forget change? NO! Take it slow? Yes and No. It depends on the seriousness of the situation. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a heart attack and you’re rushed to the hospital only to find that you indeed have blockages, a change is eminent. There’s no time to waste. Something needs to be done or you’ll die. The problem won’t go away until something gets done. But if you visit the doctor for a regular scheduled check-up and they tell you your triglycerides are high, they’ll more than likely suggest a diet change, possibly even some medicine. This would be considered slow change. Evaluate the seriousness of your situation and with much prayer determine the steps you need to take. Through it all keep this in mind. When dealing with others whom the changes will affect, be understanding of what’s running through their mind. Try to encourage, inform and uplift them, but where change is needed, change must come. You’ll battle resistance and feel misunderstood, but rest assured, you must press forward toward the prize.
Trust God to lead the way!
You Might Be Tempted To Laugh!!!
You Never Hear in Church
Hey! It's MY turn to sit on the front pew!
I was so enthralled, I never noticed your sermon went over time 25 minutes.
Personally, I find witnessing much more enjoyable than golf.
I've decided to give our church the $500.00 a month I used to send to TV evangelists.
I volunteer to be the permanent teacher for the Junior High Sunday School class.
Forget the denominational minimum salary: let's pay our pastor so she/he can live like we do.
I love it when we sing hymns I've never heard before!
You may be tempted to laugh as you read these, but for many churches, these "jokes" are so true. It's sad. It's a shame. Many things in life are temporary. Your house, your car, your golf clubs, your job, your money, your time here on earth... all temporary! What's not temporary? Your soul and the souls of your family, friends, co-workers, class mates, neighbors, the guy waiting on you at your favorite resturant, the checkout girl at the grocery store. While none of the temporary items I've mentioned are pointless, it is pointless to gain the whole world and lose your soul. Take this test to see if your priorities are way out of line. Remember, taking time to do things enjoyable is NOT wrong, but if they take more of your time then those things that matter most, your priorities are out of wack.
1. How much TV do you watch per week? Is it more than the time you spend with God?
2. Can you give more details about your favorite sport, fashion, etc. then you can about God and His Word?
3. Have you shared more gossip then Gospel this week?
4. Does your family get leftovers while your job gets quality?
5. Does God get quality or leftovers?
6. Does your favorite sports team get more praise at the game then God does at church?
7. Are you loud for you child's sports team but a quiet worshipper at church?
8. When's the last time you fed the hungry, took care of the orphan and widow?
9. Have you shared the Gospel with the person beside you today?
10. Who are you most devoted to, will sacrifice everything for, will lose yourself for?
We're all crazy busy these days, but let's not lose ourselves to the things of this world... they're only temporary. Instead, let's remember to lay up treasurers in Heaven where moths and rust do not destroy, where theives can't break in and steal. Let's remember the Great Commission and be reminded that we are called to death not till we're old. Let's be reminded to care for one another and prefer our brothers and sisters before ourselves. Let's be reminded that GOD comes first in all things. Let's lay aside every sin and weight that so easily distracts us and pulls us aside and let's run this race, before us, with patience, diligence... with joy! We're each gifted to work in one or many areas. Let's be the hands and feet of Jesus and stop gripping about stuff that simply doesn't matter. My heart cries out to you today. I'm so burdened for the lost. I'm so burdened for our churches across America today. We've got to wake up and be about our Father's business. Time is running out! Souls are dying lost! Forget about pleasing self or the person next to you and let's start pleasing God!
Take the challenge.
Shine His Light Today!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
