Friday, July 30, 2010

Sexual Immorality (part 2)

Sexual Immorality (part 2)

We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did--and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 1 Corinthians 10:8

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Wisdom is really about understanding that God exists and that He is aware of our daily activities. The fear of the Lord is to be God-conscious and to have knowledge of divine things. Fear of God is not to be terrified of Him; it is to submit to Him and to observe His commandments. Wisdom is to live under the guidance of God and understand what is pleasing and what is not pleasing to Him. Fear in that sense is to have reverence. As a matter of fact, the great news is that the love of God through Christ has the power to cast out fear and set us free. Friend, the word of God in Psalm 147:11 says, the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. Last week study on holiness and part of yesterday lesson taught us that our heavenly father is holy and there is no way He would embrace sexual immorality. God loves us, but hates sins. We live in a society in which the true values are really distorted, inverted and I dare say even perverted and it seems as though people are unable to distinguish right from wrong and don’t good and evil anymore.

Sexual Immorality isn’t only adultery. It also involves fornication, sexual perversions to include homosexuality, yes and even masturbation and immorality of the mind. The question regarding masturbation comes up often at Christian’s conferences and the answer is simple: Sex as described in the Bible is to be with a man and a woman in a marriage setting. In our society, people have sexual relationships after having known each other for a few minutes; sex seems to be a recreational activity. Friend, as long as you don’t have the three components, sex is not pleasing to God. I would like to clear the misconception that God is not a supporter of sex. The reality is that God thinks sex is wondrous, awesome and fantastic. An entire book of the Bible speaks of the joy of sexuality. Remember, He is the creator. Sexual intercourse is the highest expression of intimacy two people can share because it turns them into "one flesh"; consequently, sexual intimacy needs to be shared between two people in a marriage.

Nowadays, the Internet has facilitated and taken sexual immorality to a new level. Our youth is confused and have no way to turn when they have questions. It is our responsibility (the people of God), to uphold those values and guidelines set by God to avoid pain and suffering resulted from unwanted pregnancies, adultery, STD's, AIDS, and more importantly sexually immorality brings great pleasure to Satan, the enemy. God is not pleased with sexual immorality; in fact, we seem to have received more warning about sexual sin than any other sins. Two cities (Sodom and Gomorrah) were destroyed because of sexual immorality. 1 Corinthians 5:11 instructs us not to associate with people who are immoral. As Christians, we need to remember that God lives in us. We have to be vigilant. We cannot let any sin dwells in us. If sin has taken a hold of you, God is able and willing to give you a new start.

Let us pray: Father how grateful I am for your love. You love me so much that you sent your son to die for me. I realize now that I have sin against my own flesh and against you. Forgive me father. I want to live a life pleasing to you. From now on I want it to be you and I. Help me fight this battle of the flesh. I love you father and thank you for yet another chance. In Jesus holy name I pray. Amen!

Praise the Lord!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Sexual Immorality (part 1)

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Hebrews 13:4

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Abstinence is God’s only recommendation when it comes to sex outside marriage. Abstinence saves lives, protects babies, control sexually transmitted diseases, abstinence is your spiritual act of worship and honors God. I cannot stress it enough: The Bible recommends total abstinence before marriage. Sex between a husband and his wife is the only form of sexual relations of which God approves. This kind of truth is bound to make some feel uncomfortable; People get uneasy, when you start telling them that adultery, homosexuality, lust and fornication (sex outside marriage) are sinful; therefore, you are not likely to hear it at the local churches. This kind of preaching does not fill arenas and stadium. Parents are also reluctant to speak to children about sexual immorality. The devil convince them that it is too early until one day they realize that it is actually too late.

Sexual immorality is everywhere, both visibly and hidden and the practice and acceptance of homosexuality is so great that heterosexuality seems abnormal. Often times, adults and young adults in Christian conferences around the nations have shared that they find themselves either making excuses or explaining their stands concerning abstinence in order to gain acceptance. The teenager who understands that her/his body is a temple gets alienated but to an extent understandable but adults face the greatest challenges. People (even Christians) find it ridiculous that a 40-year old wants to remain pure. Biblical principles do not apply to healing and prosperity alone. All of God’s commandments are to be respected. You must know the truth about God’s rules regarding sexual immorality. The Christian needs to have knowledge (understanding) of why he/she needs to resist sexual temptation.

Friend, God is holy and he requires His people to be holy. Did you know that the word holy is used about 100 times in the book of Leviticus? Why do you think that is? Nowadays, Christians emphasize the love of God, which is one of God, many attributes but we cannot appreciate His love and goodness until we understand his holiness. God’s holiness is a recurring theme between Exodus 15 and Revelation 15:3-4.

My dear friend, strive for holiness. The good news is you don’t have to do it alone. You have the Holy Spirit as your helper. You can resist sexual temptation. Don’t be a "people pleaser". Your goal is to please God. It is better to be alone than to be living in sin. If you deprive yourself of a sinful indulgence God will reward you greatly, but If you insist on sinning you will pay the regrettably painful price of experiencing separation from God.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1

Praise the Lord!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The Wisdom of God

For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time .For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Proverbs 2:6-10

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It is documented that king Solomon wrote most of the Book of Proverbs. He had wisdom that he received from God. We can have that same wisdom by studying this awesome book of wisdom and following its advice and most of all by keeping our focus on God.

It is very important to understand how the devil works (yes, there is a devil) He will "try" to back you into a corner and use whatever weakness you allow yourself to have. He cannot take a place you don't give him. By acting like a victim, he will turn you into one. But Jesus died for our victory. Not having a parent, or people who care about you should not make you feel inadequate in any way. You already have the wisest Father on your side. You are the heir of the King of kings, His resources (all of them) are available to you, used them. Talk to your father, rely on His wisdom and be free. Being indecisive comes directly from the devil. Live with conviction, God's conviction and experience a freedom you never thought possible.

You may not have parents or friends to rely on for guidance in times of need, your husband may not understand you, but God knows you inside and out, He made you, and He knows exactly what you need and more importantly He knows how to fulfill your heart's desires.

Would you let Him take care of you this morning?
Could you stop complaining about what you don't have for a moment and enjoy whom you do have? A Wise and loving Father who never slumber nor sleep (Psalms 121:3-4)

Be encouraged, be strong and be wise in Jesus name.

Praise the Lord!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Are you Smart?

How wise are you really?

The foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. 1 Corinthians 1:25

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You probably know people who are intelligent and know it. They tend to always flaunt it either by correcting every word you say or by undermining any decision you make. There are also those who are smart but are not fully aware of it. They are shy and made decisions with great difficulties. But how smart are you? Do you Do you seek parents’ counsel? Do you call an older sibling or do you instantly know which decision to make when facing different choices? I have news for you this morning dear friend. No matter who you are, no matter the level of education you have received and no matter how smart you know/think you are, when it comes to your life you cannot not rely on your understanding. You must severe all ties with your wise/clever/intelligent self when you are born again. You must relinquish will power to Christ. You must humble yourself and yield to the power of God.

Christians don’t belong to themselves. If you are a believer, on the day you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, your life as you know it is forever gone and is replaced by a brand new one. Listen, believers fail to remember at times that they were bought for a high price. The blood of Christ is in fact the highest price anyone could ever paid. Jesus did not die just to leave you alone. He actually cares for you. He wants to be part of your life (I mean every area of your life is under his supervision). He wants to be your counselor, your friend, and your number one “go to person”. He wants to be your everything. You can rely on your own wisdom and pay the consequences or you can come to Him. You are missing out when you don’t go to Christ. You are carrying loads that you could have easily left at his feet. The word of God in Matthew 11:28 says, Come to me you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. You can actually rest in God’s presence. You do not have to carry your load.

Jesus says I am the truth, the way and the light (John 14:6). Let Him lead you friend. Let him lead you to that job. Let him lead you to that spouse, let him pick the house you should purchase. Ask him for help in finding those keys you keep misplacing. Invite him to accompany you during your mundane trips to the grocery store. Invite him in. Let him know that he is welcome in your life. Allow him to take his rightful place in your life.

Let us pray: Father God, thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for sending your son to die for my sin. Thank you for showing me the truth. Help me submit to you. I want to surrender my will to your unfailing control. Take possession of me (mind, soul and body). Thank you for guidance. Thank you for your word. May your wisdom be established in me. May your divine perfection continue to thrill my soul. May the power of your Spirit strengthen me and cover me with the power that I need to overcome myself, my will, the seductions of this world and the enemy. Give me a deep realization of your presence so that I can share your goodness with others. I adore you. I love you for only you are worthy of my love. Only you are holy and only you are God. Amen!

Praise the Lord!

Friday, July 23, 2010

Take control of your thoughts

Therefore, your minds must be clear and ready for action. Place your confidence completely in what God's kindness will bring you when Jesus Christ appears again. 1 Peter 1:13

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Many times when people talk and think negatively they aren't even conscious of it. When things in life don't turn out for the best it could be because of the way you talk and/or the way you think. What kind of conversations are you having with others? What kind of conversations are you having with yourself? Are you using positive or negative thoughts? The Bible warns us about the danger of ungodly thoughts. It is vital that we keep our minds in agreement with God’s plan and promises.

How do you train your mind to think positive and Godly-thoughts?

1)Be in God's Word so that when a sinful thought comes to your mind (a temptation), you will be able to recognize it and know what appropriate course of action to take. The Word of God is the will of God (you must read the Word). Jesus was tempted but responded to each of Satan's temptation with Scripture. As we do our part the Holy Spirit will assume His position. To be a Christian is to be one with Christ meaning we share His vision and agree with Him about what’s good and evil.

2)Most importantly, place your faith in Christ as Savior from your sin or not. Without this, there can be no victory over sinful thoughts and temptations and His promises for his children are not for you; nor is the Holy Spirit’s power available to you! Being born again is a must. Turn your life over to God. Acknowledge the truth of Christ.

3)The Bible is full of truth about the importance of controlling our minds:(2 Cor. 11:2-3), (Rom. 8:5-7), (2 Cor. 10:4-5), (Rom. 1:28), and Colossians 3:1-3 to mention just a few. The person you will be in the future is a direct result of what you are thinking right now. If you don’t like where you’re headed, begin to think godly, positive thoughts, and God will change your destiny.
Remember God knows what goes on the inside of you and He sees in the dark. You outside does not and will not impress Him. He knows and sees the real you every moment of every day of your life. “In what secret place may a man take cover without my seeing him? says the Lord. Is there any place in heaven or earth where I am not? says the Lord”. Jeremiah 23:24

May God bless you as you strive to honor him: who you are inside and not just what you appear to be to others. “Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” (John 1:47. May that description be a true of you as well.

Live a life pleasing to your Holy Father and be blessed.

Praise the Lord!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Intimate Friend

True Friend Intimate Friend

“No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you”. John 15:15-16

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For many years I longed for deep friendships. It was quite embarrassing to discover that after a certain amount of years on this earth, I knew people in 5 continents and yet I had no real, intimate friends. I would meet people and instantly feel connected to them and I would offer them my friendship with all the benefits that come with it but over and over I’d get disappointed. I wasn’t getting the commitment I expected in return. I set expectations that no one could ever met and as a result I grew up isolated, guarded and secretive. I was surrounded by people, but was lonely inside. Over the years I randomly trusted people who appeared to have wanted a deep friendship with me just to face the painful realization that they did not know how to give what I was so desperately searching for at the time.

I was reading the above scripture one night when I finally understood its true meaning. I have read it many times before but that night I realized that true friendship such as the one I was looking for can only come from God. The loneliness that I grew up with could only be filled by the unconditional love of God. It was unfair to expect earthly friendships to fill needs that God strategically created us with for the purpose of filling Himself. Like me, perhaps you have never thought of Jesus in that way, perhaps you never seen Him as a friend, a real friend who cares about every area of your life. You know him as the Savior and the Eternal Son of the Living God but do you know him as “your” intimate friend? The above scripture confirms that He is indeed our friend. He wants to share Himself with us. He gave himself for us. The people we choose as friends will let us down. They are limited in their ability to fulfill all of our needs and in many cases they don’t even know how to love but Jesus is the one who loves His friends. He loves us so much that He gave His life. Wow! Imagine that for a minute. Who do you know will give his life for you: A spouse, parent, a brother or sister? I seriously doubt it. People dedicate their lives in search for their own happiness no time to worry about anyone else.

God did create us with a need for each other; however, by no means should that need be a substitute for the innate need to be with God. Friendships are important, but they don't always last. Jesus knows us and loves us despite who we are. He stands by us through our ups and downs. He doesn’t hide away when we are facing adversity. He doesn’t use excuses to justify his absences and you don’t have to leave Him numerous messages to finally get a call back. He cares about our weakness and loneliness. He will always be there for us. He is our friend. Unlike other friends, we didn’t choose Him. He chose us (John 15:16).

When a love one turns his back on you, when you’re going through your darkest hours, I want you to remember that you are not alone. Jesus promises to dry up your tears when you are in pain. He promised to remove your anxiety when you are worried. He promised to hold your hand while walking through the dark valleys of life because He is your friend, your best friend, the life-giving friend, and the friend for life. If you never had a real friend, I have great news: Jesus longs to be your friend. He wants
to have that deep, intimate, and true relationship you so definitely deserved. Call on his name and start enjoying a friendship you never thought possible.

Praise the Lord!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

A Call to Holiness

Be Holy!

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1 13-16

Christians are very familiar with all of God’s attributes. They rely on them in times of needs but somehow holiness is one attribute that has been ignored. The heavenly father is holy and he wants us to be just like him. In fact, we were created to be holy. We read n Genesis 1:26, “Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So friend, you were created to be like God. We created to be holy. You must live a holy life right here on this earth. The bible says in Matthew 5:48, Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. People say it is too hard and that no one can be perfect; therefore, they don’t even try. You must continue to strive for holiness because our father created us to be holy.

How do you remain holy in this world? With all of its distractions, the world can be quite seductive but the believer knows to keep the eyes on the highest prize. You must first repent of your sins, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and then receive the Holy Ghost. Then you can live holy like God wants you to live. You don’t have to this alone. Once you are saved and belong to God, the Spirit takes up residence in your hearts forever, sealing you with the assuring pledge of your eternal state as God child for ever. Jesus said He would send the Spirit to us to be our Helper, Comforter, and Guide. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever” (John 14:16). Friend, of all the gifts given to mankind by God, there is none greater than the presence of the Holy Spirit. Do you understand now how much God loves you? He made provision for you. The call to holiness is not an unreasonable one. Friend keep striving for holiness.

Be blessed, be wise and be holy!

Praise the Lord!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Promises of God!

Again, I say to you, that if two of you are in agreement on earth about anything for which they will make a request, my Father in heaven will do it for them. Matthew 18:19

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Can God really mean something like this? The only way we can comprehend the value attached to such promise or any of God promises for that matter is if we have real wisdom, and it is written, “and if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) Why would God make such promise? He did simply because He loves us. God is love. He is motivated by love. I realize that it is almost impossible to trust this kind of selfless love because most people are not familiar with it here on earth. Now, “Quid Pro Quo” you do this for me, and I will do that for you is well known. People are always looking for hidden agenda and motivation and that is why Christians don’t believe the word of God. They can’t understand such selfless love. Friend, you should understand that God is dependable. He has power and His power is available to you. God does not lie. His faithful nature will not let Him do so and the beauty of it is that He will not change. Listen, you can and should rely on His love and His infinite Wisdom. Moses trusted God knew Him well because he said, “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19). What did God say in the last book of the Old Testament? “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6).

Now, the promise of giving you what two of you agree on is a promise that God will keep. He does keep all of His promises. Find a prayer partner (spouse, sibling, your choice or ask God to send you one). “And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Matthew 21:22) Pray with them for their specific need. They’ll pray for yours. You may count us your prayer partners, too, if you wish. His promises are powerful, because of His love.

Trusting is not something that comes naturally to us. We have to learn to trust. We grew up experiencing certain hurts and disappointments and they leave scars, fortunately, God is the ultimate healer, He knows how to care for our wounds. A life that includes trust in God is a life of victory. Glory to God!

Can you trust God? Really trust Him? Can you trust Him with your hearts, your resources, your lives and your souls? Absolutely, positively, definitely, and most certainly! There was nobody before Him and there will be nobody after Him. He is the Alpha and The Omega. He had no predecessor. He will have no successor. He is the source of all things. He is the giver of life. He is life. He is the joy out of every sorrow. He is the light of every dark situation. He’s the peace that passes all understanding. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift. He is the one who will never leave or forsake you. He does what He says, and says what He means. You can trust that He will keep all of His promises. He is never your problem but the solution. You can and should trust Him.

Praise the Lord!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Promises of God

Again, I say to you, that if two of you are in agreement on earth about anything for which they will make a request, my Father in heaven will do it for them. Matthew 18:19

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Can God really mean something like this? The only way we can comprehend the value attached to such promise or any of God promises for that matter is if we have real wisdom, and it is written, “and if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) Why would God make such promise? He did simply because He loves us. God is love. He is motivated by love. I realize that it is almost impossible to trust this kind of selfless love because most people are not familiar with it here on earth. Now, “Quid Pro Quo” you do this for me, and I will do that for you is well known. People are always looking for hidden agenda and motivation and that is why Christians don’t believe the word of God. They can’t understand such selfless love. Friend, you should understand that God is dependable. He has power and His power is available to you. God does not lie. His faithful nature will not let Him do so and the beauty of it is that He will not change. Listen, you can and should rely on His love and His infinite Wisdom. Moses trusted God knew Him well because he said, “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19). What did God say in the last book of the Old Testament? “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6).

Now, the promise of giving you what two of you agree on is a promise that God will keep. He does keep all of His promises. Find a prayer partner (spouse, sibling, your choice or ask God to send you one). “And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Matthew 21:22) Pray with them for their specific need. They’ll pray for yours. You may count us your prayer partners, too, if you wish. His promises are powerful, because of His love.

Trusting is not something that comes naturally to us. We have to learn to trust. We grew up experiencing certain hurts and disappointments and they leave scars, fortunately, God is the ultimate healer, He knows how to care for our wounds. A life that includes trust in God is a life of victory. Glory to God!

Can you trust God? Really trust Him? Can you trust Him with your hearts, your resources, your lives and your souls? Absolutely, positively, definitely, and most certainly! There was nobody before Him and there will be nobody after Him. He is the Alpha and The Omega. He had no predecessor. He will have no successor. He is the source of all things. He is the giver of life. He is life. He is the joy out of every sorrow. He is the light of every dark situation. He’s the peace that passes all understanding. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift. He is the one who will never leave or forsake you. He does what He says, and says what He means. You can trust that He will keep all of His promises. He is never your problem but the solution. You can and should trust Him.

Praise the Lord!

Monday, July 12, 2010

God's Providence


But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!  Matthew 6:30

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 Man, first of all, was created to God’s image and likeliness. Let’s take a look at the scripture: He ordered everything to existence (Gen 1:11), yet with man He made his body from the dust of the earth, but his spirit and soul were immediately from his Creator: “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Gen. 2:7). Somehow, we do not seem to realize the very essence of who we are is part God. He breathed part of Himself into us, the part that gives life because He is the God of the living. Friend, remember that God is a promoter of life and not death. “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. God is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Matthew 22:32). The God who gives us life also knows how to preserves it while we are here on earth. God is not a father who worries about our soul alone, but of the body also. That fact is made clear in the above scripture. Our creator made a couple of interesting points in Matthew 6:25-34. First, he made sure that we know our place in the order of creation: (we are number 1-He cares for us way more), and second, He promised to take care of all of our needs.

So why do Christians worry? My pastor’s most frequently quoted verse answer the question perfectly; “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” Hosea 4:6. They don’t know God because He reveals Himself in His Word and unfortunately they don’t read the word. Don’t be surprised that there are some professing Christians who assume the attitude that they hold no responsibility in this matter. I have heard people say that faith is a supernatural principle, a Divine gift from God; therefore, not all of us receive such gift and it is not their fault that they are still struggling with faith. Consequently they go through an entire life continuously defeated and never experience the victorious power of the Word of God. Such passive way of life is in no way honoring or pleasing to God. The Bible tells us that the way to get more faith is to put to work the measure which we already have and to use the means God has appointed (HIS WORD).

Have you ever noticed how some people never get to read the Bible with us during church services? It doesn’t matter how long the chapter, some people will take the entire time flipping through pages, disturbing those of us who are reading because they don’t know where to find the passage. They are not familiar with any of the books of the Bible for the simple fact that they don’t read. If you want to please anyone, you need to know their like and dislike, you have to spend time with them. A relationship with God is no less important. You must play your part. You must seek Him and He will embrace you and my dear friend, your duty is to read God’s Word on a daily basis, to meditate thereon, and let the seed of God’s goodness grow on our hearts and consciousness. We have to urge our souls to believe, and we must strive and fight against doubts and distrust. We must trust our maker.

The Christian must fight against evil thoughts of lack and complaints and must hold on the Divine promises of God and assure himself (constantly) that the “Lord will provide”. The Christian must rely on God’s providence. The Christian must know that God is about, peace, joy, love, life. In short, God’s is only about what is good and holy.

Get familiar with God by reading His word and you will never have to be anxious another day of your life.

Praise the Lord!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

God of Possibilities

God can do it ALL

Today's Devotion (7/8/2010) says,

I shall be with you," the LORD said to him, "and you will cut down Midian to the last man." Judges 6:16

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You may already know the story. God wanted to use Gideon for something great God wanted to use him to deliver the Israelites from the power of Midian), so He appeared to him and share the news with him, but Gideon did not embrace the news. He made many excuses instead, even though he already knew the glory and the power of God. They were just brought out of Egypt, He was still afraid to go, then The LORD turned to him and said, "Go with the strength you have and save Israel from the power of Midian. It is I who send you." His reply was: "Please, my lord, how can I save Israel? My family is the meanest in Manasseh, and I am the most insignificant in my father's house". Again, God said go, I will be with you, but Gideon replied, if you are with us why are we going through so much? (Remember the Israelites were under the power of Midian for seven years by then). Again God say go. Does this story sound familiar? What has God call you to do? What other source of courage do you need? Who else do you need when you have the protection of the Almighty?

The problem with Christians today is that they don’t want to endure. God did not promise that they wouldn’t go through stuff. He promised that He will be with them through it all. God promised victory, but Christians don’t want to endure. They don’t want to be soldiers in the army of the Lord Jesus Christ. They all want to go to heaven, but they want to go our way. They want to have victory on earth but unwilling to fight. They just want to live an uneventful/boring time on earth. Victory is for fighters. I can relate to why people don’t want to fight because most of the time they don’t know the outcome, but we have the promises of God to be with us. He already told us the outcome. We have the victory, the battle is won. We have the Almighty on our side. Glory to God!

Friend, trouble is going to come your way, it’s inevitable, but you are a child of promise. You have to learn to believe God’s Word. At one point or another (hopefully today) you have to start trusting Him. You have to take a step forward. you must not and cannot remain baby Christian forever. You have to grow in godliness. At one point or another, you must decide to take God seriously. Take Him at His word. Then the LORD said to me, "You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it." (Jeremiah 1:12). God is looking for people who know His Word and live by it. He is waiting to execute. He is longing to give you the victory but you are not working the Word. We are not the first generation on earth. (the Israelites did not take God at His word after he took them out of Egypt and another 40 years in the wilderness), but wouldn’t it be great if we were the generation that believes, the generation that lives without limits under the guidance and the banner of the King of kings and the Lord of Lords?

Friend, you have the victory in Jesus name, no matter what it looks like, no matter what the situation you are facing this morning. You don’t have a job? Your spouse walked out? You’re having trouble conceiving a child? You can’t seem to find the right mate? Your love ones are not saved? Are you sick in your body? The doctor refuses to make eye contact because he knows that the situation is dangerous? But friend I am telling you it’s not over until God says it is so, Glory! Friend experience God to the fullest. Put His word to work and you will know a life of possibility, a life without limit: a victorious life. You are serving a God who can do anything but fail. You are serving The God of possibilities.

“With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

Praise the Lord!

Monday, July 5, 2010

Does God Heal Today?

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.James 5:16

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Religious people follow every sentence with "If it's God's will" or "I'll just leave it up to God" or "God willing". I am here to tell you that Christians know that when it comes to your well-being, God is always willing. "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well". 3 John 1:2. God's help is always within reach through prayers.He wants us to pray to him for help. In Luke 18:1 Jesus told his disciples that they "should always pray and not give up." and then Jesus asked "...will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?" People say that miracles don't happen anymore but I am reminding you that they are consistantly occuring. The power of God is still manifesting. Pray to God from your heart for healing and all of your other needs. Don't ever stop. Don't ever give up. God ants you well.

The Healing ministry of Jesus covers about twenty percent of the Gospel. Jesus taught his disciples how to pray and heal. He sent them to carry on his work. Wouldn't Jesus want his followers to pray for healing today? I believe He would.You need to continue to pray for healing and we (believers) need to pray for each other's healing. The bible is filled with healing scriptures:
James 5:14-15 "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elder the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven."

James 5:16 we are asked to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." and then told that "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

Mark 11:23-25 Jesus further instructs to forgive when we pray "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, `Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

My dear friend, be assured that God wants you well, that prayers work and that miracles still happen. Don't you ever give up. Don't you ever stop praying.

Praise the Lord!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Do Not Fear

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

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Are you saved? Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ? If you do, the Bible urges you not to worry. People say that it is easier said than done, but I say that it a matter of practice. Christians must learn to trust God. The Word of God is the will of God. Christians forget at times, that God is the ultimate giver. He gave his son. It is desire to give us all that we need. We don’t have to beg, or cry. The word of God urges to seek the kingdom and the righteousness and everything else’s will be given to us. Everything implies all that we need and imagine. Everything is everything not just something and that include your current situation. God wants to provide for that pressing need but do you have the faith to ask and expect? My dear friend, have faith in God and you will see his glory. The situation that you are facing is not greater than God. When you approach God, everything is within reach. You do not have to fear. The above scripture reminds you that God is with you and will strengthen you as you passed through your tests. Be encouraged this morning. Know God hears your prayers. He cares about all of your needs and He is able and willing to intervene if you would just let Him in and rest in his presence.

Fear not, is not just good advice. It is n order. You are in disobedience to God when you worry. When you fear, you question God’s omnipotence. Faith and fear cannot co-habit. Make the choice to trust God word and let go of all fear and only then will you be able to live the full and purposeful life that God sent his son to die to offer you. Did you know that Fear Not! And be Not Afraid” appeared 180 times in the Bible? God would like you to have the peace that surpasses all intelligence if you would just accept it. I would agree with you, the world appears to be a scary place, but I can guarantee you that is not the way it was intended to be and despite the daily terror on the news, you are still under the protection of the omniscient and omnipotent God. He knows it all. Nothing catches Him by surprise. He never says, “I didn’t see that one coming”. He knows everything before it happens. You can rely on God’s omnipresence. He is always with you. Why would you fear? He is Sovereign: nothing is above Him. He is immutable. He will not go back on His word. He is good, just and merciful: He will do you right. Fear not! My friend. Fear Not! As you go through this day and every day of your life, know that the one who is with you is greater than what is against you.

Praise the Lord!

Happy birthday Nathalie P. You must know by now how much I love you and most of all, you must know how much God loves you. You are a joy and a blessing to our family and to the body of Christ. May your light continue to shine bright! I am proud of who you are and I am excited about your future in Christ. May you never know fear of any kind. You have security in Jesus Christ.