God Will Carry You!

For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh. Romans 8:3

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

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It does not matter how many great messages Christians hear, it does not matter what church they go to, or how long they have had a relationship with God, for whatever reason, when a trial comes they panicked. I have been guilty as well. Friends, there must come a time when you and I decide to have complete faith in God's ability to carry us. He promised that He will and that should be enough. We must not be afraid every time trouble comes our way. We must understand that God is the Almighty. He can do all things.  If for nothing else, we must trust Him because He already saved us for eternal damnation by sending His son Jesus Christ to die at Calvary. God should be trusted. 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Cancer has been quite problematic in recent years. This disease is not one to take lying down. It is not fun to go through it, but  people are cured of all kinds of cancer on a daily basis.  MS, Heart Disease, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Kidney, Thyroid, and Liver Disease have scared a few people as well, but dear friends, our God is bigger than Cancer. God is greater than all of those diseases put together.  I am not minimizing the devastation of any of the diseases. I have had first hand experience with some of them. I am fully aware of what they do to the body, and the mind. Still, I believe we can overcome. We know the name of the  Great Overcomer.

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 1 Peter 3:14

The issues of finances have concerned the world since the beginning of time but God is the creator of the universe. He is the ultimate giver. He has already given us His best. May I remind you again that God sacrificed His best for our salvation?  There is nothing that God will no do for you and I. We just have to trust God. Listen, God cares about everything about us. Surely He does not want us to be hungry. Christ fed the poor when He lived among us. He can and will make a way. He will carry you. He will make a way for your family. Trust God.

Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one. Isaiah 44:8

Bad days do not exist. It is a concept that the devil develop to defeat us. Every day is an opportunity to experience God's glory. Every problem is an opportunity to experience Jehovah Nissi at His best.

 Just recently I was going through what I then perceived as a bad day. I woke up late. I had meetings plan up to 12 hours. I left without my wallet. I was running out of gas. I got stuck in heavy traffic. I was about to explode! I was hysterical and wondered why everything had to go wrong. So I was extremely late and had to apologize to a few people, but I survived. I lived to see another day.

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephania 3:17

 Listen friends, do not sweat the small stuff. So you missed out on a job or business opportunity, or you missed a game or an events, whatever it may me that seems so important. Do not sweat it. Don't let anything shake your faith in God. Whatever it is, you will get passed it. Keep your eyes on what to come for certain: Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will soon be here to take us with Him, whoohoo! One day very soon, perhaps today, Christ will be here, and we will leave this world with all its sufferings.  The promise of Christ should fill our hearts with hope and joy that nothing can change. Nothing else really matter. What is being late to a meeting compares to eternity? What you are facing today and what is pressing you so heavily will soon pass. The love of God is the only thing that survives the test of times.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:38-39

I do not own the rights to this song but I fell in love with it. I pray that you will let it bless you. Remember God cares. He will carry you.

God Can Carry You..............

For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh. Romans 8:3

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

www.bibletourwithjoline.blogspot.com

It does not matter how many great messages Christians hear, it does not matter what church they go to, or how long they have had a relationship with God, for whatever reason, when a trial comes they panicked. I have been guilty as well. Friends, there must come a time when you and I decide to have complete faith in God's ability to carry us. He promised that He will and that should be enough. We must not be afraid every time trouble comes our way. We must understand that God is the Almighty. He can do all things.  If for nothing else, we must trust Him because He already saved us for eternal damnation by sending His son Jesus Christ to die at Calvary. God should be trusted. 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Cancer has been quite problematic in recent years. This disease is not one to take lying down. It is not fun to go through it, but  people are cured of all kinds of cancer on a daily basis.  MS, Heart Disease, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Kidney, Thyroid, and Liver Disease have scared a few people as well, but dear friends, our God is bigger than Cancer. God is greater than all of those diseases put together.  I am not minimizing the devastation of any of the diseases. I have had first hand experience with some of them. I am fully aware of what they do to the body, and the mind. Still, I believe we can overcome. We know the name of the  Great Overcomer.

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 1 Peter 3:14

The issues of finances have concerned the world since the beginning of time but God is the creator of the universe. He is the ultimate giver. He has already given us His best. May I remind you again that God sacrificed His best for our salvation?  There is nothing that God will no do for you and I. We just have to trust God. Listen, God cares about everything about us. Surely He does not want us to be hungry. Christ fed the poor when He lived among us. He can and will make a way. He will carry you. He will make a way for your family. Trust God.

Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one. Isaiah 44:8

Bad days do not exist. It is a concept that the devil develop to defeat us. Every day is an opportunity to experience God's glory. Every problem is an opportunity to experience Jehovah Nissi at His best.

 Just recently I was going through what I then perceived as a bad day. I woke up late. I had meetings plan up to 12 hours. I left without my wallet. I was running out of gas. I got stuck in heavy traffic. I was about to explode! I was hysterical and wondered why everything had to go wrong. So I was extremely late and had to apologize to a few people, but I survived. I lived to see another day.

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephania 3:17

 Listen friends, do not sweat the small stuff. So you missed out on a job or business opportunity, or you missed a game or an events, whatever it may me that seems so important. Do not sweat it. Don't let anything shake your faith in God. Whatever it is, you will get passed it. Keep your eyes on what to come for certain: Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will soon be here to take us with Him, whoohoo! One day very soon, perhaps today, Christ will be here, and we will leave this world with all its sufferings.  The promise of Christ should fill our hearts with hope and joy that nothing can change. Nothing else really matter. What is being late to a meeting compares to eternity? What you are facing today and what is pressing you so heavily will soon pass. The love of God is the only thing that survives the test of times.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:38-39

I do not own the rights to this song but I fell in love with it. I pray that you will let it bless you. Remember God cares. He will carry you.

Lord so much Pain in the World!

                       

                     

Do not be afraid or terrified; be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:2).

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I was listening to the news this morning and tears wouldn't stop coming out of my eyes. The news around the world just isn't good. From my home town here to Syria, Nigeria, Iraq, and Sierra Leone. People are experiencing great pain. Jesus experienced pain as well. Even though He was about to raise His friend Lazarus from the grave, the Bible reported that He cried. (John 11:35). He feels your loss too because He loves you so much. Jesus sadness was apparent the night before His arrest, He begged His father to change the future, only if God was willing. He knew what the future holds and yet He had the courage to fulfill His mission. (Praise God!). He had the courage to face the tough times. He will also give you courage when you are going through difficulties. You can actually have joy through adversity. 

Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me."  Psalm 50:15

Where is God when it hurts? Right next to you sometimes; and other times holding your hands, cheering you on, comforting you and whispering to your hears "do not fear, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10). Jesus is the Prince of Peace and when you invite Him in, He come along with His peace.

Did you know that to be courageous is a command from God? It was not just great advice,; Therefore, to not being courageous is to be disobedient to God. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for I will be wit you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9). "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us," Paul said "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:37–39).

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20

Friend, there's no greater joy and peace then to surrender your being to the Lord and trust that is more than capable of taking care of you. Surely His arm is not too short to save nor His ear too dull to hear (Isaiah 59:1). Just put your trust in Him and go to Him with all of troubles. In pain, grief and love, God is never too far. In our darkest and loneliest moments we may not have a complete understanding and we may not have answers to the questions of suffering, but we can surrender ourselves into the hands of the one who made us, the one who does have the answers, and who will faithfully walk with us and lead us through the dark valley. Have faith in God. Know that HE wants you well. He wants to touch you. He wants to experience His healing power. Friend, whatever it may be, either physical, spiritual or emotional illness, trust God to heal You. He certainly has the power to touch you wherever you hurt. Let His healing flow. Surrender to God. Let Him have your pain and brokenness. Let Him heal you and make you whole and be blessed!

Be courageous, be fortified, and be blessed in Jesus name!

Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth. Jeremiah 33:6

Praise the Lord!

Created to Love and be Loved.................

                         

"So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27

Have you ever wondered why God created mankind? Many people believe that it is to make His creation perfect, some believe that he created mankind in order to have people to dominate and a few more believe He created humanity to have people who fear Him.

I believe that we are special because we were created to the image of God and the true reason that He created us is to LOVE. He wants us to love Him and to be loved by Him for God is love and He has all this love to share. He creates us to receive His love and to generate love and not to fear because there is no fear in love (1 John 4:18). God could have given His love to any heavenly being of His choice but He saves all of his love to us "mankind" because we were created to His image; that is how special we are! He created us so He can have fellowship with us as partners (1 John 1:3).

What does it really mean to be created to God's image? It simply means that He created us with the ability to be just like Him. God is the creator, the Author and Finisher and all things, and like Him we have the ability to accomplish great things, because He loves us so much He made His power available to us.

Love should be coming out of our beings. We should be overpowered by love. God's been trying to keep a LOVING relationship with us since the creation, but again and again we reject His love. He made everything on earth for our enjoyment because He loves us so dearly. It is that deep love that influenced Him to send His son Jesus Christ to die the humiliating death on Calvary in order to restore His love relationship with us but we still resist. We just don't understand how special we really are. Most of us don't even believe that we deserve His love. We go through life looking for love in all the wrong places and find trouble and rejection repeatedly instead.

The world is desperate in its search to finding love and that is why the "love Websites business" is thriving. People are willing to pay in order to find love. They have no idea that they are already loved by the greatest lover. He loves you so much that He gave His life. His love is a free gift. Friend,you just have to receive it. The world cannot love you the way you deserve. Frankly, most of the time even your spouse is clueless about what you need to feel loved, but God knows exactly how to love you. He created you. He knows you. He understands precisely the longings of your heart. He can fulfill the emptiness if you would just accept His free gift of love.

God wants to give you His love today, can you dare receive it? He is offering you His perfect peace and joy, will you dare accept it? Dare to believe that you are special today. You were created with love and more importantly you were created by love for God is love (1 John 4:8). Don’t give your love to the wrong people; turn your attention to God and receive His perfect love as well as the ability to give love without any constraint.

Praise the Lord!

The Powerful Name of Jesus............

"I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father can be glorified in the Son" John 14:13

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When I was about 9 years old, my parents encouraged me to memorize John 14, the entire chapter. It took a few days but I eventually did. Back then I didn't realize how important it was to understand that chapter. It was the key that shapes my Christian walk. It is the one chapter in the Bible that clearly explains why we prayed in Jesus name, and also it is the chapter that reveals the power of the Trinity (God the father, the Son and the Holy Spirit).

When you pray in Jesus name, you come to the father with everything that Jesus is, when you mention His name to the father, you are reminding Him of the blood covenant, the sacrifice on Calvary that is why you cannot fail. You can have power and dominance over whatever you are facing. "In Jesus Name" is not just some fancy words we used at the end of a prayer. It is the assurance that you will get whatever you just prayed for.

The name of Jesus comes with/synonymous of power and authority. I t is the name that is above all names. (Philippians 2:5-11). It is the ONLY name that SAVES.

God wants YOU to walk with power, talk with Power and more importantly He wants YOU to be filled with His power, but you have to know how to get it. His power is in His word, in Jesus, the Word becomes flesh (John 1:14).

When you pray in Jesus name, believe that you receive. You cannot pray in Jesus name and continue to worry about you situation. Jesus is power, dominion, love and victory.
You can come to God and expect a miracle in Jesus name.

I don't pray in Jesus name and hope to get an answer. I pray in His name and KNOW/EXPECT that my request/need is met and my answer already given (notice the past tense) on Calvary years ago.

Are you facing something so great, so powerful that it seems irresponsible not to worry? Are you facing a battle that seems lost in the natural? Let me assure you, there is no need to worry; your battle is already won in the spiritual, in Jesus name.

It is the will of God for you to be "worry free" to prosper, to be in good health. (Jeremiah 29:11-12).

It does not matter what you are facing, it doesn't matter what the doctor says, it doesn't matter what it looks like, it doesn't matter what your spouse and friends are saying. The word God assures you that you are more than a conqueror through Christ (Roman 8:37). And that's that. You need to stand on the Word of God.

There is power in the name of Jesus. Put your faith to work and receive your miracle in Jesus name.

Praise the Lord!
                                         
                    

Psalm 11

1 In the Lord I take refuge. 
    How then can you say to me:
    “Flee like a bird to your mountain. 
2 For look, the wicked bend their bows; 
    they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows 
    at the upright in heart. 
3 When the foundations are being destroyed,
    what can the righteous do?”

4 The Lord is in his holy temple; 
    the Lord is on his heavenly throne. 
He observes everyone on earth; 
    his eyes examine them.
5 The Lord examines the righteous, 
    but the wicked, those who love violence,
    he hates with a passion. 
6 On the wicked he will rain
    fiery coals and burning sulfur; 
    a scorching wind will be their lot.

7 For the Lord is righteous, 
    he loves justice; 
    the upright will see his face.

Be Available To Serve.......

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 1 John 3:17

You are not awake by accident. God preordained this day just for you. Start every day with this affirmation of faith: "This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). People don't enjoy each day because they are worrying about yesterday and tomorrow. The truth is yesterday is gone forever and tomorrow is not guaranteed. Friend, we only have today so let us make the best of it. Expect the unexpected. Expect something great to happen today. Expect favor of man and expect favor of God. Confess to yourself that "Disappointments of yesterday and worries of tomorrow have no place in my today".  In fact, don't wait for something good to happen. Make something good happen instead. Call a sick friend and pray together. Take a child to the park. Invite a friend to lunch. Walk up to your aged neighbor's door and offer to do the laundry, read a book or mow the lawn. Take the lonely couple down the block for a walk or offer to take their pet for a walk. You will be amazed at the results.

Trust me when I tell you that doing something for others brings much joy, and there is nothing more unfortunate than a missed opportunity. It is possible that I have told this story before on Bible Tour. I was at the grocery store a while back and there was a lady who was waiting to pay. As I was approaching the cash register the Spirit of God came upon me and and I had a strong sense that God wanted me to pay for the lady's purchase. I was running late for work and only I stopped by to get my daily yogurt and I was in no mood to spend more than I planned. I justified it to myself by saying "God knows I don't have much myself." Besides, I did not wish to cause an embarrassment for the lady by interfering. So, I looked away as the cashier and the lady continued their animated discussion. I overheard the lady saying that she really needed the food for lunch and the cashier repeatedly said she could not pay for "hot food" with her EBT card. The card is for groceries and not for food from the deli section of the store. I kept on looking away and distracted myself with my surroundings. When I finally decided to intervene and make eye contact, the lady was gone. I immediately felt intense sadness and remorse. I ran outside and looked up and down but the lady was nowhere to be found. How sad! 

The total was $2.05 and God was not able to count on me for little over two dollars. I spent the entire day trying to make up for  the missed  opportunity. I  purchased treats for my students and my co-workers but I felt horribly all day long. I had to repent and ask God for forgiveness and I promise myself to keep my eyes open for opportunities to serve.  We should wake up ready and willing to be used by God in any way He chooses. Friend, God should be able to count on us to carry out His Will. We should be excited about life, about giving and serving. We are never more like Christ than when we serve each other and sadly, we are never more like the devil when we look the other way and refuse to help.


Friend, right now is your opportunity. Make the best of every moment. Be on the lookout for opportunities to serve. Feed someone. Help someone cross the street. Call someone. Pray with someone. Pray for someone. Visit someone. Study with someone. Love someone. Be like Christ. Make today the best day for someone else and you will be blessed. God will reward you. Your challenges will be less consuming when you focus on someone else. Choose to see beauty where you are right now. Try to see others like God sees you. Try to love the way you want to be loved.  Be that person who does not  miss an opportunity to serve. Be that person who leads someone to Christ by your testimony. Be the one whose life inspire others. Be the one that God can count on no matter the cost. Be totally available to God and be blessed!

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16



Praise the Lord!

Touch Someone Today.....

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 1 John 3:17

You are not awake by accident. God preordained this day just for you. Begin every day with this affirmation of faith: "This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). People don't enjoy each day because they are worrying about yesterday and tomorrow. The truth is yesterday is gone forever and tomorrow is not guaranteed. Friend, we only have today so let us make the best of it. Expect the unexpected. Expect something great to happen today. Expect favor of man and expect favor of God. Confess to yourself that "Disappointments of yesterday and worries of tomorrow have no place in my today". In fact, don't wait for something good to happen. Make something good happen instead. Call a sick friend and pray together. Take a child to the park. Invite a friend to lunch. Walk up to your aged neighbor's door and offer to do the laundry, read a book or mow the lawn. Take the lonely couple down the block for a walk or offer to take their pet for a walk. You will be amazed at the results.

Trust me when I tell you that doing something for others brings much joy, and there is nothing more unfortunate than a miss opportunity. It is possible that I have told this story before on Bible Tour. I was at the grocery store a while back and there was a lady at the cash register trying to pay for a few items. As I was approaching the cash register the Spirit of God came upon me and instructed me to pay for the lady's purchase. I was running late for work and only I stopped by to get my daily yogurt and I was in no mood to spend more than I planned. I justified it to myself by saying "God knows I don't have much myself." moreover, I did not wish to cause an embarrassment for the lady by interfering. So, I looked away as the cashier and the lady continued their animated discussion. I over heard the lady saying that she really needed the food for lunch and the cashier repeatedly said she could not pay for "hot food" with her EBT card. The card is for groceries and not for food from the deli section of the store. When I finally decided to intervene and make eye contact, the lady was gone. I immediately felt intense sadness and remorse. I ran outside and looked up and down but the lady was nowhere to be found. How sad! The total was $2.05, God was not able to count on me for little over two dollars.
 
 I spent the entire day trying to make up for the miss opportunity. I purchased treats for my students and my co-workers but I felt horribly all day long. I had to repent and ask God for forgiveness and I promise myself to keep my eyes open for opportunities to serve. We should wake up ready and willing to be used by God in any way He chooses. Friend, God should be able to count on us to carry out His Will. We should be excited about life, about giving and serving. We are never more like Christ than when we serve each other and sadly, we are never more like the devil when we look the other way and refuse to help.


Friend, right now is your opportunity. Make the best of every moment. Be on the look out for opportunity to serve. Feed someone. Help someone cross the street. Call someone. Pray with with someone. Pray for someone. Visit someone. Study with someone. Love someone. Be like Christ. Make today the best day for someone else and you will be blessed. God will reward you. Your challenges will be less consuming when you focus on someone else. Choose to see beauty where you are right now. Try to see others like God sees you. Try to love the way you want to be loved. Be that person who does not miss an opportunity to serve. Be that person who leads someone to Christ by your testimony. Be the one whose life inspire others. Be the one that God can count on no matter the cost and be blessed!

 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16



Praise the Lord!

Fear is Not Godly!

Jesus told them, "It's me. Don't be afraid!" John 6:20 

Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you. Deuteronomy 3:21

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

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After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sends his disciples ahead of him in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. Few hours later in the night, the disciples encounter a storm. Jesus comes to them, walking on the water and this terrifies the disciples and they think they are seeing a ghost. Jesus tells them "Take courage! It is I.  Don't be afraid." 

 The part that hunts me is the fact that Jesus lovingly told them "It is I, don't be afraid," He could have been so upset for their lack of faith because just hours earlier He fed many with just a little and they were all present.

This morning what is it you are going through (yet again)? Are you terrified? The real question is, didn't God deliver you last year? He will do it again. The situation that you are facing maybe new to you but it is not new to God.  He is able to fix it and the good news is that God is willing to do so. He is greater than all of your obstacles, your lacks, your challenges, your heartaches and your pain and your hopes and dreams put together. God is greater than Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes, Heart disease, AIDS, High Blood Pressure, Glaucoma, kidney and liver disease put together.  He can, and He will take you (victoriously) out of trouble if you would just trust Him (believe completely/ no doubt). When you trust the Lord you will win. He is Almighty and Omnipotent. Why are you afraid? What is keeping you up at night? What is intimidating you?  Is it a negative diagnosis? Is it unemployment and or foreclosure notice? Fear cannot be where God is because it comes from the enemy.  ^"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eye and see the punishment of the wicked.

The lesson for you and me today is that your faith must be rooted in Christ and you must not allow yourself to be distracted by life's circumstances. I don't care how terrifying and/or hopeless it seems. Christ didn't die just to watch you and I perish hopelessly. He is still the answer to all of our trouble.

Dear friend, call on His name, invite Him in and He will deliver you once again, but you must turn it over to Him. Listen, the wind obeyed God. Your situation will have to bow down as well. As a born again believer, if you keep your eyes on the LORD rather than the situation that threatens to overpower your life, you will be able to walk through the waves with confidence in Christ's ability to bring you peace. The word of God in 1 Corinthians 10:13 assure us that there is nothing that can happen to the believer outside God's control. 

So you have yet to find an entry to the career of your dream and you have yet to make your mark in this world as you expected.....fear not! It is all going to be okay. The enemy cannot and will not have the last laugh. God is with you and we will never forsake you. He made you the promise. Listen, you life is not accidental but it is by design. Get your thoughts straight. Trust God. Focus on God. Be determined in your conviction that He will not let you fail and you will win. You cannot see the all picture. Do not be deceived!  Your life is not what it seems. You have an invisible force on you corner. You have an unbeatable helper. Own up to who you are in the Christ and you don't have to worry another day. Remember my dear friend that you can do ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST.

It is my conviction that Jesus walks on water to assure us that the invisible realities of faith in Christ are victorious over the visible threats of this world regardless of the form they may take (financial, physical and spiritual challenges). Christ is still the answer. Have no fear. Walk in faith and you will walk in victory.

Jesus told him, “Do not be afraid; just believe.” Mark 5:36

God honors faith..............

Praise the Lord! 

Teach your Children about God!

Train a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not turn away from it. Proverbs 22:6

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Parents must know that before they can ever be successful Christian parents, they must have their own relationship with the Lord, and, just as it is important that children see them living right, they must also see them loving each other as God intended. Friend, you cannot teach your children something you are not practicing. Believe me when I tell you that this generation will not do as you say, but you can be sure that they will do as you do. You have to practice what you preach. You must live the value.  If you expect your life to have a positive impact on your children, then you must be transformed by the Word of God first. Your children must see that God is the center of your life and that you value your relationship with Him.

 It is of great importance that you set aside personal time alone with God. You need to be growing so that you can help your children to grow. Listen, do not underestimate the influence your way of life has on your children. If you wan godly children as I suspect you do, then you must also be a godly parent. As an educator, I know that usually a child's attitude is the direct result of the parents’ life. I can almost predict what the parents will be like when I meet them based on the students' behavior. I know for a fact that children learn best by observation.Children learn by observing you. Ephesians 6:4 - Fathers are commanded to bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. You cannot leave this up to others, including your wife (of course, she is responsible too). You are responsible (both parents). You have no right to shift it to others.

The Bible says that parents (so glad it does not say "mothers") should diligently teach the Word to their children. The word "diligent" means "attentive, careful, and persistent".  You are not to teach them through the "Because I said so!"  method. It does not work because it not biblical. You must develop in them convictions based on the Word of God. Children are the heritage of God and His reward. Therefore, you must teach them what  God would have them learn. Some parents spend too much time away from home pursuing other interests. Some simply don't care and this behavior is unacceptable. Raising children is a responsibility that both parents have to embrace. It is the Will of God for the Word of God is the Will of God.

Friend you must accept the honor of raising the children that God entrusted you with and you must exercise due diligence in raising them  properly as instructed by God. You must not leave this God-given responsibility to others. You will be held accountable for your own disobedience at the appointed time. Let's show the precious children that serving God  isn't optional. Teach them the truth. Show them that God's way is the best way.

And Father how grateful I am for your truth. Thank you for this much needed word today. Thank you for trusting me with the honorable task of raising your children. Give me the strength to raise to do the right thing no matter how difficult. I honor you and I praise you in the holy name of Jesus your son, and my Lord and Savior.

Praise the Lord!

Send me Lord..............

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 1 John 3:17

You are not awake by accident. God preordained this day just for you. Begin every day with this affirmation of faith: "This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). People don't enjoy each day because they are worrying about yesterday and tomorrow. The truth is yesterday is gone forever and tomorrow is not guaranteed. Friend, we only have today so let us make the best of it. Expect the unexpected. Expect something great to happen today. Expect favor of man and expect favor of God. Confess to yourself that "Disappointments of yesterday and worries of tomorrow have no place in my today". In fact, don't wait for something good to happen. Make something good happen instead. Call a sick friend and pray together. Take a child to the park. Invite a friend to lunch. Walk up to your aged neighbor's door and offer to do the laundry, read a book or mow the lawn. Take the lonely couple down the block for a walk or offer to take their pet for a walk. You will be amazed at the results.

Trust me when I tell you that doing something for others brings much joy, and there is nothing more unfortunate than a miss opportunity. It is possible that I have told this story before on Bible Tour with Joline. I was at the grocery store a while back and there was a lady at the cash register trying to pay for a few items. As I was approaching the cash register the Spirit of God came upon me and instructed me to pay for the lady's purchase. I was running late for work and only I stopped by to get my daily yogurt and I was in no mood to spend more than I planned. I justified it to myself by saying "God knows I don't have much myself." moreover, I did not wish to cause an embarrassment for the lady by interfering. So, I looked away as the cashier and the lady continued their animated discussion. I over heard the lady saying that she really needed the food for lunch and the cashier repeatedly said she could not pay for "hot food" with her EBT card. The card is for groceries and not for food from the deli section of the store. When I finally decided to intervene and make eye contact, the lady was gone. I immediately felt intense sadness and remorse. I ran outside and looked up and down but the lady was nowhere to be found. How sad! The total was $2.05, God was not able to count on me for little over two dollars.


I spent the entire day trying to make up for the miss opportunity. I purchased treats for my students and my co-workers but I felt horribly all day long. I had to repent and ask God for forgiveness and I promise myself to keep my eyes open for opportunities to serve. We should wake up ready and willing to be used by God in any way He chooses. Friend, God should be able to count on us to carry out His Will. We should be excited about life, about giving and serving. We are never more like Christ than when we serve each other and sadly, we are never more like the devil when we look the other way and refuse to help.

Friend, right now is your opportunity. Make the best of every moment. Be on the look out for opportunity to serve. Feed someone. Help someone cross the street. Call someone. Pray with with someone. Pray for someone. Visit someone. Study with someone. Love someone. Be like Christ. Make today the best day for someone else and you will be blessed. God will reward you. Your challenges will be less consuming when you focus on someone else. Choose to see beauty where you are right now. Try to see others like God sees you. Try to love the way you want to be loved. Be that person who does not miss an opportunity to serve. Be that person who leads someone to Christ by your testimony. Be the one whose life inspire others. Be the one that God can count on no matter the cost and be blessed!

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16

Praise the Lord!

Be Like OUR Savior..........

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 1 John 3:17

You are not awake by accident. God preordained this day just for you.  Begin every day with this affirmation of faith: "This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). People don't enjoy each day because they are worrying about yesterday and tomorrow. The truth is yesterday is gone forever and tomorrow is not guaranteed. Friend, we only have today so let us make the best of it. Expect the unexpected. Expect something great to happen today. Expect favor of man and expect favor of God. Confess to yourself that "Disappointments of yesterday and worries of tomorrow have no place in my today".  In fact, don't wait for something good to happen. Make something good happen instead. Call a sick friend and pray together. Take a child to the park. Invite a friend to lunch. Walk up to your aged neighbor's door and offer to do the laundry, read a book or mow the lawn. Take the lonely couple down the block for a walk or offer to take their pet for a walk. You will be amazed at the results.

Trust me when I tell you that doing something for others brings much joy, and there is nothing more unfortunate than a miss opportunity. It is possible that I have told this story before on Bible Tour with Joline. I was at the grocery store a while back and there was a lady at the cash register trying to pay for a few items. As I was approaching the cash register the Spirit of God came upon me and instructed me to pay for the lady's purchase. I was running late for work and only I stopped by to get my daily yogurt and I was in no mood to spend more than I planned. I justified it to myself by saying "God knows I don't have much myself." Besides, I did not wish to cause an embarrassment for the lady by interfering. So, I looked away as the cashier and the lady continued their animated discussion. I over heard the lady saying that she really needed the food for lunch and the cashier repeatedly said she could not pay for "hot food" with her EBT card. The card is for groceries and not for food from the deli section of the store. When I finally decided to intervene and make eye contact, the lady was gone. I immediately felt intense sadness and remorse. I ran outside and looked up and down but the lady was nowhere to be found. How sad! 

The total was $2.05 and God was not able to count on me for little over two dollars. I spent the entire day trying to make up for  the miss opportunity. I  purchased treats for my students and my co-workers but I felt sick of my behavior all day long. I had to repent and ask God for forgiveness and I promise myself to keep my eyes open for opportunities to serve.  We should wake up ready and willing to be used by God in any way He chooses. Friend, God should be able to count on us to carry out His Will. We should be excited about life, about giving and serving. We are never more like Christ than when we serve each other and sadly, we are never more like the devil when we look the other way and refuse to help.

Friend, right now is your opportunity. Make the best of every moment. Be on the look out for opportunity to serve. Feed someone. Help someone cross the street. Call someone. Pray with with someone. Pray for someone. Visit someone. Study with someone. Love someone. Be like Christ. Make today the best day for someone else and you will be blessed. God will reward you. Your challenges will be less consuming when you focus on someone else. Choose to see beauty where you are right now. Try to see others like God sees you. Try to love the way you want to be loved.  Be that person who does not  miss an opportunity to serve. Be that person who leads someone to Christ by your testimony. Be the one whose life inspire others. Be the one that God can count on no matter the cost and be blessed!

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16

Praise the Lord!

Seek the Kingdom of God.......

Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33) 

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Striving for the kingdom of God means to always stand for what’s right, but it is a difficult thing to accomplish; it takes determination because when you are in the process of changing, you have to expect opposition and so coming from unlikely places. As you are changing family and friends may turn their backs on you. People fear the unknown and the person you’re becoming is unknown, a stranger to them and they will be afraid and they may even call you a few names such as weirdo, extremist, just to name a few. The truth is you will also be puzzled by the transformation. You will lose interest in certain familiar things because you are “under construction”. The old you will start dying in order to make room for the new anointed you. It can be a very lonely place to be but I am urging to keep on and move forward by continuing to follow God. It may be confusing now but it’s going to make sense soon. You are going to find out that you are indeed an extremist: extremely blessed, extremely prosperous, extremely smart, extremely excited and extremely changed and anointed child of God. 

When you are saved, turn your life over to Christ (born again), the Holy Spirit begins to work within you and brings the best out of you. Your perspective on life changes because you will learn to walk by faith and not by sight. It will not matter what you are going through in life. You will learn to trust the word of God and you will always have peace in the midst of your storm. It is an exciting transformation and the people who are close to you may become intimidated because as you spend more time reading the word of God and growing spiritually, you end up spending less time with your family and friends and it’s going to take some getting used to. You have to find a way to communicate to love ones what’s happening to you and hopefully they will understand, but if they chose to forsake you or ridicule you, don’t panic. God has a way of accepting those who are forsaken and He certainly bless those who put Him first. When you give God’s word your full attention you will find true happiness and fulfillment you never thought possible and you can be assure that you will never face another lonely day in your life because the Holy Spirit will always be with you. Friend, embrace who you are becoming in Christ Jesus. Enjoy the person God created you to be, and savor the transformation, don’t resist it. Find balance in the word and be blessed. 


Praise the Lord!

Seek First the Kingdom of God................

Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33) 

www.bibletourwithjoline.blogspot.com
www.bibletourwithjoline.com
www.bibletouravecjoline.blogspot.com

Striving for the kingdom of God means to always stand for what’s right, but it is a difficult thing to accomplish; it takes determination because when you are in the process of changing, you have to expect opposition and so coming from unlikely places. As you are changing family and friends may turn their backs on you. People fear the unknown and the person you’re becoming is unknown, a stranger to them and they will be afraid and they may even call you a few names such as weirdo, extremist, just to name a few. The truth is you will also be puzzled by the transformation. You will lose interest in certain familiar things because you are “under construction”. The old you will start dying in order to make room for the new anointed you. It can be a very lonely place to be but I am urging to keep on and move forward by continuing to follow God. It may be confusing now but it’s going to make sense soon. You are going to find out that you are indeed an extremist: extremely blessed, extremely prosperous, extremely smart, extremely excited and extremely changed and anointed child of God. 

When you are saved, turn your life over to Christ (born again), the Holy Spirit begins to work within you and brings the best out of you. Your perspective on life changes because you will learn to walk by faith and not by sight. It will not matter what you are going through in life. You will learn to trust the word of God and you will always have peace in the midst of your storm. It is an exciting transformation and the people who are close to you may become intimidated because as you spend more time reading the word of God and growing spiritually, you end up spending less time with your family and friends and it’s going to take some getting used to. You have to find a way to communicate to love ones what’s happening to you and hopefully they will understand, but if they chose to forsake you or ridicule you, don’t panic. God has a way of accepting those who are forsaken and He certainly bless those who put Him first. When you give God’s word your full attention you will find true happiness and fulfillment you never thought possible and you can be assure that you will never face another lonely day in your life because the Holy Spirit will always be with you. Friend, embrace who you are becoming in Christ Jesus. Enjoy the person God created you to be, and savor the transformation, don’t resist it. Find balance in the word and be blessed. 


Praise the Lord!

You Can Trust God..................

Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:9-11

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I know there have been times in my own life when my prayers didn’t exactly seem to "avail much." I wonder if you have had moments in life when all seem dark. For about four years I prayed and expected God to restore my mother’s health. I don’t think I ever desired anything more my whole life.  I can clearly recall the weeks that followed my mother’s death when she was still in her thirties. I remember the sense that I was loved, protected, and perfectly safe was gone and replaced with a devastating emptiness, deep loneliness, and a feeling that nothing will ever be the same again. Up to that point I had faith in God and I trusted Him to protect me but my mother’s death was a game changer. It was the first major loss in my life. I started to see things differently. I questioned whether or not God really loves me. I woke up one day and I realize that I no longer trusted God. I was on a dangerous path of self-destruction. For example, I can remember shaking my head in disbelief when hearing or reading, "Whatever you ask in prayer you will receive"? Or  "Ask and it will be given to you"? And “ if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted”

Fourteen years into the journey, I was ready to throw in the towel.  I find it comforting that the prophet Jeremiah experienced such despair as well. Read Lamentations and you understand what I mean. I don’t know what your journey with God has been until today but I am sure you have experienced your own bumpy ride. I want to assure you dear friend that the loneliness due to my mother’s passing was nothing compared to the level of hopelessness I experienced in the months when I no longer trusted God.  If there is one thing I love the most about God it has to be the fact that He is immutable. He is not shaken by our unbelief. He does not panic or act unreasonably as we often do. He remains eternally faithful.  He never gives up on us.  When we reject Him, He still pursues us patiently and lovingly. In the midst of his torment the prophet Jeremiah remembers God’s faithfulness. Even though God seems to be silent in answer to his prayers, Jeremiah realized through God’s dealings with others in the past that He is never absent though silent at and misunderstood at times.

My dear friend, our loving Father revealed Himself abundantly clear in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Listen, our heavenly Father can be trusted through adversity and pain even though He is unseen.  Like Jeremiah, I remembered God faithfulness and was able to run back to His loving arms before it was too late. He has always taken great care of me.  I have learned to patiently hope in Him even when I don’t understand His plan to the fullest. A loving relationship requires trust and I have learned to trust God. You too can trust Him.  Do not let illness, pain, and financial hardship keep you from trusting God. Listen; what we have in Him is far greater than what this world can ever offer us. Listen; even if we were to lose our health and wealth, we would still win. There is no losing with God.  Have God. Have it all.

Praise the Lord!