Friday, February 29, 2008
Someone You Should Know!
This is Michelle with her son.
I believe this is someone you should know. Michelle had a vision to produce a CD. She has been writing music for many years (even though she doesn't look old enough to have been doing so). One would think with the many things that happened along her journey to making this come true, she would have stopped. In fact it was just the opposite.
This is my daughter singing lead (the other two in the picture are mine also.)
I believe this is someone you should know. Michelle had a vision to produce a CD. She has been writing music for many years (even though she doesn't look old enough to have been doing so). One would think with the many things that happened along her journey to making this come true, she would have stopped. In fact it was just the opposite.
This is my daughter singing lead (the other two in the picture are mine also.)With the loss of both her parents, she still went forth with her project to produce the CD. The Warriorz of Praise CD was produced in 2007. It involved many children that were willing to come and sing and participate in the project. The turn out was wonderful. We will talk to Michelle in March to find out how the process went for her in this venture and what is ahead for her. If you are interested in purchasing one of the CD's to help support the Wazelle-Priscilla Murff Foundation, please send me your information and we can forward it to Michelle.
Short Video of my middle girl and the song she co-lead, Fruits of the Spirit.
Words of Encouragement
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? All day long they twist my words; they are always plotting to harm me. – Psalm 56:3-5
Can God be Trusted? Trust replaces fear. This psalm of David is written regarding the time when the Philistines had seized him in Gath. You can image the fear one would face when being pursued by those that want to destroy you and keep you from reaching what your purpose is? David, however, says when he is afraid he will trust in God.
There are two important things we need to see here. The first thing is we must be real about what it is we are feeling. I have noticed this trend that states Christians should be these really strong people that have no problems (or look like it) and are always “right on”. However, I don’t see it as such. We are not to wallow in our emotions but if you have ever had to deal with an emotional matter you will understand it takes time to gain control of that thing. We are instructed to take captive our emotions and thoughts but it does not say we never have any. So David is acknowledging first his humanness. He states when I am afraid…what he does next is determine what he will do with that fear.
We also have the opposite side of what I mentioned about Christians, and that is the belief that because you are feeling hurt, or mistreated you have a right to allow your emotions to run rampant and others should simply understand. This is not an option either. When one has been hurt or mistreated those emotions are real and must be dealt with. No one is asking that they be ignored. However, we still must take control of those emotions otherwise they begin to exalt themselves above God. So David makes the decision to turn his fear over to God. He does this when he decides to trust him. He simply states it, I’m afraid, I’ll trust. As he goes further he also begins to think about what that trust entails. If I trust in God, what can man do to we anyway? Or stated differently, what can man do to me that God doesn’t allow or that God doesn’t have enough strength to overcome? He says there are those that are always plotting against him and twisting his words and we can amen that from some of our own experiences.
Yet, we must do as David did and make the decision to trust God instead of completely focusing on our problems. This becomes a faith issue. To trust in God requires us to make a decision to believe what he says is true. It is more important than simply acknowledging that God exist (he already knows that), it is what makes the relationship between man and God. We can trust him for more than where he has taken us, but also for where he is leading us.
Today I pray for us as we step forward in what God has for us. I add (and hope he doesn’t mind) a special praise of rejoicing for one of our brothers, Rev. Kevin Earley, as he has just become Dr. Kevin Earley (he just finished his Doctoral Degree at Anderson University, I believe, sorry if I’ve got it wrong). This just shows us what trust can accomplish. So when we go to worship this Sunday, let us go rejoicing and knowing that God has a path and a purpose for each of us and we can do as David (Kevin) did and determine to trust him, even when fears try to come and stop us.
Can God be Trusted? Trust replaces fear. This psalm of David is written regarding the time when the Philistines had seized him in Gath. You can image the fear one would face when being pursued by those that want to destroy you and keep you from reaching what your purpose is? David, however, says when he is afraid he will trust in God.
There are two important things we need to see here. The first thing is we must be real about what it is we are feeling. I have noticed this trend that states Christians should be these really strong people that have no problems (or look like it) and are always “right on”. However, I don’t see it as such. We are not to wallow in our emotions but if you have ever had to deal with an emotional matter you will understand it takes time to gain control of that thing. We are instructed to take captive our emotions and thoughts but it does not say we never have any. So David is acknowledging first his humanness. He states when I am afraid…what he does next is determine what he will do with that fear.
We also have the opposite side of what I mentioned about Christians, and that is the belief that because you are feeling hurt, or mistreated you have a right to allow your emotions to run rampant and others should simply understand. This is not an option either. When one has been hurt or mistreated those emotions are real and must be dealt with. No one is asking that they be ignored. However, we still must take control of those emotions otherwise they begin to exalt themselves above God. So David makes the decision to turn his fear over to God. He does this when he decides to trust him. He simply states it, I’m afraid, I’ll trust. As he goes further he also begins to think about what that trust entails. If I trust in God, what can man do to we anyway? Or stated differently, what can man do to me that God doesn’t allow or that God doesn’t have enough strength to overcome? He says there are those that are always plotting against him and twisting his words and we can amen that from some of our own experiences.
Yet, we must do as David did and make the decision to trust God instead of completely focusing on our problems. This becomes a faith issue. To trust in God requires us to make a decision to believe what he says is true. It is more important than simply acknowledging that God exist (he already knows that), it is what makes the relationship between man and God. We can trust him for more than where he has taken us, but also for where he is leading us.
Today I pray for us as we step forward in what God has for us. I add (and hope he doesn’t mind) a special praise of rejoicing for one of our brothers, Rev. Kevin Earley, as he has just become Dr. Kevin Earley (he just finished his Doctoral Degree at Anderson University, I believe, sorry if I’ve got it wrong). This just shows us what trust can accomplish. So when we go to worship this Sunday, let us go rejoicing and knowing that God has a path and a purpose for each of us and we can do as David (Kevin) did and determine to trust him, even when fears try to come and stop us.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Words of Encouragement
my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me. – Psalm 13:4-6
Can God be Trusted? His unfailing love. This is not a long psalm. In fact, it only has six verses. This psalm of David starts differently than the one yesterday. The one yesterday started off with praise. This one starts with the psalmist asking, how long will you forget about me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts, have sorrow in my heart and be defeated by my enemy?
Does the psalmist lack faith in God? Some of us would say yes it shows a lack of faith. However, I would like for us to look at it a little differently for a moment. We read of the psalmist yesterday rejoicing even though there was trouble and now in this psalm we see the psalmist troubled and questioning when will this suffering cease? What it shows us is ourselves. There are days when we are confident in what God can do and we start off in praise even though our situations are nothing to shout about. Then there are days when the pressures of life have weighted us down so much that we simply don’t think we can stand any longer.
This psalm gives us a good example of what we should do when we are having one of those days. It is okay to ask God, when will this end? We can seek God to ask him, will you answer me and we can talk to him about our troubles and how we feel about them. Do you know talking to God about how you are truly feeling is what he wants? He doesn’t expect us to come to him with a false joyfulness, because if we do, how can we receive his true joy? He does not expect us to come to him with a false peace because we then block the door to receive his true peace. Instead, God expects us to come with our raw, transparent emotions and talk to him about them.
The psalmist in these verses says his enemy rejoices over him because he believes he has defeated him. Yet the psalmist makes a great proclamation after listing his woes. He says, BUT. What preceded the “but” was all his concerns and worries, and what came after the “but” was what he was deciding to do about it. See you and I can talk to God about what our concerns are and he want fall off his thrown because we have some issues. However, he does want us to be like the psalmist and say, but in spite of it all, I am going to trust in you. I can trust in you because your love never fails. It will uphold me even in the midst of my situations, circumstances and issues. Your love will give me the strength I need when mine is worthless against what I face. You will give me joy when I can find none inside. You will give me peace that passes all human understanding. Why do you do it? It is because you can be trusted to give us your unfailing love.
Today I pray for us that we talk to the Lord about those things heavy on our heart and know that he has a listening ear. And when we have finished telling him about our problems, let us put a big “BUT” behind our list. So that we can say, but regardless of what I face, I will trust you. I will wait on your unfailing love to sustain me.
Can God be Trusted? His unfailing love. This is not a long psalm. In fact, it only has six verses. This psalm of David starts differently than the one yesterday. The one yesterday started off with praise. This one starts with the psalmist asking, how long will you forget about me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts, have sorrow in my heart and be defeated by my enemy?
Does the psalmist lack faith in God? Some of us would say yes it shows a lack of faith. However, I would like for us to look at it a little differently for a moment. We read of the psalmist yesterday rejoicing even though there was trouble and now in this psalm we see the psalmist troubled and questioning when will this suffering cease? What it shows us is ourselves. There are days when we are confident in what God can do and we start off in praise even though our situations are nothing to shout about. Then there are days when the pressures of life have weighted us down so much that we simply don’t think we can stand any longer.
This psalm gives us a good example of what we should do when we are having one of those days. It is okay to ask God, when will this end? We can seek God to ask him, will you answer me and we can talk to him about our troubles and how we feel about them. Do you know talking to God about how you are truly feeling is what he wants? He doesn’t expect us to come to him with a false joyfulness, because if we do, how can we receive his true joy? He does not expect us to come to him with a false peace because we then block the door to receive his true peace. Instead, God expects us to come with our raw, transparent emotions and talk to him about them.
The psalmist in these verses says his enemy rejoices over him because he believes he has defeated him. Yet the psalmist makes a great proclamation after listing his woes. He says, BUT. What preceded the “but” was all his concerns and worries, and what came after the “but” was what he was deciding to do about it. See you and I can talk to God about what our concerns are and he want fall off his thrown because we have some issues. However, he does want us to be like the psalmist and say, but in spite of it all, I am going to trust in you. I can trust in you because your love never fails. It will uphold me even in the midst of my situations, circumstances and issues. Your love will give me the strength I need when mine is worthless against what I face. You will give me joy when I can find none inside. You will give me peace that passes all human understanding. Why do you do it? It is because you can be trusted to give us your unfailing love.
Today I pray for us that we talk to the Lord about those things heavy on our heart and know that he has a listening ear. And when we have finished telling him about our problems, let us put a big “BUT” behind our list. So that we can say, but regardless of what I face, I will trust you. I will wait on your unfailing love to sustain me.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Words of Encouragement
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Sing praises to the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done. – Psalm 9:9-11
Can God be Trusted? He never lets you down. This psalm of David starts off with praise. He says I will praise you with all my heart and I will tell of your wonders. He says I will be glad to rejoice in you and sing your praises. The next verses of this psalm tell of the wonder of God in the life of the psalmist. He talks about how God turns his enemy around and keeps him from destruction. This love song, if you will, is one of proclamation of the wonders of what God will do in the life of those that are his.
It we are honest with ourselves (I’m raising my hand), there have been times and experiences that we faced that we were not so quick to come to a place of praise first, but one of fear and complaint. We said we trusted God and that we knew he would take care of us, but something about the situation we were facing, had us doubting, or wavering back and forth on “What is God going to do?”
I want to encourage us with what the writer says in these verses. We are told that the Lord is a refuge (a place of security, shelter, protection, a safe haven, a sanctuary, a retreat and a place of safety). For those that are being oppressed (browbeaten or broken by situations and circumstances and the “ifs” in Life) God is the place of safety. He is the stronghold in those times of trouble. He has you in a vice-like grip that nothing can take you out of his hand. No man, no demons, no circumstances, nothing can take you out of the protective hand of God.
We are also reminded that any that know the name of God and seek him, God will not turn away. It calls for some action on our part. It is not just that I know the name of God, but I must KNOW him in a relationship as I seek his will and his way for my life. And when I have this relationship with him, then I can count on him to take care of me in every situation and circumstance that I face.
I pray for us today. For someone in a situation that seems it will defeat you, I come to remind you that God can be trusted. He will never let you down and he will not let you go. He will uphold you through the situations and circumstances you face. And like David you will have a time to rejoice at what God has done for you. Except, don’t wait until it is done, begin now to rejoice for the victory that God has for you, even if you don’t see it. You can trust that it is coming, because God will not let you down.
Can God be Trusted? He never lets you down. This psalm of David starts off with praise. He says I will praise you with all my heart and I will tell of your wonders. He says I will be glad to rejoice in you and sing your praises. The next verses of this psalm tell of the wonder of God in the life of the psalmist. He talks about how God turns his enemy around and keeps him from destruction. This love song, if you will, is one of proclamation of the wonders of what God will do in the life of those that are his.
It we are honest with ourselves (I’m raising my hand), there have been times and experiences that we faced that we were not so quick to come to a place of praise first, but one of fear and complaint. We said we trusted God and that we knew he would take care of us, but something about the situation we were facing, had us doubting, or wavering back and forth on “What is God going to do?”
I want to encourage us with what the writer says in these verses. We are told that the Lord is a refuge (a place of security, shelter, protection, a safe haven, a sanctuary, a retreat and a place of safety). For those that are being oppressed (browbeaten or broken by situations and circumstances and the “ifs” in Life) God is the place of safety. He is the stronghold in those times of trouble. He has you in a vice-like grip that nothing can take you out of his hand. No man, no demons, no circumstances, nothing can take you out of the protective hand of God.
We are also reminded that any that know the name of God and seek him, God will not turn away. It calls for some action on our part. It is not just that I know the name of God, but I must KNOW him in a relationship as I seek his will and his way for my life. And when I have this relationship with him, then I can count on him to take care of me in every situation and circumstance that I face.
I pray for us today. For someone in a situation that seems it will defeat you, I come to remind you that God can be trusted. He will never let you down and he will not let you go. He will uphold you through the situations and circumstances you face. And like David you will have a time to rejoice at what God has done for you. Except, don’t wait until it is done, begin now to rejoice for the victory that God has for you, even if you don’t see it. You can trust that it is coming, because God will not let you down.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Words of Encouragement
That day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. – Exodus 14:30-31
Can God be Trusted? Seeing is Believing. The Israelites find themselves being pursued by Pharaoh, 600 of his best chariots, along with the other chariots and the men over them. When the people see Pharaoh and those after them, they become afraid and begin to complain. The Israelites have a flare for the dramatic. They say to Moses, have you brought us out here because there are no graves in Egypt? We told you to leave us alone. Yet they forget Moses was there not by his own choice, but because God had heard their moaning about being rescued. Have you noticed we become whiny when things come against us that we don’t know how to handle or seem too hard? We forget, like the Israelites did that we asked God to come and help us and when he does, we begin to become doubtful if things are not going the way we think.
So Moses tells the people, don’t be afraid, because God is going to take care of us. He tells them to stand still and watch the salvation of the Lord. The scripture shows how God quickly moves this situation. The pillar of smoke moves from in front to behind them, coming between them and the army. It says also that the angel of God moved from in front to the back of them. There was darkness on one side and light on the other, so that they were separated all night long. See God can put a hedge of protection up for that will keep the enemy at bay. So while the enemy is confused on the one side (in darkness), we are able to see clearly on the other (in the light of God).
We know the rest of the story, Moses parts the waters with his rod and God keeps the waters held in place until every one of the Israelites crossed over. Then when the Egyptians were left in the water, confused, the waters were allowed to go back into place and the Egyptians were drowned. I read once were someone stated, it was impossible for the water to be high enough to drown an Army. With that I say, then it really shows how powerful God is, if he can drown an entire army in shallow water!
The Israelites are no different from us today. We know of God’s goodness, but when faced with situations that seem insurmountable, we begin to complain and become doubtful. It was not until they saw, that they believed. It is so wonderful to know that God will at times show us his attributes to help us even in our unbelief and times of weakness. He does not have to do it, but he will do it to help us along the way.
Today I pray for us. If there is any unbelief within our hearts for what God can do, then Lord help us to know you can be trusted. We can trust you because of what you have done in the past and what we can trust you to do in the future. Your love for your children has not changed.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Words of Encouragement
Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. – Psalm 73:27-28
God’s Sovereignty. Don’t be weary of good works. The psalmist starts this psalm talking about how he almost slipped up because of the way he was thinking. He was looking at the wickedness of others and watching the things they were doing. They were prosperous in their ways, they were well in their bodies, they had no struggles, they were not plagued by concerns and struggles and they laid claim to heaven with their mouths. Yet the psalmist said, here I am struggling, bothered, oppressed and plagued every morning, am I doing something wrong?
If we were honest with ourselves we would admit we feel like that sometimes. The wicked seem to have everything going their way, they are pressing you down and burdening you with the things they are doing and it can make you turn your sight for a brief moment and look at them and their deeds.
Yet the psalmist says when he went into the house of the Lord he was reminded of why he trusted in God. His confusion and the oppression of this situation were removed from him. He remembered where the wicked would end up. He was also reminded that God was holding his hand through the situations he faced. It was God that was walking with him and God that would see him safely through.
He was reminded as we enter these verses that the wicked would perish. They season of sin they are enjoying will not last always. There comes a time of reckoning. Those that trust in God can have assurance that the sovereign (all powerful) God will carry them through and he will not let them go. He is that place of refuge (safety). He is the place that keeps us from the destruction of those that would try to hurt us or tear us down.
The psalmist reminds us we do not have to look at those that are disobedient and become burdened by the prosperity we see them receiving. For this is their only reward. It is in fact the trick that the enemy uses to keep them in a place of disobedience. They believe that God is some how turning a blind eye to them and he is “okay” with what they are doing.
We must remember those things about God that are vital for our walk. The sovereign God requires relationship with us. He wants more that our talk he wants us. The sovereign God is the one who can save us from the traps set to destroy us. Let us not become so focused on the wrong things that we miss the opportunities he gives for us to walk into what he has promised us. And finally let us remember that God’s promises are true. We do not have to wonder will he keep them, for he is Truth and he cannot lie.
As we go to worship this weekend, let us go seeking a closer relationship with the sovereign God. He is are total source for all that we need to be victorious in this walk.
God’s Sovereignty. Don’t be weary of good works. The psalmist starts this psalm talking about how he almost slipped up because of the way he was thinking. He was looking at the wickedness of others and watching the things they were doing. They were prosperous in their ways, they were well in their bodies, they had no struggles, they were not plagued by concerns and struggles and they laid claim to heaven with their mouths. Yet the psalmist said, here I am struggling, bothered, oppressed and plagued every morning, am I doing something wrong?
If we were honest with ourselves we would admit we feel like that sometimes. The wicked seem to have everything going their way, they are pressing you down and burdening you with the things they are doing and it can make you turn your sight for a brief moment and look at them and their deeds.
Yet the psalmist says when he went into the house of the Lord he was reminded of why he trusted in God. His confusion and the oppression of this situation were removed from him. He remembered where the wicked would end up. He was also reminded that God was holding his hand through the situations he faced. It was God that was walking with him and God that would see him safely through.
He was reminded as we enter these verses that the wicked would perish. They season of sin they are enjoying will not last always. There comes a time of reckoning. Those that trust in God can have assurance that the sovereign (all powerful) God will carry them through and he will not let them go. He is that place of refuge (safety). He is the place that keeps us from the destruction of those that would try to hurt us or tear us down.
The psalmist reminds us we do not have to look at those that are disobedient and become burdened by the prosperity we see them receiving. For this is their only reward. It is in fact the trick that the enemy uses to keep them in a place of disobedience. They believe that God is some how turning a blind eye to them and he is “okay” with what they are doing.
We must remember those things about God that are vital for our walk. The sovereign God requires relationship with us. He wants more that our talk he wants us. The sovereign God is the one who can save us from the traps set to destroy us. Let us not become so focused on the wrong things that we miss the opportunities he gives for us to walk into what he has promised us. And finally let us remember that God’s promises are true. We do not have to wonder will he keep them, for he is Truth and he cannot lie.
As we go to worship this weekend, let us go seeking a closer relationship with the sovereign God. He is are total source for all that we need to be victorious in this walk.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Words of Encouragement
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah
Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.
Surely God will crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who go on in their sins. - Psalm 68:19-21
God’s Sovereignty. The Sovereign God saves. This psalm of David is one of rejoicing in the wondrous works of God. This psalm is one of contrast. The song sings of how the righteous will be blessed and protected, while the wicked will be cursed and destroyed. It is a song of reminder of how God will take care of the widows, the fatherless (and the motherless); how he will release the prisoners from the bondage they are in. This song reminds us of what our God can do.
In these verses, we are told to praise God, who is our savior (our redeemer). It reminds us that not only are we saved from our sins, but also he bears our burdens daily. That means whatever you are facing today God is carrying the weight. We sometimes get in the way and try to get back under the weight of that thing, but God has removed the weight from us and he carries it himself because of our seal of righteousness given by his son.
Today let us remind ourselves who God is. The devil wants to discourage someone today, but I come to remind you we serve the God that saves. He comes and brings us an escape from death. Escape from the death of our hopes, the death of our trust, and any death that the enemy wants to press upon our lives. We do not have to worry about what the enemy will try to do to us, because God is bigger than our problems and surely he will crush the head of the enemy.
I pray for us today that we find strength for today in knowing we serve a God that saves. He saves us from our sins. He saves us from our situation and our circumstances. He has better for us than what the enemy says he does. Help us God not to listen to the lies but to hold on to the truth, you have a way set for us and you will fulfill it in us.
Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.
Surely God will crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who go on in their sins. - Psalm 68:19-21
God’s Sovereignty. The Sovereign God saves. This psalm of David is one of rejoicing in the wondrous works of God. This psalm is one of contrast. The song sings of how the righteous will be blessed and protected, while the wicked will be cursed and destroyed. It is a song of reminder of how God will take care of the widows, the fatherless (and the motherless); how he will release the prisoners from the bondage they are in. This song reminds us of what our God can do.
In these verses, we are told to praise God, who is our savior (our redeemer). It reminds us that not only are we saved from our sins, but also he bears our burdens daily. That means whatever you are facing today God is carrying the weight. We sometimes get in the way and try to get back under the weight of that thing, but God has removed the weight from us and he carries it himself because of our seal of righteousness given by his son.
Today let us remind ourselves who God is. The devil wants to discourage someone today, but I come to remind you we serve the God that saves. He comes and brings us an escape from death. Escape from the death of our hopes, the death of our trust, and any death that the enemy wants to press upon our lives. We do not have to worry about what the enemy will try to do to us, because God is bigger than our problems and surely he will crush the head of the enemy.
I pray for us today that we find strength for today in knowing we serve a God that saves. He saves us from our sins. He saves us from our situation and our circumstances. He has better for us than what the enemy says he does. Help us God not to listen to the lies but to hold on to the truth, you have a way set for us and you will fulfill it in us.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Words of Encouragement
"Celebrate the Feast of Weeks with the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the turn of the year. Three times a year all your men are to appear before the Sovereign LORD, the God of Israel. I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your territory, and no one will covet your land when you go up three times each year to appear before the LORD your God. - Exodus 34:22-24
God’s Sovereignty. God requires for relationship. This scripture from Exodus is when Moses goes back before God to have he re-write the tables after they have been destroyed. Before God speaks to Moses about what is required of the people, he gives a short list of his abilities and attributes.
Starting in verse 6, this is what God says about himself, “And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.’”
God reminds Moses of his goodness and then he tells Moses that even still he will not allow wickedness and sin to go unpunished. God then tells Moses of what he requires from the people. He warns Moses to keep the people separate from the nations that will surround them. Do not intermingle in marriage, customs or worship. Do not seek to partake in seeking after their gods. He also as we get to these verses, requires the people to come before him at certain times each year. This is a requirement, not optional.
What does it speak to us today? As Christians there are some requirements for relationship with God. We cannot say we are in a relationship with him, yet do not follow his ways. He requires us not to intermingle in this world we live in. In this case he is speaking about taking up the customs and the religious practices. We cannot seek to worship the god’s of our time because they will cause us to turn from the true God. God reminds us that he is slow to anger and loving, but he still will not leave the guilty unpunished. If we refuse to turn, we stand to receive the punishment of our sins.
He also requires us to come before him. Whether is 3 times or 300 times is not the point, what the significance is, God is requiring consistence participation from us in a relationship with him. It is not something he is asking or begging us for, it is a non-negotiable requirement.
Today, let us go to God to find out what his requirement is for us to have a right relationship with him. I pray that we do not miss understand the attributes of God as saying he’ll be patient with our foolishness forever. Not so. In fact it is only his mercy he is extending to us, but in his time he will require you to stand before him and face the results of your sin. So I pray that we heed him while he is extending mercy and grace to us.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Words of Encouragement
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: "Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, O Sovereign LORD, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant. Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign LORD ? – 2 Samuel 17:17-19
God’s Sovereignty. The promises of God are true. David is settled in his palace and seeks the prophet Nathan about building a house unto the Lord. Nathan tells David to go ahead and do as he thinks. Yet, that night the Lord speaks to Nathan and tells him words to give to David. The words David is given are the promises of what God will do for him and for the people. He promises to establish his kingdom forever. He promises that his son will reign on the thrown.
After hearing this revelation from the prophet Nathan, David rejoices and begins this pray to the Sovereign God. David is amazed at the wonderful promises of the supreme God of the earth. He is so overwhelmed at the wonder of God he calls him Sovereign at least seven times in this chapter. As I thought about this, I thought about seven being the number of completion. David gave God complete praise. He did not stop short of honoring God completely with his mouth.
In the entirety of this prayer/praise of David’s he list some of the attributes of God and then he also ask for God’s help to fulfill what God has spoken. This is a guide for us today to understand that we do not want to stop short of giving God complete praise for what he reveals to us in our lives. God’s Spirit continually speaks to our hearts to let us know what the direction of the Lord is. As he does, he will help us to know the promises of God.
We can then be like David and marvel at the fact that God is mindful of us. The God of the universe is concerned about me. This is an awesome experience to understand God is concerned about your future, your walk, and your life. So today I pray for us that we rejoice in complete praise as we grasp hold to the promises of God. We can trust them because he is Truth. We can depend on them because he is dependable. We do not have to doubt his ways because his ways are sure. Like David we can list the attributes of God and rejoice in knowing God is sovereign.
God’s Sovereignty. The promises of God are true. David is settled in his palace and seeks the prophet Nathan about building a house unto the Lord. Nathan tells David to go ahead and do as he thinks. Yet, that night the Lord speaks to Nathan and tells him words to give to David. The words David is given are the promises of what God will do for him and for the people. He promises to establish his kingdom forever. He promises that his son will reign on the thrown.
After hearing this revelation from the prophet Nathan, David rejoices and begins this pray to the Sovereign God. David is amazed at the wonderful promises of the supreme God of the earth. He is so overwhelmed at the wonder of God he calls him Sovereign at least seven times in this chapter. As I thought about this, I thought about seven being the number of completion. David gave God complete praise. He did not stop short of honoring God completely with his mouth.
In the entirety of this prayer/praise of David’s he list some of the attributes of God and then he also ask for God’s help to fulfill what God has spoken. This is a guide for us today to understand that we do not want to stop short of giving God complete praise for what he reveals to us in our lives. God’s Spirit continually speaks to our hearts to let us know what the direction of the Lord is. As he does, he will help us to know the promises of God.
We can then be like David and marvel at the fact that God is mindful of us. The God of the universe is concerned about me. This is an awesome experience to understand God is concerned about your future, your walk, and your life. So today I pray for us that we rejoice in complete praise as we grasp hold to the promises of God. We can trust them because he is Truth. We can depend on them because he is dependable. We do not have to doubt his ways because his ways are sure. Like David we can list the attributes of God and rejoice in knowing God is sovereign.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Words of Encouragement
This picture was taken on 1/23/2005 at 4:21 p.m. How awesome God's handiwork is!
At that time I pleaded with the LORD: "O Sovereign LORD, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do? Let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan—that fine hill country and Lebanon." - Deuteronomy 3:23-25
God’s Sovereignty. Lost opportunities. I was reading an article and found something interesting that I would like to share with you this week. The writer of this article was talking about faith in God and in his sovereignty. He talked about how God wants us to have a relationship with him and how this calls for an understanding of faith to be relational. What would your wife or husband feel if you went up to them one day and said, “I believe you exist?” Would this impress them? The writer of the article said his wife would not be too impressed with that revelation from him.
As I read the article I laughed but the truth of what he said hit home. God is not impressed when we say we believe he exist, he already knows that. What he wants to know is will you trust him? Will you trust his words to be true or will you doubt them? This goes back to faith being relational. The writer said his wife would be more concerned about him trusting her to keep her word and his ability to have trust in her abilities as a wife. It is no different with God. He wants us to trust him to keep his word and to trust his ability to be God.
In the scripture today, Moses talks about his pleading with God to allow him to be able to go over and see the promise land after God had forbidden him from entering in. Moses says in the verses that follow this one, that God told him no and that he would not speak on this matter any more. Some having read the story about Moses would think surely this is too harsh a treatment? But the message we must understand is the sovereign God has the right to direct us as he chooses. And when you or I refuse to do it actually as we have been instructed, we risk missing the opportunity to receive blessings God has set aside for us. Yes, Moses had done so many things right, but it only took one wrong thing to change his outcome. We must not be foolish enough to think we can weigh what we do against the wrong and think we will come up on the winning side. If Moses losses his opportunity to receive the blessing, what makes you think we are any better? Don’t miss judge and think because I am under grace my foolishness will go unchecked. Not so!
Today I pray for us that we do not allow our disobedience of the ways of the sovereign God to set us up to lose out on godly opportunities and blessings. Lord help us to see the way of our sins so that we can walk in you way and in your will.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Words of Encouragement
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: - 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 (King James Version)
Is there healing for the soul? God gives the gifts for the body. It is amazing to think about how our body’s function. Each part of the body is programmed to work in conjunction with the other. One foot does not decide to begin to walk in one direction while the other one goes in the opposite direction. When the brain sends the messages to the fingers to pick up a pencil, all the nerves, muscles work together to accomplish this task. If there isn’t any nerve damage this task though complex is accomplished quickly. The fingers, the arm or any other body part that must be involved don’t debate on what to do and how it should get done, the all simply follow the instructions as relayed.
God gives gifts to the body of believers so that we can function in conjunction with each other for the purpose of wholeness for the body. Some have the gift of wisdom, some knowledge, some healing and the list goes on. In other words all are not called to do the same thing, but to function in the giftedness in which they have been called and equipped. Many do not believe that these gifts are still available to the body today. Some believe that at the time of the Apostles these gifts ceased. I submit this question, why would God stop giving the body what it needs to be whole?
I submit this belief comes from the fact that there are those that are counterfeiters and it makes it hard to belief this gift of healing really exists. Healing however is still available today. Those that have the gift of healing, the body is in need of you stepping up and ministering in your gifts. Does this mean everyone will become well (on this side of heaven)? All those sick will not be healed now but we must still hold to God’s sovereignty. (Jesus could have healed every sickness in the world, yet he did not. We do not understand the reasons, but we must trust the source).
So this week when we go to worship, let us go seeking to have a better understanding of what is our part in the body? What has God gifted you to do? Are you walking in that gift and purpose? If you are not sure, then ask him to make it clear to you what he desires of you. His gifts are not to promote you, but to reveal himself. May his life be revealed to others through our obedience to his calling.
Is there healing for the soul? God gives the gifts for the body. It is amazing to think about how our body’s function. Each part of the body is programmed to work in conjunction with the other. One foot does not decide to begin to walk in one direction while the other one goes in the opposite direction. When the brain sends the messages to the fingers to pick up a pencil, all the nerves, muscles work together to accomplish this task. If there isn’t any nerve damage this task though complex is accomplished quickly. The fingers, the arm or any other body part that must be involved don’t debate on what to do and how it should get done, the all simply follow the instructions as relayed.
God gives gifts to the body of believers so that we can function in conjunction with each other for the purpose of wholeness for the body. Some have the gift of wisdom, some knowledge, some healing and the list goes on. In other words all are not called to do the same thing, but to function in the giftedness in which they have been called and equipped. Many do not believe that these gifts are still available to the body today. Some believe that at the time of the Apostles these gifts ceased. I submit this question, why would God stop giving the body what it needs to be whole?
I submit this belief comes from the fact that there are those that are counterfeiters and it makes it hard to belief this gift of healing really exists. Healing however is still available today. Those that have the gift of healing, the body is in need of you stepping up and ministering in your gifts. Does this mean everyone will become well (on this side of heaven)? All those sick will not be healed now but we must still hold to God’s sovereignty. (Jesus could have healed every sickness in the world, yet he did not. We do not understand the reasons, but we must trust the source).
So this week when we go to worship, let us go seeking to have a better understanding of what is our part in the body? What has God gifted you to do? Are you walking in that gift and purpose? If you are not sure, then ask him to make it clear to you what he desires of you. His gifts are not to promote you, but to reveal himself. May his life be revealed to others through our obedience to his calling.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day!
This is a picture of one of my girls from last year's snow storm that hit Chicago around Valentine's Day. What a beautiful snow angel! I sure do have a lot to be thankful for!
Valentine's Day Wishes
As I drove around today, I saw all the vendors with their wares trying to get you to stop and buy a teddy bear or flowers for your loved ones. I admit my home has looked like Valentine's since the end of Christmas.
This time of the year you find people both happy to be remember and sad they are facing difficulty in their lives. I understand that. I had a time not too long ago that I too felt sad at Valentine's Day.
What did I do to remove the blues? I had to remember that even if I don't receive a box of candy or a bunch of pretty roses I am loved. Let me share today with you a message just for you:
A secret admire sends you a special note. He wants you to know today you are loved. He may not send you a box of candy, but instead he says he has words that are sweeter than the taste of honeycomb.
He says, he may not send you a dozen of red roses, but instead his son shed his red blood and took your thorny punishment so that you could be free.
He may not have a card all decorated and pretty for you to open, but he has a store house of treasures stored up just for those that love him.
Your secret admire says, I loved you even when you didn't love me in return. I loved you enough, I loved you until you could love me back. That secret admire is our might God. So today even if you don't receive a gift of flowers, candy or trinkets, know you are loved with the greatest love of all, the love of the Father.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Words of Encouragement
Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. The news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them. - Matthew 4:22-24
Is there healing for the soul? Complete healing is in Jesus. This is the ministry of Jesus in Galilee. Jesus was bringing healing in more than one way. We see the physical healings but it is important for us to see the healing process as disclosed in the life of Christ.
Many times before Jesus healed people’s physical ailments he would teach them either in the synagogues or where ever he found himself with the multitudes. He also proclaimed the good news about the kingdom. Jesus was teaching what was the truth of God and establishing his power and ability or authority over all. This is key for us to understand as we seek any healing from God. Jesus is the vessel God used to enact his purpose into this world. His greatest purpose was to heal the sin sickness of the world. Jesus is that avenue for us to receive from God, healing for the sickness, the blackness of our souls.
It was then after Jesus establishes himself; he also healed all kinds of diseases among the people. The interesting thing is they received physical healing, but all did not receive spiritual healing. Some went away with their bodies healed but they did not see the complete healing they could have received from Jesus.
Today I come to remind us we have complete healing in Jesus. Someone right now may need a physical healing and that might be what is in the forefront of his or her mind. When you seek God, don’t forget to seek him for the healing of your emotions and your spirit. Sickness (any thing you suffer through that causes you to be weakened) can cause an individual to begin to doubt to lose trust in the healing of God. We do not always understand the reasons why things go differently than we think they should, but this one thing I am sure, complete healing is in Jesus. If you’ve lost a loved one to any sickness and they were a believer in Christ, don’t you know they did receive complete healing? God promises us that when we come to him, there will be no more sickness, no more troubles, no hurt or harm. This complete eternal healing is promised to all believers.
Today I pray for us that we stand sure on the work that Jesus does. He healed in Galilee, he set the suffering captives free, and he is just the same today! He can heal from whatever disease, he can break the bondage of sin, he can heal the broken hearted, and he is just the same today! Help us Lord to know with an assurance, that you are still in complete control. This is what the truth of the word tells us, you are in authority and you have already given us the victory. We simply wait to see the victory that is in the spiritual manifest itself in the natural.
Is there healing for the soul? Complete healing is in Jesus. This is the ministry of Jesus in Galilee. Jesus was bringing healing in more than one way. We see the physical healings but it is important for us to see the healing process as disclosed in the life of Christ.
Many times before Jesus healed people’s physical ailments he would teach them either in the synagogues or where ever he found himself with the multitudes. He also proclaimed the good news about the kingdom. Jesus was teaching what was the truth of God and establishing his power and ability or authority over all. This is key for us to understand as we seek any healing from God. Jesus is the vessel God used to enact his purpose into this world. His greatest purpose was to heal the sin sickness of the world. Jesus is that avenue for us to receive from God, healing for the sickness, the blackness of our souls.
It was then after Jesus establishes himself; he also healed all kinds of diseases among the people. The interesting thing is they received physical healing, but all did not receive spiritual healing. Some went away with their bodies healed but they did not see the complete healing they could have received from Jesus.
Today I come to remind us we have complete healing in Jesus. Someone right now may need a physical healing and that might be what is in the forefront of his or her mind. When you seek God, don’t forget to seek him for the healing of your emotions and your spirit. Sickness (any thing you suffer through that causes you to be weakened) can cause an individual to begin to doubt to lose trust in the healing of God. We do not always understand the reasons why things go differently than we think they should, but this one thing I am sure, complete healing is in Jesus. If you’ve lost a loved one to any sickness and they were a believer in Christ, don’t you know they did receive complete healing? God promises us that when we come to him, there will be no more sickness, no more troubles, no hurt or harm. This complete eternal healing is promised to all believers.
Today I pray for us that we stand sure on the work that Jesus does. He healed in Galilee, he set the suffering captives free, and he is just the same today! He can heal from whatever disease, he can break the bondage of sin, he can heal the broken hearted, and he is just the same today! Help us Lord to know with an assurance, that you are still in complete control. This is what the truth of the word tells us, you are in authority and you have already given us the victory. We simply wait to see the victory that is in the spiritual manifest itself in the natural.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Words of Encouragement
Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes;Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones. Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all your produce; your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine. My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD Or loathe His reproof, For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. – Proverbs 3:5-12
Is there healing for the soul? Obedience brings healing. The subtitle for this Proverb in one Bible is “The Rewards of Wisdom”. The writer of this Proverb is encouraging the reader how important it is to seek godly wisdom. This Proverb starts off saying “son” do not neglect or forget the things you have been taught. Keep these things so that your life may be long and filled with the peace of God.
These very first verses reminds us of the importance of speaking to your children about godly things and reminding them to be mindful of what is right. It does not matter if they are your natural children, or those that come as “new babes” in Christ and you are the one mentoring them on this walk. However they come to be in your life, it is important to encourage them to continually seek the wisdom of God.
The verses now turn to today’s scripture. When we trust in God and do not lean to our own understanding, God will make our paths straight. Now that does not mean that life won’t take what seems to be some curves here or there, but the difference is when we allow God to lead, our lives are on his straight path. When we become wise in our own eyes, we set ourselves up for heartache, disappointments, missed opportunities and so much more.
The reward for seeking godly wisdom is we will turn away from sin and evil deeds and we will begin to experience the healing affects on our body. This is not only true in the spiritual sense but also even in the natural. When we use wisdom and turn away from those “habits” and “rituals” of our lives, we can begin to see the physical effects of using wisdom. If a person eats too much begins to use wisdom and learns to deal with the emotions behind the eating, seeks God for strength, then the affects of seeking that wisdom are felt both spiritually and physically. The same thing is true for any habit. If godly wisdom is sought (and we stop depending on ourselves) the habits can be broken and we can be set free. There is healing in freedom.
So today, my prayer is that we would seek godly wisdom in all that we do. May we honor our Lord and when he corrects us for our transgressions, let us accept that he is a loving father that disciples his children. He does not do it to harm us, but to put us back on his straight path. Is there healing for the soul? There is healing in obedience to God. It brings healing to the body, the soul, the spirit and the mind.
Is there healing for the soul? Obedience brings healing. The subtitle for this Proverb in one Bible is “The Rewards of Wisdom”. The writer of this Proverb is encouraging the reader how important it is to seek godly wisdom. This Proverb starts off saying “son” do not neglect or forget the things you have been taught. Keep these things so that your life may be long and filled with the peace of God.
These very first verses reminds us of the importance of speaking to your children about godly things and reminding them to be mindful of what is right. It does not matter if they are your natural children, or those that come as “new babes” in Christ and you are the one mentoring them on this walk. However they come to be in your life, it is important to encourage them to continually seek the wisdom of God.
The verses now turn to today’s scripture. When we trust in God and do not lean to our own understanding, God will make our paths straight. Now that does not mean that life won’t take what seems to be some curves here or there, but the difference is when we allow God to lead, our lives are on his straight path. When we become wise in our own eyes, we set ourselves up for heartache, disappointments, missed opportunities and so much more.
The reward for seeking godly wisdom is we will turn away from sin and evil deeds and we will begin to experience the healing affects on our body. This is not only true in the spiritual sense but also even in the natural. When we use wisdom and turn away from those “habits” and “rituals” of our lives, we can begin to see the physical effects of using wisdom. If a person eats too much begins to use wisdom and learns to deal with the emotions behind the eating, seeks God for strength, then the affects of seeking that wisdom are felt both spiritually and physically. The same thing is true for any habit. If godly wisdom is sought (and we stop depending on ourselves) the habits can be broken and we can be set free. There is healing in freedom.
So today, my prayer is that we would seek godly wisdom in all that we do. May we honor our Lord and when he corrects us for our transgressions, let us accept that he is a loving father that disciples his children. He does not do it to harm us, but to put us back on his straight path. Is there healing for the soul? There is healing in obedience to God. It brings healing to the body, the soul, the spirit and the mind.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Words of Encouragement
The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. - Proverbs 16:23-25
Is there healing for the soul? Healing in your words. As I thought about what to write this week, the word “healing” came to my mind. When we think about healing many pictures come to mind. We may think of someone that is sick in his or her body and is in need of physical healing or restoring. We may think of someone that has been hurt emotionally and needs to be made whole or released from the bondage of those emotional hurts. Whatever we think of in regards to healing, there are some vital keys we can play in the healing of others, as well as in our own healing.
In this chapter of Proverbs the instruction is for a king to be godly in his duties and to honor that place of authority, which he has been given. It can be applied to us in this manner; there are some areas in your life where you are the authority. Maybe you are the manager or boss on your job and this scripture is calling for you to be fair in the things you do. Maybe you are in a place of authority within your church or other areas and you have power that can affect the lives of others. God’s call is for us to use godly wisdom and justice when we interact with those around us.
In these particular verses it contrast the wise person against the foolish one. The wise person from God’s standard has control over their mouth. Things do not just “come out”. The heart has given the mouth instruction on what to say. In other words, those things spoken have been thought about before they are said. And when the wise person speaks their words have power behind them that is what makes them persuasive. Those words spoken are also sweet words. Do not misunderstand this point; they are not false, flowery words, but words of truth that are sweet to the soul. They may even be words that sometimes are not so easy to take, but because they are spoken with wisdom and are the truth of God, they are words that are sweet (that is because the word of God is like honeycomb, sweet to the taste). The wise speaks words that bring healing to the lives of people. They penetrate to the very soul of a person and bring light to those dark areas. This is not because of the person speaking them, but because they are words of God flavored (salt of the earth) by his Spirit.
On the other hand, the foolish one speaks quickly without thinking and the words spoken are from their own understanding, perspective and ideology. The foolish may even think that the words they spoke were profound and enlightening, yet in the end they are foolish words that only lead to death. The charge for us today is to examine our words. Are they wise words that bring healing to the hearts of individuals or are they foolish words that cut, hurt, damage and destroy?
I pray for us today, Lord help us to speak words of wisdom. Not our own wisdom, because things may seem wise in our own eyes, but they are foolishness. Help us speak the words you give and may they bring healing to the seeking heart.
Is there healing for the soul? Healing in your words. As I thought about what to write this week, the word “healing” came to my mind. When we think about healing many pictures come to mind. We may think of someone that is sick in his or her body and is in need of physical healing or restoring. We may think of someone that has been hurt emotionally and needs to be made whole or released from the bondage of those emotional hurts. Whatever we think of in regards to healing, there are some vital keys we can play in the healing of others, as well as in our own healing.
In this chapter of Proverbs the instruction is for a king to be godly in his duties and to honor that place of authority, which he has been given. It can be applied to us in this manner; there are some areas in your life where you are the authority. Maybe you are the manager or boss on your job and this scripture is calling for you to be fair in the things you do. Maybe you are in a place of authority within your church or other areas and you have power that can affect the lives of others. God’s call is for us to use godly wisdom and justice when we interact with those around us.
In these particular verses it contrast the wise person against the foolish one. The wise person from God’s standard has control over their mouth. Things do not just “come out”. The heart has given the mouth instruction on what to say. In other words, those things spoken have been thought about before they are said. And when the wise person speaks their words have power behind them that is what makes them persuasive. Those words spoken are also sweet words. Do not misunderstand this point; they are not false, flowery words, but words of truth that are sweet to the soul. They may even be words that sometimes are not so easy to take, but because they are spoken with wisdom and are the truth of God, they are words that are sweet (that is because the word of God is like honeycomb, sweet to the taste). The wise speaks words that bring healing to the lives of people. They penetrate to the very soul of a person and bring light to those dark areas. This is not because of the person speaking them, but because they are words of God flavored (salt of the earth) by his Spirit.
On the other hand, the foolish one speaks quickly without thinking and the words spoken are from their own understanding, perspective and ideology. The foolish may even think that the words they spoke were profound and enlightening, yet in the end they are foolish words that only lead to death. The charge for us today is to examine our words. Are they wise words that bring healing to the hearts of individuals or are they foolish words that cut, hurt, damage and destroy?
I pray for us today, Lord help us to speak words of wisdom. Not our own wisdom, because things may seem wise in our own eyes, but they are foolishness. Help us speak the words you give and may they bring healing to the seeking heart.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Words of Encouragement
The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. – 1 John 2:4-6
and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. – 1 Thessalonians 4:6
Count it all joy. Keeping our word. This might seem like strange scripture to use in regards to counting it all joy. However, I believe it is appropriate for us today. There are going to be times in our lives when we come face to face with people who say one thing, but do something entirely different. There are going to be people that say they love God, yet do not keep his ways and scripture says no matter what they say, the truth is not in them and they are a liar. I did not call them that, the word of God does.
It is also a warning that there will be those that say they care about you and support you, but in truth they are lying and in fact are transgressing (sinning against you or wronging you, as well as against God). They are in fact lying to others about you and causing harm to your name.
Well today I say to you, we still can count it all joy. We can keep our words even if others refuse to do the same. We can read this scripture and know that regardless of others we can abide in Christ and be worthy of what he has called us to do. We can take the warnings and do no harm with our words against others. That means because you lie on me, I do not have to lie on you. I can decide to speak truth at all times and in all situations. I can count even the betrayals joy because what is done in darkness in due season will come to light. I had something happen to me before where someone was lying on me and God told me to trust him. When I did, he revealed ALL the lies to every person that it was told to and he restored my name.
So today I say, let us count it all joy…our troubles, our success, our wounds, our healings, our dry places and our places of running springs. Whatever we find ourselves in, let us find joy because of who is with us. So when you go to worship this weekend, go with a thankful spirit that God can take even the times of sorrow and turn them into a song. Sing unto the Lord!!
Jewel D. Williams
It is in His word that we find life!
and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. – 1 Thessalonians 4:6
Count it all joy. Keeping our word. This might seem like strange scripture to use in regards to counting it all joy. However, I believe it is appropriate for us today. There are going to be times in our lives when we come face to face with people who say one thing, but do something entirely different. There are going to be people that say they love God, yet do not keep his ways and scripture says no matter what they say, the truth is not in them and they are a liar. I did not call them that, the word of God does.
It is also a warning that there will be those that say they care about you and support you, but in truth they are lying and in fact are transgressing (sinning against you or wronging you, as well as against God). They are in fact lying to others about you and causing harm to your name.
Well today I say to you, we still can count it all joy. We can keep our words even if others refuse to do the same. We can read this scripture and know that regardless of others we can abide in Christ and be worthy of what he has called us to do. We can take the warnings and do no harm with our words against others. That means because you lie on me, I do not have to lie on you. I can decide to speak truth at all times and in all situations. I can count even the betrayals joy because what is done in darkness in due season will come to light. I had something happen to me before where someone was lying on me and God told me to trust him. When I did, he revealed ALL the lies to every person that it was told to and he restored my name.
So today I say, let us count it all joy…our troubles, our success, our wounds, our healings, our dry places and our places of running springs. Whatever we find ourselves in, let us find joy because of who is with us. So when you go to worship this weekend, go with a thankful spirit that God can take even the times of sorrow and turn them into a song. Sing unto the Lord!!
Jewel D. Williams
It is in His word that we find life!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Words of Encouragement
Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, "Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved." All the people went away to eat, to drink, to send portions and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words, which had been made known to them. – Nehemiah 8:10-12
Count it all joy. This Day is Holy. The people were gathered together to hear the word of the Lord. It was read before the people and made plain, so that they could understand it. When the people heard the words and understood, they weep. They were instructed, however not to weep because this day was holy unto the Lord.
The people were told to go and to eat and to send to those that had nothing prepared. They were told to stop their weeping and to stop grieving, because the joy of the Lord was their strength. It would seem strange for them to be told not to weep or to be sorry for realizing their sinfulness and that they were not keeping the laws of God.
However, I believe that what the instruction is telling the people is not so much to make them look lightly at their sins, but to rejoice in the fact that God is going to strengthen them so that they can follow him. This is a good understand that we should have. When someone recognizes their sinfulness at that point they will be sorry and weep at their disobedience to God. But as quickly as we are broken from the realization of our sinful condition, God’s Spirit then encourages us that we are no longer condemned when we repent (forgiveness is granted immediately at the time we seek it). When we accept Jesus as our savior, scripture says there is now no more condemnation for those that are in Christ. So like the children of Israel, we can begin to find strengthen in God because he is now our joy, which we find true pleasure in. The day we come to the Lord and accept him, listen to him, learn of him is a Holy Day and we can rejoice in our fellowship with him.
I pray for us today that we would recognize that everyday should be holy unto God. Let us find the strength of God, even when we recognize our lack of obedience to God’s word. When we receive understanding, let us repent, and turn quickly to following after that which we now know. Then let the joy of the Lord strengthen you to carry out that which he instructs.
Count it all joy. This Day is Holy. The people were gathered together to hear the word of the Lord. It was read before the people and made plain, so that they could understand it. When the people heard the words and understood, they weep. They were instructed, however not to weep because this day was holy unto the Lord.
The people were told to go and to eat and to send to those that had nothing prepared. They were told to stop their weeping and to stop grieving, because the joy of the Lord was their strength. It would seem strange for them to be told not to weep or to be sorry for realizing their sinfulness and that they were not keeping the laws of God.
However, I believe that what the instruction is telling the people is not so much to make them look lightly at their sins, but to rejoice in the fact that God is going to strengthen them so that they can follow him. This is a good understand that we should have. When someone recognizes their sinfulness at that point they will be sorry and weep at their disobedience to God. But as quickly as we are broken from the realization of our sinful condition, God’s Spirit then encourages us that we are no longer condemned when we repent (forgiveness is granted immediately at the time we seek it). When we accept Jesus as our savior, scripture says there is now no more condemnation for those that are in Christ. So like the children of Israel, we can begin to find strengthen in God because he is now our joy, which we find true pleasure in. The day we come to the Lord and accept him, listen to him, learn of him is a Holy Day and we can rejoice in our fellowship with him.
I pray for us today that we would recognize that everyday should be holy unto God. Let us find the strength of God, even when we recognize our lack of obedience to God’s word. When we receive understanding, let us repent, and turn quickly to following after that which we now know. Then let the joy of the Lord strengthen you to carry out that which he instructs.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Words of Encouragement
And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles, and laud him all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Now the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. – Romans 14:10-13
Count it all joy. Gift of Salvation. Paul admonishes the Gentiles to rejoice in the great gift they have been given. Paul speaks the words that the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said there would be a root of Jesse that would rise and reign over the Gentiles. Jesse was king David’s father and this is the lineage of the savior. The savior came for the people of God, the Jews, but salvation was made available to everyone. Those that would accept Christ as savior would be grafted into the family of God to become the people of God.
Because of this opening up of salvation to all mankind, we can now have the joy that comes only from God. I like what the scripture says the “God of Hope”. The God of expectation, the God of trust, the God of looking forward are all titles that come from this understanding of the God of hope. We now have an expected end that we can joyfully look forward to. We can trust in God’s word and his promises because he is trustworthy. We can look forward to this new life he has given and what it entails. That which was behind, the sin and disobedience has been forgiven and now we can be filled with the joy and peace of the Lord.
Oh what a glorious future we have! We can continue to abound in hope, joy and peace through the working of the Holy Spirit within our lives. Today I pray for us to continue forward with the God that takes us forward. God does not take us backwards, so we should stop trying to go back into that which we have been delivered from. Stop trying to go back in to “Egypt” because the wilderness seems too hard and we have forgotten just how difficult our bondage was. Stop trying to turn back to what you had and like Lot’s wife turn into a pillar of salt. We surely can get “salty” when we think about what we have to let go of at times. So instead today Lord we ask you to help us look forward and count all things joy because we have been given a new chance, a new life and a new start.
Count it all joy. Gift of Salvation. Paul admonishes the Gentiles to rejoice in the great gift they have been given. Paul speaks the words that the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said there would be a root of Jesse that would rise and reign over the Gentiles. Jesse was king David’s father and this is the lineage of the savior. The savior came for the people of God, the Jews, but salvation was made available to everyone. Those that would accept Christ as savior would be grafted into the family of God to become the people of God.
Because of this opening up of salvation to all mankind, we can now have the joy that comes only from God. I like what the scripture says the “God of Hope”. The God of expectation, the God of trust, the God of looking forward are all titles that come from this understanding of the God of hope. We now have an expected end that we can joyfully look forward to. We can trust in God’s word and his promises because he is trustworthy. We can look forward to this new life he has given and what it entails. That which was behind, the sin and disobedience has been forgiven and now we can be filled with the joy and peace of the Lord.
Oh what a glorious future we have! We can continue to abound in hope, joy and peace through the working of the Holy Spirit within our lives. Today I pray for us to continue forward with the God that takes us forward. God does not take us backwards, so we should stop trying to go back into that which we have been delivered from. Stop trying to go back in to “Egypt” because the wilderness seems too hard and we have forgotten just how difficult our bondage was. Stop trying to turn back to what you had and like Lot’s wife turn into a pillar of salt. We surely can get “salty” when we think about what we have to let go of at times. So instead today Lord we ask you to help us look forward and count all things joy because we have been given a new chance, a new life and a new start.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Words of Encouragement
When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us; wherefore we are glad. Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. – Psalm 126
Count it all joy. When you receive God’s forgiveness. The children of Israel through scripture have shown us what the patience and mercy of God really looks like. He forgives them and again they would turn to sin. In this scripture the psalmist talks about receiving the forgiveness of God.
When God releases them from the captivity caused by their sins the people have much to rejoice about. Where there was once no dream, now there is a dream to be had. When their mouths were once filled with weeping, now laughter and singing is found. Even the unsaved marveled at the good things that God did for his people. Those that were in tears receive joy for those tears. God has exchanged those seeds of bitterness for a crop of plenty. No more weeping but rejoicing.
There is something important to notice about this scripture and that is we don’t hear complaining about the punishment of the sin, but the rejoicing of forgiveness. It is important that we understand that we sometimes find ourselves in captivity or bondage because of our disobedience to God. When we do, we have to seek God’s mercy but we also have to understand we very well may have to go through the process of coming from that bondage. And when we come out of that thing, we should count it all joy because God in his mercy did not allow us to stay in the bondage but released us. We cannot be angry because our actions have causes us to be in difficult situations. I’ve heard people say when faced with financial diffi culty, marital difficulty or issues with the law, “why has God allowed this to happen to me?” It is not always that God has allowed it, but that we refused to move in his direction and therefore we brought the bondage upon ourselves. Whatever the case, we should count it all joy because of the relationship we have with God. His love for us is so great that he willingly comes to get us and restore us, even if we got where we were out of our own disobedience.
I pray for us today that we rejoice in the grace extended to us. Let us be thankful for God’s forgiveness that he freely offers to us. Let us also rejoice in knowing that whatever situation we find ourselves in (our doing or not) God will not leave us there alone. He will take those tears and turn them into rejoicing. He will take the wounds and bind them up. Count it all joy; you have received the forgiveness of God.
Count it all joy. When you receive God’s forgiveness. The children of Israel through scripture have shown us what the patience and mercy of God really looks like. He forgives them and again they would turn to sin. In this scripture the psalmist talks about receiving the forgiveness of God.
When God releases them from the captivity caused by their sins the people have much to rejoice about. Where there was once no dream, now there is a dream to be had. When their mouths were once filled with weeping, now laughter and singing is found. Even the unsaved marveled at the good things that God did for his people. Those that were in tears receive joy for those tears. God has exchanged those seeds of bitterness for a crop of plenty. No more weeping but rejoicing.
There is something important to notice about this scripture and that is we don’t hear complaining about the punishment of the sin, but the rejoicing of forgiveness. It is important that we understand that we sometimes find ourselves in captivity or bondage because of our disobedience to God. When we do, we have to seek God’s mercy but we also have to understand we very well may have to go through the process of coming from that bondage. And when we come out of that thing, we should count it all joy because God in his mercy did not allow us to stay in the bondage but released us. We cannot be angry because our actions have causes us to be in difficult situations. I’ve heard people say when faced with financial diffi culty, marital difficulty or issues with the law, “why has God allowed this to happen to me?” It is not always that God has allowed it, but that we refused to move in his direction and therefore we brought the bondage upon ourselves. Whatever the case, we should count it all joy because of the relationship we have with God. His love for us is so great that he willingly comes to get us and restore us, even if we got where we were out of our own disobedience.
I pray for us today that we rejoice in the grace extended to us. Let us be thankful for God’s forgiveness that he freely offers to us. Let us also rejoice in knowing that whatever situation we find ourselves in (our doing or not) God will not leave us there alone. He will take those tears and turn them into rejoicing. He will take the wounds and bind them up. Count it all joy; you have received the forgiveness of God.
Speaking Events
Pastors Noah W. Reid & Carolyn Waddy-Reid, along with the Youth
of the Langley Avenue Church of God
6159 S. Langley Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
Cordially invite Everyone from every walk of life to attend this
Youth Sunday ~ February 17th at 11:00 a.m.
Minister Jewel D. Williams
will bring the message entitled
“Destined for Greatness”
Immediately Following the Morning Service:
The Langley Avenue Church of God is hosting the signing of Minister Williams’ newly released book
“Fearfully and Wonderfully Made”
A Teen Devotional for Girls
Tell all your friends, bring your whole family and celebrate the Lord with us!
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
I am excited about the release of my new book. It is geared for pre-teen and teenage girls. This Christian book uses the word of God to answer some of the questions teens are faced with in their lives. The topics cover such subjects as:
* What about me?
* Who Am I?
* Setting Goals?
* Peer Pressure.
* When Should I Date?
* Drinking and Drugs
* Marks of a Christian Teen
And so much more!!
Pick one up for your daughter, niece or any young girl you know!
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