Sunday, May 2, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Meditating on God's Goodness
"You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you." ~ 2 Chronicles 20:17
What a beautiful verse. The Scripture is full of so many promises, yet at times I seem to lose my focus and start having a pity party. Why do I allow this to happen, very simple - I obsess on myself instead of meditating on God's goodness, His mercy, His grace and His forgiveness.
Today, I would like to start fresh and continue to meditate on God's mercy and how He gave me a second chance at life. So many times, I have come close to destroying the very gift he gave me. Forgive me Father and help me remember that the battles that we go through are to be looked at as spiritual challenges, spiritual warfare and not a time to escape and run to the hills.
Help me continue to fight the good fight!!
If you are also going through difficult times, remember God will never leave you and no matter how desolate the situation may be, He will help you through it!
What a beautiful verse. The Scripture is full of so many promises, yet at times I seem to lose my focus and start having a pity party. Why do I allow this to happen, very simple - I obsess on myself instead of meditating on God's goodness, His mercy, His grace and His forgiveness.
Today, I would like to start fresh and continue to meditate on God's mercy and how He gave me a second chance at life. So many times, I have come close to destroying the very gift he gave me. Forgive me Father and help me remember that the battles that we go through are to be looked at as spiritual challenges, spiritual warfare and not a time to escape and run to the hills.
Help me continue to fight the good fight!!
If you are also going through difficult times, remember God will never leave you and no matter how desolate the situation may be, He will help you through it!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
God is the Winner!
"Who has done this and carried it through? I, the Lord - with the first of them and with the last - I am He." ~ Isaiah 41:4
"You're the God who makes things happen." ~ Psalm 77:14
"You're the God who makes things happen." ~ Psalm 77:14
Monday, March 29, 2010
Encouragement
"As for the promise which I made you when you came out of Egypt, My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear! .....the latter glory of this house will be greater than the former, say the Lord of hosts, and in this place I will give peace, declares the Lord of hosts." ~ Haggai 2:5,9
God is reminding us today that He is with us. If we are discouraged, we can count on God helping us through the difficulties.
Let's continue to remember God's promise to us.
God is reminding us today that He is with us. If we are discouraged, we can count on God helping us through the difficulties.
Let's continue to remember God's promise to us.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
God's Charge to Joshua
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." ~ Joshua 1:9
Friday, March 26, 2010
God's Grace is Sufficient
"My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
"The weaker the human instrument, the more clearly God's grace shines forth." The MacArthur Study Bible
These verses are one of my favorite in the Bible. God would not remove Paul's thorn, but God helped him through this torment.
The Lord is telling us through these beautiful verses that no matter what problems Satan tries to torment us with, God's grace is sufficient. God allows us to grow through different things in our lives, allows difficult people to come our way - but through these torments God's peace is always available.
How great is our God!!
"The weaker the human instrument, the more clearly God's grace shines forth." The MacArthur Study Bible
These verses are one of my favorite in the Bible. God would not remove Paul's thorn, but God helped him through this torment.
The Lord is telling us through these beautiful verses that no matter what problems Satan tries to torment us with, God's grace is sufficient. God allows us to grow through different things in our lives, allows difficult people to come our way - but through these torments God's peace is always available.
How great is our God!!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
God is faithful
"For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations. " Psalm 100:5
As we read this bible verse, all we can say is thank you Lord!! He is so wonderful to me, even though we do not deserve it. His love never ceases no matter what we do....His love is not held hostage according to my actions. It doesn't get better than that!!
There are many people in this world that may change the way they feel towards me because of my actions, etc. but I can trust that God loves me with all of my faults, He loves me despite my short comings, as He loves you too. His love and commitment to me does not change depending on the circumstance - WOW!!
God is the source and perfect example of kindness and we can trust He will always keep His promises, ALWAYS!!
As we read this bible verse, all we can say is thank you Lord!! He is so wonderful to me, even though we do not deserve it. His love never ceases no matter what we do....His love is not held hostage according to my actions. It doesn't get better than that!!
There are many people in this world that may change the way they feel towards me because of my actions, etc. but I can trust that God loves me with all of my faults, He loves me despite my short comings, as He loves you too. His love and commitment to me does not change depending on the circumstance - WOW!!
God is the source and perfect example of kindness and we can trust He will always keep His promises, ALWAYS!!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Two Ways of Life
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." ~ Matthew 7:13-14
Salvation is given to us by God's grace. Simple many may think it is, but it is not easy.
Salvation calls us to repent of our sins, calls us to remove everything from our finite minds that we thought was truth and learn the truth of God.
It means that we must submit ourselves to God completely and start a new life with Him. We must obey God by reading the bible. It calls for knowledge of the truth and a willingness to submit to His will.
The narrow gate symbolizes the difficulty of truly following Christ. The way is broad symbolizes other types of religion and how so many follow man made ideologies, religions, etc.
Following the narrow gate may seem too hard for you to commit to today. However, once we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior, He gives us the Holy Spirit who helps us stay on the right path. The Spirit of God puts a hunger in your heart to obtain knowledge of the truth, to pray, to change your life and live according to the Word of God.
Let God help you today enter through the narrow gate and enjoy the peace that only God can provide.
Salvation is given to us by God's grace. Simple many may think it is, but it is not easy.
Salvation calls us to repent of our sins, calls us to remove everything from our finite minds that we thought was truth and learn the truth of God.
It means that we must submit ourselves to God completely and start a new life with Him. We must obey God by reading the bible. It calls for knowledge of the truth and a willingness to submit to His will.
The narrow gate symbolizes the difficulty of truly following Christ. The way is broad symbolizes other types of religion and how so many follow man made ideologies, religions, etc.
Following the narrow gate may seem too hard for you to commit to today. However, once we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior, He gives us the Holy Spirit who helps us stay on the right path. The Spirit of God puts a hunger in your heart to obtain knowledge of the truth, to pray, to change your life and live according to the Word of God.
Let God help you today enter through the narrow gate and enjoy the peace that only God can provide.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Solomon's final words...
"The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden whether it is good or evil." ~ Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
As we read Ecclesiastes, we note that Solomon reached the point in his life that everything in his life was quite meaningless and not as important as our relationship with God.
If we focus on our relationship with God, our life begins to be filled with an unexplainable peace. I know when I lose my focus on God and begin focusing on myself or the issues surrounding me, I become sad and discouraged.
Reading these bible verses reminds me that God is the most important thing in life because we will spend eternity with Him. We are simply passing through this life!!
As we read Ecclesiastes, we note that Solomon reached the point in his life that everything in his life was quite meaningless and not as important as our relationship with God.
If we focus on our relationship with God, our life begins to be filled with an unexplainable peace. I know when I lose my focus on God and begin focusing on myself or the issues surrounding me, I become sad and discouraged.
Reading these bible verses reminds me that God is the most important thing in life because we will spend eternity with Him. We are simply passing through this life!!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Spiritual Warfare
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shot YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pay at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. ~ Ephesians 6:10-20
Each and everyday we must be ready to resist the devils schemes. Paul is describing in this last chapter of Ephesians the spiritual warfare that we, as Christians, will have to confront. This chapter describes what we should do to win these battles.
As we start our day, we should start it knowing that our fight is truly not against flesh and blood but against the devil himself. If we stand firm in Jesus Christ and His truth, His Word - we are sure to have victories in our lives (even if we struggle and get hurt in battle).
"The believer's continual trust in God's word and promise is "in addition to all" necessary to protect him from temptations to every sort of sin. All sin comes when victim falls to Satan's lies and promises of pleasure, rejecting the better choice of obedience and blessing." excerpt from The MacArthur Study Bible
Each and everyday we must be ready to resist the devils schemes. Paul is describing in this last chapter of Ephesians the spiritual warfare that we, as Christians, will have to confront. This chapter describes what we should do to win these battles.
As we start our day, we should start it knowing that our fight is truly not against flesh and blood but against the devil himself. If we stand firm in Jesus Christ and His truth, His Word - we are sure to have victories in our lives (even if we struggle and get hurt in battle).
"The believer's continual trust in God's word and promise is "in addition to all" necessary to protect him from temptations to every sort of sin. All sin comes when victim falls to Satan's lies and promises of pleasure, rejecting the better choice of obedience and blessing." excerpt from The MacArthur Study Bible
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
From Suffering to Eternal Glory
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." ~ Romans 8:18
As we study this verse, it reminds us to look forward to our eternal glory in heaven. Each day we must continually reflect on what is pure, honest and glorious. As we live our day to day lives, we have days that we will be dealing with struggles, conflicts and hardships. On these days we must especially remind ourselves that God is with us and have faith that He will never abandon us, no matter how difficult the situation may be.
Let's look forward to the resurrection of the body of Christ!!
If you are not a Christian, ask God to forgive you of your sins today and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. He is always waiting for His children to reconcile with Him.
As we study this verse, it reminds us to look forward to our eternal glory in heaven. Each day we must continually reflect on what is pure, honest and glorious. As we live our day to day lives, we have days that we will be dealing with struggles, conflicts and hardships. On these days we must especially remind ourselves that God is with us and have faith that He will never abandon us, no matter how difficult the situation may be.
Let's look forward to the resurrection of the body of Christ!!
If you are not a Christian, ask God to forgive you of your sins today and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. He is always waiting for His children to reconcile with Him.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Freedom in Christ
"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." ~ Galatians 5:1
When we become Christians, we are freed from our fears, bondage, etc. We are given a fresh start in life. As years pass, we may lose our way and become bound to our emotions, stress and our day to day life.
In this verse Paul is telling us to stand firm and not look back but look forward. To focus on the freedom that Christ has provided us when we were saved. Today, let's focus on Christ and the freedom He has given us, not on our burdens.
When we become Christians, we are freed from our fears, bondage, etc. We are given a fresh start in life. As years pass, we may lose our way and become bound to our emotions, stress and our day to day life.
In this verse Paul is telling us to stand firm and not look back but look forward. To focus on the freedom that Christ has provided us when we were saved. Today, let's focus on Christ and the freedom He has given us, not on our burdens.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Poem of Wisdom
"The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds; There is no one who does good." ~ Psalm 14:1
When reading the Bible, it does not discriminate. It does not ask you how old you are, what degrees who have obtained, what nationality you are, etc. God wants to touch all of our hearts and help us start a new life.
As we read this Psalm God speaks to our moral state of living and not our intellectual status.
When we come to Christ, our foolishness begins to diminish as we learn and allow the Word of God to penetrate our lives.
No matter how smart you think you are or how smart you think you are not - we all need to come to Jesus and allow Him to teach us His infinite wisdom. We truly learn something new every single day!!
Help us today, Lord, to look to you for the wisdom we lack.
When reading the Bible, it does not discriminate. It does not ask you how old you are, what degrees who have obtained, what nationality you are, etc. God wants to touch all of our hearts and help us start a new life.
As we read this Psalm God speaks to our moral state of living and not our intellectual status.
When we come to Christ, our foolishness begins to diminish as we learn and allow the Word of God to penetrate our lives.
No matter how smart you think you are or how smart you think you are not - we all need to come to Jesus and allow Him to teach us His infinite wisdom. We truly learn something new every single day!!
Help us today, Lord, to look to you for the wisdom we lack.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Teenage Pregnancy
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." ~ Jeremiah 1:5
As I reflect on this verse, I remember how deeply it touched my soul when at 19 I found myself pregnant with my second child. I felt lost and alone. I did not want to marry the father of my two children because he was very abusive. Little did I know that God was preparing my heart and life to save me.
My mother had become a Christian when I was 18 and she had read this verse to me. I always believed in God, but did not know how to have a relationship with Him.
I began going to church and enrolled in a Bible College. A few years later I found myself alone raising two children, but with such joy and peace that only God can bring to a life.
As our Almighty Omniscient God knew the plans He had for Jeremiah, He also knows the plans He has with our lives.
Whatever your struggle today, put your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. No matter how dark your life looks today, I believe, like me, you will be able to turn around one day and say "Thank you Lord for helping me through this crisis."
God bless you!
As I reflect on this verse, I remember how deeply it touched my soul when at 19 I found myself pregnant with my second child. I felt lost and alone. I did not want to marry the father of my two children because he was very abusive. Little did I know that God was preparing my heart and life to save me.
My mother had become a Christian when I was 18 and she had read this verse to me. I always believed in God, but did not know how to have a relationship with Him.
I began going to church and enrolled in a Bible College. A few years later I found myself alone raising two children, but with such joy and peace that only God can bring to a life.
As our Almighty Omniscient God knew the plans He had for Jeremiah, He also knows the plans He has with our lives.
Whatever your struggle today, put your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. No matter how dark your life looks today, I believe, like me, you will be able to turn around one day and say "Thank you Lord for helping me through this crisis."
God bless you!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Faith in Sickness
"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:15-16 NIV
We or someone we love will one day become ill. It may be sickness that can be treated and thus cured, but it may also be terminal. Through these difficult times, we must remember that God is with us and will give us strength.
Many evangelical Christians believe if they pray healing will come into their lives. Or as I was told once, "the person must confess their sins in order for healing to come into their lives." How silly!!!
We may become ill and not recover or we may become ill and receive healing.
Having said the above, no matter if we are sick or not, God is with us. Our lives on this earth are special, wonderful blessings, but we must remember - we are just passing through. Our eternal home awaits us in heaven.
We or someone we love will one day become ill. It may be sickness that can be treated and thus cured, but it may also be terminal. Through these difficult times, we must remember that God is with us and will give us strength.
Many evangelical Christians believe if they pray healing will come into their lives. Or as I was told once, "the person must confess their sins in order for healing to come into their lives." How silly!!!
We may become ill and not recover or we may become ill and receive healing.
Having said the above, no matter if we are sick or not, God is with us. Our lives on this earth are special, wonderful blessings, but we must remember - we are just passing through. Our eternal home awaits us in heaven.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Our Continual Faith
"My God will meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:19
No matter the struggles in our lives, God will be there to help us through it. In my own life, I have felt that I would never see the light at the end of the tunnel. When I look back at those very dark times I see that God did not leave me. He was with me, every single day.
These dark times help strengthen our faith, let's continue to believe that our Redeemer lives!!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The Lord's Coming
"For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:2
How wonderful to know that one day our Lord will be back for us. No matter how difficult life is or will become, this is all temporary. Our Savior will return like a thief in the night to take us to our eternal home.
Thank you Lord!!
How wonderful to know that one day our Lord will be back for us. No matter how difficult life is or will become, this is all temporary. Our Savior will return like a thief in the night to take us to our eternal home.
Thank you Lord!!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Guidance
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. ~ Psalm 23:4
Psalm 1:1-6
1 Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the LORD,
meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.
4 But not the wicked!
They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.
6 For the LORD watches over the path of the godly,
but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.
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