Hebrews 2
1 So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. 2 For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. 3 So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? 4 And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.
As believers we must be careful to pay attention to the truth we've heard so we won't drift away into false teachings. This involves focusing our minds, bodies, and spirits on the Word of God. This focus means not only hearing but obeying. We must listen carefully and be ready to carry out God's instructions for our lives.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thankful is as thankful does
2 Corinthians 9:11-13 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.
During this time of year we all find ourselves reflecting on the things in our lives for which we are thankful; life, health, strength, family. Yet in my mind being thankful is something that should be reflected outwardly as well as inwardly.
Each of us has been blessed to be a blessing. So, it's important for us to display our thankfulness by generously giving of ourselves to others. Our actions as well as our words should tell God how thankful we are. Afterall, one of His greatest commandments is that "we love our neighbors as ourselves."
How do we love our neighbor? By finding ways to give generously to them as God has given to you so that He may be glorified. This thanksgiving don't just give lip service to your thankfulness add some action as well.
Eternal Father we give thanks to you for you are good and your mercy endures forever. As we observe Thanksgiving, we thank you for establishing your will on earth as it is in heaven. Thank you for enriching us in every way so we can always be generous.
Father it is your will for us to give thanks to you always and in all things. As we observe Thanksgiving help us to look daily for ways to show you our appreciation for the favor you have shown us. Remind us we are blessed to be a blessing and help us find ways to bless others so that they will in turn thank You. Help us to meet the needs of others so they will joyfully express their thanks to You and as a result of our ministry they will glorify You.
Forgive us for always wanting more and not counting our blessings. Remind us of those we need to forgive.
Thank you that your lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
Blessings and honor and glory be unto forever, Amen.
During this time of year we all find ourselves reflecting on the things in our lives for which we are thankful; life, health, strength, family. Yet in my mind being thankful is something that should be reflected outwardly as well as inwardly.
Each of us has been blessed to be a blessing. So, it's important for us to display our thankfulness by generously giving of ourselves to others. Our actions as well as our words should tell God how thankful we are. Afterall, one of His greatest commandments is that "we love our neighbors as ourselves."
How do we love our neighbor? By finding ways to give generously to them as God has given to you so that He may be glorified. This thanksgiving don't just give lip service to your thankfulness add some action as well.
Eternal Father we give thanks to you for you are good and your mercy endures forever. As we observe Thanksgiving, we thank you for establishing your will on earth as it is in heaven. Thank you for enriching us in every way so we can always be generous.
Father it is your will for us to give thanks to you always and in all things. As we observe Thanksgiving help us to look daily for ways to show you our appreciation for the favor you have shown us. Remind us we are blessed to be a blessing and help us find ways to bless others so that they will in turn thank You. Help us to meet the needs of others so they will joyfully express their thanks to You and as a result of our ministry they will glorify You.
Forgive us for always wanting more and not counting our blessings. Remind us of those we need to forgive.
Thank you that your lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
Blessings and honor and glory be unto forever, Amen.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Will the Church Be the Church!
"People put on the horse and ride it so high, they make you feel like you can't get over there," Harvey said of Christian folks in the Church who parade around with their facade each Sunday morning. "That's what I wish was different."
This was such a jolting commentary on the state of the church today. I felt compelled to post it here. Steve Harvey is very honest about the mistakes he's made in his lifetime, but he is also put off by the "holier than thou" judgmental attitudes of some Christians.
It is a sad sad day when people feel they can't go to the church to seek help because the "church folk" look down on them. And we all know it to be true. When the young lady steps through the door in a dress that probably would be more appropriate for the club, the typical response from most "church folk" is to turn their noses up and begin whispering amongst themselves about the inappropriateness of her attire. Rarely, if ever, do you see someone approaching her with open arms bringing her into the fold making her feel comfortable enough to even receive a word from God that would help to lovingly steer her into the right direction.
A few years ago there was a big push for What would Jesus Do. As the church we need to do what Jesus would do. Afterall, He was not hung on the cross for following the status quo. He was the savior for the least, the last, and the lost. As a matter ofr fact, He was very critical of the "holy rollers of His day,Saducees and Pharisees, who knew the law but rejected the law giver.
Jesus was all about relationships- His with us and ours with one another. He sought out the least of us and brought us into His loving presence. As believers we need to look deep into our hearts and search our motives. It's not about the clothes we wear, the cars we drive, or the amount of money we can place in the basket. Our country is going to hell in a handbasket because "believers" are afraid to go into the highways and biways and tell the people what thus saith the Lord. We need to get off our holy roller pedestals and seek to complete the great commission of making disciples whenever and where ever we can. The Steve Harveys of the world should not feel as though the church is the last place they can go to be healed, delivered, and set free. Stop looking at the clothes they wear, the way they talk, and the things they do and look into their hurting hearts and show them the love of Jesus. What would Jesus do. God bless
This was such a jolting commentary on the state of the church today. I felt compelled to post it here. Steve Harvey is very honest about the mistakes he's made in his lifetime, but he is also put off by the "holier than thou" judgmental attitudes of some Christians.
It is a sad sad day when people feel they can't go to the church to seek help because the "church folk" look down on them. And we all know it to be true. When the young lady steps through the door in a dress that probably would be more appropriate for the club, the typical response from most "church folk" is to turn their noses up and begin whispering amongst themselves about the inappropriateness of her attire. Rarely, if ever, do you see someone approaching her with open arms bringing her into the fold making her feel comfortable enough to even receive a word from God that would help to lovingly steer her into the right direction.
A few years ago there was a big push for What would Jesus Do. As the church we need to do what Jesus would do. Afterall, He was not hung on the cross for following the status quo. He was the savior for the least, the last, and the lost. As a matter ofr fact, He was very critical of the "holy rollers of His day,Saducees and Pharisees, who knew the law but rejected the law giver.
Jesus was all about relationships- His with us and ours with one another. He sought out the least of us and brought us into His loving presence. As believers we need to look deep into our hearts and search our motives. It's not about the clothes we wear, the cars we drive, or the amount of money we can place in the basket. Our country is going to hell in a handbasket because "believers" are afraid to go into the highways and biways and tell the people what thus saith the Lord. We need to get off our holy roller pedestals and seek to complete the great commission of making disciples whenever and where ever we can. The Steve Harveys of the world should not feel as though the church is the last place they can go to be healed, delivered, and set free. Stop looking at the clothes they wear, the way they talk, and the things they do and look into their hurting hearts and show them the love of Jesus. What would Jesus do. God bless
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?
I know that Halloween does not line up with the Word and Will of God. There is a proverb that says "When you sup with the devil, use a long spoon."
Halloween is a pagan holiday that began in ancient times. The origins of Halloween are Celtic in nature and have to do with observing the end of summer sacrifices to gods in Druidic tradition. It is celebrated and revered as a day to worship the dead by the wiccan culture.
In ancient times, the gods were worshipped on this day with human sacrifices. Celtics believed Samhain, the lord of death, sent evil spirits abroad to attack humans, who could escape only by assuming disguises and looking like evil spirits themselves. The waning of the sun and the approach of dark winter made the evil spirits rejoice and play nasty tricks. Most of our Halloween practices can be traced back to these old pagan rites and superstitions.
In the fourth century, Christians attempted to co-opt the holiday by celebrating the lives of faithful Christian saints the day before Halloween. This was a conscious attempt to provide an alternative and to re-focus the day away from ghouls, goblins, ghosts, witches and other “haunted” experiences. Since that time many Christians have decided to allow their children to dress in more “innocent” costumes of pumpkins, princesses, Superman or as a cowboy. Part of this is due to the simple reality that in today’s Western culture it is nearly impossible to “avoid” Halloween. But Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 10:20 "But I say that these things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God, and I would not that you should have fellowship with the devil.
Our children are impressionable and allowing them to celebrate Halloween can send mixed messages. Satan is cunning in the ways that he gains entry into our lives. If we are not careful, before long he can turn someting as simple as celebrating Halloween into a stronghold in our lives. You could be opening up doorways into your chidren's lives for evil by bringing them into a kind of "fellowship" with these ancient "gods."
Children are God's heritage. We should do everything possible to train them up in the Word and Will of God.
We are commanded not to become involved with the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11).
So, should Christians celebrate Halloween and/or look for alternatives to celebrate on this day? What do you think?
Please think about this, pray over it and ask God to lead you.
Be blessed!!
Halloween is a pagan holiday that began in ancient times. The origins of Halloween are Celtic in nature and have to do with observing the end of summer sacrifices to gods in Druidic tradition. It is celebrated and revered as a day to worship the dead by the wiccan culture.
In ancient times, the gods were worshipped on this day with human sacrifices. Celtics believed Samhain, the lord of death, sent evil spirits abroad to attack humans, who could escape only by assuming disguises and looking like evil spirits themselves. The waning of the sun and the approach of dark winter made the evil spirits rejoice and play nasty tricks. Most of our Halloween practices can be traced back to these old pagan rites and superstitions.
In the fourth century, Christians attempted to co-opt the holiday by celebrating the lives of faithful Christian saints the day before Halloween. This was a conscious attempt to provide an alternative and to re-focus the day away from ghouls, goblins, ghosts, witches and other “haunted” experiences. Since that time many Christians have decided to allow their children to dress in more “innocent” costumes of pumpkins, princesses, Superman or as a cowboy. Part of this is due to the simple reality that in today’s Western culture it is nearly impossible to “avoid” Halloween. But Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 10:20 "But I say that these things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God, and I would not that you should have fellowship with the devil.
Our children are impressionable and allowing them to celebrate Halloween can send mixed messages. Satan is cunning in the ways that he gains entry into our lives. If we are not careful, before long he can turn someting as simple as celebrating Halloween into a stronghold in our lives. You could be opening up doorways into your chidren's lives for evil by bringing them into a kind of "fellowship" with these ancient "gods."
Children are God's heritage. We should do everything possible to train them up in the Word and Will of God.
We are commanded not to become involved with the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11).
So, should Christians celebrate Halloween and/or look for alternatives to celebrate on this day? What do you think?
Please think about this, pray over it and ask God to lead you.
Be blessed!!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
I Believe - NEW VIDEO by Kathy Taylor
Check this out . I am blessed to know this phenomenal women of God.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Plans for a Future
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
It feels so good to be encouraged by someone you look up to, someone who roots you on, someone who believes you can complete the task before you. Well God is in your corner doing just that, rooting for you. He knows the future and His plans for us are good and full of hope. As long as He provides the agenda and is with us as we fulfill His mission, we an have hope that knows no bounds. This doesn't mean that we will never be touched by pain, sickness, poor relationships, job loss, divorce, domestic violence, cancer, or other trials, but it does mean we can rest assured God will see us through to a glorious conclusion.
Feel free to post comments of instances God has brought you through your trials.
It feels so good to be encouraged by someone you look up to, someone who roots you on, someone who believes you can complete the task before you. Well God is in your corner doing just that, rooting for you. He knows the future and His plans for us are good and full of hope. As long as He provides the agenda and is with us as we fulfill His mission, we an have hope that knows no bounds. This doesn't mean that we will never be touched by pain, sickness, poor relationships, job loss, divorce, domestic violence, cancer, or other trials, but it does mean we can rest assured God will see us through to a glorious conclusion.
Feel free to post comments of instances God has brought you through your trials.
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