"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (see Matthew 6:10)
Sounding too good to be true, many believers are convinced that expecting good from this life is unrealistic. Many even believe the only real blessings are manifested after we die and go to heaven. The idea of God's will being done here on earth as it is in heaven is completely foreign to them. But wasn't it Jesus Himself that told us about the manifestation of the Kingdom here on earth. If we can trust Him with our eternal salvation, then it's a no-brainer to believe all He said is true.
Many Christians today are living so far below God's standard here on earth because they have accepted human reasoning and experience over what the Word of God has to say.
God's Word is clear that He desires to give us good things, give us great joy by answering our prayers, and fulfill the desires of our heart. What good earthly father would give his child a snake when he asks for a puppy? Our Father in heaven wants us to know that He is much greater than any earthly Father, and how much more does He desire to give us good things when we ask:
Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Matthew 7:9-11
God's plans for us are plans of good and not evil to give us a future and a hope. God desires for us to have an abundant life.
So how then do we know that the kingdom of God is available to us right here on earth?
Mark 1:15 says, "And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand [or available to you right now]: repent ye, and believe the gospel."
Luke 17:21 says, "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Scripture tells us to seek first the kingdom of God, then these things will be added unto us, for it is God's good pleasure to give us the things of the kingdom. (Luke 12:31-32)
We will bear witness to the kingdom of God being manifested here on earth because where God reigns and His will is done, there is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit!
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14:17
We today are called to go forth and preach the kingdom of God. That's God's will.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Matthew 10:7-8
God's kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven is one full of blessings and not curses, but we must choose to be blessed.
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. Deuteronomy 30:19
We must stand on the promises of God. We must be willing and obedient to His commands and we must seek the Kingdom diligently. We can't give in to the enemy and what he tells us about our lives. The promises of God far outweigh the attempts of the enemy to tear us down.
God's Kingdom here on earth will be done if we seek Him first.
Showing posts with label ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ministry. Show all posts
Sunday, December 27, 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 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.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
October Observances
October marks the observances of two significant events; National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each of these observances are near and dear to my heart because I have experienced them in a very personal way.
In 1979 I lost a cousin to breast cancer. This was during a time when awarness was really not a big deal. Breast cancer was just beginning to be examined as a problem and technology was far behind with regards to health care for women.
Domestic violence on the other hand is a much more personal issue. I understand all too well the intricacies associated with abuse victims and their home life.
In the next few weeks I will be posting information related to each of these topics. Please join me by posting comments and information. Together, let's work to erradicate each of these issues. God bless
In 1979 I lost a cousin to breast cancer. This was during a time when awarness was really not a big deal. Breast cancer was just beginning to be examined as a problem and technology was far behind with regards to health care for women.
Domestic violence on the other hand is a much more personal issue. I understand all too well the intricacies associated with abuse victims and their home life.
In the next few weeks I will be posting information related to each of these topics. Please join me by posting comments and information. Together, let's work to erradicate each of these issues. God bless
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Where Was God?
Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. Isaiah 53:4
Is God absent when we go through trials in our lives? Hurrican Katrina, Hurricane Ike, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, each of these is a tragedy in and of itself, but is God really there? YES HE IS! He's in the individuals who come to support you. He's in the countless number of prayers that are sent up on your behalf. He's with those who show compassion and assist financially. God never leaves you alone. (Hebrews 13:5)
We may not have the right answers to the how's and the why's of certain tragedies that befall us, but as believers we should always rest assured God is present with us. Even when we become perplexed as to why He has allowed our lives to take a tragic turn, we can trust God to be near us working out everything for our good.
Is God absent when we go through trials in our lives? Hurrican Katrina, Hurricane Ike, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, each of these is a tragedy in and of itself, but is God really there? YES HE IS! He's in the individuals who come to support you. He's in the countless number of prayers that are sent up on your behalf. He's with those who show compassion and assist financially. God never leaves you alone. (Hebrews 13:5)
We may not have the right answers to the how's and the why's of certain tragedies that befall us, but as believers we should always rest assured God is present with us. Even when we become perplexed as to why He has allowed our lives to take a tragic turn, we can trust God to be near us working out everything for our good.
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Power of the Name of Jesus
What's in a name? A whole lot when it's the name of God. Your reputation, your character, and your authority are all represented by your name. When God's name is misused we defame His reputation, His character, and His authority.
Titus 1:16 Such people claim they know God, but they deny Him by the way they live. They are despicable and disobedient, worthless for anything good.
God's name was not meant as a tool to impress. Religious cliche's are just that words. Our lifestyle can either lift up the Lord's name or drag it through the gutter. Our walk needs to match our talk. Let your life, not your words, be your witness before man.
Isaiah 29:13 And so the Lord says, "These people say they are mine. They worship me with their lips, but their hearts are far away. And their worship of me amounts to nothing more than human laws learned by rote.
Each Sunday as I sit in church services I hear parishoners recite the Lord's prayer. It's a methodical almost mechanical recitation of words that seem to have no real meaning to those speaking them. What may be surprising to many is that you take the Lord's name in vain when you just recite words in His name by just going through the motions. Instead this should be an act of worship in which we pray these words lovingly and carefully. Praying to Him when your mind is a thousand miles away is impulsive and has no meaning. Take the time to talk to God in a way that expresses true worship.
Intimidation. That's a word that you would think has nothing to do with God's name, but everytime you claim God has given you direction for something of your own making, that's exactly how you're using His name. To intimidate. "I've prayed about this and God wants me/us to..." Sound familiar. Many people use these words when they want others to cooperate with a plan. But is it their plan or God's plan. Be careful and make sure that God is the leader because when you claim God's approval on something that is clearly not His will, you are breaking the third commandment.
We should use God's name reverently. We must treat His name with the utmost respect being careful at all times not to misuse it because He will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. Exodus 20:7.
Titus 1:16 Such people claim they know God, but they deny Him by the way they live. They are despicable and disobedient, worthless for anything good.
God's name was not meant as a tool to impress. Religious cliche's are just that words. Our lifestyle can either lift up the Lord's name or drag it through the gutter. Our walk needs to match our talk. Let your life, not your words, be your witness before man.
Isaiah 29:13 And so the Lord says, "These people say they are mine. They worship me with their lips, but their hearts are far away. And their worship of me amounts to nothing more than human laws learned by rote.
Each Sunday as I sit in church services I hear parishoners recite the Lord's prayer. It's a methodical almost mechanical recitation of words that seem to have no real meaning to those speaking them. What may be surprising to many is that you take the Lord's name in vain when you just recite words in His name by just going through the motions. Instead this should be an act of worship in which we pray these words lovingly and carefully. Praying to Him when your mind is a thousand miles away is impulsive and has no meaning. Take the time to talk to God in a way that expresses true worship.
Intimidation. That's a word that you would think has nothing to do with God's name, but everytime you claim God has given you direction for something of your own making, that's exactly how you're using His name. To intimidate. "I've prayed about this and God wants me/us to..." Sound familiar. Many people use these words when they want others to cooperate with a plan. But is it their plan or God's plan. Be careful and make sure that God is the leader because when you claim God's approval on something that is clearly not His will, you are breaking the third commandment.
We should use God's name reverently. We must treat His name with the utmost respect being careful at all times not to misuse it because He will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. Exodus 20:7.
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