But I say to you, "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" -Matt. 5:44.
If we think we are able to do the above easily we are fooling ourselves. But Jesus makes it possible because He does it through us. All we have to do is humble ourselves and will to do his will. He will take care of the rest.
Jesus also says if a man ask for your coat give your cloak too and when one smites you on the cheek turn the other also. God ask that we show love, unconditional love, because through this sacrificial act we may win some to Him.
God is awesome. He is all knowing, He knows everything. Not only the past and what is happening presently but He also knows the future. He knows who will give their heart to Him in this life and He knows how it is going to happen. When He is using us, it matters not the circumstance or the situation we're in. We need to just trust Him because He knows the outcome and He knows who will come to know him through the experience. Humble yourself under His mighty hand and allow Him to use you to accomplish His will and His purpose.
Prayer: Lord teach us how to humble ourselves and let you use us for your glory. In Jesus name, amen!!!
Encouragement: Humble yourself. You know not when, where, or how you will fulfill God's purpose.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Change
The first person to change in any order of change is me. After I consider how hard it is to change myself, then I will understand the challenge of trying to change others. This is the ultimate test.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Daily Devotions - God's Glory!!!
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only -John 1:14.
God never desired to erect barriers between Hinmself and people. He wanted from the beginning to relate to us as a loving creator. So Jesus came into the world to allow God's glory to be universally visible and permanently present with His people. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth- John 1:14. Jesus reveals God to us.
When Moses met God in the desert, He was allowed only to see His back. Hundreds of years later, he stood with Elijah on the mount of transgiguration and saw Jesus -God the Son- in all His glory (Luke 9:28-36). There they were in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus (Luke 9:31).
As we follow Jesus, we reflect that same glory to other people. God... made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). We are living demonstrations of who God is. That doesn't happen overnight, but He continues to transform us into the likeness of Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18).
When God is in our lives, others will be able to see His presence by the continual changes they observe. Can you identify one specific way in which those around you can see God's glory reflected in you?
Prayer: Father help us to be totally yielded to You so You may perform Your divine work in us and let others see Your glory in us. Amen.
Encouragement: Allow God to do His work in you so you may conform to His Son, your Lord's image and likeness. He makes all things new.
God never desired to erect barriers between Hinmself and people. He wanted from the beginning to relate to us as a loving creator. So Jesus came into the world to allow God's glory to be universally visible and permanently present with His people. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth- John 1:14. Jesus reveals God to us.
When Moses met God in the desert, He was allowed only to see His back. Hundreds of years later, he stood with Elijah on the mount of transgiguration and saw Jesus -God the Son- in all His glory (Luke 9:28-36). There they were in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus (Luke 9:31).
As we follow Jesus, we reflect that same glory to other people. God... made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). We are living demonstrations of who God is. That doesn't happen overnight, but He continues to transform us into the likeness of Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18).
When God is in our lives, others will be able to see His presence by the continual changes they observe. Can you identify one specific way in which those around you can see God's glory reflected in you?
Prayer: Father help us to be totally yielded to You so You may perform Your divine work in us and let others see Your glory in us. Amen.
Encouragement: Allow God to do His work in you so you may conform to His Son, your Lord's image and likeness. He makes all things new.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Encouragement For Aspiring Leaders
Good morning famiy. Here's a thought to wrap our minds around today and for the future: The heights by great men reach and kept, were not attained by sudden flight. But they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward through the night
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
The Power of Prayer
And the Lord restored Job losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much
as he had before -Job 42:10.
Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that
you receive them and you shall have them -Mark 11:24.
Two completely different types of prayers
(intercessory & Petition prayers) achieving similar results (answer from God). Prayers move God and
change people and things.
as he had before -Job 42:10.
Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that
you receive them and you shall have them -Mark 11:24.
Two completely different types of prayers
(intercessory & Petition prayers) achieving similar results (answer from God). Prayers move God and
change people and things.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Daily Devotion - Prayer To God: Psalm 63
O God, You are my God, Early will I seek You. My soul thirsts for You, my flesh longs for You, in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory.
Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live. I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness. And my mouth shall be praised with joyful lips.
When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, because You have been my help. Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You. Your right hand upholds me.
But those who seek my life to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword. They shall be a portion for jackals. But the king shall rejoice in God. Everyone who swears by Him shall glory. But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.
Prayer: Lord in the midst of every challenge or obstacle sent to distract Your people today, help us stay focused on You, our great shield and our exceeding great reward. Amen.
Encouragement: Trials are here to make us not break us. Embrace them. If He takes you to a trial, He'll see you through it. Anyone trying to ensnare you is being used by the enemy. Have no fear, Jesus is with you. He is fighting all your battles for you. He promised never to leave you nor forsake you.
Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live. I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness. And my mouth shall be praised with joyful lips.
When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, because You have been my help. Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You. Your right hand upholds me.
But those who seek my life to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword. They shall be a portion for jackals. But the king shall rejoice in God. Everyone who swears by Him shall glory. But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.
Prayer: Lord in the midst of every challenge or obstacle sent to distract Your people today, help us stay focused on You, our great shield and our exceeding great reward. Amen.
Encouragement: Trials are here to make us not break us. Embrace them. If He takes you to a trial, He'll see you through it. Anyone trying to ensnare you is being used by the enemy. Have no fear, Jesus is with you. He is fighting all your battles for you. He promised never to leave you nor forsake you.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Daily Devotion -I REMEMBER
The Comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I've said unto you -John 14:26.
A title such as "I REMEMBER" reminds one so much of the poem, I Wonder by H. D. Cardbury (I think that's how the poet's name is spelt. Please forgive me if I spelt it incorrectly). I remember how I wondered when I recited that poem...
I wonder why the grass is green and why the wind is never seen. Who taught the birds to build a nest and told the trees to take a rest. Who hang those clouds so high... Yes that one baffled me as a child and as a youth. Until I found the reason the wind is never seen. You see the metaphor, or is it the personification one may draw from John 3:8, can only be discerned when the Holy Spirit reveals Himself in the meaning or explanation of that passage. That which is born of th flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit. After all, the flesh is at enmity with the Spirit and the Spirit is at enmity with the flesh. One cannot serve two masters at once and therefore needs the Holy Spirit to breakdown the meaning of scripture. The Word of God is foolishness to the natural man as it is spiritually discerned.
Jesus is the one who gives us His Spirit ( the Spirit of Christ is the Holy Spirit) and without Him (The Holy Spirit) we cannot make it in this world. Let me explain this statement before I get my head chewed off by those who misunderstand. When one repents of his/her sins and ask forgiveness, he/she invites Jesus in his/her heart and immediately the Holy Spirit comes and dwells inside that person. Without this happening one cannot "make it" or enter the Kingdom of God.
There is a further step which is not a requirement to enter heaven but is a far easier way to live this life to it's fullest and achieve all that God has for you here and in eternity future and how does one get all this, by being "baptised" in the the Holy Spirit or being "filled" with the Holy Spirit (not a requirement to "make it" but very important to make living the Christian life easier).
The Holy Spirit teaches us all things we require to be strong, wise, mature and whole Christians. He reveals all truths to us. The Holy Spirit brings everything to our remembrance and He rebukes and convicts. Without Him it is almost impossible or totally impossible as some would agree, to be successful in living this Christian life. If you see yourself being here for any lengthy period of time living for God, I suggest, NO, I implore you, get the baptism of the Holy Spirit. You'll be glad you did when you see how much easier it is to live this life with Him. He walks beside you, He is inside you, His presence surrounds you and he guides you every step of the way. Now, can you refuse or deny someone like that, access to your whole life?
Prayer: Lord, like the woman at the well who begged You to give her "this water" so she would never thirst again we ask You,please give us your Spirit, The Holy Spirit so we will not fail to hit the mark. In Jesus name, Amen.
Encouragement: If you don't have the Holy Spirit as yet, Pray to be filled with Him. It's the BEST thing that could ever happen to anyone in their lifetime.
A title such as "I REMEMBER" reminds one so much of the poem, I Wonder by H. D. Cardbury (I think that's how the poet's name is spelt. Please forgive me if I spelt it incorrectly). I remember how I wondered when I recited that poem...
I wonder why the grass is green and why the wind is never seen. Who taught the birds to build a nest and told the trees to take a rest. Who hang those clouds so high... Yes that one baffled me as a child and as a youth. Until I found the reason the wind is never seen. You see the metaphor, or is it the personification one may draw from John 3:8, can only be discerned when the Holy Spirit reveals Himself in the meaning or explanation of that passage. That which is born of th flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit. After all, the flesh is at enmity with the Spirit and the Spirit is at enmity with the flesh. One cannot serve two masters at once and therefore needs the Holy Spirit to breakdown the meaning of scripture. The Word of God is foolishness to the natural man as it is spiritually discerned.
Jesus is the one who gives us His Spirit ( the Spirit of Christ is the Holy Spirit) and without Him (The Holy Spirit) we cannot make it in this world. Let me explain this statement before I get my head chewed off by those who misunderstand. When one repents of his/her sins and ask forgiveness, he/she invites Jesus in his/her heart and immediately the Holy Spirit comes and dwells inside that person. Without this happening one cannot "make it" or enter the Kingdom of God.
There is a further step which is not a requirement to enter heaven but is a far easier way to live this life to it's fullest and achieve all that God has for you here and in eternity future and how does one get all this, by being "baptised" in the the Holy Spirit or being "filled" with the Holy Spirit (not a requirement to "make it" but very important to make living the Christian life easier).
The Holy Spirit teaches us all things we require to be strong, wise, mature and whole Christians. He reveals all truths to us. The Holy Spirit brings everything to our remembrance and He rebukes and convicts. Without Him it is almost impossible or totally impossible as some would agree, to be successful in living this Christian life. If you see yourself being here for any lengthy period of time living for God, I suggest, NO, I implore you, get the baptism of the Holy Spirit. You'll be glad you did when you see how much easier it is to live this life with Him. He walks beside you, He is inside you, His presence surrounds you and he guides you every step of the way. Now, can you refuse or deny someone like that, access to your whole life?
Prayer: Lord, like the woman at the well who begged You to give her "this water" so she would never thirst again we ask You,please give us your Spirit, The Holy Spirit so we will not fail to hit the mark. In Jesus name, Amen.
Encouragement: If you don't have the Holy Spirit as yet, Pray to be filled with Him. It's the BEST thing that could ever happen to anyone in their lifetime.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Daily Devotion - His Promises Are Sure
When Rachel's second son was born, she named him Ben-Oni, "son of my sorrow," before she died. Jacob renamed the baby Benjamin, or " son of my right hand." The family (Jacob's family) had just got to Ephrath, the ancient name for Bethlehem. Similarly, from Mary's perspective, Jesus who would also be born in Bethlehem, would be the "son of (her) sorrow" (Luke 2:35, John 19:25), but to God He is the "son of my right hand" (Hebrews 1:3).
From the "man of sorrows" (Isaiah 53:3), Jesus was exalted to the "Lord of glory" (1 Corinthians 2:8).
Despite facing obstacles and griefs in our daily lives, God never fails to fulfill His gracious promises to us. But that fulfillment is often contingent upon our own willingness to trust and obey. For example, He tells us in the gospel of John that if we abide in Him and His word abides in us we can ask of the Father what we will in His name and He will grant it to us. Also in Psalms 37:4 we're told that if we delight ourselves in Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts. Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful. Praise His holy name.
Prayer: Lord help us to trust You to fulfill your promises in us, amen.
Encouragement: Trust and obey Jesus and watch wonders performed in your life according to his promises and His will.
From the "man of sorrows" (Isaiah 53:3), Jesus was exalted to the "Lord of glory" (1 Corinthians 2:8).
Despite facing obstacles and griefs in our daily lives, God never fails to fulfill His gracious promises to us. But that fulfillment is often contingent upon our own willingness to trust and obey. For example, He tells us in the gospel of John that if we abide in Him and His word abides in us we can ask of the Father what we will in His name and He will grant it to us. Also in Psalms 37:4 we're told that if we delight ourselves in Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts. Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful. Praise His holy name.
Prayer: Lord help us to trust You to fulfill your promises in us, amen.
Encouragement: Trust and obey Jesus and watch wonders performed in your life according to his promises and His will.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Daily Devotion - When There's An Encounter With God
Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome - Genesis 32:28 (NIV).
You know, Jacob wrestled with God and came away from that encounter changed forever. His name was changed from Jacob (sup planter, trickster) to Israel (prince who wrestled with God and man and prevailed). He changed the name of the place where he and God wrestled, to Peniel which means "face of God" (Gen. 32:30).
Each of us needs our own "Peniel," a place to meet with God, wrestle with Him and come away changed.
God has given us just such a place -the Bible. In His Word we can meet Him, get to know Him and come away forever changed. In the Bible we have the awesome opportunity to meet God face-to-face! He tells us who He is and what He wants from us and even divulges His plans for us (Luke 16:27-31).
Prayer: Lord teach us to stay in your Word and the benefits from this practice as You taught Joshua. Amen!
Encouragement: When in your life have you "wrestled" with God and come away changed?
You know, Jacob wrestled with God and came away from that encounter changed forever. His name was changed from Jacob (sup planter, trickster) to Israel (prince who wrestled with God and man and prevailed). He changed the name of the place where he and God wrestled, to Peniel which means "face of God" (Gen. 32:30).
Each of us needs our own "Peniel," a place to meet with God, wrestle with Him and come away changed.
God has given us just such a place -the Bible. In His Word we can meet Him, get to know Him and come away forever changed. In the Bible we have the awesome opportunity to meet God face-to-face! He tells us who He is and what He wants from us and even divulges His plans for us (Luke 16:27-31).
Prayer: Lord teach us to stay in your Word and the benefits from this practice as You taught Joshua. Amen!
Encouragement: When in your life have you "wrestled" with God and come away changed?
Daily Devotion - Facing Challenges
It's a bright and beautiful day and my prayer today is that God will consecrate this day and our lives to His plans today. May this day be the best day of each and everyone's life ever. God bless everyone that reads this.
Whenever we face challenges, we can go back to God's Word to discover and claim his promises. When we take them at face value, we learn to trust Him.
When we face uncertainty or difficult decisions, the place to start is in conversation with God (prayer). But we need to keep walking, working, praying and serving -because He walks at our side and shows us details as we go along life's journey.
Prayer: Lord please bring to our memory, all we need to do when facing challenges, amen.
Encouragement: He's with us in every challenge.
Whenever we face challenges, we can go back to God's Word to discover and claim his promises. When we take them at face value, we learn to trust Him.
When we face uncertainty or difficult decisions, the place to start is in conversation with God (prayer). But we need to keep walking, working, praying and serving -because He walks at our side and shows us details as we go along life's journey.
Prayer: Lord please bring to our memory, all we need to do when facing challenges, amen.
Encouragement: He's with us in every challenge.
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