Sometimes life is painful. Whether you are dealing with *broken relationships, *health problems, * or changing Circumstances. . .LIFE IS HARD!
Where do you find comfort in the Struggles of LIFE?
There are a myriad of places where people look for comfort. Addictions to:
1. FOOD
2. ALCOHOL
3. DRUGS
4. SEX
5. APPROVAL OF OTHERS
6. Past experiences
7. Self addictions
These are some examples of looking for comfort in all the wrong places.
Doesnt it make sense that comfort should come from the one who loves you the most and knows you the best? Sure, and that is GOD. He loves you completely and cares when you hurt.
Learn to find comfort from resting in the Shadow of His wings.
What is a "comfort zone"?
Its a place where you are completely at home with everything...a place where you know what to do; what to say; and how to act. There is no challenge involved.
How does it feel when your are forced out of your comfort Zone?
Crossing that threshold demands a rishktaking FAITH that believes that GOD WILL GUIDE EVERY STEP!
Do you BELIEVE that GOD WILL GUIDE, SUPPORT, AND STRENGTHEN YOU MOMENT BY MOMENT? Here are some suggestions of how you may find Gods comfort:
His Word: Scripture promises Gods presence and care!
His Voice: God speaks by bringing a Scripture verse to mind or even through a Song. Any thought that gives you comfort may very well be God speaking to you.
Through others: Sometimes God uses the actions or words of others to comfort us. They are His tools at that moment in time.
God will give you comfort when you need it most!
Verses to Read, understand and cherish:
1. Psalm 40:5
2. Philippians 2:1-2
3. Colossians 3:16
4. Deuteronomy 31:6
5. Psalm 27:1
6. Psalm 34:4
7. Ephesians 1:4
8. 1 John 4:18 - (My favourite)
'There is no fear in LOVE. But perfect love drives out Fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in LOVE.
Prayer:
Father, Im so thankful that i can trust You. That i can sleep and rise knowing that you are my comfort in uncertain times. Bless me with wisdom and strength so i may CUT THE STRINGS this life has claimed upon me and May i be free through your Love and Comforted under the shadows of your wings! Be my guidance in each step and move i shall make. All praise be to Your name my Father. I pray this in Jesus Christ name my savior and redeemer.
**Amen**
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
** The MARK of MATURITY ** by rick warren
"This is to my Father's Glory, that you bear much Fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:7 NIV.
God has a plan for eternity and you have a role in it.
God wants you to grow to spiritual maturity so that you can beart spiritual "fruit".
Here is the best way i can describe it:
* How do you know when a tomato plant is mature? It bears tomatoes.
* How do you know when an apple tree is mature? It produces apples.
* How do you know when a human being is physically mature?
You spiritually reproduce, or as today's verse says, you "bear much Fruit"
What is Fruit?
In the bible, the word "fruit" is used four different ways.
1. It refers to the fruit of repentance,
2. the fruit of the Spirit..(Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and self Control),
3. the Fruit of answered prayer,
4. the fruit of another christian - Spiritual reproduction.
God wants you to bear much fruit, to reproduce many Christians. This includes people in your family, in your community, and in the whole world.
Acts 1 teaches. "You will receive power when the Holy spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:7-8).
* Jerusalem represents your immediate family and friends.
* Judea represents your community.
* Samaria represents your cross-cultural relationships.
* and the ends of the earth refers to your global calling.
If you want Gods blessing on your life, your family, your finances, your health, and your relationships, then you need to get with Gods Agenda! He is building a kingdom, a church, a spiritual family for all eternity. He wants his lost children found and thats where you come in. The more you make God's agenda your own, the more God is going to bless your life.
Instead of saying, "God BLess my plans", PRAY, "God help me to do what you are blessing." This is the first step in spiritual maturity, and it will lead to fruit in your life!
2
God has a plan for eternity and you have a role in it.
God wants you to grow to spiritual maturity so that you can beart spiritual "fruit".
Here is the best way i can describe it:
* How do you know when a tomato plant is mature? It bears tomatoes.
* How do you know when an apple tree is mature? It produces apples.
* How do you know when a human being is physically mature?
You spiritually reproduce, or as today's verse says, you "bear much Fruit"
What is Fruit?
In the bible, the word "fruit" is used four different ways.
1. It refers to the fruit of repentance,
2. the fruit of the Spirit..(Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and self Control),
3. the Fruit of answered prayer,
4. the fruit of another christian - Spiritual reproduction.
God wants you to bear much fruit, to reproduce many Christians. This includes people in your family, in your community, and in the whole world.
Acts 1 teaches. "You will receive power when the Holy spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:7-8).
* Jerusalem represents your immediate family and friends.
* Judea represents your community.
* Samaria represents your cross-cultural relationships.
* and the ends of the earth refers to your global calling.
If you want Gods blessing on your life, your family, your finances, your health, and your relationships, then you need to get with Gods Agenda! He is building a kingdom, a church, a spiritual family for all eternity. He wants his lost children found and thats where you come in. The more you make God's agenda your own, the more God is going to bless your life.
Instead of saying, "God BLess my plans", PRAY, "God help me to do what you are blessing." This is the first step in spiritual maturity, and it will lead to fruit in your life!
2
Thursday, June 9, 2011
*~Developing the desire to do Gods will~*
Lord, we dont know where you are going, so how can we know the way? -John 14:5.
Do you realize that when youre not obedient to Jesus, You're fighting against God's purpose for your life.
Part of the strength God gives you to "do all things through him" is the ability to choose to do his will, even before you know the full implications of what that means. He will begin to change your desire, developing within you more and more of a "want" to do His will.
1. Am i willing to decide, in advance, that i will do what God asks me to do, no matter what it is?
2. Am i abandoned to him and his will, believing he will strengthen me to do all the things he asks?
3. Or do i behave as if i believe i am the final judge of what is best for my life: "God, show me the whole plan, wait for me to understand, and then i'll decide whether or not to do what you ask:"
The Good News : is that, even if youre not ready for immediate obedience, God will give you strenght to be honest with him. He already know about your hesitancy, so He wont be surprised by prayerful confessions, such as, "Father, Im not sure Im ready to do your will. I dont know if i want to do it or not."
Yet God is Gracious and Patient. Tell him, "I dont know that im willing to step out in faith without first knowing everything thats going to happen, but im willing to be made willing."
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do you realize that when youre not obedient to Jesus, You're fighting against God's purpose for your life.
Part of the strength God gives you to "do all things through him" is the ability to choose to do his will, even before you know the full implications of what that means. He will begin to change your desire, developing within you more and more of a "want" to do His will.
1. Am i willing to decide, in advance, that i will do what God asks me to do, no matter what it is?
2. Am i abandoned to him and his will, believing he will strengthen me to do all the things he asks?
3. Or do i behave as if i believe i am the final judge of what is best for my life: "God, show me the whole plan, wait for me to understand, and then i'll decide whether or not to do what you ask:"
The Good News : is that, even if youre not ready for immediate obedience, God will give you strenght to be honest with him. He already know about your hesitancy, so He wont be surprised by prayerful confessions, such as, "Father, Im not sure Im ready to do your will. I dont know if i want to do it or not."
Yet God is Gracious and Patient. Tell him, "I dont know that im willing to step out in faith without first knowing everything thats going to happen, but im willing to be made willing."
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
SPIRITUAL MATURITY is for MINISTRY- Rick Warren
Your attitude must be like my own, for I, the Messiah, did not come to be served, but to serve and to give my LIFE. Matthew 20:28
We are commanded to serve God.
Jesus was very clear: For Christians, service is not something to be tacked onto our schedules if we can spare the time. It is the heart of the Christian life.
Jesus came "to serve" and "to give" and those two verbs should define your life on earth, too.
Jesus taught that - spiritual maturity is never an end in itself.
Maturity is for Ministry! We grow up in order to give out. It is not enough to keep learning more and more.
We must act on what we know and practice what we claim to believe. Study without service leads to spiritual stagnation.
The last thing many believers need is to go to another Bible Study. They already know far more than they are putting into practice. They need to exercise their spiritual muscles by serving others.
Serving is the opposite of our natural inclination. Most of the time we're more interested in "serve us" than service. But, as we mature in Christ, the focus of our lives should increasingly shift to living a life of service.
The mature follower of Jesus stops asking, "who's going to meet my needs? and starts asking, "whose needs can i meet?"
We are commanded to serve God.
Jesus was very clear: For Christians, service is not something to be tacked onto our schedules if we can spare the time. It is the heart of the Christian life.
Jesus came "to serve" and "to give" and those two verbs should define your life on earth, too.
Jesus taught that - spiritual maturity is never an end in itself.
Maturity is for Ministry! We grow up in order to give out. It is not enough to keep learning more and more.
We must act on what we know and practice what we claim to believe. Study without service leads to spiritual stagnation.
The last thing many believers need is to go to another Bible Study. They already know far more than they are putting into practice. They need to exercise their spiritual muscles by serving others.
Serving is the opposite of our natural inclination. Most of the time we're more interested in "serve us" than service. But, as we mature in Christ, the focus of our lives should increasingly shift to living a life of service.
The mature follower of Jesus stops asking, "who's going to meet my needs? and starts asking, "whose needs can i meet?"
~WHO TAKES THE BLAME??~
God asked. "Did you eat the fruit that i told you not to eat?" The man answered, "The woman you put here with me gave me the fruit, and i ate it" The LORD God asked the woman, "Why did you do this?" She replied, "The snake tricked me into eating it." Genesis 3:11-13.
When God found Adam eating fruit in the garden, Adam stood up like a man and blamed it on Eve.
Eve, wanting to set a better example, blamed it on the snake. And in the twisted, pretzel logic only a snake can have, the snake -- in a sense -- BLAMED IT ON GOD!
Embedded in our fallen nature: is the instinct to not only dodge the blame ourselves, but also shift the blame to someone or something else. Praise Jesus, he comes with nail-scarred hands and a thorny crown, paying the price so that we can:
1.STOP Blaming
2. Confess our SINS
3. Stand BLameless before our Father in Heaven.
I read this post and it hit home with me. Most times when we make mistakes silly or serious we tend to shove the blame in the opposite direction!
Funny enough thats what i did! I pounced on a friend a bit too harshly and in the end blamed it on the same friend- Because it was her silliness that prompted the whole ISSUE from the very beginning. SERIOUSLY....hahah.
As i reflected on the Mistake, I found myself wanting to shift the blame. I rehearsed excuses. Perhaps you've been there... Perhaps you can hear an echo from the Garden: "She told me to do it." "He tricked me into it." "Did God really say you shouldnt do it? Perhaps he's just trying to keep you from what is best for you." Did Jesus really say we are Forgiven, or do we still need to hide behind EXCUSES and BLAME?
Where's the safest place to be -- under the CROSS OF JESUS, or in the Shadows cast by our pride and fear?
~PRAISE GOD, JESUS FREES US SO WE CAN STOP HIDING FROM GOD!
HE FREES US TO WALK IN HIS GRACE, FOLLOWING HIM INTO THE PRESENCE OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER!~
When God found Adam eating fruit in the garden, Adam stood up like a man and blamed it on Eve.
Eve, wanting to set a better example, blamed it on the snake. And in the twisted, pretzel logic only a snake can have, the snake -- in a sense -- BLAMED IT ON GOD!
Embedded in our fallen nature: is the instinct to not only dodge the blame ourselves, but also shift the blame to someone or something else. Praise Jesus, he comes with nail-scarred hands and a thorny crown, paying the price so that we can:
1.STOP Blaming
2. Confess our SINS
3. Stand BLameless before our Father in Heaven.
I read this post and it hit home with me. Most times when we make mistakes silly or serious we tend to shove the blame in the opposite direction!
Funny enough thats what i did! I pounced on a friend a bit too harshly and in the end blamed it on the same friend- Because it was her silliness that prompted the whole ISSUE from the very beginning. SERIOUSLY....hahah.
As i reflected on the Mistake, I found myself wanting to shift the blame. I rehearsed excuses. Perhaps you've been there... Perhaps you can hear an echo from the Garden: "She told me to do it." "He tricked me into it." "Did God really say you shouldnt do it? Perhaps he's just trying to keep you from what is best for you." Did Jesus really say we are Forgiven, or do we still need to hide behind EXCUSES and BLAME?
Where's the safest place to be -- under the CROSS OF JESUS, or in the Shadows cast by our pride and fear?
~PRAISE GOD, JESUS FREES US SO WE CAN STOP HIDING FROM GOD!
HE FREES US TO WALK IN HIS GRACE, FOLLOWING HIM INTO THE PRESENCE OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER!~
The BODY of Christ**
|
Monday, May 23, 2011
Live Life 2 GLORIFY GOD*** READ ME. hehe!
Was stuck in bed all day with a heavy case of FLU!! The worst thang about the flu is a real SNOTTY NOSE!!! eeeuw.. where does all that mucus come from, yukkiness!
While i was in bed was thinking back several weeks. Watched a sermon by this David guy and he spoke about: HOW TO POSTPONE YOUR FUNERAL. The title of this sermon def caught my attention and i was like-I HAVE TO WATCH THIS. . .The discussion was so interesting that i seriously feel like sharing it with you guys. Hope you enjoy it as much as i did. Unfortunately i cant upload the sermon but ive taken down every fact,. So here goes:
How to Postpone your Funeral:
Starting off with this verse:
Revelations 14:6
'Then i saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the EVERLASTING GOSPEL to preach to those who dwell on the earth-to every nation, tribe, tongue and people-saying with a loud voice,' "FEAR God and give GLORY to Him for the hour of His judgement HAS COME and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water."
People have this idea of an angel being a person with white clothing, puffy white wings and a supernatural aura encircling the person. NOPE, wrong- an angel is merely a messenger from God: Have you heard the word EVANGELIST? have you spelt it?
take away the EV and IST and what do you have - the word ANGEL. thought that was kinda cool. hehe.
so with that said, in revelations 14:6 the angel brings forth the 1st message in result to the 2nd coming.
The angel also says that You must FEAR God. Fearing God is NOT like shaking and trembling at His presence, its not being afraid of GOD. It merely explains that we must know WHO GOD IS, form that relationship with Him and Live a Life to Glorify Him.
1 Corinthians 6:29
"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy spirit who is in you, whom you have from God and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price therefore GLORIFY GOD in your BODY and in your SPIRIT which are GOD'S."
1 Corinthians 3:16
"Do you not know that you are the tempel of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the tempel of God is Holy; which temple you are."
When you go grocery shopping or join family or friends for dinner at some restaurant do you say:
I want to buy something or eat something that will Glorify GOd? Most of us would answer NO.
If we can Glorify God through praise, worship, prayer and in Spirit then Glorifying GOd through what we EAT and DRINK is just as important!!
3John 1:2
"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."
Luke 2:52
"And Jesus increased in Wisdom and Stature, and in Favor with GOd and Men."
THis verse demonstrates the 4 Dimensional nature of man.
1. Intellectual: Wisdom
2. Physical: Stature
3. Social: Favor with men
4. Spiritual: Favor with God
God is Concerned about all 4 dimensions of man!
Your Body was purchased by the blood of JEsus.
Most of us go through life saying: we all have our time, when we die we die regardless of how we live. GOd has set His time for my death, only he knows. BUt have you ever thought of this possibility: YOU CAN DIE BEFORE YOUR TIME?
A healthy body = a healthy mind. God communicates with us through our mind (brain)
Our brains are like spiritual antenaes, Satan is aware of that fact and thats why he uses addictions like: Alcohol, cigerrettes, drugs becasue it compromises (affects) the integrity of our brains.
A healthy mind = a healthy body as well, if you going to fill your mind with negative thoughts and filth then what are you goin to show through your body language and physical well being.
When i was in high school several of my friends had this notion that: ITS MY BODY, I CAN DO WHAT I WANT TO-NOOOOOOOOOOO! it is NOT YOUR body... it belongs to God, Without GOd our bodies are DUST particles easily blown away!
We need to disabuse our minds from the fact "its my body!!"
Romans 12:1
"Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of Gods mercy, to offer your bodies as LIVING SACRIFICES, Holy and pleasing to God, this is YOUR SPIRITUAL ACT OF WORSHIP"
-the way you take care of your body is your spiritual act of worship.
When push comes to shove and We have to Choose between living or dying for God which would you choose?
Surely, God is happy that you would be willing to die for Him BUT in this time and age: ITS NOT ABOUT DYING FOR HIM BUT LIVING FOR HIM..
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE:
play in Othello:
O GOD! That men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their brains.
What do you think shakespeare meant by this??
ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION!
HAHAH, had to laugh at this: INSTANT . . . . . . . . IdIOT= Just add alcohol!
Ex Friends of mine would then argue with me and say: That the bible teaches you to drink WINE.
hahah.
There were 2 types of wines in the bible.
1. unfermented wine (fresh grape juice)
2. fermented wine (rotten which turns into alcohol)
im not sure about you guys, but id rather drink FRESH unfermented wine than the Rotten Stuff!
We as people need to study the bible IN CONTEXT. We need to interpret the bible as if we were looking through a magnifying glass!
Some people would say that Jesus himself drank wine during the last supper:
Go to Mark 14:22:
"And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, 'take, eat this is My body.' Then He took the cup and when He had given thanks He gave it to them and they all drank from it. And He said to them, 'this is My blood of the new covenant which is shed for many. Assuredly, I say to you, I will No longer Drink of the Fruit of the vine until that day when i drink it new in the Kingdom of God."
So, the wine that represented the blood of Jesus, The wine which is the fruit of the vine and of the new covenant and not of old- which CLEARS IT ALL UP AND STATES THAT WHY WOULD JESUS DISTRIBUTE GALLONS AND GALLONS OF fermented WINE WHEN HIS VERY EXISTANCE OF LVING AND DYING WAS TO SAVE US AND NOT DISTRIBUTE TO OUR ETERNAL DAMNATION!
Q: CAN YOU DRINK ALCOHOL TO THE GLORY OF GOD?
Good common sense will tell ya the answer!!!!
In Proverbs 23:29-33:
Solomon desribes a drunkard.
Go read it. A bell might just ting in your head.
GOD LOVES ALCOHOLICS BUT HATES ALCOHOL.
Certain Lifestyle practices will destroy our bodies.
Dr Linus Pauling
Every cigarette you smoke takes 14.5 minutes off your life.
People might argue and say but show me a verse in the bible that forbids one not to smoke.
No, there is no verse but USE YOUR COMMON SENSE ONCE AGAIN. GOD HAS GIVEN YOU A MIND SO USE IT- IF 14,5 MIN IS TAKEN FROM YOUR LIFE PER CIGERETTE YOU SMOKE THEY WHY DO IT?????????????
GOD LOVES SMOKERS BUT HATES SMOKE!!
Certain Lifestyle practices will destroy our bodies.
Dr Linus Pauling
Every cigarette you smoke takes 14.5 minutes off your life.
People might argue and say but show me a verse in the bible that forbids one not to smoke.
No, there is no verse but USE YOUR COMMON SENSE ONCE AGAIN. GOD HAS GIVEN YOU A MIND SO USE IT- IF 14,5 MIN IS TAKEN FROM YOUR LIFE PER CIGERETTE YOU SMOKE THEY WHY DO IT?????????????
GOD LOVES SMOKERS BUT HATES SMOKE!!
Deadly chemical cousins:
- NicotINE
- CocaINE
-HeroIN
-StrychnINE
-CaffeINE
All of these end either in INE or IN. They are sub-narcotics.
Q: CAN YOU TAKE THESE SUB NARCOTICS TO THE GLORY OF GOD?
Caffeine is a strong stimulant. Drinking coffee doesnt make you a non christian but i doubt we will be sipping cappucinos in the NEw Jerusalem.
Majority of diseases people are suffering from are: self-inflicted.
Q: Does God have anything to say about what we EAT?
A: YEBO YES!!
Genesis 7:
God instructed noah to bring both clean and unclean animals into the ark because after the flood God gave Humans persmission to eat meat.
The ages of the patriarchs declined significantly following the flood. In this day and age if a person reaches age 70 its a miracle!
Go read Leviticus 11:
According to the bible the only edible meat is the meat that comes from an animal that chews its cud and that has a split hoove.
Pig is unclean meat. Pork has the highest fat content of all meats according to the bible.
Fish with scales and fins is the only edible meat from the sea. Shellfish like crab, oysters, shrimp etc are not edible. Shell fish also known as the seas filters are DIRTY AND DANGEROUS- they feed off all the secretion and dirt from other sea animals. COMMON SENSE IS NEEDED!
Go read Philippians 3:19.
SO TO CONCLUDE:
SAY AFTER ME: I (YOUR NAME) WANT TO LIVE BY WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS!
have a blessed evening bloggers.
Love, hope, faith, grace and peace be with you.
P.s GOD LOVES THE SINNER BUT HATES THE SIN!!!!
Chante
- NicotINE
- CocaINE
-HeroIN
-StrychnINE
-CaffeINE
All of these end either in INE or IN. They are sub-narcotics.
Q: CAN YOU TAKE THESE SUB NARCOTICS TO THE GLORY OF GOD?
Caffeine is a strong stimulant. Drinking coffee doesnt make you a non christian but i doubt we will be sipping cappucinos in the NEw Jerusalem.
Majority of diseases people are suffering from are: self-inflicted.
Q: Does God have anything to say about what we EAT?
A: YEBO YES!!
Genesis 7:
God instructed noah to bring both clean and unclean animals into the ark because after the flood God gave Humans persmission to eat meat.
The ages of the patriarchs declined significantly following the flood. In this day and age if a person reaches age 70 its a miracle!
Go read Leviticus 11:
According to the bible the only edible meat is the meat that comes from an animal that chews its cud and that has a split hoove.
Pig is unclean meat. Pork has the highest fat content of all meats according to the bible.
Fish with scales and fins is the only edible meat from the sea. Shellfish like crab, oysters, shrimp etc are not edible. Shell fish also known as the seas filters are DIRTY AND DANGEROUS- they feed off all the secretion and dirt from other sea animals. COMMON SENSE IS NEEDED!
Go read Philippians 3:19.
SO TO CONCLUDE:
SAY AFTER ME: I (YOUR NAME) WANT TO LIVE BY WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS!
have a blessed evening bloggers.
Love, hope, faith, grace and peace be with you.
P.s GOD LOVES THE SINNER BUT HATES THE SIN!!!!
Chante
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