…FOR THE LORD IS GOOD; HIS MERCY IS EVERLASTING AND HIS TRUTH ENDURETH TO ALL GENERATIONS.
Psalms 100:5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalms 135:3 Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
Psalms 145:9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works
I once read a story of a man who visited an infirmed old lady who used to work for a very wealthy man.
As the visitor sat next to the lady's bed, a frame hanging on her wall caught his attention.
Looking closer, he exclaimed, "Do you know that this is actually the last will and testament of your employer? It names you as the sole beneficiary of all that he has!"
For 50 years--since the day her employer passed on--that poor lady had worked day and night eking out an existence for herself, when all of her previous employer's estate had been given to her to enjoy.
The story is a great reminder that you received the greatest gift of all - the Lord Jesus Christ.
So quit focusing on your failures, regrets, and fear of aging.
Focus on God by memorizing and meditating His words.
Life is short and might as well enjoy it.
Here's one of my favorite verse that you can memorize.
"Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered--how fleeting my life is." - Psalm 39:4
This memory verse will help you to focus on what really matters in life.
Go ahead and memorize it.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
HAS YOUR NATION BECOME A NATION OF BIBLICAL ILLITERATES
HAS YOUR NATION BECOME A NATION OF BIBLICAL ILLITERATES
John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
George Barna wrote The State of the Church in 2002. Barna conducted a survey of self-pronounced Christians and here's what he found about their knowledge of the Bible.
Now, remember these are Christians...
- 48% could not name the four Gospels.
- 52% cannot identify more than two or three of Jesus' disciples.
- 60% of American Christians can't name even five of the 10 Commandments.
- When asking graduating high school "born again Christians" over 50% of them thought Sodom and Gomorrah were husband and wife.
- 61% of American Christians think the Sermon on the Mount was preached by Billy Graham.
- 71% of American Christians think "God helps those who help themselves" is a Bible verse.
No wonder George Barna said, "Americans revere the Bible but, by and large they don't know what it says. And because they don't know it, they have become a nation of Biblical illiterates."
Listen, you may or may not be an American, I don't know.
But the point of the result of the survey is, you don't want to be a so called "Christian" but doesn't know what God's Word is.
You and I should consistently read, memorize, and meditate scriptures.
This way, we're ready to defend our faith and encourage others through God's Word.
If you feel some guilt with the message today then NOW is the time to change.
Intimacy with the anointed should never degenerate to familiarity with the anointed. Mark 8:32-33. When Peter crossed the line, Jesus called him Satan.
He anointing you does not bring respect or reward to those that despise the anointing. Mark 6:2-6. No man of God, no matter how highly anointed, can bless the people who despise his anointing. The anointed you pull down can't pull you out of the mess you are in.
Followership comes before service. John 12:26. Those who don't bond well with you won't build well. Prize loyalty above talents. A talented rebel is not a gift.
To attempt to be everything is to risk becoming nothing. No man has everything; everyone has something. No man is good at everything, but everyone is good at something. Someone loves to do what you hate to do! “You are most valuable where you add the most value”.
What you don't get through revelation, you can get through relationships. Therefore, place value on people and build great relationships.
It is not good counsel to ask a man to hurry in the dark (or to hurry up a blind man). There is no wisdom in increasing your speed in the wrong direction or in working harder at the wrong job. Wisdom is profitable to direct.
You repeat past mistakes when you do not review past events. Feedback is vital. 'Celebrate what you want to see more of'.
John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
George Barna wrote The State of the Church in 2002. Barna conducted a survey of self-pronounced Christians and here's what he found about their knowledge of the Bible.
Now, remember these are Christians...
- 48% could not name the four Gospels.
- 52% cannot identify more than two or three of Jesus' disciples.
- 60% of American Christians can't name even five of the 10 Commandments.
- When asking graduating high school "born again Christians" over 50% of them thought Sodom and Gomorrah were husband and wife.
- 61% of American Christians think the Sermon on the Mount was preached by Billy Graham.
- 71% of American Christians think "God helps those who help themselves" is a Bible verse.
No wonder George Barna said, "Americans revere the Bible but, by and large they don't know what it says. And because they don't know it, they have become a nation of Biblical illiterates."
Listen, you may or may not be an American, I don't know.
But the point of the result of the survey is, you don't want to be a so called "Christian" but doesn't know what God's Word is.
You and I should consistently read, memorize, and meditate scriptures.
This way, we're ready to defend our faith and encourage others through God's Word.
If you feel some guilt with the message today then NOW is the time to change.
Intimacy with the anointed should never degenerate to familiarity with the anointed. Mark 8:32-33. When Peter crossed the line, Jesus called him Satan.
He anointing you does not bring respect or reward to those that despise the anointing. Mark 6:2-6. No man of God, no matter how highly anointed, can bless the people who despise his anointing. The anointed you pull down can't pull you out of the mess you are in.
Followership comes before service. John 12:26. Those who don't bond well with you won't build well. Prize loyalty above talents. A talented rebel is not a gift.
To attempt to be everything is to risk becoming nothing. No man has everything; everyone has something. No man is good at everything, but everyone is good at something. Someone loves to do what you hate to do! “You are most valuable where you add the most value”.
What you don't get through revelation, you can get through relationships. Therefore, place value on people and build great relationships.
It is not good counsel to ask a man to hurry in the dark (or to hurry up a blind man). There is no wisdom in increasing your speed in the wrong direction or in working harder at the wrong job. Wisdom is profitable to direct.
You repeat past mistakes when you do not review past events. Feedback is vital. 'Celebrate what you want to see more of'.
THE WORTH OF OUR LIVES
THE WORTH OF OUR LIVES
1Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, who would like this $20 bill? Hands started going up. He said, I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this; He proceeded to crumple the $20 dollar bill up. He then asked, Who still wants it? Still the hands were up in the air. Well, he replied, ;What if I do this?; And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. Now who still wants it?
Still the hands went into the air. My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson, he said, No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.
Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value.
Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless.... and especially to those who love you.
The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or whom we know, but by WHO WE ARE.
To attempt to be everything is to risk becoming nothing. No man has everything; everyone has something. No man is good at everything, but everyone is good at something. Someone loves to do what you hate to do! “You are most valuable where you add the most value”.
What you don't get through revelation, you can get through relationships. Therefore, place value on people and build great relationships.
It is not good counsel to ask a man to hurry in the dark (or to hurry up a blind man). There is no wisdom in increasing your speed in the wrong direction or in working harder at the wrong job. Wisdom is profitable to direct.
1Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, who would like this $20 bill? Hands started going up. He said, I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this; He proceeded to crumple the $20 dollar bill up. He then asked, Who still wants it? Still the hands were up in the air. Well, he replied, ;What if I do this?; And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. Now who still wants it?
Still the hands went into the air. My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson, he said, No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.
Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value.
Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless.... and especially to those who love you.
The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or whom we know, but by WHO WE ARE.
To attempt to be everything is to risk becoming nothing. No man has everything; everyone has something. No man is good at everything, but everyone is good at something. Someone loves to do what you hate to do! “You are most valuable where you add the most value”.
What you don't get through revelation, you can get through relationships. Therefore, place value on people and build great relationships.
It is not good counsel to ask a man to hurry in the dark (or to hurry up a blind man). There is no wisdom in increasing your speed in the wrong direction or in working harder at the wrong job. Wisdom is profitable to direct.
THE CAPSULE OF GREATNESS…HONESTY
THE CAPSULE OF GREATNESS…HONESTY
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
A king in one comunity was growing old and knew it was time to choose his successor. Instead of choosing one of his assistants or his children, he decided something different. He called young people in the kingdom together one day. He said, It is time for me to step down and choose the next emperor.
I have decided to choose one of you. The kids were shocked! But the emperor continued. I am going to give each one of you a seed today. One very special seed. I want you to plant the seed, water it and come back here after one year from today with what you have grown from this one seed. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next emperor.
One boy named Sunny was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his mother the story. She helped him get a pot and planting soil, and he planted the seed and watered it carefully. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown.
After about three weeks, some of the other youths began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Sunny kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks went by. Still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants but Sunny didn’t have a plant, and he felt like a failure. Six months went by, still nothing in Sunny’s pot.
He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Sunny didn’t say anything to his friends, however. He just kept waiting for his seed to grow. A year finally went by and all the youths of the kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for inspection.
Sunny told his mother that he wasn’t going to take an empty pot. But His mother counseled, be honest about what happened, Sunny felt sick to his stomach, but he knew his mother was right. He took his empty pot to the palace. When Sunny arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other youths. They were beautiful in all shapes and sizes. Sunny put his empty pot on the floor and many of the other kinds laughed at him.
A few felt sorry for him and just said, Hey nice try. When the emperor arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted the young people. Sunny just tried to hide in the back. What great plants, trees and flowers you have grown, said the emperor. Today, one of you will be appointed the next emperor! All of a sudden, the emperor spotted Sunny at the back of the room with his empty pot.
He ordered his guards to bring him to the front. Sunny was terrified. The emperor knows I’m a failure! Maybe he will have me killed; When Sunny got to the front, the Emperor asked his name. My name is Sunny, he replied. All the kids were laughing and making fun of him. The emperor asked everyone to be quiet and sit down.
He looked at Sunny, and then announced to the crowd, Behold your new emperor! His name is Sunny! Sunny couldn’t believe it. Sunny couldn’t even grow his seed. How could he be the new emperor? Then the emperor said, One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today.
But I gave you all boiled seeds, which would not grow. All of you, except Sunny, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Sunny was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new emperor.
YOU, YOUR SEED AND HARVEST
YOU, YOUR SEED AND HARVEST
If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap victory
If you plant consideration, you will reap harmony.
If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.
If you plant openness, you will reap intimacy.
If you plant patience, you will reap improvements.
If you plant faith, you will reap miracles.
But If you plant dishonesty, you will reap distrust.
If you plant selfishness, you will reap loneliness.
If you plant pride, you will reap destruction.
If you plant envy, you will reap trouble.
If you plant laziness, you will reap stagnation.
If you plant bitterness, you will reap isolation.
If you plant greed, you will reap loss.
If you plant gossip, you will reap enemies.
If you plant worries, you will reap wrinkles.
If you plant sin, you will reap guilt.
So be careful what you plant now, It will determine what you will reap tomorrow. The seeds you now scatter will make life worse or better.
You or your children will someday enjoy the fruits, or you will pay for the choices you plant today.
If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap victory
If you plant consideration, you will reap harmony.
If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.
If you plant openness, you will reap intimacy.
If you plant patience, you will reap improvements.
If you plant faith, you will reap miracles.
But If you plant dishonesty, you will reap distrust.
If you plant selfishness, you will reap loneliness.
If you plant pride, you will reap destruction.
If you plant envy, you will reap trouble.
If you plant laziness, you will reap stagnation.
If you plant bitterness, you will reap isolation.
If you plant greed, you will reap loss.
If you plant gossip, you will reap enemies.
If you plant worries, you will reap wrinkles.
If you plant sin, you will reap guilt.
So be careful what you plant now, It will determine what you will reap tomorrow. The seeds you now scatter will make life worse or better.
You or your children will someday enjoy the fruits, or you will pay for the choices you plant today.
GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY, GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL.
GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY, GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL.
2Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
(KJV)
There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don’t do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old.
If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight.
Anybody can grow older. That doesn’t take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change.; Have no regrets. The elderly usually don’t have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do.
...The only people who fear death are those with regrets. She concluded her speech by courageously singing The Rose. She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the years end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago. One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep.
Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it’s never too late to be all you can possibly be. If you read this, please send this peaceful word of advice to your friends and family. We send these words in loving memory of ROSE. Remember, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY, GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL.
ARE YOU GROWING UP IN THE LORD OR YOU ARE GROWING OLD? ENSURE THAT YOU GROW UP IN THE LORD BY PRAYING, STUDYING HIS WORD, MEDITATING,MEMORIZING THE VERSE OF THE SCRIPTURES, FASTING, ETC……
2Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
(KJV)
There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don’t do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old.
If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight.
Anybody can grow older. That doesn’t take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change.; Have no regrets. The elderly usually don’t have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do.
...The only people who fear death are those with regrets. She concluded her speech by courageously singing The Rose. She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the years end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago. One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep.
Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it’s never too late to be all you can possibly be. If you read this, please send this peaceful word of advice to your friends and family. We send these words in loving memory of ROSE. Remember, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY, GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL.
ARE YOU GROWING UP IN THE LORD OR YOU ARE GROWING OLD? ENSURE THAT YOU GROW UP IN THE LORD BY PRAYING, STUDYING HIS WORD, MEDITATING,MEMORIZING THE VERSE OF THE SCRIPTURES, FASTING, ETC……
THE MAN YOU MUST MEET
THE MAN YOU MUST MEET
Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
(KJV)
The American businessman was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.
The Mexican replied only a little while the American then asked why didn’t; they stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family’ s immediate needs. The American then asked, but what do you do with the rest of your time? The Mexican fisherman said, I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life, senor.
The American scoffed, and answered I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds buy a bigger boat with the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution.
You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then New York City and eventually Washington DC where you will run your expanding enterprise.The Mexican fisherman asked, But senor, how long will this all take? To which the American replied, and answered; 15-20 years. But what then, senor? The American laughed and said that’s the best part. When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions. ; Millions, senor? Then what? The American said, Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar.
In your life journey, you must meet a man that would add value to your life, some would deduct from you, some would leave you bare, and some would kill.
I pray that in all our ventures the Spirit of God will give us understanding in Jesus name.
Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
(KJV)
The American businessman was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.
The Mexican replied only a little while the American then asked why didn’t; they stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family’ s immediate needs. The American then asked, but what do you do with the rest of your time? The Mexican fisherman said, I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life, senor.
The American scoffed, and answered I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds buy a bigger boat with the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution.
You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then New York City and eventually Washington DC where you will run your expanding enterprise.The Mexican fisherman asked, But senor, how long will this all take? To which the American replied, and answered; 15-20 years. But what then, senor? The American laughed and said that’s the best part. When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions. ; Millions, senor? Then what? The American said, Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar.
In your life journey, you must meet a man that would add value to your life, some would deduct from you, some would leave you bare, and some would kill.
I pray that in all our ventures the Spirit of God will give us understanding in Jesus name.
DON’T HANG AROUND CHICKENS: CHICKENS CAN’T FLY!
DON’T HANG AROUND CHICKENS: CHICKENS CAN’T FLY!
Always don’t spend major time with minor people. If there are people in your life who continually disappoint you, break promises, stomp on your dreams, are too judgmental, have different values and don’t have your back during difficult times...that is not friendship.
To have a friend, be a friend. Sometimes in life as you grow, your friends will either grow or go. Surround yourself with people who reflect values, goals interests and lifestyles. When I think of any of my successes, I am thankful to God from whom all blessings flow, and to my family and friends who enrich my life.
Over the years my phone book has changed because I changed, for the better. At first, you think you’re going to be alone, but after awhile, new people show up in your life that makes it so much sweeter and easier to endure.
Remember what your elders used to say, Birds of a feather flock together. If you’re an eagle, don’t hang around chickens: Chickens can’t fly!
Always don’t spend major time with minor people. If there are people in your life who continually disappoint you, break promises, stomp on your dreams, are too judgmental, have different values and don’t have your back during difficult times...that is not friendship.
To have a friend, be a friend. Sometimes in life as you grow, your friends will either grow or go. Surround yourself with people who reflect values, goals interests and lifestyles. When I think of any of my successes, I am thankful to God from whom all blessings flow, and to my family and friends who enrich my life.
Over the years my phone book has changed because I changed, for the better. At first, you think you’re going to be alone, but after awhile, new people show up in your life that makes it so much sweeter and easier to endure.
Remember what your elders used to say, Birds of a feather flock together. If you’re an eagle, don’t hang around chickens: Chickens can’t fly!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
MANY VALUABLE THINGS THAT WE KNOW NOT.
MANY VALUABLE THINGS THAT WE KNOW NOT.
Luke 19:41-42 (NIV)
As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes.
Many have perished because of lack of knowledge / information.
They would have been alive today if only they now what would have brought them peace-- but it was hidden from their eye.
Lord, let me not die a casualty because of ignorance in Jesus name.
BUILD AND HAVE A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
BUILD AND HAVE A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
A little boy and his father visited the country store, upon leaving the store the owner of the store offered the little boy some free candy. "get a hand full of candy", the merchant said to the boy.
The boy just stood there looking up at his father. The owner repeated himself, "Son get a hand full of candy it's free."
Again the boy did not move continuing to look up in the face of his father. Finally, the father reached into the candy jar and got a hand full of candy and gave it to his son.
As they walked back home, the father stopped and asked his son why he did not grab a hand full of the free candy.
The boy with a big smile on his face looked into the face of his father and said "Because I know that your hand is bigger than mine."
Needless to say, in your time of sorrow and grief, place it in your Father's hand because His hand is bigger than yours.
You just have to learn to trust Him.
I have to admit that sometimes trusting Him isn't easy because our sinful nature would like to take over.
But letting go and letting God is the sure way to victory.
How do you develop trust? By building a healthy relationship with God, through studying, meditating the scriptures, praying with God’s word etc.
The truth is, marinating your mind with God's word is keeping in touch with Him all the time.
That's how you develop your trust and faith in Him.
Trust is the recipe to have unshakeable faith.
So take a bold step now to develop the habit of studying and meditating scripture. You don't have to begin with the most complex verse. You can begin with easier ones.
A little boy and his father visited the country store, upon leaving the store the owner of the store offered the little boy some free candy. "get a hand full of candy", the merchant said to the boy.
The boy just stood there looking up at his father. The owner repeated himself, "Son get a hand full of candy it's free."
Again the boy did not move continuing to look up in the face of his father. Finally, the father reached into the candy jar and got a hand full of candy and gave it to his son.
As they walked back home, the father stopped and asked his son why he did not grab a hand full of the free candy.
The boy with a big smile on his face looked into the face of his father and said "Because I know that your hand is bigger than mine."
Needless to say, in your time of sorrow and grief, place it in your Father's hand because His hand is bigger than yours.
You just have to learn to trust Him.
I have to admit that sometimes trusting Him isn't easy because our sinful nature would like to take over.
But letting go and letting God is the sure way to victory.
How do you develop trust? By building a healthy relationship with God, through studying, meditating the scriptures, praying with God’s word etc.
The truth is, marinating your mind with God's word is keeping in touch with Him all the time.
That's how you develop your trust and faith in Him.
Trust is the recipe to have unshakeable faith.
So take a bold step now to develop the habit of studying and meditating scripture. You don't have to begin with the most complex verse. You can begin with easier ones.
Monday, March 25, 2013
JOY!
JOY!
“These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11
Joy is the birthmark of the child of God. Every Christian ought to have conscious joy. And if you’re not living a life of joy, you’re living beneath your privileges. It’s so important that you have joy shining from your life in order to win the lost. If you want people to believe in your Savior, the mark of the authenticity of Christ in your life is the joy of the Lord Jesus Christ. They’re not all that interested in your creed or your doctrines. They want to know if it is working for you. And there’s nothing more attractive in winning the lost to the Lord Jesus Christ than the joy of the Lord that’s evident in your life.
I feel sorry for anyone who tries to carry the burdens of this life without the joy of the Lord to put a spring in their step, a beat in their heart, and a smile on their face. Thank God for real joy. “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
“These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11
Joy is the birthmark of the child of God. Every Christian ought to have conscious joy. And if you’re not living a life of joy, you’re living beneath your privileges. It’s so important that you have joy shining from your life in order to win the lost. If you want people to believe in your Savior, the mark of the authenticity of Christ in your life is the joy of the Lord Jesus Christ. They’re not all that interested in your creed or your doctrines. They want to know if it is working for you. And there’s nothing more attractive in winning the lost to the Lord Jesus Christ than the joy of the Lord that’s evident in your life.
I feel sorry for anyone who tries to carry the burdens of this life without the joy of the Lord to put a spring in their step, a beat in their heart, and a smile on their face. Thank God for real joy. “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
SPEND ADEQUATE TIME STUDING THE SCRIPTURES
SPEND ADEQUATE TIME STUDING THE SCRIPTURES
“Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:11
The home is a good place for the Bible. The hand is a better place. The heart is yet a better place. We must learn to hide God’s Word in our hearts. And in order for it to get in our hearts, we have to read it. We have to study over it.
How much time are you spending with the Word of God? Do you wonder why you can't live a pure life? Or live in victory? Why you cave in when temptation comes? Why you can't be an overcomer? How much time are you spending daily with the Word of God? Many spend far more time with the television or the newspaper than with the Word of God. And then they wonder why they fail. This is the book God has given to help you to live victoriously.
Many of you are just playing at Bible study. You never really get into it. You say, "Oh, the Bible is a wonderful book." What good is that going to do you? What good are the promises in God's Word unless you appropriate them into your life? Do you have a quiet time, a time when you get alone with God? Do you get up every morning and saturate your soul with the Word of God and bathe your soul in the presence of Jesus
“Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:11
The home is a good place for the Bible. The hand is a better place. The heart is yet a better place. We must learn to hide God’s Word in our hearts. And in order for it to get in our hearts, we have to read it. We have to study over it.
How much time are you spending with the Word of God? Do you wonder why you can't live a pure life? Or live in victory? Why you cave in when temptation comes? Why you can't be an overcomer? How much time are you spending daily with the Word of God? Many spend far more time with the television or the newspaper than with the Word of God. And then they wonder why they fail. This is the book God has given to help you to live victoriously.
Many of you are just playing at Bible study. You never really get into it. You say, "Oh, the Bible is a wonderful book." What good is that going to do you? What good are the promises in God's Word unless you appropriate them into your life? Do you have a quiet time, a time when you get alone with God? Do you get up every morning and saturate your soul with the Word of God and bathe your soul in the presence of Jesus
CHANGED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
“Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me Thy statutes.” Psalm 119:12
Did you know you could read and even memorize the Bible, but if that's all that happens, it won't change your life? You are not changed by the words of the Bible but by the Holy Spirit of God, who takes the words and applies them to your heart.
You see, you'll never learn this book unless God teaches it to you. And it is not enough just simply to read it. You must come to God saying, "Lord, I want to have a controlled, disciplined mind. I want You to teach me."
David goes on to say in verse 2 of this Psalm, "Open Thou my eyes that I may behold wondrous things from Thy law."
You cannot separate the God of love from the God of the Word. Many read the Bible like a math book rather than a love story. They get the words, but they don't get the music. But you'll never learn the Bible unless God teaches it to you. Not only must the Word of God get into you, but the Spirit of God must come into you.
Make this your prayer today: "Open Thou my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law. Teach me Your statutes. God, control my life. And Lord, as I get my heart cleansed, committed and conditioned, let my heart be controlled. Come, Holy Spirit, control my thoughts and guide me into Your truth
YOU ARE MINE
YOU ARE MINE
“…Ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
There’s a familiar story about the little fellow who lost a little red sailboat he had made. It sailed away from him across the pond. Later, he saw it in the second-hand store, and the proprietor made him buy it back. He bought it back, and as he carried the little sailboat out of that second-hand store, he hugged it to his chest and said, “Little sailboat, you’re mine. You’re twice mine. You’re mine because I made you, and you’re mine because I bought you back.”
Not only did God create you, He redeemed you. God bought you with His blood. And God says, “Christian, you’re mine. You are twice mine. You’re mine because I created you, and you’re mine because I redeemed you.”
“You are not your own. You are bought with a price. Therefore, glorify God in you body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
WORRY.., THE KILLER OF FAITH
WORRY..., THE KILLER OF FAITH
“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” Matthew 6:27
The best thing you can say about worry is that it does no good. The worst thing is that it does much harm.
I’m reminded of the little lady who said, “Don't tell me worry doesn't do any good. Most of the things I worry about never happen.”
Worry is absolutely useless. It doesn't cure any problems. It doesn't lift any burdens. It doesn't wipe away any tears. It never has; it never can; it never will! Worry can’t make you any taller, shorter, fatter, or thinner. It is so senseless, and it is therefore useless. But even worse, it is faithless. Worry is just the opposite of faith.
When we worry, we make God out to be a liar when God has said He will take care of us.
“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” Matthew 6:27
The best thing you can say about worry is that it does no good. The worst thing is that it does much harm.
I’m reminded of the little lady who said, “Don't tell me worry doesn't do any good. Most of the things I worry about never happen.”
Worry is absolutely useless. It doesn't cure any problems. It doesn't lift any burdens. It doesn't wipe away any tears. It never has; it never can; it never will! Worry can’t make you any taller, shorter, fatter, or thinner. It is so senseless, and it is therefore useless. But even worse, it is faithless. Worry is just the opposite of faith.
When we worry, we make God out to be a liar when God has said He will take care of us.
THE POWER THAT HAS NO RESPECT
THE POWER THAT HAS NO RESPECT
Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
(KJV)
A certain man called Camco was an expert at amusing people. One day, somebody went to a psychiatric hospital and complained to the doctor that he did not understand what was happening to him.
He said he was not happy and his heart was heavy and confused.
In fact, he felt like giving up. The psychiatrist listened to him very carefully and said, “Young man, my advice for you is this, tonight, go to Camco’s show and laugh away your sorrow”.
The young man looked at the doctor straight in the eye and said, excuse me doctor, I am Camco.
This power is a power that has no respect. It gives beauty for ashes, the oil of joy to replace mourning and the garment of praise to replace the spirit of heaviness.
Te spirit of heaviness has to be replaced with a garment, because sometimes heaviness covers a person like a cloth; like a garment. it covers the totality of the person.
Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
(KJV)
A certain man called Camco was an expert at amusing people. One day, somebody went to a psychiatric hospital and complained to the doctor that he did not understand what was happening to him.
He said he was not happy and his heart was heavy and confused.
In fact, he felt like giving up. The psychiatrist listened to him very carefully and said, “Young man, my advice for you is this, tonight, go to Camco’s show and laugh away your sorrow”.
The young man looked at the doctor straight in the eye and said, excuse me doctor, I am Camco.
This power is a power that has no respect. It gives beauty for ashes, the oil of joy to replace mourning and the garment of praise to replace the spirit of heaviness.
Te spirit of heaviness has to be replaced with a garment, because sometimes heaviness covers a person like a cloth; like a garment. it covers the totality of the person.
DECIDE TODAY… AND COME TO THE HEAVENLY ENGINEER
DECIDE TODAY… AND COME TO THE HEAVENLY ENGINEER
Hebrew 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
A preacher and an atheistic barber were once walking through the city slums.
Said the barber to the preacher: "This is why I cannot believe in a God of love. If God was as kind and loving as you say, He would not permit all this poverty, disease, and squalor. He would not allow these poor bums to be addicted to dope and other character-destroying habits. No, I cannot believe in a God who permits these things."
The minister was silent until they met a man who was especially unkept and filthy. His hair was hanging down his neck and he had a half-inch of stubble on his face.
Said the minister: "You can't be a very good barber or you wouldn't permit a man like that to continue living in this neighborhood without a haircut and a shave."
Indignantly the barber answered: "Why blame me for that man's condition? I can't help it that he is like that. He has never come in my shop. I could fix him up and make him look like a gentleman!"
Giving the barber a penetrating look, the minister said: "Then don't blame God for allowing the people to continue in their evil ways, when He is constantly inviting them to come and be saved."
Truth be told, God can't change you unless you step forward and ask God to help you change for the better.
Now, it's your turn to come to the Heaven Engineer for a total transformation.
Hebrew 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
A preacher and an atheistic barber were once walking through the city slums.
Said the barber to the preacher: "This is why I cannot believe in a God of love. If God was as kind and loving as you say, He would not permit all this poverty, disease, and squalor. He would not allow these poor bums to be addicted to dope and other character-destroying habits. No, I cannot believe in a God who permits these things."
The minister was silent until they met a man who was especially unkept and filthy. His hair was hanging down his neck and he had a half-inch of stubble on his face.
Said the minister: "You can't be a very good barber or you wouldn't permit a man like that to continue living in this neighborhood without a haircut and a shave."
Indignantly the barber answered: "Why blame me for that man's condition? I can't help it that he is like that. He has never come in my shop. I could fix him up and make him look like a gentleman!"
Giving the barber a penetrating look, the minister said: "Then don't blame God for allowing the people to continue in their evil ways, when He is constantly inviting them to come and be saved."
Truth be told, God can't change you unless you step forward and ask God to help you change for the better.
Now, it's your turn to come to the Heaven Engineer for a total transformation.
The Unemployed Graduate .....“You gave us your all and we have rewarded you back with the coin”
The Unemployed Graduate .....“You gave us your all and we have rewarded you back with the coin”
Mathew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
I Kings 17:10-16 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand. And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.
An unemployed graduate woke up one morning and checked his pocket. All he had left was $10. He decided to use it to buy food and then wait for death as he was too proud to go begging.. He was frustrated as he could find no job, and nobody was ready to help him.
He bought food and as he sat down to eat, an old man and two little children came along and asked him to help them with food as they had not eaten for almost a week. He looked at them. They were so lean that he could see their bones coming out. Their eyes had gone into the socket. With the last bit of compassion he had, he gave them the food. The old man and children prayed that God would bless and prosper him and then gave him a very old coin. The young graduate said to them 'you need the prayer more than I do'.
With no money, no job, no food, the young graduate went under the bridge to rest and wait for death. As he was about to sleep, he saw an old newspaper on the ground. He picked it up, and suddenly he saw an advertisement for people with old coins to come to a certain address.
He decided to go there with the old coin the old man gave him. On getting to the place, he gave the proprietor the coin. The proprietor screamed, brought out a big book and showed the young graduate a photograph. This same old coin was worth 3 million dollars. The young graduate was overjoyed as the proprietor gave him a bank draft for 3 million dollars within an hour. He collected the Bank Draft and went in search of the old man and little children.
By the time he got to where he left them eating, they had gone. He asked the owner of the canteen if he knew them. He said no but they left a note for you. He quickly opened the note thinking it would lead him to find them.
This is what the note said: “You gave us your all and we have rewarded you back with the coin” signed God the Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost. 1 Kings 17:10-16; Matthew 11:28-30
Mathew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
I Kings 17:10-16 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand. And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.
An unemployed graduate woke up one morning and checked his pocket. All he had left was $10. He decided to use it to buy food and then wait for death as he was too proud to go begging.. He was frustrated as he could find no job, and nobody was ready to help him.
He bought food and as he sat down to eat, an old man and two little children came along and asked him to help them with food as they had not eaten for almost a week. He looked at them. They were so lean that he could see their bones coming out. Their eyes had gone into the socket. With the last bit of compassion he had, he gave them the food. The old man and children prayed that God would bless and prosper him and then gave him a very old coin. The young graduate said to them 'you need the prayer more than I do'.
With no money, no job, no food, the young graduate went under the bridge to rest and wait for death. As he was about to sleep, he saw an old newspaper on the ground. He picked it up, and suddenly he saw an advertisement for people with old coins to come to a certain address.
He decided to go there with the old coin the old man gave him. On getting to the place, he gave the proprietor the coin. The proprietor screamed, brought out a big book and showed the young graduate a photograph. This same old coin was worth 3 million dollars. The young graduate was overjoyed as the proprietor gave him a bank draft for 3 million dollars within an hour. He collected the Bank Draft and went in search of the old man and little children.
By the time he got to where he left them eating, they had gone. He asked the owner of the canteen if he knew them. He said no but they left a note for you. He quickly opened the note thinking it would lead him to find them.
This is what the note said: “You gave us your all and we have rewarded you back with the coin” signed God the Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost. 1 Kings 17:10-16; Matthew 11:28-30
MIND WHAT YOU SAY, GOD GRANTS DESIRE
MIND WHAT YOU SAY, GOD GRANTS DESIRE
Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.(KJV)
God created the donkey and said to him."You will be a donkey. You will work un-tiringly from sunrise to sunset carrying burdens on your back. You will eat grass, you will have no intelligence and you will live 50 years."
The donkey answered: "I will be a donkey, but to live 50 years is much. Give me only 20 years."
God granted his wish.
God created the dog and said to him:"You will guard the house of man. You will be his best friend. You will eat the scraps that he gives you and you will live 30 years. You will be a dog. "
The dog answered: "Sir, to live 30 years is too much, give me only 15 years."
God granted his wish.
God created the monkey and said to him:"You will be a monkey. You will swing from branch to branch doing tricks. You will be amusing and you will live 20 years."
The monkey answered: "To live 20 years is too much, give me only 10 years."
God granted his wish.
Finally God created man... and said to him: "You will be man, the only rational creature on the face of the earth. You will use your intelligence to become master over all the animals. You will dominate the world and you will live 20years."
Man responded: "Sir, I will be a man but to live only 20 years is very little, give me the 30 years that the donkey refused, the 15 years that the dog did not want and the 10 years the monkey refused."
God granted man's wish and since then, man lives 20 years as a man, marries and spends 30 years like a donkey, working and carrying all the burdens on his back. Then when his children are grown, he lives 15 years like a dog taking care of the house and eating whatever is given to him, so that when he is old, he can retire and live 10 years like a monkey, going from house to house and from one son or daughter to another doing tricks to amuse his grandchildren.
Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.(KJV)
God created the donkey and said to him."You will be a donkey. You will work un-tiringly from sunrise to sunset carrying burdens on your back. You will eat grass, you will have no intelligence and you will live 50 years."
The donkey answered: "I will be a donkey, but to live 50 years is much. Give me only 20 years."
God granted his wish.
God created the dog and said to him:"You will guard the house of man. You will be his best friend. You will eat the scraps that he gives you and you will live 30 years. You will be a dog. "
The dog answered: "Sir, to live 30 years is too much, give me only 15 years."
God granted his wish.
God created the monkey and said to him:"You will be a monkey. You will swing from branch to branch doing tricks. You will be amusing and you will live 20 years."
The monkey answered: "To live 20 years is too much, give me only 10 years."
God granted his wish.
Finally God created man... and said to him: "You will be man, the only rational creature on the face of the earth. You will use your intelligence to become master over all the animals. You will dominate the world and you will live 20years."
Man responded: "Sir, I will be a man but to live only 20 years is very little, give me the 30 years that the donkey refused, the 15 years that the dog did not want and the 10 years the monkey refused."
God granted man's wish and since then, man lives 20 years as a man, marries and spends 30 years like a donkey, working and carrying all the burdens on his back. Then when his children are grown, he lives 15 years like a dog taking care of the house and eating whatever is given to him, so that when he is old, he can retire and live 10 years like a monkey, going from house to house and from one son or daughter to another doing tricks to amuse his grandchildren.
GOD, THE ULTIMATE PROTECTOR…
GOD, THE ULTIMATE PROTECTOR…
2Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
(KJV)
A man walks into a bank in New York City and asks for the loan officer. He tells the loan officer that he is going overseas on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000.
The bank officer tells him that the bank will need some form of security for the loan, so the man hands over the keys and documents of new Ferrari parked on the street in front of the bank. He produces the title and everything checks out. The loan officer agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan.
The bank's president and its officers all enjoy a good laugh at the man for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral against a $5,000 loan. An employee of the bank then drives the Ferrari into the bank's underground garage and parks it there.
Two weeks later, the man returns, repays the $5,000 and the interest, which comes to $15.41. The loan officer says, "Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multi-millionaire. What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow "$5,000”?
The man replies:
"Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $15.41 and expect it to be there when I return?"
God is the ultimate protector. Whatever is committed to Him He is able to keep. Ensure your life, property etc to Him today; and be rest assured that safety is guaranteed.
2Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
(KJV)
A man walks into a bank in New York City and asks for the loan officer. He tells the loan officer that he is going overseas on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000.
The bank officer tells him that the bank will need some form of security for the loan, so the man hands over the keys and documents of new Ferrari parked on the street in front of the bank. He produces the title and everything checks out. The loan officer agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan.
The bank's president and its officers all enjoy a good laugh at the man for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral against a $5,000 loan. An employee of the bank then drives the Ferrari into the bank's underground garage and parks it there.
Two weeks later, the man returns, repays the $5,000 and the interest, which comes to $15.41. The loan officer says, "Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multi-millionaire. What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow "$5,000”?
The man replies:
"Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $15.41 and expect it to be there when I return?"
God is the ultimate protector. Whatever is committed to Him He is able to keep. Ensure your life, property etc to Him today; and be rest assured that safety is guaranteed.
WE ARE GIVEN A CHOICE ..DURING OUR MOMENTS OF DOUBT.
WE ARE GIVEN A CHOICE…DURING OUR MOMENTS OF DOUBT.
"Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines...yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:17-18, NKJV)
All of us face obstacles and challenges in this life.
All of us treasure our dreams inside our hearts and, at times, it's difficult to admit that some of those dreams might never see the light of day.
During these moments of doubt, we are given a choice.
Either we choose to allow ourselves to be engulfed with the negative and be discouraged inside and out, or we can sing songs of praise to God and pray thanks that all this will pass and He will open doors for us toward a brighter future.
Most people say, "As soon as I'm done with my problems, I'll praise God," or "I'll thank God as soon as my trials are over."
Listen, faith does not work that way. As long as you allow your thoughts to be limited by your problems and regrets, God will also be limited in terms of what He can do for us.
Here's the secret...
The secret is to think God's goodness at all times, especially during the most trying times. Only then will God be able to fulfill His promise to us of victory and everlasting glory.
"Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines...yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:17-18, NKJV)
All of us face obstacles and challenges in this life.
All of us treasure our dreams inside our hearts and, at times, it's difficult to admit that some of those dreams might never see the light of day.
During these moments of doubt, we are given a choice.
Either we choose to allow ourselves to be engulfed with the negative and be discouraged inside and out, or we can sing songs of praise to God and pray thanks that all this will pass and He will open doors for us toward a brighter future.
Most people say, "As soon as I'm done with my problems, I'll praise God," or "I'll thank God as soon as my trials are over."
Listen, faith does not work that way. As long as you allow your thoughts to be limited by your problems and regrets, God will also be limited in terms of what He can do for us.
Here's the secret...
The secret is to think God's goodness at all times, especially during the most trying times. Only then will God be able to fulfill His promise to us of victory and everlasting glory.
WE ARE GIVEN A CHOICE…DURING OUR MOMENTS OF DOUBT.
WE ARE GIVEN A CHOICE…DURING OUR MOMENTS OF DOUBT.
"Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines...yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:17-18, NKJV)
All of us face obstacles and challenges in this life.
All of us treasure our dreams inside our hearts and, at times, it's difficult to admit that some of those dreams might never see the light of day.
During these moments of doubt, we are given a choice.
Either we choose to allow ourselves to be engulfed with the negative and be discouraged inside and out, or we can sing songs of praise to God and pray thanks that all this will pass and He will open doors for us toward a brighter future.
Most people say, "As soon as I'm done with my problems, I'll praise God," or "I'll thank God as soon as my trials are over."
Listen, faith does not work that way. As long as you allow your thoughts to be limited by your problems and regrets, God will also be limited in terms of what He can do for us.
Here's the secret...
The secret is to think God's goodness at all times, especially during the most trying times. Only then will God be able to fulfill His promise to us of victory and everlasting glory.
"Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines...yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:17-18, NKJV)
All of us face obstacles and challenges in this life.
All of us treasure our dreams inside our hearts and, at times, it's difficult to admit that some of those dreams might never see the light of day.
During these moments of doubt, we are given a choice.
Either we choose to allow ourselves to be engulfed with the negative and be discouraged inside and out, or we can sing songs of praise to God and pray thanks that all this will pass and He will open doors for us toward a brighter future.
Most people say, "As soon as I'm done with my problems, I'll praise God," or "I'll thank God as soon as my trials are over."
Listen, faith does not work that way. As long as you allow your thoughts to be limited by your problems and regrets, God will also be limited in terms of what He can do for us.
Here's the secret...
The secret is to think God's goodness at all times, especially during the most trying times. Only then will God be able to fulfill His promise to us of victory and everlasting glory.
FROM MY MEDITATION BOOK
Human beings live in three different houses without paying any rent.
1. Inside the womb
2. Prison
3. Inside the coffin, but the only hopeless person of the three is the person inside the coffin.
1. Inside the womb
2. Prison
3. Inside the coffin, but the only hopeless person of the three is the person inside the coffin.
LET GO, AND LET GOD HAVE HIS WAY IN YOUR LIFE.
LET GO, AND LET GOD HAVE HIS WAY IN YOUR LIFE.
Psalms 70:4 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.
Billy Graham tells the story about a little child was playing with a very valuable vase. He put his hand into it and could not withdraw it.
His father too, tried his best to get it out, to no avail.
They were thinking of breaking the vase when the father said, "Now my son, make one more try. Open your hand and hold your fingers out straight as you see me doing, and then pull."
To their astonishment the little fellow said, "O no, dad, I couldn't put my fingers out like that because if I did I would drop my dime."
Smile, if you will but thousands of us are like that little boy, so busy holding on to the world's worthless dimes that we cannot accept liberation.
Drop the trifles in your life. Surrender! Let go, and let God have His way in your life.
Most importantly, memorize and meditate His Words every day to remind yourself about God's amazing grace and love for you.
You have nothing to lose but more to gain when you study, meditate God's Word., pray with the Word of God.; these will make you grow spiritually.
Psalms 70:4 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.
Billy Graham tells the story about a little child was playing with a very valuable vase. He put his hand into it and could not withdraw it.
His father too, tried his best to get it out, to no avail.
They were thinking of breaking the vase when the father said, "Now my son, make one more try. Open your hand and hold your fingers out straight as you see me doing, and then pull."
To their astonishment the little fellow said, "O no, dad, I couldn't put my fingers out like that because if I did I would drop my dime."
Smile, if you will but thousands of us are like that little boy, so busy holding on to the world's worthless dimes that we cannot accept liberation.
Drop the trifles in your life. Surrender! Let go, and let God have His way in your life.
Most importantly, memorize and meditate His Words every day to remind yourself about God's amazing grace and love for you.
You have nothing to lose but more to gain when you study, meditate God's Word., pray with the Word of God.; these will make you grow spiritually.
GOD WHISPERS TO US EVERY MOMENT….. HEAR HIM
GOD WHISPERS TO US EVERY MOMENT….. HEAR HIM
Hebrews 3:15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
The captain of the ship looked into the dark night and saw faint lights in the distance.
Immediately he told his signalman to send a message: "Alter your course 10 degrees south." Promptly a return message was received: "Alter your course 10 degrees north."
The captain was angered; his command had been ignored.
So he sent a second message: "Alter your course 10 degrees south--I am the captain!"
Soon another message was received: "Alter your course 10 degrees north--I am a seaman third class Jones."
Immediately the captain sent a third message, knowing the fear it would evoke: "Alter your course 10 degrees south--I am a battleship."
Then the reply came: "Alter your course 10 degrees north--I am a lighthouse."
There are plenty of voices shouting at us through the fog.
What we need is the voice of a lighthouse in our lives.
And that's the voice of our loving Father.
Don't let the busyness of this world hinder you to hear Him. God has a lot of things to say to you.
With scripture constant study, meditation od God’s word, you'll experience God whispering to you. Reminding you how much He cares for you.
So I encourage you right now to take the leap of faith and begin study and meditate the scriptures.
We have the course that will help you study and meditate better and faster regardless of your age.
Friday, March 22, 2013
DECIDE TODAY… AND COME TO THE HEAVENLY ENGINEER
DECIDE TODAY… AND COME TO THE HEAVENLY ENGINEER
Hebrew 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
A preacher and an atheistic barber were once walking through the city slums.
Said the barber to the preacher: "This is why I cannot believe in a God of love. If God was as kind and loving as you say, He would not permit all this poverty, disease, and squalor. He would not allow these poor bums to be addicted to dope and other character-destroying habits. No, I cannot believe in a God who permits these things."
The minister was silent until they met a man who was especially unkept and filthy. His hair was hanging down his neck and he had a half-inch of stubble on his face.
Said the minister: "You can't be a very good barber or you wouldn't permit a man like that to continue living in this neighborhood without a haircut and a shave."
Indignantly the barber answered: "Why blame me for that man's condition? I can't help it that he is like that. He has never come in my shop. I could fix him up and make him look like a gentleman!"
Giving the barber a penetrating look, the minister said: "Then don't blame God for allowing the people to continue in their evil ways, when He is constantly inviting them to come and be saved."
Truth be told, God can't change you unless you step forward and ask God to help you change for the better.
Now, it's your turn to come to the Heaven Engineer for a total transformation.
Hebrew 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
A preacher and an atheistic barber were once walking through the city slums.
Said the barber to the preacher: "This is why I cannot believe in a God of love. If God was as kind and loving as you say, He would not permit all this poverty, disease, and squalor. He would not allow these poor bums to be addicted to dope and other character-destroying habits. No, I cannot believe in a God who permits these things."
The minister was silent until they met a man who was especially unkept and filthy. His hair was hanging down his neck and he had a half-inch of stubble on his face.
Said the minister: "You can't be a very good barber or you wouldn't permit a man like that to continue living in this neighborhood without a haircut and a shave."
Indignantly the barber answered: "Why blame me for that man's condition? I can't help it that he is like that. He has never come in my shop. I could fix him up and make him look like a gentleman!"
Giving the barber a penetrating look, the minister said: "Then don't blame God for allowing the people to continue in their evil ways, when He is constantly inviting them to come and be saved."
Truth be told, God can't change you unless you step forward and ask God to help you change for the better.
Now, it's your turn to come to the Heaven Engineer for a total transformation.
Psalm 23:2
Psalm 23:2
1. At every age we need direction.
2. On every day we need direction.
3. At every phase we need direction.
4. In sickness, we need direction.
5. In health we need direction.
6. In tough period, we need direction.
7. At every place we need direction.
8. I do not want to get out from under the protection of the Lord I must live under that umbrella.
9. I do not want to get beyond the direction of the Lord .He knows best.
10. I do not want to get outside His affection.
11. I do not want to be excluded from His love.
12. His expectations …. I do not want to be removed.
13. I do not want to get beyond His appreciations because we lose direction, when we wonder in our affections.
14. We lose sense of God’s expectations when we start living outside the protections of God.
15. We are poor without His direction.
1. At every age we need direction.
2. On every day we need direction.
3. At every phase we need direction.
4. In sickness, we need direction.
5. In health we need direction.
6. In tough period, we need direction.
7. At every place we need direction.
8. I do not want to get out from under the protection of the Lord I must live under that umbrella.
9. I do not want to get beyond the direction of the Lord .He knows best.
10. I do not want to get outside His affection.
11. I do not want to be excluded from His love.
12. His expectations …. I do not want to be removed.
13. I do not want to get beyond His appreciations because we lose direction, when we wonder in our affections.
14. We lose sense of God’s expectations when we start living outside the protections of God.
15. We are poor without His direction.
THE SOVEREIGN, CREATOR GOD OF HEAVEN DETERMINES……..
THE SOVEREIGN, CREATOR GOD OF HEAVEN DETERMINES……..
Proverbs 22:2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all. The rich and poor have many similarities. God Jehovah made them both. Learn their similarities, and do not despise or envy either one. A godly worldview is great wisdom.
When the rich and poor meet together, the rich despise the poor for their poverty and stupidity, and the poor envy the rich for their prosperity and arrogance. But the LORD made them both, and they have no reason to resent each other. For if the truth be told, they both arrived naked and destitute, and they shall both leave this world the same way.
The rich and poor meet together at birth and death, and you should observe they are very equal in many important matters. They are born the same way, arrive naked, are unconscious and ignorant, are sinners before God, are vulnerable to the same diseases, are tempted with the same sins, and meet God after death with the same amount of assets. The financial difference between the rich and poor was not their decision.
The sovereign, creator God of heaven determined the economic factors in each life before the foundation of the world (Acts 15:18; I Cor 4:7; Dan 4:35). You can change your destiny with prayers, hard work, diligence,etc. If you do not utilize these tools, life will be hard. Solomon did not write in this proverb about poverty from foolish actions.
When a man is lazy, wasteful, and/or foolish, and hate investment, his poverty is his own fault. God judges such men. But that is not the object of this proverb. There are plenty of other proverbs condemning such conduct. Here the lesson is about the real and significant differences that God makes. Consider a key economic factor.
Who chose your parents? Successful parents provide children an inheritance, employment contacts, a superior education, great credit, ambition and confidence, and many other advantages. But the child did not make or approve the choice! Neither did the child born to mentally challenged parents scraping out a living! Who chose the citizenship you received at birth? One child is born in poverty-stricken Ethiopia with little to no opportunity for anything. Another child is born in middle-class America with every opportunity and then some.
But the infant citizen in either country did not make or approve the choice of his nation. God made the choice for each of them. Who chose your intelligence and abilities? One child is born with an IQ in the top 10% of the population, verbally and mathematically skilled, with personal charisma and leadership abilities. Another child is born in the lower 25% of the population, cannot read, speak, or do math well, and has a weak and timid personality.
God made these choices, and to miss His great sovereignty over men is to be ignorant of life’s realities. Who chose your profession or business? One man gets an early job with a great company in a booming industry; it promotes from within, rewards good performance, and gives stock options to employees. He is rich in twenty years. Another man works for twenty years at low wages in a dying industry and is laid off, without warning or benefits. He is destitute at forty with nowhere to go.
God chose, and the rich and poor must recognize it. These examples could be multiplied many times for other factors. God determined the important factors that lead to financial success before you were born. He has made both the rich and poor, and they should tremble before Him, and love and respect each other. No man knows the future, but the God of heaven does, and He blesses or deprives men accordingly. He knows all the factors and distributes them according to His own will. You must settle any question you have about God’s sovereignty in these factors.
Solomon stated this axiom: “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all” (Eccl 9:11). Who is responsible for this time and chance? Solomon gave you a proverb, “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD” (Pr 16:33). The rich and poor also meet together in another circumstance.
They come together necessarily in economic pursuits, for the one cannot exist without the other. The poor provide the labor, service, and trades to supply the rich with food, service, and luxuries; and the rich provide the poor with employment, wages, and purchases of their products. If all men were either rich or poor, the advanced economies the world has would come to a grinding and screeching halt. If all were poor, who would provide capital? If all were rich, who would provide labor?
The rich and poor meet together, because they need each other. And this mutually pleasing relationship extends to the church as well, where those rich in spiritual gifts should not despise those less gifted (I Cor 12:21). When the rich and poor meet together, the rich should care for the poor and be willing to distribute of their abundance to the needs of the poor, and the poor should be willing to honor and rejoice with the rich for God’s good favor upon them (I Tim 6:17-19; Acts 4:34-37; 2:44-45; Rom 12:15; I Cor 12:26). There should be no respect of persons at all for economic advantage in the house of God (James 2:1-10). All are exalted (Jas 1:9-11).
To make fun of the poor is very wrong, for it reproaches your Creator (Pr 14:31; 17:5). It is the LORD Jehovah that makes both rich and poor, as Hannah prayed (I Sam 2:7). Job knew that both rich and poor were made alike in the womb by the hand of God (Job 31:14; 34:19). The rich should tremble, knowing that God can reduce them to poverty in a minute; and the poor should not despair, knowing that God can enrich them easily. Why does God make one poor and another rich? He is the LORD; He is greater than man, and He does according to His own will with men (Job 33:12). But He can teach the poor humility, contentment, patience, and faith through their poverty. And He can as well teach the rich the necessity of humility, kindness, generosity, love, and thankfulness.
The proverb should cause you to tremble before the great and dreadful God, Who does all these things for His own glory. He is Lord of all! You should be thankful for every blessing He chose in His eternal counsel to send your way. You could go on and on. Count your many blessings! You will be surprised to see what the Lord hath done! If you are poor, it is helpful to remember that there are many poorer than you can even imagine. Thank the Lord for His bounty toward you! Your situation is not as bad as others or as bad as it could be. If you are rich in this world, it is helpful to remember that there are many much richer than you. Thank the Lord for this and is remember to be humble!
Proverbs 22:2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all. The rich and poor have many similarities. God Jehovah made them both. Learn their similarities, and do not despise or envy either one. A godly worldview is great wisdom.
When the rich and poor meet together, the rich despise the poor for their poverty and stupidity, and the poor envy the rich for their prosperity and arrogance. But the LORD made them both, and they have no reason to resent each other. For if the truth be told, they both arrived naked and destitute, and they shall both leave this world the same way.
The rich and poor meet together at birth and death, and you should observe they are very equal in many important matters. They are born the same way, arrive naked, are unconscious and ignorant, are sinners before God, are vulnerable to the same diseases, are tempted with the same sins, and meet God after death with the same amount of assets. The financial difference between the rich and poor was not their decision.
The sovereign, creator God of heaven determined the economic factors in each life before the foundation of the world (Acts 15:18; I Cor 4:7; Dan 4:35). You can change your destiny with prayers, hard work, diligence,etc. If you do not utilize these tools, life will be hard. Solomon did not write in this proverb about poverty from foolish actions.
When a man is lazy, wasteful, and/or foolish, and hate investment, his poverty is his own fault. God judges such men. But that is not the object of this proverb. There are plenty of other proverbs condemning such conduct. Here the lesson is about the real and significant differences that God makes. Consider a key economic factor.
Who chose your parents? Successful parents provide children an inheritance, employment contacts, a superior education, great credit, ambition and confidence, and many other advantages. But the child did not make or approve the choice! Neither did the child born to mentally challenged parents scraping out a living! Who chose the citizenship you received at birth? One child is born in poverty-stricken Ethiopia with little to no opportunity for anything. Another child is born in middle-class America with every opportunity and then some.
But the infant citizen in either country did not make or approve the choice of his nation. God made the choice for each of them. Who chose your intelligence and abilities? One child is born with an IQ in the top 10% of the population, verbally and mathematically skilled, with personal charisma and leadership abilities. Another child is born in the lower 25% of the population, cannot read, speak, or do math well, and has a weak and timid personality.
God made these choices, and to miss His great sovereignty over men is to be ignorant of life’s realities. Who chose your profession or business? One man gets an early job with a great company in a booming industry; it promotes from within, rewards good performance, and gives stock options to employees. He is rich in twenty years. Another man works for twenty years at low wages in a dying industry and is laid off, without warning or benefits. He is destitute at forty with nowhere to go.
God chose, and the rich and poor must recognize it. These examples could be multiplied many times for other factors. God determined the important factors that lead to financial success before you were born. He has made both the rich and poor, and they should tremble before Him, and love and respect each other. No man knows the future, but the God of heaven does, and He blesses or deprives men accordingly. He knows all the factors and distributes them according to His own will. You must settle any question you have about God’s sovereignty in these factors.
Solomon stated this axiom: “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all” (Eccl 9:11). Who is responsible for this time and chance? Solomon gave you a proverb, “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD” (Pr 16:33). The rich and poor also meet together in another circumstance.
They come together necessarily in economic pursuits, for the one cannot exist without the other. The poor provide the labor, service, and trades to supply the rich with food, service, and luxuries; and the rich provide the poor with employment, wages, and purchases of their products. If all men were either rich or poor, the advanced economies the world has would come to a grinding and screeching halt. If all were poor, who would provide capital? If all were rich, who would provide labor?
The rich and poor meet together, because they need each other. And this mutually pleasing relationship extends to the church as well, where those rich in spiritual gifts should not despise those less gifted (I Cor 12:21). When the rich and poor meet together, the rich should care for the poor and be willing to distribute of their abundance to the needs of the poor, and the poor should be willing to honor and rejoice with the rich for God’s good favor upon them (I Tim 6:17-19; Acts 4:34-37; 2:44-45; Rom 12:15; I Cor 12:26). There should be no respect of persons at all for economic advantage in the house of God (James 2:1-10). All are exalted (Jas 1:9-11).
To make fun of the poor is very wrong, for it reproaches your Creator (Pr 14:31; 17:5). It is the LORD Jehovah that makes both rich and poor, as Hannah prayed (I Sam 2:7). Job knew that both rich and poor were made alike in the womb by the hand of God (Job 31:14; 34:19). The rich should tremble, knowing that God can reduce them to poverty in a minute; and the poor should not despair, knowing that God can enrich them easily. Why does God make one poor and another rich? He is the LORD; He is greater than man, and He does according to His own will with men (Job 33:12). But He can teach the poor humility, contentment, patience, and faith through their poverty. And He can as well teach the rich the necessity of humility, kindness, generosity, love, and thankfulness.
The proverb should cause you to tremble before the great and dreadful God, Who does all these things for His own glory. He is Lord of all! You should be thankful for every blessing He chose in His eternal counsel to send your way. You could go on and on. Count your many blessings! You will be surprised to see what the Lord hath done! If you are poor, it is helpful to remember that there are many poorer than you can even imagine. Thank the Lord for His bounty toward you! Your situation is not as bad as others or as bad as it could be. If you are rich in this world, it is helpful to remember that there are many much richer than you. Thank the Lord for this and is remember to be humble!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
LIFESTYLE
LIFESTYLE
1Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
(KJV)
Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else’s hands, but not you.
Lifestyle is the art of discovering ways to live uniquely.
Some people have learned to earn well, but they haven’t learned to live well.
Earn as much money as you possibly can and as quickly as you can. The sooner you get money out of the way, the sooner you will be able to get to the rest of your problems in style.
Develop a dogged determination to follow through on your plan regardless of obstacles, criticisms, or circumstances.
Develop supreme confidence in yourself and your abilities. Enter every activity without giving recognition to the possibility of defeat.
1Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
(KJV)
Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else’s hands, but not you.
Lifestyle is the art of discovering ways to live uniquely.
Some people have learned to earn well, but they haven’t learned to live well.
Earn as much money as you possibly can and as quickly as you can. The sooner you get money out of the way, the sooner you will be able to get to the rest of your problems in style.
Develop a dogged determination to follow through on your plan regardless of obstacles, criticisms, or circumstances.
Develop supreme confidence in yourself and your abilities. Enter every activity without giving recognition to the possibility of defeat.
THE POWER THAT HAS NO RESPECT
THE POWER THAT HAS NO RESPECT
Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
(KJV)
A certain man called Camco was an expert at amusing people. One day, somebody went to a psychiatric hospital and complained to the doctor that he did not understand what was happening to him.
He said he was not happy and his heart was heavy and confused.
In fact, he felt like giving up. The psychiatrist listened to him very carefully and said, “Young man, my advice for you is this, tonight, go to Camco’s show and laugh away your sorrow”.
The young man looked at the doctor straight in the eye and said, excuse me doctor, I am Camco.
This power is a power that has no respect. It gives beauty for ashes, the oil of joy to replace mourning and the garment of praise to replace the spirit of heaviness.
Te spirit of heaviness has to be replaced with a garment, because sometimes heaviness covers a person like a cloth; like a garment. it covers the totality of the person.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
ROAD JUNCTION…………… THE TURNING POINT OR DISTRUCTIVE POINT
ROAD JUNCTION…………… THE TURNING POINT OR DISTRUCTIVE POINT
The junction is a crossroads where major decisions are taken in a man’s life. At this point, any wrong decision taken without serious considerations will boomerang. Most times, the resultant effects are either positive or negative.
When a man decides to follow the wrong road in the journey of life, it leads to destructions; also, when another man follows the right road, it leads to life, success, good life etc.
Men have been destroyed because they followed the wrong road, and many have been blessed because they followed the right road.
The junction is a crossroads where major decisions are taken in a man’s life. At this point, any wrong decision taken without serious considerations will boomerang. Most times, the resultant effects are either positive or negative.
When a man decides to follow the wrong road in the journey of life, it leads to destructions; also, when another man follows the right road, it leads to life, success, good life etc.
Men have been destroyed because they followed the wrong road, and many have been blessed because they followed the right road.
GOD’S TRUTH IS EVERYWHERE……
GOD’S TRUTH IS EVERYWHERE……
A man was seated on a park bench when a boy about five sat down beside him and started winding what appeared to be a most prized possession--a watch. "My, what a pretty watch," remarked the man.
"Does it tell you the time?"
"No sir," replied the boy; "You gotta look at it."
God's Truth is everywhere, but you must look for it and at it to see it.
How?
By reading, studying, meditating, confessing and by applying His word in your life.
Billy Graham once said..."I am convinced that one of the greatest things we can do is to meditate Scripture."
While according to Pastor Chuck Swindol..."I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than meditating Scripture...No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends!"
The truth is, regardless of your age, meditate capacity, or busyness, you can still memorize scriptures.
So make a resolution right now to study at least one Bible verse today and meditate it throughout the day.
A man was seated on a park bench when a boy about five sat down beside him and started winding what appeared to be a most prized possession--a watch. "My, what a pretty watch," remarked the man.
"Does it tell you the time?"
"No sir," replied the boy; "You gotta look at it."
God's Truth is everywhere, but you must look for it and at it to see it.
How?
By reading, studying, meditating, confessing and by applying His word in your life.
Billy Graham once said..."I am convinced that one of the greatest things we can do is to meditate Scripture."
While according to Pastor Chuck Swindol..."I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than meditating Scripture...No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends!"
The truth is, regardless of your age, meditate capacity, or busyness, you can still memorize scriptures.
So make a resolution right now to study at least one Bible verse today and meditate it throughout the day.
YOU HAVE THE KEY…………..
YOU HAVE THE KEY…………..
Revelations 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
Father William Bausch told a story of a boy who one morning had arrived very early at school and waited patiently at the door.
Next to arrive was a lady who was surprised that this youngster had arrived so early. "It's locked" the pupil said as the teacher tried the door.
...She began to fumble for her keys and the pupil immediately brightened up.
"You're a teacher!" he said enthusiastically.
"How do you know that?" she asked.
The boy hesitated for a moment, then said with respect "Ma'am, you have the key."
The teacher in this story was overwhelmed by that simple statement "you have the key" which got her pondering on her responsibilities as a teacher.
Our Lord Jesus Christ was more than a teacher, He is the Truth that set free all that come and wait patiently for his return.
Just as the teacher has the key to earthly knowledge so our Lord has the key to eternal life.
So don't neglect reading and meditating God's word.
Scripture studying, confessing and memorization is a faith building and life changing habit.
But you'll never experience its power unless you start doing it.
Listen, if you've been thinking like... "I'm too old."
"I'm too busy to study, meditate confess and memorize scriptures."
"I'm ok as a Christian so I don't need to memorize."
These are not from God and it's limiting you to experience God in a different level.
Break these self-limiting beliefs by taking action and God can help you become a better person .
See More
Revelations 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
Father William Bausch told a story of a boy who one morning had arrived very early at school and waited patiently at the door.
Next to arrive was a lady who was surprised that this youngster had arrived so early. "It's locked" the pupil said as the teacher tried the door.
...She began to fumble for her keys and the pupil immediately brightened up.
"You're a teacher!" he said enthusiastically.
"How do you know that?" she asked.
The boy hesitated for a moment, then said with respect "Ma'am, you have the key."
The teacher in this story was overwhelmed by that simple statement "you have the key" which got her pondering on her responsibilities as a teacher.
Our Lord Jesus Christ was more than a teacher, He is the Truth that set free all that come and wait patiently for his return.
Just as the teacher has the key to earthly knowledge so our Lord has the key to eternal life.
So don't neglect reading and meditating God's word.
Scripture studying, confessing and memorization is a faith building and life changing habit.
But you'll never experience its power unless you start doing it.
Listen, if you've been thinking like... "I'm too old."
"I'm too busy to study, meditate confess and memorize scriptures."
"I'm ok as a Christian so I don't need to memorize."
These are not from God and it's limiting you to experience God in a different level.
Break these self-limiting beliefs by taking action and God can help you become a better person .
See More
Thursday, March 14, 2013
AVERAGE …. THE ENEMY OF ADVANCEMENT (DEEP QUESTIONS FOR SERIOUS MINDED PERSONS)
AVERAGE …. THE ENEMY OF ADVANCEMENT (DEEP QUESTIONS FOR SERIOUS MINDED PERSONS)
Mathew 20: 16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
No one crowns the average. Your calling alone cannot guarantee success.
There is no reward for trying and failing?.
Do you have the blue print of your destiny?
Do you know the reason why you were born?
Do you have the knowledge and revelation of yourself?
Do you know the reason why God sent to into the earth?
Are you in an age where you believe that all equation will give you same answer (i.e. . 1+I = 2). ?
What is your anchor?
Are you divinely dissatisfied with you present position in life ?
When will you come to yourself ?
Are you in the school of bondage and refused to come out ?
Are you deprived, denied or in a strange marriage ?
Can we seek the face of God together?
Your are invited to LAGOS BREAKTHROUGH CHAPEL, 82, ALLEN AVENUE,, IKEJA LAGOS.
DATE: 16TH MARCH, 2013.
TIME : 8.00AM PROMPT.
SEE YOU THERE…. God bless you.
Mathew 20: 16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
No one crowns the average. Your calling alone cannot guarantee success.
There is no reward for trying and failing?.
Do you have the blue print of your destiny?
Do you know the reason why you were born?
Do you have the knowledge and revelation of yourself?
Do you know the reason why God sent to into the earth?
Are you in an age where you believe that all equation will give you same answer (i.e. . 1+I = 2). ?
What is your anchor?
Are you divinely dissatisfied with you present position in life ?
When will you come to yourself ?
Are you in the school of bondage and refused to come out ?
Are you deprived, denied or in a strange marriage ?
Can we seek the face of God together?
Your are invited to LAGOS BREAKTHROUGH CHAPEL, 82, ALLEN AVENUE,, IKEJA LAGOS.
DATE: 16TH MARCH, 2013.
TIME : 8.00AM PROMPT.
SEE YOU THERE…. God bless you.
KINGDOM DROP-OUT
KINGDOM DROP-OUT
Mathew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Are you already fully qualified?
Admission!, Admission!!, Admission!!!…
UNIVERSITY OF Hell fire in the kingdom of doom.
Entry requirements, five credits in abusive tongue, malice, evil thoughts, fornication, adultery and no knowledge of Bible will be an added advantage.
We have to understand that in the Bible, we do not see people looking for office.
Today, people are looking for offices, rather te offices shuld look for people.
We have to understand its very well.
‘’seek ye first the kingdom of God.’’
In order for you not to become a drop-out in the kingdom of God, you must imbibe the kingdom lifestyle.
A kingdom lifestyle is the pattern of living in that kingdom.
It is the character that is needed for you to be member of that kingdom.
It is also the behavior and mannerism that are needed for you to be a part of that kingdom.
Naturally, man is born into the kingdom of darkness. Anyone that continues in this kingdom of darkness and dies in it goes to hell. Expect there is a turnaround.
The issue of new birth is not clear to many people. Many preachers are not born again,
For example, when service is going on in the Church,, you find Pastors, Ministers, Church workers roaming around, chatting, chewing gum, of fondling their handsets.
Those are the kingdom drop-out; they are students who do not listen to lectures.
A person becomes born again when his /her old life is gone and everything becomes new..
Mathew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Are you already fully qualified?
Admission!, Admission!!, Admission!!!…
UNIVERSITY OF Hell fire in the kingdom of doom.
Entry requirements, five credits in abusive tongue, malice, evil thoughts, fornication, adultery and no knowledge of Bible will be an added advantage.
We have to understand that in the Bible, we do not see people looking for office.
Today, people are looking for offices, rather te offices shuld look for people.
We have to understand its very well.
‘’seek ye first the kingdom of God.’’
In order for you not to become a drop-out in the kingdom of God, you must imbibe the kingdom lifestyle.
A kingdom lifestyle is the pattern of living in that kingdom.
It is the character that is needed for you to be member of that kingdom.
It is also the behavior and mannerism that are needed for you to be a part of that kingdom.
Naturally, man is born into the kingdom of darkness. Anyone that continues in this kingdom of darkness and dies in it goes to hell. Expect there is a turnaround.
The issue of new birth is not clear to many people. Many preachers are not born again,
For example, when service is going on in the Church,, you find Pastors, Ministers, Church workers roaming around, chatting, chewing gum, of fondling their handsets.
Those are the kingdom drop-out; they are students who do not listen to lectures.
A person becomes born again when his /her old life is gone and everything becomes new..
KINGDOM DROP-OUT
KINGDOM DROP-OUT
Mathew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Are you already fully qualified?
Admission!, Admission!!, Admission!!!…
UNIVERSITY OF Hell fire in the kingdom of dm.
Entry requirements, five credits in abusive tongue, malice, evil thoughts, fornication, adultery and no knowledge of Bible will be an added advantage.
We have to understand that in the Bible, we do not see people looking for office.
Today, people are looking for offices, rather te offices shuld look for people.
We have to understand its very well.
‘’seek ye first the kingdom of God.’’
In order for you not to become a drop-out in the kingdom of God, you must imbibe the kingdom lifestyle.
A kingdom lifestyle is the pattern of living in that kingdom.
It is the character that is needed for you to be member of that kingdom.
It is also the behavior and mannerism that are needed for you to be a part of that kingdom.
Naturally, man is born into the kingdom of darkness. Anyone that continues in this kingdom of darkness and dies in it goes to hell. Expect there is a turnaround.
The issue of new birth is not clear to many people. Many preachers are not born again,
For example, when service is going on in the Church,, you find Pastors, Ministers, Church workers roaming around, chatting, chewing gum, of fondling their handsets.
Those are the kingdom drop-out; they are students who do not listen to lectures.
A person becomes born again when his /her old life is gone and everything becomes new..
ANGER ---THE STREERINGLESS VEHICLE
ANGER ---THE STREERINGLESS VEHICLE
Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Sometime ago a man went to a small village as a visitor and finally established a Chemist/ Pharmacy store. He observed after a long while that makers and sellers of paracetamol, panadol and aspirin etc are going out of business.
He decided to reappraise the village and discovered that anger which is gatekeeper that opens the door to all kinds of infirmities and sickness is absent in the lives of the people there.
After much frustration, he took a random opinion of the indigenes of that village and was told that if you take away anger from our world, makers and sellers of paracetamol, panadol and aspirin etc would be out of business; and life will become a better place . Death rate will greatly reduce.
They told him that it is the old man that gets provoked and enjoy to level of calling someone else fool, bastard, etc has been crucified. Besides, they told him that they have experienced new birth and are born again.
The villagers told him that the bottom line of all anger is pride.
People who nurture and romances pride in them are a kingdom drop-out
Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Sometime ago a man went to a small village as a visitor and finally established a Chemist/ Pharmacy store. He observed after a long while that makers and sellers of paracetamol, panadol and aspirin etc are going out of business.
He decided to reappraise the village and discovered that anger which is gatekeeper that opens the door to all kinds of infirmities and sickness is absent in the lives of the people there.
After much frustration, he took a random opinion of the indigenes of that village and was told that if you take away anger from our world, makers and sellers of paracetamol, panadol and aspirin etc would be out of business; and life will become a better place . Death rate will greatly reduce.
They told him that it is the old man that gets provoked and enjoy to level of calling someone else fool, bastard, etc has been crucified. Besides, they told him that they have experienced new birth and are born again.
The villagers told him that the bottom line of all anger is pride.
People who nurture and romances pride in them are a kingdom drop-out
Monday, March 11, 2013
TAP INTO THE WELL OF THE LORD’S GOODNESS
TAP INTO THE WELL OF THE LORD’S GOODNESS
"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up"
(Galatians 6:9, NLT)
There was a story back in the about a group of explorers who got lost in the middle of a desert.
After using up their water supply, then began to dig under the sand in hopes of finding water.
But unfortunately none of them were able to find any, and none survived the ordeal.
Several years later, it was found out that there was indeed water just a few feet below the spot where they were digging. If they hadn't given up, they would've been able to drink fresh water to their heart's content.
The same can be said about doing good, particularly in relation to today's Scripture.
Whenever you are struggling with life, or having a bad break at your career, or having a difficult time with a relationship, you are simply experiencing a dry spell.
Don't quit. Dig. Rake in the soil and dig like there's no tomorrow because you never know when the Lord shall shower you with His favor and blessings, whose arrival into your life is only a matter of time.
Keep digging until you tap in to the well of the Lord's goodness!
"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up"
(Galatians 6:9, NLT)
There was a story back in the about a group of explorers who got lost in the middle of a desert.
After using up their water supply, then began to dig under the sand in hopes of finding water.
But unfortunately none of them were able to find any, and none survived the ordeal.
Several years later, it was found out that there was indeed water just a few feet below the spot where they were digging. If they hadn't given up, they would've been able to drink fresh water to their heart's content.
The same can be said about doing good, particularly in relation to today's Scripture.
Whenever you are struggling with life, or having a bad break at your career, or having a difficult time with a relationship, you are simply experiencing a dry spell.
Don't quit. Dig. Rake in the soil and dig like there's no tomorrow because you never know when the Lord shall shower you with His favor and blessings, whose arrival into your life is only a matter of time.
Keep digging until you tap in to the well of the Lord's goodness!
OUR GOD IS REAL, AVAILABLE AND ADEQUATE
OUR GOD IS REAL, AVAILABLE AND ADEQUATE
A minister traveling on a train in was the sole occupant of a compartment, except for a young man reading a newspaper.
The youth was also a Christian, but so weak was his faith, and so many were his temptations, that he told the minister he did not think he would be able to stand life a week longer.
The minister took from his pocket a Bible and a penknife and said, "See, I will make this penknife stand up on the cover of this Bible, in spite of the rocking of the train."
The young man, thinking that this was some conjuring trick, watched the proceeding with interest, saying, "I am afraid that it will not be very easy to do that , sir."
"But," said the minister, "I am doing it."
"Oh, but you are holding it," retorted his fellow passenger.
"Why of course. Did you ever hear of a penknife standing up on its end without being held up?"
"I see," was the young man's comment. "I see you mean to teach me that I cannot stand unless Christ holds me. Thank you for reminding me of that."
My brethren, you just can't stand a day without Christ. Maybe you think you can but the REALITY is you just can't.
You have no chance resisting temptation without Christ. Lean on Him for strength,wisdom, victory etc.
Truth is, if you feel weak on your faith, the more you should read, confess and meditate scriptures throughout the day.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
GOD OFTEN DELAYS IN ANSWERING PRAYER
GOD OFTEN DELAYS IN ANSWERING PRAYER
Proverbs 18:12 "Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility."
Proverbs 11:2; When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Proverbs 15:33; The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
In our text, we are given the tragic end of a proud men who "paid too much for their whistles.
It is an old and common saying, that "coming events cast their shadows before them;" the wise man teaches us that a proud heart is the prophetic prelude of evil. Pride is as safely the sign of destruction as the change of mercury in the weather-glass is the sign of rain; and far more infallibly so than that.
When men have ridden the high horse of pride, destruction has always overtaken them. Let David's aching heart show that there is an eclipse of a man's glory when he dotes upon his own greatness.
2 Sam. 24:10. We see Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty builder of Babylon, creeping on the earth, devouring grass like oxen, until his nails had grown like bird's claws, and his hair like eagle's feathers.
Dan. 4:33. Pride made the boaster a beast, as once before it made an angel a devil. God hates high looks, and never fails to bring them down. All the arrows of God are aimed at proud hearts.
Beloved Christian, is thine heart haughty? For pride can get into the Christian's heart as well as into the sinner's; it can delude him into dreaming that he is "rich and increased in goods, and hath need of nothing." Art thou glorying in thy graces or thy talents, skill, etc? Art thou proud of thyself, that thou hast had holy frames and sweet experiences?
Take heed, beloved, there is a destruction coming to thee also. Thy pompous poppies of self-conceit will be pulled up by the roots, thy mushroom graces will wither in the burning heat, and thy self-sufficiency shall become as straw for the dunghill.
If we forget to live at the foot of the cross in deepest lowliness of spirit, God will not forget to make us smart under His rod. A destruction will come to thee, O unduly exalted believer, the destruction of thy joys and of thy comforts, though there can be no destruction of thy soul. Wherefore, "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
Proverbs 18:12 "Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility."
Proverbs 11:2; When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Proverbs 15:33; The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
In our text, we are given the tragic end of a proud men who "paid too much for their whistles.
It is an old and common saying, that "coming events cast their shadows before them;" the wise man teaches us that a proud heart is the prophetic prelude of evil. Pride is as safely the sign of destruction as the change of mercury in the weather-glass is the sign of rain; and far more infallibly so than that.
When men have ridden the high horse of pride, destruction has always overtaken them. Let David's aching heart show that there is an eclipse of a man's glory when he dotes upon his own greatness.
2 Sam. 24:10. We see Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty builder of Babylon, creeping on the earth, devouring grass like oxen, until his nails had grown like bird's claws, and his hair like eagle's feathers.
Dan. 4:33. Pride made the boaster a beast, as once before it made an angel a devil. God hates high looks, and never fails to bring them down. All the arrows of God are aimed at proud hearts.
Beloved Christian, is thine heart haughty? For pride can get into the Christian's heart as well as into the sinner's; it can delude him into dreaming that he is "rich and increased in goods, and hath need of nothing." Art thou glorying in thy graces or thy talents, skill, etc? Art thou proud of thyself, that thou hast had holy frames and sweet experiences?
Take heed, beloved, there is a destruction coming to thee also. Thy pompous poppies of self-conceit will be pulled up by the roots, thy mushroom graces will wither in the burning heat, and thy self-sufficiency shall become as straw for the dunghill.
If we forget to live at the foot of the cross in deepest lowliness of spirit, God will not forget to make us smart under His rod. A destruction will come to thee, O unduly exalted believer, the destruction of thy joys and of thy comforts, though there can be no destruction of thy soul. Wherefore, "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
GOD OFTEN DELAYS IN ANSWERING PRAYER
GOD OFTEN DELAYS IN ANSWERING PRAYER
"Therefore will the Lord wait that He may be gracious unto you." --Isaiah 30:18
God often DELAYS IN ANSWERING PRAYER. We have several instances of this in sacred Scripture. Jacob did not get the blessing from the angel until near the dawn of day--he had to wrestle all night for it. The poor woman of Syrophenicia was answered not a word for a long while. Paul besought the Lord thrice that "the thorn in the flesh" might be taken from him, and he received no assurance that it should be taken away, but instead thereof a promise that God's grace should be sufficient for him. If thou hast been knocking at the gate of mercy, and hast received no answer, shall I tell thee why the mighty Maker hath not opened the door and let thee in?
Our Father has reasons peculiar to Himself for thus keeping us waiting. Sometimes it is to show His power and His sovereignty, that men may know that Jehovah has a right to give or to withhold. More frequently the delay is for our profit. Thou art perhaps kept waiting in order that thy desires may be more fervent.
God knows that delay will quicken and increase desire, and that if He keeps thee waiting thou wilt see thy necessity more clearly, and wilt seek more earnestly; and that thou wilt prize the mercy all the more for its long tarrying. There may also be something wrong in thee which has need to be removed, before the joy of the Lord is given. Perhaps thy views of the Gospel plan are confused, or thou mayest be placing some little reliance on thyself, instead of trusting simply and entirely to the Lord Jesus. Or, God makes thee tarry awhile that He may the more fully display the riches of His grace to thee at last.
Thy prayers are all filed in heaven, and if not immediately answered they are certainly not forgotten, but in a little while shall be fulfilled to thy delight and satisfaction. Let not despair make thee silent, but continue instant in earnest supplication.
PRIDE ....A DESTRUCTIVE CAPSULE MANY FOOLS LOVE TO TAKE
PRIDE ....A DESTRUCTIVE CAPSULE MANY FOOLS LOVE TO TAKE
Proverbs 18:12 "Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility."
Proverbs 11:2; When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Proverbs 15:33; The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
In our text, we are given the tragic end of a proud men who "paid too much for their whistles.
It is an old and common saying, that "coming events cast their shadows before them;" the wise man teaches us that a proud heart is the prophetic prelude of evil. Pride is as safely the sign of destruction as the change of mercury in the weather-glass is the sign of rain; and far more infallibly so than that.
When men have ridden the high horse of pride, destruction has always overtaken them. Let David's aching heart show that there is an eclipse of a man's glory when he dotes upon his own greatness.
2 Sam. 24:10. We see Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty builder of Babylon, creeping on the earth, devouring grass like oxen, until his nails had grown like bird's claws, and his hair like eagle's feathers.
Dan. 4:33. Pride made the boaster a beast, as once before it made an angel a devil. God hates high looks, and never fails to bring them down. All the arrows of God are aimed at proud hearts.
Beloved Christian, is thine heart haughty? For pride can get into the Christian's heart as well as into the sinner's; it can delude him into dreaming that he is "rich and increased in goods, and hath need of nothing." Art thou glorying in thy graces or thy talents, skill, etc? Art thou proud of thyself, that thou hast had holy frames and sweet experiences?
Take heed, beloved, there is a destruction coming to thee also. Thy pompous poppies of self-conceit will be pulled up by the roots, thy mushroom graces will wither in the burning heat, and thy self-sufficiency shall become as straw for the dunghill.
If we forget to live at the foot of the cross in deepest lowliness of spirit, God will not forget to make us smart under His rod. A destruction will come to thee, O unduly exalted believer, the destruction of thy joys and of thy comforts, though there can be no destruction of thy soul. Wherefore, "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
Monday, March 4, 2013
A Hero With Dirty Linen
A Hero With Dirty Linen
That was Samson—larger than life, a he-man with a she-weakness. He should have been a godly man … but he wasn’t.
Silver Spoons
There are five great advantages Samson had as he stepped onto the stage of human history:
1 — His birth was announced by the angel of the Lord.
2 — His mission in life was declared by God before he was born.
3 — He was raised by godly parents.
4 — He was blessed by God as a young man.
5 — He was empowered by the Holy Spirit.
No man ever had so much going for him. Compare Samson to the other great heroes of the Bible.
That only leaves one question: Where did Samson go wrong? Fortunately, so tat we will be careful t avoid destruction by the enemy. We don’t have to wonder about the answer. Judges 14 unfolds the tragic story of how a man who had it all let it all get away from him.
In particular, it reveals to us his seven great mistakes.
1. He Went to The Wrong Place 1
The decline in Samson’s spiritual life was imminent , he leaves the land of Israel for the land of the Philistines. To put it bluntly, Samson left his friends to visit his enemies.
By going to Timnah, home of his sworn enemies, Samson is indeed “going down.”
2. He Was Looking For The Wrong Thing
“Samson went down to Timnah and saw there a young Philistine woman.” (1) When he returned home, he told his parents, “I have seen a Philistine woman.” (2) After his father objects, he says, “Go get her for me. She’s the right one for me.” (3) Literally, the phrase in verse 3 reads, “She is right in my eyes.”
He is a man motivated purely by physical appearance.
Samson thought he was free, but he wasn’t. He was in bondage to his own uncontrolled emotions. Strangely enough, the truly free man is not the man who does whatever he wants. The truly free man is the man who has dared to let the truth hurt him and in the process of being hurt, he has been set free.
Samson was looking in the wrong place for the wrong thing for the wrong reason. In life, you get what you pay for and Samson is investing in all the wrong places.
3. He Rejected Godly Counsel
4. He Continued A Wrong Relationship
5. He Played Fast And Loose With His Spiritual Commitment 6-10
6. He Couldn’t Bear To Hear The Truth
7. He Couldn’t Face Up To His Own Stupidity
Samson was Empowered But Not Controlled
We hear the truth … we know the truth … but we deflect the truth so it never gets close enough to hurt. Therefore, we are not set free.
And that’s why …
We’re still angry
We’re still stubborn
We’re still bitter
We’re still greedy
We’re still arrogant
We’re still filled with lust
We’re still self-willed
We’re still unkind
We refuse to let the truth hurt us!
Are You Willing To Let The Truth Hurt You?
That was Samson—larger than life, a he-man with a she-weakness. He should have been a godly man … but he wasn’t.
Silver Spoons
There are five great advantages Samson had as he stepped onto the stage of human history:
1 — His birth was announced by the angel of the Lord.
2 — His mission in life was declared by God before he was born.
3 — He was raised by godly parents.
4 — He was blessed by God as a young man.
5 — He was empowered by the Holy Spirit.
No man ever had so much going for him. Compare Samson to the other great heroes of the Bible.
That only leaves one question: Where did Samson go wrong? Fortunately, so tat we will be careful t avoid destruction by the enemy. We don’t have to wonder about the answer. Judges 14 unfolds the tragic story of how a man who had it all let it all get away from him.
In particular, it reveals to us his seven great mistakes.
1. He Went to The Wrong Place 1
The decline in Samson’s spiritual life was imminent , he leaves the land of Israel for the land of the Philistines. To put it bluntly, Samson left his friends to visit his enemies.
By going to Timnah, home of his sworn enemies, Samson is indeed “going down.”
2. He Was Looking For The Wrong Thing
“Samson went down to Timnah and saw there a young Philistine woman.” (1) When he returned home, he told his parents, “I have seen a Philistine woman.” (2) After his father objects, he says, “Go get her for me. She’s the right one for me.” (3) Literally, the phrase in verse 3 reads, “She is right in my eyes.”
He is a man motivated purely by physical appearance.
Samson thought he was free, but he wasn’t. He was in bondage to his own uncontrolled emotions. Strangely enough, the truly free man is not the man who does whatever he wants. The truly free man is the man who has dared to let the truth hurt him and in the process of being hurt, he has been set free.
Samson was looking in the wrong place for the wrong thing for the wrong reason. In life, you get what you pay for and Samson is investing in all the wrong places.
3. He Rejected Godly Counsel
4. He Continued A Wrong Relationship
5. He Played Fast And Loose With His Spiritual Commitment 6-10
6. He Couldn’t Bear To Hear The Truth
7. He Couldn’t Face Up To His Own Stupidity
Samson was Empowered But Not Controlled
We hear the truth … we know the truth … but we deflect the truth so it never gets close enough to hurt. Therefore, we are not set free.
And that’s why …
We’re still angry
We’re still stubborn
We’re still bitter
We’re still greedy
We’re still arrogant
We’re still filled with lust
We’re still self-willed
We’re still unkind
We refuse to let the truth hurt us!
Are You Willing To Let The Truth Hurt You?
MAXAMIZE YOUR TIME, IT WAITS FOR NO MAN
MAXAMIZE YOUR TIME, IT WAITS FOR NO MAN
Genesis 8: 22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
Brethren, please note that the course of nature should never be discontinued (Ge 8:22):
We should maximize our time and sow in time of sowing. Seed time is the time to sow, invest, to make profit, to build, to cultivate etc. Harvest is a result of hard work.
Isaiah 61:11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
(KJV)
Psalms 132:4 I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,
Men who refuse to sow during seedtime will eventual beg for food, live in lack. God has given s the power to work and not be lazy.
Proverbs 6:4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
Proverbs 6:5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
Proverbs 6: 6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Proverbs 6:7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
Proverbs 6: 8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
Proverbs 6: 9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
Proverbs 6: 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
Proverbs 6: 11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed ma
It is plainly intimated that this earth is not to remain always; it, and all the works in it, must shortly be burnt up; and we look for new heavens and a new earth, when all these things must be dissolved.
But , as long as it does remain God's providence will carefully preserve the regular succession of times and seasons, and cause each to know its place. To this we owe it that the world stands, and the wheel of nature keeps it track. The times are changeable the and are yet how unchangeable.
The course of nature is always changing. As it is with the times, so it is with the events of time, they are subject to vicissitudes--day and night, summer and winter, counter changed. In heaven and hell it is not so, but on earth God hath set the one over against the other.
Yet never changed. It is constant in this inconstancy. These seasons have never ceased, nor shall cease, while the sun continued such a steady measurer of time and the moon such a faithful witness in heaven.
This is God's covenant of the day and of the night, the stability of which is mentioned for the confirming of our faith in the covenant of grace, which is no less inviolable, Jer 33:20,21. We see God's promises to the creatures made good, and thence may infer that his promises to all believers shall be so.
Genesis 8: 22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
Brethren, please note that the course of nature should never be discontinued (Ge 8:22):
We should maximize our time and sow in time of sowing. Seed time is the time to sow, invest, to make profit, to build, to cultivate etc. Harvest is a result of hard work.
Isaiah 61:11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
(KJV)
Psalms 132:4 I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,
Men who refuse to sow during seedtime will eventual beg for food, live in lack. God has given s the power to work and not be lazy.
Proverbs 6:4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
Proverbs 6:5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
Proverbs 6: 6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Proverbs 6:7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
Proverbs 6: 8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
Proverbs 6: 9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
Proverbs 6: 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
Proverbs 6: 11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed ma
It is plainly intimated that this earth is not to remain always; it, and all the works in it, must shortly be burnt up; and we look for new heavens and a new earth, when all these things must be dissolved.
But , as long as it does remain God's providence will carefully preserve the regular succession of times and seasons, and cause each to know its place. To this we owe it that the world stands, and the wheel of nature keeps it track. The times are changeable the and are yet how unchangeable.
The course of nature is always changing. As it is with the times, so it is with the events of time, they are subject to vicissitudes--day and night, summer and winter, counter changed. In heaven and hell it is not so, but on earth God hath set the one over against the other.
Yet never changed. It is constant in this inconstancy. These seasons have never ceased, nor shall cease, while the sun continued such a steady measurer of time and the moon such a faithful witness in heaven.
This is God's covenant of the day and of the night, the stability of which is mentioned for the confirming of our faith in the covenant of grace, which is no less inviolable, Jer 33:20,21. We see God's promises to the creatures made good, and thence may infer that his promises to all believers shall be so.
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