There are very few things in this world that has a guaranteed return on investment. Just ask the individuals on Wall Street that lost everything a few years back. With the start of the year many people decide to change their eating patterns and start exercising in the hope of losing weight. While consistency in your exercise routine and cutting back on sweets and fried foods may cause your weight to decrease, it doesn't necessarily happen in the time frame that you want it to. How many of us put money in a 401k plan hoping to save for retirement? And what about Social Security...I'm beginning to think that I will never see any of that once I reach retirement age. And for those of you who did decided to make a lifestyle change to improve your health, how many of you have stuck to it?
So why am I asking these questions? I ask these questions because as Christians you and I have been instructed to do certain things each day, like pray and read our Bible, to receive certain benefits from God. Yet, like with most of our exercise routines that we may have started at the beginning of the year, we fall by the wayside. We pray out of convenience or when we are faced with desparate situations. But how much more of a peace of mind we would have if we prayed without ceasing. Some of us are guilty of only reading our Bibles on Sunday at church. How do you expect to become stronger as a Christian? We should pray all day, everyday. Talking with our Heavenly Father throughout the day. Telling Him about the things that concern us. Those things that cause anxiety and stress. Thanking Him for the things that He does throughout our day that sometimes go unnoticed and acknowledged. The Word of God is filled with His promises. Truth that will cut the Believer to the core helping to remove those things that are not like Him. Scriptures that help to grow our faith. Stories of the 'heroes of faith' that have gone on before us. And unlike the stock market or Social Security, these things have a GUARANTEED return on your investment. Yes, God will continue to do things for you because of His faithfulness.
Today, I want to share with you the benefit that I have found in being obedient to the God's Word. Being faithful over a few things and being made ruler over many. The good thing about God's guaranteee is that you don't have to wait until you get old and you die to receive your benefits. You can receive them right now! God is no respector of persons. I thank God that I had parents that introduced me to Jesus Christ. But now I have to stand on my own and I am reaping those benefits. When circumstances seem hopeless, I continue to have hope. Situations seem shipwrecked, Jesus is my lifeboat. I don't have to worry about going overboard for I know my Savior will rescue me. Jesus is my Guarantee!
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you today for your faithfulness. Thank you for seeing past my faults to my needs. Forgive me for those times when I have put other things before You. Help me to be more committed to You. I realize that is the only way real and lasting change are going to take place in my life. Help me to prioritize my life, keeping You first. Remove those distractions that hinder me from quality time with You. In Jesus' Precious Name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
God Didn't Do Anything
"God didn't do anything!"
These were the words uttered from a friend who was going through a very rough time. While praying with her and for her, awaiting the outcome, she soon discovered that the outcome was not what she had expected. After informing me of the decision, she immediately said, "God didn't do anything." I don't know how many times in the past I have thought the very same thing. Working on a job that I didn't like praying continuously for God to give me a new job. Instead things seemed to get worse. In a relationship where you are doing all you can to improve yourself in order to be all that you can be for your partner. All the while it seems like you are the only one trying to change. What about the situation where your loved one is sick and you continue to pray for healing? After a period of time your loved one dies. Did God answer your prayer? These are just a few situations that come to mind. I am sure that you have your own.
Now maybe you have never been disappointed by God but I surely have. Waiting and waiting on God to do something amazing that never happens. I am so busy looking for the results in the situation that I don't see the change He is making in me. Strengthening my faith. Teaching me to be more loving. More forgiving. How to have a little more patience. God busy at work keeping His promises while I'm still complaining. Didn't He say in His Word, 'Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you'. Matthew 6:33 What are all these things? God wants to give you those things that make a true difference in your life. Those things that allow you to have an impact on others so that He can be glorified. What better way for God to be glorified than to show His child standing strong while in the midst of the storm. Ready to face, head-on, any given day whatever challenges you may face. And not only standing but accepting God's will. Isn't that what it is really about? Learning to trust God no matter what the outcome. Letting go and letting God do what He does best. Being confident that He has your best interest at heart and that He is always working on your behalf. What a great day when I discovered that those times God left me in that horrible situation He was producing for me a 'far greater weight in glory'. He was giving me that 'stick-to-it-tive-ness' that has grown my faith. As I look back over my life, I am so grateful. And even in the present, those challenges that I currently face, I am exercising my faith. Trusting God no matter what the outcome. At my moment of weakness, He gives me just enough strength. Each day I receive my portion of my daily bread and so far I have made it. And so can you. The next time you are tempted to say that 'God didn't do anything', take a minute to reflect and see the change that has taken place in your life over time. The God I serve wants to give you the desires of your heart. As you study the Word and grow a deeper relationship with God, your heart's desires will start to reflect what God wants for you as well. That is why you need not worry. At the end of the day it is just about trusting God.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Father grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the wisdom to know that difference. Help me to stop fighting against Your will for my life and accept the changes that You are trying to make in my life. Forgive me for those times I became discouraged thinking that you didn't do anything on my behalf. For I know that you are always working on my behalf, seeing the big picture. Looking ahead to my future while sustaining me in the right now. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' Precious Name I pray Amen.
These were the words uttered from a friend who was going through a very rough time. While praying with her and for her, awaiting the outcome, she soon discovered that the outcome was not what she had expected. After informing me of the decision, she immediately said, "God didn't do anything." I don't know how many times in the past I have thought the very same thing. Working on a job that I didn't like praying continuously for God to give me a new job. Instead things seemed to get worse. In a relationship where you are doing all you can to improve yourself in order to be all that you can be for your partner. All the while it seems like you are the only one trying to change. What about the situation where your loved one is sick and you continue to pray for healing? After a period of time your loved one dies. Did God answer your prayer? These are just a few situations that come to mind. I am sure that you have your own.
Now maybe you have never been disappointed by God but I surely have. Waiting and waiting on God to do something amazing that never happens. I am so busy looking for the results in the situation that I don't see the change He is making in me. Strengthening my faith. Teaching me to be more loving. More forgiving. How to have a little more patience. God busy at work keeping His promises while I'm still complaining. Didn't He say in His Word, 'Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you'. Matthew 6:33 What are all these things? God wants to give you those things that make a true difference in your life. Those things that allow you to have an impact on others so that He can be glorified. What better way for God to be glorified than to show His child standing strong while in the midst of the storm. Ready to face, head-on, any given day whatever challenges you may face. And not only standing but accepting God's will. Isn't that what it is really about? Learning to trust God no matter what the outcome. Letting go and letting God do what He does best. Being confident that He has your best interest at heart and that He is always working on your behalf. What a great day when I discovered that those times God left me in that horrible situation He was producing for me a 'far greater weight in glory'. He was giving me that 'stick-to-it-tive-ness' that has grown my faith. As I look back over my life, I am so grateful. And even in the present, those challenges that I currently face, I am exercising my faith. Trusting God no matter what the outcome. At my moment of weakness, He gives me just enough strength. Each day I receive my portion of my daily bread and so far I have made it. And so can you. The next time you are tempted to say that 'God didn't do anything', take a minute to reflect and see the change that has taken place in your life over time. The God I serve wants to give you the desires of your heart. As you study the Word and grow a deeper relationship with God, your heart's desires will start to reflect what God wants for you as well. That is why you need not worry. At the end of the day it is just about trusting God.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Father grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the wisdom to know that difference. Help me to stop fighting against Your will for my life and accept the changes that You are trying to make in my life. Forgive me for those times I became discouraged thinking that you didn't do anything on my behalf. For I know that you are always working on my behalf, seeing the big picture. Looking ahead to my future while sustaining me in the right now. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' Precious Name I pray Amen.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Exposed
Remember when you were a child and you did something that your parents told you not to do. Remember dreading that moment when they would find out. Or perhaps it was time for report cards to come home and your grades were not the best. Did you drop your report card in the trash down the street like my oldest sister did? I never quite figured out why she did that because my mom and dad found out every time, especially since I was running home to show my report card. None of us could hide anything from them. As I drove home today and thought about this, one central theme kept ringing in my ear. That central theme was - "Exposure". For some reason everything I have read the past few days has been about 'change'. Why am I so afraid of it? At my age I am just so comfortable in who I am. I am set in my ways and for the most part I like who I am. But then I start to talk to God and as I listen to Him speak to me I realize that everything is not as fine and dandy as I think it is.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12
The more I become a steward of the Word of God the more it works to expose some things in me that just aren't right. Things in my heart that causes the ugly to come out at times. Things that cause me not to see myself the way God sees me. The truth of the matter is no matter what front I may put up, when in the eyes of others, at the end of the day when it's just me and God, He sees the truth. He has those moments when He is proud of me and then those moments when He is disappointed in me, but through it all He loves me just the same. And that is why I decided to go all in and ask God to expose those things in me that are not like Him. If there is anything in my heart, soul, or spirit, I just don't want it there anymore. I want to live my life being all that I can with the help of the Lord. This is a scary thought. There are just some things that I don't want anyone to know. And even though God already knows everything about me, it's still scary admitting that those things are inside of me. The scariest things are my thoughts. I have always been a person to hold things inside thinking that I'm somewhat better than those people who just fly off the handle, saying everything they think. But what would happen if for one day those same people had an opportunity to read the thoughts in my head. Have you heard the saying, "If looks could kill..." Well I know that my thoughts could. And then there is that negative, complaining spirit. My lack of tolerance for people who continue to do the same thing over and over again. That desire to be in control all the time and control the lives of others. This is just the start of my list of things I try so hard to hide from others.
But at the end of the day, as much as I love my family and friends, making this change is not about any of them. It really doesn't matter to me what any of them think. I am not living my life to please them. As my Pastor used to say, "None of them have a heaven or hell to put you in." I must live my life to please God. And that is why I must allow Him to come in and cut out those things that are not like Him. Accepting the pain, realizing the results. What about you? What are those things that you are trying so hard to hide? I don't need to know what they are but I challenge you to pull down the shade. Be proactive. Ask God to expose those things in you that are not like Him.. Allow Him to come in and help you. When you give Him total control to make those changes, they turn out to be lasting changes instead of band-aid fixes. He takes it to the core and replaces them with a loving heart, a forgiving spirit, the mind of Christ. This is not something you can do on your own but with the help of the Holy Spirit, it is possible. 'Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all you could ever ask or think..' That one thing that you have been trying so hard to change, God is able. Just give it to Him. Others may have given up on you saying that you are always going to be that way. From experience, don't try to tell me what God can't do. He has a proven tract record of turning things around, changing the seemingly unchangeable.
(I borrowed this prayer from my devotional and thought I would share.),
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12
The more I become a steward of the Word of God the more it works to expose some things in me that just aren't right. Things in my heart that causes the ugly to come out at times. Things that cause me not to see myself the way God sees me. The truth of the matter is no matter what front I may put up, when in the eyes of others, at the end of the day when it's just me and God, He sees the truth. He has those moments when He is proud of me and then those moments when He is disappointed in me, but through it all He loves me just the same. And that is why I decided to go all in and ask God to expose those things in me that are not like Him. If there is anything in my heart, soul, or spirit, I just don't want it there anymore. I want to live my life being all that I can with the help of the Lord. This is a scary thought. There are just some things that I don't want anyone to know. And even though God already knows everything about me, it's still scary admitting that those things are inside of me. The scariest things are my thoughts. I have always been a person to hold things inside thinking that I'm somewhat better than those people who just fly off the handle, saying everything they think. But what would happen if for one day those same people had an opportunity to read the thoughts in my head. Have you heard the saying, "If looks could kill..." Well I know that my thoughts could. And then there is that negative, complaining spirit. My lack of tolerance for people who continue to do the same thing over and over again. That desire to be in control all the time and control the lives of others. This is just the start of my list of things I try so hard to hide from others.
But at the end of the day, as much as I love my family and friends, making this change is not about any of them. It really doesn't matter to me what any of them think. I am not living my life to please them. As my Pastor used to say, "None of them have a heaven or hell to put you in." I must live my life to please God. And that is why I must allow Him to come in and cut out those things that are not like Him. Accepting the pain, realizing the results. What about you? What are those things that you are trying so hard to hide? I don't need to know what they are but I challenge you to pull down the shade. Be proactive. Ask God to expose those things in you that are not like Him.. Allow Him to come in and help you. When you give Him total control to make those changes, they turn out to be lasting changes instead of band-aid fixes. He takes it to the core and replaces them with a loving heart, a forgiving spirit, the mind of Christ. This is not something you can do on your own but with the help of the Holy Spirit, it is possible. 'Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all you could ever ask or think..' That one thing that you have been trying so hard to change, God is able. Just give it to Him. Others may have given up on you saying that you are always going to be that way. From experience, don't try to tell me what God can't do. He has a proven tract record of turning things around, changing the seemingly unchangeable.
(I borrowed this prayer from my devotional and thought I would share.),
Lord show me what is in my heart, soul, mind, spirit, and life that shouldn’t be there. Teach me what I am not understanding. Convict me where I am missing the mark. Tear down my arrogance, pride, fear, and insecurities, and help me to see the truth about myself, my life, and my circumstances. Expose me to myself, Lord. I can take it. Enable me to correct the error of my ways. Help me to replace lies with truth and make changes that last. In Jesus' Precious Name Amen.
Friday, February 3, 2012
No Limit
There is a statement from Bible study this week that keeps resonating in my mind. The statement was simply about how our lack of faith when we pray can limit the power of God. Have you ever stopped to think about how much you truly believe that God is going to answer your prayer? Now let's take this question one step further...do your actions match this level of faith? If I am being honest with myself right now I would have to say that my actions haven't always showed that I believed that God was able. Instead it was more about me still having control of the situation trying to orchestrate my own outcome. But what good did that do? Have you ever stopped to think that God may have had something bigger and better planned for you? As I look back over my life I think about all the times I had prayed about a decision and moved before I heard from the Lord. I may have taken a job or started a relationship. I may have started a discussion that later turned into a heated argument because I decided that I couldn't wait patiently on the Lord to change the other person. The change needed to be immediate. But at the end of the day that is not what I had prayed for. I wanted lasting change and from my experience only God could bring about lasting change. You see, He is able to change a man's heart.
Most of the time we believe that an 'answered prayer' is a prayer where we get exactly what we ask for. Even when we pray 'not my will but thine be done'. Of course I can only speak for myself, but somewhere in the back of my mind I have already decided what God's will is. (And this is not because I have been so wrapped up in the Word of God and had a consistent prayer life.) It's more like, I know because I have really only prayed to ease my conscious so that I can go ahead and do what I want to do. 'Can I get a witness?!' If I pray telling God that I'm tired of being lonely and ask Him to help me feel that void and that man/woman that is showing me just a little bit more interest right now must be the one that I should give my time to. I just can't take it any more on this job so Lord please open a door so I can leave this place where I am so unappreciated. The call comes and without even a second thought we leave. We never stop to think that God may move the person that is giving you the grief and elevate you to an even higher position.
At the end of the day it is all about having faith in God. And I have decided that I am no longer going to limit the power of God in my life. The words that I pray are going to reflect in my actions. And I'm not going to move to the right or to the left until I am sure that I hear the voice of the Lord. More than anything I want to live my life in the will of my Heavenly Father. My challenge to you is to do the same. God wants to do amazing things in your life. Will you trust Him? We will never experience the true mighty power of God until we truly trust Him. Leaning not unto our own understanding but allowing Him to direct our paths. Say it with me, "Yes Lord."
Most Graciously Heavenly Father,
O Lord, my God how majestic is thy name in all the earth. You are holy, mighty, and righteous. A God of peace. My Shepherd. Lord I praise you for all that you've done in my life and for what you are going to do in my life. I want to trust you more. My life is in Your hands. Forgive me for those times that I've moved ahead of Your plan for my life. I surrender all. In Jesus' Precious name I pray Amen.
Most of the time we believe that an 'answered prayer' is a prayer where we get exactly what we ask for. Even when we pray 'not my will but thine be done'. Of course I can only speak for myself, but somewhere in the back of my mind I have already decided what God's will is. (And this is not because I have been so wrapped up in the Word of God and had a consistent prayer life.) It's more like, I know because I have really only prayed to ease my conscious so that I can go ahead and do what I want to do. 'Can I get a witness?!' If I pray telling God that I'm tired of being lonely and ask Him to help me feel that void and that man/woman that is showing me just a little bit more interest right now must be the one that I should give my time to. I just can't take it any more on this job so Lord please open a door so I can leave this place where I am so unappreciated. The call comes and without even a second thought we leave. We never stop to think that God may move the person that is giving you the grief and elevate you to an even higher position.
At the end of the day it is all about having faith in God. And I have decided that I am no longer going to limit the power of God in my life. The words that I pray are going to reflect in my actions. And I'm not going to move to the right or to the left until I am sure that I hear the voice of the Lord. More than anything I want to live my life in the will of my Heavenly Father. My challenge to you is to do the same. God wants to do amazing things in your life. Will you trust Him? We will never experience the true mighty power of God until we truly trust Him. Leaning not unto our own understanding but allowing Him to direct our paths. Say it with me, "Yes Lord."
Most Graciously Heavenly Father,
O Lord, my God how majestic is thy name in all the earth. You are holy, mighty, and righteous. A God of peace. My Shepherd. Lord I praise you for all that you've done in my life and for what you are going to do in my life. I want to trust you more. My life is in Your hands. Forgive me for those times that I've moved ahead of Your plan for my life. I surrender all. In Jesus' Precious name I pray Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)