2 Corinthians 9:7, "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for GOD loves a cheerful giver." Is it easier to give $5.00 when you make $50.00; or $500.00 when we make $5,000.00? Too many times our Churches quote scripture that is out of context when it is time for the offering plate to be passed. It is either presented as "give, because you reap what you sow" or "our Church has not made the budget for this month"; both are manipulations of our minds and not our hearts. Some times "giving" produces a form of extortion and not benevolence. Some give because others give, some give because they are ashamed to give less than someone else, and then there is "How much did you give"? When I hear this, it is not driven from "I don't want to give too little" as much as it is driven by "I don't want to give more than I have to". GOD implanted within us a benevolent heart; how many times has a need arisen that your immediate response was to give and then your mind took over and you came to your "centseous"? Giving is a true Blessing to both the recipient and the giver as it is cheerful and voluntary. It is not how much or how little, it is what your heart has decided; not reluctantly or under compulsion. Since when has our "self-worth" been determined by our "net-worth". You see? 10% is not always 10%!
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD!
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1 Timothy 4:14-16, "Do not neglect the gift you have,...Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress..." "Forget-Me-Not" flowers seem to bloom everywhere; in yards, side of roads, and other places as well. Their presence adds so much to the surroundings. In fact their presence blends so well, that your eye is drawn to the total color and beauty of the entire landscape and the bloom of the Forget-Me-Not is not the center of attention. There are no BIG things in life that we must do, there are only PRESENT Missions GOD puts before us. Wherever we are - be there 100%. No matter where we are we can start today by throwing ourselves 100% into whatever we have in front of us. When we give our all to our PRESENT situation, our situation is guaranteed to change. No matter what is happening in our present situation, what does GOD remind us? FORGET-ME-NOT!
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! 1 Timothy 5:1-2, "Do not rebuke older men, but encourage him as you would a father, younger men like brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, in all purity." Do you enjoy listening to someone tell you a story, even if they have told it over and over to you? Next time just listen, because the JOY it gives them to tell it over and over, is sometimes the only "Petals of Love" they have to share. It is like a "story about their life" and their relationship with GOD. Soon their JOY becomes your JOY, it is like its very own devotional; "an encounter with GOD". It can become an observance of GOD'S presence, which becomes a source of prayer or even a short Christian service which honors GOD. They know they have told the story before; but sometimes it's their only way to share; LISTEN, ENJOY AND PARTICIPATE.
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through HIM who strengthens me." GOD puts no "disclaimers" on HIS Promises! A disclaimer is to deny responsibility or to disavowal! The world gives disclaimers; whether they are for legal, accounting, emails, websites, products or medicine. My medicine says; "taking this medicine may cause diarrhea and vomiting and other mild discomforts". What is mild about involuntary bowel movements or to eject all contents from the body violently? Today I am not going to put any "DISCLAIMERS" on GOD. I am going to share the GOOD NEWS about JESUS by knocking on doors, handing out Scriptural Cards, sticking scriptural labels on free newspapers that are available to the public. I am going to find the biggest and orneriest man that GOD brings into my presence and tell him"JESUS LOVES HIM" and share the message of salvation. Even the Jehovah Witness's (no disrespect intended, it is just they are more faithful knocking on doors than we Christians) will want to use our activities for a "training film". YES, NO FEAR AND NO "DISCLAIMERS", JUST SHARING THE LOVE OF GOD WITHIN US! "I CAN DO ALL THINGS...."
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! Ephesians 2:10, "For we are HIS workmanship..." I was watching a landscaping crew as they took big piles of dirt, rock and mortar and with the inspiration of an artist, a landscape was created that blended and complimented the natural vegetation. It was a work of art a real Masterpiece. The created structure reflected the creator's ethnic background; the creation reflected the creator. It was no longer a "what"; it was a "who"! To GOD, we are a priceless work of art by HIS hand. We are created by HIS perfect touch. We are allowed to experience all trials, in order to mold and shape us, as HE removes our impurities. We are a Masterpiece in the making, designed to portray a beautiful Master. Have you ever known of an Artist to not love HIS work? IT HAS NEVER BEEN ABOUT WHAT; IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT WHO. This is the 45th day of our Journey; and we have had many experiences. I pray it is JUST THE BEGINNING FOR US ALL. "FOR THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE, LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!"
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! John 19:30, "It is finished, and HE bowed HIS head..." The Greek translation of "It is finished" comes from the Greek word "tetelestai" which was an accounting term that meant "Paid in Full". This statement by JESUS is only recorded in the Book of JOHN. Perhaps this is because John was the only Disciple recorded being at the Crucifixion. "It is finished", ALL of the Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah are fulfilled; man is reconciled to GOD and (now pay attention) "we are complete in GOD and GOD in us". 1 John 4:13, "We know we dwell in HIM and HE in us..." John 1:9, "...the light that is in every man..." 2 Corinthians 6:16, "I will dwell in them and walk among them..." During these 44 days we have had time to contemplate, reflect, explore, discover and receive "THE VOICE". Even if we had just one "awareness" in the depths of love, forgiveness, not doubting for a moment, and when trouble and fear came we KNEW we were confident. Maybe we had just a"Glimpse of Eternity" where for a split second we saw everything clearly and without worldly distortion and maybe we were able to forgive ourselves. Separation, condemnation, fear and guilt are man made prisons of the mind. They are not love; GOD is love! HE did it all; "IT IS FINISHED". Oh, and "THE VOICE"? That is GOD in you. AMEN!
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! Numbers 11:23, "...Is the LORD'S hand to short? Now you shall see whether MY Word will come true for you or not." When the electricity goes "out" due to a power shortage; we look for alternative power. We use flash lights with batteries, candles and if it is cold we even build crude fires. It doesn't matter if we own a Porsche or a Hyundai, if the battery is dead the cars won't start. All of the "bells and whistles" don't work. Within and around each of us is a realm of power and influence. It can be our family, fellow employees, homeless friends, or someone we will meet today. These people are more influenced by you (even though they don't want to admit it) than the President of the United States, The Pope or Reverend Billy Graham. We are to use this power to help our families, the weak, homeless, widows and Yes; ourselves. Sometimes GOD removes us from these positions if we are trying to use "alternative power sources" in place of HIM. Let me ask you; after the electricity came back on, or you got a new car battery; did you think about it a little longer when you flipped the switch or turned the key? Did you even give Thanks? Maybe today we won't take as much for granted. Maybe just out of the "blue" we will stop and Thank GOD for this special moment. Who knows, maybe someone will be "influenced" by your Thankfulness. After all, you can see the tiniest light from a great distance in the dark.
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! Luke 11:9, "I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find..." When you ask someone an important question or request a favor; you prepare yourself for the answer. When we pray, have we prepared ourselves to receive GOD'S Mercy; is our prayer in accordance with HIS Will and are we asking from our own selfishness or for HIS Glory? As we commune with GOD, prayer changes us and we begin to pray in HIS Will through guidance of the HOLY SPIRIT. When we are prepared, we make the right request. When we pray like this (we already know the answer) and it becomes a prayer of thanksgiving. This grows our Faith; RIGHT ANSWER, RIGHT REQUEST!
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! 1 Corinthians 5:6, "Don't you know a little leaven leavens the whole lump?" It is the little things that make me stumble. When I do not see a small stone or crack in the sidewalk I go tumbling. But when there are big rocks I pay closer attention so I don't fall. Then I realized it is the "small" things that start separating me from GOD. Did you wake up today and say, "Well Easter is over, now it's back to the grind"? Or did you wake up and say, "Because JESUS lives, I have a new beginning"? Don't forget to give the "hug", the smile, the kind word, an out of your way kindness to someone and most of all "Give Thanks". Think about some of your favorite memories; where they MONUMENTAL earthshaking events, or were they special little "petals of love"? No, today is not back to the "grind" it is "A NEW BEGINNING"; give someone a special moment that will grow into a beautiful memory. Yes, that is the JESUS in you, you can do it.
Psalm 139: 23-24Isaiah 43:1GOD IS GOD! 2 Corinthians 3:19, "...beholding the Glory of the LORD, we are being transformed into the same image from one degree of Glory to another." I woke this morning excited to see the SON rise! It was like I was there, as the Sun (SON) rose, all I could think of was "Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory" and I am singing it over and over. 2 Corinthians 2:14, "...CHRIST leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of HIM everywhere... for we are the aroma of CHRIST..." I have seen CHRIST in each of you, GLORY, GLORY HALLELUJAH! HE is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; HE hath loosed the fateful lightning of HIS terrible swift sword; HIS truth is marching on! Oh, be swift , my soul to answer HIM; be jubilant my feet; Our GOD is marching on. Yes, MINE EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY! GLORY TO GLORY, HALLELUJAH!
Psalm 139: 23-24Isaiah 43:1GOD IS GOD! |
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December 2015
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