One "Cheerful" act of mercy becomes an "Act of GOD". To the carnal mind, gifts to the needy is money thrown away; but when given in GOD'S love, it is a seed sown, from which we can expect many increases. When someone receives a gift in Faith and Love it not only helps meet their needs, and they are not only relieved, but they see the Hand of GOD in this relief and give GOD the Glory of HIS Grace! They give thanks to GOD beyond all expression, measure or boundaries! Temporal gifts, when given the way JESUS means for them to be given, become the seed for Abundant Spiritual Gifts. Cheerful giving results in the wants and needs being provided and Spontaneous Thanksgiving glorifying GOD! 2 Corinthians 9:12, "...this service not only supplieththe need of the poor, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto GOD." Maybe this is where we learn, "it is more Blessed to give than to receive", and that LOVE GROWS WHERE IT IS PLANTED.
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD!
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1 Samuel 12:23, "...far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you..." Scientists are discovering the power of prayer. In independent studies, scientists have discovered that people who are devout Christians heal faster and have less stress in their lives. But it didn't stop there; now they have discovered when others are "prayed for" they too heal faster and experience less stress. When we pray for each other and others we don't even know, we are Blessed as though we prayed for ourselves. Perhaps we see ourselves in others and that "Glimpse of Eternity" becomes a revelation of GOD'S Presence now and the reality of our lives Hereafter. Today as life tries to keep us busy, let us not sin by not praying for others. I'LL SAY A PRAYER FOR YOU.
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! LORD, with all that has been transpiring, I did not forget YOUR WORD nor did I deny YOUR name, I trusted YOU more than ever though I do not understand the depths of YOUR love; are YOU smiling and surprised that I wanted to Glorify YOU no matter what, and I am content to be YOURS? Ephesians 1:5, "HE predestined us...according to the purpose of HIS WILL." The LORD replied, "When I called you, I knew ALL that was going to happen, what you were going to do, and I knew when it ALL was going to happen; ARE YOU THE ONE, SURPRISED?
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! I prayed, but my circumstances just got worse; or I "trusted" GOD to do what I asked for, but nothing happened! Misused or misunderstood Faith is no Faith at all! Do we really "believe" that GOD works for the good of those who love HIM? Do we really believe tha our "Faith" will change things? May I suggest that Faith changes us, not things. Faith therefore must be our confidence in GOD and HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. It is the response of the Soul to GOD'S Divine Character! Do we pray, "O LORD get me through this"; or do we pray, "O LORD use this for YOUR Glory", AMEN? When we pray for what we want, "There is no Faith"; when we pray for GOD'S GLORY, our Faith, that response to GOD'S Divine nature, changes us. Romans 3:4, "Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of GOD? By no means. Let GOD be true though every one were a liar..." Does GOD give Faith to an obedient heart? Do I have Faith as defined by the world, or Faith defined by GOD? Today, I know GOD is going to be GLORIFIED, AND THAT'S JUST FINE WITH ME! AMEN, HALLELUIAH!
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! Be honest; even though others may cheat you, Be honest. Be kind; even though others may be rude to you, Be kind. Be Truthful; even though others may tell lies about you, Be Truthful. Love when you are hated; Love. Pray for them; even though other laugh and want to hurt you, Pray for them. 2 Thessalonians 3:13, "...never tire of doing what's right." After all, It's all about us and GOD, not US AND THEM.
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! When we put our values into "things" we value ourselves less. Have we ever made excuses for our friends, surroundings and yes, even our parents? Maybe we have been ashamed of the way our parents dress or act (because it wasn't what we thought would impress others). Maybe they chose to give us everything they could, even if it meant a sacrifice of themselves. 2 Timothy 3:2, "For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful...heartless...not loving good...having the appearance of good but denying its power. Avoid such people." When we value "things" much higher than GOD our Souls become "merchandise" which has no value at all. Today, maybe we can go to Church with someone (and not be ashamed to be with them); maybe even give them a Hug (in front of everyone and say I love you) by Honoring GOD, we honor them, and ourselves; THAT'S ALL IT TAKES!
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! How many times do we use "small talk" to "kill time" or avoid a certain subject. It may be in the form of building up courage to say what you need to say; or it may arise as an excuse for failure to accomplish something. It is said, "that words either build up or tear down", tear who down or build who up? What does build up or tear down mean? To build up, is to give Grace to those that hear or read our words. Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths..." Do our words today, "Build up" you, others and most of all GOD? Or are we still making excuses, killing time, or elevatingourselves as fits the occasion with SMALL TALK?
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! I CAME INTO THIS WORLD WITH NOTHING, AND I STILL HAVE MOST OF IT!
If we begin with nothing and end with nothing, there should be no reason for our lives to be filled with "gain-seeking anxiety, the breeder of discontent. If we just think "it is our turn to be here on earth", instead of our calling by GOD, we miss the peace and power of contentment. Through Grace, all of our needs are provided. Do we really think that more "things" will make our time here more pleasurable, or do we learn that we do not enjoy these excesses? We came with nothing, then accumulated excess and it gave no joy, so now we go with nothing. Have we learned to be content with what we have, because to have GODLINESS is the gain we keep in this life and the life hereafter? 1 Timothy 6:7, "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." Yes, I CAME INTO THIS WORLD WITH NOTHING, AND I STILL HAVE MOST OF IT! Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! Are we walking down the golden brick road taking off on every detour and abstraction that comes our way? Are our fears and selfishness so great that the evil one uses them to convince us that his lies are Truth? John 8:44, "He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the Truth, because there is no Truth in him...he is the father of lies." When we grow weak and think we can't withstand satan any more; remember this, "I saw him fall like lightning from heaven (he was completely defeated by GOD)". People tell mesatan is not like the Wizard of Oz, because he is not a coward and he is a devouring lion. If he is not a coward, then let him go up against GOD one on one! Even hyenas eat a wounded prey but won't attack individually! We are the ones who give satan power through our greed and fear. Satan uses loud happenings, deceiving actions, confusion and lies to get us to do what he wants; just like THE WIZARD OF OZ.
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! Have you ever heard someone say, "I'd give anything to be in their place"? It is usually referring to a particular life-style or life of comfort. John 21:31, "...and that by believing you may have life in HIS name." This verse invites us to learn what GOD was trying to teach us in the Garden; how to trust HIM completely. Do we enter the Kingdom by repeating a "sinners prayer" without repentance; or by going forward at a religious gathering; or reciting an orthodox creed; or is it by learning to trust who HE is and by living in that trust? Those who learn to live in that trust discover GOD'S life! Would we really GIVE ANYTHING TO HAVE A LIFE WITH HIM?
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! |
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December 2015
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