The greatest gift the Lord has ever given is Grace, its through grace I am saved, its by grace He strengthens me, Its by His grace I know ill see you again, Through the Fathers grace all can be forgiven, By His grace my heart is healing! Tomorrow is uncertain in this world, so make today count! Help spread His grace across a dieing world, its only by His grace it can be saved.
I am not a strong man, I feel every emotion sometimes all at once, its by the grace of God I can lay it at His feet, My endurance is but a vapor compared to that which the Lord has given. Ive learned something recently the biblical phrase in the lords prayer, "give us this day our daily bread" it holds new meaning to me, its more than just provide me with food, it give me the strength needed today to persevere and to show your love to the world, even to people I may not like, God is dealing with me in this area, its a minute by minute process to give my frustrations with people to Him Im learning to do this, please be in prayer that Ill remain under the pressure and not bail, only through trials can I be made into what the Lord has in plan.
Tomorrow holds but one guarantee, from the moment I awake you are there, when I feel I can not move anymore you carry me, when I am broken you take me in your arms and restore me. OUR GOD TRUELY IS AWESOME
Friday, March 4, 2011
Refuge
WEnt to deer point dam this morning after appearing at work briefly only to find I can take the rest of the week off.
It is interesting how God can use the simple things and make an impact. 2 truths were revealed.
The first truth was revealed when watching the minnows run from larger fish (sea trout) there are 2 inlets one with no way out, theres shallow water in both, the larger predators cannot enter, however the inlet to my left had no way out but the way the minnows entered, theres a small path of grass to the right and as the small fish try to make its way back out the large fish feed on them running them into what they think is shelter only to find its infested with crabs! Danger in the shelter. The other inlet to my right same discription only there is a way out the inlet wraps around the shoreline giving them a way to escape. the small fish realize the danger and loop around coming out down current of the predators. Ive learned its best to take refuge with the Lord He creates a safe haven and when its time to leave you have a safe route away from danger.
The second truth more profound to me. Looking at the coast line its beautiful, the sun is rising the fog settles lightly on the water and its breath taking! Then I realize there are homes out cropped along the scnenes, at som point the construction of these homes must have looked unbelievably horred, yet God has created beauty around where they now lay. the part that speaks to me, the beauty I had inside with my children just like the scenery has been touched by mans destructive hands. The destruction last but a moment and God starts to rebuild the heart, there will always be a place left from this tragedy but I know God will create beauty around it and even transform the hole I feel into a monument that speaks of Hid Glory. GOD IS GOOD
It is interesting how God can use the simple things and make an impact. 2 truths were revealed.
The first truth was revealed when watching the minnows run from larger fish (sea trout) there are 2 inlets one with no way out, theres shallow water in both, the larger predators cannot enter, however the inlet to my left had no way out but the way the minnows entered, theres a small path of grass to the right and as the small fish try to make its way back out the large fish feed on them running them into what they think is shelter only to find its infested with crabs! Danger in the shelter. The other inlet to my right same discription only there is a way out the inlet wraps around the shoreline giving them a way to escape. the small fish realize the danger and loop around coming out down current of the predators. Ive learned its best to take refuge with the Lord He creates a safe haven and when its time to leave you have a safe route away from danger.
The second truth more profound to me. Looking at the coast line its beautiful, the sun is rising the fog settles lightly on the water and its breath taking! Then I realize there are homes out cropped along the scnenes, at som point the construction of these homes must have looked unbelievably horred, yet God has created beauty around where they now lay. the part that speaks to me, the beauty I had inside with my children just like the scenery has been touched by mans destructive hands. The destruction last but a moment and God starts to rebuild the heart, there will always be a place left from this tragedy but I know God will create beauty around it and even transform the hole I feel into a monument that speaks of Hid Glory. GOD IS GOOD
Peace
PEACE
Have you ever had a time in your life where you were at unrest?
No matter what you tried we could never find peace, perhaps it's peace about a
move or maybe something in our life has shattered us so badly we dont know if we'll
ever find peace again. We lose sleep, we pace the floor in endless wondering, or
just look around in a lost state not sure of what we're even looking for!
The thing we're searching for is peace, stability, and we just wanna know it won't last
and we'll be ok.
Where do we find this peace? Of course the most obvious answer is to say
"in God" Those of you who are Christians dont walk in utter peace all the time do
you? Be honest with yourself, theres those times when you are at unrest. Why is
this? To understand the answer we have to look deeper, peace isnt just found in
being a believer. Peace is found when we are living the life God has called us to live
That doesn't mean that we're gonna have a flawless hurtless life.
Psalm 34:14 "Turn away from evil and do what is good;seek peace and pursue it!
Lets break this apart, turn away from evil, didn't we do this when we came to the
Lord? In part yes, in entirety lets be honest there are those areas of our life we think
"I know whats best this is my choice lets see what happens"
What is good? Is it not watching that one show on TV, perhaps its not getting in
that un-winable argument with our spouse.
The answer is found in the last part of this scripture, seek peace and pursue it!
You may be thinking ok sounds simple but where do I begin, its not as easily
done as it is said. Examine the areas of our life that are out of focus
with what God wants done. with in my own life were many areas, the want to hold on
to anger. The desire to be with someone and not be alone so you compromise on
what God has said is sin.
You may be thinking ok, sounds good I do this and im not at peace yet, why is it
always me who gets hammered by lifes curve ball? I mean doesnt God want
me happy? The answer is most definately "YES"
So it brings us to the question again why do we have those events that hit us,
Im not talking about small stuff, oh my BF wants to break up, or they canceled
my favorite cartoon. Im talking the things in life that shatter your world, it drops a hole
right under you and may have you asking, "Is there even a God?"
The answer is found here, James1:2-4 Consider it joy, my brothers,whenever you
experience various trials, now I dont know about you but the last thing that comes to
mind when trouble hits is "oh this is so joyful, why are we bring told to consider it
Joy? maybe just maybe we're supposed to be looking at this from a perspective
that goes deeper than ourselves? So how do you look at it? Put it in perspective
Romans 8:18 For i consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy
of being compared to the Glory which shall be revealed in us. Here Paul is
looking through spiritual eyes. Suffering here last but a moment, its temporal, the
Glory and growth it brings is eternal! Back to James, knowing that the testing of your
faith produces patience (or endurance) But patience must do its perfect work, so
that you may be made complete lacking nothing! Ok so we're gettting a better
picture of whats going on here, on one hand God protects His children, not allowing
more than what we can handle come against us, however He does let things
happen in our lives. It holds a purpose! What pupose does suffering hold? What can
suffering do if we allow it to consume us??? Now what can happen If we turn that
suffering to the Lord?
Imagine a man batteling cancer, his brother in Christ who's never had anything bad
happen in his life tells him, itll be ok that Gods good and still with him. How much
weight would that hold up with you? Maybe this even has you asking
where are you God, someone says hes there but you dont see it, hes never been in
your shoes, now another brother who has been through the battle and came out on
top or maybe hes just had a really bad life in the area of everything that can go
wrong does, and he smiles at you and says Gods here, hes with you no matter
what the outcome. Why does this speak more loudly?
Because its said through suffering, the suffering in his life has amplified
the message God gave us from the beginning. I will never leave you or
forsake you!
Have you ever had a time in your life where you were at unrest?
No matter what you tried we could never find peace, perhaps it's peace about a
move or maybe something in our life has shattered us so badly we dont know if we'll
ever find peace again. We lose sleep, we pace the floor in endless wondering, or
just look around in a lost state not sure of what we're even looking for!
The thing we're searching for is peace, stability, and we just wanna know it won't last
and we'll be ok.
Where do we find this peace? Of course the most obvious answer is to say
"in God" Those of you who are Christians dont walk in utter peace all the time do
you? Be honest with yourself, theres those times when you are at unrest. Why is
this? To understand the answer we have to look deeper, peace isnt just found in
being a believer. Peace is found when we are living the life God has called us to live
That doesn't mean that we're gonna have a flawless hurtless life.
Psalm 34:14 "Turn away from evil and do what is good;seek peace and pursue it!
Lets break this apart, turn away from evil, didn't we do this when we came to the
Lord? In part yes, in entirety lets be honest there are those areas of our life we think
"I know whats best this is my choice lets see what happens"
What is good? Is it not watching that one show on TV, perhaps its not getting in
that un-winable argument with our spouse.
The answer is found in the last part of this scripture, seek peace and pursue it!
You may be thinking ok sounds simple but where do I begin, its not as easily
done as it is said. Examine the areas of our life that are out of focus
with what God wants done. with in my own life were many areas, the want to hold on
to anger. The desire to be with someone and not be alone so you compromise on
what God has said is sin.
You may be thinking ok, sounds good I do this and im not at peace yet, why is it
always me who gets hammered by lifes curve ball? I mean doesnt God want
me happy? The answer is most definately "YES"
So it brings us to the question again why do we have those events that hit us,
Im not talking about small stuff, oh my BF wants to break up, or they canceled
my favorite cartoon. Im talking the things in life that shatter your world, it drops a hole
right under you and may have you asking, "Is there even a God?"
The answer is found here, James1:2-4 Consider it joy, my brothers,whenever you
experience various trials, now I dont know about you but the last thing that comes to
mind when trouble hits is "oh this is so joyful, why are we bring told to consider it
Joy? maybe just maybe we're supposed to be looking at this from a perspective
that goes deeper than ourselves? So how do you look at it? Put it in perspective
Romans 8:18 For i consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy
of being compared to the Glory which shall be revealed in us. Here Paul is
looking through spiritual eyes. Suffering here last but a moment, its temporal, the
Glory and growth it brings is eternal! Back to James, knowing that the testing of your
faith produces patience (or endurance) But patience must do its perfect work, so
that you may be made complete lacking nothing! Ok so we're gettting a better
picture of whats going on here, on one hand God protects His children, not allowing
more than what we can handle come against us, however He does let things
happen in our lives. It holds a purpose! What pupose does suffering hold? What can
suffering do if we allow it to consume us??? Now what can happen If we turn that
suffering to the Lord?
Imagine a man batteling cancer, his brother in Christ who's never had anything bad
happen in his life tells him, itll be ok that Gods good and still with him. How much
weight would that hold up with you? Maybe this even has you asking
where are you God, someone says hes there but you dont see it, hes never been in
your shoes, now another brother who has been through the battle and came out on
top or maybe hes just had a really bad life in the area of everything that can go
wrong does, and he smiles at you and says Gods here, hes with you no matter
what the outcome. Why does this speak more loudly?
Because its said through suffering, the suffering in his life has amplified
the message God gave us from the beginning. I will never leave you or
forsake you!
A cry out
my eyes are streaming, my knuckles white, I look to the heavens
and try to pick a fight,Ive begged, ive pleaded.But my answers always the
same, they are with me now, I'll help you through the pain!
Why my Lord must I go through this, have I not endured where others would
run? I always get the same answer "I love you my son"
As I sleep at night I see their face, encouraging me to keep the faith!
Ill never understand why it had to be me, I'll hold you to your promise that
your never gonna leave.
Even now as I type this my eyes pour like rain, I am just a man
please forgive me of my shame.
Its not my will but yours O'Lord
Let this vessel resound your Glory until It has ran it's course
and try to pick a fight,Ive begged, ive pleaded.But my answers always the
same, they are with me now, I'll help you through the pain!
Why my Lord must I go through this, have I not endured where others would
run? I always get the same answer "I love you my son"
As I sleep at night I see their face, encouraging me to keep the faith!
Ill never understand why it had to be me, I'll hold you to your promise that
your never gonna leave.
Even now as I type this my eyes pour like rain, I am just a man
please forgive me of my shame.
Its not my will but yours O'Lord
Let this vessel resound your Glory until It has ran it's course
Prayer for strength
my eyes are welling my knees grow weak
I cant help but fall down at your glorious feet
as I lay here crying you hold me close
I cant help but feeling I miss them the most
you raise me up lord past all this pain
I know forever my life has changed
Please lift me up Lord and help me soar
Past all this pain thats takin hold
I need you now Lord to get me through
Let my last breath bring glory to the amazing God that is you!
I cant help but fall down at your glorious feet
as I lay here crying you hold me close
I cant help but feeling I miss them the most
you raise me up lord past all this pain
I know forever my life has changed
Please lift me up Lord and help me soar
Past all this pain thats takin hold
I need you now Lord to get me through
Let my last breath bring glory to the amazing God that is you!
But a vapor
but a vapor this life soon will fade
but let your glory be forever made
Let this life Lord bring praise to you
until I am lifted to be with you
Im forever changed by suffering
But its a tool I leave at your feet.
Let this life amplify your grace
All my tears Lord wipe from my face
I hold to your promise concerning me
I know in my arms once again they'll soon be
Until my time comes let this life shine for you
Even at this moment when my skies aren't so blue
but let your glory be forever made
Let this life Lord bring praise to you
until I am lifted to be with you
Im forever changed by suffering
But its a tool I leave at your feet.
Let this life amplify your grace
All my tears Lord wipe from my face
I hold to your promise concerning me
I know in my arms once again they'll soon be
Until my time comes let this life shine for you
Even at this moment when my skies aren't so blue
Finding out who you are
Galatians 3:1-4
Read it follow along, this is generalized as God speaks to me, let it speak to you.
Did we receive the Spirit through faith or by works of the flesh?
I know in my life I came to know the Lord by faith! It had nothing to do with me, who I was what I was to become, or anything I have or ever would do IT Is by the Lord Jesus Christ!
verse 3
Are you so foolish after beginning with the spirit, are you now going to be completed by the flesh?
Wow, imagine that, we start off by Faith in the Lord and whats this? WE ARE COMPLETED BY THE LORD!
Everything in this life comes full circle in the Lord, suffering, or anything good, comes to completion by the Lord so long as we stay in Him. and all to familiar scripture here
James chapter 1 I written it in an earlier post read it then come back!
Assuming youve read and returned, The suffering of trials is completed by enduring through what?
THROUGH FAITH!
Why endure through faith? What purpose does it hold?
going into another translation of the bible for verse 4 lets look at the king james version
Have you suffered so many things in vain? whats this mean?!
Heres my testimony.
Who am I? Am I steven lynch husband to a failed marriage, and father to murdered children? If that is who I am then I am defeated, my suffering was in vain. the rest of verse 4 urges us to not let it be in vain!
Who am I really? I am Steven Lynch Son of the most high, I am a man whom God has chosen to broadcast His glory, through Love, pain, suffering but more importantly through overcoming that which should have destroyed me but merely brought me closer to an ever loving savior who interceeds for me at the right hand of the Father! This is who I am, I will not be defeated I will overcome through the spirit of the Lord who Holds me up and strengthens me with every breath I take!
I ask you now
WHO ARE YOU?
Read it follow along, this is generalized as God speaks to me, let it speak to you.
Did we receive the Spirit through faith or by works of the flesh?
I know in my life I came to know the Lord by faith! It had nothing to do with me, who I was what I was to become, or anything I have or ever would do IT Is by the Lord Jesus Christ!
verse 3
Are you so foolish after beginning with the spirit, are you now going to be completed by the flesh?
Wow, imagine that, we start off by Faith in the Lord and whats this? WE ARE COMPLETED BY THE LORD!
Everything in this life comes full circle in the Lord, suffering, or anything good, comes to completion by the Lord so long as we stay in Him. and all to familiar scripture here
James chapter 1 I written it in an earlier post read it then come back!
Assuming youve read and returned, The suffering of trials is completed by enduring through what?
THROUGH FAITH!
Why endure through faith? What purpose does it hold?
going into another translation of the bible for verse 4 lets look at the king james version
Have you suffered so many things in vain? whats this mean?!
Heres my testimony.
Who am I? Am I steven lynch husband to a failed marriage, and father to murdered children? If that is who I am then I am defeated, my suffering was in vain. the rest of verse 4 urges us to not let it be in vain!
Who am I really? I am Steven Lynch Son of the most high, I am a man whom God has chosen to broadcast His glory, through Love, pain, suffering but more importantly through overcoming that which should have destroyed me but merely brought me closer to an ever loving savior who interceeds for me at the right hand of the Father! This is who I am, I will not be defeated I will overcome through the spirit of the Lord who Holds me up and strengthens me with every breath I take!
I ask you now
WHO ARE YOU?
My Lord, My friend
You hold me up when no ones around
Only you can make me smile while I am down
The strength you give the love you show
I feel forever a debt Ill owe
I leave this heart Lord for you to mend
Ive never had a better friend
You've asked for nothing And given more than Ill ever know
Lord this heart now is forever yours to hold
I thought no one could pull me through
but this anger that filled me , has been removed by you
You've lifted me when I was down
your praise off my breath will forever sound!
Only you can make me smile while I am down
The strength you give the love you show
I feel forever a debt Ill owe
I leave this heart Lord for you to mend
Ive never had a better friend
You've asked for nothing And given more than Ill ever know
Lord this heart now is forever yours to hold
I thought no one could pull me through
but this anger that filled me , has been removed by you
You've lifted me when I was down
your praise off my breath will forever sound!
Life's precious dream
Walking down a path of broken dreams
I realize now Lifes not as it seems
My life complete, my heart renewed
no one could ever touch me quit like you
I hear your voice I feel your call
never before have I felt so small
this life is precious because of you
I know forever I'll walk by you
never failing to show me love
I am over come by your gentle flood
Ill walk with you, please hold me tight
on all this tear filled lonely nights
I worship you Lord with all my heart
knowing now we'll never part
you are my God you are my Lord
please equip me with your Holy sword
though danger nears lord from every side
I know that you will be my guide
I praise you now with whats left of me
here I am lord on bended knees
I realize now Lifes not as it seems
My life complete, my heart renewed
no one could ever touch me quit like you
I hear your voice I feel your call
never before have I felt so small
this life is precious because of you
I know forever I'll walk by you
never failing to show me love
I am over come by your gentle flood
Ill walk with you, please hold me tight
on all this tear filled lonely nights
I worship you Lord with all my heart
knowing now we'll never part
you are my God you are my Lord
please equip me with your Holy sword
though danger nears lord from every side
I know that you will be my guide
I praise you now with whats left of me
here I am lord on bended knees
Heat of the battle
these feeling are taking over the dark ones drawing near
Lord your loving voice is what i long to hear
i have no sling, i have no bow, i don't even have a spear
what my lord shall i do, for now he is right here
listen to my voice son listen for my song
even though your troubled this moment wont last very long
here i am lord dropped down to my knees
crying out to you please Please PLEASE
as I draw what should be my last breath; I feel you run through me
the trials gone too long lord i cant help wanting to flee
stand fast in me my son for this battle is almost won
now look behind you your enemies fallin just like a puny pawn
I rejoice in you my Shepard, you've prove once again
When I am attacked Lord just grab your righteous hand!
Lord your loving voice is what i long to hear
i have no sling, i have no bow, i don't even have a spear
what my lord shall i do, for now he is right here
listen to my voice son listen for my song
even though your troubled this moment wont last very long
here i am lord dropped down to my knees
crying out to you please Please PLEASE
as I draw what should be my last breath; I feel you run through me
the trials gone too long lord i cant help wanting to flee
stand fast in me my son for this battle is almost won
now look behind you your enemies fallin just like a puny pawn
I rejoice in you my Shepard, you've prove once again
When I am attacked Lord just grab your righteous hand!
Why do we fear that which we shouldnt?
i was sitting outside tonight relaxing when something caught my eye, it looked like a imp sitting on a table, now i know imps dont really lurk around on table tops but bare with me, most kids when they see things like this in the dark allow their imaginations to start running wild, running them into a state of fear.
I pulled out my pocket light and shined it on the figure and it was revealed as a garden lamp, its amazing what once seemed dark and harmful is revealed as something that doesnt need to be fear.
How true is this in our spiritual walk, we fear the thing that lurks in the dark, allowing it to grip us into fear when all we have to do is allow the light Christ has placed in our life to shine into that dark corner? Its amazing we tend to fear things that thrive in the dark when all thats needed is some light and faith in God and we realize we have nothing to fear, For if God is for us who can be against us? Meaning what can succeed in destroying us? the answer is nothing, Gods bigger than the biggest imp shaped garden lamp, bigger than the worse thing satan can throw at us!
That which thrives in darkness, withers and dies in the light
I pulled out my pocket light and shined it on the figure and it was revealed as a garden lamp, its amazing what once seemed dark and harmful is revealed as something that doesnt need to be fear.
How true is this in our spiritual walk, we fear the thing that lurks in the dark, allowing it to grip us into fear when all we have to do is allow the light Christ has placed in our life to shine into that dark corner? Its amazing we tend to fear things that thrive in the dark when all thats needed is some light and faith in God and we realize we have nothing to fear, For if God is for us who can be against us? Meaning what can succeed in destroying us? the answer is nothing, Gods bigger than the biggest imp shaped garden lamp, bigger than the worse thing satan can throw at us!
That which thrives in darkness, withers and dies in the light
Hope in suffering pt1
Hope in your suffering
Before we get into hope we need to understand suffering. For those of you who have experienced
true suffering your probably thinking I have this part down, please bare with me
Suffering, what is it, what causes it, how do we react to it
I believe suffering is the physical manifestation of emotional death, to better understand how
to deal with it you first need to understand what is the cause of it.
Perhaps its divorce, loss of a loved one, loss of a job or way of life, it may be something so big its
not listed here, it could be molestation, regret of an abortion, you know what it is that has you
stripped down to the bare flesh in side! I feel empty inside is the most common answer or
response, I cant eat, sleep, function at work, I cant relate to my spouse or loved ones.
The List goes on, in short suffering is caused when a pit is dropped right under you in life and you dont know how to cope!
Now we know what suffering is, we have a idea as to what its cause and the effect it has on our life
Before you can have Hope you must first have spiritual life!
your emotions are dead, you cant go on, you've said it or thought it, "I'm done"
so how do we get to Hope? Well God has to reach into your life grab your spirit and jump start it!
thats not saying oh yay this is going to be so easy! Even though you have spiritual life the effects
your feeling are still relevent. He begins slowly, a moment, a day, a week, a month, you dig into
His word seeking His strength and in doing so you begin to grow stronger. You may not even
realize it till you look back and say "WOW ive made it so far, it still hurts but I have life again"
When you've reached this point guess what you have... HOPE!!! It starts as hope that Gods going
to make this possible, then it moves to Gods made it possible and has given me a purpose!
We will get into purpose later on, lets focus on this Hope He's given you. It may be hope that
we're starting to sleep a little better, maybe a job opened up, might not be the one but atleast
its something! It could be He brought someone into your life that is there to help you through
the pain. The fact is He begins to build on this hope, its a solid foundation that can be built on!
You may be lookin at me saying well its easy to say that sitting up there with your life all perfect
no ones life is perfect, not mine, yours, that guy over there. We all experience pain and suffering
and now we find out why God allowed it to happen to you, me, him.
James1:2-4 Consider it joy, my brothers,whenever you
experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your
faith produces patience (or endurance) But patience must do its perfect work, so
that you may be made complete lacking nothing!
WOW consider it joy? are you serious? How can i consider this joy?
why should I? Well its because that suffering your goin through is building
something inside you! What is it building you may ask, its building a blessing
a ministry, a testemony, something God Himself will use to further His work
Its an eternal Gift for you to share.
Romans 8:18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will
give us later.
Whats being said here? Perhaps, that suffering is temporal...whats temporal
mean? It wont last its like this body it dies.
It also says it doesnt compare to what He will give us late, whats the opposite
of temporal? ETERNAL!
God is building in each of us an eternal gift when we experience these trials.
So now we know more about suffering and its intent, but this still may leave us
saying, I needed peace and hope but how do I get it?
He directs us to Psalm 34:14 "Turn away from evil and do what is good;seek peace and pursue it!
I still wasnt fully understanding what He meant, evedently He wants me to
pursue peace but how. Well in seeking God I ended up seeking peace
and guess what, I found it.
We're going to get into that as well a little later on ,how to find a peace that
surpasses all understanding.
I was still struggling with how could God let this happen, and why was i feeling
the stuff I was, thats when while in a non official bible study one day with my
mom and some friends the scripture 1 Peter 5:6-10 came up
Humble yourselevs therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may
exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him because He cares for you.
Lets stop here, we're being given a road map but more importantly a command
Cast our cares on Him and sumbit ourselves under the mighty hand of God
WOW so He wants to exalt us in due time, whats this mean? well we're going to get
to that in just a second lets understand whats being said here first.
So we are to submit ourselves to God, how many of us truely submit to the Lord
meaning, we lay down what we want, the vengence we may be wanting to seek
or purhaps the desire to check out of this life and say OK God you want me here
I am, im broken im like a bike thats been ran over by a car its no good neither am I
Gods like MR fix it on a grand scale, He sees what you can become, what He can
make you into, so give your life to Him, obviously you dont care what happens to
you at this point right? So its time to live that sacrificial life the Lord has calles us
to live.So its time to cast those care of the world you have been burdened with
on the Lord, in doing this He can start to fullfill the next part of the scripture
1Peter 5:8-10 Be sober and on alert! Your adversary the devil is prowling
around like a roaring lion seeking whom He may devour, Resist him firm in faith
Knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your brothers in the
world. (wow so we're not the only one going through it, and we cant give up or
we will be consumed by the problems we're facing)
Now the God of ALL grace, who called you to His eternal Glory in Christ Jesus will
(NOW WATCH THIS)
PERSONALLY restore, establish,stregthen and support you after you have suffered
a little while
Doesnt that just give you an awesome feelings, Christ himself is going to do this
and look at the last part, after we have suffered a little while!
Why after we suffered, well we touched on this a bit earlier, its through the trials
of this life we begin to grow in faith and in spirit and Gods gives us awesome
spiritual gifts through perseverance in trials!
(will be continued so check back)
Before we get into hope we need to understand suffering. For those of you who have experienced
true suffering your probably thinking I have this part down, please bare with me
Suffering, what is it, what causes it, how do we react to it
I believe suffering is the physical manifestation of emotional death, to better understand how
to deal with it you first need to understand what is the cause of it.
Perhaps its divorce, loss of a loved one, loss of a job or way of life, it may be something so big its
not listed here, it could be molestation, regret of an abortion, you know what it is that has you
stripped down to the bare flesh in side! I feel empty inside is the most common answer or
response, I cant eat, sleep, function at work, I cant relate to my spouse or loved ones.
The List goes on, in short suffering is caused when a pit is dropped right under you in life and you dont know how to cope!
Now we know what suffering is, we have a idea as to what its cause and the effect it has on our life
Before you can have Hope you must first have spiritual life!
your emotions are dead, you cant go on, you've said it or thought it, "I'm done"
so how do we get to Hope? Well God has to reach into your life grab your spirit and jump start it!
thats not saying oh yay this is going to be so easy! Even though you have spiritual life the effects
your feeling are still relevent. He begins slowly, a moment, a day, a week, a month, you dig into
His word seeking His strength and in doing so you begin to grow stronger. You may not even
realize it till you look back and say "WOW ive made it so far, it still hurts but I have life again"
When you've reached this point guess what you have... HOPE!!! It starts as hope that Gods going
to make this possible, then it moves to Gods made it possible and has given me a purpose!
We will get into purpose later on, lets focus on this Hope He's given you. It may be hope that
we're starting to sleep a little better, maybe a job opened up, might not be the one but atleast
its something! It could be He brought someone into your life that is there to help you through
the pain. The fact is He begins to build on this hope, its a solid foundation that can be built on!
You may be lookin at me saying well its easy to say that sitting up there with your life all perfect
no ones life is perfect, not mine, yours, that guy over there. We all experience pain and suffering
and now we find out why God allowed it to happen to you, me, him.
James1:2-4 Consider it joy, my brothers,whenever you
experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your
faith produces patience (or endurance) But patience must do its perfect work, so
that you may be made complete lacking nothing!
WOW consider it joy? are you serious? How can i consider this joy?
why should I? Well its because that suffering your goin through is building
something inside you! What is it building you may ask, its building a blessing
a ministry, a testemony, something God Himself will use to further His work
Its an eternal Gift for you to share.
Romans 8:18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will
give us later.
Whats being said here? Perhaps, that suffering is temporal...whats temporal
mean? It wont last its like this body it dies.
It also says it doesnt compare to what He will give us late, whats the opposite
of temporal? ETERNAL!
God is building in each of us an eternal gift when we experience these trials.
So now we know more about suffering and its intent, but this still may leave us
saying, I needed peace and hope but how do I get it?
He directs us to Psalm 34:14 "Turn away from evil and do what is good;seek peace and pursue it!
I still wasnt fully understanding what He meant, evedently He wants me to
pursue peace but how. Well in seeking God I ended up seeking peace
and guess what, I found it.
We're going to get into that as well a little later on ,how to find a peace that
surpasses all understanding.
I was still struggling with how could God let this happen, and why was i feeling
the stuff I was, thats when while in a non official bible study one day with my
mom and some friends the scripture 1 Peter 5:6-10 came up
Humble yourselevs therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may
exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him because He cares for you.
Lets stop here, we're being given a road map but more importantly a command
Cast our cares on Him and sumbit ourselves under the mighty hand of God
WOW so He wants to exalt us in due time, whats this mean? well we're going to get
to that in just a second lets understand whats being said here first.
So we are to submit ourselves to God, how many of us truely submit to the Lord
meaning, we lay down what we want, the vengence we may be wanting to seek
or purhaps the desire to check out of this life and say OK God you want me here
I am, im broken im like a bike thats been ran over by a car its no good neither am I
Gods like MR fix it on a grand scale, He sees what you can become, what He can
make you into, so give your life to Him, obviously you dont care what happens to
you at this point right? So its time to live that sacrificial life the Lord has calles us
to live.So its time to cast those care of the world you have been burdened with
on the Lord, in doing this He can start to fullfill the next part of the scripture
1Peter 5:8-10 Be sober and on alert! Your adversary the devil is prowling
around like a roaring lion seeking whom He may devour, Resist him firm in faith
Knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your brothers in the
world. (wow so we're not the only one going through it, and we cant give up or
we will be consumed by the problems we're facing)
Now the God of ALL grace, who called you to His eternal Glory in Christ Jesus will
(NOW WATCH THIS)
PERSONALLY restore, establish,stregthen and support you after you have suffered
a little while
Doesnt that just give you an awesome feelings, Christ himself is going to do this
and look at the last part, after we have suffered a little while!
Why after we suffered, well we touched on this a bit earlier, its through the trials
of this life we begin to grow in faith and in spirit and Gods gives us awesome
spiritual gifts through perseverance in trials!
(will be continued so check back)
Hope is suffering pt2
So last time we spoke about Hope that can be found in suffering and touched on some
other areas as well, this time we're going to focus on the blessings that come when
you realize that suffering doesnt have to be in vain, we're also going to discuss how we should
approach suffering through a Godly manner so the suffering isnt in vain.
Lets start first with Galatians 3:2-4 I want to learn this from you:Did you receive the Spirit by
works of the flesh or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit
are you now going to be made complete by the flesh? Did you suffer so much for nothing, if in
fact it was for nothing?
Lets start pulling this apart and get to the meaning, Of course we as Christians know we didnt
come to this relationship with Christ through any works we've ever done, It was by His spirit
through His sacrifice wasnt it?? So why is it when something happens in our life we think we
are going to be able to work it out for God through our on ways? Or why do we think we have the
best answer? Ive learned myself that any time life hits you with something that knocks you off your
feet that God is the one who truely raises you up again, you may think youve got it worked out
on your own but your only deceiving yourself, youve set yourself up for a bigger disappointment!
So we know no if we try to fix the problem we get a bigger problem
what If we let God be the one to fix our life what does that give us? Well many things
we talked about eternal blessings that God gives us through suffering, so if God is causing us to
grow in the Spirit It would be safe to assume that the suffering we are experiencing is not in
vain! It has a purpose, even it the only purpose you see is that Gods using the testimony He's
building in you to touch someone elses life! To me that is the greatest blessing of all!
So now we learned that its not by ourselves that we came to the Lord, and its not by ourselves
that we overcome things of this world, so it leaves the question of how do i make sure its
not in vain? Well first we have to look at a situation where suffering was in vain.
So lets say that a man looses his wife, up until this happened He was a awesome christian
but since his wife passed he's become distant from everyone, he suffers not only from the
lose but now hes starting to let himself slip into dispair, he starves himself, becomes sick
and eventually dies! So what in this example brings glory to God through His suffering?
Not much if anything, Now lets look at the ultimate example of suffering that has been used for
Gods glory, a purpose behind the suffering so awesome it explains the reason suffering was
required.
A man, a Godly man, used by God himself to touch many lives, He heals the sick, makes the
blind to see, spreads the message of the Father so greatly multitudes of people begin to
folllow, this man innocent and precious in the Fathers eyes is then condemned! He is
stripped down, whipped,beat,tortured and all the while the people who followed him are
asking what purpose could this hold?! Even though it looked like the biggest mess they have ever
seen, like God himself had lost control, through the entire process, we then realize later, Gods
plan was being fullfilled! Of course you realize im speaking of Christ, What seemed like madness
held purpose! I mean look at it this way, what if Christ had died and nothing came from it, no
salvation? wow that would have been a waste! However we know first hand as Christians Christs
suffering was not in vain through it we now can have a relationship with the Lord, salvation
an eternity with Him! What greater blessing could come from suffering?
The same can be said for the suffering we have in this life, If we allow it to completely
destroy us then it held no purpose, however if we allow it to bring us closer to God
what greater purpose could it have? He begins to start a testimony in your life that touches
other peoples lives and through that testimony He begins drawing people near to Him!
Im tellin you first hand that is the greatest blessing we'll ever receive, to be used of the Lord
to expand His kingdom, its an awesome feeling!!
Next we'll talk about the process God uses to bring us closer and help create the person
He wants you to become, We will examine this Sifting the Lord uses to cast out the
negative aspects of your life so that the pure Holy aspects He is building are revealed!
Until then have a blessed day I love each of you and may God be with us!
(sifting prt3 of this testimony will be next)
other areas as well, this time we're going to focus on the blessings that come when
you realize that suffering doesnt have to be in vain, we're also going to discuss how we should
approach suffering through a Godly manner so the suffering isnt in vain.
Lets start first with Galatians 3:2-4 I want to learn this from you:Did you receive the Spirit by
works of the flesh or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit
are you now going to be made complete by the flesh? Did you suffer so much for nothing, if in
fact it was for nothing?
Lets start pulling this apart and get to the meaning, Of course we as Christians know we didnt
come to this relationship with Christ through any works we've ever done, It was by His spirit
through His sacrifice wasnt it?? So why is it when something happens in our life we think we
are going to be able to work it out for God through our on ways? Or why do we think we have the
best answer? Ive learned myself that any time life hits you with something that knocks you off your
feet that God is the one who truely raises you up again, you may think youve got it worked out
on your own but your only deceiving yourself, youve set yourself up for a bigger disappointment!
So we know no if we try to fix the problem we get a bigger problem
what If we let God be the one to fix our life what does that give us? Well many things
we talked about eternal blessings that God gives us through suffering, so if God is causing us to
grow in the Spirit It would be safe to assume that the suffering we are experiencing is not in
vain! It has a purpose, even it the only purpose you see is that Gods using the testimony He's
building in you to touch someone elses life! To me that is the greatest blessing of all!
So now we learned that its not by ourselves that we came to the Lord, and its not by ourselves
that we overcome things of this world, so it leaves the question of how do i make sure its
not in vain? Well first we have to look at a situation where suffering was in vain.
So lets say that a man looses his wife, up until this happened He was a awesome christian
but since his wife passed he's become distant from everyone, he suffers not only from the
lose but now hes starting to let himself slip into dispair, he starves himself, becomes sick
and eventually dies! So what in this example brings glory to God through His suffering?
Not much if anything, Now lets look at the ultimate example of suffering that has been used for
Gods glory, a purpose behind the suffering so awesome it explains the reason suffering was
required.
A man, a Godly man, used by God himself to touch many lives, He heals the sick, makes the
blind to see, spreads the message of the Father so greatly multitudes of people begin to
folllow, this man innocent and precious in the Fathers eyes is then condemned! He is
stripped down, whipped,beat,tortured and all the while the people who followed him are
asking what purpose could this hold?! Even though it looked like the biggest mess they have ever
seen, like God himself had lost control, through the entire process, we then realize later, Gods
plan was being fullfilled! Of course you realize im speaking of Christ, What seemed like madness
held purpose! I mean look at it this way, what if Christ had died and nothing came from it, no
salvation? wow that would have been a waste! However we know first hand as Christians Christs
suffering was not in vain through it we now can have a relationship with the Lord, salvation
an eternity with Him! What greater blessing could come from suffering?
The same can be said for the suffering we have in this life, If we allow it to completely
destroy us then it held no purpose, however if we allow it to bring us closer to God
what greater purpose could it have? He begins to start a testimony in your life that touches
other peoples lives and through that testimony He begins drawing people near to Him!
Im tellin you first hand that is the greatest blessing we'll ever receive, to be used of the Lord
to expand His kingdom, its an awesome feeling!!
Next we'll talk about the process God uses to bring us closer and help create the person
He wants you to become, We will examine this Sifting the Lord uses to cast out the
negative aspects of your life so that the pure Holy aspects He is building are revealed!
Until then have a blessed day I love each of you and may God be with us!
(sifting prt3 of this testimony will be next)
"One of those moments"
sitting outside it begins to rain
I really thought I was past this pain
thats when i realize the sun is out, its my eyes that are pouring
I miss you guys more with each waking morning
God is faithful and will carry me on
Its then I realize on these day im never alone
through His strength life goes on
until that day He brings me home
Lord I place this burden at your feet
and I thank you for this eternal peace
could I handle this on my own? I would not dare
your always there, to relieve my cares
Strengthen me oh Lord,
Help me to stand on your word
I really thought I was past this pain
thats when i realize the sun is out, its my eyes that are pouring
I miss you guys more with each waking morning
God is faithful and will carry me on
Its then I realize on these day im never alone
through His strength life goes on
until that day He brings me home
Lord I place this burden at your feet
and I thank you for this eternal peace
could I handle this on my own? I would not dare
your always there, to relieve my cares
Strengthen me oh Lord,
Help me to stand on your word
Fully Equipped
As i receive news about latest developments I tend be be over whelmed at times. I am left asking, Ok God show me how we're going to deal with this new development. What new insight are you going to reveal to help me to overcome this circumstance? And He reveals! An early post I had made now holds new meaning, the things in the dark that send us into fear. Why fear these things, they can not defeat you. The reason the can not defeat you is the Lord has fully equipped each of us with His armor!
Eph 6:10-17 (NIV) ...Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Rom 13:12 (NIV) The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
There is nothing Satan can use to come against you when you are walking in the Lord that can defeat you when you are girded with the Lords Armor!every attack will be quenched!
Thank you Lord for revealing your truths to us in your word, you truly are a compassionate God who equips us against our enemy!
Eph 6:10-17 (NIV) ...Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Rom 13:12 (NIV) The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
There is nothing Satan can use to come against you when you are walking in the Lord that can defeat you when you are girded with the Lords Armor!every attack will be quenched!
Thank you Lord for revealing your truths to us in your word, you truly are a compassionate God who equips us against our enemy!
Longings
there are times in life when I feel so alone
that because my soul longs to be home
the strength you've poured Lord let it flow
freely to a world desperately in need
I live my life here with bitter sweet dreams
I thank you my Father because your never gonna leave
this life has changed but its for the best
Ive learned to give thanks Lord when I'm put to the test
Its by your will I'm able to stand
please help me to never build my house on the sand
Its on your rock Lord I wish to abide
for its only there Ill never leave your side
You've given so much ill never be able to see
until the day your standing in front of me
Ill never leave you Lord for you are my strength
be gracious to your loving servant and grant me your peace
that because my soul longs to be home
the strength you've poured Lord let it flow
freely to a world desperately in need
I live my life here with bitter sweet dreams
I thank you my Father because your never gonna leave
this life has changed but its for the best
Ive learned to give thanks Lord when I'm put to the test
Its by your will I'm able to stand
please help me to never build my house on the sand
Its on your rock Lord I wish to abide
for its only there Ill never leave your side
You've given so much ill never be able to see
until the day your standing in front of me
Ill never leave you Lord for you are my strength
be gracious to your loving servant and grant me your peace
"Sifting"
As we go through this life we will have two types of sifting take place on one hand we will have a sifting that God does that reveals and removes areas of our life that do not line up to His divine purpose for our lives. And on the other we will look at the kind of sifting that Satan does trying to make us turn from an all loving Father. To start off lets look at and talk about Godly sifting.
Hebrews 12:26-29 speaks of God shaking not only earth but the heavens so that the only things that remain are the things that are unshakable. When you sift wheat a process is done, you shake the wheat so hard that it destroys the outer shell leaving only the flour that is inside. Look at it through Spiritual eyes, when God shakes the life of a believer it reveals and removes the things that do not belong, some people call it softening of the heart, others tilling of the soul.There are many ways to describe it however the end purpose yields the same result.Just as gold is melted down so that the impurities may be removed we can go through a sifting that will remove and reveal the sin we've buried in our lives.Things we may think have been dealt with but have really just been covered up. In an early chapter I spoke of emotional surgery, this is the same idea here.When you have past hurts in your life and bury them it can take root causing anger,hate,jealousy and many other things to take root in your life. God wants to remove these aspects so that He can give a complete healing through and through. God is not in the business of half way doing a job, when He starts a work in us He wants to complete it! Just as James 1:2-4 tells us we must allow patience to have its perfect work so that we may be made complete lacking nothing. When you stay under the pressure of the trial your going through and seek God until it has passed, just as a diamond is made from extreme heat and pressure thats put on coal we too will come out just as beautiful but with far more worth! If you bail out on the Lord at this time then all you'll succeed in doing is letting Satan win that fight and you'll eventually have to start the process all over, or just keep running. I can remember telling DR. Finch when he asked me when I'd like to start this process of emotional surgery my reply was "Theres no time like the present itll have to be done sooner or later so i'd rather sooner." So now we have a pretty good idea of how sifting can be a truly awesome thing in our life, it'll draw you closer to the Lord and itll build a strong foundation in your relationship with Him.
Now lets look at how Satan wishes to sift you and how He wishes you to react.
Luke 22:31-32
"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Looking at this verse we see a common theme with the following
Job 1:8-12 8 Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
9 So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”
12 And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”
So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
Before Satan was allowed to do anything He first had to get permission from God. The Lord wishes these trials to bring you close to Him, in fact to help you along in these times He pours out His strength through the Holy spirit!
Also notice what Jesus said in Luke, He says "Satan has asked to sift you." Now today when believers are under attack from Satan we set out in prayer to bind Satan and rebuke him. Notice that isnt Christ's response? He allows it and even tells Peter that He is praying for his faith to remain. Then even gives us a glimpse that Peter will return to strengthen the rest of the Disciples.
I would encourage you to take the route of trusting in the Lord just as Job did.It's not an easy walk however the Lord will carry you through it. And when you have overcome you will be so much stronger in the Lord for as these trials are thrown at you by Satan and we allow God to guide our life, such amazing revelations are made that will show you a side of Gods love for you that you would not see otherwise!
I know for me the answer was an easy one, I had no other defense against what had been thrown at me. I can remember breaking down the day that I was told my children had been murdered and remember the day I was given all the grim details about how my son Caleb who was only 5 years old had been tortured before the house was set on fire. It was an overload of emotions. I could either trust God or completely self destruct! I chose the Lord and what a choice it has been. The understanding of the Love the Lord has for me has been such an amazing thing in my life. I have a greater appreciation for the sacrifice Christ made for me, and a better relationship with Him with Him because of the submission that has taken place in this life. A submission that has taking me into new territory! The next few chapter we'll be looking at the ministry that the Lord has laid on this heart and also looking into the deeper relationship that has come out of the chaos that in-sued in this life. When we are going through trials or suffering all we can see is the Chaos that is happening but when you look at the Lord and dont focus on the circumstances you will begin to see the plan! Just like at the cross God makes a plan out of the attack Satan throws your way!
Also be sure to be equiped for battle, just because your not going through a trial right now, I assure you one is on its way! If you have not yet read Ephesians 6:10-17 Please do that now and pray that the Lord will equip you with His armor, otherwise you'll be caught unprepared just as I was.
Hebrews 12:26-29 speaks of God shaking not only earth but the heavens so that the only things that remain are the things that are unshakable. When you sift wheat a process is done, you shake the wheat so hard that it destroys the outer shell leaving only the flour that is inside. Look at it through Spiritual eyes, when God shakes the life of a believer it reveals and removes the things that do not belong, some people call it softening of the heart, others tilling of the soul.There are many ways to describe it however the end purpose yields the same result.Just as gold is melted down so that the impurities may be removed we can go through a sifting that will remove and reveal the sin we've buried in our lives.Things we may think have been dealt with but have really just been covered up. In an early chapter I spoke of emotional surgery, this is the same idea here.When you have past hurts in your life and bury them it can take root causing anger,hate,jealousy and many other things to take root in your life. God wants to remove these aspects so that He can give a complete healing through and through. God is not in the business of half way doing a job, when He starts a work in us He wants to complete it! Just as James 1:2-4 tells us we must allow patience to have its perfect work so that we may be made complete lacking nothing. When you stay under the pressure of the trial your going through and seek God until it has passed, just as a diamond is made from extreme heat and pressure thats put on coal we too will come out just as beautiful but with far more worth! If you bail out on the Lord at this time then all you'll succeed in doing is letting Satan win that fight and you'll eventually have to start the process all over, or just keep running. I can remember telling DR. Finch when he asked me when I'd like to start this process of emotional surgery my reply was "Theres no time like the present itll have to be done sooner or later so i'd rather sooner." So now we have a pretty good idea of how sifting can be a truly awesome thing in our life, it'll draw you closer to the Lord and itll build a strong foundation in your relationship with Him.
Now lets look at how Satan wishes to sift you and how He wishes you to react.
Luke 22:31-32
"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Looking at this verse we see a common theme with the following
Job 1:8-12 8 Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
9 So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”
12 And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”
So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
Before Satan was allowed to do anything He first had to get permission from God. The Lord wishes these trials to bring you close to Him, in fact to help you along in these times He pours out His strength through the Holy spirit!
Also notice what Jesus said in Luke, He says "Satan has asked to sift you." Now today when believers are under attack from Satan we set out in prayer to bind Satan and rebuke him. Notice that isnt Christ's response? He allows it and even tells Peter that He is praying for his faith to remain. Then even gives us a glimpse that Peter will return to strengthen the rest of the Disciples.
I would encourage you to take the route of trusting in the Lord just as Job did.It's not an easy walk however the Lord will carry you through it. And when you have overcome you will be so much stronger in the Lord for as these trials are thrown at you by Satan and we allow God to guide our life, such amazing revelations are made that will show you a side of Gods love for you that you would not see otherwise!
I know for me the answer was an easy one, I had no other defense against what had been thrown at me. I can remember breaking down the day that I was told my children had been murdered and remember the day I was given all the grim details about how my son Caleb who was only 5 years old had been tortured before the house was set on fire. It was an overload of emotions. I could either trust God or completely self destruct! I chose the Lord and what a choice it has been. The understanding of the Love the Lord has for me has been such an amazing thing in my life. I have a greater appreciation for the sacrifice Christ made for me, and a better relationship with Him with Him because of the submission that has taken place in this life. A submission that has taking me into new territory! The next few chapter we'll be looking at the ministry that the Lord has laid on this heart and also looking into the deeper relationship that has come out of the chaos that in-sued in this life. When we are going through trials or suffering all we can see is the Chaos that is happening but when you look at the Lord and dont focus on the circumstances you will begin to see the plan! Just like at the cross God makes a plan out of the attack Satan throws your way!
Also be sure to be equiped for battle, just because your not going through a trial right now, I assure you one is on its way! If you have not yet read Ephesians 6:10-17 Please do that now and pray that the Lord will equip you with His armor, otherwise you'll be caught unprepared just as I was.
"DOORS"
Arms are empty,my soul still aches
Im hoping with dawn tomorrow.A new lifesoon breaks
A world so cruel.My life forever changed
How Long my Lord before we will see a change
This heart longs for a place to call home
People all around, yet I feel so alone.
Its you I lean on, in the good times and the bad
this tragedy I fear will forever leave me sad
A legacy stolen 2 lives so pure
At what point my Lord will you give me a cure?
So many watching I try to be strong
Why is it Lord, when I fall it feels so wrong?
Youve given your strength and opened the door
I cant do it alone Lord, no not anymore
I know you are with me and never going to leave
Yet its nights like this, I never want to dream
Pour out your spirit on this humble slave of yours
Its only in you I can walk through these open doors
Im hoping with dawn tomorrow.A new lifesoon breaks
A world so cruel.My life forever changed
How Long my Lord before we will see a change
This heart longs for a place to call home
People all around, yet I feel so alone.
Its you I lean on, in the good times and the bad
this tragedy I fear will forever leave me sad
A legacy stolen 2 lives so pure
At what point my Lord will you give me a cure?
So many watching I try to be strong
Why is it Lord, when I fall it feels so wrong?
Youve given your strength and opened the door
I cant do it alone Lord, no not anymore
I know you are with me and never going to leave
Yet its nights like this, I never want to dream
Pour out your spirit on this humble slave of yours
Its only in you I can walk through these open doors
When will we stand up
Why does it surprise us that this world is so full of hate and evil? With in our own country we wonder why Children are beaten, sexually abused, murdered, and even tortured. Yet everyday we as a society step away from the very foundation this country was built on! Why will we as a people not learn from mistakes of the past? We read about Sodom and Gomorrah and other cities that have turned away from God and yet we think we ourselves can fix the problems by electing an official in office. The only cure for our land;OUR FAMILIES is to turn back to the Lord and repent!
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Its great to have voices who speak out in this sinful world, do not let them speak alone! Its time to stand upon Godly principles, the very principles we first founded this country on.
Too many people call themselves Christians yet when asked about their experience of being born again, will look at you like your insane. What separates us from the world other than Grace? The bible tells us
(1 Pet. 1:15-16).
The believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is set apart for God by the Holy Spirit. The “saint” is a person set apart for God, enjoying a holy standing before God in Christ Jesus, with the obligation of living a holy life
Now im not saying we will live a sinless life as this is impossible (1 John 1:8-10)
God expects the true believer to not sin habitually. “No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in Him, and he cannot practice sin because he is born of God”
1 Peter 1:16You shall be Holy for I am holy.
Leviticuc 11:44 I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.
Romans 12:1 says – to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God which is our spiritual worship.
These are just a few scriptures on how the Lord wishes His people to live, we will never live perfect lives yet our hearts should be tured to wanting to live a acceptable life to the Lord
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Its great to have voices who speak out in this sinful world, do not let them speak alone! Its time to stand upon Godly principles, the very principles we first founded this country on.
Too many people call themselves Christians yet when asked about their experience of being born again, will look at you like your insane. What separates us from the world other than Grace? The bible tells us
(1 Pet. 1:15-16).
The believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is set apart for God by the Holy Spirit. The “saint” is a person set apart for God, enjoying a holy standing before God in Christ Jesus, with the obligation of living a holy life
Now im not saying we will live a sinless life as this is impossible (1 John 1:8-10)
God expects the true believer to not sin habitually. “No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in Him, and he cannot practice sin because he is born of God”
1 Peter 1:16You shall be Holy for I am holy.
Leviticuc 11:44 I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.
Romans 12:1 says – to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God which is our spiritual worship.
These are just a few scriptures on how the Lord wishes His people to live, we will never live perfect lives yet our hearts should be tured to wanting to live a acceptable life to the Lord
Perspective
Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works. (Jacob 4:10)
I don't know how many times i have tried to convince the Lord what would be in my best interest.
Like most of us I tend to forget my place in the grand scheme of things, God is God, I'm merely a
servant, as one of His children He looks out for me, but knows what is best for this life and walk He
has me on. Thank you Lord for the reminder. Your wisdom superceeds anything I think I know and
the direction I walk comes only through your guidance. Keep me focused on your goals, you know
my hearts desires and if they flow with your plan I trust you to fulfill them but never at the cost
of my walk with you.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
I don't know how many times i have tried to convince the Lord what would be in my best interest.
Like most of us I tend to forget my place in the grand scheme of things, God is God, I'm merely a
servant, as one of His children He looks out for me, but knows what is best for this life and walk He
has me on. Thank you Lord for the reminder. Your wisdom superceeds anything I think I know and
the direction I walk comes only through your guidance. Keep me focused on your goals, you know
my hearts desires and if they flow with your plan I trust you to fulfill them but never at the cost
of my walk with you.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
My prayer
Lord, I pray that You would set me free from my past. Wherever I have made the past my home, I pray that you would deliver me, heal me,and redeem me from it.Help me to let go of anything that I have held onto of my past that has kept me from moving into all You have for me.Enable me to put off all former ways of thinking and feeling and remembering. (Eph. 4:22-24)Give me the mind of Christ so I will be able to understand when I am being controlled by memories of past events. I release my past to You and everyone associated with it so You can restore what has been lost. Lord make me glad according to the days in which I have been afflicted and the years I have seen evil. (Ps. 90:15)Thank You that You make all things new and You are making me new in every way. (Rev. 21:5) Help me to keep my eyes looking straight ahead and forgive what needs to be forgiven. I know You want to do something new in my life today.Help me to concentrate on where I am to go now and not where I have been.Release me from the past so I can move out of it and into the future You have for me.I love You Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.I trust You, my Savior and King to bring to pass all that You have spoken and revealed to me.I believe , Lord, help my unbelief.All this I pray and proclaim in the Perfect and Most Powerful, Holy Name of Jesus Christ!
"Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Is. 43:18-19
"Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Is. 43:18-19
The Lord fully understands
John 11:35
To many the scripture (Jesus Wept) may seem insignificant and perhaps an easy way out when asked to quote a scripture. To me it shows the connection of humanity between us and our Lord. The scripture in context is at the time He becomes aware Lazarus has died. Even though He knew he would be raised the Lord still wept, which shows that even He felt emotions of heart ache. I cant help but think that with us being His children He must shed tears when we struggle with circumstances in this life. How amazing we have a God who knows our pain and can identify with it on a personal level. To many times I've found myself feeling like less of a Christian when feeling the heart ache of loss but have recently found that God doesn't look on you any less for feeling pain.In fact in Romans 12:15; "rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." Sorrow at the death of friends is not improper. It is right to weep. It is the expression of nature and religion does not forbid or condemn it. All that religion does in the case is to temper and chasten our grief; to teach us to mourn with submission to God; to weep without complaining, and to seek to banish tears, not by hardening the heart or forgetting the friend, but by bringing the soul, made tender by grief, to receive the sweet influences of religion, and to find calmness and peace in the God of all consolation. So for those of you who have pain lay it out before the Lord, for He is more than able to help guide you through the process
To many the scripture (Jesus Wept) may seem insignificant and perhaps an easy way out when asked to quote a scripture. To me it shows the connection of humanity between us and our Lord. The scripture in context is at the time He becomes aware Lazarus has died. Even though He knew he would be raised the Lord still wept, which shows that even He felt emotions of heart ache. I cant help but think that with us being His children He must shed tears when we struggle with circumstances in this life. How amazing we have a God who knows our pain and can identify with it on a personal level. To many times I've found myself feeling like less of a Christian when feeling the heart ache of loss but have recently found that God doesn't look on you any less for feeling pain.In fact in Romans 12:15; "rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." Sorrow at the death of friends is not improper. It is right to weep. It is the expression of nature and religion does not forbid or condemn it. All that religion does in the case is to temper and chasten our grief; to teach us to mourn with submission to God; to weep without complaining, and to seek to banish tears, not by hardening the heart or forgetting the friend, but by bringing the soul, made tender by grief, to receive the sweet influences of religion, and to find calmness and peace in the God of all consolation. So for those of you who have pain lay it out before the Lord, for He is more than able to help guide you through the process
Virtues of a Godly husband
7 virtues of a Godly Husband
1.Selflessness, placing the dreams and desires of your spouse before your own. Men, in general, tend to be selfish and it is one of the reasons that marriages are failing in greater numbers.
2.Humility As a whole, men tend to be prideful. We are taught from an early age to be strong and self-reliant. Yet, God isnt looking for self-made men, Hes looking for men who will humble themselves to His will, just like Jesus did. Jesus humbled himself and set aside His God-nature in order to be a man. In order to become a Godly husband,we have to put pride and ego aside, and submit ones self first to God and then to our wife.
3.Loving In my counseling, I often hear men say that they have fallen out of love with their wives. This is because they are trying to love their wives in a worldly love. The Apostle Paul taught about a different kind of love in Ephesians 5:25, Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. This is a spiritual love that is unconditional and sacrificial and only available from God.
4.Kindness Wife abuse has become a huge problem in the world, even in Christian marriages. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) reads, The tongue has the power of life and death. Husbands can speak life or death to their wives with the words they use.
5.Gentleness The worlds image of a man is rough and tough the Marlboro Man, but a wife would rather have a gentle husband. Jesus modeled the perfect man by being both strong and gentle. As husbands we are called to be the same.
6.Honesty This one is self explanatory Godly husbands will be honest and up-front with their wives in all areas. They realize that God made her as a helper and in order for a wife to do that, there can be nothing hidden.
7.Faithfulness Infidelity is on a rise, men tend to think of infidelity as being physical only, emotional infidelity is just as damaging if not more than the physical act of unfaithfulness, once trust is broken It is almost impossible to gain it back.
Should you come from a broken marriage and find yourself looking to marriage again remember this. The woman you are about to marry is NOT your ex. and should not be placed in a position to which you are taking your insecurities out on her.If you find yourself unable to come to terms with your past I suggest you remain single as you would only destroy the woman you claim to care about.
I'm sure this will hit a few nerves however over the past 2 years since my divorce I've found myself seeking God to restore which was lost and these are the characteristics I have found the bible says should be found in a Godly husband and thought it could perhaps bless those who already are. If you are not up to allowing God to make these changes then you should remain single. At least that's my opinion.
1.Selflessness, placing the dreams and desires of your spouse before your own. Men, in general, tend to be selfish and it is one of the reasons that marriages are failing in greater numbers.
2.Humility As a whole, men tend to be prideful. We are taught from an early age to be strong and self-reliant. Yet, God isnt looking for self-made men, Hes looking for men who will humble themselves to His will, just like Jesus did. Jesus humbled himself and set aside His God-nature in order to be a man. In order to become a Godly husband,we have to put pride and ego aside, and submit ones self first to God and then to our wife.
3.Loving In my counseling, I often hear men say that they have fallen out of love with their wives. This is because they are trying to love their wives in a worldly love. The Apostle Paul taught about a different kind of love in Ephesians 5:25, Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. This is a spiritual love that is unconditional and sacrificial and only available from God.
4.Kindness Wife abuse has become a huge problem in the world, even in Christian marriages. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) reads, The tongue has the power of life and death. Husbands can speak life or death to their wives with the words they use.
5.Gentleness The worlds image of a man is rough and tough the Marlboro Man, but a wife would rather have a gentle husband. Jesus modeled the perfect man by being both strong and gentle. As husbands we are called to be the same.
6.Honesty This one is self explanatory Godly husbands will be honest and up-front with their wives in all areas. They realize that God made her as a helper and in order for a wife to do that, there can be nothing hidden.
7.Faithfulness Infidelity is on a rise, men tend to think of infidelity as being physical only, emotional infidelity is just as damaging if not more than the physical act of unfaithfulness, once trust is broken It is almost impossible to gain it back.
Should you come from a broken marriage and find yourself looking to marriage again remember this. The woman you are about to marry is NOT your ex. and should not be placed in a position to which you are taking your insecurities out on her.If you find yourself unable to come to terms with your past I suggest you remain single as you would only destroy the woman you claim to care about.
I'm sure this will hit a few nerves however over the past 2 years since my divorce I've found myself seeking God to restore which was lost and these are the characteristics I have found the bible says should be found in a Godly husband and thought it could perhaps bless those who already are. If you are not up to allowing God to make these changes then you should remain single. At least that's my opinion.
feeling blue
My heart break with each passing day
Do you hear me when I pray?
My silent tears flow every night
Why my Lord must I face this fight
I grow weak with each passing day
The man I was wants to come out to play
I fear who I was yet can't shake this feeling
The pain from all this has sent me reeling
As I lay trying to sleep
I pray so hard my soul you'll keep
Is it wrong to ask for it to end?
After all I want to finally meet my greatest friend
Lifes has become so confusing
These trials it seems have left an eternal bruising
I know one day I'll be given my wish
To be rejoined with my Bubba and Dela Fish
Until then Lord I cry to you
Why am I ashamed to feel so blue
Grant me your strength for one more day
Its all I'll ask, and all I'll pray
Do you hear me when I pray?
My silent tears flow every night
Why my Lord must I face this fight
I grow weak with each passing day
The man I was wants to come out to play
I fear who I was yet can't shake this feeling
The pain from all this has sent me reeling
As I lay trying to sleep
I pray so hard my soul you'll keep
Is it wrong to ask for it to end?
After all I want to finally meet my greatest friend
Lifes has become so confusing
These trials it seems have left an eternal bruising
I know one day I'll be given my wish
To be rejoined with my Bubba and Dela Fish
Until then Lord I cry to you
Why am I ashamed to feel so blue
Grant me your strength for one more day
Its all I'll ask, and all I'll pray
True love
We're going to be looking at a all to familiar passage of scripture and dig a little deeper into its meaning. John 3:16 "For God so Loved the world that He gave His only Son, that who so ever believes in Him shall not parish but have everlasting life." Lets look at the first part of this passage, God gave us, a people so undeserving; His son. Not just to walk among us and perform miracles to convince us of His existence, but to ultimately die for us. For those of you who are parents you'll very easily follow me on this point. No matter how many lives the death of our child would change we would be hard pressed to ever agree to such a term. I for one have lost both my children in a double homicide. I've seen many people come to the Lord through this tragedy. Being able to share about the strength God gives us in these times of tragedy I've seen many people from many different backgrounds come to know the Lord and some come back to the Lord after straying and I can honestly say that I'm so selfish I would take my children back if given the chance. No matter how much good has come from the story of their life I'd take them back without even having to think! So what this means to me is, A God who knew the very outcome of what it meant to send His Son (Christ) to this world, knowing the torture and death that was to be presented; the end outcome out weighed the means to obtain Gods set goal of salvation, and He willingly sent His son. Think about that for a moment. Would you yourself have the love within you to sacrifice someone you cherish for the good of all man kind? The answer for me is simply no.
We'll come back to this in a moment so hold that thought.
I want us to understand Heavens Whoever Policy.
It's not just a whoever believes, it goes deeper. Whoever you are, whatever walk of life your in, where you are currently at in life whether your rich, poor, sick, or even healthy. It doesn't matter what happened in your past, that fact is that God wants to meet you right where your at and start making some positive changes in you. Over the past few months I've met many people from different walks of life. Some people successful that have never been through any real negative experiences of life and others who from the moment of their childhood have been dealt a raw deal when t comes to life. The fact is whoever you are and whatever you've been through God has an answer for the questions life has throw at you. But it's up to us to seek those answers and it's up to us to accept God's healing grace. I went years before realizing that God's grace does more than simply provides salvation from hell. It saves you from the wreckage of life! You may be sitting there right now with the though "yeah well you just don't know what I've been through and no matter what I try life doesn't get any better." Well I have got news for you, it doesn't matter what YOU try life will never get better without the help of the Lord. You truly want life to change and want that piece of your life that was stolen from you to be given back? Well only one person can do that and thats the Lord and we're going to discuss how in this short message. First off is salvation, before God can do anything in your life you have to want it. That means not just saying ok God make it better, it means laying your life down at the feet of the Lord and saying I can't but I know You can, and then surrendering your life to however He wishes to mold your life. You see too many times we pray to the Lord a prayer of "Ok God I'm tired of feeling like this, so what I want you to do is___." Christ told us how to pray in the Lords prayer which I am sure everyone has read at some point. We are not just saying, "ok God your awesome hears my list of demands." We are to be praying Father blessed be your name, let your will be done in my life as you see fit for this situation. Notice any difference? We've went from making a list of demands to willingly accepting what God knows is best for us. I have been guilty of this myself, I take the scripture ask and you shall receive out of context and expect God to start forking out what I want. I totally missed the first part of the scripture about seeking first the Kingdom of God. If I am truly seeking God even though I may not have the answer as to what it is I'm truly looking for I can keep an open heart to what it is God really wants to do. You see the fact is we think we know ourselves so well that we actually think we know what we need to make us happy. The simple fact is the torment and brokeness we feel is actually a by product of us thinking we have the answer and moving before God gives to go ahead. Now don't get me wrong on this I do know of situations where the hurt we feel wasn't caused by something we did, perhaps someone you trusted hurt you. The fact remains that once we have been hurt its up to us to either live with it, or lay it completely at God's feet. Heres a few verses all with a common theme lets see if you can find that theme.
Matt 10:39 "Whoever finds his life will lose it,and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Mark 3:35 "Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."
John 4:14 "Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst."
John 11:26 "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away."
Ok lets stop here for a moment. Did you see the common theme here? Theres a few actually first is the whoever policy, It doesn't say "whoever that fits within a certain category." It say WHOEVER. So that would mean what exactly? Thats right, whoever. Theres also another theme here one thats very important. Notice that its whoever is truly seeking God. Not whoever asks for their own selfish desire. We are to be truly seeking God's will for our life not seeking to to fulfill our will for our life. 1 Tim 2:6 Peter affirms that it's not God's will for any to be lost; but for all to come to repentance. What is true repentance? Is it sinning then asking forgiveness with the desire to do it again knowing you can just ask the Lord to forgive you again? No it's truly recognizing you messed up and fell short and telling the Lord your sorry, and asking Him to change that area of your life! Does that happen over night? No it doesnt does it, but it is the true heart of repentance.
The last point I wish to make is this, the scripture says who ever believes in me will not perish.
Does this mean, I believe there is a God so im not going to hell? NO it doesn't. Does it mean I believe Christ is the Son of God so I live my life any way I choose but I'm still going to make it to heaven? No it doesn't. To get to the bottom of what it means we need to examine the word BELIEVE. This word has been down played so much in society that it has lost it's true meaning. Heres a simple fact for those of you who are sitting there right now thinking "this guys off his rocker" What if I told you theres one person who knows God is real, and also knows Jesus is the Son of God but is going to hell? There is and that person is Satan... Point made? believing and knowing is 2 different things, we look at believe as knowing something rather than what believe should actually mean. Those who truly believe in the Lord have this one thing in common, we Love the Lord. What does God say about those who Love Him? Those who love me keep my commandments. remember that verse? So keeping His commandments means we do what? We Obey Him. So if we then transfer the meaning to the scripture we get a new understanding. Whoever obeys (loves) (believes) will not perish but have everlasting life. Kinda brings things into a new spectrum doesn't it?
I hope this short message has helped in some way, I know there are those of us who are hurting from various backgrounds of life, I'm one of them. I also know that it's never easy to surrender every area of our life to the Lord as I fall short everyday. Thats where grace comes in. God's grace through the sacrifice Christ made covers my downfalls. I don't however view that as a pass to sin anytime I want. If your hurting God knows it, He wishes to pull you close and let you pour your heart out to Him. If you let Him He will take those ashes from your past and make them into something beautiful, just know this. It doesn't happen over night. Keep believing, keep trusting and most of all, keep obeying.
We'll come back to this in a moment so hold that thought.
I want us to understand Heavens Whoever Policy.
It's not just a whoever believes, it goes deeper. Whoever you are, whatever walk of life your in, where you are currently at in life whether your rich, poor, sick, or even healthy. It doesn't matter what happened in your past, that fact is that God wants to meet you right where your at and start making some positive changes in you. Over the past few months I've met many people from different walks of life. Some people successful that have never been through any real negative experiences of life and others who from the moment of their childhood have been dealt a raw deal when t comes to life. The fact is whoever you are and whatever you've been through God has an answer for the questions life has throw at you. But it's up to us to seek those answers and it's up to us to accept God's healing grace. I went years before realizing that God's grace does more than simply provides salvation from hell. It saves you from the wreckage of life! You may be sitting there right now with the though "yeah well you just don't know what I've been through and no matter what I try life doesn't get any better." Well I have got news for you, it doesn't matter what YOU try life will never get better without the help of the Lord. You truly want life to change and want that piece of your life that was stolen from you to be given back? Well only one person can do that and thats the Lord and we're going to discuss how in this short message. First off is salvation, before God can do anything in your life you have to want it. That means not just saying ok God make it better, it means laying your life down at the feet of the Lord and saying I can't but I know You can, and then surrendering your life to however He wishes to mold your life. You see too many times we pray to the Lord a prayer of "Ok God I'm tired of feeling like this, so what I want you to do is___." Christ told us how to pray in the Lords prayer which I am sure everyone has read at some point. We are not just saying, "ok God your awesome hears my list of demands." We are to be praying Father blessed be your name, let your will be done in my life as you see fit for this situation. Notice any difference? We've went from making a list of demands to willingly accepting what God knows is best for us. I have been guilty of this myself, I take the scripture ask and you shall receive out of context and expect God to start forking out what I want. I totally missed the first part of the scripture about seeking first the Kingdom of God. If I am truly seeking God even though I may not have the answer as to what it is I'm truly looking for I can keep an open heart to what it is God really wants to do. You see the fact is we think we know ourselves so well that we actually think we know what we need to make us happy. The simple fact is the torment and brokeness we feel is actually a by product of us thinking we have the answer and moving before God gives to go ahead. Now don't get me wrong on this I do know of situations where the hurt we feel wasn't caused by something we did, perhaps someone you trusted hurt you. The fact remains that once we have been hurt its up to us to either live with it, or lay it completely at God's feet. Heres a few verses all with a common theme lets see if you can find that theme.
Matt 10:39 "Whoever finds his life will lose it,and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Mark 3:35 "Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."
John 4:14 "Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst."
John 11:26 "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away."
Ok lets stop here for a moment. Did you see the common theme here? Theres a few actually first is the whoever policy, It doesn't say "whoever that fits within a certain category." It say WHOEVER. So that would mean what exactly? Thats right, whoever. Theres also another theme here one thats very important. Notice that its whoever is truly seeking God. Not whoever asks for their own selfish desire. We are to be truly seeking God's will for our life not seeking to to fulfill our will for our life. 1 Tim 2:6 Peter affirms that it's not God's will for any to be lost; but for all to come to repentance. What is true repentance? Is it sinning then asking forgiveness with the desire to do it again knowing you can just ask the Lord to forgive you again? No it's truly recognizing you messed up and fell short and telling the Lord your sorry, and asking Him to change that area of your life! Does that happen over night? No it doesnt does it, but it is the true heart of repentance.
The last point I wish to make is this, the scripture says who ever believes in me will not perish.
Does this mean, I believe there is a God so im not going to hell? NO it doesn't. Does it mean I believe Christ is the Son of God so I live my life any way I choose but I'm still going to make it to heaven? No it doesn't. To get to the bottom of what it means we need to examine the word BELIEVE. This word has been down played so much in society that it has lost it's true meaning. Heres a simple fact for those of you who are sitting there right now thinking "this guys off his rocker" What if I told you theres one person who knows God is real, and also knows Jesus is the Son of God but is going to hell? There is and that person is Satan... Point made? believing and knowing is 2 different things, we look at believe as knowing something rather than what believe should actually mean. Those who truly believe in the Lord have this one thing in common, we Love the Lord. What does God say about those who Love Him? Those who love me keep my commandments. remember that verse? So keeping His commandments means we do what? We Obey Him. So if we then transfer the meaning to the scripture we get a new understanding. Whoever obeys (loves) (believes) will not perish but have everlasting life. Kinda brings things into a new spectrum doesn't it?
I hope this short message has helped in some way, I know there are those of us who are hurting from various backgrounds of life, I'm one of them. I also know that it's never easy to surrender every area of our life to the Lord as I fall short everyday. Thats where grace comes in. God's grace through the sacrifice Christ made covers my downfalls. I don't however view that as a pass to sin anytime I want. If your hurting God knows it, He wishes to pull you close and let you pour your heart out to Him. If you let Him He will take those ashes from your past and make them into something beautiful, just know this. It doesn't happen over night. Keep believing, keep trusting and most of all, keep obeying.
Hard truth that will have you saying ouch
I like how we as a people like to take whats in God's Word, twist it for our own benefit rather than put it in context and allow God to mold our lives to it. Sure its painful because it means in some areas we have to admit we were wrong, and in others we may have to forgive the unforgivable. Rest assured God will give you the strength as His Word does not return to Him void. It accomplishes exactly what it is set out to accomplish.
Another point. I hear many time how we may have been wronged. Trust me I am guilty of this as well and it's only recently I've given these areas over to the Lord. We look at something someone did against us and weigh it as the most horrible sin someone could do. Why do I do this? Well I personally have done it because it gives me a sense of justification to hold onto anger or hatred. We as Christians are not supposed to let either one take root in our lives. The fact is the simplest offense brought against us in time will grow into a mountain of anger and eventually hate should we not give it to the Lord. I know right now some are reading this thinking yeah well you just dont know what they did to me. Your right I don't, and I would never be able to explain why certain injustices may have been brought against you. But God does. He has the answer but if we hold onto anger and hate we'll never hear from Him.
I have been on a steady downward spiral spiritually lately. Some may have noticed others may not. Something that God has been revealing to me this evening is this. I've allowed hate to consume a large part of my heart. I've tried to deny it. What good can come from not admitting it. You may be thinking "I dont hate the person but they hurt me and I dont like being hurt." Well that hurt is going to turn into unforgiveness then anger and eventually hate!
Anyone can find a reason to justify in their mind being offended. Here were mine:
She cheated on me, My life and all my dreams were ripped out from under me. I was lied to. He murdered my kids.ECT... I wont list them all but you get the gest.
Well heres the dealio people. People messed up and my life was altered BIG TIME! But heres another fact, I'm not perfect! I've sinned believe it or not. Of course in my mind I weigh certain sin heavier because it just seems so horrible. The fact is I did weigh those actions or sins someone else did and place them against me. Heres something I just came to realize that may not make sense at first but if you keep reading will have some light shed on it. The people who changed my life forever sinned yes. But not against me.. Heres where I expect to lose some of you. They sinned against God not me. I am not to judge anyone if I pass judgment then that is saying I set the standard for what is and isn't forgivable.
I am a child of God, and with that privilege also comes a command. Forgive others as Christ has forgiven me! Do I deserve forgiveness? Well I tried to justify, I've never killed anyone, I stayed faithful. The truth is God doesn't see degrees to sin. I've lied before among other sins. If God doesn't see degrees to sin and all sin is equal then I would have to come to the conclusion I as a human am just as vile as someone who murdered my kids. Thats a harsh view to cast upon ones self. But It is looking at myself through the eyes of God. For with out Christs grace my self righteousness appears as filth before the eyes of the Lord. It's by Christs blood I am washed clean and by His blood I am saved. With out having accepting the gift of salvation I am just as bad as a murderer, and adulterer, a rapist, a thief. All my life I have messed up. God doesn't see any difference between a man who murders than he does a unsaved man who stole a penny out of a wishing well. He sees a sinner. Whats more He wants that sinner to repent. Heres where it gets hard. The only way those people we categorize as unforgivable will ever have a chance of seeing God's grace while here is if we as the one who was wronged follow Gods command and FORGIVE! We sinned against God and He forgave us now its our turn to spread that love Christ spoke about and lived out all the way to a cross on a hill. Justice will prevail, just because you forgive someone doesn't mean they wont be held accountable by law should that be the offense against you. Forgiveness doesn't mean you condone the action it means you forgive the lost soul who committed it.
I forgive those responsible as of tonight. Their fate lies within Gods hands. Justice lays now in God's hands as well as the hands of appointed officials, lawyers, judges and eventually a jury. For the sake of living my life unto the Lord I lay these things which burden me at Christs feet. I will no longer allow it to direct my life and i will no longer allow anger to keep hold of my heart. In the Bible it's said He who hates his brother commits murder. I will no longer hold onto hate. I also will not water down the Word of the Lord because some people think its to harsh. In the eyes of the world I have every reason to hold onto hate and anger but in the eyes of the Lord I am sinning by doing so. I choose not to live a life of sin!
Eph 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
We are to focus on the root of the persons action not on the person! Is it so hard to understand people do horrible things when they are not serving God? If your not serving God then your serving your own fleshly desires. In simplest terms SIN.
How will the unsaved know the Lord when those who are supposed to be sharing the light of Christ are hiding it because we were offended?
Another point. I hear many time how we may have been wronged. Trust me I am guilty of this as well and it's only recently I've given these areas over to the Lord. We look at something someone did against us and weigh it as the most horrible sin someone could do. Why do I do this? Well I personally have done it because it gives me a sense of justification to hold onto anger or hatred. We as Christians are not supposed to let either one take root in our lives. The fact is the simplest offense brought against us in time will grow into a mountain of anger and eventually hate should we not give it to the Lord. I know right now some are reading this thinking yeah well you just dont know what they did to me. Your right I don't, and I would never be able to explain why certain injustices may have been brought against you. But God does. He has the answer but if we hold onto anger and hate we'll never hear from Him.
I have been on a steady downward spiral spiritually lately. Some may have noticed others may not. Something that God has been revealing to me this evening is this. I've allowed hate to consume a large part of my heart. I've tried to deny it. What good can come from not admitting it. You may be thinking "I dont hate the person but they hurt me and I dont like being hurt." Well that hurt is going to turn into unforgiveness then anger and eventually hate!
Anyone can find a reason to justify in their mind being offended. Here were mine:
She cheated on me, My life and all my dreams were ripped out from under me. I was lied to. He murdered my kids.ECT... I wont list them all but you get the gest.
Well heres the dealio people. People messed up and my life was altered BIG TIME! But heres another fact, I'm not perfect! I've sinned believe it or not. Of course in my mind I weigh certain sin heavier because it just seems so horrible. The fact is I did weigh those actions or sins someone else did and place them against me. Heres something I just came to realize that may not make sense at first but if you keep reading will have some light shed on it. The people who changed my life forever sinned yes. But not against me.. Heres where I expect to lose some of you. They sinned against God not me. I am not to judge anyone if I pass judgment then that is saying I set the standard for what is and isn't forgivable.
I am a child of God, and with that privilege also comes a command. Forgive others as Christ has forgiven me! Do I deserve forgiveness? Well I tried to justify, I've never killed anyone, I stayed faithful. The truth is God doesn't see degrees to sin. I've lied before among other sins. If God doesn't see degrees to sin and all sin is equal then I would have to come to the conclusion I as a human am just as vile as someone who murdered my kids. Thats a harsh view to cast upon ones self. But It is looking at myself through the eyes of God. For with out Christs grace my self righteousness appears as filth before the eyes of the Lord. It's by Christs blood I am washed clean and by His blood I am saved. With out having accepting the gift of salvation I am just as bad as a murderer, and adulterer, a rapist, a thief. All my life I have messed up. God doesn't see any difference between a man who murders than he does a unsaved man who stole a penny out of a wishing well. He sees a sinner. Whats more He wants that sinner to repent. Heres where it gets hard. The only way those people we categorize as unforgivable will ever have a chance of seeing God's grace while here is if we as the one who was wronged follow Gods command and FORGIVE! We sinned against God and He forgave us now its our turn to spread that love Christ spoke about and lived out all the way to a cross on a hill. Justice will prevail, just because you forgive someone doesn't mean they wont be held accountable by law should that be the offense against you. Forgiveness doesn't mean you condone the action it means you forgive the lost soul who committed it.
I forgive those responsible as of tonight. Their fate lies within Gods hands. Justice lays now in God's hands as well as the hands of appointed officials, lawyers, judges and eventually a jury. For the sake of living my life unto the Lord I lay these things which burden me at Christs feet. I will no longer allow it to direct my life and i will no longer allow anger to keep hold of my heart. In the Bible it's said He who hates his brother commits murder. I will no longer hold onto hate. I also will not water down the Word of the Lord because some people think its to harsh. In the eyes of the world I have every reason to hold onto hate and anger but in the eyes of the Lord I am sinning by doing so. I choose not to live a life of sin!
Eph 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
We are to focus on the root of the persons action not on the person! Is it so hard to understand people do horrible things when they are not serving God? If your not serving God then your serving your own fleshly desires. In simplest terms SIN.
How will the unsaved know the Lord when those who are supposed to be sharing the light of Christ are hiding it because we were offended?
Scattered thoughts
There comes a time in every believers life where all you have left is faith. Faith that the circumstances that surround you will pass, faith that your loved ones are in a better place, faith that despite all other appearances you are not alone. Looking around at my life at this moment to an unbeliever it would appear as all has been lost, that I have been forsaken and left alone until the inevitable defeat will conquer me. As a believer in Christ I know this is far from the truth, I am never alone. In time the Lord will restore that which was taken. I know that even though life here has changed and though appearances tell those around me I have lost everything dear to me that this is far from the truth. My children were one of the best things to ever be givin to me by the Lord and even though man may have tried taking them from me they have been set in Heaven for all time, even now as each day passes by I believe they are planning out the day in which we will be reunited in Heaven! I've had a chance to speak with and reach out to many people over the past months who have lost their children in various ways and always see the same under lining emotions which plagues them. Loss, abandoned, depression, and in some case defeat. Of course most people who lost their children at the hands of someone else feel the most common emotion of anger it is not the one which holds their heart the hardest. I find it important to help them realize their precious child has now been set aside for all eternity and will never have to experience heart ache or any other type of pain. That in fact their child (those which were living for the Lord or too young to be able to make that choice) are now rejoicing in Heaven, but whats more is that they now have someone in Heaven cheering them on through the struggles life throws at us. I'll be honest it's not always so easy to look at life from this view point and at times I myself have been so selfish to miss the truth about the wonderful life they now have and wish so hard for another moment with them.
It is important for everyone here on this earth to not lose sight of the truth. God will never leave you. Even though at times it may feel like we have been forsaken its important to remember that is not the case. I look back on moments now where I felt all alone, even though I had family and friends surround me I still felt no connection to the world around me. But now as I look back I see where the Lord was there, holding me and helping me through each and every moment. Always remember this, the love you have for your child, God feels even more love toward you. We are His children and He wants the best for us. Even though at times it doesn't look like He's in the picture know this. Things happen on this earth many things unfair. We have been given a free will as men and women and sometimes choices made by others change our life in devastating ways even with all this chaos going on around us God has a plan, a plan for your life where no matter what happens He will see it fulfilled! When something happens to us it doesn't trip God up on the plan He's set out for you. He is all knowing even when you were in the womb He knew exactly what was going to happen in our life. The only one who can derail the plan God has for your life is you! If you turn your back on Him and walk away only then have you been defeated. So keep your eyes on the Lord. When everything in life tells you that your done for remember the promise the Lord has given, He will never leave or forsake you. Stand fast and know that He is LORD!
It is important for everyone here on this earth to not lose sight of the truth. God will never leave you. Even though at times it may feel like we have been forsaken its important to remember that is not the case. I look back on moments now where I felt all alone, even though I had family and friends surround me I still felt no connection to the world around me. But now as I look back I see where the Lord was there, holding me and helping me through each and every moment. Always remember this, the love you have for your child, God feels even more love toward you. We are His children and He wants the best for us. Even though at times it doesn't look like He's in the picture know this. Things happen on this earth many things unfair. We have been given a free will as men and women and sometimes choices made by others change our life in devastating ways even with all this chaos going on around us God has a plan, a plan for your life where no matter what happens He will see it fulfilled! When something happens to us it doesn't trip God up on the plan He's set out for you. He is all knowing even when you were in the womb He knew exactly what was going to happen in our life. The only one who can derail the plan God has for your life is you! If you turn your back on Him and walk away only then have you been defeated. So keep your eyes on the Lord. When everything in life tells you that your done for remember the promise the Lord has given, He will never leave or forsake you. Stand fast and know that He is LORD!
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