We all like to strive for best, or at least we like others to pat us on the back and say to us “well done!” We want to be known for doing something. Some want to leave legacies that will carry their names by building mega churches, stadiums, or just placing a name on a brick. Even King Solomon was commended by queen Sheba for all his wisdom and the wonders of his works established in the house he had built, described in 2 Chronicles 9:3-5. Then she said to the king “It was a true report.” She said to the king she no longer had to hear from someone else, but had seen it with her own eyes. WOW what a compliment!
Today, the worldview of self-worth seems to center on the visible appearance of things and less on the actions of people. The courts of the land seem to be less critical of gay marriages and more punitive about prayers in schools. But what is the proper view of “self” in light of God’s Word? God’s Word tells us the truth. We cannot rely on feelings to validate the truth. It is a fact that God loves us individually and places great value in us.
Through knowledge of the Word, I understand that my self-worth is not in what I do – it’s in what Jesus did. As a Christian, my who-who I am-is not based on my behavior or what I do: my identity is in Christ. When we are born again, God looks at us and sees the righteousness of Christ, not everything we’ve done wrong.
“For our sake He made Christ to be sin who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) In Jeremiah 1:5 God says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew and approved of you…” If God approves of us, knowing all the wrong we will ever do, then you and I have no right to disapprove of ourselves.
I believe that God wants our mind and mouth in agreement with his Word. Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word have I laid up in my heart that I might not sin against you.” In Luke 6:45 Jesus said: “out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart (the) mouth speaks.” Satan is always busy trying to keep us out of God’s word. He wants us to think and talk about all our faults, failures and weaknesses. He wants us to go around from daylight till dark saying how awful we are WHY? Because he knows we believe what we think and say about ourselves more than what anybody else says about us. If we accept the condemning thoughts of the enemy we cannot walk in the confidence of who we are in Christ. We cannot place our confidence in anything else but Christ alone.
Philippians 3:3 says, “For we (Christians)…exult and glory and pride ourselves in Jesus Christ, and put no confidence or dependence (on what we are) in the flesh and on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearances.”
God doesn’t want us to trust or have our value in our physical appearance, talents, education, job, children, friends, religion or anything else. He wants us to find our worth and place our confidence in Christ alone. “Apart from Him, we can do nothing” (15:5) but we “Can do all things through Christ which strengthens us.” (Philippians 4:13)
I encourage you to accept yourself in spite of your weaknesses – God does. Make the decision to get your mind and your mouth in line with His Word. Start proclaiming the positive promises of Scripture over your life, and you’ll discover that His grace is all you need to succeed.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
EMBRACING HOPE
(The Homeless Mom by Mary PerezVansher)
She scavenged for food to feed her little ones
Picking out of the rubble something to eat.
Oft she dared to dream of one fresh speckle of bread,
Or a piece of raw meat to sustain her physical strength.
Yet in the plight of her disparity the sun glowed,
It showed a radiance of light that meant hope.
She had nothing to lose for she had lost it all,
But only to trust the ray of light that was calling to her.
Uncertain and fearful she asked this new hope
“Why look upon me now, for I am destitute?”
A gentle voice was heard, it said:
“My child I never forgot you, I was there at your birth.”
Her life transpired quickly through her window of memories
Seeing the little girl she once new, one full of life and hope.
How sorry she was for the wrong turn in life.
She opened her heart with tears in her eyes
Embracing Hope that was once lost but now found.
There are times when we fail to recognize the call of the holy spirit telling us to yield to the path that will bring us a better way of life; one of peace, joy and fulfillment. But even when we stray from that path that God has purposed for us, he still does not forsake his children. He is still there trying to get our attention.
“He will not abandon me or leave me as an orphan in the storm – He will come to me.” (John 14:18 KJV)
This homeless mom had come to the edge of her desperation with no food, or shelter to keep her children warm at night. Everything she had -vanished instantly, because she had decided to gamble it all during a poker game. Her addiction had taken over her life to the point of not thinking about her family, nor what the consequences of a one more game would do to her. It took one more gamble, her last, and the one that would break her spirit, joy, peace and her relationship with her God.
There are many today that are addicted to things like drugs, prostitution and other such vices. In a moment of thrills it too can snap away the blessings you once had. But for those whose souls are downcast without hope –God is calling you! “In the day of trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.” Psalm 86:7 like the homeless mom, open your heart to Him and embrace hope. Remember this “God is our refuge and strength and ever present help in time of trouble.” Psalm 46:1
“Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? My hope is in God and I wait expectantly for him, for I shall yet praise him, my Help and my God.” Psalm 42:3
(The Homeless Mom by Mary PerezVansher)
She scavenged for food to feed her little ones
Picking out of the rubble something to eat.
Oft she dared to dream of one fresh speckle of bread,
Or a piece of raw meat to sustain her physical strength.
Yet in the plight of her disparity the sun glowed,
It showed a radiance of light that meant hope.
She had nothing to lose for she had lost it all,
But only to trust the ray of light that was calling to her.
Uncertain and fearful she asked this new hope
“Why look upon me now, for I am destitute?”
A gentle voice was heard, it said:
“My child I never forgot you, I was there at your birth.”
Her life transpired quickly through her window of memories
Seeing the little girl she once new, one full of life and hope.
How sorry she was for the wrong turn in life.
She opened her heart with tears in her eyes
Embracing Hope that was once lost but now found.
There are times when we fail to recognize the call of the holy spirit telling us to yield to the path that will bring us a better way of life; one of peace, joy and fulfillment. But even when we stray from that path that God has purposed for us, he still does not forsake his children. He is still there trying to get our attention.
“He will not abandon me or leave me as an orphan in the storm – He will come to me.” (John 14:18 KJV)
This homeless mom had come to the edge of her desperation with no food, or shelter to keep her children warm at night. Everything she had -vanished instantly, because she had decided to gamble it all during a poker game. Her addiction had taken over her life to the point of not thinking about her family, nor what the consequences of a one more game would do to her. It took one more gamble, her last, and the one that would break her spirit, joy, peace and her relationship with her God.
There are many today that are addicted to things like drugs, prostitution and other such vices. In a moment of thrills it too can snap away the blessings you once had. But for those whose souls are downcast without hope –God is calling you! “In the day of trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.” Psalm 86:7 like the homeless mom, open your heart to Him and embrace hope. Remember this “God is our refuge and strength and ever present help in time of trouble.” Psalm 46:1
“Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? My hope is in God and I wait expectantly for him, for I shall yet praise him, my Help and my God.” Psalm 42:3
Thursday, March 20, 2008
WHAT EASTER MEANS TO ME
It was on a Sunday evening service that the message of Jesus Christ’s resurrection was preached just like other services around the world, except this one was special. It was that night when the call to the alter was made and I came out of darkness into the light by accepting Christ as my Lord and Savior.
The journey for me had just begun that day. It was a night of victory; one that couldn’t be explained with words. My life had been drenched with the blood of the Lamb, cleansed and released from the sting of death – FREEDOM had been calling to me from the heaviness of sin that dwelt in my body and mind.
I was in my youth, but not into drugs; heavy drinking; or any other vice that entice some youth today. But yet I had lied, disobeyed, and acted selfishly. I felt the heaviness of sin in my life and a battle going on in my soul, wanting to be good but couldn’t. The weakness of my flesh was too strong.
It was through a neighbor’s invitation, someone who cared enough to knock on my front door and say: “Jesus Loves You. Come see for yourself!” Those words, those words were like Jesus himself speaking to me and I felt it. I don’t know if my conviction had happened before I came to church that night, but when I heard the calling of the Pastor for those to come and surrender it all to Jesus. He said: “Don’t wait for later nor tomorrow, because God is calling you now." I felt so humbled and with teary eyes I asked Jesus to forgive me.
“For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee; behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2) KJV
I felt Jesus had delivered me from sin and I was a new person. In my heart I knew I belonged to Jesus and the heaviness of sin was gone. I began to Praise the Lord! Victory from death, and freedom from sin was embraced that Easter service 1967.
I still remember like it was yesterday, singing “He lives within my heart.” Does he live in your heart?
Come, feel the power of Jesus in your life, accept Him today and claim the victory of His resurrection in you!
Pray with me: “Thank you, Jesus for your precious blood on Calvary. Lord Jesus, today I surrender all to you. Forgive me of my sins and let the victory over death be mine today. Amen
The journey for me had just begun that day. It was a night of victory; one that couldn’t be explained with words. My life had been drenched with the blood of the Lamb, cleansed and released from the sting of death – FREEDOM had been calling to me from the heaviness of sin that dwelt in my body and mind.
I was in my youth, but not into drugs; heavy drinking; or any other vice that entice some youth today. But yet I had lied, disobeyed, and acted selfishly. I felt the heaviness of sin in my life and a battle going on in my soul, wanting to be good but couldn’t. The weakness of my flesh was too strong.
It was through a neighbor’s invitation, someone who cared enough to knock on my front door and say: “Jesus Loves You. Come see for yourself!” Those words, those words were like Jesus himself speaking to me and I felt it. I don’t know if my conviction had happened before I came to church that night, but when I heard the calling of the Pastor for those to come and surrender it all to Jesus. He said: “Don’t wait for later nor tomorrow, because God is calling you now." I felt so humbled and with teary eyes I asked Jesus to forgive me.
“For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee; behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2) KJV
I felt Jesus had delivered me from sin and I was a new person. In my heart I knew I belonged to Jesus and the heaviness of sin was gone. I began to Praise the Lord! Victory from death, and freedom from sin was embraced that Easter service 1967.
I still remember like it was yesterday, singing “He lives within my heart.” Does he live in your heart?
Come, feel the power of Jesus in your life, accept Him today and claim the victory of His resurrection in you!
Pray with me: “Thank you, Jesus for your precious blood on Calvary. Lord Jesus, today I surrender all to you. Forgive me of my sins and let the victory over death be mine today. Amen
Saturday, March 15, 2008
THE HEART OF WORSHIP
When the music fades, all is stripped away,
And I simply come.
Longing just to bring something that's of worth
That will bless Your heart.
I'll bring You more than a song,
For a song in itself is not what You have required.
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear;
You're looking into my heart.
I'm coming back to the heart of worship,
And it's all about You, all about You, Jesus.
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it,
When it's all about you; it's all about You, Jesus.
- Matt Redman -
Here's my version of how this song speaks to my heart about how it is all about Jesus.
Marie couldn't believe it. Her birthday party had been a total failure. A few girls came bearing brightly wrapped presents. They gathered around the birthday girl and sang happy birthday while holding on to their gifts. When the song was over, as quickly as they had come, the girls were gone. And they didn't even leave the presents.
As unthinkable as this scenario is, sometimes that's how we approach the Lord's Day. We show up at His house looking a little nicer than we ordinarily do. We come prepared to give Him our hearts. At first everything seems to be on track. We follow the lead of the praise team and sing a medley of worship choruses with feeling and expression. But when the singing stops, it's as if we've disconnected.
It's good to remind ourselves that even though we sometimes refer to "praise singing" as worship, what we do the entire time we are at church is worship. The essence of worship is relating to the one whose day it is. It's all about Him, not just the songs.
" Serve the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." Psalm 100:2
Every day should be about our worship to Jesus for every moment is given to us by God's grace. And if we have an opportunity to worship God daily, then every moment is all about Him. Whatever fills our days, whatever God calls us to do in any moment, we can remember that whatever job we do, we are doing it for Him because it's all about Him.
It's not about us; it's about Him.
1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
And I simply come.
Longing just to bring something that's of worth
That will bless Your heart.
I'll bring You more than a song,
For a song in itself is not what You have required.
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear;
You're looking into my heart.
I'm coming back to the heart of worship,
And it's all about You, all about You, Jesus.
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it,
When it's all about you; it's all about You, Jesus.
- Matt Redman -
Here's my version of how this song speaks to my heart about how it is all about Jesus.
Marie couldn't believe it. Her birthday party had been a total failure. A few girls came bearing brightly wrapped presents. They gathered around the birthday girl and sang happy birthday while holding on to their gifts. When the song was over, as quickly as they had come, the girls were gone. And they didn't even leave the presents.
As unthinkable as this scenario is, sometimes that's how we approach the Lord's Day. We show up at His house looking a little nicer than we ordinarily do. We come prepared to give Him our hearts. At first everything seems to be on track. We follow the lead of the praise team and sing a medley of worship choruses with feeling and expression. But when the singing stops, it's as if we've disconnected.
It's good to remind ourselves that even though we sometimes refer to "praise singing" as worship, what we do the entire time we are at church is worship. The essence of worship is relating to the one whose day it is. It's all about Him, not just the songs.
" Serve the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." Psalm 100:2
Every day should be about our worship to Jesus for every moment is given to us by God's grace. And if we have an opportunity to worship God daily, then every moment is all about Him. Whatever fills our days, whatever God calls us to do in any moment, we can remember that whatever job we do, we are doing it for Him because it's all about Him.
It's not about us; it's about Him.
1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
Saturday, March 8, 2008
TRUE BEAUTY
In our culture today the visible outer appearance seems to be the focal point of attractiveness. External physical attributes and personal adornments such as clothing, make-up, jewelry and hairstyles constitute the notion of beauty. For women these things are reasons for getting jobs, better pay, promotions, status, and winning a man. There is no question that the emphasis on beauty is embedded in society today. It has been commercialized so much that just driving down the freeway you are bound to see an Ad made by a beautiful woman. While the Lord does not condemn physical attractiveness, he does say in 1 Peter 3 that women should take care to adorn ourselves with true beauty; the inner person, the hidden person of our heart.
In 1 Samuel 16:7 the Lord makes this point about how man focuses on the outward appearance:
“It was time for Samuel to choose one of Jesse’s boys to be the next king of Israel, because God had taken away Saul’s kingdom from him. When he arrived, he saw Eliab thinking he would be the one God had chosen. In verse 7: “Do not consider his appearance or his height for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at what man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
It is clear from these verses that God isn’t interested in beauty pageants when it comes to the definition of beauty. He’s not looking at your height, skin color, attractiveness, nor status; but he is interested in the person you are inside: your thoughts, your feelings and actions. He seeks out the person who loves and serves him.
Proverbs 31:30 “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
The biblical definition of beauty can be summed up as “tranquil or of a quiet spirit.” Unlike clothes or physical attractiveness, a quiet spirit is a quality that does not perish. A gentle and quiet spirit is truly what makes a woman beautiful. Some women assume that a quiet spirit means, wearing only gray clothing, sitting in the back of the room, and never speaking. This is not what constitutes a quiet spirit. It is a tranquility rising from within; one who is calm, not anxious, and does not worry. It is the confidant woman who waits on the Lord and is not easily agitated or disturbed by daily cares or uncomfortable circumstances. Are You That Person?
Remember God has given us three things to provide us with victory: a spirit of power, a spirit of love, and self-discipline. As women desiring to be seen by God as having inner beauty, we must make a decision to be obedient in this area in our lives. Relying on the Holy Spirit to empower us to discipline ourselves in this area. Let us adorn ourselves with a quiet spirit that God considers as “a precious attribute.”
In 1 Samuel 16:7 the Lord makes this point about how man focuses on the outward appearance:
“It was time for Samuel to choose one of Jesse’s boys to be the next king of Israel, because God had taken away Saul’s kingdom from him. When he arrived, he saw Eliab thinking he would be the one God had chosen. In verse 7: “Do not consider his appearance or his height for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at what man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
It is clear from these verses that God isn’t interested in beauty pageants when it comes to the definition of beauty. He’s not looking at your height, skin color, attractiveness, nor status; but he is interested in the person you are inside: your thoughts, your feelings and actions. He seeks out the person who loves and serves him.
Proverbs 31:30 “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
The biblical definition of beauty can be summed up as “tranquil or of a quiet spirit.” Unlike clothes or physical attractiveness, a quiet spirit is a quality that does not perish. A gentle and quiet spirit is truly what makes a woman beautiful. Some women assume that a quiet spirit means, wearing only gray clothing, sitting in the back of the room, and never speaking. This is not what constitutes a quiet spirit. It is a tranquility rising from within; one who is calm, not anxious, and does not worry. It is the confidant woman who waits on the Lord and is not easily agitated or disturbed by daily cares or uncomfortable circumstances. Are You That Person?
Remember God has given us three things to provide us with victory: a spirit of power, a spirit of love, and self-discipline. As women desiring to be seen by God as having inner beauty, we must make a decision to be obedient in this area in our lives. Relying on the Holy Spirit to empower us to discipline ourselves in this area. Let us adorn ourselves with a quiet spirit that God considers as “a precious attribute.”
Monday, March 3, 2008
THE WAVE OF FEAR
The first thing I think about when I hear the phrase “the wave” is baseball. Many of us associate the term with sports due to the excitement and the thrill of the moment that is carried out by the music in a sports stadium. But there is another side that isn’t as thrilling, one that is created by the overwhelming fear.
The wave of fear may come suddenly in life. It can be sickness, break-ups, financial loss, and even death. This fear does not discriminate, it is real. Can you relate? Like a tornado, it hits us unexpectedly; and it can beat us to the point of anxiety and desperate solutions.
Jesus’ disciples became threatened when the waves came upon them:
“And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship,
so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow; and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? (Mark 4:37) (KJV)
The waves were beating on this little boat to such an extent that it was shaking and little by little it was filling up with water. It must have been a frightening experience for Jesus’ disciples, and perhaps they may have been a little annoyed that Jesus was not helping them. They knew well that the Master was asleep not too far from them. The same person whom they had seen change the water into wine, heal the leper and the paralytic was in the same boat. Their only hope to survive the waves that were beating furiously against the boat was JESUS. The disciples took action and awakened Jesus because they were in a desperate situation.
Do you call to Him when you are in need? Even if you know Jesus as your Savior, are there times when you question his sovereignty, or his love for you? The disciples asked Jesus if he cared for them, but he instead of answering them, he showed them by solving the problem.
“He arose, and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, Peace, be still.”
(Mark 4:39)
He didn’t have to answer their question, because he knew what was on their minds and in their hearts. When our fears lead to doubt and we have exhausted our human efforts trying to make things work, when troubles keep beating on us like a wave that’s when he takes control. It is then that he lifts us up and says: “Peace be still”
He brings results to our problems. You may even see it through a brother, a friend or even the least person you would ever imagine. He knows our needs, but all we have to do is call upon Him.
“And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked form Him.” (1 John 5:15)
The disciples asked Jesus if he cared? He answered them with another question:
“Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)
Perhaps we need to ponder this question and learn that with faith we can do anything. Faith is a builder of hope, solutions, and giver of victories. When we have faith in Jesus, all things are possible.
The wave of fear may come suddenly in life. It can be sickness, break-ups, financial loss, and even death. This fear does not discriminate, it is real. Can you relate? Like a tornado, it hits us unexpectedly; and it can beat us to the point of anxiety and desperate solutions.
Jesus’ disciples became threatened when the waves came upon them:
“And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship,
so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow; and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? (Mark 4:37) (KJV)
The waves were beating on this little boat to such an extent that it was shaking and little by little it was filling up with water. It must have been a frightening experience for Jesus’ disciples, and perhaps they may have been a little annoyed that Jesus was not helping them. They knew well that the Master was asleep not too far from them. The same person whom they had seen change the water into wine, heal the leper and the paralytic was in the same boat. Their only hope to survive the waves that were beating furiously against the boat was JESUS. The disciples took action and awakened Jesus because they were in a desperate situation.
Do you call to Him when you are in need? Even if you know Jesus as your Savior, are there times when you question his sovereignty, or his love for you? The disciples asked Jesus if he cared for them, but he instead of answering them, he showed them by solving the problem.
“He arose, and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, Peace, be still.”
(Mark 4:39)
He didn’t have to answer their question, because he knew what was on their minds and in their hearts. When our fears lead to doubt and we have exhausted our human efforts trying to make things work, when troubles keep beating on us like a wave that’s when he takes control. It is then that he lifts us up and says: “Peace be still”
He brings results to our problems. You may even see it through a brother, a friend or even the least person you would ever imagine. He knows our needs, but all we have to do is call upon Him.
“And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked form Him.” (1 John 5:15)
The disciples asked Jesus if he cared? He answered them with another question:
“Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)
Perhaps we need to ponder this question and learn that with faith we can do anything. Faith is a builder of hope, solutions, and giver of victories. When we have faith in Jesus, all things are possible.
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