This poem is dedicated to the men and women who fought, and are fighting in Iraq. May the Lord bless them and their families.
I cry for them
That is at war
Seeing the battling
soldier torn.
Amidst the blazing fire of night,
Calling the brother to his side.
As day approaches
All is clear,
But the remains of parts to drear
For as they clamor
To the falling site,
‘God speed my day till dawn appears’.
I cry for them, I cry for them,
Let Heaven hear my voice a near.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
GOD IS OUR STRENGTH
“Thou will keep him in perfect peace
Whose mind is stayed on thee, because he
trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever:
for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting
strength” Isaiah 26:3-4 (KJV)
Just recently, my son Billy lost his license during his visit home. It was upsetting for me, because as a mom we don’t like seeing our children go through troubles. But a scriptural verse came to mind:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
It carried a message that lifted my Spirit when I repeatedly quoted it in my mind. It tells me that we can take cover from the darted flames that Satan throws at us. That God will shield us and protect us. (Psalm 91:4) He will provide for us victory when we are discouraged, in troubles, in sickness, or any problems we face. It says to me that we are more than conquerors and nothing is impossible when we call on His name.
It is the Lord’s strength that made a little boy named David battle the Philistine giant Goliath. David proved to his brothers, King Saul and soldiers, that in the name of Lord there is victory. It was God’s strength David trusted. God’s spirit was working in David. It is that spirit of strength working in us today, and will bring victory against all troubles.
God shows his Sovereignty, his control over situations. He simply wants our trust in Him. He wants us to ask him. Jesus said: “Ask and it shall be given to you…”(Matt. 7:7)
My peace, was trusting God to take charge of my son’s problem. But how many of us take the time to pray in a given situation? Sometimes, our problems defeat us because we think “Stinking Thinking”. We say: “If I don’t do it, it won’t get done.” When we think this way, we are saying to God that we don’t need Him. He is not big enough to control the situation. It is ungodly to think this way. I say: “God Is Our Strength, therefore he will take charge over my trouble.” God uses people or things to turn around a situation.
My son’s story ended in victory. God used an unidentified person who mailed his license. The envelope had no return address. The person wanted to keep it anonymous. God gets the glory. He answered our prayers and he gets the praise. What a magnificent God we serve! HE IS OUR STRENGTH!
Whose mind is stayed on thee, because he
trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever:
for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting
strength” Isaiah 26:3-4 (KJV)
Just recently, my son Billy lost his license during his visit home. It was upsetting for me, because as a mom we don’t like seeing our children go through troubles. But a scriptural verse came to mind:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
It carried a message that lifted my Spirit when I repeatedly quoted it in my mind. It tells me that we can take cover from the darted flames that Satan throws at us. That God will shield us and protect us. (Psalm 91:4) He will provide for us victory when we are discouraged, in troubles, in sickness, or any problems we face. It says to me that we are more than conquerors and nothing is impossible when we call on His name.
It is the Lord’s strength that made a little boy named David battle the Philistine giant Goliath. David proved to his brothers, King Saul and soldiers, that in the name of Lord there is victory. It was God’s strength David trusted. God’s spirit was working in David. It is that spirit of strength working in us today, and will bring victory against all troubles.
God shows his Sovereignty, his control over situations. He simply wants our trust in Him. He wants us to ask him. Jesus said: “Ask and it shall be given to you…”(Matt. 7:7)
My peace, was trusting God to take charge of my son’s problem. But how many of us take the time to pray in a given situation? Sometimes, our problems defeat us because we think “Stinking Thinking”. We say: “If I don’t do it, it won’t get done.” When we think this way, we are saying to God that we don’t need Him. He is not big enough to control the situation. It is ungodly to think this way. I say: “God Is Our Strength, therefore he will take charge over my trouble.” God uses people or things to turn around a situation.
My son’s story ended in victory. God used an unidentified person who mailed his license. The envelope had no return address. The person wanted to keep it anonymous. God gets the glory. He answered our prayers and he gets the praise. What a magnificent God we serve! HE IS OUR STRENGTH!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
A GENTLE SPIRIT
When we commit ourselves in Christ’s ways and walk in godliness, that is, in fear of God (reverential), love, and a desire for Him; we discover that the quality of a gentle spirit is an attribute, which God finds of great value to all of us, both men and women. In James 3:17 the trait of being gentle is evidenced by Heavenly wisdom. That means that our conduct should be wise and he continues saying that we have a mature relationship in our walk with the Lord, because of this. Gentleness will be manifested in our lives (it will show) everywhere we go. It is a fruit of the Spirit (gentleness) as stated in Galatians 5:22, 23. This is a result of our walk with God.
God values gentleness in men and women for it is not a visible adornment like: clothes, jewelry, or the latest fashionable hairstyle. Christ himself exemplifies the gift of gentleness. Many men find this trait not “manly” enough. But if Christ himself - a man sets the example, then the message is for all mankind. It is inappropriate to make exceptions to this truth. Gentleness is to be manifested in our Christian walk, our testimony, and speech; and in the way we treat others. To understand the meaning of the term “gentle” it is helpful to know the opposite or antonym of this word. Here are some opposites according to Webster’s Dictionary: harsh; rough; fierce; irritating; forceful; unpleasant, or non agreeable. Now, if I were to know anyone with these traits, I would find them to be very unfriendly. On the other hand, a gentle person is one who possesses an inward grace of the soul. It is one who demonstrates: moderation; patience; cooperation; humbleness; consideration towards others; fair, and a giver. Wouldn’t you’d rather be with such a person?
My friend, gentleness is not a weakness, but strength under control. It emphasizes the active way we should treat others. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12) Jesus said to his disciples that the second most important commandment is “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But the first is, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” If we are to obey his command, then we need to walk in Him and reflect his love in us to others. Some argue we don’t have the personality type conducive to the behavior God desires for us to manifest. (Hog wash!) All of us have strength and weaknesses, but all of God’s word applies to all of us.
If we lack gentleness, the Lord will display his power, and change us, in the areas of our greatest weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9, 10) “The Lord says to you: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” If you need this precious quality of a gentle spirit to be more visible in our daily walk, then ask our heavenly Father for He promises to give: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks find; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8) BE GENTLE MEANS POWER UNDER CONTROL!
When we commit ourselves in Christ’s ways and walk in godliness, that is, in fear of God (reverential), love, and a desire for Him; we discover that the quality of a gentle spirit is an attribute, which God finds of great value to all of us, both men and women. In James 3:17 the trait of being gentle is evidenced by Heavenly wisdom. That means that our conduct should be wise and he continues saying that we have a mature relationship in our walk with the Lord, because of this. Gentleness will be manifested in our lives (it will show) everywhere we go. It is a fruit of the Spirit (gentleness) as stated in Galatians 5:22, 23. This is a result of our walk with God.
God values gentleness in men and women for it is not a visible adornment like: clothes, jewelry, or the latest fashionable hairstyle. Christ himself exemplifies the gift of gentleness. Many men find this trait not “manly” enough. But if Christ himself - a man sets the example, then the message is for all mankind. It is inappropriate to make exceptions to this truth. Gentleness is to be manifested in our Christian walk, our testimony, and speech; and in the way we treat others. To understand the meaning of the term “gentle” it is helpful to know the opposite or antonym of this word. Here are some opposites according to Webster’s Dictionary: harsh; rough; fierce; irritating; forceful; unpleasant, or non agreeable. Now, if I were to know anyone with these traits, I would find them to be very unfriendly. On the other hand, a gentle person is one who possesses an inward grace of the soul. It is one who demonstrates: moderation; patience; cooperation; humbleness; consideration towards others; fair, and a giver. Wouldn’t you’d rather be with such a person?
My friend, gentleness is not a weakness, but strength under control. It emphasizes the active way we should treat others. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12) Jesus said to his disciples that the second most important commandment is “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But the first is, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” If we are to obey his command, then we need to walk in Him and reflect his love in us to others. Some argue we don’t have the personality type conducive to the behavior God desires for us to manifest. (Hog wash!) All of us have strength and weaknesses, but all of God’s word applies to all of us.
If we lack gentleness, the Lord will display his power, and change us, in the areas of our greatest weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9, 10) “The Lord says to you: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” If you need this precious quality of a gentle spirit to be more visible in our daily walk, then ask our heavenly Father for He promises to give: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks find; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8) BE GENTLE MEANS POWER UNDER CONTROL!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
STANDING UP FOR JESUS
“For God has not given me a Spirit of fear, but of power
of love and of self-discipline.” 1 Timothy 1:7
It is time to stand up for Jesus. Jesus sat upon the Mount of Olives and his disciples came to him privately saying: “Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of the coming, and of the end of the world? (Matthew 24:3) It is not unusual to ask ourselves, as believers the same question the disciples asked Jesus when we are seeing these signs happening in our times. We would be blind not to admit that truly what is in the Holy Scriptures is coming to pass. We know these things are to happen as signs of Jesus’ return. But like Noah, are we getting ready? When looking closely at this story in Genesis 6:5 that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and much of evil imagination of thoughts was on his mind, does that present a picture of our times? But God sent his servant Noah to warn the people to repent, but they did not listen to him. Instead they mocked him. There are many servants of God preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ today with the same message Noah brought to his generation. The same is preached in our churches, but few are coming to the calling. Why? Because the hearts of many have been harden by what they see around them instead of placing their hope on the only one that gives life everlasting- Jesus Christ. Here are some examples of when we allow our feelings to dictate our actions:
When the apostle Paul was on a ship headed towards Italy, he looked at the dangerous surroundings caused by the winds and waves. He warned to the men that the voyage was going to be disastrous to the ship and their lives. His discernment was not entirely correct. What was going to happen and what actually happen were two different things. (Acts 27:10 & 24) Sometimes our feelings get in the way of facts and of what God is trying to tell us. In Paul’s case, what he saw clouded his judgment. One reason people feel “disappointed in God” is because they rely on their feelings to dictate their actions. Sometimes, fear becomes a factor in not allowing us to seek God’s will. In Paul’s case, he saw the dangers involved and allowed it to lose perspective on God’s promise. Today, we see signs around us that clearly are biblically described as end times. Our stand should not be one of fear or of vagueness to accept His word. We should harness onto our Faith and hope in Jesus Christ who is the only salvation. God’s Word is always true; God always keeps His promises.
Just recently a young boy named Damare was crucified to a chair. His knees and feet were nailed down just because he attended a church service. But when asked how he felt about his abusers, he simply said that he forgave them, because Jesus forgave us.
“But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by hour and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true: as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” (2 Corinthians 6: 4-10) KJV
Jesus is telling us today like he did his disciples, to follow him. Our journey is not one of riches or pleasures on earth, but rather one of sacrifice, and carrying a cross no matter how painful it becomes. Our reward is one that is eternal. Let us stand boldly like Damare, for what we belief is the Truth.
of love and of self-discipline.” 1 Timothy 1:7
It is time to stand up for Jesus. Jesus sat upon the Mount of Olives and his disciples came to him privately saying: “Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of the coming, and of the end of the world? (Matthew 24:3) It is not unusual to ask ourselves, as believers the same question the disciples asked Jesus when we are seeing these signs happening in our times. We would be blind not to admit that truly what is in the Holy Scriptures is coming to pass. We know these things are to happen as signs of Jesus’ return. But like Noah, are we getting ready? When looking closely at this story in Genesis 6:5 that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and much of evil imagination of thoughts was on his mind, does that present a picture of our times? But God sent his servant Noah to warn the people to repent, but they did not listen to him. Instead they mocked him. There are many servants of God preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ today with the same message Noah brought to his generation. The same is preached in our churches, but few are coming to the calling. Why? Because the hearts of many have been harden by what they see around them instead of placing their hope on the only one that gives life everlasting- Jesus Christ. Here are some examples of when we allow our feelings to dictate our actions:
When the apostle Paul was on a ship headed towards Italy, he looked at the dangerous surroundings caused by the winds and waves. He warned to the men that the voyage was going to be disastrous to the ship and their lives. His discernment was not entirely correct. What was going to happen and what actually happen were two different things. (Acts 27:10 & 24) Sometimes our feelings get in the way of facts and of what God is trying to tell us. In Paul’s case, what he saw clouded his judgment. One reason people feel “disappointed in God” is because they rely on their feelings to dictate their actions. Sometimes, fear becomes a factor in not allowing us to seek God’s will. In Paul’s case, he saw the dangers involved and allowed it to lose perspective on God’s promise. Today, we see signs around us that clearly are biblically described as end times. Our stand should not be one of fear or of vagueness to accept His word. We should harness onto our Faith and hope in Jesus Christ who is the only salvation. God’s Word is always true; God always keeps His promises.
Just recently a young boy named Damare was crucified to a chair. His knees and feet were nailed down just because he attended a church service. But when asked how he felt about his abusers, he simply said that he forgave them, because Jesus forgave us.
“But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by hour and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true: as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” (2 Corinthians 6: 4-10) KJV
Jesus is telling us today like he did his disciples, to follow him. Our journey is not one of riches or pleasures on earth, but rather one of sacrifice, and carrying a cross no matter how painful it becomes. Our reward is one that is eternal. Let us stand boldly like Damare, for what we belief is the Truth.
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