Psalm 150:1-6 "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."
Perhaps no book exemplifies the spirit of praise and worship more than the Book of Psalms. It has more verses of praise than any other book in the Bible. Obviously, God desires the prises of His people and me for one am glad this book was written to inspire us to praise God.
Our heavenly Father tells us to give Him thanks in everything (1Thess.5:18)-even when things press against our souls. We may not understand what is happening; we may never understand it. But God's will in each circumstance is that we praise and thank Him.
But Why?
It's because praise is the clearest and most direct means you and I can declare our dependence on God. We can trust in Him in the darkest hour. We confess our allegiance and devotion to Jesus Christ, who was crucified for us and whom we are eternally joined.
Here are some specific benefits that derive from praising the Lord:
Praise magnifies God. Praise puts our focus on God, not on our problems. God's power, presence, and ability transform our thinking.
Praise humbles us. When we worship God, we gain a right view of ourselves. Praise deflates excess pride and ego. WE gain a healthy self-image based on God's view of us. By removing pride, praise strengthens us against temptation.
Praise reveals our devotion to God. If I love Christ, I will praise Him. If He has first place in my life, I will honor Him with worship and thanksgiving.
Praise motivates us to holy living. Praise opens our hearts to want to live the way God desires-holy and separated unto Him, to do His will above our own, to want to be like Him more than like anyone else. The more we worship Him, the more like Him we will become.
Praise increases our joy. Joy is the constant companion of praise. If we feel depressed or discouraged, praising God will soon bring us joy.
Praise establishes our faith. The greater we see our God; the smaller we see our problem.
Praise elevates our emotions. Worry, fear, and doubt cannot survive for long in an atmosphere of praise.
If you want to see a difference in your relationship with Christ and in your walk with Him, start to praise Him today. Continue even when you feel prone to give up. Commit yourself to a life of praise and fellowship with Jesus-and experience the fullness of what God means by "joy."
God Bless.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
REPENT, CONFESS AND BE BAPTIZED
Thirty years after Jesus’ birth the appearance of John the Baptist comes into the region of Judea [Matthew 3]. He resembled the prophet Elijah in the way he dressed, that is clothes of camel’s hair and a leather belt [2 Kings 1:8; Zech. 13:4]. And he ate locusts and wild honey. [Leviticus 11:21] Like Elijah he was a rough outdoorsman with a forthright message. The heart of his message to those in Jerusalem and Judea was repentance and confession of their sins. The significant action that identified John’s message was Baptism. The Jews were familiar with the rite of baptism, but this was different for them. It signified the repentance, confession of sin and a commitment to a holy life in anticipation of the coming Messiah [Jesus Christ].
However, not all believed. The Pharisees and Sadducees, who came to see what he was doing, rejected his message. They believed that they, as physical sons of Abraham, were automatically qualified for Messiah’s kingdom. John repudiated the Pharisaic Judaism and called them to repentance and to renew their Covenant with God again, this time through repentance and the act of commitment through baptism.
In Genesis 15 God renewed his vows to Abraham and then in Chapter 17 he seals His covenant in Abraham’s flesh through circumcision. Now in the New Testament God is using his “Ambassador,” John the Baptist to introduce a new covenant with Jews and the sign of this commitment is baptism.
Today, the Scriptures say to all who sin: “ If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) The repentance and confession of our sins becomes our commitment with God and it is sealed with baptism. It is the outward sign of commitment, but to be effective an inward change of attitude leading to a changed life must occur and that can only be accomplished by the work of the Holy Spirit. My friend, if you haven’t repented and confessed your sins to Christ Jesus – it is time while the door is opened. “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”(1 Corinthians 6:1) Your next step after repentance and confession is your sign of commitment to change your behavior and you can do this through baptism. This is written in God’s word!
God Bless.
Thirty years after Jesus’ birth the appearance of John the Baptist comes into the region of Judea [Matthew 3]. He resembled the prophet Elijah in the way he dressed, that is clothes of camel’s hair and a leather belt [2 Kings 1:8; Zech. 13:4]. And he ate locusts and wild honey. [Leviticus 11:21] Like Elijah he was a rough outdoorsman with a forthright message. The heart of his message to those in Jerusalem and Judea was repentance and confession of their sins. The significant action that identified John’s message was Baptism. The Jews were familiar with the rite of baptism, but this was different for them. It signified the repentance, confession of sin and a commitment to a holy life in anticipation of the coming Messiah [Jesus Christ].
However, not all believed. The Pharisees and Sadducees, who came to see what he was doing, rejected his message. They believed that they, as physical sons of Abraham, were automatically qualified for Messiah’s kingdom. John repudiated the Pharisaic Judaism and called them to repentance and to renew their Covenant with God again, this time through repentance and the act of commitment through baptism.
In Genesis 15 God renewed his vows to Abraham and then in Chapter 17 he seals His covenant in Abraham’s flesh through circumcision. Now in the New Testament God is using his “Ambassador,” John the Baptist to introduce a new covenant with Jews and the sign of this commitment is baptism.
Today, the Scriptures say to all who sin: “ If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) The repentance and confession of our sins becomes our commitment with God and it is sealed with baptism. It is the outward sign of commitment, but to be effective an inward change of attitude leading to a changed life must occur and that can only be accomplished by the work of the Holy Spirit. My friend, if you haven’t repented and confessed your sins to Christ Jesus – it is time while the door is opened. “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”(1 Corinthians 6:1) Your next step after repentance and confession is your sign of commitment to change your behavior and you can do this through baptism. This is written in God’s word!
God Bless.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
HOPE OF PEACE
When we reminisce about this year’s past and present events, we don’t see many changes in the world we live in, that is, our soldiers are still at war, divorce rate continues to rise, financial crisis booming high and our nation struggles with unemployment. It appears like no silver lining at the end of the day. But if you are a believer in Christ our Savior you will know that there is hope for you.
Our Savior was sent to us to make a change in us, “... so that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) We are in this world, but not of this world. There may be wars, crisis in nature, our surroundings and even in our homes, but we have HOPE. If we lose our faith we lose hope, because that is what faith is according to Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
My friend, at the end of the day and of this year 2009 -don’t give up even when things don’t go your way or the world’s –grasp on to the One who gives Hope and stay with Him. My prayer at the end of the day is for Peace in my life, home and for this world.
PEACE
I heard the sounds of bombs
Exploding in the air
And I saw the children’s faces
With tears of losing loved ones there.
Then I looked around with great despair
In search of Peace for us all there
And looked above with hope of finding there:
Peace was the shout within,
Peace for the child that’s hurting,
Peace for the world today;
Peace, Peace, Peace.
(Author: Mary Perez Vansher)
Our Savior was sent to us to make a change in us, “... so that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) We are in this world, but not of this world. There may be wars, crisis in nature, our surroundings and even in our homes, but we have HOPE. If we lose our faith we lose hope, because that is what faith is according to Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
My friend, at the end of the day and of this year 2009 -don’t give up even when things don’t go your way or the world’s –grasp on to the One who gives Hope and stay with Him. My prayer at the end of the day is for Peace in my life, home and for this world.
PEACE
I heard the sounds of bombs
Exploding in the air
And I saw the children’s faces
With tears of losing loved ones there.
Then I looked around with great despair
In search of Peace for us all there
And looked above with hope of finding there:
Peace was the shout within,
Peace for the child that’s hurting,
Peace for the world today;
Peace, Peace, Peace.
(Author: Mary Perez Vansher)
Thursday, November 5, 2009
SERVING WITH GLADNESS
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and give light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:15-16, NIV)
This time of the year I look forward to the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas and enjoying the company of family and having fellowship with believers. But there are also festivities our local church puts on during this time. These tasks entail participation – calling believers to volunteer for service. I realize that I’m a vessel to be used in God’s work for His glory and this can include giving up my time to serve with joy and enthusiasm with those in God’s temple.
My friend, serving is a blessing that sometimes we miss out on, because we say, “I don’t have the time.” In Jesus we find the essence of how to be a giver of self to others, for instance, he healed the sick, gave sermons, prayed to his Heavenly Father and did many wonderful things for people, but he never complained about how little time he had, or the number of people he healed; or the lack of faith that some of his disciples showed. Jesus did not complain, but gladly involved himself in serving others. He set the precedent for us to emulate.
The apostle Paul speaks to the church of Ephesus and to us in Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We become Christians through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part. However, out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, love, and gentleness, and not merely to please ourselves. We are not saved for our own benefit, but we are saved to serve Christ and build up the Church.
I recently came from visiting Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas where I saw enthusiasm of service in believers helping out during their Feast of Tabernacle celebration. It was a blessing to participate in this celebration, but what made it a success were those giving of themselves showing love and generosity to strangers. The world’s view is “what’s in it for me?” But instead we should be saying as Colossians 3:17 says “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Be a blessing this holiday and serve others with gladness!
God Bless.
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and give light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:15-16, NIV)
This time of the year I look forward to the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas and enjoying the company of family and having fellowship with believers. But there are also festivities our local church puts on during this time. These tasks entail participation – calling believers to volunteer for service. I realize that I’m a vessel to be used in God’s work for His glory and this can include giving up my time to serve with joy and enthusiasm with those in God’s temple.
My friend, serving is a blessing that sometimes we miss out on, because we say, “I don’t have the time.” In Jesus we find the essence of how to be a giver of self to others, for instance, he healed the sick, gave sermons, prayed to his Heavenly Father and did many wonderful things for people, but he never complained about how little time he had, or the number of people he healed; or the lack of faith that some of his disciples showed. Jesus did not complain, but gladly involved himself in serving others. He set the precedent for us to emulate.
The apostle Paul speaks to the church of Ephesus and to us in Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We become Christians through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part. However, out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, love, and gentleness, and not merely to please ourselves. We are not saved for our own benefit, but we are saved to serve Christ and build up the Church.
I recently came from visiting Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas where I saw enthusiasm of service in believers helping out during their Feast of Tabernacle celebration. It was a blessing to participate in this celebration, but what made it a success were those giving of themselves showing love and generosity to strangers. The world’s view is “what’s in it for me?” But instead we should be saying as Colossians 3:17 says “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Be a blessing this holiday and serve others with gladness!
God Bless.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
LOOKING UP TO CHRIST
There are things we humans must go through in life, some good and some bad - but wasn't man responsible for the state of sin in this world that brought about diseases? Yes, But Christ gave us victory to see that even though these things exist there is a better life for us in Him and also an eternal life with Him when he comes a second time. This is our hope! Even though we suffer with trials, testing, persecutions and even death - our aim or as the apostle Paul says: "Our citizenship is in heaven." And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." (Philippians 3:20-21)
My friend, you suffer and worry about what is happening to you, but Paul tells us not to worry (remember he was persecuted and executed) His example gives us hope! The Christ who raised Lazarus, healed the blind and the possesed by demons; and the disabled is YOUR GOD! Nothing is impossible to God! (Matthew 19:26) Did you know that you have intercessors ?Believers who can pray for you and won't give up! Even the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in our weakness. (Romans 8:26) The Psalmist tells us to "Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." In times of trouble call on His name.
Many times I've been laid in bed sick with pain, but when I think of God's word it brings strength to overcome the physical pain, because I can proclaim the name of Jesus Christ and His blood to overcome anything. I trust God to bring healing and sometimes that healing can be accomplished through a man with knowledge (physicians) that have been given gifts to help others in need. The Bible speaks of Luke, a regular physician and a godly man. He served in two areas, that is, as a physician and as a writer of the gospel of Luke and Acts. Therefore, my friend we must first place our trust in God Almighty to bring healing to our body and let our Lord use those he has imparted gifts of science and technology to bring about repairs to our physical body. Only God is in control and only He can make things possible.
What must you do?
1. Listen to God's voice - the truth (the Word)
2. Believe it - Take action by being faithful to God no matter what the circumstances are TRUST HIM.
3. Take Action -The patriarch Abraham listened to God (Ge.12:1), he obeyed Him (Ge. 12:2) acting on faith he left his nation, relatives to go to a place God had for him. His obedience to the Word (God's word is truth - John 17:17) brought blessings. Proclaim the name of Jesus Christ and his blood! They have power over any disease.
4. Worship- Abraham raised a second altar and called upon the name of the Lord. He showed thankfulness and honor to the One who called him Friend.
We are friends of the Almighty. Jesus called Lazarus his friend (John 11:11), and He calls "friends" all who believe on Him and obey Him (John 15:13-15).
It is my hope that you affirm your faith through the reading of God's Word and pray trusting Your Friend Jesus.
May The Lord Bless You!
My friend, you suffer and worry about what is happening to you, but Paul tells us not to worry (remember he was persecuted and executed) His example gives us hope! The Christ who raised Lazarus, healed the blind and the possesed by demons; and the disabled is YOUR GOD! Nothing is impossible to God! (Matthew 19:26) Did you know that you have intercessors ?Believers who can pray for you and won't give up! Even the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in our weakness. (Romans 8:26) The Psalmist tells us to "Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." In times of trouble call on His name.
Many times I've been laid in bed sick with pain, but when I think of God's word it brings strength to overcome the physical pain, because I can proclaim the name of Jesus Christ and His blood to overcome anything. I trust God to bring healing and sometimes that healing can be accomplished through a man with knowledge (physicians) that have been given gifts to help others in need. The Bible speaks of Luke, a regular physician and a godly man. He served in two areas, that is, as a physician and as a writer of the gospel of Luke and Acts. Therefore, my friend we must first place our trust in God Almighty to bring healing to our body and let our Lord use those he has imparted gifts of science and technology to bring about repairs to our physical body. Only God is in control and only He can make things possible.
What must you do?
1. Listen to God's voice - the truth (the Word)
2. Believe it - Take action by being faithful to God no matter what the circumstances are TRUST HIM.
3. Take Action -The patriarch Abraham listened to God (Ge.12:1), he obeyed Him (Ge. 12:2) acting on faith he left his nation, relatives to go to a place God had for him. His obedience to the Word (God's word is truth - John 17:17) brought blessings. Proclaim the name of Jesus Christ and his blood! They have power over any disease.
4. Worship- Abraham raised a second altar and called upon the name of the Lord. He showed thankfulness and honor to the One who called him Friend.
We are friends of the Almighty. Jesus called Lazarus his friend (John 11:11), and He calls "friends" all who believe on Him and obey Him (John 15:13-15).
It is my hope that you affirm your faith through the reading of God's Word and pray trusting Your Friend Jesus.
May The Lord Bless You!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
TURNING YOUR EYES AWAY FROM GOD
“Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.” (Proverbs 3:7 NIV)
There is a story in the Old Testament about King Uzziah who was blessed, because “he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord”... (2 Chronicles 26: 4) The Bible says “He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God.” Therefore, we can concur that this young king had a mentor who helped him grow in God’s law. Today we call them teachers. How many of you are blessed to have godly people helping you understand God’s word through bible studies? It is a blessing to have Christian men and women teach God’s Word and king Uzziah had such a person.
We learned that Uzziah had one requirement, that is “as long as he sought the Lord, he would be successful.” (2 Chronicles 26:5). Sometimes my friend, with success comes a heap of responsibility and character is tested. When we turn our eyes from God to this world –things are bound to go wrong.
The events of Uzziah’s life are impressive with regards to his accomplishments: he built towns; fortified towers, dug cisterns and God helped him against his enemies. He became famous and powerful amongst his neighbors. (v. 8)
What led to his downfall? He took his eyes away from the God who had given him success and power. The story of king Uzziah of Judah starts out in success, but ends up in defeat. The word of God says, that he became very powerful and his “pride led to his downfall.” (v.16)
“He went into the temple of the Lord and he burned incense on the altar of incense. Only the descendants of Aaron, who had been consecrated for this task, were allowed to do this. The courageous priests of the Lord confronted the king and told Uzziah to leave, because he had been unfaithful and had dishonored his Lord. Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry. While he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the Lord’s temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead.” (vs. 18-19) The end result was a life of solitude and separation for king Uzziah. He had leprosy until the day he died. (v. 20)
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE TURN AWAY FROM GOD?
To the believer, there are consequences to pay. We know we have a forgiving Savior who paid the price for our sins. Yet, if we continue sinning knowing we are doing so, be ready to pay the price on Judgment day. (See Revelations 21:8) The Bible says: “ while there is time and we see the day approaching let us turn to our Lord in obedience, not conforming to the desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But live holy lives.” (1 Peter 1:14-15)
My friend, these stories and many others are written for us to learn from, so that we may grow in God’s love and abide in Him. Let us follow His ways with reverential fear knowing that we all have to give account for what we do.
Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
And keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. (Matthew 24:42)
God Bless.
“Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.” (Proverbs 3:7 NIV)
There is a story in the Old Testament about King Uzziah who was blessed, because “he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord”... (2 Chronicles 26: 4) The Bible says “He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God.” Therefore, we can concur that this young king had a mentor who helped him grow in God’s law. Today we call them teachers. How many of you are blessed to have godly people helping you understand God’s word through bible studies? It is a blessing to have Christian men and women teach God’s Word and king Uzziah had such a person.
We learned that Uzziah had one requirement, that is “as long as he sought the Lord, he would be successful.” (2 Chronicles 26:5). Sometimes my friend, with success comes a heap of responsibility and character is tested. When we turn our eyes from God to this world –things are bound to go wrong.
The events of Uzziah’s life are impressive with regards to his accomplishments: he built towns; fortified towers, dug cisterns and God helped him against his enemies. He became famous and powerful amongst his neighbors. (v. 8)
What led to his downfall? He took his eyes away from the God who had given him success and power. The story of king Uzziah of Judah starts out in success, but ends up in defeat. The word of God says, that he became very powerful and his “pride led to his downfall.” (v.16)
“He went into the temple of the Lord and he burned incense on the altar of incense. Only the descendants of Aaron, who had been consecrated for this task, were allowed to do this. The courageous priests of the Lord confronted the king and told Uzziah to leave, because he had been unfaithful and had dishonored his Lord. Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry. While he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the Lord’s temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead.” (vs. 18-19) The end result was a life of solitude and separation for king Uzziah. He had leprosy until the day he died. (v. 20)
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE TURN AWAY FROM GOD?
To the believer, there are consequences to pay. We know we have a forgiving Savior who paid the price for our sins. Yet, if we continue sinning knowing we are doing so, be ready to pay the price on Judgment day. (See Revelations 21:8) The Bible says: “ while there is time and we see the day approaching let us turn to our Lord in obedience, not conforming to the desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But live holy lives.” (1 Peter 1:14-15)
My friend, these stories and many others are written for us to learn from, so that we may grow in God’s love and abide in Him. Let us follow His ways with reverential fear knowing that we all have to give account for what we do.
Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
And keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. (Matthew 24:42)
God Bless.
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