“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!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
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.
Friday, April 25, 2008
PUTTING ON DILIGENCE
INTRODUCTION:
I want to start by asking you if you like to wear hats? Pause. I’m glad I’m not alone! I like wearing hats and I have at home about a dozen different hats. My favorite hat is a straw hat that can fold and I can put it in my suitcase folded. I wear my hat practically everywhere, except to church.
Like I said before, I do have other hats I wear but I always come back to my favorite hat.
The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:22: “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Which one of these do you need the most?
I need all of them but the one I need the most is love.
How can I make myself to love others? Being kind and patient? To have the self-control when your child is screaming in the grocery store and everyone is staring at you wondering how you will react? Can you relate as a parent? I know I can, because it happened to me. But when it happened, I dealt with the situation as calmly as possible. You see, I would quietly surrender it to the Lord in prayer asking for his peace, patience and a soft word to take the anger away (Proverbs 15:1)
The flesh wants to do the opposite. It wants to yell and strike at what is provoking our peace. But
WHEN TO PUT ON DILIGENCE:
By putting an effort to what God has given me. We find in 1Timothy 4:7 “…discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness”. The New Testament Greek word for discipline is gymnazo, which means “to exercise or to train.” In other words, it means do it over and over until you get it right. How godly we become depends on how hard we work at it. Old habits of sinful thought do not disappear. They have to be replaced with new, godly ways of thinking and responding. To be… “Transformed by the renewing of their minds” (Romans 12:2) as we work to be a kinder, patient and loving person, the Holy Spirit supernaturally enables us. Eventually the godliness response becomes the automatic response. This process is called in Ephesians and Colossians as the process of change.
EXAMPLE
When we buy a new car it comes with everything we want: oil, brakes, air conditioning, seat belts, alarm, lights, defogger, windshield wipers, etc. It is well equipped. Why do we want a car that is well equipped? It gives us good transportation. But in order to maintain the car, we need to change the oil, get it serviced every 6 months and change brakes when needed. We do all this for our new car in order to keep it running. The same way, God gave us a wonderful body that we need to maintain in order to keep it healthy because this body grows older each year. We need to keep diligence with keeping ourselves healthy so that our anatomy will live longer.
The same way we are diligent trying to keep this outer shell healthy, we also need to be diligent with our spirituality. How do we do this? Prayer, Reading the Word, Time for Worship and Fellowship with the saints.
When do I do this? Well, we need to take time to be diligent.
It’s easy to be distracted when we want to be diligent for the Lord! Let me say it again: It’s easy to be distracted when we want to be diligent for the Lord! (Read: Galatians 6:8)
“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Do I want to feed my spirit with the right things, like God’s word, His worship and doing things that glorify our Savior? Yes, indeed. God’s word tells us in Matthew 6:33 to “let us therefore seek His kingdom (God first) and his righteousness; all these things (what you will wear, what you will eat) shall be added unto you.” In other words, when we put him first he is going to take care of your needs. What a great God!
In conclusion, we can be diligent in seeking God by putting Him first in our lives. When we do this, we can trust Him to fulfill His promises to us.
I want to start by asking you if you like to wear hats? Pause. I’m glad I’m not alone! I like wearing hats and I have at home about a dozen different hats. My favorite hat is a straw hat that can fold and I can put it in my suitcase folded. I wear my hat practically everywhere, except to church.
Like I said before, I do have other hats I wear but I always come back to my favorite hat.
The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:22: “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Which one of these do you need the most?
I need all of them but the one I need the most is love.
How can I make myself to love others? Being kind and patient? To have the self-control when your child is screaming in the grocery store and everyone is staring at you wondering how you will react? Can you relate as a parent? I know I can, because it happened to me. But when it happened, I dealt with the situation as calmly as possible. You see, I would quietly surrender it to the Lord in prayer asking for his peace, patience and a soft word to take the anger away (Proverbs 15:1)
The flesh wants to do the opposite. It wants to yell and strike at what is provoking our peace. But
WHEN TO PUT ON DILIGENCE:
By putting an effort to what God has given me. We find in 1Timothy 4:7 “…discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness”. The New Testament Greek word for discipline is gymnazo, which means “to exercise or to train.” In other words, it means do it over and over until you get it right. How godly we become depends on how hard we work at it. Old habits of sinful thought do not disappear. They have to be replaced with new, godly ways of thinking and responding. To be… “Transformed by the renewing of their minds” (Romans 12:2) as we work to be a kinder, patient and loving person, the Holy Spirit supernaturally enables us. Eventually the godliness response becomes the automatic response. This process is called in Ephesians and Colossians as the process of change.
EXAMPLE
When we buy a new car it comes with everything we want: oil, brakes, air conditioning, seat belts, alarm, lights, defogger, windshield wipers, etc. It is well equipped. Why do we want a car that is well equipped? It gives us good transportation. But in order to maintain the car, we need to change the oil, get it serviced every 6 months and change brakes when needed. We do all this for our new car in order to keep it running. The same way, God gave us a wonderful body that we need to maintain in order to keep it healthy because this body grows older each year. We need to keep diligence with keeping ourselves healthy so that our anatomy will live longer.
The same way we are diligent trying to keep this outer shell healthy, we also need to be diligent with our spirituality. How do we do this? Prayer, Reading the Word, Time for Worship and Fellowship with the saints.
When do I do this? Well, we need to take time to be diligent.
It’s easy to be distracted when we want to be diligent for the Lord! Let me say it again: It’s easy to be distracted when we want to be diligent for the Lord! (Read: Galatians 6:8)
“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Do I want to feed my spirit with the right things, like God’s word, His worship and doing things that glorify our Savior? Yes, indeed. God’s word tells us in Matthew 6:33 to “let us therefore seek His kingdom (God first) and his righteousness; all these things (what you will wear, what you will eat) shall be added unto you.” In other words, when we put him first he is going to take care of your needs. What a great God!
In conclusion, we can be diligent in seeking God by putting Him first in our lives. When we do this, we can trust Him to fulfill His promises to us.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
GIVEN THREE WISHES
STOP! This is not what you think. My message is not about astrology, nor divinations, not at all. It is a message that comes directly from the gospel and is suitable for this week, because it is National Prayer Week. But first let me ask you: What would you do if you found a genie in a bottle and were given three wishes? I’m sure you’re thinking by now what your answer would be. Would it be materialistic things, such as: a big home, brand new car, a trip anywhere in the world, and the list is endless. It sounds ambitious and selfish doesn’t it? But the truth is we don’t need a genie to fulfill our needs – we have a sovereign God who controls everything. He dresses the lilies of the fields, He feeds the birds from the air; he gives us rain to produce crops; he gives us the sun to give us warmth; and again the list is endless.
This is the God who provides opportunities for us when we are in need of a job, when we call upon His name to restore our health when we are sick, or brings peace to our spirit when we have lost someone dear to us. The God of HOPE is my God! It is He who tells me in Ephesians 4:19 “My God shall supply all of my needs, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” So then, what should I ask when I pray? Should it be the material things of this world? Before answering, let’s consider the following:
1 Kings 3:3 “And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statues of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.” There are three attributes of Solomon, which indicates his relationship with God: loved the Lord, walked in the statues of his father David and offered sacrifices. It appears that Solomon during this period was in good standing with God. When he went to Gibeon, there the Lord appeared to him in a dream by night and God said to him in verse 5: “Ask what I shall give thee.”
Imagine God asking you “what do you want?”
Solomon acknowledges to God with expressions of humility and inadequacy because he was too young, not smart enough, overwhelmed by the number of people (verses 7 & 8). The end result of his response is wanting for an understanding heart, ability to distinguish good and evil, and for strength to deal with so many people. It sounds like the request of a true leader! God commended Solomon for not asking for life, riches, and victories over enemies, but instead God granted him with three extra things he did not ask for, i.e.riches, honor, and long life.
The unselfish nature of Solomon’s request and the abundant grace God showered him as a result is apparent. I hope when we come to pray to our sovereign Father that we come with a humble heart and ask for the right things. Keep in mind that the Lord already knows what things we are in need of even before we ask.
“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 finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Sprit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Romans 8:26.
This is the God who provides opportunities for us when we are in need of a job, when we call upon His name to restore our health when we are sick, or brings peace to our spirit when we have lost someone dear to us. The God of HOPE is my God! It is He who tells me in Ephesians 4:19 “My God shall supply all of my needs, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” So then, what should I ask when I pray? Should it be the material things of this world? Before answering, let’s consider the following:
1 Kings 3:3 “And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statues of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.” There are three attributes of Solomon, which indicates his relationship with God: loved the Lord, walked in the statues of his father David and offered sacrifices. It appears that Solomon during this period was in good standing with God. When he went to Gibeon, there the Lord appeared to him in a dream by night and God said to him in verse 5: “Ask what I shall give thee.”
Imagine God asking you “what do you want?”
Solomon acknowledges to God with expressions of humility and inadequacy because he was too young, not smart enough, overwhelmed by the number of people (verses 7 & 8). The end result of his response is wanting for an understanding heart, ability to distinguish good and evil, and for strength to deal with so many people. It sounds like the request of a true leader! God commended Solomon for not asking for life, riches, and victories over enemies, but instead God granted him with three extra things he did not ask for, i.e.riches, honor, and long life.
The unselfish nature of Solomon’s request and the abundant grace God showered him as a result is apparent. I hope when we come to pray to our sovereign Father that we come with a humble heart and ask for the right things. Keep in mind that the Lord already knows what things we are in need of even before we ask.
“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 finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Sprit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Romans 8:26.
Monday, April 14, 2008
When we live with passion, we honor God powerfully because He created us with passion and loves us with a passion. If we are to reflect the image of our Creator, we ought to be passionate people. This is all about a basic mindset, a heart attitude for embracing life positively, energetically and full on. It is about valuing every moment of everyday and seeing life itself as a gift from God. I am not talking about being passionate only about spiritual things, but we are to have a Christianity that embraces all of life.
If we are to live a passionate life, we must first understand the difference between passion and obligation. You do what you want from passion, but you do what you have to from a sense of obligation. We see this principle displayed in the life of an Olympic athlete. There is an inner force of passion that drives and athlete to sacrifice, stay focused and stay committed. What do athletes like Christy Yamaguchi, Tiger Woods, Steve Young and others who have succeeded in their field of sports have in common? Discipline. It is a passion that motivates them to get out of bed and train when everyone else is asleep, to forgo late nights and an unhealthy lifestyle. Passion drives them to a disciplined life.
Things in life often start out as a passion but end up becoming a boring obligation.
Is there an area of your life that began with passion, but it has ended up becoming a boring obligation? Take for instance Faith. It starts with passion, but it can become just a ritual, or Marriage begins with passion, but can become a boring routine. Ministry starts with passion and ends up as an obligation. We need to have a regular heart-check to determine if our life has become one big, boring obligation, or if we are still infused with a passion for God and life.
Another reason why some people lose their passion is because they think it is not spiritual to be passionate about things that aren’t sacred. However, Paul writes in Colossians 3:23, Whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men…(NKJV). This shows us that God does not want us to divide our passion. Some of us are only passionate about spiritual matters, like church, Bible study or Christian events, but not about our family, marriage, work, leisure or hobbies. I find myself being guilty in this area. I love my family, but I wish I could spend more time in fellowship with them. It is wonderful to be passionate about our spiritual life, but something is wrong if that is the only area where passion is applied.
We should not separate the sacred and the secular because Paul wrote, whatever you do, do it heartily. I feel the Spirit is speaking not just to me, but also to some of you as I write this message. Yes, Paul’s words apply to every area of our lives, including those things we must do, those things we choose to do, those things we are gifted to do, those things we are commanded to do, and those things we are called to do.
Let us allow the Holy Spirit to embrace our entire lives including the details of our normal, seemingly boring everyday life – I believe we can turn any situation into a part of the adventure of being a Christian.
My prayer for you today is for us not to settle for a mere existence, but to pursue the passionate, abundant life that Jesus came to give you. Give Him the glory!
"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10 (KJV)
If we are to live a passionate life, we must first understand the difference between passion and obligation. You do what you want from passion, but you do what you have to from a sense of obligation. We see this principle displayed in the life of an Olympic athlete. There is an inner force of passion that drives and athlete to sacrifice, stay focused and stay committed. What do athletes like Christy Yamaguchi, Tiger Woods, Steve Young and others who have succeeded in their field of sports have in common? Discipline. It is a passion that motivates them to get out of bed and train when everyone else is asleep, to forgo late nights and an unhealthy lifestyle. Passion drives them to a disciplined life.
Things in life often start out as a passion but end up becoming a boring obligation.
Is there an area of your life that began with passion, but it has ended up becoming a boring obligation? Take for instance Faith. It starts with passion, but it can become just a ritual, or Marriage begins with passion, but can become a boring routine. Ministry starts with passion and ends up as an obligation. We need to have a regular heart-check to determine if our life has become one big, boring obligation, or if we are still infused with a passion for God and life.
Another reason why some people lose their passion is because they think it is not spiritual to be passionate about things that aren’t sacred. However, Paul writes in Colossians 3:23, Whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men…(NKJV). This shows us that God does not want us to divide our passion. Some of us are only passionate about spiritual matters, like church, Bible study or Christian events, but not about our family, marriage, work, leisure or hobbies. I find myself being guilty in this area. I love my family, but I wish I could spend more time in fellowship with them. It is wonderful to be passionate about our spiritual life, but something is wrong if that is the only area where passion is applied.
We should not separate the sacred and the secular because Paul wrote, whatever you do, do it heartily. I feel the Spirit is speaking not just to me, but also to some of you as I write this message. Yes, Paul’s words apply to every area of our lives, including those things we must do, those things we choose to do, those things we are gifted to do, those things we are commanded to do, and those things we are called to do.
Let us allow the Holy Spirit to embrace our entire lives including the details of our normal, seemingly boring everyday life – I believe we can turn any situation into a part of the adventure of being a Christian.
My prayer for you today is for us not to settle for a mere existence, but to pursue the passionate, abundant life that Jesus came to give you. Give Him the glory!
"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10 (KJV)
Monday, April 7, 2008
I REST ASSURED
"For all who enter God's rest will rest from their labors just as God rested after creating the world." (Hebrews 4:10)
Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to be somewhere at a certain time. I know as a mom, we are always on a time schedule. It could be taking the kids to school, check-up appointments,dental, or other. It's true a lot is demanded of our time whether you're in the mom schedule or professional scheme of work. Some demands take priority over others, but when our time is allotted for certain things and becomes interrupted with other things - we become frustrated. Our frustration is taken out on someone else, perhaps an innocent person who had no idea what we have been through. However, my friend if you have been in such a situation - STOP! TAKE A DEEP BREATH! I have the solution, talk to the LORD about it. You see, there has been time when I felt demands were asked of me, when other things interrupted my plans, and I just gave it to the Lord to handle. His words calmed my anxiety, but also gave me insight about what I was to do. "Don't be anxious, " God spoke to my spirit. "You have done all you can do. This is a good time to rest." I trusted God in taking control over my situation. I trusted God's plan, so I was able to enter into God's rest while He took care of those things that were affecting me.
Jesus gives everyone a personal invitation to come to His place of rest. "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT)
When we face anxious situations or strive through a family, health, or financial problems, taking Jesus' yoke upon us doesn't sound like a viable rescue plan to our natural mind. However, getting into the yoke with Jesus places us in the spiritual position to learn of His love and remedy for our situation. God's rest is a spiritual place where we learn to hear His word for us and lean on Him in trust. Unbelief, disobedience and strife through human labor prevent us from entering. While the enemy seeks to arrest us in fear and unbelief, all of heaven is waiting to defend us and join forces with the only action that takes us into His rest - the action of faith and trust.
This Week:
Pull away from commotion. Read the fourth chapter of Hebrews and let your soul acquiesce as you settle into His rest.
Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to be somewhere at a certain time. I know as a mom, we are always on a time schedule. It could be taking the kids to school, check-up appointments,dental, or other. It's true a lot is demanded of our time whether you're in the mom schedule or professional scheme of work. Some demands take priority over others, but when our time is allotted for certain things and becomes interrupted with other things - we become frustrated. Our frustration is taken out on someone else, perhaps an innocent person who had no idea what we have been through. However, my friend if you have been in such a situation - STOP! TAKE A DEEP BREATH! I have the solution, talk to the LORD about it. You see, there has been time when I felt demands were asked of me, when other things interrupted my plans, and I just gave it to the Lord to handle. His words calmed my anxiety, but also gave me insight about what I was to do. "Don't be anxious, " God spoke to my spirit. "You have done all you can do. This is a good time to rest." I trusted God in taking control over my situation. I trusted God's plan, so I was able to enter into God's rest while He took care of those things that were affecting me.
Jesus gives everyone a personal invitation to come to His place of rest. "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT)
When we face anxious situations or strive through a family, health, or financial problems, taking Jesus' yoke upon us doesn't sound like a viable rescue plan to our natural mind. However, getting into the yoke with Jesus places us in the spiritual position to learn of His love and remedy for our situation. God's rest is a spiritual place where we learn to hear His word for us and lean on Him in trust. Unbelief, disobedience and strife through human labor prevent us from entering. While the enemy seeks to arrest us in fear and unbelief, all of heaven is waiting to defend us and join forces with the only action that takes us into His rest - the action of faith and trust.
This Week:
Pull away from commotion. Read the fourth chapter of Hebrews and let your soul acquiesce as you settle into His rest.
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