TIME IN GOD’S HAND
“I trusted in, relied on, and was confident in You, O Lord; I said, You are my God.
My times are in your hands.” Psalm 31:14-15
Just recently my father found out that he had a heart problem. All these years he was unaware of his condition until he went to see the doctor. I asked him: Why he had waited this long? He said: “I did not want to create a problem.” The fact is he had a problem that had been laid to rest and gotten worse. He did not want to take the time nor the expense to take care of it. How many of us delay doing things until it is too late?
God has good, pleasing, and perfect plans for his children. He wants us to live holy lives, making time from our business to read, study and memorize His word in order to grow and strengthen our faith.
In Proverbs 31 the excellent woman finds time to take care of her household. She provides food for her family (v.15), she’s also a manufacturer, importer, manager, farmer and seamstress. Her strength and dignity do not come from achievements, but from her reverence to God. Her husband is respected (v.23). She is a woman of hope, trust and one that is compassionate towards others (v.20). But what makes her special is that she trusts and gives her God honor with her time. How many men and women give God time out from their business? My friend, let us not postpone time for the nourishment that will bring strength to carryout our work, wisdom to make difficult decisions and closeness with our Creator who designed us beautifully and gave us worth. Let our time be in His hands.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
DETERMINE YOUR THOUGHTS
I began thinking of the day my daughter who was three came across a can of chili that that was left opened on the coffee table. I had placed it down for a second to go answer the phone. It only took a fraction of a second for my daughter to find it. I looked up and there in front of me, smiling like she had conquered the world by herself was her messy little face. It was an unforgettable moment when I looked back in the window of my memories and I just laugh.
God has a way of giving us small pictures in our small box of memories. They can be of happy times filling us with joy, love and inspiration. Some of them can be the birth of a child, the graduation of a son or daughter, a wedding, and even the time you said, “yes” to that wonderful man God brought into your path. But within that small box of memories or thoughts there are also the unhappy ones we want to erase. We can determine which ones we want to focus on to bring laughter and joy to us as a blessing from God. In the same manner we can use our thought life to bring glory to God.
This small box called “the brain”, which I call the storage house for our thoughts- a place where we harbor good and bad memories is a part of our body with a big task. We can use it to think good and bad things. But when we use this body part to meditate or store God’s word in it – the results are a blessing!
As God’s creation, we have a responsibility with every part of our body including this “small box” to be used to honor Him. Even king David realized that meditation of God’s word stored in our thought life was an important factor in order to please God. He stated beautifully in Psalms 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Would you change the way you live if you knew that God would examine every word and thought first? David asks that God approve his words and thoughts as though they were offerings brought to the altar. As you begin the day determine to have God’s love be your guide in how you think. Remember Good Thoughts Create Good Memories!
I began thinking of the day my daughter who was three came across a can of chili that that was left opened on the coffee table. I had placed it down for a second to go answer the phone. It only took a fraction of a second for my daughter to find it. I looked up and there in front of me, smiling like she had conquered the world by herself was her messy little face. It was an unforgettable moment when I looked back in the window of my memories and I just laugh.
God has a way of giving us small pictures in our small box of memories. They can be of happy times filling us with joy, love and inspiration. Some of them can be the birth of a child, the graduation of a son or daughter, a wedding, and even the time you said, “yes” to that wonderful man God brought into your path. But within that small box of memories or thoughts there are also the unhappy ones we want to erase. We can determine which ones we want to focus on to bring laughter and joy to us as a blessing from God. In the same manner we can use our thought life to bring glory to God.
This small box called “the brain”, which I call the storage house for our thoughts- a place where we harbor good and bad memories is a part of our body with a big task. We can use it to think good and bad things. But when we use this body part to meditate or store God’s word in it – the results are a blessing!
As God’s creation, we have a responsibility with every part of our body including this “small box” to be used to honor Him. Even king David realized that meditation of God’s word stored in our thought life was an important factor in order to please God. He stated beautifully in Psalms 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Would you change the way you live if you knew that God would examine every word and thought first? David asks that God approve his words and thoughts as though they were offerings brought to the altar. As you begin the day determine to have God’s love be your guide in how you think. Remember Good Thoughts Create Good Memories!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
GOD DOES NOT WAIT ON OUR DEMANDS
Blessed is Jehovah Jireh (God will provide) for his mercy and love that he bestows upon us at all times. When I think of Jehovah Jireh, I think of God to be able to provide for ALL my needs (Ph.4:19) including healing.
I don’t know when you have been in a situation when you were sick and couldn’t get to a phone to call someone at church to pray for you. It seemed like you were all alone and you begin to wonder if God was there by your side. I recently experienced this, but what I didn’t doubt was God, Jehovah Jireh, being there for me. As I layed in bed I called upon the Lord to relieve my pain, but it did not happen. My migraine pain and fever went on for a couple of days, but I believed that God’s will to do things is not based upon what or when we demand a response, but based on His terms Only. Then two days ago, when my pain was gone and I was able to focus with clarity on my scripture reading, I opened my Bible and saw this verse in Matthew 8:15:
“And he touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she arose, and ministered unto others.” (KJV)
Just that same day Jesus had been performing healing on a leper, a centurion’s servant, plus teaching about the kingdom of heaven to many. And then he came to Peter’s house. Was getting a little relief from the crowd part of Jesus’ plan? No! Jesus was not seeking his own convenience to accomplish things, but rather getting the job done that is, seeking to give his Father the glory. He sought out the opportunities and seeing Peter’s mother-in-law lying sick with fever in bed – he went directly to her and touched her hand and the fever was gone. The woman received God’s mercy when he came to her and she in return – after having received His gift of healing, ministered to Jesus and his disciples.
These last few days, I was unable to teach God’s word due to my sickness. I felt uneasy and wanted so much to get back on my feet again. My concern was not so much for myself, but for those I minister to – my students. I waited on God’s healing power to come to me in His timing. Praise God! Today, after having given my body rest -I was able to get up on my feet and prepare to teach His Word. Jehovah Jireh– my provider and healer of all our infirmities is listening to our prayers – his purpose for not answering on the spot when we ask of him is beyond my understanding, but one thing I know for certain, that his sovereign power is in control of us all. Let Him act on his timing and give him thanks! I leave you with this verse from Psalm 8:4:
"What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"
Praise be to our Jehovah Jireh!
Blessed is Jehovah Jireh (God will provide) for his mercy and love that he bestows upon us at all times. When I think of Jehovah Jireh, I think of God to be able to provide for ALL my needs (Ph.4:19) including healing.
I don’t know when you have been in a situation when you were sick and couldn’t get to a phone to call someone at church to pray for you. It seemed like you were all alone and you begin to wonder if God was there by your side. I recently experienced this, but what I didn’t doubt was God, Jehovah Jireh, being there for me. As I layed in bed I called upon the Lord to relieve my pain, but it did not happen. My migraine pain and fever went on for a couple of days, but I believed that God’s will to do things is not based upon what or when we demand a response, but based on His terms Only. Then two days ago, when my pain was gone and I was able to focus with clarity on my scripture reading, I opened my Bible and saw this verse in Matthew 8:15:
“And he touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she arose, and ministered unto others.” (KJV)
Just that same day Jesus had been performing healing on a leper, a centurion’s servant, plus teaching about the kingdom of heaven to many. And then he came to Peter’s house. Was getting a little relief from the crowd part of Jesus’ plan? No! Jesus was not seeking his own convenience to accomplish things, but rather getting the job done that is, seeking to give his Father the glory. He sought out the opportunities and seeing Peter’s mother-in-law lying sick with fever in bed – he went directly to her and touched her hand and the fever was gone. The woman received God’s mercy when he came to her and she in return – after having received His gift of healing, ministered to Jesus and his disciples.
These last few days, I was unable to teach God’s word due to my sickness. I felt uneasy and wanted so much to get back on my feet again. My concern was not so much for myself, but for those I minister to – my students. I waited on God’s healing power to come to me in His timing. Praise God! Today, after having given my body rest -I was able to get up on my feet and prepare to teach His Word. Jehovah Jireh– my provider and healer of all our infirmities is listening to our prayers – his purpose for not answering on the spot when we ask of him is beyond my understanding, but one thing I know for certain, that his sovereign power is in control of us all. Let Him act on his timing and give him thanks! I leave you with this verse from Psalm 8:4:
"What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"
Praise be to our Jehovah Jireh!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
THE KING’S TABLE
“You shall eat at my table always.” (2 Samuel 9:7)
There’s a story in the life of King David that illustrates God’s grace towards us through Christ Jesus. It is found in 2 Samuel chapter nine when King David takes in the son of Jonathan, Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet. After David was established King he kept his promise to Jonathan his loyal friend, that he would show kindness to anyone remaining of Saul’s family, for Jonathan’s sake. So Mephibosheth – crippled and destitute, unable to care for himself and living under someone else’s house – was brought into David’s house and ate from the King’s table. It says that David treated him like one of his sons. (2 Samuel 9:11, NIV). What a privilege to be seated at the King’s table! David illustrates Christ in his graciousness and kindness towards us. Being able to sit at the King’s table involved not only daily food but other privileges as well, so God’s salvation for Christ’s sake brings to us provisions we need: “And my God will meet all your needs, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, NIV) He is our King whom we can come to and ask to meet our needs. The same God of David is the same today and will take care of you just as he took care of Mephibosheth. Our King Jesus welcomes you to his table. So, COME!
“You shall eat at my table always.” (2 Samuel 9:7)
There’s a story in the life of King David that illustrates God’s grace towards us through Christ Jesus. It is found in 2 Samuel chapter nine when King David takes in the son of Jonathan, Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet. After David was established King he kept his promise to Jonathan his loyal friend, that he would show kindness to anyone remaining of Saul’s family, for Jonathan’s sake. So Mephibosheth – crippled and destitute, unable to care for himself and living under someone else’s house – was brought into David’s house and ate from the King’s table. It says that David treated him like one of his sons. (2 Samuel 9:11, NIV). What a privilege to be seated at the King’s table! David illustrates Christ in his graciousness and kindness towards us. Being able to sit at the King’s table involved not only daily food but other privileges as well, so God’s salvation for Christ’s sake brings to us provisions we need: “And my God will meet all your needs, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, NIV) He is our King whom we can come to and ask to meet our needs. The same God of David is the same today and will take care of you just as he took care of Mephibosheth. Our King Jesus welcomes you to his table. So, COME!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
THE SMALL AND NARROW WAY
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and thee are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13, 14)
It is hard to imagine not being able to serve the Lord, or attend a place of worship-where God is praised. During my children’s growing years, I promised the Lord that I would dedicate my life and my children in understanding God’s ways. I tried my best to lead them in his path and realized that God’s ways are better than the things this world has to offer. I prayed that the seed of his word would be planted in their hearts in making them wiser and in choosing the right path. I’m thankful to God, because he has given me direction in my children’s upbringing. Yet, I realize that though my choices for them have been godly - as adults they have a right to choose their own path. But for many parents the expectations they have for their children is not always “the small and narrow road” leading to righteousness. (Matthew 7:13,14)
Many young men and women start off in childhood on a godly path, but somehow along the way stray from the narrow road. They plunge themselves into a world of misconception about God and the Bible, driven by the world’s morality and its ways, while becoming tolerant to their own way of thinking and pleasing to their own way of life. What happened along the way? Somehow, like the car that makes a wrong turn and ends up at a dead end – that’s what happened to these young minds.
Lets consider the story of Daniel; Hananiah, Misahel and Azariah who were carried off to Babylon in their youth and were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. All the riches in the world were at their disposal, and the best foods to eat and the best wine. They were put to the test. Yet Daniel and his friends refused to defile themselves of the king’s food and drink. They feared a Most High God – greater than the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. And because they refused to eat and drink from this pagan king’s table, God gave to these four young men knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. They chose their path – a narrow road and God blessed them for their righteousness. (See Daniel 1: 1-17)
Keep in mind what a wise man named Solomon said: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them” – (Ecclesiastes 12:1) God Bless!
“Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths,
Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls.”
(Jeremiah 6:16)
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and thee are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13, 14)
It is hard to imagine not being able to serve the Lord, or attend a place of worship-where God is praised. During my children’s growing years, I promised the Lord that I would dedicate my life and my children in understanding God’s ways. I tried my best to lead them in his path and realized that God’s ways are better than the things this world has to offer. I prayed that the seed of his word would be planted in their hearts in making them wiser and in choosing the right path. I’m thankful to God, because he has given me direction in my children’s upbringing. Yet, I realize that though my choices for them have been godly - as adults they have a right to choose their own path. But for many parents the expectations they have for their children is not always “the small and narrow road” leading to righteousness. (Matthew 7:13,14)
Many young men and women start off in childhood on a godly path, but somehow along the way stray from the narrow road. They plunge themselves into a world of misconception about God and the Bible, driven by the world’s morality and its ways, while becoming tolerant to their own way of thinking and pleasing to their own way of life. What happened along the way? Somehow, like the car that makes a wrong turn and ends up at a dead end – that’s what happened to these young minds.
Lets consider the story of Daniel; Hananiah, Misahel and Azariah who were carried off to Babylon in their youth and were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. All the riches in the world were at their disposal, and the best foods to eat and the best wine. They were put to the test. Yet Daniel and his friends refused to defile themselves of the king’s food and drink. They feared a Most High God – greater than the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. And because they refused to eat and drink from this pagan king’s table, God gave to these four young men knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. They chose their path – a narrow road and God blessed them for their righteousness. (See Daniel 1: 1-17)
Keep in mind what a wise man named Solomon said: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them” – (Ecclesiastes 12:1) God Bless!
“Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths,
Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls.”
(Jeremiah 6:16)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
BEAUTY IN HEART
I’m often impressed and content when I see all the pictures of my photo album assembled perfectly to a color background, or on motif paper. The enhancement on the scrapbook makes them stand out beautifully. The right pieces: paper, colors or patterns on each design only perfects the projection of a message on each picture.
In many ways, like the scrapbook pieces, God has given us many parts with which we reflect ourselves to others. For instance, we have the hands to eat with, our ears to listen to, and feet to walk with. Each member has its own function and they enhance our personality; but they are all part of one body or one picture, that is, self. Much like the scrapbook we try to beautify each part so that the whole body may be appealing to those who see it. In some ways we scrap our body by using modern techniques, for example, some may use surgery to get rid of excess fat in the body, facial reconstruction, creams, exercise, diets, etc. There are many methods used in the world to make people look and feel beautiful, so that the picture of self will be more appealing, or healthier in our scrapbook-life. What about the heart? Jesus said:
“What comes out of a man is what makes him unclean. For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean.” Mark 7:20-23 NIV
“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”1 Samuel 16:7 NIV
When we look in a mirror we see a poor reflection of ourselves, because we don’t see the whole picture of who we are. And even if the appearance of a person is improved with things the world offers, the whole picture is not yet revealed. On Judgment Day we will see face to face and “…know fully even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians. 13:12 NIV) Let us begin to be known by the acting in accordance to the fruit of the Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22 NIV) May the picture we project to the world be always enhanced by the beauty that is within our hearts and not by what others think of us; so that the pages of our scrapbook (life) be portrayed with a message of love and not worldliness.
In many ways, like the scrapbook pieces, God has given us many parts with which we reflect ourselves to others. For instance, we have the hands to eat with, our ears to listen to, and feet to walk with. Each member has its own function and they enhance our personality; but they are all part of one body or one picture, that is, self. Much like the scrapbook we try to beautify each part so that the whole body may be appealing to those who see it. In some ways we scrap our body by using modern techniques, for example, some may use surgery to get rid of excess fat in the body, facial reconstruction, creams, exercise, diets, etc. There are many methods used in the world to make people look and feel beautiful, so that the picture of self will be more appealing, or healthier in our scrapbook-life. What about the heart? Jesus said:
“What comes out of a man is what makes him unclean. For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean.” Mark 7:20-23 NIV
“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”1 Samuel 16:7 NIV
When we look in a mirror we see a poor reflection of ourselves, because we don’t see the whole picture of who we are. And even if the appearance of a person is improved with things the world offers, the whole picture is not yet revealed. On Judgment Day we will see face to face and “…know fully even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians. 13:12 NIV) Let us begin to be known by the acting in accordance to the fruit of the Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22 NIV) May the picture we project to the world be always enhanced by the beauty that is within our hearts and not by what others think of us; so that the pages of our scrapbook (life) be portrayed with a message of love and not worldliness.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
CHOICES
God has the freedom to make choices and he always makes the right choices for us. There are times when we think that our choices are better and disregard our heavenly Father to give us guidance. The Old and New Testaments provide us with examples of those who engaged in bad choices that led to dire consequence and some even to death as a result of sin. For example: Adam and Eve (Gen. 3: 1-20); King David (2 Samuel 11:1-4); Ananias and Saphira (Acts 5: 1-10); and even the apostle Peter when he denied our Lord Jesus (Matt.26: 69-75) Just like them, we are not immune to making bad choices in our sinful nature. It wants us to always go the opposite direction of what God wants for us. It is a battle we fight on a daily basis, but we can have victory when we accept Christ into our lives. Then, but only then will our minds be transformed. Our mindset becomes one with Christ as we allow him to take charge of our life. It says in Romans 8:1 that “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” We are powerless to do anything right, because of our sinful nature. The Bible says that “those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit (of God) desires.” (Romans 8:5) Clearly, then, the answer to making right choices is found in our relationship with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. His Spirit will live in us once we accept Him to be our righteousness, empowering us with his Spirit to help us fight wrongful choices hurtful to us.
Application
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12: 2)
God has the freedom to make choices and he always makes the right choices for us. There are times when we think that our choices are better and disregard our heavenly Father to give us guidance. The Old and New Testaments provide us with examples of those who engaged in bad choices that led to dire consequence and some even to death as a result of sin. For example: Adam and Eve (Gen. 3: 1-20); King David (2 Samuel 11:1-4); Ananias and Saphira (Acts 5: 1-10); and even the apostle Peter when he denied our Lord Jesus (Matt.26: 69-75) Just like them, we are not immune to making bad choices in our sinful nature. It wants us to always go the opposite direction of what God wants for us. It is a battle we fight on a daily basis, but we can have victory when we accept Christ into our lives. Then, but only then will our minds be transformed. Our mindset becomes one with Christ as we allow him to take charge of our life. It says in Romans 8:1 that “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” We are powerless to do anything right, because of our sinful nature. The Bible says that “those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit (of God) desires.” (Romans 8:5) Clearly, then, the answer to making right choices is found in our relationship with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. His Spirit will live in us once we accept Him to be our righteousness, empowering us with his Spirit to help us fight wrongful choices hurtful to us.
Application
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12: 2)
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