I AM A FRIEND OF GOD
"And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend.” (James 2:23 NIV)
While listening on Sunday to the worship team sing, “I am a friend of God”, I remembered the apostle James using this verse to make a point about faith and deeds. He gave us the example of Abraham, who believed God’s promises regardless of the length of time it took for them to be accomplished. But what is beautiful about the story of Abraham is that he did not fail to believe even when he did not see it happening immediately. He waited on God no matter what his surrounding circumstances were. WOW! How many of us wait patiently to see God’s work fulfilled? Or do we give God a little hand and do it our way? Another point I would like to make is
It says that “Abraham believed, and it was credited to him as righteousness...” Well, Abraham did have his faults like any other human, but he did follow through in his obedience. He did what God told him to do.
His faith was credited as righteousness because he not only believed but obeyed what the Lord commanded. It’s not simply a matter of believing, but of taking action in obedience to God. The apostle gives us a good example: ‘suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well: keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?”
Abraham’s faith and his actions were working together. (v. 22) The apostle summarized it in this verse “You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.”(James 2:24) The scriptures have given us the answer to our friendship with God – let’s believe it and act on it!
God Bless,
Vanessa
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
WHAT YOU DO ON YOUR WORST DAY
Do you pick-up yourself when life is pounding the worst on you? Well, my friend we all have moments when we feel it is the worst because of a bad day with the kids, or a pink slip given to you at the job, or the bad relationship that just ended. These are things some have experienced, but there are worse. We all face adversity in our life. However quote: “it’s not the adversity, but how we react to it that will determine the joy and happiness in our life.” That’s absolutely right! We can feel sorry for ourselves, or we can face life with gratitude.
Take for instance, the example of Patrick Henry Hughes who was born with no eyes, and a tightening of the joints, which left him crippled for life. However, as a child, he was fitted with artificial eyes and placed in a wheelchair.
Before his birthday, he discovered the piano. His mom said, “He could hit any note on the piano, and within one or two tries, he’d get it.” By his second birthday, he was playing requests (You are My Sunshine, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star). His father was ecstatic. “We might not play baseball, but we can play music together.”
Today, Patrick is a junior at the university of Louisville. His father attends classes with him and he’s made nearly all A’s, with the exception of 3 B’s. He’s also a part of the 214 member marching band. You read it right. The marching band! He’s a blind, wheelchair-bound trumpet player, and he and his father do it together. They attend all the band practices and the half-time performance in front of thousands. His father rolls and rotates his son around the field to the cheers of Patrick’s fans. In order to attend Patrick’s classes and every band practice, his father works the graveyard shift at UPS, Patrick said.”My dad’s my hero.”
But even more than the musical talent of this young man, it was Patrick’s “attitude of gratitude”. On stage he would talk to the audience about how blessed he was. He said, “God made me blind and unable to walk. BIG DEAL! He gave me the ability. The musical gifts I have …the great opportunity to meet new people.”
It sounds very simple that one word. Gratitude can change your attitude, thus, your life forever.
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.” (1 Cor.2: 14)
Do you pick-up yourself when life is pounding the worst on you? Well, my friend we all have moments when we feel it is the worst because of a bad day with the kids, or a pink slip given to you at the job, or the bad relationship that just ended. These are things some have experienced, but there are worse. We all face adversity in our life. However quote: “it’s not the adversity, but how we react to it that will determine the joy and happiness in our life.” That’s absolutely right! We can feel sorry for ourselves, or we can face life with gratitude.
Take for instance, the example of Patrick Henry Hughes who was born with no eyes, and a tightening of the joints, which left him crippled for life. However, as a child, he was fitted with artificial eyes and placed in a wheelchair.
Before his birthday, he discovered the piano. His mom said, “He could hit any note on the piano, and within one or two tries, he’d get it.” By his second birthday, he was playing requests (You are My Sunshine, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star). His father was ecstatic. “We might not play baseball, but we can play music together.”
Today, Patrick is a junior at the university of Louisville. His father attends classes with him and he’s made nearly all A’s, with the exception of 3 B’s. He’s also a part of the 214 member marching band. You read it right. The marching band! He’s a blind, wheelchair-bound trumpet player, and he and his father do it together. They attend all the band practices and the half-time performance in front of thousands. His father rolls and rotates his son around the field to the cheers of Patrick’s fans. In order to attend Patrick’s classes and every band practice, his father works the graveyard shift at UPS, Patrick said.”My dad’s my hero.”
But even more than the musical talent of this young man, it was Patrick’s “attitude of gratitude”. On stage he would talk to the audience about how blessed he was. He said, “God made me blind and unable to walk. BIG DEAL! He gave me the ability. The musical gifts I have …the great opportunity to meet new people.”
It sounds very simple that one word. Gratitude can change your attitude, thus, your life forever.
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.” (1 Cor.2: 14)
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
THINK JOY
“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks and send to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
We find in the Old Testament the prophets Ezra and Nehemiah along with a small remnant of those who had been exiled by king Nebuchadnezzar returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall that had been left in ruins. This should have been a joyful time, but instead it was a sad time seeing the ruins of their beloved city and the wall. They had encountered opposition, but this did not stop them from fulfilling their mission directed by God. When they gathered together after completion of the wall, they were still weeping and saddened because they had listened to the words from the Law that Ezra had read. (Nehemiah 8:9)
When we receive God’s word in our lives it pierces our soul and we tend to weep because it convicts us of our wrongdoings. And when we confess them to Christ we are reconciled. A transformation has happened and our souls feel alive again. “There is no condemnation to 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.” (Romans 8:1-2) What brings this joy into our lives? - Our reconciliation with our Savior. Jesus said to his disciples “Rejoice with me, I have found my lost coin. In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:9-10)
The Scriptures says that the prophet Nehemiah told them not to grieve, but to celebrate. As believers, we too should celebrate what the Lord has done for us. In our times, we may go through financial hardships, break-ups, loss of a loved one or even testing of our faith, but my brother and sister God is on our side “for the joy of the Lord is our strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) Why were the people to celebrate? Because they understood the words that had been made known to them – God’s word!
When you my friend, in your time encounter a worst moment -think joy! Say to yourself ‘I think joy!” Pick yourself up from the trial or problem you are encountering, seek God in prayer and let him move you to the peace and rest that surpasses all understanding. The apostle Paul in midst of sufferings said “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
My friend and fellow Saints, open your hearts to the joy of God’s grace and celebrate like those who had come from exile to celebrate the word of God in their lives. Today, we rejoice in praise for the rebuilding of your life in Christ Jesus.
God Bless.
“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks and send to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
We find in the Old Testament the prophets Ezra and Nehemiah along with a small remnant of those who had been exiled by king Nebuchadnezzar returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall that had been left in ruins. This should have been a joyful time, but instead it was a sad time seeing the ruins of their beloved city and the wall. They had encountered opposition, but this did not stop them from fulfilling their mission directed by God. When they gathered together after completion of the wall, they were still weeping and saddened because they had listened to the words from the Law that Ezra had read. (Nehemiah 8:9)
When we receive God’s word in our lives it pierces our soul and we tend to weep because it convicts us of our wrongdoings. And when we confess them to Christ we are reconciled. A transformation has happened and our souls feel alive again. “There is no condemnation to 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.” (Romans 8:1-2) What brings this joy into our lives? - Our reconciliation with our Savior. Jesus said to his disciples “Rejoice with me, I have found my lost coin. In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:9-10)
The Scriptures says that the prophet Nehemiah told them not to grieve, but to celebrate. As believers, we too should celebrate what the Lord has done for us. In our times, we may go through financial hardships, break-ups, loss of a loved one or even testing of our faith, but my brother and sister God is on our side “for the joy of the Lord is our strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) Why were the people to celebrate? Because they understood the words that had been made known to them – God’s word!
When you my friend, in your time encounter a worst moment -think joy! Say to yourself ‘I think joy!” Pick yourself up from the trial or problem you are encountering, seek God in prayer and let him move you to the peace and rest that surpasses all understanding. The apostle Paul in midst of sufferings said “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
My friend and fellow Saints, open your hearts to the joy of God’s grace and celebrate like those who had come from exile to celebrate the word of God in their lives. Today, we rejoice in praise for the rebuilding of your life in Christ Jesus.
God Bless.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
KEEP WATCH, BE READY
When is the Lord coming? I don't have the answer to this question and Jesus told his disciples "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matthew 24:36) One thing the Lord does admonish all of us to do is "to keep watch." He even gave us clues as to what would be taking place during this time. "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man (Jesus Christ). For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away." (v.38)
Let's thing for a moment about what is going on in this world, specifically in our nation. There is increase of corruption and a lot of it has filtered right into the hightest office of the land. The increase in violence is such that people are guarding themselves with guns and rifles. What shocks me is when I hear of parents approving of their children's involvement in seductions or pornography. Also, the growing apathy towards the Judeo-Christian belief is disconcerting.
Remember, there is hope even in the chaos of things-our heavenly Father has not abandoned us.
The apostle Peter tells us "therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." We are to be living holy lives "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do"...(1Peter 1:13, 15) and finally, the Lord tells us to trust Him: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. (Jesus) For he has given us a promise "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:3)
What Can I Do? Besides helping others - "Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (Matthew 24:42) We must stay alert to the events that are happening in our nation and in the world. Pray, Worship, and Study God's word everyday. Also be ready, because Jesus is coming at an hour when we do not expect him-that is the Bible truth! (See Matthew 24:44)
God Bless.
Let's thing for a moment about what is going on in this world, specifically in our nation. There is increase of corruption and a lot of it has filtered right into the hightest office of the land. The increase in violence is such that people are guarding themselves with guns and rifles. What shocks me is when I hear of parents approving of their children's involvement in seductions or pornography. Also, the growing apathy towards the Judeo-Christian belief is disconcerting.
Remember, there is hope even in the chaos of things-our heavenly Father has not abandoned us.
The apostle Peter tells us "therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." We are to be living holy lives "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do"...(1Peter 1:13, 15) and finally, the Lord tells us to trust Him: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. (Jesus) For he has given us a promise "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:3)
What Can I Do? Besides helping others - "Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (Matthew 24:42) We must stay alert to the events that are happening in our nation and in the world. Pray, Worship, and Study God's word everyday. Also be ready, because Jesus is coming at an hour when we do not expect him-that is the Bible truth! (See Matthew 24:44)
God Bless.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
A CHANGED LIFE TRULY THANKFUL
It didn’t take long to answer the questions on the test since I had studied every day and night preparing for the college entrance test. It sounds familiar this phrase, especially when we hear it from our kids or friends who are contemplating new careers. In a rapidly changing world it seems prevalent that people do want to change, but sometimes that change comes with a price. The word change means just that substituting something for something else. But when it comes to change in our lives we need to pause and ask: Where do I need to change? I see it as the vehicle that comes to a stop sign. The sign is there for a reason, that is, to look in all directions and see what’s ahead in our path. God wants us to grow and be successful, but at the same time he wants us to recognize Him as being in control of all things. Part of the change in our lives as Christians is to be grateful for all things even if things have not gone “our way” or the way we expected.
I remember reading in Psalm 23: 2, 3 “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters…” When we allow God our shepherd to guide us, we have contentment. When we choose to sin, however, we go our own way and cannot blame God for the environment we create for ourselves. It is easy to blame God for the unwanted pregnancy, the failed exam, the divorce of parents, or the mounting of bills at no end. But if we stop and pause about things we know it is not God’s fault, but our own mistakes – taking the wrong path and having a mindset that from the beginning of time have led mankind into sin, one that says “my way is better.”
Our Father wants us to give him acknowledgement for the things he does for us. In
1 Chronicles 16:7-36 king David is worshipping God with song. We find here an example of four elements of true thanksgiving we should remember: (1) what God has done, (2) tell others about it, (3) showing God’s glory to others, and (4) offering gifts of self, time, and resources. Remember, if you are truly thankful your life will show it.
God Bless.
It didn’t take long to answer the questions on the test since I had studied every day and night preparing for the college entrance test. It sounds familiar this phrase, especially when we hear it from our kids or friends who are contemplating new careers. In a rapidly changing world it seems prevalent that people do want to change, but sometimes that change comes with a price. The word change means just that substituting something for something else. But when it comes to change in our lives we need to pause and ask: Where do I need to change? I see it as the vehicle that comes to a stop sign. The sign is there for a reason, that is, to look in all directions and see what’s ahead in our path. God wants us to grow and be successful, but at the same time he wants us to recognize Him as being in control of all things. Part of the change in our lives as Christians is to be grateful for all things even if things have not gone “our way” or the way we expected.
I remember reading in Psalm 23: 2, 3 “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters…” When we allow God our shepherd to guide us, we have contentment. When we choose to sin, however, we go our own way and cannot blame God for the environment we create for ourselves. It is easy to blame God for the unwanted pregnancy, the failed exam, the divorce of parents, or the mounting of bills at no end. But if we stop and pause about things we know it is not God’s fault, but our own mistakes – taking the wrong path and having a mindset that from the beginning of time have led mankind into sin, one that says “my way is better.”
Our Father wants us to give him acknowledgement for the things he does for us. In
1 Chronicles 16:7-36 king David is worshipping God with song. We find here an example of four elements of true thanksgiving we should remember: (1) what God has done, (2) tell others about it, (3) showing God’s glory to others, and (4) offering gifts of self, time, and resources. Remember, if you are truly thankful your life will show it.
God Bless.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
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.
“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.
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!
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