Time Alone With God
Romans 5:3 instructs us to “rejoice in our suffering” because it is for our growth and development. Pain prepares us for triumph. I am reminded of a fable that illustrates this perfectly.
The sunshine and the rain were engaged in a conversation one day when out of nowhere, the sunshine made a crude remark.
“You know, you really cause of a lot of trouble.”
“What do you mean?” the rain asked in bewilderment.
“You cause accidents, ruin picnics, spoil trips to the beach…the list on. But look at those people down there basking in my splendor. You know, the world would be a much better place without you,” the sunshine accused.
“I seriously doubt that,” the rain said in defense.
“Then give me one good reason why it wouldn’t,” the sunshine challenged.
“Well, for one, I take away the pollution of the air, filling it with moisture and freshness in which the world breathes.”
“Give me another one,” the sunshine challenged again.
“Do you see those beautiful flowers over there?” the rain asked.
“Yes,” the sunshine huffed.
“Well, I water the soil in which they are planted. I nurture the beauty of the world that you admire.”
“Go on, go on,” the sunshine urged.
“I replenish the rivers, the lakes, the oceans, and the seas so that the essential element of life may be bountiful and plenteous. I give life to the fish of the sea. Look at the various trees standing throughout the land. I protect them from being consumed by fire so they can fight diseases in the lower atmosphere. I nourish the soil in which they are planted, too. And in return, trees exhale pure oxygen into the air…the air in the sky in which so freely fly. Were it not for me, the fowl of the air would be extinct. And aren’t those shady green pastures just lovely? Well, I nurture the ground the ground in which they sit. So, were it not for me, those animals you see down there grazing in the meadows would surely cease to exist. And what about the crops of the field? Were it not for me, they would dry up and wither away and there would never be any harvest to reap, causing starvation to be prevalent in the land. You see, my friend, I ensure the existence of virtually all things. Were it not for me, there wouldn’t be air to breathe, food to eat, or water to drink. So while I may not be favored by the masses just because I cause temporary discomfort, I am quite essential to life. And you know what that means, don’t you?” the rain asked.
“I’m afraid I don’t,” the sunshine said with an attitude.
“It means that those people so-called basking in your splendor wouldn’t even appreciate you were it not for me.”
Exasperated and at a loss for words, the sunshine sighed and replied, “Well, you don’t have to rub it in!”
The discomfort caused by pain is actually for our growth and development. We may cry sometimes, but our tears do not fall on fallow ground. The shedding of our tears is a powerful phenomenon in and of itself. Our tears are symbolic of rain; they represent the showering of the air of our souls—the cleansing of our ailments and pain. Our tears represent the watering of the soil of our souls—the saturation of strength, faith, love, endurance, and peace. They also represent the replenishing of the sea of our souls—the flooding of wealth and prosperity. And the salt of our tears signifies the richness in which they flow. Finally, after the showering, watering, and replenishing, the rainbow of our soul appears and reveals its radiance; it lets us know that JOY IS ON ITS WAY!!
Verse of the Day: “In all things, God works for the good of those who love him.” - Romans 8:28
Friday, March 9, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Make Every Moment Count
Time Alone With God
I have often heard people say in my walk “It don’t take all that”! My faith in God tells me, it takes all that and then some more. Spending time with God is the most important thing you can do in your day. One moment with Jesus can change your life. It can change the course of your day. If you rise early to pray you can stop demonic influences from taking your day in a different direction (Exodus 14:24). You can literally re-route demons. Spending time with The Lord is a valuable offering of one’s self and it is a sacrifice. It’s saying to God, “I know what my plans are but I want to do it your way”. It’s saying “I don’t know what is around the corner, but I know you are all knowing” (Psalm 139:1-6). It is also saying, bottom line, “I love you more than anything or anyone. You are important to me”.
Spending time with Jesus is telling Him you love Him and you want more of Him. Taking this time will transform your life. You can stop the enemy from attacking your children, touching your finances, and break off generational curses. Spending time with The Lord does all of that. It ushers in His Presence and you can see His glory. Spending time with The Father can cause you to experience His love, like never before.
Don’t miss out on the free opportunity to experience everything great. There is no greater time you can spend. This time with Him will enrich you. It will inspire you. Time with The Lord will teach you, train you, and guide you to levels you can only imagine. God will take you places in The Spirit. Spending time with Him can be like having a passport and going on an adventure. Letting go and letting God is a great way to describe how spending time with Him, can be. Letting go, means to trust Him, to take you where no man can. Come out of religiosity. It is about you, trusting in the move of The Holy Spirit, knowing God is in control. What are you waiting for, go for it! He is waiting…….
Verse of the Day: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." - Mark 1:35
I have often heard people say in my walk “It don’t take all that”! My faith in God tells me, it takes all that and then some more. Spending time with God is the most important thing you can do in your day. One moment with Jesus can change your life. It can change the course of your day. If you rise early to pray you can stop demonic influences from taking your day in a different direction (Exodus 14:24). You can literally re-route demons. Spending time with The Lord is a valuable offering of one’s self and it is a sacrifice. It’s saying to God, “I know what my plans are but I want to do it your way”. It’s saying “I don’t know what is around the corner, but I know you are all knowing” (Psalm 139:1-6). It is also saying, bottom line, “I love you more than anything or anyone. You are important to me”.
Spending time with Jesus is telling Him you love Him and you want more of Him. Taking this time will transform your life. You can stop the enemy from attacking your children, touching your finances, and break off generational curses. Spending time with The Lord does all of that. It ushers in His Presence and you can see His glory. Spending time with The Father can cause you to experience His love, like never before.
Don’t miss out on the free opportunity to experience everything great. There is no greater time you can spend. This time with Him will enrich you. It will inspire you. Time with The Lord will teach you, train you, and guide you to levels you can only imagine. God will take you places in The Spirit. Spending time with Him can be like having a passport and going on an adventure. Letting go and letting God is a great way to describe how spending time with Him, can be. Letting go, means to trust Him, to take you where no man can. Come out of religiosity. It is about you, trusting in the move of The Holy Spirit, knowing God is in control. What are you waiting for, go for it! He is waiting…….
Verse of the Day: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." - Mark 1:35
Monday, March 5, 2012
Just P.U.S.H.!
When the Life gets you down,
Just P.U.S.H.!
When people don't react the way you think they should,
Just P.U.S.H.!
When your money looks funny and the bills are due,
Just P.U.S.H.!
When you want to curse them out for whatever the reason,
Just P.U.S.H.!
When you ask the question, when is my time coming in?
(as I often do)
Just P.U.S.H.!
When people just don't understand you,
Just P.U.S.H.!
Not to continue on and on ...
Let me tell you what P.U.S.H. Stands for.
Pray Until Something Happen
YOU ARE TOO BLESSED, TOO BE STRESSED!!!
S.W.A.G.
Saved With Amazing Grace
Minster D.Rose
Just P.U.S.H.!
When people don't react the way you think they should,
Just P.U.S.H.!
When your money looks funny and the bills are due,
Just P.U.S.H.!
When you want to curse them out for whatever the reason,
Just P.U.S.H.!
When you ask the question, when is my time coming in?
(as I often do)
Just P.U.S.H.!
When people just don't understand you,
Just P.U.S.H.!
Not to continue on and on ...
Let me tell you what P.U.S.H. Stands for.
Pray Until Something Happen
YOU ARE TOO BLESSED, TOO BE STRESSED!!!
S.W.A.G.
Saved With Amazing Grace
Minster D.Rose
Don't Quit
Don't Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road your trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and its turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When they might have won, had they stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victors cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when your hardest hit,
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit!
S.W.A.G.
Saved With Amazing Grace
Minster Damian Rose
When We Let Him Have Control
When We Let Him Have Control
Why is it as though
We struggle so much
And live in constant despair?
We don't need to carry
Such burdensome loads
But should go to God in prayer
Give Him your burdens
And all of your hurts
Just lay them at His feet
He's such a big God
He can handle it all
And watches over His sheep
He cares so much more
Than we'll ever know
And just wants the best for our lives
Each one of his children
Has so much potential
If we’ll only begin to rise
To be all that God
Has intended us to be
To walk through His open doors
We need to stay focused
And open to God
And put our trust in the Lord
For when we all come
To realize God's love
Our hurts will not have a hold
For God's love will cover
And free us from fear
As we give Him total control.
S.W.A.G.
Saved With Amazing Grace
God Is My Everything
Minster D.Rose
Why is it as though
We struggle so much
And live in constant despair?
We don't need to carry
Such burdensome loads
But should go to God in prayer
Give Him your burdens
And all of your hurts
Just lay them at His feet
He's such a big God
He can handle it all
And watches over His sheep
He cares so much more
Than we'll ever know
And just wants the best for our lives
Each one of his children
Has so much potential
If we’ll only begin to rise
To be all that God
Has intended us to be
To walk through His open doors
We need to stay focused
And open to God
And put our trust in the Lord
For when we all come
To realize God's love
Our hurts will not have a hold
For God's love will cover
And free us from fear
As we give Him total control.
S.W.A.G.
Saved With Amazing Grace
God Is My Everything
Minster D.Rose
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Walking By Faith
Oh, the agony of unrequited love. It’s the fodder of many a love song, the motive of many a convicted felon, and the “dys” of many a dysfunctional family.
We read in the Bible of many instances where favor of one over another caused trouble. For Jacob, his can of worms was opened early-on when his uncle unloaded the older sister off on him in a grab bag marriage…and only after he agreed to a “sentence” of 7 more years of hard labor, did he wind up with his beloved Rachel. But what of Leah, Wife Number One, who may have had first chair but was actually playing second fiddle? Over the years, not only did unbalanced favor create division between Leah and Rachel, but the shockwaves reached out into their offspring as well. When at last the long-barren Rachel finally bore Joseph, Jacob’s partiality toward him caused the other sons to despise the boy.
Perhaps as you read this today, you are dragging the baggage of rejection behind you like a ball and chain. It’s as much a part of your existence as your right foot; in fact, it’s become a bit of your identity. When you look into the mirror, you see IT, not you.
Sometimes we can’t avoid being in the line of the fire of unfair circumstances; but while we can’t avoid the circumstances, however, we CAN allow God to shape our attitudes into a way that not only pleases our Heavenly Father, but assures us that we will reap a harvest when we remain faithful.
You may be in a relationship right now where you’re poorly regarded. Perhaps a fellow employee seems to step in and steal all your kudos from the boss, and you can’t seem to get ahead no matter how hard you try. Perhaps you are the “black sheep” of the family, or at the very least, the child who appears to be loved and respected less than your siblings. You may be the wife or husband who walks in the shadow of a deceased former spouse. You may even be a pastor of a church where all you hear of your parishioners is “the way Brother So-and-So did it.” You’re not a hopeless case. You don’t have to live in unhappiness and unfulfillment, either.
You’ve asked God to change your circumstances many times; now ask Him to change your heart toward your circumstances. Colossians 3:23 tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (NIV) Begin today to sow into that relationship as unto the Lord, and not for the glory and acceptance of man. See, man can’t help but fail us because man isn’t perfect. When we do our works as unto the Lord, God blesses our steadfastness and integrity. Over time, our faithfulness will be proven and yes, it will pay off. When you do your best, you will ALWAYS have the approval of your Heavenly Father.
Interestingly when Jacob dies, the Scriptures tell us he was buried next to Leah—unfavored, homely Leah--instead of his beautiful Rachel. Perhaps in the end, he had come to value the longevity of Leah’s devotion to him. We don’t know all that transpired over the years, but we do know that he was content to rest beside the seemingly unloved one in the end.
Entrust your situation into God’s hands today, and remain faithful. Serve that employer well. Love that partial parent anyway. Be a devoted stepmother or father. The only one you’re obligated to “prove yourself” to is the Lord…and He can cause you to just seep with pure love for the person who disappoints you, even in the process. God who sees your heart attitudes in secret, will reward you openly--because you sought His acceptance above all else.
Today’s Scripture: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” - Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
We read in the Bible of many instances where favor of one over another caused trouble. For Jacob, his can of worms was opened early-on when his uncle unloaded the older sister off on him in a grab bag marriage…and only after he agreed to a “sentence” of 7 more years of hard labor, did he wind up with his beloved Rachel. But what of Leah, Wife Number One, who may have had first chair but was actually playing second fiddle? Over the years, not only did unbalanced favor create division between Leah and Rachel, but the shockwaves reached out into their offspring as well. When at last the long-barren Rachel finally bore Joseph, Jacob’s partiality toward him caused the other sons to despise the boy.
Perhaps as you read this today, you are dragging the baggage of rejection behind you like a ball and chain. It’s as much a part of your existence as your right foot; in fact, it’s become a bit of your identity. When you look into the mirror, you see IT, not you.
Sometimes we can’t avoid being in the line of the fire of unfair circumstances; but while we can’t avoid the circumstances, however, we CAN allow God to shape our attitudes into a way that not only pleases our Heavenly Father, but assures us that we will reap a harvest when we remain faithful.
You may be in a relationship right now where you’re poorly regarded. Perhaps a fellow employee seems to step in and steal all your kudos from the boss, and you can’t seem to get ahead no matter how hard you try. Perhaps you are the “black sheep” of the family, or at the very least, the child who appears to be loved and respected less than your siblings. You may be the wife or husband who walks in the shadow of a deceased former spouse. You may even be a pastor of a church where all you hear of your parishioners is “the way Brother So-and-So did it.” You’re not a hopeless case. You don’t have to live in unhappiness and unfulfillment, either.
You’ve asked God to change your circumstances many times; now ask Him to change your heart toward your circumstances. Colossians 3:23 tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (NIV) Begin today to sow into that relationship as unto the Lord, and not for the glory and acceptance of man. See, man can’t help but fail us because man isn’t perfect. When we do our works as unto the Lord, God blesses our steadfastness and integrity. Over time, our faithfulness will be proven and yes, it will pay off. When you do your best, you will ALWAYS have the approval of your Heavenly Father.
Interestingly when Jacob dies, the Scriptures tell us he was buried next to Leah—unfavored, homely Leah--instead of his beautiful Rachel. Perhaps in the end, he had come to value the longevity of Leah’s devotion to him. We don’t know all that transpired over the years, but we do know that he was content to rest beside the seemingly unloved one in the end.
Entrust your situation into God’s hands today, and remain faithful. Serve that employer well. Love that partial parent anyway. Be a devoted stepmother or father. The only one you’re obligated to “prove yourself” to is the Lord…and He can cause you to just seep with pure love for the person who disappoints you, even in the process. God who sees your heart attitudes in secret, will reward you openly--because you sought His acceptance above all else.
Today’s Scripture: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” - Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Monday, January 9, 2012
Not The Same
New Life In Christ
One of my favorite TV shows is "Extreme Makeover-Home Edition." It's a reality show with a team of contractors, designers and workers that go around the country remodeling homes that are run down, all torn up and in need of improvement and change. Each episode features a project that would usually take at least four months, but the entire house is totally and completely rebuilt in seven days. This show believes in the old becoming new. The lives of the families chosen for the project are radically changed forever from being a part of this experience! Having a new home is a gift from the show.
It was revealed to me in the Word that this is what God has done for each of us in Christ Jesus – a makeover. Notice I didn't say He put "make-up" on us. We all know what "make-up" is; it's a substance that makes you look better and after a while it wears off or you have to take it off. No, God did a "re-make" on us – permanent and completely brand new! We've been "rebuilt, remodeled, renovated, renewed, restored and improved" and we've been radically changed! Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. (Ephesians 2:1, NLT). But God showed His love toward us when we were in that condition. The makeover by the Father that takes place in those who believe and receive His Son begins with new life. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4-5, NLT).
We can't take any credit for the makeover; it was a gift from God. God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:8-9, NLT). We were messed up, torn up, with all kinds of "dirt, decay, mold, cracks, holes, leaks, broken pieces and parts" just like those homes on that show. We were in need of a makeover, and the only way it could happen extremely was through CHRIST!
What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old is gone. A new life has begun! All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19, NLT). So Encourage and remind yourself, and also remember to share it with someone else, "I'm not what I used to be and I don't look like I used to. I've had an extreme makeover!"
Scripture Of The Day: "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." - Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
One of my favorite TV shows is "Extreme Makeover-Home Edition." It's a reality show with a team of contractors, designers and workers that go around the country remodeling homes that are run down, all torn up and in need of improvement and change. Each episode features a project that would usually take at least four months, but the entire house is totally and completely rebuilt in seven days. This show believes in the old becoming new. The lives of the families chosen for the project are radically changed forever from being a part of this experience! Having a new home is a gift from the show.
It was revealed to me in the Word that this is what God has done for each of us in Christ Jesus – a makeover. Notice I didn't say He put "make-up" on us. We all know what "make-up" is; it's a substance that makes you look better and after a while it wears off or you have to take it off. No, God did a "re-make" on us – permanent and completely brand new! We've been "rebuilt, remodeled, renovated, renewed, restored and improved" and we've been radically changed! Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. (Ephesians 2:1, NLT). But God showed His love toward us when we were in that condition. The makeover by the Father that takes place in those who believe and receive His Son begins with new life. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4-5, NLT).
We can't take any credit for the makeover; it was a gift from God. God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:8-9, NLT). We were messed up, torn up, with all kinds of "dirt, decay, mold, cracks, holes, leaks, broken pieces and parts" just like those homes on that show. We were in need of a makeover, and the only way it could happen extremely was through CHRIST!
What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old is gone. A new life has begun! All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19, NLT). So Encourage and remind yourself, and also remember to share it with someone else, "I'm not what I used to be and I don't look like I used to. I've had an extreme makeover!"
Scripture Of The Day: "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." - Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
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