Posted on Mar 19, 2020 in Devotion |
Fear Vs Faith.
Fear magnifies the problem and forgets God’s power.
But faith magnifies God and belittles the problem.
Fear mentions the problem more than God
But Faith mentions the name of the Lord more than the problems.
For so many days we have been mentioning the name corona more than the name of the Lord.
We praise the virus more than the Lord.
Let us switch from praising CORONA and start praising GOD.Lets stop telling God how dangerous is corona and start telling corona how Big is our GOD.*
DAVID NEVER MENTIONED THE NAME OF GOLIATH.HE KEPT CALLING HIM UNCIRCUMCISED PHILISTINES AND HE MADE HIM IRRELEVANT.
KING SAUL USED TO SAY HOW BIG,EXPERIENCED AND DANGEROUS GOLIATH IS.
BUT DAVID CHANGED THE NARRATIVE, HE TOLD SAUL HOW GOD IS BIG AND POWERFUL THAN GOLIATH.
HE ALSO TOLD GOLIATH HOW BIG IS GOD AND TOLD GOLIATH ALL OUR BATTLES BELONGS TO GOD.*
I AM TELLING ALL PEOPLE THAT OUR GOD IS BIGGER THAN
CORONAVIRUS.
U and ur family will never die out of corona virus in Jesus name.*
God is bigger than corona.
Jesus is bigger than Corona.
Blood of Jesus is sufficient.
Watch ur words and change ur words.
Stop telling people how they might get sick and die out if corona virus. Tell them how God is able to protect them from all the diseases.
God is still in control!!
Posted on Dec 11, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
The first Adam was a man who tried to play God; the second Adam was God who became man.
Genesis 3 records the story of Adam, the first human being created by God, who tried to “be like God” (verse 5). By attempting to become God, Adam sinned, and as a result every single one of us became condemned by God as a sinner: “one trespass [the sin committed by Adam] resulted in condemnation for all people” (Romans 5:18). In essence, Adam was our representative before God. He sinned, and his sin was imputed (i.e., attributed, given) to us. Adam’s sin was counted against us such that we became an enemy of God.
Fortunately for us, God did not leave us hopelessly in our sin condemned justly by his wrath; instead, he demonstrated his unfailing love for us by sending his son, the second person of the Trinity, to die for our sins offering a way for us to escape his wrath (Romans 5:8). God, himself, became man (Philippians 2:6-8), and bore all our sins. Paul puts it like this: “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). Just as through Adam’s disobedience his sin is imputed to us, so also through Christ’s obedience his righteousness is imputed to us.
The first Adam tried to become like God, and, in so doing, every human being became an enemy of God. The second Adam, Jesus Christ, is God who became man, and, in so doing, he opened the door for every other human being to be reborn as a friend of God
Posted on Dec 6, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions, Events |
Posted on Oct 4, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
Serving allows us to experience miracles.
In John 2, Jesus was at a wedding and the couple was running out of wine for its guests. He tells the servants to fill several big jars to the brim. When they served the water to the guests, it was wine! The guests never knew what happened; the servants were the ones who witnessed the miracle. The same is true for us when we serve.
We cannot do everything but we can do something. Find something you can do and make sure you do it for the right reasons.
Posted on Oct 3, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions, General Blog, Social Media Blog |
Benefits Of Serving God
There are significant benefits to serving God and serving others. One is the sheer joy found in hearing the still small voice in your heart saying “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
8 Blessings We Experience By Serving Others:
1. Serving allows us to discover and develop our spiritual gifts.
1 Corinthians 12 compares the church to a human body. Just like our bodies are made of many parts serving specific functions, the church is made up of people with different skills and abilities. Alone these pieces aren’t very useful, but together we create something beautiful.
2. Serving allows us to experience miracles.
In John 2, Jesus was at a wedding and the couple was running out of wine for its guests. He tells the servants to fill several big jars to the brim. When they served the water to the guests, it was wine! The guests never knew what happened; the servants were the ones who witnessed the miracle. The same is true for us when we serve.
3. Serving allows us to experience the joy and peace that comes from obedience.
1 Peter 4:10-11 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms… so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” Serving is a form of worship, a way to express gratitude for what Jesus has done for us, and to share the love and grace we’ve been given.
4. Serving helps us to be more like Jesus.
We shift our focus off of ourselves onto others through serving. We begin to see others as Jesus sees them. And we see Jesus IN others (Matthew 25:40).
5. Serving surrounds us with other Christians who can help us follow Jesus.
When we’re working side by side with other people, a bond inevitably forms. This was part of God’s plan for how the church is supposed to work. That’s why Hebrews 10:24-25 instructs us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.”
6. Serving increases our faith.
As we move out of our comfort zones, God increases our faith by revealing new potential — in ourselves and in His Church. When we see what He can do when His power is at work within us, we begin looking for the doors He’s opening rather than pushing our way through the one’s He’s closed (Ephesians 3:20).
7. Serving allows us to experience God’s presence in new ways.
Encouragement and healing go hand in hand. As we encourage others and they find healing, we’re encouraged. It’s the reason so many people who go on mission trips say they came home feeling like they got more than they gave.
8. Serving is good for your soul.
Studies have shown that volunteering is so good for the mind and body that it can ease symptoms of stress and depression. Tapping into our gifts and passions builds self-confidence, energy, and strength. Serving others can also be the best distraction from our own worries.
We make all sorts of rational explanations for not serving.
Posted on Jul 27, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
Every problem is an opportunity to trust God.
We all experience difficulties, problems, and trials throughout life. Usually, we also look for ways to solve those problems. All of the various solutions basically ask one of these two questions: “What can
I do to solve this?” Or, “What can
God do to solve this?” In other words, we either try to solve the problem on our own, or we let God solve it. Obviously, it is much wiser to give your problems to God. Therefore, in the midst of your problem,
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (
Proverbs 3:5).
Trust God to solve your problems.
Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal (
Isaiah 26:4). During your trials you should frequently quote
Psalm 91:2:
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Furthermore, when you’re truly trusting in God, there is nothing to worry about. Jesus said,
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me” (
John 14:1). Make this your cry:
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God“(
Psalm 20:7).
Trust the Lord God Almighty in every area of your life, even during problems, because every problem gives you an opportunity to trust God.
Posted on Jul 16, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
When you forgive, the debt doesn’t just go away. You absorb the debt. That’s why forgiveness is so hard.
Say you lend a person one thousand dollars, but suppose that when the time comes for the loan to be repaid that person is unable to repay you. If you forgive that person of his debt, then that person no longer owes you anything. By forgiving, you forfeited the money—you absorbed the debt. How is it that God is able to forgive our sins against him? He absorbed them by sending his son to suffer the penalty for our debts (sins).
Christ absorbed the penalty of death so that we don’t have to. When God forgave us, he said, “There’s no need to repay me.” (We couldn’t repay God even if we tried, but now we’re freed from the burden of trying.) When you forgive someone, you absorb their debt. That’s why forgiveness is so hard. In Luke 7, Jesus tells this parable to Simon: “Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Forgiveness is a sign of love. To forgive someone of a massive debt (in this case, five hundred denarii) is a sign of massive love.
How is forgiveness a sign of love? Because if you forgive much, then you must absorb much debt (pain, suffering, loss, etc.). Our sin against God is the biggest possible debt we could have; so for God to absorb that is a sign of his endless, measureless love.
Posted on Jun 28, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
Vision is a conception that is inspired by God in the heart of a human.
The greatest gift God ever gave to humanity is not sight but VISION.
-Sight is the function of the eyes,
-VISION is the function of the heart.
-You can have sight but no Vision.
Vision is seeing the future before it comes into being.
Posted on Jun 28, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
Love is the visible attribute of an invisible God.
1 John 4:12 says, No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. In other words, even though no person has ever actually seen God the Father, we are able to see God’s character as we love one another. Remember that God is love (1 John 4:8); so, when we walk in love, we are like God. Thus, although we can’t actually see God, we can see his character in our love for each other (and in his love for us). Indeed, Romans 5:8 tells us that God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Furthermore, Jesus said that we, his disciples, will be known by our fruit: By their fruit you will recognize them(Matthew 7:16, 20). Galatians 5:22 tells us what that fruit is: The fruit of the Spirit is love. Thus, we are known by our love—love for one another and love for God.
It is so important to walk in love, because love is the visible attribute of an invisible God.
Posted on May 8, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
TEN ATTITUDES TO AVOID IN THE CHURCH
- Rebellious Attitude: This kind of attitude leads people to be unteachable, critical of leadership, defensive to correction, and prideful when dealing with.
- Socially-Weirdy Attitude: A weirdy is someone that cannot have a normal conversation without others feeling awkward. Sometimes it manifests in “over-sensitive emotions,” talking to much about one’s self, long periods of silence, and desire for “clingy-co-dependent-friendships.”
- Perverted Attitude: Everything turns into a sexually slanted conversation. Guys mostly struggle with this, but this could also be seen with a woman who may think that every guy in the church is trying to hit on her.
- False Prophet Attitude: This person believes that everything they “feel” God tells them is always to obeyed by others (including leadership) without question. They think they are above rebuke and correction because they believe those who don’t see things the way they do is because others are not as “spiritual” as them.
- Know-It-All Attitude: The know it all always has to let everyone know what they know. They have to have the last word in every conversation, make the most comments in small group, and take forever to convince they need to learn something new.
- Controlling Attitude: This person is not happy unless everything in the church is done their way. They can’t compromise or remain silent when they disagree with something. They need to remain in control and let everyone around them know if they’re not happy.
- Victim Attitude: The victim believes that what the church is doing for everyone else will not work for them because they are too messed up. They think that their past, current problems, or issues always need special attention because unless they have everyone’s attention they think nobody loves them.
- Quitting Attitude: The quitter cannot stick with discipleship or the church because every time things get hard they quit and blame it on someone or something else.
- Self-Centered Attitude: This person cannot serve, make sacrifices, or think about what’s going on in the big picture of the church. Everything in the church is about them, their family, and needs.
- Luke Warm Attitude: They don’t want to be challenged or expected to grow. They just want to be left alone and made to feel comfortable with their current walk with God.
Posted on Apr 5, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
To Bear Fruit, Get Connected
Right before Jesus goes to the cross, he gives his last minute instructions to his followers: “Live in me, and I will live in you. A branch cannot produce any fruit by itself. It has to stay attached to the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit unless you live in me” (John 15:4 GW).
Jesus says that being spiritually connected is like being attached to a vine. You’re not going to have any fruitfulness or productivity in your life if you’re out there on your own. You’ve got to stay connected.
In plants, a disconnected branch can’t bear fruit. Not only do you lack support and start to wither and die, but you also don’t have any productivity in your life if you’re not spiritually connected.
I grow a lot of vegetables and fruit every spring. If I cut off a branch, those branches aren’t going to produce any tomatoes or anything else. They’ve got to be connected in order to produce fruit.
What kind of fruit should you produce when you are connected to the Body of Christ? “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control” (Galatians 5:22-23a NIV).
I don’t know about you, but I’d like to be more loving. I’d like to be more joyful. I’d like to be more at peace, no matter what happens to the economy. I’d like to be more kind to people who are mean to me. I’d like to be a good person. I want to be faithful, not unfaithful. I want to keep my promises. I’d like to be gentle with people who are not very gentle. And I’d like to have more self-control.
That’s called the fruit of the Spirit, and it’s the evidence that you are spiritually connected. If you are not seeing yourself grow in all these things, guess what? It means you’re not spiritually connected.
He’s saying this is so important that not only do you need the support like in a building, and not only do you need the life blood like being in a body—he’s saying you’re not going to have any fruitfulness or any productivity in your life if you’re out there on your own. You’ve got to stay connected. And the Good News is that God wants you to be connected! God is for you!
Posted on Apr 4, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
HOW TO BEAR FRUIT IN EVERY SEASON
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper. Psalm 1:3-4 NLT
Whether you are a gardener or not, today’s scripture holds a valuable lesson for you. Well-watered hearts bear fruit in every season, just like well-watered plants.
WHY WATER MATTERS
I’ve enjoyed gardening since I was a teenager. For almost three decades, I’ve experimented with many different plants in various settings.
The more sun a plant receives, the more drought-resistant it must be. Even though I live in the Midwest, I plant tropical-based lantana in my deck pots, because it loves the 12+ hours of sizzling sunlight that shines there.
My lantana plants flower freely all summer, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds with their colorful blooms. Even though these plants can take the heat, I must water them every day so the flowers can grow.
All my plants perform best when I water them every morning before 10:00 a.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest. Their roots need nourishment to face the long, hot day ahead, so their leaves and flowers won’t wither.
When your faith is deeply rooted in God’s Word, you will be steady and secure no matter how hot your trials may be. You will be able to bear fruit even in periods of storms or drought, because your roots draw sustenance from a constant source of strength.
WATERING YOUR HEART WITH BIBLE STUDY
For the past 17 years, I’ve read the Bible every morning. Nothing has transformed my faith more than interacting directly with His Word. In those years, I’ve faced severe marriage trials, extended family conflict, job stresses and financial issues. Yet my faith held firm because meeting with God was at the top of my to-do list.
Just as my lantana plants do best with morning waterings, you and I will bear fruit when we start our days with God. His Word is living and powerful, and the Holy Spirit will use it to speak powerfully into whatever situation you may be facing.
To meet with God each day, you can use several different methods.
1) A printed Bible. I enjoy using the One Year Bible.
2) A Bible app.
3) A devotional app, such as Devotable.
4) A printed devotional.
5) Search for a topic with a concordance (online or printed).
Set aside 10 minutes. Pray that God will open your mind and teach you before you begin. After you read the scripture, ask God to help you apply what you’ve learned.
Choose one verse from the day’s passage for meditation. I focus on it throughout the day for greater peace. You can choose one verse and record it in your planner or write it on a sticky note to keep it fresh in your mind.
HOW TO KEEP THE WATER FLOWING
Adjust your Bible study time depending on your life season. For example, when I was nursing my babies, my Bible study time was held in tandem with their naps. From years of experience, I believe that first thing in the morning is best, but anytime at all will water your heart.
The main goal is to do study God’s Word every day. Trees by a riverbank have a constant supply of water. You need to set yourself up to be constantly supplied. Enhance your personal study time to bear fruit with helps like these throughout the day:
• A scripture-based screensaver
• Faith-focused Facebook groups
• Emails from devotional sites
• Scripture-based plaques for your desk
• A bracelet that displays a verse or encouraging phrase
No matter what season of life you’re in, God’s Word will water your heart and give you the strength to make it through. What storm or drought are you facing now? Whether it’s stress at home, at work, with relationships, with your health, with your church, or with your finances, God wants to help you through it.
BEARING FRUIT IN EVERY SEASON
God will provide strength and sustenance for you in His Word. You will be refreshed and able to bear fruit for His glory.
The Holy Spirit will help you bear the fruits of the Spirit for God’s glory (see Galatians 5:22-23). Whether your life season is positive or negative, you can bear spiritual fruit year-round as you draw close to Him through regular Bible study.
When you bear fruit in every season, you will inspire those around you to grow greater faith. In this way, all you do will prosper, because you are depending on God for your strength and sustenance.
Posted on Apr 3, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
Bearing Fruit Matters
It is not those who hear the law . . . but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. — Romans 2:13
“Merely hearing God’s law is a waste of your time if you don’t do what he commands. Doing, not hearing, is what makes the difference with God”
Trying to be righteous in what I do is not the same as trying to earn salvation by aiming to be righteous. We are saved only by God’s grace. But once we realize we are saved and declared righteous through Christ, we want to live in gratitude by trying to be righteous. Both the Old and New Testaments teach that the way I live says something about who I am and how I really understand the faith journey. Jesus taught that you can tell something about a tree by the fruit it bears (Matthew 7:16-20).
Though I may do good things, that’s not really Paul’s point here. The question is whether or not the good things I do come from a heart that belongs to Jesus. Do all the things I do reflect that my heart belongs to him?
I also do bad things, because I am still a sinner. But God wants me to have integrity; God wants my faith connected with all I think, do, and say. And God’s Spirit helps me to live that way.
God wants to shape me from the inside out. When I belong to him, that’s what I want God to do too.
Posted on Apr 2, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
FRUITOLOGY
Jesus chose and appointed you and I so that we might go and bear fruit–fruit that will last.
He also says that we shall be know by our fruit.
When you have been truly Transformed, Its reflected in your relationships with God, family, friends, church, Work and co-workers .The Transformation also affects how you talk, work, serve, give, spend time, punctuality, react to issues, and what you post, like, repost & foward on social media.
May we experience a complete heavenly transformation.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.Romans 12:2 (KJV)
Posted on Feb 27, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
Schemes laid to confuse & waste our lives.
Let’s Evaluate how we are spending our time.
It Matters because time is limited.
23 DAYS A YEAR SPENT ON YOUR PHONE .
A recent study by mobileinsurance.com has revealed that the average person spends 90 mins a day on their phone.
That figue may not sound like a lot but that amounts up to 23 days a year and 3.9 years of the average person’s life is spent staring at their phone screen.
So what do we spend all that time doing?
Considering its called a mobile ‘Phone’, using our mobile device to call people was actually the sixth most used function after other activities such as checking social media and gaming. Web browsing came top of the list with people spending 24% of their mobile usage time browsing the web, closely followed by time spent on apps.
With smart phones now offering alternatives for everyday household products from recipes books to flashlights, they are making other traditional devices obsolete. With 57% of people now saying they have no need for an alarm clock and 50% of people no longer wearing watches as their mobile phone is their first choice for knowing what time it is.
And it’s not only when we are awake that we are increasing our smart phone usage with sleep help apps now available, it is even creeping into our sleeping time. With the amount of things we now we rely on our smartphone to do, our amount of time attached to our phones is only going to increase. How many years of our lives will we spend on mobile phones in 10 years time?
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
John 9:4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
Posted on Feb 26, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
Demonstrating Love
In 2019 We are not short of Good News Teachers, Preachers Evangelists. The Gospel has been made available in so many ways. Yet we are short on one thing, demonstrating the gospel. One of the Key things in the Gospels is Love. The greatest commandments is Loving God & Loving Others.
God’s Word must move from the Bibles, Books, Seminars, Bible Studies, Prayer meetings & Pulpits into our hearts and from our hearts into being lived out daily. We must demonstrate what we know not just retelling it but touching other lives with it.
May the Lord help us to move from just knowing & bragging how much we know to demonstrating the Truth to those around us. How can we talk about going for Missions to Asia & Africa yet our coworkers, Church members or neighbors down the street are hurting and yet we do thing.
Matthew 25:31-36
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
Posted on Feb 23, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
Jesus said, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone” (Matthew 18:15). But Proverb 19:11 says it’s to our glory to overlook an offense. How do I know when to speak up and when to just overlook something?
Indeed, Jesus plainly tells us to speak to those who’ve sinned against us, and we should definitely speak up when a Christian sins against us in a way that hurts our relationship. However, here are six offenses we might want to overlook rather than address.
Overlook What the Bible Doesn’t Call Sin
Perhaps you think that mother over there is too strict. Maybe you consider eating red meat, refined wheat, sugar, or GMO vegetables to be wrong. You might believe taking more than 24 hours to return a phone call is disrespectful. But the Bible doesn’t call any of those things sin, so keep quiet and keep the peace. In gray areas—areas on which the Scripture doesn’t speak—Romans 14 tells us to follow our conscience without criticizing those whose beliefs differ.
One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.Romans 14:2-3
Overlook Most Non-believers’ Issues
While we should talk to our unbelieving friends and relatives about things that hurt our relationship, for the most part, telling people to obey a God they don’t believe in isn’t helpful. Likewise, when people become Christians, don’t call them to account for all the things that went on before they considered Jesus to be Lord.
For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 1 Corinthians 5:12
Overlook Previous Occurrences of the Same Sin
Once someone’s apologized for something, never bring it up again: “I know you already apologized, but I’m still bugged.” If you’re still bringing it up, you haven’t forgiven, and Jesus said we must forgive someone even seventy-seven times (Matthew 18:21-34). Likewise, if someone repeats a sin, address the new issue without bringing up the past: “This is the third time you’ve done that” repeats the matter that you said you forgave.
Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9
Overlook What’s Merely Meddling
Maybe your heart is breaking over your sisters who aren’t getting along. Stay out of it. Maybe you know one friend is peeved at another friend, but hasn’t told him and now she wants you to talk to him for her. Refuse and encourage her to talk lovingly to him herself. Triangular communications are often gossip and an attempt to get others to choose sides.
Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears. Proverbs 26:17
Overlook Motives
Address actions, not motives. People who think they’re skilled at “reading between the lines” or discerning hidden motives damage their relationships. “Did you start the carrots?” shouldn’t be heard as, “You think I’m a terrible cook!” Assume motives are innocent until proven otherwise.
Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.1 Corinthians 4:5
Overlook Small Issues that Don’t Matter
If your usually kind friend snaps at you after having a hard day, it’s a good time to just overlook it.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14
When in doubt, remember the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
source: www.jeanejones.net
Posted on Feb 21, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
Smooth Ways To Overlook An Insult
Proverbs 12:16 says a wise person overlooks an insult, but a fool immediately gets annoyed. Here are five ways to bring this verse to life in your own life and rise above those who try to belittle you.
Don’t Take Offense
When you take offense, it builds “a fence” around your heart and blocks the power of God from freely flowing. Even if someone dishes it to you, the choice is yours whether or not to take it.
Trade Places
Put yourself in their shoes. Maybe they are dealing with family stress or work pressure. Try to consider their unique situation and know that the perception is not always reality.
Benefit Of Doubt
Show mercy by not letting the insult diminish how you feel about the person. Besides, one day we will all need someone to show us the same kindness.
Humor Yourself
Laugh it off and keep it moving. This is a great way to take control of the situation and prevent yourself from harboring bitterness and anger. Don’t sweat the small stuff!
Love Again
Press the reset button in your heart and begin again. Quickly forgive and move on. Don’t let an immature moment ruin the relationship. If the same attitude reoccurs, create some distance and love from far away.
Posted on Feb 20, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
Wisdom: Overlooking Offense
Proverbs 19:11 —Good sense makes one slow to angerand it is his glory to overlook an offense.
This Proverb explores two interrelated themes — being slow to anger and overlooking an offense. These two lines of poetry should not be read as synonymous, but rather taken together, they paint a picture of how a wise man responds to wrong, and being wronged.
Preliminary Remarks
In the background of this Proverb, as with the whole book of Proverbs, is the concept of the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord can be described as a reverent-awe with reference to Yahweh, our Covenant Lord. Proverbs 1:7 begins the book by saying that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. So, we should not read anything in the book of Proverbs as being disconnected from the concept of “the fear of the Lord.”
Wisdom and Anger
This proverb is very illuminating because of what it does not say. It does not say that the wise person never gets angry, rather it says it is wise, or makes good sense, to be slow to anger.
Why, you might ask, does it make good sense to be “slow to anger”? Well, we often lack facts, we often are not able to see a situation objectively, and we are often blinded by our own pride. Rather than being quick to anger, we should strive first to listen, ask clarifying questions, and try to understand why someone might be behaving the way they are.
Overlooking an Offense
But wait. How do we really overlook an offense? There’s only one way: We can “overlook” offenses only as long as we know that there is no such thing as an overlooked offense.
Paul tells us, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord’” (Romans 12:19). Every sin — every offense against God and man — will be judged by the Lord. And we know that the judgment will happen in one of two places: either in hell or on the cross of Jesus. Our “overlooking an offense” is really our entrusting to God the role that belongs to him alone. The life of wisdom is the life of faith that yields to our sovereign and good God.
source: fighterverses.com
Posted on Feb 19, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
Five Happy Reasons to Overlook an Offense
The good news is that the gospel doesn’t make us less human, but more human. As followers of Jesus, we experience the full range of disappointments and emotions common to all image bearers of God. But, by God’s grace, we can learn to steward them rather than live as slaves to them. We can learn to respond as redemptively as possible, as opposed to reacting selfishly and self-righteously. And we can actually find joy when we “overlook an offense. Proberbs 19:11
Five Happy Reasons to Overlook an Offense
Joy in overlooking offenses? Yes. Joy from what? Let’s look at five things the Bible says can give us joy if we’re willing to receive them.
But first, let’s be clear: overlooking an offense must not be confused with submitting to abusive people or morally and ethically unacceptable circumstances. Jesus calls us to be foot washers, not doormats.
However, there are at least five reasons that joy is found in overlooking an offense.
1. Gospel Sensibilities
When we overlook an offense, we can rejoice that we’re growing gospel sensibilities and tasting true glory. The Bible says, “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11). The shorter our anger-fuse, the quicker we’ll take offense at anything and anyone. “Good sense” is gospel sense.
The more the truth of the gospel renews our minds and shapes our perspective, the quicker and easier we’ll overlook stuff. We’ll care more about honoring Jesus by our reactions to irritating people and aggravating circumstances and give up on the illusion of having a hassle-free, painless life. There is tremendous joy in caring more about God’s glory than our own reputation, convenience, and rights. God will always be most glorified in us when we are most satisfied, joyful, at peace, and free in him.
2. Owning Our Sin
When we overlook an offense, we can rejoice that we’re starting to acknowledge our own sin. We begin to believe that the log in our eye is a bigger issue than the speck in anyone else’s eye (Matthew 5:38–42). The freest, most joyful Christians I know are the quickest repenters. It’s not that they have less to repent of; they’re just faster at owning their sin, humbling themselves, and resting in Jesus.
As the gospel moves us from Satan’s condemnation into the Spirit’s conviction, we become more aware that we need the grace of God as much as anyone who sins against us, and there’s tremendous joy associated with that kind of humility. We take less offense and extend more grace; we are more patient and less petty; we are getting better at waiting than whining. We’re more realistic about life among ordinary sinners who, like us, love poorly — and wiser about what to take seriously, and what to completely ignore.
3. God’s Spirit at Work
When we overlook an offense, we can rejoice that God’s grace and Spirit are becoming more operative, transforming powers in our lives. As Christians, we are called to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Growth in grace results in our getting to know Jesus better, who desires that we will have the fullness of his joy in us (John 15:11).
And as we surrender to the work of the Spirit in our lives, he grows a vibrant crop of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control” — the very anti-fruit of an easily offended spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). The Holy Spirit also leads us into a greater experience of our sonship (Romans 8:15–17), which gives us even greater joy in seeing our Father at work in all things for our good — even in the most off-putting, irritating, and offensive scenarios (Romans 8:28). God never promised to do all things easy but all things well.
4. Freedom from Approval Seeking
When we overlook an offense, we can rejoice that we’re gaining freedom from living as approval seekers. Christians are a people whose joy need not be connected to what others think and say about us, or how they relate and react to us. As Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”
To fear people isn’t so much to be afraid of them, but to esteem their approval too much. We look either to God or to people as the fountain and fuel of our joy. People always make poor saviors. We can’t freely or joyfully love anyone whom we’ve given the power to either shame us or exalt us.
5. Forgiving as the Forgiven
When we overlook an offense, we can rejoice that we’re getting better at forgiving others as we’ve been forgiven in Christ. There is no greater non sequitur in the entire universe, or the history of mankind, than for those of us who have been forgiven all our sins — every sinful thought, word, and deed — to withhold forgiveness from others (Matthew 18:21–35).
It was our Father’s kindness that led (and still leads) us to repentance (
Romans 2:4). So where do we think our rigid, easily offended, keeping-record-of-wrongs attitudes will lead people? As Paul wrote, we are to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (
Ephesians 4:32). Our joy in forgiving others is directly connected to the unspeakable, glorious joy of God’s forgiveness of us and his great delight in us.
Source: www.desiringgod.org
Posted on Feb 19, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
The Love of God.
The Lord appeared to us in the past,[a] saying:“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3
Posted on Feb 7, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
All things are possible with God
When we pray, we see the impossible happen. May the Lord be glorified for His doing amongst His people.
If you have an impossible situation, I submit to you that we serve a Miracle working God.
Luke 18:27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
Posted on Feb 7, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
The Power of Commitment
David’s commitment to serve King Saul in a very harsh environment is just amazing. David’s gifting made a way for him to serve in the Palace. When he got there, it was nothing close to what he signed for. As he played the harp & Lyre, his life was threatened by the very King he was serving. There were eleven attempts to kill him but by God’s grace he survived. No one can thwart God’s plan for your life no matter who they are.
The amazing thing was that David never quit serving, he was committed to his assignment. The question is, why didn’t he quit?
1.He knew the “why”.
He understood his purpose of his assignment. When you know your purpose in the place of your assignment, you don’t stop being committed.
2.He was a man of Prayer.
He spent many hours in the Lords presence. It is in prayer we find comfort, strength, peace, direction, wisdom and counsel. You will stay committed to God’s purpose if you are constantly in prayer.
3.He found a destiny helper.
David service and commitment was made possible because he found a destiny helper in Jonathan, King Saul’s son.
Life can be tough when you are walking alone.
Find someone who is real that you can share your heart and also they are willing to help you.
Jonathan was David’s destiny helper.
We have many destiny killers around us, find a destiny helper.
May the Lord give you the tenacity to stay committed even in harsh environment like David.
Samuel 19:1-3
Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan had taken a great liking to David 2 and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. 3 I will go out and stand with my father in the field where you are. I’ll speak to him about you and will tell you what I find out.”
Posted on Jan 24, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
The Power of Commitment
It’s Amazing how we make decisions based on other people decisions. Ruth sister in law Orpha decided to go back to her people but Ruth refused to be influenced by her decision to give up so easily.
Ruth’s decision to stay committed to Naomi ushered her to be the great great grandmother of Jesus Christ.
May the Lord give you strength & grace of Standing tall & sometimes against the tide of the Multitudes because of the Promises, dreams & visions you have in Christ. Please understand it OK to say NO to close friends. Your future may be determined by only ONE NO. It ok to loose a friend than miss your destiny.
You have come a long way to walk away from your purpose. May 2019 be your best year.
Ruth 1:16-17 But Ruth said:“Entreat[a] me not to leave you,
Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”
Posted on Jan 13, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
DAY 7 PRAYER & FASTING
THE POWER OF PRAYER
Scripture
The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. — James 5:16 (NLT)
If you had to choose one super power, what would it be? To be invisible? To fly? To have super-human strength? At one point in our lives, most of us have thought about what kind of super power we would like to have. W. Clement Stone said, “Man’s greatest power is prayer.”
The Word of God is full of accounts that show the power of our prayers. It has the power for us to overcome circumstances, conquer death, bring about healing, change hearts, heal wounds and give wisdom.
When we pray, God listens to prayers, answers prayers and moves in response because of the prayers we pray. Elijah prayed that it would not rain, and it didn’t rain on the land for three and a half years. Then he prayed again, and the heavens gave rain. The prayers that we pray are powerful and can move the hand of God in our lives and in the lives of others.
The power of the prayer isn’t a result of the person doing the praying; it’s in the God to whom we are praying. Prayer is an ongoing conversation with God. We know that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us and is moving on our behalf. We can ask God for his help and have confidence in going to him.
Application
Are there any requests that you need to bring before God that you have been holding on to? In which areas of your life do you believe that God is moving on your behalf? It’s important to remember that God is moving even when we don’t see or feel it. Start a conversation with God today and begin to believe that your prayer has the power to overcome circumstances and move the hand of God!
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the gift of prayer that you have given us. Remind me today just how powerful it is and the importance of having it in my everyday life. I pray that I would begin to see the impact it can have in my life and in the lives of others as I pray. Thank you for always listening, hearing and moving on my behalf. Amen.
Posted on Jan 12, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
Day 6 PRAYER & FASTING
Holy Spirit Empowered
Scripture
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” — John 16:12-13 (NIV)
The Holy Spirit is the very source that brings the power for us to live a God-called life. Jesus made it clear to the disciples that the mission ahead of them required the power of the Holy Spirit to fill them, lead them and guide them in all of their efforts. Paul’s message to the Galatians encourages them to let the Holy Spirit guide and direct their lives. In doing so, we are shaped more into the likeness of Jesus. We need the Holy Spirit’s power to fill us as we work our jobs, love our family, serve our community and invest in our church. Application
Consider what is causing a spiritual weight in your life. What do you need the Holy Spirit to give you strength to overcome? How can you put into practice asking God to guide you by his Holy Spirit? Take a moment to ask God to continuously fill you with his Spirit every day. Make this Prayer
Lord, fill me with the presence of your Holy Spirit, equip me with your power and guide me into all truth. I trust your presence to lead me today.
Posted on Jan 11, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
DAY 5 PRAYER & FASTING
WISDOM FIRST
Scripture: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who
doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. — James 1:5-6 (NIV)
The Bible says that we should ask God for wisdom whenever we face trials. “Whenever” is the key word here. We are going to face trials in our lives—small, big, life-changing, long, enduring, unfair and difficult.
Why do we need wisdom? Wisdom is more than just information; wisdom is the divine antidote to a self-help, winner-take-all, in-it-for-me, I-deserve-justice culture in which we live. Biblical wisdom transforms our hearts and minds to take on the characteristics of Christ and tackle any situation with truth and love. Wisdom exceeds information and infuses us with faith to see God do impossible things through our impossible situations.
When we receive wisdom, we actively engage our faith so that we can step out in obedience. Worldly answers may seem right, natural and satisfying (in the moment) but often leave a trail of regret. Godly wisdom directs our steps down the less traveled path of faith—trusting a supernatural God for an impossible outcome.
Application
Consider what your life would look like if your first response to a situation was prayer for wisdom rather than Google. What if you ran to God first instead of a friend or social media? When has wisdom directed you to do something contrary to your natural response in a situation? Often the outcome of a wise decision opens more doors and sparks more opportunities than a decision derived from worldly advice.
Prayer
Father, thank you for generously giving good gifts to your children. You are so good and worthy to be trusted! I ask that you would lead me in wisdom today as I face many different situations. I pray for strength to walk in godly wisdom, believing that your way is better—even when it doesn’t make sense.
Posted on Jan 10, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
DAY 4 PRAYER & FASTING
Removing Clutter, Calling on the Lord
Scripture: I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. — Psalm 18:3 (KJV)
Psalm 18:3 tells us that when we begin to worship, something happens in our minds and hearts. God inhabits the praise of his people, and where the Lord is, there is liberty from all the “clutter” of life.
Calling upon the Lord is necessary for help in our daily lives—not just in times of distress or trouble. This requires a voluntary action on the believer’s part: “I will call.” When you read the phrase “saved from my enemies,” think about the enemies in your life that can hinder a move of the Holy Spirit.
In Jeremiah 33:3, when you read “call to me,” think about your spiritual life. Are you calling to God? God is extending an invitation to everyone to make a collect call to him, and he will pay the charges. But we have to listen! Many times, we don’t wait expectantly for him to answer, or maybe we didn’t even call in the first place.
When we listen, God will reveal great things to us. We have to want it and call out to him. Do you want what he is offering? Make the call.
Application
It is so important for us to call on the Lord. It may be difficult, but waiting expectantly for his answers is how we grow closer to him. We see breakthroughs when we have our minds and hearts ready for a revelation from God. Don’t second-guess the Lord; there are things you don’t know, but he does!
Make this Prayer:
Lord, I have allowed my daily life to be filled with useless clutter that is choking my spiritual strength. My heartless determination to silence the noise around me has made me become a “gutless spiritual wonder.” I have not called upon you. I need and call for your help to change and ask for patience to wait on your answer. Give me the revelation that will take me to the next level in my journey of faith. Amen!
Posted on Jan 9, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
DAY 3 PRAYER & FASTING
BE MORE…FORGIVING
Scripture: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you;” ~Matthew 6:12, 14 NRSV
How often do we utter the words, “Lord, forgive me” or “God forgive me for …?” Do we really understand what we are saying? When we request forgiveness from God, we are actually positioning ourselves to forgive others, that we ourselves may obtain forgiveness. The forgiveness that we request from God is relational meaning that we get what we give.
In the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples, He says, “Forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors” which translates to “As often as I forgive others, please Lord, forgive me!” If we are honest, how many times would we really gain forgiveness? In verse 14, Jesus simply assures us that forgiveness, no matter what we have done, thought or said, is guaranteed if we allow for weakness in others. Today, remember the golden rule and ‘do unto others as you would have others do unto you’; forgive.
Resolve in yourself to forgive all that have hurt you.
Posted on Jan 8, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
DAY 2 PRAYER & FASTING
BE MORE…WILLING
Scripture: “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” ~ Isaiah 6:8 KJV
Have you ever found something you enjoy doing? Perhaps, you learned how to cook, sew, or draw. Maybe you delight in baking, writing or reading, or taking pictures. Because you love doing those things, if ever you were asked to bake a cake, or draw a picture, you were willing to do so. No one had to push you or plead with you to do it; you just did it. You even rearranged your schedule to accommodate your interests. That is how God wants us to be with Him. He desires us to be willing to do, go and say anything for Him.
Be willing to spend some time with Him, study His word and sit in His presence. He will never push Himself on us. He is always there for us: willing to hear us, comfort us, protect us, love us, provide for us, guide us and more. In fact, He was willing to die for us. In the scripture, the prophet Isaiah came to a clearer understanding of who God was in his life. He recognized that this Holy God wanted a real relationship with this sinful man. Realizing the magnitude of God’s power, when the Lord needed someone to go to “make the heart of the people fat,” Isaiah said immediately, “…here I am, send me.”
Today, listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit
Posted on Jan 7, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
DAY 1 PRAYER & FASTING
BE MORE…PRAYERFUL
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” ~ Luke 18:1 KJV
From the time that we were old enough to repeat what we were told, our parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers and/or daycare providers taught us to communicate with God. When we repeated words like “God is great; God is good” before we ate our meals and “Now I lay me down to sleep” before we went to bed, they were actually teaching us to pray; even if, at the time, we really didn’t understand what we were saying or doing. Many of us thought that prayer was something that could only be done at the side of the bed, while on our knees. However, as we have grown older and matured in the Lord, we now know that prayer can be done anywhere and at any time during the day. In the Bible we have read many accounts of how prayer changed people and/or situations, which was the result of God’s Word being spoken back to Him. Basically, praying Scripture gives you the same authority over Satan as when Christ prayed against him, making this method of prayer helpful in creating an intimate relationship with the Creator. So, in whatever situation you find yourself, whether you need healing, strength, wisdom, a financial blessing or a desire to simply pray for someone else, remember that God admonishes us to come boldly before the throne of grace.
Prayer is the best way to make your requests known unto the LORD. So, remember to Pray Until Something Happens! NO QUITING OF FAINTING.
Posted on Jan 3, 2019 in Devotion, Devotions |
7 days of Prayer & Fasting
Start the year 2019 right :Join in the January Prayer & Fasting Movement.
Discover the rewards of putting God first in all things!
Jan 7- Jan 13 2019
Posted on Dec 28, 2018 in Devotion, Devotions |
OUR WORDS DETERMINE OUR DESTINY
Notice what Jesus said: “I tell you that everyone will have to answer for all the careless things they have said. This will happen on the Day of Judgment. Your words will be used to judge you. What you have said will show whether you are right or whether you are guilty.” Matthew 12:36-37
The words of our mouth have control over our lives, whether we like it or not, or whether we believe it or not. What comes out of our mouth will determine our future. As a rudder controls the direction of a ship, your tongue controls the direction of your life. God made man to be a steward not only over the earth but over his own mouth as well. We are our own prophets. What we say today impacts our tomorrow. Words have the power to change things for good or ill. The success and enduring influence of any systematic construction of truth, depends as much upon an exact vocabulary, as upon close and deep thinking itself. Indeed, unless the results to which the human mind arrives are plainly stated, and firmly fixed in an exact terminology, its thinking is to very little purpose in the end.
Job said “How forcible are right words!” (Job 6:25) Every single one of us can stop and think how good we have felt when someone has spoken words of love, encouragement, and Blessings to us. Words can cut right through you like a knife, and when those words are positive and constructive, they can have an incredible way of building up your own sense of self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence.
Posted on Dec 24, 2018 in Devotion, Devotions |
Your spirit is more powerful than your flesh.
1 John 4:4 says, The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. The Holy Spirit, who lives in you if you are born again, is greater than anything in the world, including your flesh. Therefore, you do not have to be controlled by your flesh and worldly lusts.
In Luke 10:19, Jesus says, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” This verse doesn’t mean that things won’t come against us, but it does mean that even when hard things come against us, God has given us the power to remain peaceful and joyful even in the midst of the difficult circumstances.
Remember that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).
The power God has given us is amazing; however, many Christians never activate that power in their own lives because they don’t really believe that God will personally work in them.
Remember that Jesus said, “it shall be done for you as you have believed” (Matthew 8:13). Therefore, dare to believe that God has given you the power to do awesome things for Him–things that you can only do because your spirit is more powerful than your flesh
Posted on Dec 23, 2018 in Devotion, Devotions |
You stand tallest on your knees.
Prayer is powerful. In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus said, “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.” When a child asks his or her parents for something, they will usually do almost anything just to answer the child’s request. For example, if a baby starts crying for food, a good parent will drop everything in order to feed the little child. When you ask your parents for something, they will probably be quite eager to help you. The Bible says that God is our heavenly Father—the best possible father. So, how much more do you think God is looking to answer your prayers?
Therefore, if you need to hear from God, “ask and it will be given to you.” James 5:16 says that “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Then, James gives an example of the power of prayer: “Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops” (James 5:17-18). That’s amazing power. But what gave Elijah such power? Prayer. It is no wonder that in Matthew 21:21, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.” Prayer is powerful. When you have unwavering faith in God, He will answer your prayers. That’s why you stand tallest on your knees.
Posted on Dec 22, 2018 in Devotion, Devotions |
God loves you not because of what you do, but because of who He is.
God is love (1 John 4:8). God doesn’t have to pretend to love you; He can’t not love you, because He is love. In fact, the very actions of God exemplify what love is. The apostle John explains that this is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us (1 John 3:16). Only a few verses later, he further defines love: This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:9).
Notice that God’s love for you is independent of how you behave, who you are, or how you respond to that love. Romans 5:6-8 reminds us that God loves us regardless of where we are: You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Jesus represents God’s love for us in what we now call the Parable of the Prodigal Son (see Luke 15:11-24). In that allegory, the father openly and lovingly receives his son even though the son had run away, squandered all of his money, and insulted the father. In the same way, God loves us unconditionally.
There is nothing you can do to get God to love you — He already does. There is nothing you can do to deserve God’s love, because, by sinning, you have turned your back on God and are fundamentally no different than the prodigal son. That parable is a clear reminder that God loves you not because of what you do, but because of who He is.G
Posted on Dec 8, 2018 in Announcements, Devotion, Devotions |
Christmas Dinner & Talent Night 2018
Posted on Oct 19, 2018 in Devotion, Devotions |
Are you giving the love you should give
If you don’t feel like you’re getting the love you should get, then maybe you should ask yourself if you’re giving the love you should give. Too often we look only at what other people are doing for us instead of what we are doing for them.
However, the Bible instructs us to look out for the needs of one another, to look for ways to serve others, and to walk in love with each other. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands us to love: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Love is so important, because every person needs love.
People in the world are hungry for love; they’re looking for a source of real, genuine love. Proverbs 19:22 tells us that What a man desires is unfailing love. We, as Christians, have an opportunity to give that love, which the world desperately desires. So instead of wondering why you’re not getting the love you should get, decide to give the love you should give.
Posted on Oct 18, 2018 in Devotion, Devotions |
THREE RULES FOR LIVING
“For the Lord gives wisdom.” Pr 2:6 NKJV To succeed in life you must do these three things:
(1) Decide what’s important. The story’s told of a family who moved to the country to get away from the city. They decided to raise cattle so they bought a ranch. One day a friend visited them and asked what they’d named it. Dad said, “I wanted to call it The Flying-W, but Mom wanted to call it The Suzy-Q. One of our sons liked The Bar-J, but our daughter preferred The Lazy-Y. So we compromised and called it The Flying-W, Suzy-Q, Bar-J, Lazy-Y Ranch.” The friend asked, “How are your cattle doing?” Dad replied, “We don’t have any. They didn’t survive the branding.” Come on—decide what’s important to you!
(2) Prioritize your time. Too many of us are like the store owner who got so busy trying to keep the place clean that he forgot to open the front door. The reason you’re in business is to serve customers and make a profit, not get distracted by secondary things. Base your life’s decisions on your priorities. And if you need help figuring out what they are, ask God: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
(3) Learn to motivate yourself. Most times, nobody else will. When tragedy struck his life, we read: “David encouraged himself in the Lord” (1Sa 30:6). You need to learn how to do that too. Jude writes: “Building up yourselves…praying in the Holy Ghost” (Jude v. 20). To succeed in life you must learn to encourage yourself, pray and build yourself up.
Posted on Oct 17, 2018 in Devotion, Devotions |
I am still Standing even when everything around me has crumbled.
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25
Posted on Sep 25, 2018 in Devotion, Devotions |
If you don’t feel like you’re getting the love you should get, then maybe you should ask yourself if you’re giving the love you should give.
Too often we look only at what other people are doing for us instead of what we are doing for them. However, the Bible instructs us to look out for the needs of one another, to look for ways to serve others, and to walk in love with each other.
In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands us to love: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Love is so important, because every person needs love. People in the world are hungry for love; they’re looking for a source of real, genuine love. Proverbs 19:22 tells us that What a man desires is unfailing love.
We, as Christians, have an opportunity to give that love, which the world desperately desires. So instead of wondering why you’re not getting the love you should get, decide to give the love you should give.
Posted on Sep 24, 2018 in Devotion, Devotions |
Be a channel for God’s blessings, not a reservoir.
Have you ever wondered why God may not be blessing you as much as you think he should? It could be because you’ve become a reservoir for God’s blessings, rather than a channel.
If you’re simply accumulating more and more rather than giving what has been given to you, then God probably won’t bless you. However, if you give away the things that God gives you, then you become a channel through which his blessings flow. He blesses you so that you can bless others.
That’s exactly what God promised to Abram: “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2). God promised to bless Abram so that he could be a blessing to others.
If you use what you have to bless others, then God will probably bless you with more (so that you can bless others even more). The Bible describes that principle using language of sowing and reaping: you reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7-8).
Furthermore, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says, Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
These verses are a direct promise from God: If you will sow abundantly with a good (cheerful) attitude, then God will bless you. Why? So that you can bless others. Being a channel for God’s blessings means passing them on to others.
This principle of sowing and reaping works in all areas of our life–not just money. You can bless others in ways that don’t necessarily require money.
Decide to sow seeds of blessing aggressively, and you’ll discover that God will provide a great abundance for you simply because you’re a channel not a reservoir.
Posted on Sep 14, 2018 in Devotion, Devotions |
Your spirit is more powerful than your flesh.
1 John 4:4 says, The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. The Holy Spirit, who lives in you if you are born again, is greater than anything in the world, including your flesh. Therefore, you do not have to be controlled by your flesh and worldly lusts.
In Luke 10:19, Jesus says, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” This verse doesn’t mean that things won’t come against us, but it does mean that even when hard things come against us, God has given us the power to remain peaceful and joyful even in the midst of the difficult circumstances.
Remember that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).
The power God has given us is amazing; however, many Christians never activate that power in their own lives because they don’t really believe that God will personally work in them.
Remember that Jesus said, “it shall be done for you as you have believed” (Matthew 8:13). Therefore, dare to believe that God has given you the power to do awesome things for Him–things that you can only do because your spirit is more powerful than your flesh.
Posted on Sep 13, 2018 in Devotion, Devotions |
Joyful living requires giving.
Most people are selfish and self-centered, focusing only on what benefits them. Such thinking claims that the more you have, the more you accumulate, and the more attention you receive, the happier you’ll be.
Yet, most of the time, such selfishness only makes a person more depressed than ever. This is because when all you focus on is yourself, you’ll always want more, and you’ll never be satisfied with what you have. On the other hand, if you live focused on how you can bless others and serve them, then God will give you joy.
It is no surprise, therefore, that Jesus said,
“It is more blessed to give than to receive” (
Acts 20:35).
Likewise, in
John 13:1-17 Jesus is seen washing his disciples’ feet; he sets an example by humbly giving himself to his disciples.
Then, in
John 13:17, Jesus tells them,
“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”In other words, you will be blessed, which in the Greek has the meaning of being happy, if you give and serve others. The Bible makes it clear that joyful living requires giving.
Posted on Sep 12, 2018 in Devotion, Devotions |
Nathaniel’s Perspective.
You are precious and of great Value despite where you came from or what you have been through. Just because someone’s perspective about you is bad does not mean you are of no value. God’s perspective is what matters. Wipe your tears and shout that you are valuable in the eyes of God. Nathaniel’s perspective about Jesus did not change who Jesus was, He was still the Son of God.
Your skin color, your credit or social status does not define you in the eyes of God.
John 1:46
“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathaniael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.
Posted on Jul 23, 2018 in Devotion, Devotions |
Preach the Gospel at all times; when necessary, use words.
“Preach the Gospel at all times; when necessary, use words.” That advice, originally given by St. Francis of Assisi, is applicable today, because how you behave tells the world what you believe. How you treat others, how you spend your money, how you maintain your house, car, and other possessions, and even how you drive all speak loudly about what you believe.
The world is hungry for something real; they’re searching for answers to life. But the world’s not reading the Bible; they’re reading Christians. And they will recognize true Christians by their fruit, not their mouth, not their bumper sticker, not their cross earrings, but their fruit–their actions (Matthew 7:20).
Clearly, how you behave tells the world what you believe. In other words, your life is a sermon.
Therefore, it is very understandable that James instructs: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like (James 1:22-24).
Faith involves more than hearing and believing; faith demands action. Therefore, the best way to preach the Gospel is to live the Gospel, because how you live boldly declares what you believe.
Posted on Jul 22, 2018 in Devotion, Devotions |
Are you seeking God’s presence or His presents?
You can learn a lot about what you want simply by examining what you are praying for.
King David said, One thing I ask of the Lord … (Psalm 27:4). He had just one thing that was important to him — just one thing! Are you begging God for many things, or are you asking Him for just that one thing: … that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4)?
In that psalm, David was praying that he would dwell in God’s presence and seek Him. Notice that his prayer had nothing to do with getting more worldly things from God.
So, instead of begging God to give you more worldly things, pray that you would dwell in the house of the Lord, knowing that when you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, … all these things will be given to you as well(Matthew 6:33).
When you seek God, He promises to take care of all the things you need! Start seeking God’s presence, and He will give you His presents.
Posted on Jul 21, 2018 in Devotion, Devotions |
Are you seeking the gifts or the Giver?
Sometimes we get so caught up in seeking God’s presents that we forget all about His presence! God wants every believer to remain in His presence and have a personal relationship with Him just like you would with any other friend.
King David knew the importance of seeking God’s presence and dwelling with Him. In Psalm 27:4, David writes, One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. David set himself to seek and require one thing–God’s presence.
The next two verses (Psalm 27:5-6) tell us the rewards of seeking God: For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at His tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
The rewards of seeking God are awesome; not only will you develop a closer relationship with God, but you will also find true joy and contentment.
Psalm 16:11 says,
You will fill me with joy in your presence. In other words,
joy is found in God’s presence–not His presents! Therefore, evaluate your life to make sure that you’re seeking God, not just His gifts.
Posted on Jul 20, 2018 in Devotion, Devotions |
Use your words as building blocks not battering rams.
Every word you say will have an affect on others. Positive words will encourage and strengthen other people, but negative words will tear down and harm them. You must decide whether to speak positively or negatively. Please understand that speaking positively requires a deliberate decision, whereas speaking negatively comes easily—for it is human nature. Therefore, actively strive to speak positive and encouraging words to others.
It is no surprise that the Bible instructs us to say beneficial things about others: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). Furthermore, Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt …” Speaking positive, uplifting words is extremely important. Indeed, Proverbs 25:11says, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
In Psalm 19:14, David prays, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” David clearly knew the importance of words, and so he prayed that he would speak words that were pleasing to God.
We must deliberately choose to speak positive words; otherwise, we will instinctively complain and be negative—for that is human nature. Thus, it is no surprise that Ecclesiastes 5:2 tells us, “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” Similarly, Proverbs 10:19 says, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”Usually when you “hold” your tongue, you’ll catch yourself before you say nasty things about others and cut them down with your words.
Lastly, it is important to understand that whatever you say is a reflection of your heart attitude. Matthew 12:34says, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (also see Luke 6:45). In other words, your words are simply an overflow of what’s in your heart. If you think poorly about others, you’ll speak poorly about them. On the other hand, if you think positively about others, as the Bible instructs us to, then you’ll speak positively about them.
Since words carry power, make a decision to use your words as building blocks not battering rams.
