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Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
A gifted writer once said, “write what you need to read.” It has stuck with me for a good while. And what I’ve discovered is that I need to read something encouraging, full of hope and opportunity. I do not need to read something that is tragic or depressing or full of doubt. I need to read about David and Peter, Elijah and Paul. I need to know that in the midst of what seems to be a rough patch, God is there with me. Never leaving my side. I need to know that everything is going to be alright. That’s what I need to take from what I read. And I would venture to guess that it’s the same with many of us. We don’t need more bad news when we sit down to read. We can turn on the local news for that.
So, in the next series of posts, I’m going to focus on the good news. The things that spur us heavenward and encourage us in all things godly. And hopefully, it will spur you on to increased joy, better attitudes and to being better blessings to those that you encounter.
Today, since I’ve been studying him, I want to talk about Peter.
Yes, Peter from the Bible. You know – Simon Peter. That Peter. And from the outset I know you may be questioning how my first paragraph has now aligned with this paragraph but there is something that you need to read in Peter’s story.
When we first read about Simon Peter, Jesus is telling him to come after Him. And he did. He obeyed and became a disciple. And as we read his story, we come to find out that Peter was a mess! Just like some of us, Peter was rather impulsive and came across a little brash. He spoke without thinking and was extremely passionate, even when he was wrong. Are you drawing a character picture? Some of us will only need to look in the mirror. (If that’s you, smile and keep reading, please). We could go on and on about how Peter did unruly things in unguarded moments or even about how he denied Jesus, just as Jesus said he would. But what is more important is what became of Peter.
Jesus renamed Simon Peter to Peter, which means “rock.” Rocks are steady, hard, solid. They don’t seem to be very descriptive of Peter. But Jesus knew what would become of Peter. He would go on, after Jesus’ ascension to do great things for God. Yes, this impulsive, brass Peter would end up representing the Kingdom of God
1 Peter is a letter of encouragement to the saints – even through suffering. For he says “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” (1Peter 4: 1-2)
2 Peter is a letter of warning and exhortation. We are to be vigilant and watchful for false teachers and to be students of the Word for ourselves. He writes “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (2 Peter 3:1-4).
But don’t be deceived. Be a follower. Your walk may not be perfect – no, scratch that – you’re walk will not be perfect, but you still need to know who you are following. Follow hard after Christ. Everything else is a lie.
You don’t have to quit the Christian life because you make mistakes. Instead, God has given us a path to repentance through His Son. Follow Hard after Christ. Think about this – God loves each of us so much that He sent His Son to die for OUR sins. His Son, Who is blameless and perfect and holy, took our penalty. He is the ultimate sacrifice. He died for us. So, the appropriate response from us is to now live for Him. Your walk may resemble Peter’s but even after knowing what Peter was all about, Jesus’ last words to Peter were “follow thou me.” Peter wasn't perfect but his life's example can be mined to give us power!
So, we are left with no excuses. We need to follow Him. Whatever you have done, take the path to repentance and follow hard after Christ.
Before I begin my official post today, I wanted to let you know about some great things happening with the ministry of Lysa Terkeurst. You know her, president of Proverbs 31 Ministries. I' ve linked to her site in the past and she has featured me for a book review that I wrote on her last book, Becoming More Than Just a Good Bible Study Girl. All positive stuff. Well, I read her latest book, Made to Crave and it's good reading too. It's a quick read and I like that a lot. You should check out the book as well as the website where there are oodles of information available including a treat for your computer at 8 tonight.
Now, on to the post.
Believing what you say you believe.
I had the opportunity to talk with some teenagers about the pressures of being Christian in their school environments. They are challenged to assert their beliefs into their constantly changing world while they also struggle with hormones, adrenaline and social status just to name a few things. Think back to the days when all you wanted to do was to be “cool” ... or just plain be accepted in a group ... to belong. Now, toss into that an abiding faith in Christ in an environment that many times does not reflect Christ at all. It can be a mighty struggle.
Thus, I tried to encourage these teenagers to build their platform now. Let people know what you will an will not stand for. Let them know your beliefs. It doesn't really seem to be an issue for other religions with blatant outward distinguishing features (like head attire) but for Christianity, there always seems to be some wavering and ability to hid behind this or that...like I'm just a good person.
I do not want them to do that. No hiding. Don't deny Christ. There are implications for doing so. Instead, I want them to be confident in their relationship with Christ. I want them to say in Whom they have believed without wavering - without second guessing. And, I want them to even be the bright light that shines on the hill for Christ in their classroom and school environment. They need to build their platform of belief now. Why? Because if they get the underpinning now, it will be second nature to them when they hit the workplace and other areas where their paths will take them.
Too many of us - adults - are afraid to say something positive for Christ. Too many of us are timid and afraid that if we speak up for Christ then we will not have the answers to the questions that some people will ask when they are questioning our belief. I say, let them ask. If you know the answer, give it. If you do not know the answer - no big deal. They probably don't know it either. It's a perfect opportunity for the two of you to open the Word of God together and study to find the answer.
I am no Bible Scholar, but I do know how to read. And every time I make an honest attempt to read and understand the Bible, more of its truth is revealed to me. I believe what I have read. I believe the truths of the Bible. I believe what I say I believe! Jesus is Christ. The Son of the Living God. That is my platform.
If you have any teenagers roaming around your living quarters, would you encourage them today to believe what they say they believe...to stand firm in Christ alone ...to continue to build (or start) their platform? They operate in a challenging social environment and they need the coaching and nurturing to help them stand for Christ.
And even if you do not have children, perhaps you see them from time to time. Would you extend a word of encouragement their way? You never know what difference it will make.
Blessings to you all and see you next week!
Today’s news headlines are enough to make me shout for Jesus to return. I thought I was about to get some peace from the television set now that the elections are over but alas, I deceived myself. I should have known better than to think like that. The enemy is busy and getting busier all the time.
Take a look at these headlines from a local station: - foreclosures surge 40% - five dead in hepatitis B outbreak- wounded men shot each other - cutting deficit will hurt - happy homecoming ends twin’s ordeal (they had been kidnapped by their father and taken out of state).
I bet you want to holler for Jesus to come back too! We are being attacked on every side. We have financial issues, health scares, violence and family problems that are forcing their way to the spotlight of our lives. If I started trying to list every problem that every body had, then we really would be in trouble.
So, what now?
Put your hope in Jesus.
Unlike us, Jesus is not surprised by all the carnage and calamity that we are getting an eye-full of right now. All along, through the wisdom of the Bible, we should have expected this increasing assault from the enemy. But it’s not just the enemy. Look at how our nation, once religious, has now pushed religion to the backburners. Look how the church has become a place of refuge during the hard times and a place that is unnecessary in the good times. Look at how we, through legislation and activity try to lock Jesus in the closet while pulling out those who should stay in. We, individually and as a nation, need to deal with our sin. And if we still choose, in light of everything going on around us, to let sin reign unchallenged, it will continue to handle us – bending and breaking us down.
Put your hope in Jesus. For He will not fail and is not fickle. He answers according to His Word. He will not disappoint you. Instead, He will stand with you – encouraging you even through this time that we live in. I’m glad I can call on Him. I hope you can too.
I've been getting my "celebrate" on lately. I recently had a birthday and because I had been feeling what felt to me like "unbearable" weight, I decided to let all of that go and let loose for my birthday. So, I did. Let me tell you, I ate cake, I went shopping, I fellowshipped with true friends, I rejoiced with my family and of course, I loved on my puppy. He was so excited - he must have thought it was his birthday!
I celebrated because I made a decision that other people's burdens don't have to become totally mine. What a relief! I think I was taking that Galatians 6 a little too directly! Its back to what I said in my last post about the thorn. Yes, I may carry the thorn with me, but it doesn't have to consume me. I just have to obey God. Listen to Him. Be directed by Him. And rejoice because of Him. Celebrate!! Happy Dance. Happy Dance. Woot!!!
So, that's where I find myself this wonderful day. On celebrate mode. An even though that slew-footed dude keeps trying to bring me down, I'm not going down without a fight. I'm reveling in my Christian freedom. I feel like I can soar!
I feel like singing..."I'm free...praise the Lord, I'm free...no longer bound; no more chains holding me; my soul is resting; it's just a blessing; praise the Lord, Hallelujah, I'm free!" Good thing for you, you're not sitting near me or I'd have to saaang it for you.
So, do I have anything profound to say today? I know that's what you are wondering . And my answer is yes, I do. Rejoice in the freedom you have in Christ, as a believer. You may feel worn down, tattered and torn to pieces by your circumstances. The weight of all the circumstances may be troubling your soul. But just take it to Jesus. Take it to Him and leave it there. He will take your burdens and give you the strength to endure. And, he may just set you free, even in the midst of your circumstance. I still have the friend that is walking by the flesh and not by faith, but, I'm still free. I'm still free to pray for my friend and I'm still free to worship. I'm still free to celebrate! Don't let your situations bind you - get free!
I'm celebrating! I hope you will too. Take a minute to celebrate Jesus!
The truth is, people will disappoint you. Sometimes, it is intentional while other times, it’s an unintended consequence. Let your mind marinate now on the times when you have been disappointed. Now, let your mind recall the times when your actions and words have been disappointing to others. Doesn’t feel good, does it?
It can hurt to deal with disappointment, but we must accept the fact that it is inevitable in this life. No one person will ever be able to meet all of your needs. No one thing is going to provide all you desire. So, where’s the hope?
The hope is in Jesus. He is the hope that does not disappoint. This does not mean that we can order Jesus around like a genie in a bottle and get salty with Him when He doesn’t answer us in the way that we would prefer. Instead, it means that as we submit our will to His for our lives, the hope we have in Him does not fade. Instead, it grows.
Living life for Jesus and living in the hope that He makes available to all that would believe is of the utmost benefit for our lives. Instead of letting our circumstances push us to doubt and despair when people or things let us down, when our hope is in Jesus, we know He’ll always be there. So, no matter the situation that we endure, we can make it because of our hope in Jesus - the One that does not disappoint.
We enter into so many relationships. We have relationships with parents, children, spouses, co-workers, church folks - you get my drift. We are always moving around from one relationship to the next. We find some relationships rewarding while other relationships we find to be not-so-rewarding. Some relationships lift us up and others tear us back down. And no matter what type of relationship, we generally are never really tempted to stop having them. Most of us don't give up on people and retreat to our own personal island where we are the only living soul there. Most of us can't afford said island - especially in this economy!
Nevertheless, we are actively engaging with one another on a regular basis. But, for a large majority of us, there is one relationship where the phrase "active engagement" would be a lie. Funny thing is, the relationship that too many of us ignore is the one relationship that matters most.
Of course, the relationship I'm referencing is the one that we have the privilege of having with the Lord Jesus. This is one relationship that you should not neglect. Think about it. (I know you were probably expecting me to put on my preacher-hat and hit with a message about salvation and access and privilege. But today, not so. Today, I really would like for you just to think about who you are having relationships with in comparison to your relationship with the Lord. Then let Him address you from there.)
Have a blessed day.
Have you ever felt like you were the only one?
The only one to not know what’s going on…
The only one to not know the answer…
The only one left…
The only one that does not speak the language…
The only one that cares…
The only one that cleans…
The only one listening…
The only one!
Depending on the situation, it can cause a bit of emotional distress to be the only one. But when you are feeling low and can’t fathom going on because of your “only one” status, I’ve got a suggestion.
Why not tell the Lord Jesus about it? Lean and depend on Him. If anyone knows about being the only one – it’s Him.
He is the only One – the Son of God.
He is the only One – who did not sin.
He is the only One – who, in diety, became flesh.
He is the only One – that died for your sins.
He is the only One – that can reconcile us to the Father.
He is the only One!
So, I've been listening to my new Kurt Carr CD. I've got to say that there are some songs on this collection that I really LOVE. The one that I'm currently hooked on is on the second CD, and it's called: Great Jesus.
Oh how I love that song!
I love it because it reminds me of how much I do NOT deserve the blessings that I receive. I reminds me of His great and enduring love for me. It places me in the present reality of how unworthy I am and in that stark realization, I come to see how much more He deserves my worship and praise.
He is my great Jesus.
Blog Buddies! Good Morning!
Can I tell you how well I slept last night? It bordered on amazing. It wasn’t the sleep that you get when you work out too much and you essentially pass out from exhaustion. (well, at least I do, I’m out of shape). It wasn’t the sleep that you get when you’re sick and your body uses the time to fight off whatever is ailing you. No, this time, I slept a very peaceful sleep. I think I woke up smiling.
My night’s rest was not a result of my going to bed early – in fact, I went to bed late – very late. Instead, my night’s rest was a result of my reaching a point where I gave all of my drama to the Lord (and drama does not always have to be bad - I've just got a lot going on). Last night, I meant it when I said it - Jesus, take the wheel! And, as a result, I slumbered very well.
I also had a good revelation/reminder - God does not worry – so, if I am growing in His likeness, then I shouldn’t worry either. Who has time to worry! Just let Jesus take the wheel! My prayer for you tonight is that you rest in His confidence. Sweet dreams!
Artist: Maryam TabatabaeiRejection stings.
I was thinking today about how sometimes you will choose something that does not choose you in return. Hence the rejection.
For instance, I like milk but milk does not like me – I’m lactose intolerant.
I like popcorn, but popcorn does not like me – upsets my stomach.
It gets deeper.
There have been two relationships that I would have preferred to keep, but the guys did not prefer to keep me. The rejection stings all the more when you were promised marriage and end up still single – no wedding bells of joy. Only the sting of rejection.
Or, you could be happily married but the rejection is on your job or career field. You choose a certain field but it seems like you cannot get any traction in it. You are repeatedly rejected – interview after interview.
Or, you could be rejected by your peers. And there are many aspects to this rejection.
But, can I tell you this one thing. Rejection does not define you.
Sometimes we get down on ourselves because we don’t fit into the mold that we desire, or we don’t get to live out the dreams that we desire. Our lives don’t pan out the way that we planned since we were 10 years old etc etc.
People are indeed entitled to their own views and sometimes, in exercising their free will, rejection comes. Things do not always work out the way that we would like. But, we have to accept the rejection.
I know that seems a strange statement. But you would not believe the times that I have known of a rejection but refused mentally, emotionally and/or physically to accept it. I kept trying to work my way around the brick wall of rejection. But, I never got around it until I accepted it. Once I accepted the rejection, then I could move forward. Simple enough, right?
The key is not to internalize the rejection. I will say it again – rejection does not define you. We have to keep the proper perspective. In exercising their freewill, people who walked among the same streets and lived during the same time as the Son of God, rejected Him. They did not believe Who He said He was. Some of them could not accept Him because He did not come in the package in which they were expecting. But, it did not stop Him from being Who He was then and is now. He is the Son of God – His name is Jesus. It does not matter that some accepted him when things were good and then when the road got tough, rejected this same Jesus. Rejecting Him does not stop Him from being who He is.
The same is true with us. Rejection does not define us neither does it keep us from being who we are.
So, if you are feeling rejected today – take heart. God does not and has not rejected you. Rejection does not define you. If the Son of God can be rejected, don’t be surprised if you are rejected. Take your hurt to the Lord, and move forward with your life.
The second message from the Revival did not disappoint. Once again, God used this powerful man of God to deliver his message on counting it all joy! I remember that my aunt used to always tell me to count it all joy. That was her thing. She stood on that Scripture for a long time. And, that's the way our attitude towards everything should be. We need to count it all joy!
Good times - count it all joy!
Bad times - count it all joy!
In-between times - count it all joy!
As Christians, we can do this no matter the state we are in when we are fully submitted to God. Fully submitted, we can look at Him in the proper light and with the proper view - He alone is God. He alone is worthy! We exist for Him - to give Him glory.
When we are fully submitted to God, we look to Him for our marching orders - for our next step - for His will in our lives. And guess what, in looking to Him, we lift our heads up toward Heaven to see what He will say to us. Therefore, we can look up - lift up - raise up - worship! All our help comes from the Lord so we can count it all joy! JOY! JOY! JOY!
Now, this does not mean that you will not go through things. Some of the things that I have been through have ripped my heart out (it felt like it anyway) but I have persevered and now I count it all joy. Looking back, it's all joy! God uses some experiences to humble us, but it's worth counting as all joy. God uses some experiences to grow our patience, it's all JOY. JOY! JOY! JOY!
So, I'm encouraged and looking forward to the last night of the revival. I am counting it all joy - Joy in Jesus!
I know that I've been on this "glad" thing pretty much all week, but, aren't you glad? Joking.
Shekinah Glory Ministries sings a song entitled "Jesus" and I have to tell you, I've been humming and singing this song all week too. So today, on this Friday, even though I'm posting later than usual, I thought I would share the lyrics to this song and if I can find it on Youtube or Godtube, the actual song. Read through these lyrics and be blessed!
I'm so glad
You died for me
I'm so glad
You shed your blood for me
I'm so glad
You rose for me
Sweet Jesus--Jesus
Sweet Jesus--Jesus
I'm so glad
You died for me
So glad
You shed your blood just for me
So glad
You rose for me
Sweet Jesus--Jesus
Sweet Jesus--Jesus
Lead (Choir just repeats Jesus)
Help me say
Jesus
Sweet Jesus
Jesus
The precious name
of Jesus
The powerful name
of Jesus
How he loved me
I won't ever know
How he cared for me yeah
The precious name of
How he loved me in spite of me
The name, the name Jesus
It's so sweet I know, I know, I know
Oh I love the name
What you did for me on Calvary
No man would have done
But you loved me in spite of me yeah
You loved me just as much
To be hung there and died
You were thinking just of me
What a God, what a God
Budda couldn't do it for you
Confucius couldn't do it either
God is
He's God all by himself
The name, the name, the name of
The precious name
How I love the name, I love the name of
Jesus
When I think of his goodness & all he's done for me
I can't help but give him glory
He is God all by himself
Come on give him glory
At the name of Jesus demons must flee
That's the kind of power he's given us
We can speak to that sickness and it will leave
That's what he said in his word yeah
He said I've come to give you life more abundantly
That's what he did at the cross for you & me (REPEAT 3Xs)
But I'm so glad he rose on the third day
With all power in his hand
Yeah
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
The powerful name of
The precious name, glorious name
The name of Jesus yes it is
No other name I know
I'm talking about Jesus
How he loved me I'll never know, I'll never know
Yes he did
He loved me in spite of me
Cause he knew I wasn't fit to die
He died just for me
He said I can handle it daughter
I took care of it on the cross for you
I took care of it, bore it on the cross for you
Nobody but Jesus
Come on give him glory
The name of jesus
Come on give him glory
The name of Jesus
Come on give him glory
The name of Jesus
The precious name
The precious name of Jesus
No other name I know
No other name I know
Jesus
Jesus
I can't help but worship
The music don't even have to play
For me to give him worship
The music don't even have to play
For me to give him worship
How I love him oh yeah
How I love him, oh yeah
How I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him
how I love him, I love him
How I love him, I love him, I love him
See I don't need a dance partner cause I've got Jesus
When I think of his goodness & what he's done
When I think of his goodness & what he's done
I've gotta give him glory
Jesus
Glory hallelujah
Jesus
Hallelujah
Bless the lord
www.onlylyrics.com
Oh look, I found it! Now that you've read through the powerful lyrics, check out the song now:
Now, who wouldn't serve Him after all that He's done for you and for me! Aren't you GLAD!!!
Blessings,
Sanya
Recently, I was watching television and saw two game shows that essentially promoted humiliation in order to win a monetary prize.
One of the producers of one of the shows said the contestants were like "lambs to the slaughter" and then he chuckled. The commercial advertisements for the other game show revealscompletely embarrasing takes with the hosts of the show being two snide commentators.
These shows are new to the airways and apparently have good ratings support - or else they would not continue to be on the air. So, what's my problem?
We are to esteem each other in love, not mock each other and make fun of one another. These shows promote the opposite.
My second problem - what length are we willing to go to in order to win a paltry sum of money. The cash is a big amount but paltry when you really count the costs.
If I consider the cross, where Jesus bleed, hung and died, then I could never be a contestant on these game shows. If I consider the cross and realize that Jesus has taken all of my humiliation and shame to it - then why would I willfully incur more embarrassment. If I consider the cross and the fact that because of Jesus' work on it, I am now a co-heir to the Kingdom, why would I play myself on television for a few bucks that I cannot take with me upon my death.
I wish these contestants would consider the cross - count the costs and realize that whatever it is they are doing this for will never amount to just fully trusting in the Lord and letting Him work out every situation.
For every action - count the costs.
How silly would we look walking around with a bullet-proof vest on?
Imagine it. Everywhere we went, we put on this bullet-proof vest. No matter what attire we were in - swimsuit, nice suit, or sweatpants - always wearing a bullet-proof vest. No matter the time of day - we'd sport that bullet-proof vest. I suggest to you that we would look pretty silly wearing that vest all of the time. And for those watching us, they would probably figure that we should be selected to appear in the very next taping of "What Not to Wear."
But, the truth is, some of us do walk around with a shield of armor protecting us. Sure, to the naked eye, we cannot see it, but to the spiritual eye, it's as noticeable as that bullet-proof vest. We walk around guarded. Yes, we are to guard ourselves from the activities of those that seek to do us ill-will, but we are not to be so consumed with guarding ourselves that we make ourselves unavailable to others.
It seems that some of us have allowed past hurts to determine how we will respond to others in the future. I did this. I was in a very serious relationship that was promised to end in marriage. Well, that relationship ended, but not in marriage. As a result, I became guarded - extremely so. I was not interested in letting anyone get too close to me. I walked around with my triple-layered bullet-proof vest on, and buried myself deep in the trenches of disappointment. I would recommend that you not even go there! It's no place for the living.
Instead, now I can look back and see the grand error of my ways. Keeping myself from living and meeting new people allowed the enemy to establish a stronghold in my mind. I always felt like anybody that approached me had an agenda. I was suspicious, anxious and paranoid. Yes, sadly I was. But, gladly, I can say that I'm free from all of it now. How did I get free? I had an encounter with the Lord Jesus and I then knew more than ever before that that was no way to live.
What I am trying to say - and not doing a good job of it at all - is nobody is perfect and even seemingly bad things happen to seemingly good people. However, our job is not to focus on the imperfection and the tragic events around us. Our job is to continue to live - and in doing so, give of ourselves to God in worship and to our fellow man in service. And, if it happens that you get injured on the way, take your concern or trouble to the Great physician - He can heal anything, anytime, anywhere - you just have to trust and know that He will. In the meantime, take off your vest and live!
Be Blessed!
It’s almost TURKEY TIME! Thanksgiving is my favorite time of the year. I like it because it’s all about recognizing the most important things in our lives – family and spending time with people we care about just for the sake of doing such. There are no gifts to give or anything like that – it’s all about spending time together. That makes me so very happy! A little quality time goes along way!
Therefore, it is my deepest and most sincere hope that you will make time to spend with the lover of your soul – Jesus Christ. We have so much to be thankful for and without Him – well, where would we really be? I hope that you will invite Him to your thanksgiving festivities as well. He’ll be happy to provide a protective covering over your food but He’d also like to be apart of your conversation. He wants to be involved in your life.
Soooo, have a fantastic Thanksgiving Holiday. Give thanks to our God for family and friends and provision. All that we have is all because of what He gave on Calvary’s cross.
Be Blessed!
