Colossians 3:15
3Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
The apostle Paul's letter to the church of Colosse detailed many things about false teachings (heresies) that were spreading. But Paul also spoke of the type of attitude one ought to have. As followers of Christ we are to walk, talk and act with peace as Jesus throughout His ministry. Jesus certainly taught peace but he lived it as well. Many claim to have peace but do the claims line up? Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines peace as:
1: a state of calm or quiet; esp public security under law 2: freedom from disturbing thoughts or emotions 3. a state of concord (as between persons or governments); also: an agreement to end hostilities.
Is one always looking for disagreements? Is one always spewing hatred? These are not the signs of peace but to the contrary describe more of a heart and spirit not at peace. But the question is why? Bitterness is rooted in one desiring to cause harm or pain. One feeling wronged in some way. One not at peace has not fully dealt with a problem. We are to have a peaceful disposition with everyone we encounter. How else are we to show the love of Christ? But if one is unable or unwilling to do so then the love of Christ that brings peace is not present. Being thankful also requires a peaceful spirit. An inability to be thankful still has roots in bitterness because in order to be ungrateful one must have determined they were owed something. When people meet you what do they say about you? Is there a genuine presence of peace or is there a bitterness that is tasted?
P.S. Yes it's Valentine's Day but one day out of 365 to affirm the love you have for the person the Lord has blessed you with is not enough. Affirming love as often as one can is important because tomorrow is not promised for either. More importantly, Jesus ought to be our FIRST love. God is love and he loving gave up Jesus for you and me. Jesus willingly shed His blood and bears our burdens when He had the power to command the angels to come to His aide. After His resurrection Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me?" Is Jesus asking you the same the question? Let us show our love to Jesus more than just one day a week or year. He is the first example of pure sacrificial love.
Remember to check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Network at www.leapoffaithshow.com!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
When He's At His Strongest
Psalm 25:4
4Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths;
David was enduring yet another affliction. In the psalm, David not only asked God to protect him but he said he trust the Lord. David as king had many enemies. He had many who reveled at a slight chance of his failing. But when we are weak, that's when the Lord is at His strongest. For that's when we stop doing things in our own strength and hold fast to the Lord''s hand. David asked the Lord to show him His ways and teach him His paths. The Lord said it in Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways." But if we don't stop to look to the Lord we will never understand which path we need to take. So many of us take the wrong path because we leave the Lord out of the decision. But what if the Lord's decision is different from yours you say? The answer is in verse 10 of the psalm "All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful." It means the Lord's way is always the BEST way. He sees what we cannot in our finite minds. He sees down the road what that wrong path or choice will bring. So the Lord gladly gives the right path to those who want to see. Do you want to see? Do you want Him to show you the way? Do you want the Lord to teach you His path for you? All you have to do is ask, listen and then obey. Yes, it's not as easy when we want to do something else but again, the Lord sees what we can't so it means trusting beyond what we ourselves are capable of seeing and doing.
P.S. Tune in to hear my interview on Blog Talk Radio's Social Networking for Women with Bernadine Feagins on Monday, February 20th at 12pm ET. Here's the link to listen in:
4Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths;
David was enduring yet another affliction. In the psalm, David not only asked God to protect him but he said he trust the Lord. David as king had many enemies. He had many who reveled at a slight chance of his failing. But when we are weak, that's when the Lord is at His strongest. For that's when we stop doing things in our own strength and hold fast to the Lord''s hand. David asked the Lord to show him His ways and teach him His paths. The Lord said it in Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways." But if we don't stop to look to the Lord we will never understand which path we need to take. So many of us take the wrong path because we leave the Lord out of the decision. But what if the Lord's decision is different from yours you say? The answer is in verse 10 of the psalm "All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful." It means the Lord's way is always the BEST way. He sees what we cannot in our finite minds. He sees down the road what that wrong path or choice will bring. So the Lord gladly gives the right path to those who want to see. Do you want to see? Do you want Him to show you the way? Do you want the Lord to teach you His path for you? All you have to do is ask, listen and then obey. Yes, it's not as easy when we want to do something else but again, the Lord sees what we can't so it means trusting beyond what we ourselves are capable of seeing and doing.
P.S. Tune in to hear my interview on Blog Talk Radio's Social Networking for Women with Bernadine Feagins on Monday, February 20th at 12pm ET. Here's the link to listen in:
Friday, February 10, 2012
Who Knows About It?
Psalm 66:16
16Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.
The psalmist is giving praise to God. He recognized that only God could save the people of Israel from trouble. The psalmist was aware that deliverance is only of God. True abundance is only of God. God brought the people of Israel from slaves to an abundance. It couldn't be done by pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps. For if they attempted, the straps would've broken. Only God can lift a burden such as the one the people of Israel experienced. For this, praise is in order. The psalmist also says those that fear God. So many do not fear God enough these days. Yes, our God is a God of second chances, but when God is tired of our stubbornness, He lets us experience things we would rather not. If you fear God and He has done something for you who knows about it? Who is aware of His goodness in your life? Let us not take for granted the ability to praise God with our lips. There are some who are mute.
P.S. Check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show Saturday at 8am CT, 2pm CT and 8pm CT and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
16Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.
The psalmist is giving praise to God. He recognized that only God could save the people of Israel from trouble. The psalmist was aware that deliverance is only of God. True abundance is only of God. God brought the people of Israel from slaves to an abundance. It couldn't be done by pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps. For if they attempted, the straps would've broken. Only God can lift a burden such as the one the people of Israel experienced. For this, praise is in order. The psalmist also says those that fear God. So many do not fear God enough these days. Yes, our God is a God of second chances, but when God is tired of our stubbornness, He lets us experience things we would rather not. If you fear God and He has done something for you who knows about it? Who is aware of His goodness in your life? Let us not take for granted the ability to praise God with our lips. There are some who are mute.
P.S. Check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show Saturday at 8am CT, 2pm CT and 8pm CT and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Let the Past Die
1Peter 4:3
3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.
The apostle Peter addressed the Gentile Christians scattered across Asia Minor. Gentiles were unlike the Jews in that they did not grow up in the holiness lifestyle and belief of that of the Jews. The Gentiles were converted to have a belief in Jesus Christ and God the Father. The Gentiles once lived as pagans but after conversion left their pagan lifestyle. Peter wanted to encourage the Gentiles because he knew they were looked at as strange for no longer participating in the lifestyle they knew. Guess what? We're still looked at strange for not doing what the world does. Just as Peter said, we did enough of all the things listed in our past. The apostle Paul said we are a new creation in 2Corinthians 5:17. So why then do so many of us attempt to put our past back on like dirty rags? Let the past die. It is the old skin we once lived in. We cannot please God and sinful man at the same time. As Peter said, the pagans made a choice. We've already made our choice as followers of Christ. Now it's time for us to live that choice. The Holy Spirit is the revealer of ALL truth. We know when we're not in line with the choice we declared before our Lord. As we grow in our Christian faith, the Lord will strip us of our old life. But we must make the choice to grow. Afraid of missing something by continuing to live in the past? It's the present and the future that the Lord has for each of us that will be greatly missed if we refuse to let the past die.
3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.
The apostle Peter addressed the Gentile Christians scattered across Asia Minor. Gentiles were unlike the Jews in that they did not grow up in the holiness lifestyle and belief of that of the Jews. The Gentiles were converted to have a belief in Jesus Christ and God the Father. The Gentiles once lived as pagans but after conversion left their pagan lifestyle. Peter wanted to encourage the Gentiles because he knew they were looked at as strange for no longer participating in the lifestyle they knew. Guess what? We're still looked at strange for not doing what the world does. Just as Peter said, we did enough of all the things listed in our past. The apostle Paul said we are a new creation in 2Corinthians 5:17. So why then do so many of us attempt to put our past back on like dirty rags? Let the past die. It is the old skin we once lived in. We cannot please God and sinful man at the same time. As Peter said, the pagans made a choice. We've already made our choice as followers of Christ. Now it's time for us to live that choice. The Holy Spirit is the revealer of ALL truth. We know when we're not in line with the choice we declared before our Lord. As we grow in our Christian faith, the Lord will strip us of our old life. But we must make the choice to grow. Afraid of missing something by continuing to live in the past? It's the present and the future that the Lord has for each of us that will be greatly missed if we refuse to let the past die.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Allocate It
Joshua 13:6
6As for all the inhabitants of the mountain regions from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim, that is, all the Sidonians, I myself will drive them out before the Israelites. Be sure to allocate this land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have instructed you,
Joshua received a word from the Lord that though he was old and led the Israelites into the promise land, the Lord still had more land for them. The Lord told Joshua to allocate the land to Israel. Though it was occupied by foreigners at the moment, God himself would drive them out. Can you imagine God giving you what He promised you and then tell you there's more? Then to say that He would drive out what's there to prepare for you? The Lord essentially said no matter who's in the land right now, I said it's yours so take note and be prepared to enter it. How awesome is that? The Lord showed Joshua what was coming. And though it hadn't arrived yet, Joshua had to prepare for it. How many times does the Lord work on our behalf to prepare a blessing for us? Are we ready to receive it? What has the Lord shown you? When the Lord says it's yours, be like Joshua, allocate it.
P.S. Check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Network at www.leapoffaithshow.com!
6As for all the inhabitants of the mountain regions from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim, that is, all the Sidonians, I myself will drive them out before the Israelites. Be sure to allocate this land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have instructed you,
Joshua received a word from the Lord that though he was old and led the Israelites into the promise land, the Lord still had more land for them. The Lord told Joshua to allocate the land to Israel. Though it was occupied by foreigners at the moment, God himself would drive them out. Can you imagine God giving you what He promised you and then tell you there's more? Then to say that He would drive out what's there to prepare for you? The Lord essentially said no matter who's in the land right now, I said it's yours so take note and be prepared to enter it. How awesome is that? The Lord showed Joshua what was coming. And though it hadn't arrived yet, Joshua had to prepare for it. How many times does the Lord work on our behalf to prepare a blessing for us? Are we ready to receive it? What has the Lord shown you? When the Lord says it's yours, be like Joshua, allocate it.
P.S. Check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Network at www.leapoffaithshow.com!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Are You Furthering the Cause?
Acts 8:4
4Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
"Those" were witnesses to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church was going through persecution in Jerusalem. So many believers in Christ had to retreat to other places. The persecution of the church did not hinder their testimony of the gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ was spread by many who were considered to be the least in society. Jesus gave a command that His message be spread throughout the earth. Indeed, the persecution and the scattering of the church in Jerusalem ensured the continuance of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. The idea that though the followers were under persecution, their faith remained strong. It gave them more reason to proclaim their faith. 'Wherever they went' means exactly that. Wherever the witnesses set foot, their lives and mouths became a living testimony of the love and redemption Jesus represents. Wherever you tread, are you a witness? Is your life a living testimony? Are people able to see the working of Christ in your life? Are you furthering the cause of Christ or is it coming to a halt?
4Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
"Those" were witnesses to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church was going through persecution in Jerusalem. So many believers in Christ had to retreat to other places. The persecution of the church did not hinder their testimony of the gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ was spread by many who were considered to be the least in society. Jesus gave a command that His message be spread throughout the earth. Indeed, the persecution and the scattering of the church in Jerusalem ensured the continuance of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. The idea that though the followers were under persecution, their faith remained strong. It gave them more reason to proclaim their faith. 'Wherever they went' means exactly that. Wherever the witnesses set foot, their lives and mouths became a living testimony of the love and redemption Jesus represents. Wherever you tread, are you a witness? Is your life a living testimony? Are people able to see the working of Christ in your life? Are you furthering the cause of Christ or is it coming to a halt?
Monday, February 6, 2012
Cutting the Learning Curve
Proverbs 15:21
21Folly delights a man who lacks judgement, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.
The enemy of our souls loves nothing more than to see God's children fall off the wagon of purpose. He loves nothing more than to see the plans of the Lord for our lives crumble by our own means. The easiest way is through our own folly. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines folly as 1. lack of good sense 2. a foolish act or idea:foolishness 3. an excessively costly or unprofitable undertaking. We've all made mistakes. The biggest way to recover from a mistake/folly is to learn the lesson so it's not repeated and get back to the business of living out the Lord's will and purpose for our lives, even if it means starting over. Many of us unfortunately repeat our follies because we lack the humility necessary to admit that we did not utilize good judgement. We fear we will be looked at wrong for admitting we messed up. The Lord knows what we will do before we ever do it. He gives us the opportunity to learn the lesson because we are to grow from it. Having understanding means having the knowledge necessary to not be swayed by folly. We cannot shake our fists at God when He's taken the time to provide us with the Holy Spirit and a gut feeling when things are off or heading in the wrong direction. We have time to turn back because God provides a way out for His children who call on Him. Some follies cost more than others but if we seek God and learn quickly, we can cut our learning curve tremendously.
P.S. Thank you for those that kept me in prayer over the last six months as I completed my second manuscript. The book will be available in 2013. It's a different genre and truly caused me to stretch and grow. Details to come when the date of release is near. If you haven't already ordered the book Get Your JOY In The Morning, you can from any online bookstore. It will actually give you insight to my love for God and the gift of writing.
21Folly delights a man who lacks judgement, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.
The enemy of our souls loves nothing more than to see God's children fall off the wagon of purpose. He loves nothing more than to see the plans of the Lord for our lives crumble by our own means. The easiest way is through our own folly. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines folly as 1. lack of good sense 2. a foolish act or idea:foolishness 3. an excessively costly or unprofitable undertaking. We've all made mistakes. The biggest way to recover from a mistake/folly is to learn the lesson so it's not repeated and get back to the business of living out the Lord's will and purpose for our lives, even if it means starting over. Many of us unfortunately repeat our follies because we lack the humility necessary to admit that we did not utilize good judgement. We fear we will be looked at wrong for admitting we messed up. The Lord knows what we will do before we ever do it. He gives us the opportunity to learn the lesson because we are to grow from it. Having understanding means having the knowledge necessary to not be swayed by folly. We cannot shake our fists at God when He's taken the time to provide us with the Holy Spirit and a gut feeling when things are off or heading in the wrong direction. We have time to turn back because God provides a way out for His children who call on Him. Some follies cost more than others but if we seek God and learn quickly, we can cut our learning curve tremendously.
P.S. Thank you for those that kept me in prayer over the last six months as I completed my second manuscript. The book will be available in 2013. It's a different genre and truly caused me to stretch and grow. Details to come when the date of release is near. If you haven't already ordered the book Get Your JOY In The Morning, you can from any online bookstore. It will actually give you insight to my love for God and the gift of writing.
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