Luke 22:31-32
31"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.
32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And
when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
Simon
Peter's denial of Jesus was indeed prophesied. But did you know that it
was all part of the plan? Just as in Job, Satan had to have permission
to test Simon Peter. Jesus knew that Simon Peter would deny him but he
also knew that after Simon's stumble, he would come back. The test would
make Simon Peter realize just how much he loved Jesus and would be
willing to fight for Jesus' cause. Are you wondering if Satan has asked
for permission to test you? If you have truly confessed to be a follower
of Christ and attempt to walk in it, then yes. The question is are you
in that testing period right now? If so, then chances are you have a
choice to make as to whether you will abandon your faith in Jesus and
live like you don't know Him or cling to Him and leave behind the way
you were. It can be scary when you realize that you are in a test. But a
line that came from Devil's Advocate over and over by Kevin Lomax
and his wife Meredith says it all, " It's like it's one big test." And
the answer from one of Satan's henchmen, "Isn't everything?" Has Jesus
said to Satan that you will return to Him?
Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on www.Qliveone.com on Mondays and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
Monday, September 17, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Guilty Conscience
Genesis 50:15
15When Joesph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they "what if Joesph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?"
Did you know that one with a guilty conscience often lives and breathes fear? Many of you know the story of Joesph and how he was his father favorite because he was born of the woman Jacob was in love with? He was tricked into marrying Leah but it was Rachael his heart longed for and he showed it among his sons. So Joesph's brothers already had contempt for him. But when Joesph told of the dream God gave him how they would all bow down to him, it was the final straw. They mistreated him, sold him and lied to Jacob. Joesph's dream turned out to be true. God's word NEVER returns void as stated in Isaiah 55:11. Joesph did reconcile with his brothers before taking his own sons to visit Jacob on his death bed. But because of his brothers' guilty conscience they immediately thought Joesph would hurt them after Jacob died. So what did they do? They lied again by putting words in Jacob's mouth as a note to Joesph. Joesph wept. He had forgiven them but their own guilt they couldn't get beyond. The brothers started with a lie and ended with a lie. They weren't remorseful enough to just apologize for the horrific things they did and ask for the forgiveness themselves. But they feared Joesph would have the same spirit of meanness they unleashed on him. That wasn't Joesph. He only tested them early on but his intent was not to harm them. He loved them and he knew that what they meant for evil, God meant for good. He was not like them and that's why God chose him to lead in Egypt.
When someone has a guilty conscience they are always looking over their shoulder wanting to know a person's every move. So they may have gotten away with whatever they did by everyone else's standards but the mind won't let such a person forget. If they are not humble enough to admit what they've done, like Joesph's brothers, some of their previous behavior that caused the mishap will still be present. Like Joesph, forgive them and let it go. What they did will then be between them and God. God obviously worked it out for your good. Whatever it was you needed to receive, understand, etc...you did.
15When Joesph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they "what if Joesph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?"
Did you know that one with a guilty conscience often lives and breathes fear? Many of you know the story of Joesph and how he was his father favorite because he was born of the woman Jacob was in love with? He was tricked into marrying Leah but it was Rachael his heart longed for and he showed it among his sons. So Joesph's brothers already had contempt for him. But when Joesph told of the dream God gave him how they would all bow down to him, it was the final straw. They mistreated him, sold him and lied to Jacob. Joesph's dream turned out to be true. God's word NEVER returns void as stated in Isaiah 55:11. Joesph did reconcile with his brothers before taking his own sons to visit Jacob on his death bed. But because of his brothers' guilty conscience they immediately thought Joesph would hurt them after Jacob died. So what did they do? They lied again by putting words in Jacob's mouth as a note to Joesph. Joesph wept. He had forgiven them but their own guilt they couldn't get beyond. The brothers started with a lie and ended with a lie. They weren't remorseful enough to just apologize for the horrific things they did and ask for the forgiveness themselves. But they feared Joesph would have the same spirit of meanness they unleashed on him. That wasn't Joesph. He only tested them early on but his intent was not to harm them. He loved them and he knew that what they meant for evil, God meant for good. He was not like them and that's why God chose him to lead in Egypt.
When someone has a guilty conscience they are always looking over their shoulder wanting to know a person's every move. So they may have gotten away with whatever they did by everyone else's standards but the mind won't let such a person forget. If they are not humble enough to admit what they've done, like Joesph's brothers, some of their previous behavior that caused the mishap will still be present. Like Joesph, forgive them and let it go. What they did will then be between them and God. God obviously worked it out for your good. Whatever it was you needed to receive, understand, etc...you did.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Taking HIm at His Word
Matthew 22:71
71Then they said, "why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips."
The council asked Jesus a direct question before taking him to Pilate and leading him away to the cross. The question was, "Are you then the Son of God?" Jesus spoke clearly and did not studder when He said, "You are right in saying I am." The council took Jesus at His word that He believed himself to be the Son of God. There was no other testimony needed for them once they heard from His mouth to their ears. They just didn't believe Him to be who He has continually said He is (yes, present tense). But here's a question for you. If you have claimed Jesus as your Lord and Savior and know His voice why then do you need tons of testimony for it to be valid to you? The council at least knew Jesus said what He meant. But if you have claimed Jesus as your guide, then you have taken Jesus at His word that He is the Son of God. Why then when He speaks to you do you hesitate or think ten people need to say the same thing for Jesus' word to be true? Yes, it's hard to admit but here it is, "lack of TRUST" and "FEAR". Not trusting the Lord for who He is, that you can hear Him for yourself and fear that you'll be wrong, scorned or whatever. Not trusting the Lord means you still need to get to know Him more. Isn't that true in relationships? You usually only trust those you know and have developed a relationship with. And a spirit of fear must still be active in you if you are more concerned with being scorned by the public rather than pleasing Jesus, the one who has saved you by shedding His own blood on the cross in your place, loves you, wants to mold you and has planned a wonderful life for you here and after. So what's the remedy? The remedy is spending more time with Him by reading and studying His word, speaking to Him in prayer, quiet time so you can listen for when He answers you through His Holy Spirit and having the proper spiritual parents who are willing to help you shed that fear. Scorn is what Jesus went through so you won't escape that to a degree initially but your soul will be at peace by following His direction. So what's it gonna be?
Remember to check out my girl Stubbs of the Leap of Faith Show on the Leap of Faith Network from 6-9am on Live365.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
71Then they said, "why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips."
The council asked Jesus a direct question before taking him to Pilate and leading him away to the cross. The question was, "Are you then the Son of God?" Jesus spoke clearly and did not studder when He said, "You are right in saying I am." The council took Jesus at His word that He believed himself to be the Son of God. There was no other testimony needed for them once they heard from His mouth to their ears. They just didn't believe Him to be who He has continually said He is (yes, present tense). But here's a question for you. If you have claimed Jesus as your Lord and Savior and know His voice why then do you need tons of testimony for it to be valid to you? The council at least knew Jesus said what He meant. But if you have claimed Jesus as your guide, then you have taken Jesus at His word that He is the Son of God. Why then when He speaks to you do you hesitate or think ten people need to say the same thing for Jesus' word to be true? Yes, it's hard to admit but here it is, "lack of TRUST" and "FEAR". Not trusting the Lord for who He is, that you can hear Him for yourself and fear that you'll be wrong, scorned or whatever. Not trusting the Lord means you still need to get to know Him more. Isn't that true in relationships? You usually only trust those you know and have developed a relationship with. And a spirit of fear must still be active in you if you are more concerned with being scorned by the public rather than pleasing Jesus, the one who has saved you by shedding His own blood on the cross in your place, loves you, wants to mold you and has planned a wonderful life for you here and after. So what's the remedy? The remedy is spending more time with Him by reading and studying His word, speaking to Him in prayer, quiet time so you can listen for when He answers you through His Holy Spirit and having the proper spiritual parents who are willing to help you shed that fear. Scorn is what Jesus went through so you won't escape that to a degree initially but your soul will be at peace by following His direction. So what's it gonna be?
Remember to check out my girl Stubbs of the Leap of Faith Show on the Leap of Faith Network from 6-9am on Live365.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
Monday, September 10, 2012
Purpose in Sarcasm
Proverbs 15:1
1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Did you know that sarcasm is meant to express anger or extreme dislike? It is sometimes used for the purpose of upsetting someone else to release anger. How so? The notes in the Zondervan NIV Study Bible reference David's encounter with Nabal in 1Samuel 25. David's men were hungry so he sent a representative to approach Nabal. Nabal was already described as surly and mean in his dealings. So Nabal possessed a spirit of anger. When David's appointed messenger greeted Nabal, he was met with sarcasm though he was reminded how David's men made sure he was safe at one point. David was simply calling in a favor. Nabal felt he owed David nothing and made sure his words said such. His response angered David to the point David was ready to make war on every man on Nabal's property. David was justified in his anger. But It was Abigail, Nabal's intelligent and beautiful wife, who thought quick to plead with David. Nabal died a short time later at the hands of the Lord. Why is this story important? You may attempt to use sarcasm to hide your anger but the words themselves let it be known that anger or extreme dislike of a situation is in your spirit. Sarcasm is often used when someone feels they cannot take action otherwise. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines sarcasm as 1: a cutting or contemptuous remark 2: ironic criticism or reproach. Words from one with an angry spirit can hurt and rise an angry spirit in one to whom they are directed. Since we know that thoughts produce words which produce action, then that's the motive behind sarcasm. It is to anger someone else to the point of action. So watch your words. If you're dealing with a loose cannon, you may be in for a fight you didn't bargain for. If you're dealing with someone who has been tamed by the Holy Spirit, the wrath you receive may ultimately be from the Lord himself.
Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on Mondays on www.Qliveone.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Did you know that sarcasm is meant to express anger or extreme dislike? It is sometimes used for the purpose of upsetting someone else to release anger. How so? The notes in the Zondervan NIV Study Bible reference David's encounter with Nabal in 1Samuel 25. David's men were hungry so he sent a representative to approach Nabal. Nabal was already described as surly and mean in his dealings. So Nabal possessed a spirit of anger. When David's appointed messenger greeted Nabal, he was met with sarcasm though he was reminded how David's men made sure he was safe at one point. David was simply calling in a favor. Nabal felt he owed David nothing and made sure his words said such. His response angered David to the point David was ready to make war on every man on Nabal's property. David was justified in his anger. But It was Abigail, Nabal's intelligent and beautiful wife, who thought quick to plead with David. Nabal died a short time later at the hands of the Lord. Why is this story important? You may attempt to use sarcasm to hide your anger but the words themselves let it be known that anger or extreme dislike of a situation is in your spirit. Sarcasm is often used when someone feels they cannot take action otherwise. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines sarcasm as 1: a cutting or contemptuous remark 2: ironic criticism or reproach. Words from one with an angry spirit can hurt and rise an angry spirit in one to whom they are directed. Since we know that thoughts produce words which produce action, then that's the motive behind sarcasm. It is to anger someone else to the point of action. So watch your words. If you're dealing with a loose cannon, you may be in for a fight you didn't bargain for. If you're dealing with someone who has been tamed by the Holy Spirit, the wrath you receive may ultimately be from the Lord himself.
Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on Mondays on www.Qliveone.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
Friday, September 7, 2012
The "P" Factor
Matthew 25:3
3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.
How can you take advantage of what the Lord brings across your path if you've failed to be ready. The apostle Paul said we must be ready to give a word "in season and out." What does that mean? It's the "P" Factor. It means to always be prepared. Always be prepared for what you say? It means to always be prepared for the opportunity that GOD gives you. Many are like the foolish virgins. How so? Just because there's a delay doesn't mean that what God has for you isn't coming. The parable Jesus gave was to say that many will assume that the second coming of Christ will not happen because it hasn't happened yet. Oh but when He comes, so many will not be prepared. Those that are not prepared will look to those who are and demand assistance. The response as Christ put it, they will be left out. So it is with anything God wants you to be prepared for. Many procrastinate and put off what God has said to do. But then a window or door opens and God wants you to walk through it. You're so busy trying to get your shoes (steps) in order that you miss the opening, when all you have to do is keep your shoes on so you're ready to go when He says go. How many times has the Lord told you that there's something you must do? Do you know that the "something" may indeed be linked to a blessing God wants to release to you? Do you know that the longer you wait, the less time you have when He's ready to drop that blessing. Lack of preparedness means a blessing that may not be utilized to the fullest. Be prepared to receive your blessing.
3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.
How can you take advantage of what the Lord brings across your path if you've failed to be ready. The apostle Paul said we must be ready to give a word "in season and out." What does that mean? It's the "P" Factor. It means to always be prepared. Always be prepared for what you say? It means to always be prepared for the opportunity that GOD gives you. Many are like the foolish virgins. How so? Just because there's a delay doesn't mean that what God has for you isn't coming. The parable Jesus gave was to say that many will assume that the second coming of Christ will not happen because it hasn't happened yet. Oh but when He comes, so many will not be prepared. Those that are not prepared will look to those who are and demand assistance. The response as Christ put it, they will be left out. So it is with anything God wants you to be prepared for. Many procrastinate and put off what God has said to do. But then a window or door opens and God wants you to walk through it. You're so busy trying to get your shoes (steps) in order that you miss the opening, when all you have to do is keep your shoes on so you're ready to go when He says go. How many times has the Lord told you that there's something you must do? Do you know that the "something" may indeed be linked to a blessing God wants to release to you? Do you know that the longer you wait, the less time you have when He's ready to drop that blessing. Lack of preparedness means a blessing that may not be utilized to the fullest. Be prepared to receive your blessing.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
"I Know What I'm Doing"
Proverbs 13:13
13 He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.
King Solomon respected wisdom and gained so much of it from the Lord. But one who does not put it into practice pays for it just as King Solomon said. King Solomon himself scorned the command of God to not marry foreign wives because they would lead his heart away from God. He did not listen. He had the attitude of "I know what I'm doing" because Solomon was plagued with a spirit of lust. When in reality he did not know how much he would pay for it. All but a small piece of the kingdom his father David left him had been torn away from him. Remember, David too warned him to follow the Lord completely. Is that not a prime example of what not listening to the Lord's instruction can do? You can lose nearly all you have. The scripture also references Proverbs 1:28-29 where the Israelites denied God's instruction later cried out to Him. But God allowed them to stew for a little while in what they had created. As Proverbs 1:31 says, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. When you think you know better than God, you will learn the hard way. "I know what I'm doing" turns into HELP. It's been each and every one of us at some point in our lives. But for how long? How long will it be before you say, "Lord I need you?"
Remember to check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Network from 6am-9am on www.live365.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
13 He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.
King Solomon respected wisdom and gained so much of it from the Lord. But one who does not put it into practice pays for it just as King Solomon said. King Solomon himself scorned the command of God to not marry foreign wives because they would lead his heart away from God. He did not listen. He had the attitude of "I know what I'm doing" because Solomon was plagued with a spirit of lust. When in reality he did not know how much he would pay for it. All but a small piece of the kingdom his father David left him had been torn away from him. Remember, David too warned him to follow the Lord completely. Is that not a prime example of what not listening to the Lord's instruction can do? You can lose nearly all you have. The scripture also references Proverbs 1:28-29 where the Israelites denied God's instruction later cried out to Him. But God allowed them to stew for a little while in what they had created. As Proverbs 1:31 says, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. When you think you know better than God, you will learn the hard way. "I know what I'm doing" turns into HELP. It's been each and every one of us at some point in our lives. But for how long? How long will it be before you say, "Lord I need you?"
Remember to check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Network from 6am-9am on www.live365.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Angels Are Real
Acts 12:15
15 "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "it must be his angel."
Did you know that each of God's children has angels assigned to them? Yes, that means you. When the apostle had been released from jail during the prayers by the saints, no one but the young girl believed it was actually Paul at the door. The others assumed his angel, the one assigned to him, came as his representative. Angels are real. If you recall, it was the angel Gabriel that gave Mary the news that the Lord had picked her to carry our Savior, Jesus Christ in her womb. Also, an angel told Joseph to take Mary as his wife, that she was still pure. And so on. When we pray, we ask that God send his protective angels. Yes, angels have an important duty in our life. Psalm 91:11 says that "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Angels are supposed to protect us. Sometimes they are in human form. They are there briefly then gone. You may or may not have seen your angels. But when God sends someone to watch over you and you are given the knowledge of such, take heed. Zachariah didn't believe the angel that was assigned to give him the good news that he and his wife, who was barren, would become pregnant and their son would have a great task. Their son would be John the Baptist. Angels exist but they are not above Jesus. Do not worship angels over our Lord and Savior. For the angels did not do what Jesus willingly did. Shed his blood in exchange for ours.
Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on www.Qliveone.com on Mondays and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
15 "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "it must be his angel."
Did you know that each of God's children has angels assigned to them? Yes, that means you. When the apostle had been released from jail during the prayers by the saints, no one but the young girl believed it was actually Paul at the door. The others assumed his angel, the one assigned to him, came as his representative. Angels are real. If you recall, it was the angel Gabriel that gave Mary the news that the Lord had picked her to carry our Savior, Jesus Christ in her womb. Also, an angel told Joseph to take Mary as his wife, that she was still pure. And so on. When we pray, we ask that God send his protective angels. Yes, angels have an important duty in our life. Psalm 91:11 says that "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Angels are supposed to protect us. Sometimes they are in human form. They are there briefly then gone. You may or may not have seen your angels. But when God sends someone to watch over you and you are given the knowledge of such, take heed. Zachariah didn't believe the angel that was assigned to give him the good news that he and his wife, who was barren, would become pregnant and their son would have a great task. Their son would be John the Baptist. Angels exist but they are not above Jesus. Do not worship angels over our Lord and Savior. For the angels did not do what Jesus willingly did. Shed his blood in exchange for ours.
Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on www.Qliveone.com on Mondays and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
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