Ezekiel 46:9c
9No one is to return through the gate by which he entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate.
The Lord provided the prophet Ezekiel with guidelines for how the people
of Israel were to enter and exit the temple on Sabbath and feast days.
To control the crowd and keep the flow moving the people could not walk
out the same door they came in. To do so would create a bottleneck
effect. This scenario is actually parallel to life. Many do not notice
but when God brings you through one door, he doesn't expect you to walk
through the same door to exit. To keep the flow going in your life you
are to go forward not backward. A new blessing comes when you close a
door on something old. You cannot hold a new blessing in your hand if
you are still holding something God said to let go of. There's no room
in your hand, it's crowded. A closet is full of clothes but when God
says He wants to give you an entire new wardrobe, the only way to accept
it is to remove the old clothes. God has doors for every person. When
He says door number three is the best benefit but you have to close door
number one, realize you can't walk through door number three if you're
still standing at door number one. There's not enough of you to go
around to walk through both. And your hand isn't big enough for what God
wants to give if you're holding on to something He said has to drop.
God has crowd control for the blessings in your life but you have to follow the entrance and exit signs.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
At the Edge of Sorrow
Matthew 26:38
38Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
Jesus though willingly went to the cross, endured the wrestling and agony that sorrow brings. We often do not look at the fact Jesus wrestled with sorrow but He did just as we do. Jesus was not only sent to die on the cross but also to experience life as we experience. This is how we know we can strive to live as Christ, because He came to identify with us. How many times have you experienced sorrow in your life? Was it so overwhelming to the point of death as Jesus expressed? Jesus understands your pain like no other. What is sorrow? Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines sorrow as 1. deep distress, sadness or regret also: resultant unhappy or unpleasant state 2. a cause of grief or sadness 3. a display of grief or sadness. Jesus knew He had to go through death but it wasn't pleasant for Him in the least. It wasn't just physically painful but knowing ahead of time that He had to go through was emotionally painful. As the soul is the mind and emotions, Jesus expressed His soul was sorrowful. No matter your sorrow, Jesus can heal.
At the Edge of Sorrow
As tears fall and a heart is breaking,
you are at the edge of sorrow.
When there is no strength left and even to move seems like a struggle,
you are at the edge of sorrow.
When there is nothing left to say and a prayer can barely come forth,
you are at the edge of sorrow.
It is at the edge of sorrow where Jesus sits waiting with an outstretched hand.
It is at the edge of sorrow, when nothing, not a drink, nor money, nor lust, nor food can console you.
It is at the edge of sorrow where Jesus can do the most.
It is at the edge of sorrow where you can finally give it all to Him for He knows sorrow just like us.
By Joy T.J. Riley
P.S. I will be on I Need A Change Blog Talk Radio this Friday, May 11th at 11pm! Be sure to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on www.QLiveone.com Saturdays at 8am CT/9am ET!
38Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
Jesus though willingly went to the cross, endured the wrestling and agony that sorrow brings. We often do not look at the fact Jesus wrestled with sorrow but He did just as we do. Jesus was not only sent to die on the cross but also to experience life as we experience. This is how we know we can strive to live as Christ, because He came to identify with us. How many times have you experienced sorrow in your life? Was it so overwhelming to the point of death as Jesus expressed? Jesus understands your pain like no other. What is sorrow? Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines sorrow as 1. deep distress, sadness or regret also: resultant unhappy or unpleasant state 2. a cause of grief or sadness 3. a display of grief or sadness. Jesus knew He had to go through death but it wasn't pleasant for Him in the least. It wasn't just physically painful but knowing ahead of time that He had to go through was emotionally painful. As the soul is the mind and emotions, Jesus expressed His soul was sorrowful. No matter your sorrow, Jesus can heal.
At the Edge of Sorrow
As tears fall and a heart is breaking,
you are at the edge of sorrow.
When there is no strength left and even to move seems like a struggle,
you are at the edge of sorrow.
When there is nothing left to say and a prayer can barely come forth,
you are at the edge of sorrow.
It is at the edge of sorrow where Jesus sits waiting with an outstretched hand.
It is at the edge of sorrow, when nothing, not a drink, nor money, nor lust, nor food can console you.
It is at the edge of sorrow where Jesus can do the most.
It is at the edge of sorrow where you can finally give it all to Him for He knows sorrow just like us.
By Joy T.J. Riley
P.S. I will be on I Need A Change Blog Talk Radio this Friday, May 11th at 11pm! Be sure to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on www.QLiveone.com Saturdays at 8am CT/9am ET!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Losing the Luster
Lamentations 4:1a
1aHow the gold has lost its luster, the fine gold become dull.
Do you know what happens when gold loses its luster? It turns from bright and shiny to not only dull looking but if it's not real or only gold plated, it turns an ugly shade of green. Zion was once considered God's pride and joy but because of sin (anything not pleasing to God), Zion lost its glow. Losing your glow in the Lord can come very easily if you willingly take part in the things He says not to and know you shouldn't. Disobedience was the very first sin so that's the sin most prevalent in every child born into this world. It's the DNA of Adam but the DNA of Jesus is what we ALL ought to strive for. Jesus' DNA is of obedience. That's why we are follower's of Christ. Losing one's luster isn't just about losing a glow. It's about losing the favor of God. How can you lose your favor? God simply removes His hand from your life and everything He once blessed He can easily curse. The likability you once had among everyone can become frustration and irritation. Every plan you have God can shut every door. No it's not something that has to last forever but the length of time really depends on when you get to a place where you are ready to SUBMIT to Him as the final authority in your life. God is always present but He will show you what it's like to get a dead signal on his phone line.
P.S. A special thank you to the James Allen Library at www.jamesallenlibrary.com and Church Beat Radio at www.churchbeatradio.com for your support!
1aHow the gold has lost its luster, the fine gold become dull.
Do you know what happens when gold loses its luster? It turns from bright and shiny to not only dull looking but if it's not real or only gold plated, it turns an ugly shade of green. Zion was once considered God's pride and joy but because of sin (anything not pleasing to God), Zion lost its glow. Losing your glow in the Lord can come very easily if you willingly take part in the things He says not to and know you shouldn't. Disobedience was the very first sin so that's the sin most prevalent in every child born into this world. It's the DNA of Adam but the DNA of Jesus is what we ALL ought to strive for. Jesus' DNA is of obedience. That's why we are follower's of Christ. Losing one's luster isn't just about losing a glow. It's about losing the favor of God. How can you lose your favor? God simply removes His hand from your life and everything He once blessed He can easily curse. The likability you once had among everyone can become frustration and irritation. Every plan you have God can shut every door. No it's not something that has to last forever but the length of time really depends on when you get to a place where you are ready to SUBMIT to Him as the final authority in your life. God is always present but He will show you what it's like to get a dead signal on his phone line.
P.S. A special thank you to the James Allen Library at www.jamesallenlibrary.com and Church Beat Radio at www.churchbeatradio.com for your support!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
When Love Calls
Acts 9:10
10In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!"
"Yes Lord," he answered.
God is the very definition of love because he gave up His only son, Jesus Christ to save us all from sin though many are still captive by it as a choice. Saul persecuted anyone who preached Jesus as Savior and Son of God. Saul was on his way to get permission to launch an all out attack against followers of Christ when Jesus stopped him in his tracks and left him blind. Jesus later changed Saul's name to Paul who was the apostle responsible for taking the word of God to the Gentiles. While Saul was still in his temporary state of blindness, the Lord called Ananias. Just as the song by Atlantic Starr When Love Calls says "you better answer," you better answer when the Lord calls your name. "Because it might be a big mistake if you decide to hesitate." The Lord who loves you calls your name for a reason and it would be beneficial to your future to answer. Ananias was perplexed because he knew the reputation of Saul. But the Lord assured him that what he had planned would no longer be a concern. The Lord took care of it. The Lord has a way of taking care of situations and immobilizing the schemes of the enemy or anyone associated with him. What the Lord does is not your concern, all you have to remember is "you better listen when God calls your name and answer.
P.S. Remember to check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Network at www.Live365.com.
10In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!"
"Yes Lord," he answered.
God is the very definition of love because he gave up His only son, Jesus Christ to save us all from sin though many are still captive by it as a choice. Saul persecuted anyone who preached Jesus as Savior and Son of God. Saul was on his way to get permission to launch an all out attack against followers of Christ when Jesus stopped him in his tracks and left him blind. Jesus later changed Saul's name to Paul who was the apostle responsible for taking the word of God to the Gentiles. While Saul was still in his temporary state of blindness, the Lord called Ananias. Just as the song by Atlantic Starr When Love Calls says "you better answer," you better answer when the Lord calls your name. "Because it might be a big mistake if you decide to hesitate." The Lord who loves you calls your name for a reason and it would be beneficial to your future to answer. Ananias was perplexed because he knew the reputation of Saul. But the Lord assured him that what he had planned would no longer be a concern. The Lord took care of it. The Lord has a way of taking care of situations and immobilizing the schemes of the enemy or anyone associated with him. What the Lord does is not your concern, all you have to remember is "you better listen when God calls your name and answer.
P.S. Remember to check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Network at www.Live365.com.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Defenseless from Lack of Self-Control?
Proverbs 25:28
28Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.
Did you know that self-control is a fruit of the spirit? Of what spirit? It is the fruit or by-product of the Holy Spirit. King Solomon knew a lot about lack of self-control. He himself suffered from it. The Lord warned him about intermarriage with those who were not of his heritage (his belief). King Solomon had over 700 wives and 300 concubines and as the word says in 1Kings 11:3 "and his wives led him astray". God knew that King Solomon's lust for women would drive a wedge between them. Yes, there are things and/or people that can come between you and your relationship with Christ. Because of his inability to control himself, King Solomon lost the majority of his kingdom. The Lord only spared him because He made a promise to his father King David and vowed not to break it. Lack of self-control leaves one defenseless and unable to regain footing when dealing with them. It can be sex, food, TV, gambling, lying, etc. But most often, one is willing to be captive or slave to that one thing. But that one thing can stand between you and God. And only God can save you from it. In order to be delivered, you have to toss it when the Lord says toss it. King Solomon, though he was the richest and wisest king of the Old Testament, never had to fight in the battlefield. His battle was within his soul (mind and emotions). Don't allow your soul to be captive because then, your spirit is up for grabs.
28Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.
Did you know that self-control is a fruit of the spirit? Of what spirit? It is the fruit or by-product of the Holy Spirit. King Solomon knew a lot about lack of self-control. He himself suffered from it. The Lord warned him about intermarriage with those who were not of his heritage (his belief). King Solomon had over 700 wives and 300 concubines and as the word says in 1Kings 11:3 "and his wives led him astray". God knew that King Solomon's lust for women would drive a wedge between them. Yes, there are things and/or people that can come between you and your relationship with Christ. Because of his inability to control himself, King Solomon lost the majority of his kingdom. The Lord only spared him because He made a promise to his father King David and vowed not to break it. Lack of self-control leaves one defenseless and unable to regain footing when dealing with them. It can be sex, food, TV, gambling, lying, etc. But most often, one is willing to be captive or slave to that one thing. But that one thing can stand between you and God. And only God can save you from it. In order to be delivered, you have to toss it when the Lord says toss it. King Solomon, though he was the richest and wisest king of the Old Testament, never had to fight in the battlefield. His battle was within his soul (mind and emotions). Don't allow your soul to be captive because then, your spirit is up for grabs.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Do You Hear Him Calling You?
Mark 10:49
49Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you."
Have you ever heard Jesus call your name? The blind man named Bartimaeus had a need. He called out for Jesus but to everyone else's surprise, Jesus called back for the blind man. How wonderful it is to hear Jesus calling you. He calls daily but you turn a deaf ear. What if Jesus turned a deaf ear to you in your hopeless situation? Oh where would you be then? Jesus calls you before you get into that willful sin. He calls you while you're in it. And He even calls you when you're so deep in the mess you don't know how to get out of it. Yes, Jesus restored the blind man's sight but he had to answer when Jesus called him. Do you hear Him calling your name? He is calling your name but you have to answer for your salvation. You have to answer for your deliverance and you have to answer for your blessing.
49Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you."
Have you ever heard Jesus call your name? The blind man named Bartimaeus had a need. He called out for Jesus but to everyone else's surprise, Jesus called back for the blind man. How wonderful it is to hear Jesus calling you. He calls daily but you turn a deaf ear. What if Jesus turned a deaf ear to you in your hopeless situation? Oh where would you be then? Jesus calls you before you get into that willful sin. He calls you while you're in it. And He even calls you when you're so deep in the mess you don't know how to get out of it. Yes, Jesus restored the blind man's sight but he had to answer when Jesus called him. Do you hear Him calling your name? He is calling your name but you have to answer for your salvation. You have to answer for your deliverance and you have to answer for your blessing.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
An Unintended Pitfall
Proverbs 3:7
7Do no be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.
It's interesting when you tell God "I know what I'm doing", yet have not the slightest clue as to what is coming around the corner. Does this example not sound like one plagued with arrogance? God is the creator of wisdom but why do so many leave Him out and claim to be wise? What does it mean to be wise? According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary wise is defined as someone who shows good sense and judgement. In other words, one doesn't just easily take a path. God is the beginning and the end so why wouldn't He know the beginning and end of our journey and every pitfall waiting? Fearing the Lord means recognizing that He knows ALL and what is best for you at ALL times. But how many times do you wait until after the pitfall to look to Him for wisdom? And to shun evil, simply means to not entertain it. If evil is coming from the south,you must go north. Too many of us entertain evil which is not the sign of good judgement. Entertaining evil is a good way to hit a pitfall that the Lord intended for you to skip over. An unintended pitfall means a lesson that comes with serious bumps and bruises. Some pitfalls are worth skipping if you just look to the Lord for your wisdom.
P.S. Check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Network on www.live365.com!
7Do no be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.
It's interesting when you tell God "I know what I'm doing", yet have not the slightest clue as to what is coming around the corner. Does this example not sound like one plagued with arrogance? God is the creator of wisdom but why do so many leave Him out and claim to be wise? What does it mean to be wise? According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary wise is defined as someone who shows good sense and judgement. In other words, one doesn't just easily take a path. God is the beginning and the end so why wouldn't He know the beginning and end of our journey and every pitfall waiting? Fearing the Lord means recognizing that He knows ALL and what is best for you at ALL times. But how many times do you wait until after the pitfall to look to Him for wisdom? And to shun evil, simply means to not entertain it. If evil is coming from the south,you must go north. Too many of us entertain evil which is not the sign of good judgement. Entertaining evil is a good way to hit a pitfall that the Lord intended for you to skip over. An unintended pitfall means a lesson that comes with serious bumps and bruises. Some pitfalls are worth skipping if you just look to the Lord for your wisdom.
P.S. Check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Network on www.live365.com!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)