Who keeps our soul among the living,and does not allow our feet to be moved. For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. You have caused men to ride over our heads;We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
The testing of our faith always produces testimony and while we may not like the test, we can usually look back and appreciate it. I can't speak for the world, but many people would probably say they wouldn't trade their "testing/refining" period in their lives for anything. The reflection period of pain, dreams deferred, of hopelessness during a low period in our lives often produces faith and character. It bring everything in us out of us to show what we're really made of.
The psalmist is praising God for not only testing but that during the process,He kept him. I hear the hymn "Oh To Be Kept by Jesus" in my mind as I type. The refiners fire is almost unbearable because it is a purging process purifying our hearts, minds, and souls. These parts of our lives should remain as pure as possible since we must love God with all three. Jesus said it was the greatest and foremost commandment.
No matter what you're facing that has your back up against the wall, we can rest assured that God not only is with us every step of the way; but He will bring us out! He will not only bring us out, but it will be to a place of rich fulfillment; better than you could've dreamed or planned for yourself. Our trails and testimonies are precious to Him during the shaping periods and will be encouragement to our Christian brothers and sisters who may entering a trial, currently in one, or coming out. Don't focus on your test, but your testimony which has RICH fulfillment.
Mark 22:36-38
Monday, May 24, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Every Prayer
Psalm 39:12 Hear my prayer Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
Recently, I have fallen in love with Israel Houghton's "Every Prayer" sung with Mary Mary. I've been hearing the song for a minute, but it wasn't until I saw an amazing liturgical dance to the song that it became very personal and testimonial to me. Some of the lyrics are: I heard 'em say, you brought me from a mighty long way now today I can testify that I believe it. And on my way, I realized He's the One who kept me. When the storms of life arise, sleepless nights and desperate cries, He has captured every tear assuring me He hears every prayer, waiting on the answer only to discover He is near and He hears every prayer for He has done great things. And I believe He's a God that always answers prayer.
This Psalm lets us know that even David, a man after God's own heart found himself despondent and crying out to the Lord. Many times, we assume God has forgotten about as we see prayers of believer and non-believers alike getting answered. What a relief to be reminded that this great man of God also faced the same troubles as we do; however,I can't help but emphasize the beauty of a having prayer life. Even through our tears, prayer is priceless. We can be encouraged that God is near, actively listening and working on our behalf. The enemy wants us to become discouraged, depressed, and despair-but don't fall for his hype. Make a mental note, that all these words begin with the letter "d" just like his name. Jesus called him the father of lies! What is true, and will always remain true no matter what we face in this life, is the Word of God. Charles Stanley refers to the Bible as an "immovable anchor in times of storm". Even if you're struggling to believe that your prayers are being heard, remember that you are loved, never going through in your own strength,and He hears you and will not forget. Rejoice because the tears that you have cried are just watering the great blessing He has prepared especially for you. Every prayer is heard and answered in His time; every tear is dried and captured, and yes He still answers prayer. So what are you waiting for?
Psalm 34:15
Isaiah 64:4
Nahum 1:7
John 3:16
John 8:44
Recently, I have fallen in love with Israel Houghton's "Every Prayer" sung with Mary Mary. I've been hearing the song for a minute, but it wasn't until I saw an amazing liturgical dance to the song that it became very personal and testimonial to me. Some of the lyrics are: I heard 'em say, you brought me from a mighty long way now today I can testify that I believe it. And on my way, I realized He's the One who kept me. When the storms of life arise, sleepless nights and desperate cries, He has captured every tear assuring me He hears every prayer, waiting on the answer only to discover He is near and He hears every prayer for He has done great things. And I believe He's a God that always answers prayer.
This Psalm lets us know that even David, a man after God's own heart found himself despondent and crying out to the Lord. Many times, we assume God has forgotten about as we see prayers of believer and non-believers alike getting answered. What a relief to be reminded that this great man of God also faced the same troubles as we do; however,I can't help but emphasize the beauty of a having prayer life. Even through our tears, prayer is priceless. We can be encouraged that God is near, actively listening and working on our behalf. The enemy wants us to become discouraged, depressed, and despair-but don't fall for his hype. Make a mental note, that all these words begin with the letter "d" just like his name. Jesus called him the father of lies! What is true, and will always remain true no matter what we face in this life, is the Word of God. Charles Stanley refers to the Bible as an "immovable anchor in times of storm". Even if you're struggling to believe that your prayers are being heard, remember that you are loved, never going through in your own strength,and He hears you and will not forget. Rejoice because the tears that you have cried are just watering the great blessing He has prepared especially for you. Every prayer is heard and answered in His time; every tear is dried and captured, and yes He still answers prayer. So what are you waiting for?
Psalm 34:15
Isaiah 64:4
Nahum 1:7
John 3:16
John 8:44
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Keep It Up
Luke 18:1-8 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man.And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying,'Give me justice against my adversary.'For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself,'Though I neither fear God nor respect man,yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.'" And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect,who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes,will he find faith on earth?"
It seems like when we need to pray the most, and the enemy is attacking us with everything he's got, the distractions of life and nuances of everyday living capture our attention instead of praying. Persisting in prayer should come as easy as curling up with a new book by a favorite author or enjoying a spa day with girlfriends, but often prayer manages to be an afterthought, a faint memory when many of people can testify if it had NOT been for the prayers of the righteous, where would we be. My great-aunt used to prayer religiously from noon to one o'clock every afternoon. Like the faithful hands on the grandfather clock, her gnarled hands would turn off the credits of The Young and The Restless and spend time communicating with the Father. Even though her feeble body could not kneel, the humbleness of her heart and seriousness in prayers has always stayed with me. Hers was certainly an effective prayer life! But moving beyond time limits, it is my desire to be that committed-period! The Christian life not only expands our foundation for faith, it stretches our ability to go beyond what we can see to what we believe. As Jesus told the disciple, do not lose heart! It's a crazy world, but we serve a God who is always listening, even to our faintest cry, but we have to use the communication tool of prayer. We have the assurance that not only does He hear, but He answers, and quickly! Whatever you're going through, continue to be strong in the Lord and in His might and He will come through.
Psalm 5:1-3
It seems like when we need to pray the most, and the enemy is attacking us with everything he's got, the distractions of life and nuances of everyday living capture our attention instead of praying. Persisting in prayer should come as easy as curling up with a new book by a favorite author or enjoying a spa day with girlfriends, but often prayer manages to be an afterthought, a faint memory when many of people can testify if it had NOT been for the prayers of the righteous, where would we be. My great-aunt used to prayer religiously from noon to one o'clock every afternoon. Like the faithful hands on the grandfather clock, her gnarled hands would turn off the credits of The Young and The Restless and spend time communicating with the Father. Even though her feeble body could not kneel, the humbleness of her heart and seriousness in prayers has always stayed with me. Hers was certainly an effective prayer life! But moving beyond time limits, it is my desire to be that committed-period! The Christian life not only expands our foundation for faith, it stretches our ability to go beyond what we can see to what we believe. As Jesus told the disciple, do not lose heart! It's a crazy world, but we serve a God who is always listening, even to our faintest cry, but we have to use the communication tool of prayer. We have the assurance that not only does He hear, but He answers, and quickly! Whatever you're going through, continue to be strong in the Lord and in His might and He will come through.
Psalm 5:1-3
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Do Not Be Afraid
Matthew 24:4-8 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.
There is so much going in the world. With multiple earthquakes, the economy on a nitro-laced downward spiral, monstrous waves slamming into a cruise ship,crime at an all-time high and steady rising, foreclosures, unemployment, hopelessness and still the list goes on and on. Even with all the horrific headlines that can entice us to grow weak and become faint-hearted, there is still a reason to rejoice; motivation to press through the pain and let our pressure release praise in the atmosphere.
The disciples asked Jesus what would be the sign for the end of the age. Giving them several pointers to watch for,He said, “See that you are not troubled(vs.6)". In other words, these things must come, but don't let it get you down; do not become discouraged; don't dwell on the negative; but focus on the positive aspect, because those that endure to the end, would be saved. As believers, our hope is in Christ and His Word. The Body of Christ is well aware of the fact that the hunt is on and we are the prey, but we have to stay PRAYED up. Paul called it praying without ceasing. Because we are doing our part there is nothing to fear because if we worry then why pray and if we're going to pray, then why worry.
Matthew 24:3
1 Thessalonians 5:18
1Peter 5:18
There is so much going in the world. With multiple earthquakes, the economy on a nitro-laced downward spiral, monstrous waves slamming into a cruise ship,crime at an all-time high and steady rising, foreclosures, unemployment, hopelessness and still the list goes on and on. Even with all the horrific headlines that can entice us to grow weak and become faint-hearted, there is still a reason to rejoice; motivation to press through the pain and let our pressure release praise in the atmosphere.
The disciples asked Jesus what would be the sign for the end of the age. Giving them several pointers to watch for,He said, “See that you are not troubled(vs.6)". In other words, these things must come, but don't let it get you down; do not become discouraged; don't dwell on the negative; but focus on the positive aspect, because those that endure to the end, would be saved. As believers, our hope is in Christ and His Word. The Body of Christ is well aware of the fact that the hunt is on and we are the prey, but we have to stay PRAYED up. Paul called it praying without ceasing. Because we are doing our part there is nothing to fear because if we worry then why pray and if we're going to pray, then why worry.
Matthew 24:3
1 Thessalonians 5:18
1Peter 5:18
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Psalm 119:9-11 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying Your Word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Obedience seems easy enough, yet at times it is impossible to do. Jesus said, "If you love me you will obey what I command". King David who God calls a man after His own heart asks an important question that can be applied to the lives of the young and mature alike. Because of the world's sin problem, our carnal man is always eager to fulfill our sinful nature, but we can remain strong and do the right thing. David certainly wasn't perfect. Who can forget his adulterous relationship which produced a child? Or his orchestrating the death of the woman's husband but he is also remembered for dancing before the Lord with all his might, so much so that his clothes came off. He encourages us with an antidote that works when we apply it to our lives.
Ask
We can't remotely begin to draw close to God and live for Him if we don't read the blueprint for life known as the B-I-B-L-E. It is absolutely absurd to win in spiritual warfare, stand in our trials, let alone be obedient if we are clueless on what He has said in His Word. This is a relationship that will take time to build, and like Rome, it was not built in a day. We have to constantly stay in His presence so by "A-S-K-ing". Asking, seeking, and knocking can only be of benefit to us since those that ask receive, seekers find, and the door will be opened for them that knock.
Seek
The Word assures us that if we draw close to God He will draw close to us. But before that we have to submit to God. Temptation is everywhere, and the enemy seems to know just when to strike, where to attack and how to make us think he is defeating us. Take heart, things are not as they appear, never forget he had to get God's permission to attack Job, but in the end look how Job was blessed by staying close to God. David got it right when he instructed future generations to hide the Word of God in our hearts so we don't sin against him.
Knock
In the book "The Purpose Driven Life", author Rick Warren let people know not only does God have an awesome plan for our lives, He desires to be in communion with us. With life's distraction it seems insurmountable at times to feel victorious, but in those moments we need to remember the rich promise of having a Great High Priest who has been tempted just like us, but remained without sin. Those critical moments when are strength is weak, our faith is shaken to the core, because we have been obedient we can count on God to remain true to His Word.
Job 1:6-8
2 Samuel 6:14
Mark 7:7-11
John 14:15
Romans 6:12
Acts 13:22
James 4:7:8
Obedience seems easy enough, yet at times it is impossible to do. Jesus said, "If you love me you will obey what I command". King David who God calls a man after His own heart asks an important question that can be applied to the lives of the young and mature alike. Because of the world's sin problem, our carnal man is always eager to fulfill our sinful nature, but we can remain strong and do the right thing. David certainly wasn't perfect. Who can forget his adulterous relationship which produced a child? Or his orchestrating the death of the woman's husband but he is also remembered for dancing before the Lord with all his might, so much so that his clothes came off. He encourages us with an antidote that works when we apply it to our lives.
Ask
We can't remotely begin to draw close to God and live for Him if we don't read the blueprint for life known as the B-I-B-L-E. It is absolutely absurd to win in spiritual warfare, stand in our trials, let alone be obedient if we are clueless on what He has said in His Word. This is a relationship that will take time to build, and like Rome, it was not built in a day. We have to constantly stay in His presence so by "A-S-K-ing". Asking, seeking, and knocking can only be of benefit to us since those that ask receive, seekers find, and the door will be opened for them that knock.
Seek
The Word assures us that if we draw close to God He will draw close to us. But before that we have to submit to God. Temptation is everywhere, and the enemy seems to know just when to strike, where to attack and how to make us think he is defeating us. Take heart, things are not as they appear, never forget he had to get God's permission to attack Job, but in the end look how Job was blessed by staying close to God. David got it right when he instructed future generations to hide the Word of God in our hearts so we don't sin against him.
Knock
In the book "The Purpose Driven Life", author Rick Warren let people know not only does God have an awesome plan for our lives, He desires to be in communion with us. With life's distraction it seems insurmountable at times to feel victorious, but in those moments we need to remember the rich promise of having a Great High Priest who has been tempted just like us, but remained without sin. Those critical moments when are strength is weak, our faith is shaken to the core, because we have been obedient we can count on God to remain true to His Word.
Job 1:6-8
2 Samuel 6:14
Mark 7:7-11
John 14:15
Romans 6:12
Acts 13:22
James 4:7:8
Monday, March 1, 2010
What Are You Hungry For?
Mark 6:42 So they ate and were filled.
Jesus has just fed the multitude with two fish and five loaves of bread. It doesn't sound like much to begin with, yet from small beginnings, there were twelve baskets left over. This is after feeding the five thousand men that were counted, a number that didn't include the women and children. I imagine the crowd was full with "itis",but their reaction of being full was to the food, not to the Living Word among them. In delivering the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches that those that hunger and thirst after righteousness would be filled. Righteousness being translated as leading a life that is pleasing to God. To the woman at the well, Jesus offers Himself as living water. To the same multitude in John 6, He declares, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." The crowd was very enthused and impressed with the miracle, so much so that they wanted to take Him by force and make Him their King. Jesus had to instruct them with a very important reminder which is just as important for us today; "Do not labor for the food which spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you".
John 4:13
John 6:35
Jesus has just fed the multitude with two fish and five loaves of bread. It doesn't sound like much to begin with, yet from small beginnings, there were twelve baskets left over. This is after feeding the five thousand men that were counted, a number that didn't include the women and children. I imagine the crowd was full with "itis",but their reaction of being full was to the food, not to the Living Word among them. In delivering the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches that those that hunger and thirst after righteousness would be filled. Righteousness being translated as leading a life that is pleasing to God. To the woman at the well, Jesus offers Himself as living water. To the same multitude in John 6, He declares, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." The crowd was very enthused and impressed with the miracle, so much so that they wanted to take Him by force and make Him their King. Jesus had to instruct them with a very important reminder which is just as important for us today; "Do not labor for the food which spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you".
John 4:13
John 6:35
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Bear Fruit
Mark 4:20
But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the Word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.
Jesus is taking time to teach His disciples and a large crowd this very important parable. It appears simple enough, fueled by action words that should prompt them to also be about the Fathers business as Jesus was;however,the disciples didn't appear to get what He was teaching them. Once the disciples were alone with Jesus, they confess that somehow they missed the lesson He was trying to teach, and needed the Master Teacher to break it down. Jesus then then tells them that good ground are those that hear, accept, and bear fruit even up to a hundredfold.
Hear the Word
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Hearing the Word can not only increase our faith, sensitizes us to the Spirit of God, but challenges each of us to live by His word. Paul told young Timothy to be ready in and out of season because there would come a time when people would wander from the truth and not want to hear sound doctrine but fables because it suited them and made them feel good. I think this pretty much sums up what is going on in not all, but a lot of churches around the world. I refer to as "Mary Poppins Gospel" where instead of preaching what thus said the Lord, preachers are preaching what increases the flow of the almighty dollar through the church because prosperity ministry is more appealing than presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice. A living sacrifice sounds painful, almost unappealing, but Paul said it is our reasonable service unto God. In His Word He tells us that His Word is sharper than any two-edged sword and it penetrates dividing soul and spirit; joints and marrow. While it sometimes uncomfortable to "hear the word", the pain it cost us now, will save our lives later.
Accept It
Many believers live in a gray area where the Word of God is concerned. There is a constant: "It was written so long ago. It's not relevant to what's happening in today's society." And don't even say something that doesn't line up with their theology, they will whack you across the head with the infamous "We shouldn't judge!" Nothing can straighten someone out quicker and better than what is written between the pages of Genesis and Revelation. It may take some of us a little bit longer to "get the message", but once there has been conviction, a contrite spirit and repentant heart, God work through us to complete His good work. What is written in Leviticus is just as applicable to today's current events. Jesus said before one jot or tittle from His Words fall, Heaven and earth would pass away first. That's how serious He took and accepted what the father said, even down to the smallest grammatical error (a jot or tittle), and so should we.
Bear It
Jesus came that we could have and live life even more abundantly. Instead of eternal death, He offers each of us eternal life. Once we accept His gracious gift and get plugged into the vine, we can begin to bear fruit. What does this mean? We can effectively witness, share our testimonies, while spreading the good news thus increasing the size of the Kingdom. I believe he broke it down in the increments of thirtyfold, sixty, and a hundredfold, because sometimes people will not want to hear the Gospel. Each of us are ambassadors for Christ and should try our best to remain ready to point someone to the Way. While they may not be ready now, that doesn't mean never; we should never give up because God didn't give up on us. Through our tenacity and prayers there will one day be a hundredfold harvest for the Kingdom.
Matthew 5:17-18
John 10:10
Romans 10:17
Romans 12:1
2 Timothy 4
But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the Word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.
Jesus is taking time to teach His disciples and a large crowd this very important parable. It appears simple enough, fueled by action words that should prompt them to also be about the Fathers business as Jesus was;however,the disciples didn't appear to get what He was teaching them. Once the disciples were alone with Jesus, they confess that somehow they missed the lesson He was trying to teach, and needed the Master Teacher to break it down. Jesus then then tells them that good ground are those that hear, accept, and bear fruit even up to a hundredfold.
Hear the Word
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Hearing the Word can not only increase our faith, sensitizes us to the Spirit of God, but challenges each of us to live by His word. Paul told young Timothy to be ready in and out of season because there would come a time when people would wander from the truth and not want to hear sound doctrine but fables because it suited them and made them feel good. I think this pretty much sums up what is going on in not all, but a lot of churches around the world. I refer to as "Mary Poppins Gospel" where instead of preaching what thus said the Lord, preachers are preaching what increases the flow of the almighty dollar through the church because prosperity ministry is more appealing than presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice. A living sacrifice sounds painful, almost unappealing, but Paul said it is our reasonable service unto God. In His Word He tells us that His Word is sharper than any two-edged sword and it penetrates dividing soul and spirit; joints and marrow. While it sometimes uncomfortable to "hear the word", the pain it cost us now, will save our lives later.
Accept It
Many believers live in a gray area where the Word of God is concerned. There is a constant: "It was written so long ago. It's not relevant to what's happening in today's society." And don't even say something that doesn't line up with their theology, they will whack you across the head with the infamous "We shouldn't judge!" Nothing can straighten someone out quicker and better than what is written between the pages of Genesis and Revelation. It may take some of us a little bit longer to "get the message", but once there has been conviction, a contrite spirit and repentant heart, God work through us to complete His good work. What is written in Leviticus is just as applicable to today's current events. Jesus said before one jot or tittle from His Words fall, Heaven and earth would pass away first. That's how serious He took and accepted what the father said, even down to the smallest grammatical error (a jot or tittle), and so should we.
Bear It
Jesus came that we could have and live life even more abundantly. Instead of eternal death, He offers each of us eternal life. Once we accept His gracious gift and get plugged into the vine, we can begin to bear fruit. What does this mean? We can effectively witness, share our testimonies, while spreading the good news thus increasing the size of the Kingdom. I believe he broke it down in the increments of thirtyfold, sixty, and a hundredfold, because sometimes people will not want to hear the Gospel. Each of us are ambassadors for Christ and should try our best to remain ready to point someone to the Way. While they may not be ready now, that doesn't mean never; we should never give up because God didn't give up on us. Through our tenacity and prayers there will one day be a hundredfold harvest for the Kingdom.
Matthew 5:17-18
John 10:10
Romans 10:17
Romans 12:1
2 Timothy 4
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