So, as a farmer plants a crop - think of your words being spoken and planted in your life. Are your words being eaten up and devoured by the birds of the air, never taking root because you say nothing? Are your words withering away because they have no root due to a mass of confusion, too many words all saying different things, worse yet wrong things? Or have you words been strangled and choked out by "other things" sprouting up in your life and you're asking amiss? Plant your words by using God's Word, it's good ground, so that they will spring up, increase and produce. Know God's will and keep focused on what it is God wants and plant that in your life by using His Words to make it happen. This will work for your life as well as it will for others. Plant your words with purpose.
Mark 4:1-9
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Accomplish It with Your Words
Speak the truth. Speak in faith. Speak good and not evil. Be not careless with what you say. Pray and say as you lay hands on the sick and they shall be made well. Call those things that be not as though they are. Raise the dead. The Power is within you.
"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth,
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
- Isaiah 55:11
"God's promises and plans (words) are as sure of fulfillment as the fact that it rains and snows."*
*Spirit Filled Life Bible at Is. 55:11
"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth,
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
- Isaiah 55:11
"God's promises and plans (words) are as sure of fulfillment as the fact that it rains and snows."*
*Spirit Filled Life Bible at Is. 55:11
Thursday, February 25, 2010
There's The Power in Our Words Spoken in Faith
How's your heart? Have you done a heart check lately? Since this is where our words are developed and come from we want to have a good heart. Therefore, we will get good words out. No more careless, idle words. Our words are to be gracious and sweet and behind us will be the Power. Add to it faith and look out world!
"Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, 'I have made you a father of many nations') in the presence of Him whom he believed - God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, 'So shall your descendants be.' And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform." - Romans 4:16-21.
There are two principles here to grab hold of when it comes to our faith and having The Power. One is our belief (faith) and the other our words.
Believe - be a person of the faith and be in the presence of God believing God, have hope even when it looks as though there is no hope for it is hope that believes that will receive. Do not be weak in faith and do not waver at what God has promised - no unbelief! Be strengthened in you faith knowing what it is you believe! Be fully convinced - that's faith!
Say it! - call those things that do not exist as though they did! Speak it out. speak it out loud. Say it with God. He has the power - He is faithful to perform that which He has promised and you say it saying it with believing it simply because of who He is.
I believe I'm healed because Jesus is my healer! I believe I have it because Jesus is my provider. I believe I know it because I have the mind of Christ. I believe I can do it because all things are possible to those who believe and I believe!
To God be the glory!
"Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, 'I have made you a father of many nations') in the presence of Him whom he believed - God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, 'So shall your descendants be.' And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform." - Romans 4:16-21.
There are two principles here to grab hold of when it comes to our faith and having The Power. One is our belief (faith) and the other our words.
Believe - be a person of the faith and be in the presence of God believing God, have hope even when it looks as though there is no hope for it is hope that believes that will receive. Do not be weak in faith and do not waver at what God has promised - no unbelief! Be strengthened in you faith knowing what it is you believe! Be fully convinced - that's faith!
Say it! - call those things that do not exist as though they did! Speak it out. speak it out loud. Say it with God. He has the power - He is faithful to perform that which He has promised and you say it saying it with believing it simply because of who He is.
I believe I'm healed because Jesus is my healer! I believe I have it because Jesus is my provider. I believe I know it because I have the mind of Christ. I believe I can do it because all things are possible to those who believe and I believe!
To God be the glory!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Idle Words
Are your words lacking substance, value or principle? Words are to go forth from our mouth to produce. And at that they are to produce good. Many of our words are unnecessary because we talk too much. Less could be said and there would still be understanding. Saying less we would have fewer words that were idle. Saying less we might not even say those things we shouldn't. Fewer words are better than many. Let your yes be yes and your no be no. Put a solid foundation behind every word. Use godly words. Use God's Word.
"A word fitly spoken is like appes of gold in settings of silver." - Proverbs 25:11
Matthew 12:36-37, Matthew 5:37
"A word fitly spoken is like appes of gold in settings of silver." - Proverbs 25:11
Matthew 12:36-37, Matthew 5:37
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Out of the Overflow of the Heart
"It says in the Bible that when we see God face to face we will have to give account for every careless word that we have spoken. What a frightening thought. But I believe that we also have to pay for our careless words here and now. There is in the tongue the power of life and death. What you say can either bring life to you and your situation, or it can bring death."
"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones" - Proverbs 16:24 NIV
"The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life" - Proverbs 10:11 NIV
"A deceitful tongue crushes the spirit" - Proverbs 15:4 NIV
"To live truly in peace, you must watch what comes out of your mouth. The only way to control that is to go to the source of all expression, that is, to the heart,
"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him" - Matthew 12:34-35 NIV."
Stormie Omartian, Greater Health God's Way, pg. 51-52
"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones" - Proverbs 16:24 NIV
"The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life" - Proverbs 10:11 NIV
"A deceitful tongue crushes the spirit" - Proverbs 15:4 NIV
"To live truly in peace, you must watch what comes out of your mouth. The only way to control that is to go to the source of all expression, that is, to the heart,
"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him" - Matthew 12:34-35 NIV."
Stormie Omartian, Greater Health God's Way, pg. 51-52
Monday, February 22, 2010
What did Jesus want?
Jesus wanted breakfast. Only a fig or two from a tree. (Mark 11) What did He do to get it? He simply went over to a fig tree. But this was not the time for figs on the tree. What did Jesus do? He spoke to the fig tree? Have you spoken to a fig tree lately? Of for that matter any fruit tree? Any tree?
No, probably not, but that's not the entire point of this story, it's only half. You see, just like the mountain we can speak to we can speak to a tree! And what will happen? Let's see again what happened to the fig tree when Jesus spoke to it.
"In response Jesus said to it, 'Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.'" I guess He was unhappy with that tree for not having figs for Him to eat for His breakfast. But here's the other half. The next morning they passed by it again and the tree was dried up and withered! What Jesus said to the tree went as deep as the roots to that fig tree and it began to die! Why? Because Jesus said so!
Here we are at the mountain lesson from Jesus right in the midst of the fig tree (Mark 11 still, verse 23). Jesus tells His disciples (and us), "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain (or fig tree or whatever), 'Be removed and be cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.'"
Jesus got what He said. He spoke and it was. Jesus got what He expected to happen when He spoke. The fig tree never bore fruit again because it died. The sea became calm (Matthew 8:23-27) and the mountain would move if He so told it too! He raised the dead to live again! We have that same power. His Jesus power is in us because we belong to Him! He died for our sins and to reconcile us to the Father and with this came the Holy Spirit. Jesus power! Blood bought by His sacrifice for us at Calvary. Jesus lives in us!
Remember there is blood bought power in you because you are a born again, baptized, spirit filled with the Holy Ghost and fruit in abundance, gifted, child of God! You have the power in you! Speak to those things that be not and call them into being! Believe and you shall receive!
It's those things you say and believe in without a single doubt that happen! Jesus says so and I believe it. We can even raise the dead! And more! What are you saying these days?
No, probably not, but that's not the entire point of this story, it's only half. You see, just like the mountain we can speak to we can speak to a tree! And what will happen? Let's see again what happened to the fig tree when Jesus spoke to it.
"In response Jesus said to it, 'Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.'" I guess He was unhappy with that tree for not having figs for Him to eat for His breakfast. But here's the other half. The next morning they passed by it again and the tree was dried up and withered! What Jesus said to the tree went as deep as the roots to that fig tree and it began to die! Why? Because Jesus said so!
Here we are at the mountain lesson from Jesus right in the midst of the fig tree (Mark 11 still, verse 23). Jesus tells His disciples (and us), "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain (or fig tree or whatever), 'Be removed and be cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.'"
Jesus got what He said. He spoke and it was. Jesus got what He expected to happen when He spoke. The fig tree never bore fruit again because it died. The sea became calm (Matthew 8:23-27) and the mountain would move if He so told it too! He raised the dead to live again! We have that same power. His Jesus power is in us because we belong to Him! He died for our sins and to reconcile us to the Father and with this came the Holy Spirit. Jesus power! Blood bought by His sacrifice for us at Calvary. Jesus lives in us!
Remember there is blood bought power in you because you are a born again, baptized, spirit filled with the Holy Ghost and fruit in abundance, gifted, child of God! You have the power in you! Speak to those things that be not and call them into being! Believe and you shall receive!
It's those things you say and believe in without a single doubt that happen! Jesus says so and I believe it. We can even raise the dead! And more! What are you saying these days?
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Words
Words matter. "What you say is what you get." Have you heard that before? It's true. Listen, or rather read, to this:
In Mark 11, Jesus is going to Jerusalem to spend some time there in the temple. After he goes away for the night and gets His rest, He is on His way back to the temple but He is hungry. Wouldn't it be nice to find a fruit tree and have some fruit this morning?
Jesus spies a fig tree from a distance and goes over to get some figs. However, when He gets to the fig tree to see if He can get some figs for His breakfast, the tree has no figs! What? No figs? What does Jesus do? Even though it was not the season for figs, Jesus was expecting figs. When He found there were no figs He responded to the fig tree - yes, the fig tree! - by saying, "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again." Notice He spoke to the fig tree!
Now He goes about His business in the temple but again passes by the fig tree. Jesus wasn't expecting anything different than what He had said to it prior that day - no fruit and maybe, just maybe He was expecting more - like no fig tree at all! But Peter notices the tree and what was he expecting? In the story you see that Peter is somewhat surprised at what He sees. He says to Jesus, "Rabbi, look!" (That's surprise). "The fig tree which You cursed has withered away." It died. It's gone. Or soon to be gone as it is withered.
Jesus responds to Peter and answers to all that are with Him (since this is a Bible story it is a response to us today too!), "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain (or fig tree! Or whatever!), 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he shall have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."
Now there it is - isn't that something? Notice all the "says." I've put them in italics for you above in the story. Our words do matter. We'll get what we say!
Read the story yourself in Mark 11:11-16.
In Mark 11, Jesus is going to Jerusalem to spend some time there in the temple. After he goes away for the night and gets His rest, He is on His way back to the temple but He is hungry. Wouldn't it be nice to find a fruit tree and have some fruit this morning?
Jesus spies a fig tree from a distance and goes over to get some figs. However, when He gets to the fig tree to see if He can get some figs for His breakfast, the tree has no figs! What? No figs? What does Jesus do? Even though it was not the season for figs, Jesus was expecting figs. When He found there were no figs He responded to the fig tree - yes, the fig tree! - by saying, "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again." Notice He spoke to the fig tree!
Now He goes about His business in the temple but again passes by the fig tree. Jesus wasn't expecting anything different than what He had said to it prior that day - no fruit and maybe, just maybe He was expecting more - like no fig tree at all! But Peter notices the tree and what was he expecting? In the story you see that Peter is somewhat surprised at what He sees. He says to Jesus, "Rabbi, look!" (That's surprise). "The fig tree which You cursed has withered away." It died. It's gone. Or soon to be gone as it is withered.
Jesus responds to Peter and answers to all that are with Him (since this is a Bible story it is a response to us today too!), "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain (or fig tree! Or whatever!), 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he shall have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."
Now there it is - isn't that something? Notice all the "says." I've put them in italics for you above in the story. Our words do matter. We'll get what we say!
Read the story yourself in Mark 11:11-16.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Whom Do You Please?
"For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10
Do not fear people. Do not try and please people over God. We are to fear the Lord and please the Lord first and foremost. The Gospel of Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him comes first. We are to love others but not compromise our beliefs to man.
"When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." -Proverbs 16:7
Jesus said, "And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him." - John 8:29
Let us follow the example of Jesus each day by pleasing the Father for He is LORD of all.
Do not fear people. Do not try and please people over God. We are to fear the Lord and please the Lord first and foremost. The Gospel of Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him comes first. We are to love others but not compromise our beliefs to man.
"When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." -Proverbs 16:7
Jesus said, "And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him." - John 8:29
Let us follow the example of Jesus each day by pleasing the Father for He is LORD of all.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
No Fear
You use to see it all the time and you still do now and then. No Fear. Mostly it was on the back of trucks and cars as a bumper sticker. Never really knew what "they" meant of it, but when I saw it I was encourage in my way with the Lord. You see, we are to fear the Lord. That doesn't mean we are suppose to be afraid of Him, no it means to reverence and honor and adore Him! When we have a fear of the Lord, a reverent fear because of our relationship with Him and knowing Him like we do, we shall not fear, be afraid! Why? Because we know He is with us and taking care of us in a way no one else on earth or in heaven can and will!
Reverent is to revere. Revere is to regard with awe, deference, and devotion. Honor is to have high respect for and when we adore Him we are to worship the Lord for He is our God and we do so with a deep love from within in reverence and with honor!
"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing." - Revelation 5:12
"Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy, for all nations shall come and worship before You..." - Revelation 15:4
Matthew 14:22-33
Reverent is to revere. Revere is to regard with awe, deference, and devotion. Honor is to have high respect for and when we adore Him we are to worship the Lord for He is our God and we do so with a deep love from within in reverence and with honor!
"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing." - Revelation 5:12
"Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy, for all nations shall come and worship before You..." - Revelation 15:4
Matthew 14:22-33
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
We're Not to Fear or Rebel
"Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land... the LORD is with us." - Numbers 14:9
That's what Caleb and Joshua said when all the people were choosing the opposite of what God wanted for them. Moses, their commander in chief, pleaded with God for them that He not kill these people and it was "according to his (your) word" that the Lord let them live (see verse 29). However, they did not live out God's best. Instead they lived in the wilderness and never entered the Promised Land. They died in the wilderness just as the Lord said, "your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness." Even their sons suffered from their iniquity (verse 31- 33).
To obey is better than sacrifice and with obedience comes great reward (I Samuel 15:22, Luke 5:4-6). Seek the Lord and His ways and be blessed!
Hebrews 11:6
That's what Caleb and Joshua said when all the people were choosing the opposite of what God wanted for them. Moses, their commander in chief, pleaded with God for them that He not kill these people and it was "according to his (your) word" that the Lord let them live (see verse 29). However, they did not live out God's best. Instead they lived in the wilderness and never entered the Promised Land. They died in the wilderness just as the Lord said, "your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness." Even their sons suffered from their iniquity (verse 31- 33).
To obey is better than sacrifice and with obedience comes great reward (I Samuel 15:22, Luke 5:4-6). Seek the Lord and His ways and be blessed!
Hebrews 11:6
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Exceedingly Good Land
"If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey." - Numbers 14:8
So many people ask, "Why were the Israelites 40 years in the wilderness?" The answer is in the Bible. Look at Numbers 14:34, "According to the number of the days in which you spied out the land, forty days, for each day you shall bear your guilt (iniquity, sin, disobedience) one year, namely forty years, and you shall know My rejection." In verse 22 (c) it says... you, "have not heeded My voice."
Who are Caleb and Joshua? Two who went against the majority who were wrong! Yes, they took their stand on the side of the Lord against all the others and were able to receive from God all that was promised. The exceedingly good land!
What did it take? Simple obedience to the Lord. By simple obedience you might think out loud, "it's not simple." No, obedience is not always easy, but it is simple. The simple part is simply making up one's mind to trust and obey the Lord. Caleb and Joshua did and they received more than they ever dreamed.
Peter did. (Luke 5:4-7) He obeyed Jesus even though he thought there were no fish to catch. He said to Jesus, "nevertheless at Your word" and he went out in the deep and caught the catch of his life!
Obey God. He knows what He's doing. Do you?
I Samuel 15:22
So many people ask, "Why were the Israelites 40 years in the wilderness?" The answer is in the Bible. Look at Numbers 14:34, "According to the number of the days in which you spied out the land, forty days, for each day you shall bear your guilt (iniquity, sin, disobedience) one year, namely forty years, and you shall know My rejection." In verse 22 (c) it says... you, "have not heeded My voice."
Who are Caleb and Joshua? Two who went against the majority who were wrong! Yes, they took their stand on the side of the Lord against all the others and were able to receive from God all that was promised. The exceedingly good land!
What did it take? Simple obedience to the Lord. By simple obedience you might think out loud, "it's not simple." No, obedience is not always easy, but it is simple. The simple part is simply making up one's mind to trust and obey the Lord. Caleb and Joshua did and they received more than they ever dreamed.
Peter did. (Luke 5:4-7) He obeyed Jesus even though he thought there were no fish to catch. He said to Jesus, "nevertheless at Your word" and he went out in the deep and caught the catch of his life!
Obey God. He knows what He's doing. Do you?
I Samuel 15:22
Monday, February 15, 2010
Way Beyond
Jesus tells Peter in Luke 5:4, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."
Remember "the deep."
What are we to catch?
Jesus tells his disciples in Matthew 4:19, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."
That tells me we're not out to catch fish in the deep but people for Jesus!
How do we go about this?
Jesus says in Mark 16:15, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."
I don't know about you, but my first thought is that there are a lot of creatures in this world that God made! I've given speeches before and practiced on my dogs so I suppose we could practice on most any creature that will sit still enough to listen, but man is the one who has the intelligence to listen and make a conscious decision or choice in his mind to follow verse sixteen of Mark Chapter 16, which says "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."
To preach is simply to proclaim or put forth (in a sermon or just start talking to someone!), it is to - urge acceptance of or compliance with - and we can all do that! It's simply sharing one's testimony of the Bible and Jesus!
Back to "the deep" - think about it... in Luke 5 Peter, Jesus, and others are at the water's edge. They were out in a boat to catch fish - but not out in the deep water? Why not? Maybe they didn't have much time, maybe they got up late, maybe they didn't feel like rowing out that far, maybe they just thought there would be enough fish up close... maybe... we don't know, but they didn't go out in the deep water!
I don't know about you but when I go to the lake I like to see the bottom when I'm swimming. I like to feel safe seeing the bottom. Often times our wanting to "feel safe" keeps us from going beyond and we are limited to what God has for us "out there!"
Why not "launch out into the deep?" Why not go way beyond the deep? Let's allow God to have His way with us way beyond whatever we want. Let Him have His way with us no matter what He asks of us so that His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven! (Matthew 6:10)
Remember "the deep."
What are we to catch?
Jesus tells his disciples in Matthew 4:19, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."
That tells me we're not out to catch fish in the deep but people for Jesus!
How do we go about this?
Jesus says in Mark 16:15, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."
I don't know about you, but my first thought is that there are a lot of creatures in this world that God made! I've given speeches before and practiced on my dogs so I suppose we could practice on most any creature that will sit still enough to listen, but man is the one who has the intelligence to listen and make a conscious decision or choice in his mind to follow verse sixteen of Mark Chapter 16, which says "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."
To preach is simply to proclaim or put forth (in a sermon or just start talking to someone!), it is to - urge acceptance of or compliance with - and we can all do that! It's simply sharing one's testimony of the Bible and Jesus!
Back to "the deep" - think about it... in Luke 5 Peter, Jesus, and others are at the water's edge. They were out in a boat to catch fish - but not out in the deep water? Why not? Maybe they didn't have much time, maybe they got up late, maybe they didn't feel like rowing out that far, maybe they just thought there would be enough fish up close... maybe... we don't know, but they didn't go out in the deep water!
I don't know about you but when I go to the lake I like to see the bottom when I'm swimming. I like to feel safe seeing the bottom. Often times our wanting to "feel safe" keeps us from going beyond and we are limited to what God has for us "out there!"
Why not "launch out into the deep?" Why not go way beyond the deep? Let's allow God to have His way with us way beyond whatever we want. Let Him have His way with us no matter what He asks of us so that His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven! (Matthew 6:10)
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Going the Extra Miles with the One You Love
Peter, Paul, John, James and Barnabas and Mark and many others in the Bible went way beyond their limits or boundaries to serve the One they believed in. We ought, too, as well go the extra miles to serve Christ our Savior. We can do more when we not only go the extra mile but allow Christ in us to take over and go beyond what we've ever dreamed of dreaming. We do that when we trust Him with all our life.
You can trust God no matter what. God will not forsake you. Real trust will bring about consistency of character. This is your faith. Don't just trust God with small problems; trust Him with your dreams.
Numbers 14:5-9
You can trust God no matter what. God will not forsake you. Real trust will bring about consistency of character. This is your faith. Don't just trust God with small problems; trust Him with your dreams.
Numbers 14:5-9
Friday, February 12, 2010
Living Beyond Borders
Pastors preach it and people will refer to it when in desperation about a situation or something going on in their lives - that is that we limit God. Yes, we put Him in a box. Why do we do this when we know God is limitless? He has no borders or boundaries. He is able to do all things. He knows all things. He is ever present. We simply don't respond to His possibilities and faithfulness or realize that at all times He is or we can be in His presence! As a child of God with the Holy Spirit abiding in us, you... me, we mustn't forget but must remember He is "able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." (Ephesians 3:20) What power? His power! It is available to us at all times. Why is this such an important part of God in us to remember? Ephesians 3, verse 21: "to Him be glory!" Where? "in the church!" and "to all generations!" For how long? Forever... eternally!
Take the limits off God, let Him be the God He is in you, and live beyond your borders for life beyond your wildest dreams!
Take the limits off God, let Him be the God He is in you, and live beyond your borders for life beyond your wildest dreams!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Love Letters
So many things in our lives change. We fall in love. Memories are in the making and some are past. Some good, some not so good. We commit to one another as husband and wives, some as friends. Some have families, some don't. We make plans, some don't. Life goes on. Paths take us to our destination or they don't. Things tend to change over time. Some for good, some not so good. In love, out of love - in love, out of love. One thing will remain - His love.
In our constantly changing lifetime we can rely on His love and trust Him. He never changes. His Word will be our guide. He loves us. He loves me. He loves you. He loves the people of His created world. Each one of us with the same love.
Many of us may have received a love letter or letters but there is one love letter eternal and it is written to you. The Word of God - The Bible - is written to you and the Author loves you very much!
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." - Hebrews 13:8
"...that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." - Ephesians 3:17-18
Luke 15:11-24
In our constantly changing lifetime we can rely on His love and trust Him. He never changes. His Word will be our guide. He loves us. He loves me. He loves you. He loves the people of His created world. Each one of us with the same love.
Many of us may have received a love letter or letters but there is one love letter eternal and it is written to you. The Word of God - The Bible - is written to you and the Author loves you very much!
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." - Hebrews 13:8
"...that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." - Ephesians 3:17-18
Luke 15:11-24
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Love for Life
Our mind can become so contaminated by this world that we don't even realize our lust for the things of this world. We must choose what is right and what is wrong for us and keep ourselves from deceiving ourselves. We must protect love by truth. The Word is our salvation.
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." - I John 2:15-17
"If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." - I John 1:6-8
We learn in The Word to choose that which is better over even what appears to be best.
"Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" - I John 5:1-5
"These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." - John 16:33
The victory is ours in Christ Jesus! We can have a love for life when we are in love with Him.
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." - I John 2:15-17
"If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." - I John 1:6-8
We learn in The Word to choose that which is better over even what appears to be best.
"Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" - I John 5:1-5
"These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." - John 16:33
The victory is ours in Christ Jesus! We can have a love for life when we are in love with Him.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Love is All You Need
"Love, love, love,
Love is all you need"
These are words put to music and sung by the Beatles
some decades ago.
Love is all we need; however,
our love may not always show what we tell.
God alone knows the heart of each one of us.
It is imperative that we learn to love.
Jesus doesn't simply ask it of us, He commands it.
John 15:17
Love is all you need"
These are words put to music and sung by the Beatles
some decades ago.
Love is all we need; however,
our love may not always show what we tell.
God alone knows the heart of each one of us.
It is imperative that we learn to love.
Jesus doesn't simply ask it of us, He commands it.
John 15:17
Monday, February 8, 2010
Love One Another
"These things I command you, that you love one another." - John 15:17
Notice Jesus is speaking and He doesn't just suggest we love one another, He commands it! Wow!
We read this in First John 2 at verses ten and 11:
"He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."
And then in First John 3:16 and 17:
"By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?"
I want my eyes open to see and be aware of every opportunity God sends my way to love on others, how about you? I want to know Him. I want to know His love - His love so powerful and forgiving. I want to show that same love He has for me to others. Shouldn't we all? That's what we read in His Word today.
Never forget it, to love. Let us always remember to love one another with the God kind of love we receive.
Notice Jesus is speaking and He doesn't just suggest we love one another, He commands it! Wow!
We read this in First John 2 at verses ten and 11:
"He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."
And then in First John 3:16 and 17:
"By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?"
I want my eyes open to see and be aware of every opportunity God sends my way to love on others, how about you? I want to know Him. I want to know His love - His love so powerful and forgiving. I want to show that same love He has for me to others. Shouldn't we all? That's what we read in His Word today.
Never forget it, to love. Let us always remember to love one another with the God kind of love we receive.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Love Never Fails
"Love suffers long, having patience with imperfect people. Love is kind, active in doing good. Love does not envy; since it is non-possessive and non-competitive, it actually wants other people to get ahead. Hence it does not parade itself. Love has a self-effacing quality; it is not ostentatious. Love is not puffed up, treating others arrogantly; it does not behave rudely, but displays good manners and courtesy. Love does not seek its own, insisting on its own rights and demanding precedence; rather, it is unselfish. Love is not provoked; it is not irritable or touchy, rough or hostile, but is graceful under pressure. Love thinks no evil; it does not keep an account of wrongs done to it; instead, it erases resentments. Love does not rejoice in iniquity, finding satisfaction in the shortcomings of others and spreading an evil report; rather, it rejoices in the truth, aggressively advertising the good. Love bears all things, defending and holding other people up. Love believes the best about others, credits them with good intentions, and is not suspicious. Love hopes all things, never giving up on people, but affirming their future. Love endures all things, persevering and remaining loyal to the end." *
Love never fails.
* Taken from The Spirit Filled Life Bible at I Corinthians 13:4-7.
Love never fails.
* Taken from The Spirit Filled Life Bible at I Corinthians 13:4-7.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Show and Tell ~ Love in Action
Remember back in grade school when you took something to show and tell? What comes first? The action. You take something to show and then you tell about it. There is a difference. When you show someone you are modeling or displaying it; causing it to be seen. When you tell something you are speaking about it; using your words with your mouth. For show and tell in grade school the two went together very well for showing the class a favorite of yours and as you did you were telling about it.
With love it works the same way. We first must show it. We put our love in action. With our action we then speak "I love you." People don't believe us when they just hear the words as much as they will believe us when we first show our love in action. Often it's the little things we do that speak louder than any words. These two, show and tell, will work well for you in any relationship if you first remember to display and model your love before telling... here's a little secret: when you show your love you may not even have to tell it, they'll already know it! But... it doesn't hurt to say it any way.
I Corinthians 13
With love it works the same way. We first must show it. We put our love in action. With our action we then speak "I love you." People don't believe us when they just hear the words as much as they will believe us when we first show our love in action. Often it's the little things we do that speak louder than any words. These two, show and tell, will work well for you in any relationship if you first remember to display and model your love before telling... here's a little secret: when you show your love you may not even have to tell it, they'll already know it! But... it doesn't hurt to say it any way.
I Corinthians 13
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Loving Others
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." - John 13:34-35
The standard of Jesus is to love others. This love of Jesus you show to others is your witness to a world that needs Him desperately.
"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." - Philipians 2:3
Go ahead, go show the world that you're a Christian!
The standard of Jesus is to love others. This love of Jesus you show to others is your witness to a world that needs Him desperately.
"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." - Philipians 2:3
Go ahead, go show the world that you're a Christian!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
For the Love of God
What have you set your affections on?
Where do you place your love?
To what do you give your love?
Don't set your affections on, or live your life for those things that feed your fleshy desires, or that appeal to your greediness. Don't let envy take over. Don't let pride or arrogance in. Don't allow anything in your life that will lessen even a little bit your love for God. Worship and adore Him, giving your life a service to Him, and be completely devoted to Him. He is worthy of your love.
"And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all you mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment." - Mark 12:30
"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul... " - Deuteronomy 10:12
Where do you place your love?
To what do you give your love?
Don't set your affections on, or live your life for those things that feed your fleshy desires, or that appeal to your greediness. Don't let envy take over. Don't let pride or arrogance in. Don't allow anything in your life that will lessen even a little bit your love for God. Worship and adore Him, giving your life a service to Him, and be completely devoted to Him. He is worthy of your love.
"And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all you mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment." - Mark 12:30
"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul... " - Deuteronomy 10:12
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Oh, to be Loved
Have that same old feeling as you rise up today? A feeling of being unloved? Unwanted? Unloveable? In moods like that we have to remember we are walking by faith and not sight or feelings or moods. It is so important to turn to the Word and open our Bible and see what God has said to us - there is so much contained in His Word - today we focus on a part of love - His love - for you are loved by your Father. You mustn't ever forget that. It is His love that matters especially when no one else notices or shows you love - you will know the love of God.
"And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him." - I John 4:16 (NKJ)
"God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us." - I John 4:17 (The Message)
II Corinthians 5:7
"And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him." - I John 4:16 (NKJ)
"God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us." - I John 4:17 (The Message)
II Corinthians 5:7
Monday, February 1, 2010
Bend One More Time
Have you ever felt like you have been used and abused just a little too much for one day? One morning? One hour? Life has simply pulled you apart and you've done all the twisting, bending, turning and mending from this or that that you can do? I have an added beatitude I remember during those time. Let me share it with your today...
BLESSED are the FLEXIBLE for they SHALL NOT GET BENT OUT OF SHAPE!
So, bend, twist, turn one more time for Jesus!
Matthew 5:1-12
BLESSED are the FLEXIBLE for they SHALL NOT GET BENT OUT OF SHAPE!
So, bend, twist, turn one more time for Jesus!
Matthew 5:1-12
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