What did you notice about yourself the last time you looked in the mirror? In my case, I thought, wow, this is going to be a bad hair day? I tried to fix it with a little gel to tame the wildness, but to much avail, I looked in the mirror again at work and it had gotten worse. Blah!
When you look in the mirror don't you normally remember exactly what you looked like, don't you know if your hair is a little off or your roots are beginning to show or your hair is starting to grow over your ears or your 5 o'clock shadow is now beginning to remind you of a mountain man? Well God wants us to do the same thing with His Word. He doesn't want us to just hear the word of God, or read the word of God and forget what we heard. He wants us to hear or read it, and do as the Word says. "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, afterlooking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues to do this, not forgetting what he heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:23-25. I know women and some men who take forever to prepare themselves in the morning. They know where each hair was placed and when one hair is out of place. These same people can tell you where each wrinkle is or where there favorite freckle lies. They know what they look like better than anyone else. This is what God wants us to do as we look into His Word. He wants us to know where to find each piece of Wisdom, He wants us to know exactly which path to follow. God wants us to know how much He cares about us without any doubt.
When we look in the mirror and are able to see God's Word in action, we should be able to see the Lord looking back at us. We should know His Word so well that it is reflected from within us. We should have His Word from His Spirit living within us, and that is what we should be seeing. "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2Corinthians 3:18.
Today, as you look in the mirror and remember what you see, also do this with God's Word. If you are seeing God within you there is no reason why you shouldn't be turning from the mirror and putting God's Word into action. God's Word has now become a part of your life, just like my wild hair is here to stay. I know it is there and I will be aware of it all day. Just as God's Word is alive within me and I should be glorifying Him all day!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
The Million Dollar Question.
Question, will one million dollars bring you happiness?
Before you say yes, let's really think about this, what can money actually bring? Things: Vacations, Stuff, Clothes, Cars, Houses, and more Stuff. So, if money brings things it really doesn't bring emotions. Well then do things bring happiness? Vacations are temporary and can bring temporary enjoyment, but sometimes they can be ruined and bring frustration; just think about it, a thunderstorm can ruin a day at a waterpark. Clothes are great, new clothes are even better, but if you have those days like me when nothing seems to look good or seems to tight, it can drain you of every once of happiness and self-esteem. Well, what about cars? Awe, cars.....let's just say I've had my fair share of cars...I love variety and they can get me from point A to point B, but they can also be dangerous and distracting. And in my case cause a lot of heartache. Well then there are houses. They put shelter over our heads, they can be filled with many memories, but even though a lot of memories for most of us could be good, some of us may have horrible memories. Not only that many times we are never satisfied with a house that can just put a roof over our head, it has to be the best house, we have to up the Joneses. What about just plain stuff? Stuff is fun, but stuff is also momentary. There is always something bigger and better even if you buy the biggest best thing. We keep gathering and cluttering our lives, we end up forgetting about the momentary happiness and begin pursueing the happiness that we know will come with more stuff?!
So, if money can't bring happiness, but money brings stuff, and stuff can't bring happiness that lasts, why do we keep wanting more? More money for more stuff, and we are willing to give up everything important and lasting for more. If only I had more money, so I could do more, get more, be more, and have more. Somewhere along the way we have joined the Rat race on the path to an unreachable Happiness called money. And along the way we began to idolize money and when you idolize anything you are making it a god.
"No one can serve to masters. For you will hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Luke 16:13. SO why do we try? Back to the the million dollar question, can money bring happiness? When you make money a priority in you life you begin to serve money hoping it will give you the happiness you have been seeking, only to find money actually only brings stuff. And stuff loves to bring along friends with it...like greed and envy.
God, however, brings life. He breaks the chains of slavery to everything holding you down and gives you a happiness called Joy! When you serve God, God will give you everything you need and more, including money, but you must first prove that He is the only Master of your life.
Question: Does God bring Happiness?
Simple....Yes! That would be eternal Joy!
"When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my father and remain in His love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!" John 15: 10-11.
Before you say yes, let's really think about this, what can money actually bring? Things: Vacations, Stuff, Clothes, Cars, Houses, and more Stuff. So, if money brings things it really doesn't bring emotions. Well then do things bring happiness? Vacations are temporary and can bring temporary enjoyment, but sometimes they can be ruined and bring frustration; just think about it, a thunderstorm can ruin a day at a waterpark. Clothes are great, new clothes are even better, but if you have those days like me when nothing seems to look good or seems to tight, it can drain you of every once of happiness and self-esteem. Well, what about cars? Awe, cars.....let's just say I've had my fair share of cars...I love variety and they can get me from point A to point B, but they can also be dangerous and distracting. And in my case cause a lot of heartache. Well then there are houses. They put shelter over our heads, they can be filled with many memories, but even though a lot of memories for most of us could be good, some of us may have horrible memories. Not only that many times we are never satisfied with a house that can just put a roof over our head, it has to be the best house, we have to up the Joneses. What about just plain stuff? Stuff is fun, but stuff is also momentary. There is always something bigger and better even if you buy the biggest best thing. We keep gathering and cluttering our lives, we end up forgetting about the momentary happiness and begin pursueing the happiness that we know will come with more stuff?!
So, if money can't bring happiness, but money brings stuff, and stuff can't bring happiness that lasts, why do we keep wanting more? More money for more stuff, and we are willing to give up everything important and lasting for more. If only I had more money, so I could do more, get more, be more, and have more. Somewhere along the way we have joined the Rat race on the path to an unreachable Happiness called money. And along the way we began to idolize money and when you idolize anything you are making it a god.
"No one can serve to masters. For you will hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Luke 16:13. SO why do we try? Back to the the million dollar question, can money bring happiness? When you make money a priority in you life you begin to serve money hoping it will give you the happiness you have been seeking, only to find money actually only brings stuff. And stuff loves to bring along friends with it...like greed and envy.
God, however, brings life. He breaks the chains of slavery to everything holding you down and gives you a happiness called Joy! When you serve God, God will give you everything you need and more, including money, but you must first prove that He is the only Master of your life.
Question: Does God bring Happiness?
Simple....Yes! That would be eternal Joy!
"When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my father and remain in His love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!" John 15: 10-11.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Lost and Found
Have you ever lost something that meant the world to you? One day at Disney I thought I had lost my daughter who had wondered off, when I finally found her I hugged her and treasured her and never wanted to let her go. Sometimes when we lose things and then find them we want to let others know we found it. We are so excited to have whatever it was that we lost that we want to let the world know and we begin to treasure it even more than before.
Jesus told the parable of the Lost Son. The son decided that he had had enough living under his dad's rule that he wanted to get his share of the estate and move on. When he left he squandered all he had in far off lands on all types of sins. His father wasn't proud of what his son did, but he was still sad to have lost him and wanted him to return. Once the son had nothing left he humbled himself and came crawling back to his father. You would think the father would have scolded him for his foolishness, but instead he was so excited to have his son back that he wanted to throw a massive party in his son's honor. "for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now is found.' So the party began." Luke 15:24. This father had lost one of his most treasured gifts, his son, and was so delighted to have him back. The father had unconditional love for his son, and he showed him amazing grace.
God has this same unconditional love for all of us. Each one of us at some point in our life has been lost, or maybe right now as you are reading this you are the one that is lost. Well God yearns to have you back. "In the same way, heaven will be happier over one lost sinner who returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away." Luke 15:7.
God has unconditional love for all of his creation. He loves us as his own Son for He adopted us into His family through the death and resurrection of His Son. No matter what we have done, no matter how many sins we have committed, no matter how far we have strayed, God will show us His amazing grace when we return.
What is stopping you from experiencing His Amazing Grace? Turn from your sinful life, stop straying in worldly directions, and turn back to Him. Every time you lose something that means the world to you and later you find it, treasure that feeling you have for that is the same feeling God has when you are no longer lost.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see!
In this way you are no longer Lost, but Found!
Jesus told the parable of the Lost Son. The son decided that he had had enough living under his dad's rule that he wanted to get his share of the estate and move on. When he left he squandered all he had in far off lands on all types of sins. His father wasn't proud of what his son did, but he was still sad to have lost him and wanted him to return. Once the son had nothing left he humbled himself and came crawling back to his father. You would think the father would have scolded him for his foolishness, but instead he was so excited to have his son back that he wanted to throw a massive party in his son's honor. "for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now is found.' So the party began." Luke 15:24. This father had lost one of his most treasured gifts, his son, and was so delighted to have him back. The father had unconditional love for his son, and he showed him amazing grace.
God has this same unconditional love for all of us. Each one of us at some point in our life has been lost, or maybe right now as you are reading this you are the one that is lost. Well God yearns to have you back. "In the same way, heaven will be happier over one lost sinner who returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away." Luke 15:7.
God has unconditional love for all of his creation. He loves us as his own Son for He adopted us into His family through the death and resurrection of His Son. No matter what we have done, no matter how many sins we have committed, no matter how far we have strayed, God will show us His amazing grace when we return.
What is stopping you from experiencing His Amazing Grace? Turn from your sinful life, stop straying in worldly directions, and turn back to Him. Every time you lose something that means the world to you and later you find it, treasure that feeling you have for that is the same feeling God has when you are no longer lost.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see!
In this way you are no longer Lost, but Found!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Working Hard on Trust
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. But in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6.
Last week I had to remind myself to fully trust in the Lord, and not trust in my own Mathematical calculations. Brett and I are working hard and God is blessing us, BUT for a family of 6 it just doesn't always add up. And when it doesn't add up, it truly makes it hard to give freely to the needs of others. But Brett and I know we have been called to take care of those who are in more need than ourselves. "Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasures for you in heaven!" Luke 12:33a. We feel called not only to provide for our family, but for others as well. So, even though I know helping someone else will cut us close on being able to provide for our family, I trust in the Lord and know He will provide. The day after I struggled with my trust and giving of what we had, not of our abundance, God gave me this verse, "It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything." Proverbs 11:24. I trusted God, and we gave before knowing if we would have enough to even buy groceries, and in my trust in Him, He made a promise to provide for me. God is Good, and He will make straight my paths as well as yours..
Last week I had to remind myself to fully trust in the Lord, and not trust in my own Mathematical calculations. Brett and I are working hard and God is blessing us, BUT for a family of 6 it just doesn't always add up. And when it doesn't add up, it truly makes it hard to give freely to the needs of others. But Brett and I know we have been called to take care of those who are in more need than ourselves. "Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasures for you in heaven!" Luke 12:33a. We feel called not only to provide for our family, but for others as well. So, even though I know helping someone else will cut us close on being able to provide for our family, I trust in the Lord and know He will provide. The day after I struggled with my trust and giving of what we had, not of our abundance, God gave me this verse, "It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything." Proverbs 11:24. I trusted God, and we gave before knowing if we would have enough to even buy groceries, and in my trust in Him, He made a promise to provide for me. God is Good, and He will make straight my paths as well as yours..
Friday, April 20, 2012
Can't Buy Me.....
Yesterday my husband had a very funny text conversation that went like this:
Stephen: You know your from Plant City when.....
Brett: Your 8 year old son gets a tractor, and we didn't get it from Toys-R-Us!
This all started because Brett sent a picture to his buddy Stephen in Miami of our son on his mowing tractor. (So fitting, right?) Well as I watched him practice maneuvering this tractor around our yard, I couldn't help but think of the movie Can't Buy Me Love, the 80's flick with Dr.McDreamy, Patrick Dempsey.
In the movie, Dempsey, a nerd, had mowed lawns forever, saving for some big dream of his, but all of his life he had been in love with this Girl. This Girl wasn't any girl, she was the most popular, beautiful girl at their high school. There relationship started when Dempsey found out she needed money for something and he gave it to her in exchange for a date. Then he began buying her more and more things, but in the end Dempsey was found out and he learned money can't buy you love, only the relationship they had grown through a friendship could.
Just like you can't buy love, Psalms says you also can't buy eternal life. "There is no need to fear when times of trouble come, when enemies are surrounding me. They trust in their welath and boast of great riches. Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death by paying a ransom to God. Redemption does not come so easily, for no one can pay enough to live forever and never see the grave." Psalms 49:5-9. If I could title this section of Psalms I would write in Big Bold Print: Can't Buy Me Life.
When we have money or riches we seem to think we can buy anything and everything. I see people trying to buy love, life, happiness, joy, friends, etc. all the time. But the problem is it may be there for a second, but it never lasts. You can't buy people and you especially can't buy God. It is all about the relationship. If you want any of these things you must invest yourselves in one another. You must make yourself adaptable and available to grow in a relationship, and then the love, life, joy, happiness, friendship, and peace will come. But there is no amount of money that can buy any of these. Money may be able to buy things, but It Can't Buy Me Life.
Stephen: You know your from Plant City when.....
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| I tried to flip it right side up, but sadly, I'm not tech savvy! |
In the movie, Dempsey, a nerd, had mowed lawns forever, saving for some big dream of his, but all of his life he had been in love with this Girl. This Girl wasn't any girl, she was the most popular, beautiful girl at their high school. There relationship started when Dempsey found out she needed money for something and he gave it to her in exchange for a date. Then he began buying her more and more things, but in the end Dempsey was found out and he learned money can't buy you love, only the relationship they had grown through a friendship could.
Just like you can't buy love, Psalms says you also can't buy eternal life. "There is no need to fear when times of trouble come, when enemies are surrounding me. They trust in their welath and boast of great riches. Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death by paying a ransom to God. Redemption does not come so easily, for no one can pay enough to live forever and never see the grave." Psalms 49:5-9. If I could title this section of Psalms I would write in Big Bold Print: Can't Buy Me Life.
When we have money or riches we seem to think we can buy anything and everything. I see people trying to buy love, life, happiness, joy, friends, etc. all the time. But the problem is it may be there for a second, but it never lasts. You can't buy people and you especially can't buy God. It is all about the relationship. If you want any of these things you must invest yourselves in one another. You must make yourself adaptable and available to grow in a relationship, and then the love, life, joy, happiness, friendship, and peace will come. But there is no amount of money that can buy any of these. Money may be able to buy things, but It Can't Buy Me Life.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Words of Life
"These instructions are not mere words - they are life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you are crossing the Jordan River to occupy." Deuteronomy 32:47
The words of God bring life. No matter what you are going through in life, God can reach you with His Word. He gives instruction, encouragement, comfort, peace, strength, Wisdom, Discernment, and so much more all through His Word. He will grow a relationship with you through His Word and your prayers. And not only does Hiw Word bring this life, but He will bring you a long life that you will enjoy.
God started creation with His Word: "In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and He was God." John 1:1. We are to hear His Word: "Joshua said to the Israelites, 'Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God." Joshua 3:9. We are to speak His Words: "Let the Words of Christ in all their richness live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts." Colossians 3:16. We are to read His Word: "He must always keep this copy of the law with him and read it daily as long as he lives." Deuteronomy 17:19. We are to obey His Word: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22. And because He lives within us, so His Word lives within us, we will grow closer to Him in this relationship, and in the end we will see His Word: "Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. And the one sitting on the horse was named Faithful and True. For He judges fairly and then goes to war. His eyes were bright like flames of fire, and on His head were many crowns. A name was written on Him and only He knew what it meant. He was clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God." Revelations 19:11-13.
God's word was here in the beginning and it will be here to the end. It is alive and active, giving life to all who obey it. The word lives in us because Christ lives in us, and we should obey the Word because it has become a part of us, not because it is the law. What's stopping you from hearing, reading, loving, seeing, speaking, and obeying the Word today? Have life and have it abundantly!
"Forever, O Lord, your word stands firm in the heavens." Psalm 119:89
The words of God bring life. No matter what you are going through in life, God can reach you with His Word. He gives instruction, encouragement, comfort, peace, strength, Wisdom, Discernment, and so much more all through His Word. He will grow a relationship with you through His Word and your prayers. And not only does Hiw Word bring this life, but He will bring you a long life that you will enjoy.
God started creation with His Word: "In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and He was God." John 1:1. We are to hear His Word: "Joshua said to the Israelites, 'Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God." Joshua 3:9. We are to speak His Words: "Let the Words of Christ in all their richness live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts." Colossians 3:16. We are to read His Word: "He must always keep this copy of the law with him and read it daily as long as he lives." Deuteronomy 17:19. We are to obey His Word: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22. And because He lives within us, so His Word lives within us, we will grow closer to Him in this relationship, and in the end we will see His Word: "Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. And the one sitting on the horse was named Faithful and True. For He judges fairly and then goes to war. His eyes were bright like flames of fire, and on His head were many crowns. A name was written on Him and only He knew what it meant. He was clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God." Revelations 19:11-13.
God's word was here in the beginning and it will be here to the end. It is alive and active, giving life to all who obey it. The word lives in us because Christ lives in us, and we should obey the Word because it has become a part of us, not because it is the law. What's stopping you from hearing, reading, loving, seeing, speaking, and obeying the Word today? Have life and have it abundantly!
"Forever, O Lord, your word stands firm in the heavens." Psalm 119:89
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
When the Door is Open...Walk on Through
Moses was now 120 years old, and God had prepared the Israelites with 40 years in the wilderness to go in and conquer the promise land. Their trusty leader, however, was to stay back and not cross the Jordan because of His past unfaithfulness. The people of Israel had never been lead by anyone else. Before Moses they were slaves in Egypt. So, to be expected, they were nervous, anxious, and afraid, but God told them it was time to trust in Him alone. "Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The LORD your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6.
God puts leaders in our lives to guide us, encourage us, strenthen us, and prepare us for the future. But even with leaders He still expects us to be able to trust in Him alone. At some point in our life He is going to open a door and tell us to walk through without the leader we were accustomed to. He wants us to trust that He will go before us through that door and lead us on the other side. When God opens the door He expects us to act immediately, never flinching in our trust, and remembering to be strong and courageous because He will never leave us nor forsake us. We must take that first step which will feel like a leap of Faith because that is what it really is...Faith that God is with us. "He opens doors, and no one can shut them; he shuts doors, and no one can open them." Revelation 3:7d. So, be strong and courageous, keep your eye on the cross, and follow obediently the pathway He leads you on. Because God will only open the door for so long, and if you don't walk on through with Trust, He may close it never to open it again.
God puts leaders in our lives to guide us, encourage us, strenthen us, and prepare us for the future. But even with leaders He still expects us to be able to trust in Him alone. At some point in our life He is going to open a door and tell us to walk through without the leader we were accustomed to. He wants us to trust that He will go before us through that door and lead us on the other side. When God opens the door He expects us to act immediately, never flinching in our trust, and remembering to be strong and courageous because He will never leave us nor forsake us. We must take that first step which will feel like a leap of Faith because that is what it really is...Faith that God is with us. "He opens doors, and no one can shut them; he shuts doors, and no one can open them." Revelation 3:7d. So, be strong and courageous, keep your eye on the cross, and follow obediently the pathway He leads you on. Because God will only open the door for so long, and if you don't walk on through with Trust, He may close it never to open it again.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Much Needed R&R
"Suppose all these things happen to you - the blessings and the curses I have listed - and you meditate on them as you are living among the nations to which the LORD your God has exiled you. If at that time you return to the Lord your God, and you and your children begin wholeheartedly to obey all the commands I have given you today, then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes. He will have mercy on you and gather you back from all nations where He has scattered you. Though you are at the ends of the earth, the Lord your God will go and find you and bring you back again." Deuteronomy 30:1-4.
God knew the Israelites would turn from the laws He had given them. Adam and Eve had already proved that. He knew they would worship other Gods, commit adultery, murder, lie, steal, fully disobeying Him. So, God told them in their disobedience He would scatter them across the earth and curse them for their negligence. But then He promised them if they ever decided to turn from their sins and obey Him wholeheartedly, He would restore them to the life He had planned for them. An abundant life.
Just like with the Israelites, God knows we will all sin in some way. He knows we will lie, cheat, abuse, commit adultery, hate, murder, covet, fully disobey, and turn our backs on Him. When we do this we will feel depressed, unsettled, far away, lost, lacking, and sometimes hopeless. We may feel like we only need a little rest and relaxation to be revived, but really what we are needing is a different kind of R & R. We need Repentance and Restoration. As we repent our sins and turn back to our God and Lord who loves us so much, He will begin to fill us with the fruits of the Spirit. "But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law." Galations 5:22-23. The fruits of the Spirit will revive our lives and give us a wholeness, a new beginning, a solid foundation, and hope for the future.
SO what's holding you back from having all God has promised? Repent and be Restored!
God knew the Israelites would turn from the laws He had given them. Adam and Eve had already proved that. He knew they would worship other Gods, commit adultery, murder, lie, steal, fully disobeying Him. So, God told them in their disobedience He would scatter them across the earth and curse them for their negligence. But then He promised them if they ever decided to turn from their sins and obey Him wholeheartedly, He would restore them to the life He had planned for them. An abundant life.
Just like with the Israelites, God knows we will all sin in some way. He knows we will lie, cheat, abuse, commit adultery, hate, murder, covet, fully disobey, and turn our backs on Him. When we do this we will feel depressed, unsettled, far away, lost, lacking, and sometimes hopeless. We may feel like we only need a little rest and relaxation to be revived, but really what we are needing is a different kind of R & R. We need Repentance and Restoration. As we repent our sins and turn back to our God and Lord who loves us so much, He will begin to fill us with the fruits of the Spirit. "But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law." Galations 5:22-23. The fruits of the Spirit will revive our lives and give us a wholeness, a new beginning, a solid foundation, and hope for the future.
SO what's holding you back from having all God has promised? Repent and be Restored!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Compassion
"You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate." Luke 6:36
Compassion: deep awareness of suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it.
Compassionate: Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others: Showing Compassion
To be compassionate, as God asks us to be, we must first have compassion. Each and every morning, along with Love, Joy, Wisdom, Grace, and Mercy, I pray for compassion. Not for God to have compassion on me, but for me to have compassion for the World. I want to always be able to see the hurt in the world. I want to be able to look through the eyes of Jesus and see those in need, in all types of needs. I want to see the lost, helpless, fatherless, motherless, homeless, childless, starving, addicted, hopeless, widow, unloved, and unwanted. But not only do I want to see them, I want to help them, hold them, clothe them, feed them, love them, care for them, cure them, give them hope, give them a future, encourage them, take them in, and most of all show them Jesus. Why, might you ask? Because Jesus did all of these things for me, and I want to be like Him.
"Since God chose you to be Holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 3:12.
Compassion like love crosses all barriers, all borders, and all lines!
Compassion: deep awareness of suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it.
Compassionate: Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others: Showing Compassion
To be compassionate, as God asks us to be, we must first have compassion. Each and every morning, along with Love, Joy, Wisdom, Grace, and Mercy, I pray for compassion. Not for God to have compassion on me, but for me to have compassion for the World. I want to always be able to see the hurt in the world. I want to be able to look through the eyes of Jesus and see those in need, in all types of needs. I want to see the lost, helpless, fatherless, motherless, homeless, childless, starving, addicted, hopeless, widow, unloved, and unwanted. But not only do I want to see them, I want to help them, hold them, clothe them, feed them, love them, care for them, cure them, give them hope, give them a future, encourage them, take them in, and most of all show them Jesus. Why, might you ask? Because Jesus did all of these things for me, and I want to be like Him.
"Since God chose you to be Holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 3:12.
Compassion like love crosses all barriers, all borders, and all lines!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Suited up and Ready for Battle
"Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit to go out into the wilderness, where the Devil tempted him for the forty days. He ate nothing all that time and was very hungry." Luke 4:1-2
Right after Jesus was baptized and the glory of God came upon Him with the Spirit and God said Jesus was His Son in whom He was so proud - the Holy Spirit leads him into the wilderness to be tested. Why? Because when God sent His Son to this earth to be made fully human, He had to experience everything a human does, and aren't we tested and tempted?!
For forty days Jesus was tempted by the Devil (whom I promise is still alive and active today). The Devil not only tempted Jesus during these forty days, but Jesus was also left without food, a need that is essential for us to survive. He was probably burning and screaming from the inside. I can hardly go a full 24 hours without food before I am just crying from within.
"Then the Devil said to him, 'If you are the Son of God, change this stone into a loaf of bread.' But Jesus told him, 'No.' The Scriptures say, 'People need more than bread for life.' Then the Devil took him up ad revealed to Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment time. The Devil told him, 'I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and the authority over them - because they are mine to give anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you bow down and worship me.' Jesus replied, 'The Scriptures say, 'You must worship the LORD your God; serve only Him.' Then the Devil took Him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, 'If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, 'He orders his angels to protect you and guard you. And they will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.' Jesus responded, 'The Scriptures also say, 'Do not test the LORD your God.' Luke 4:3-12.
Jesus was tempted just as we are tempted everyday. His temptations fell into 3 areas:
-To provide for His own cravings, His own needs, to trust in Himself. Aren't we tempted to do this. Aren't we tempted daily to trust in ourselves and not the God who can provide for all of our needs?
-To have the whole world by worshiping the Devil. How many times do we fall into this trap. We think we can do evil and have the world, but where does that leave us eternally?
-To test the Word of God. (In which I hope you see the Devil knows as well, he himself quoted scripture.) But we are not to test the Word of God. The world and the Devil tries to prove to us that the Word isn't true and we should test it before we believe it. But how far does that actually get us? Are you willing to jump off that cliff?
Jesus, however, responded to each temptation with the Word of God that He trusted and knew to be true:
-"...people need more than bread for their life; real life comes by feeding on every word of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:8. God will provide for all of our needs. He will quench our hunger. What we need more than food is His Word.
-"You must fear the Lord your God and serve Him. When you take an oath, you must use only his name." Deuteronomy 6:13. We can't have the world, by doing evil. We must only worship the one true God, and He will give us our hearts desires. He is preparing a kingdom for us where we can live for eternity.
-"Do not test the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 6:16. Don't test God. He is more powerful than anyone, and He deserves our worship and respect. Test Him and you will surely fail.
Jesus had God's Word stored in His heart. God's Word fought off the temptations from the Devil for Jesus, and it will do the same for us.
"When the Devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came." Luke 4:13. The Devil may leave you alone for a time, but don't think he is gone forever because he is just waiting for another opportunity. The Devil wants for us to fail; He wants to laugh in the face of God and say, "See, Kristen wasn't so faithful after all." But if we store God's Words in our heart we will have His armor around us and His sword in our hand, to fight off every advance of the Devil. "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11. "Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil....Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." Ephesians 6:11,17.
If the Devil tempted the Son of God, what makes you think He won't tempt you? So be ready! What temptation does he hold over you right now? Look to the Word of God and store scripture in your heart, memorize it, and use them in defense against the Devils tactics and temptations. Be on guard! Would you go to war without your armor and gun? Don't go to war with the Devil either without be suited up and ready for battle.
Right after Jesus was baptized and the glory of God came upon Him with the Spirit and God said Jesus was His Son in whom He was so proud - the Holy Spirit leads him into the wilderness to be tested. Why? Because when God sent His Son to this earth to be made fully human, He had to experience everything a human does, and aren't we tested and tempted?!
For forty days Jesus was tempted by the Devil (whom I promise is still alive and active today). The Devil not only tempted Jesus during these forty days, but Jesus was also left without food, a need that is essential for us to survive. He was probably burning and screaming from the inside. I can hardly go a full 24 hours without food before I am just crying from within.
"Then the Devil said to him, 'If you are the Son of God, change this stone into a loaf of bread.' But Jesus told him, 'No.' The Scriptures say, 'People need more than bread for life.' Then the Devil took him up ad revealed to Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment time. The Devil told him, 'I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and the authority over them - because they are mine to give anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you bow down and worship me.' Jesus replied, 'The Scriptures say, 'You must worship the LORD your God; serve only Him.' Then the Devil took Him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, 'If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, 'He orders his angels to protect you and guard you. And they will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.' Jesus responded, 'The Scriptures also say, 'Do not test the LORD your God.' Luke 4:3-12.
Jesus was tempted just as we are tempted everyday. His temptations fell into 3 areas:
-To provide for His own cravings, His own needs, to trust in Himself. Aren't we tempted to do this. Aren't we tempted daily to trust in ourselves and not the God who can provide for all of our needs?
-To have the whole world by worshiping the Devil. How many times do we fall into this trap. We think we can do evil and have the world, but where does that leave us eternally?
-To test the Word of God. (In which I hope you see the Devil knows as well, he himself quoted scripture.) But we are not to test the Word of God. The world and the Devil tries to prove to us that the Word isn't true and we should test it before we believe it. But how far does that actually get us? Are you willing to jump off that cliff?
Jesus, however, responded to each temptation with the Word of God that He trusted and knew to be true:
-"...people need more than bread for their life; real life comes by feeding on every word of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:8. God will provide for all of our needs. He will quench our hunger. What we need more than food is His Word.
-"You must fear the Lord your God and serve Him. When you take an oath, you must use only his name." Deuteronomy 6:13. We can't have the world, by doing evil. We must only worship the one true God, and He will give us our hearts desires. He is preparing a kingdom for us where we can live for eternity.
-"Do not test the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 6:16. Don't test God. He is more powerful than anyone, and He deserves our worship and respect. Test Him and you will surely fail.
Jesus had God's Word stored in His heart. God's Word fought off the temptations from the Devil for Jesus, and it will do the same for us.
"When the Devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came." Luke 4:13. The Devil may leave you alone for a time, but don't think he is gone forever because he is just waiting for another opportunity. The Devil wants for us to fail; He wants to laugh in the face of God and say, "See, Kristen wasn't so faithful after all." But if we store God's Words in our heart we will have His armor around us and His sword in our hand, to fight off every advance of the Devil. "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11. "Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil....Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." Ephesians 6:11,17.
If the Devil tempted the Son of God, what makes you think He won't tempt you? So be ready! What temptation does he hold over you right now? Look to the Word of God and store scripture in your heart, memorize it, and use them in defense against the Devils tactics and temptations. Be on guard! Would you go to war without your armor and gun? Don't go to war with the Devil either without be suited up and ready for battle.
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