Sometimes when I pray I feel like I have to start all over because my prayer sounds so superficial. When I get this way it really bothers me. I mean think about; I am bowing down and praying to a King. And He is not something or someone you can mold into being what you want Him to be.
HE IS GOD! He is the maker of heaven and earth, He is KING who sits on the Throne of Heaven.He is MIGHTY and fights for us, He is FATHER who loves us. WE ARE NOTHING compared to Him. When I pray I am praying to someone who knows me. He knows what I do and say, how I act, and how I treat other people. HE KNOWS ME– and HE KNOWS YOU TOO–
Realizing this brings peace, and prayer time then becomes praise and honor and thanksgiving.
Philippians 4:6-7, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition,with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Seeking Him
As I sit at my desk I can’t help but feel that I have been asleep for the past few months. I kept looking at the calendar as weeks approached thinking, “oh, there’s plenty of time to get things started” before the holidays. Now I find myself scrambling just to finish this thought and then on to the next thing. I know that God doesn’t want me to be this way, His word says to trust Him in all things, His word says not to worry and His word also tells me that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. But most importantly I need to sit down with my loving Father and seek His Kingdom first. What does that mean? It means getting rid of all the things that keep me from Him.It means turning off the TV, the computer and putting down the newspaper. It means spending time with Him and allowing Him to be in control, then and only then will you find peace in your heart.
As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach put aside your agenda and allow God to lead. Spend your quality time with Him.
33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:33-34
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach put aside your agenda and allow God to lead. Spend your quality time with Him.
33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:33-34
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Slave or Servant
I was reading a passage in Galatians the other day and Paul was speaking to them about who they were and what they believed they were. As I was thinking on this it occurred to me that there are numerous passages in the bible that speak of being a slave and being a servant and a lot of those passages speak of being a slave and servant together. I always thought that they were one in the same, but I found out they aren’t.
A Slave Has To,
A Servant Gets To
A Slave Does The Minimum Requirement,
A Servant Does the Maximum
A Slave Goes One Mile,
A Servant Goes Two
A Slave Feels Robbed, is Bound and Fights for His Rights
A Servant Gives, is Free and Lays Down His Rights
So which are you? Slave or a Servant?
Matthew 20:28 (Message Bible)
Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage."
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
A Slave Has To,
A Servant Gets To
A Slave Does The Minimum Requirement,
A Servant Does the Maximum
A Slave Goes One Mile,
A Servant Goes Two
A Slave Feels Robbed, is Bound and Fights for His Rights
A Servant Gives, is Free and Lays Down His Rights
So which are you? Slave or a Servant?
Matthew 20:28 (Message Bible)
Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage."
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
The Storm Around Us
Some of Friday’s Through the Bible plan reading was in Mark chapter 4. It’s the scripture in which Jesus calms the seas. (verses 35-41).
As I read this, something came to mind that I thought I would share.
It starts in the evening and Jesus says to the disciples, “let’s go over to the other side”. Jesus was already in a boat, so they left the seashore and took Him along. Jesus being tired fell asleep.
While He was sleeping a furious squall came up that left the disciples fearful. The disciples go to Jesus and wake him saying, “Teacher don’t you care if we drown?”
Now I’m not sure what happened on that boat, but what came to me was that the disciples didn’t know Jesus would calm the storm, they went to Him afraid. Maybe they thought He would help them in a different way or maybe they just needed to hear His voice to calm them, I don’t know. But Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quite! Be still.”
Jesus calms the storms in our lives but why are we so afraid each time one hits us?
Are we afraid He will be sleeping, or afraid He won’t show up or afraid we won’t hear His voice, or afraid He won’t hear our prayers?
Jesus asked the disciples this question, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
I think that is a question we should ask ourselves the next time a storm comes our way.
35That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." 36Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown? 39He got up,rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" 41They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"
Mark 4:35-41
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
As I read this, something came to mind that I thought I would share.
It starts in the evening and Jesus says to the disciples, “let’s go over to the other side”. Jesus was already in a boat, so they left the seashore and took Him along. Jesus being tired fell asleep.
While He was sleeping a furious squall came up that left the disciples fearful. The disciples go to Jesus and wake him saying, “Teacher don’t you care if we drown?”
Now I’m not sure what happened on that boat, but what came to me was that the disciples didn’t know Jesus would calm the storm, they went to Him afraid. Maybe they thought He would help them in a different way or maybe they just needed to hear His voice to calm them, I don’t know. But Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quite! Be still.”
Jesus calms the storms in our lives but why are we so afraid each time one hits us?
Are we afraid He will be sleeping, or afraid He won’t show up or afraid we won’t hear His voice, or afraid He won’t hear our prayers?
Jesus asked the disciples this question, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
I think that is a question we should ask ourselves the next time a storm comes our way.
35That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." 36Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown? 39He got up,rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" 41They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"
Mark 4:35-41
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Gifts and Purpose
When a person tries to be someone they aren't, it’s like trying to force a
square peg into a round hole. Not only does it require a bigger hammer, it’s also a waste of time,energy and talent. That’s why when my husband sees a hammer in my hand he starts to worry.You see, he knows that carpentry is not my gift, but it is his. That’s why I leave the carpentry up to him. If I didn’t then my time and energy are wasted and I end up feeling frustrated and worthless. However, when I work through my own gifting,God works through me to accomplish His own purpose.
God deserves our best and I believe He expects us to make the most of what
He’s given us, instead of worrying about what we don't have, or wanting
what others do have.God has given us a purpose and I believe we need to get involved before we know what our purpose and the gifts He’s given us are.
6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is
prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving,
let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously;
if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
square peg into a round hole. Not only does it require a bigger hammer, it’s also a waste of time,energy and talent. That’s why when my husband sees a hammer in my hand he starts to worry.You see, he knows that carpentry is not my gift, but it is his. That’s why I leave the carpentry up to him. If I didn’t then my time and energy are wasted and I end up feeling frustrated and worthless. However, when I work through my own gifting,God works through me to accomplish His own purpose.
God deserves our best and I believe He expects us to make the most of what
He’s given us, instead of worrying about what we don't have, or wanting
what others do have.God has given us a purpose and I believe we need to get involved before we know what our purpose and the gifts He’s given us are.
6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is
prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving,
let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously;
if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Numbers Again and Desperation
Since we are recycling last weeks message I would like to expand my thoughts on what was written in this section last week.
Referring to Acts: 2:41(NLT) 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all..
The reason I repeat the findings from last week is to bring your attention to something else. Desperation.
I’m not sure how many came to know Christ during the apostle’s ministry but resources say there are 2.1 billion Christians in the world today. (I think this number also includes the many different beliefs there are in the world who profess they are Christian but believe something totally different).
To continue; during my research on this subject I also found that it is estimated there are 100 million Christians in China compared to only 5,000 in 1960 and that tens of thousands of people in South Korea fill the churches regularly. One being the Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, where 800,000 members attend. These numbers are being added to daily.
Matthew 28: 17-20 (The Message)
16-17Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though,held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. 18-20Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life,marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
To quote Pastor Frank, “Are you desperate?”
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
Referring to Acts: 2:41(NLT) 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all..
The reason I repeat the findings from last week is to bring your attention to something else. Desperation.
I’m not sure how many came to know Christ during the apostle’s ministry but resources say there are 2.1 billion Christians in the world today. (I think this number also includes the many different beliefs there are in the world who profess they are Christian but believe something totally different).
To continue; during my research on this subject I also found that it is estimated there are 100 million Christians in China compared to only 5,000 in 1960 and that tens of thousands of people in South Korea fill the churches regularly. One being the Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, where 800,000 members attend. These numbers are being added to daily.
Matthew 28: 17-20 (The Message)
16-17Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though,held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. 18-20Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life,marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
To quote Pastor Frank, “Are you desperate?”
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
It's Not about Numbers
As the church administrator I worry a lot as most of you can attest to that statement. I worry about everything including our church’s growth pattern. It’s silly really to worry about something God has in the palm of His hand, I tell myself everyday: “Let it go it’s not mine to hang on to God’s got it covered.” This is what God opened my eyes to this week concerning my worries.
Jesus started his ministry with 12 people. It grew to thousands and thousands that followed him.(Remember the 5000 he fed with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread) But just before his crucifixion some of His followers left and after the crucifixion it dropped to roughly 500 people, then when you read in Acts 1:15 there were only 120 left in the upper room.
But what happened when those 120 were filled with the Holy Spirit?
Peter began to speak boldly about Jesus and before the end of the day 3,000 were added to their number.
To quote Pastor Rick Nakaoga, “when Jesus is present miracles happen.”
Boy did that open my eyes. It’s not about the numbers it’s about the power of Jesus in us.
It’s about us allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through us as He did in Peter.
Acts 2: 16-18 and 21
16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 'In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy….
21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved
Jesus started his ministry with 12 people. It grew to thousands and thousands that followed him.(Remember the 5000 he fed with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread) But just before his crucifixion some of His followers left and after the crucifixion it dropped to roughly 500 people, then when you read in Acts 1:15 there were only 120 left in the upper room.
But what happened when those 120 were filled with the Holy Spirit?
Peter began to speak boldly about Jesus and before the end of the day 3,000 were added to their number.
To quote Pastor Rick Nakaoga, “when Jesus is present miracles happen.”
Boy did that open my eyes. It’s not about the numbers it’s about the power of Jesus in us.
It’s about us allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through us as He did in Peter.
Acts 2: 16-18 and 21
16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 'In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy….
21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)