The shopping frenzy for last minute shoppers can result in some unexpected occurrences. Are you ready to deal with the possibility that you made a wrong choice. Your intentions were good and honorable, so you thought...Only to find out youve been deceived. What you thought was the perfect gift was actually part of a scam. Tune in on to find out how to choose […]
The holiday season for many people is the most depressing, and stressful time of the year. News headlines are filled with tragic events, trauma, sorrow and grief-stricken families who have to struggle through the sadness of the season that is meant to bring peace, joy and hope—birth of Jesus Christ. Yet, so many are hopeless. This special episode is cr […]
Hannah Whitall Smith, a speaker and author (February 7, 1832 – May 1, 1911) said, “The things we think on are the things that feed our souls. If we think on pure and lovely things, we shall grow pure and lovely like them.” How appropriate for the times in which we’re living. It’s so easy to [...]
On January 15, 1929, a baby boy was born to Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. and Alberta Williams King and given the name, Martin Luther King, Jr. The timeliness of his arrival was in proportion with his mission and purpose predestined by God. Therefore, his growth and development into manhood, and his advanced matriculation in education [...]
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. —James 1:22 Attending Sunday morning worship services weekly and going to Bible study religiously can easily become habitual, with no life-changing results. Attendance is a good thing, but the ultimate purpose should be to experience change—spiritual growth. This is what [...] […]
Hannah Whitall Smith, a speaker and author (February 7, 1832 – May 1, 1911) said,
“The things we think on are the things that feed our souls. If we think on pure and lovely things, we shall grow pure and lovely like them.”
How appropriate for the times in which we’re living. It’s so easy to get distracted by what we hear and see, and before you know it you’re eating it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The more we chew on the ugliness we see, and profane things we hear, the more likely we are to become spiritually infirmed and dis-eased. Do you realize some distractions are strategically placed and planned by the enemy to lure you off the right path of a healthy and peaceful life journey with Christ? And if you’re not sober and alert, before you realize what has happened, you will be on the pathway that leads to self destruction. The best way to avoid distractions is to feed your soul spiritual food. Start your day with a healthy breakfast to break your will so you don’t do things your way that day. For lunch enjoy a delightful mixture of Word, praise and worship to keep your spirit energized, and to hold your carnal mind in check. And then for dinner, enjoy a healthy and hearty full course meal with all the trimmings—meat and bread of the Word, prayer of thanksgiving, fruitful praise, truthful and spirited worship as your delicious dessert.
Remember, it’s easy to think on the naughty, negative, and not so nice things that cause fear and frustration. But make the decision to think on things that are pure and lovely. For example, the unconditional love and innocense of a child, the kind words of a stranger, the forgiveness of a friend you wronged, most of all, the breath of life and hope of eternity. Take the time to think on the small things that we often take for granted while trying to grab hold of the grand things in life. Dine on the healthy snacks rather than the junk food, and watch how you begin to cherish healthy living by exercising your faith. Watch how you will grow and become spiritually healthy and mature. Before you know you will be in the habit of thinking on those things that provide nourishment to your soul, and see how strong you will be in the Lord. You will become more like Christ—pure and lovely—when your eating habits become healthier, and you exercise your faith in Christ daily.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. —James 1:22
Attending Sunday morning worship services weekly and going to Bible study religiously can easily become habitual, with no life-changing results. Attendance is a good thing, but the ultimate purpose should be to experience change—spiritual growth. This is what James wrote about. We are not just hearers of the word, but doers.
When James, the brother of Jesus, wrote this letter the believers from Jerusalem had been scattered throughout Judea, Samaria, Phoenicia, and to Antioch in Syria and Cyprus. This scattering was due to persecution under Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:1-5), which began with the stoning death of Stephen. James’ letter addresses practical issues for Christians to demonstrate a lifestyle that exemplifies their Christian faith. James instructs and motivates Christians to develop a mature and consistent faith and to show how Christians can have a loyal friendship with God and with each other.
In essence, James is not writing about how to become a Christian, but instead how to act like a Christian; in other words “practice” what you preach. Having all the correct beliefs about Jesus Christ is not enough. Even demons believe. Real, life-changing faith should produce action. James is specific in his description of the spiritual actions expected of Christians. The primary concern expressed in James’ letter is that readers mature in their Christian walk of faith. And the way to DO that is to apply biblical principles, and obey His command. Conclusively, just do it! James’ words are just as easy to understand today; but the question of the day is: Are we doing what he says? What kind of behavior characterizes our spiritual lives?
Too often Christians choose to compare their works and spiritual growth to the actions of others who profess to be Christians. Apostle Paul addresses this misconception in Galatians 6:4-5 (CJB), So let each of you scrutinize his own actions. Then if you do find something to boast about, at least the boasting will be based on what you have actually done and not merely on a judgment that you are better than someone else; for each person will carry his own load.”
Be sure to keep attending Sunday morning worship services and scheduled Bible study religiously, just make sure your habitual attendance is producing habitual change in character and conduct. Then you’ll be well on the path to “powerful living” by doing (obeying) the word, not merely listening to it and deceiving yourselves.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. —Romans 8:28
Loving God and my assurance of His purpose for my life keep me trusting Him day by day. The love of God is like the “super glue” that holds the broken vessels and other cracked and damaged items together. Sometimes it’s as if I’m wearing a glaring LED sign that reads, FRAGILE! HANDLE WITH CARE!
How many of us have been broken, felt unloved and rejected? We’ve made countless mistakes. Probably had a ton of dysfunctional relationships. Family and households have crumbled under the pressures of life. No doubt, like me, many of you have faced, and still face the destructive tornado-like challenges life brings. And at some point you’ve probably questioned God’s love for you. However, the question is not about God’s love for you, but your love for God. Your love for God can be measured by how you handle the bad and ugly and unpleasantness of life. Too many Christians throw in the towel and give up hope…they stop trusting and believing that with God ALL things are possible. You can’t grow weary just because you don’t see immediate results. God is all powerful and faithful.
We misquote Romans 8:28 frequently or emphasized it to mean more than it says. It should be read along with the next two paragraphs. Apostle Paul does not promise that only “good” or “pleasurable” things will come to the Christian. Have you read all that happened to him? (2 Corinthians 11:16-33). But what he does tell us is that even the difficult experiences—trouble, calamity, persecution, hunger, destitution, dangerous circumstances and situations, and even the threat of death— does not mean God no longer loves us. It’s a deceptive scheme of the enemy to convince you that God doesn’t love because of life’s adversity. What Apostle Paul wants us to know is that God in His sovereignty uses the bad and ugly—He uses it all to bring to pass His plan for good—our good. And best of all, nothing can separate us from the love of God. Always remember it’s about God’s purposes. Think of it like this: He chose you to be a part of His purpose for the good of “those” (not just you alone), who love, who have been called according to His purpose. What you’re going through is also for someone else’s good. That someone loves God and has been called according to His purpose. Of course, in our finiteness, we can’t fully comprehend God’s sovereignty, and how He orchestrates; it is too great for us to attain. Therefore, we should just believe in, rely on, adhere to, and put our confidence in His power and authority to bring it to pass (whatever it is!) From this perspective, I will keep trusting Him, loving Him and for sure, obeying His commands. That is the evidence of His ’super glue’ love that holds this fragile vessel together, and makes us inseparable. Awesome!
Have you experienced one broken promise after another? Do you feel as if you can’t trust anyone because you have been lied on, lied to, cheated on, hurt and disappointed by someone you trusted? Can’t trust your spouse, partner, friend, siblings, children…? One broken relationship after another?
Perhaps, your story is similar to Marsha’s. She thought she had the perfect man to make a perfect marriage. She did everything she could to make the marriage work. Instead Nathan turned into an icy glacier, and divorce was the only option. Now she’s heartbroken and feeling alone; earnestly praying for an answer to her dilemma so that she move forward with her life. But she must first connect with the only one she can trust; the only one who will never break her heart again, or his promise.
Maybe you experienced a painful childhood like Elisabeth. Her deep seated brokenness came at the hands of an irresponsible father that had no idea of how to love a beautiful little daughter. From adolescence to young adult Elisabeth tried desperately to win her father’s approval. Then one day, she realized who her real Daddy was. She began her road to recovery and found out that her Daddy never breaks His promise.
What’s your story? Truth we all have a story about broken promises. Are you living in the past because you can’t move forward? Every time you think you’ve met the right partner, it turns out he/she can’t keep their promises. If you really want to get on the road to recovery, and walk the path of purpose, the author will inspire you to move forward after the pain you’ve suffered because of broken promises.
At some point in life, broken promises are inevitable; we all will have to deal with promisebreakers. Life is filled with transition caused by broken promises. So, how do you move forward. Is there a process to overcoming. Yes, there is. This book gives you steps to take, and options for moving forward.
Fear imprisons, faith liberates; fear paralyzes, faith empowers; fear disheartens, faith encourages; fear sickens, faith heals, fear makes useless, faith makes serviceable—and most of all, fear puts hopelessness at the heart of life, while faith rejoices in its God.
—Harry Emerson Fosdick
Wow! When I came across this quote, I had to share it. These are timely words for this time of the year. This is the time when “faith” should cause us to rejoice in our God. When we really focus on the true meaning of this season we should be liberated, empowered, encouraged, and healed and eager to serve—and most of all willing to share the message of faith, hope and love.
Although Christmas is the time to celebrate the good news of peace, love and hope that the birth of Jesus Christ brought to earth, it can be one of the most stressful and depressing times of the year for some people. This is because life is filled with fearful transitions and challenges that affect all mankind as a result of Man’s fall in the Garden of Eden.
Still, the Good News is: God’s planned for Man to live victoriously and to triumph over the evil that’s ever present to ensnare his soul and spirit. The plan for a victorious and abundant life is through faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world, and Lord over all. In Him we live, move and have our being (existence). In Him, we have hope, unconditional love and inner peace to get us through the toughest of times, if we believe in Him, rely on Him, trust in Him, and obey His commands.
Search Scriptures, for in them in you will find and know the Truth. That truth will liberate you, empower you, encourage you, bring healing (wholeness, peace) to your mind and emotions, and put within you a desire to serve God and your fellowman, and most of all, place hope at the heart of life, and give you a reason to rejoice in this season.
I pray that you are filled with love, hope and peace this holiday season!
Scripture references: Genesis 3; Luke 2:13-14; John 5:38-40; Acts 17:11, 28; Colossians 1:26-28; Philippians 4:6-8
The advancement in technology such as CAT scans, x-ray machines, and MRI test make it possible for medical professionals to see what goes on inside the human body. How awesome is that?
But there hasn’t been a machine yet that can look inside the brain to detect thoughts and attitudes, and judge if they’re right or wrong. (Personally, I don’t believe there ever will be). Only the Almighty God can do that! So, why try to hide? Why live secret lives when God sees all and knows all? Why conspire and commit criminal acts while professing to be God’s servants and messengers?
Like me, I’m certain many of my fellow Christian believers have been sadden by the news of Christian leaders being exposed because of alleged immoral behavior; some have been indicted and sentenced in a court of law. As painful as it may be, it’s a reminder that God’s Word is true.
I’m not posting this to be judgmental or critical. My purpose for writing anything is to encourage, motivate, inspire and enlighten readers to be attentive to what God says in His Word, what He requires and expects. And in doing so, pray that all my readers are drawn closer to Christ in faith and hope through an intimate relationship, which He desires to have with us all.
With that said…
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” —Hebrews 4:13
The historical journey of the Israelites continues to provide spiritual insight and knowledge about the character and ways of God. It fascinates me to read how God brought to pass His covenant promise made with Abram so long ago (Genesis 12:1-3). It’s a constant reminder that “time” as we know it is very different from God’s timing. Whatever it takes and however long it takes, God’s purposes always prevail; His promises are never broken. (Remember the “rainbow” covenant?
Think about this. After a half century as captives, a small proportion of the Israelites returned to their former home. They’d lost their own sense of identity. But they had the resources necessary to rise again…to be God’s people in God’s land. Most important, they had God. They could find strength in worshipping their God. He had made them great before; he could make them great again, and provide a new leader in David’s line. A sorrowful people could start over on the old foundations—foundations that depended on an unchanging God and His unchanging choice of them.
Everyday I am awaken is an opportunity to start over…His unfailing love and mercy still continue, fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. The Lord is all I have, and so in Him I put my hope (Lamentations 3:22-24). The same old foundation and historical journey of the Israelites is just as solid now as it was then. He is my unchanging God and His unchanging choice of me and you (if you belong to Him) gives the strength and hope we need for powerful living.
It’s the day after Thanksgiving, and I am still giving thanks to the Lord because He is good; His love endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34).
“I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:4 NLT)
It’s expected during this season to express gratefulness for material things— possessions, accomplishments, family and friends. Usually emphasis on the celebration of thanksgiving is based on being more fortunate (having more) than others. During this season we are gratified when we perform our good deeds as humanitarians by feeding the homeless and donating our time serving others that we label as “less fortunate.” Yet for many, the true meaning of the Thanksgiving holiday is becoming more blurred by the foggy perception that people are less fortunate just because they have fewer material things. Having things which others can’t afford, or don’t possess is not the only reason for celebrating Thanksgiving, and being grateful. While we are thankful for all the tangible things that God has provided for us, we cannot forget to express thanks to God for each other—the most fortunate, more fortunate, and less fortunate. Okay, forgive my italicized sarcasm.
Although the “less” fortunate may not have all the things that some equate as reasons to give thanks, many of them have more than any of us think or can image. What they have is invisible to the natural eye, and can only be experienced through a changed heart and an enlightened mind. “Owning a lot of things won’t make your life safe” (Luke 12:15b).
One of Apostle Paul’s distinguishing characteristics is his gratefulness to God for all who accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. His thanks is recorded in all his letters. The above passage is the inspiration for this post. It’s an example for us today. Not only should we be thankful for all Christians, but we must be thankful for all mankind… constantly praying with thanksgiving, that there will no longer be the spiritual less fortunate, but that all will receive the gracious gifts of hope and eternal life that come through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Yes; it’s expected during this season to express our thankfulness for things. Our expression of thanks must be for more than just the possessions we have, but always for each other and the gracious gifts that God has given, which are often overlooked as being valuable reasons to give thanks.
Being hurt by family—parents and siblings— can be the most painful of all life’s experiences. Personally, I cannot know the pain caused by sibling rivalry to the point of attempted murder, or even in Joseph’s situation—being betrayed (sold into slavery as a substitute for killing him).
I’m always amazed by Joseph’s story because it reminds me of how God allows the painful experiences in life to propel us into divine destiny. Joseph’s story shows how struggles and disappointments can turn out for good. They resulted in good for Joseph’s family, who was able to escape a terrible famine in spite of the evil they did toward him. In addition, his terrible experiences with his family resulted in good for Joseph, who gained a whole new perspective on life. Looking back, he could see God at work even in all the trials he had experienced.
Moreover, Joseph’s story gives us an example of our Lord. It’s saturated with the “forgiveness” principle. How so? Joseph represents a type of Christ by forgiving his brothers for the evil they plotted against him. Had Joseph spent his years mourning and being bitter about how he’d been mistreated by his brothers, he would have destroyed his own life, not to mention, interfered with God’s plan and purpose for his entire family.
Think about this! You could be the one God chose to use in your family. You could be the one God uses to be a blessing to your siblings even though they have hurt you, caused you the most pain, struggles and disappointment, seemingly for no reason, other than jealousy. Let me encourage you…don’t be bitter. Release them, let go of the anger that causes you physical, emotional and mental anguish. Forgive them. Remain faithful and obedient to God. In the end everyone will win. Read what Joseph said to his brothers after they fled to Egypt from the famine…Joseph said to his brothers… “Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” (Genesis 45:4-5)
You see, not only did Joseph forgive them, but he knew they carried the guilt and shame for their evil actions against him. You must also know that when God’s plans and purposes prevail those who wronged you will need your forgiveness so that they can move forward.
Look back, how has God been at work during the difficult times in your life caused by family pains, struggles, and disappointments?
(If this article has ministered to you, let me hear from you). I respect your privacy.
Hannah Whitall Smith, a speaker and author (February 7, 1832 – May 1, 1911) said,
