~Growing up we all have dreams. We have dreams, dreams about our future. What will I be? A doctor? A vet? A banker? A firefighter? When we are kids we love to imagine what it would be like if you actually had the job you wanted. But since we are little kids we don't ever wonder "is this what God wants me to do with my life?" But when we do get older, the pressure to chose what to do grows and grows. Often times we find ourselves overwhelmed with too many options.
It's very important choosing what you are going to do very carefully. One wrong choice in anything could make you not get a job, hinder you from reaching your full potential, and hinder your relationship with God. This is why we need to pray about it, talk to our parents, and really just listen to God's voice. Think, is this what God wants for me? Am i doing this for my own selfish reasons or do i want to please God?
In Proverbs 3:6 it says "In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." We need to let God in on every decision we make.
The choices you make should NOT be focused on how much money you make or where you will be. They should all be about what God is leading you to do.
Even at my young age of younger than 16 I have prayed I don't know how many times about my future. I have really gotten to grow closer to God because I have taken all my problems to him! This past year has been filled with so many amazing oppertunitys that God has allowed me to have. He has strengthened me so much because I have listened to His voice.
We should all listen to His voice today, tomorrow, and every day to come.
Ephesians 1:18- The eyes of your understanding being enlightened that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.
Philippians 3:14- I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:11- Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power.
2 Peter 1:10- Wherefore the rather, bretheren, give diligence to make your calling the election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
God IS Enough
Many times we go through a hard point in our life and we will try to find something that we think is "enough" to get us through that trial.
We can say "if the person I like will just tell me that they like me back, that would be enough". Or maybe "If mom and dad show me they love me, that would be enough". The list can just go on and on!
But even thought we think these things are enough, they really aren't. One of the main things that affects what we think is "enough" is our friends. Often times we feel like an immediate response from a friend, that you can hear, is better than doing what we should, by taking it to God.
Its OK to take problems to a friend but you should always take them to God first. Some problems with taking a problem to your friend first are- they will usually take your side, they don't know everything so they can't help you the way God can, and they might not give you much good advice. No person can compete with God in knowledge. He knows everything and He knows best!
When we start to take everything to our friends we push God out of the picture. And by pushing Him out and going to our friends we are trying to fill a special place in our heart. That special place was created just for God. God will fill that special area more and more when you come to Him with all your problems.
We should believe what Psalm 73:25 says- "Whom have I in Heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you."
That should be ME! That should be YOU! We need to realize that GOD IS ENOUGH! He will meet all your needs!
~Philippians 4:19- But my God shall supply ALL your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
We can say "if the person I like will just tell me that they like me back, that would be enough". Or maybe "If mom and dad show me they love me, that would be enough". The list can just go on and on!
But even thought we think these things are enough, they really aren't. One of the main things that affects what we think is "enough" is our friends. Often times we feel like an immediate response from a friend, that you can hear, is better than doing what we should, by taking it to God.
Its OK to take problems to a friend but you should always take them to God first. Some problems with taking a problem to your friend first are- they will usually take your side, they don't know everything so they can't help you the way God can, and they might not give you much good advice. No person can compete with God in knowledge. He knows everything and He knows best!
When we start to take everything to our friends we push God out of the picture. And by pushing Him out and going to our friends we are trying to fill a special place in our heart. That special place was created just for God. God will fill that special area more and more when you come to Him with all your problems.
We should believe what Psalm 73:25 says- "Whom have I in Heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you."
That should be ME! That should be YOU! We need to realize that GOD IS ENOUGH! He will meet all your needs!
~Philippians 4:19- But my God shall supply ALL your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
FoRgIvEnEsS
~Why is it important to be forgiven?
-It's important to be forgiven because without God's forgiveness we wouldn't be able to get into Heaven. If we didn't have forgiveness we probably wouldn't have much love either. Love usually comes along with forgiveness.
Just by God forgiving us we cat tell that He loves us and cares about so much that He would send His only Son to die so that we could be FORGIVEN.
-Psalm 86:5- For thou, Lord, art good and ready to forgive and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
~Why is it important to forgive?
-It's just as important to forgive as it is to be forgiven. Think about it. We have been forgiven so much so why shouldn't we forgive even the little things? When someone hurts us, whether it is mentally or physically, we don't always want to forgive them because of the pain that it has caused us. But, un-forgiveness can cause bitterness. If we don't forgive somebody who has wronged us and we continue to stay mad at them Satan can use that bitterness to get strongholds so that he can take us down and lead us down a path apart from God. The Bible says that if we didn't forgive then we ourselves dont deserve to be forgiven. God wants us to not only forgive when asked but to forgive even when not asked.
- Matthew 6:14,15- For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
-Mark 11:26- But if ye not forgive, neither will your Father which is in Heaven forgive your trespasses.
-Luke 23:34- Then said Jesus, Father forgive them for they know not what they do.
-Ephesians 4:32- And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
God Bless
-It's important to be forgiven because without God's forgiveness we wouldn't be able to get into Heaven. If we didn't have forgiveness we probably wouldn't have much love either. Love usually comes along with forgiveness.
Just by God forgiving us we cat tell that He loves us and cares about so much that He would send His only Son to die so that we could be FORGIVEN.
-Psalm 86:5- For thou, Lord, art good and ready to forgive and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
~Why is it important to forgive?
-It's just as important to forgive as it is to be forgiven. Think about it. We have been forgiven so much so why shouldn't we forgive even the little things? When someone hurts us, whether it is mentally or physically, we don't always want to forgive them because of the pain that it has caused us. But, un-forgiveness can cause bitterness. If we don't forgive somebody who has wronged us and we continue to stay mad at them Satan can use that bitterness to get strongholds so that he can take us down and lead us down a path apart from God. The Bible says that if we didn't forgive then we ourselves dont deserve to be forgiven. God wants us to not only forgive when asked but to forgive even when not asked.
- Matthew 6:14,15- For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
-Mark 11:26- But if ye not forgive, neither will your Father which is in Heaven forgive your trespasses.
-Luke 23:34- Then said Jesus, Father forgive them for they know not what they do.
-Ephesians 4:32- And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
God Bless
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Bitterness
How to Tear Down The strongholds of bitterness.
Our Souls
The problem-
-Bitterness defiles our souls
In our pursuit of "peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord," We are to watch diligently that no one resists the grace of God. Otherwise, there can very easily spring up in us roots of bitterness. By this means "many be defiled." (Hebrews 12:14-15)
The Consequence
-Bitterness weakens our souls
If we pursue that which is evil, God may allow us to have the evil desires of our hearts but send "leanness into our souls." (Psalm 106:15) Leanness decreases the capacity of our souls to respond to God and to follow his ways.
The Solution-
-Lost ground can be regained
The promise of Psalm 23:3 is especially significant: "He restoreth my soul." As our shepherd, the Lord leads us in the "paths of righteousness" and "prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies." (Psalm 23:3,5)
"Ground"
The definition-
A jurisdictional area of our souls-
We are warned that bitterness will "Give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4:27). The word place in the Greek means "an area of legal control." In a kingdom, the jurisdiction is determined by the ground under the authority of the king.
The Problem-
-Surrendered ground brings torment
When the devil is given ground in a person's soul, he has the legal right to build strongholds on that ground and use it as a base of operations to torment other areas of the soul.
The Solution-
-Ground is regained one step at a time
Every time we allow the sun to go down upon our wrath, we give more ground to Satan, according to Ephesians 4:26-32. There may be many individuals toward whom we are bitter. In warfare, ground that is surrendured to the enemy must be regained a foot at a time.
Strongholds
The Definition-
-A false patterb of thinking
God warns us not to be deceived by vain philosophies which are "after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Believing these philosophies will allow Satan to "spoil" (plunder) our souls. (Colossians 2:8)
The Consequence-
-Decisions contrary to God's Will
When Satan constructs a line of reasoning in our minds that is contrary to scripture, he then influences our wills to make wrong decisions. Wrong decisions produce distructive emotions such as fear, anger, depression, and worry.
The Solution-
-Strongholds can be pulled down
We have been given weapons that are "mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds" (2 Corinthians 10:4). These weapons of truth are designed to cast down every false philosophy and every deceptive imagination and bring every thought into line with the truth of Christ's teaching.
Examples of Strongholds
-My offender will never change
Jeremiah 32:27
1 Peter 3:1-2
Ephesians 5;25-33
-I must punish my offender
Romans 12:19
Tormentors
The definition-
-powers of evil that afflict our souls
When the servant who had been forgiven the huge debt refuse to forgive one who owed him a little debt, he was rebuked by his lord and delivered over "to the tormentors" (Matthew 18:23-34)
The Problem-
-God sends tormentors to bitter people
In the parable of the unjust steward, the lord rebuked the servant who refuse to forgive an offender: "I forgive thee all that debt. Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on they fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delievered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him" (Matthew 18:32-34)A bitter person becomes a prisoner of his own making.
The Solution-
-Understand the meaning of mercy.
In the parable of the unjust steward, the debtor did not plead for mercy he simply asked for an extension of time. (Matthew 18:26). The lord delivered him to the tormentors so he could come to the realization that he would never be able to pay back his debt.
Steps of Action
1. Confess the sin of bitterness
2. Ask God to regain surrendured ground
3. Tear down strongholds with truth
4. Show mercy by forgiving your offender
Our Souls
The problem-
-Bitterness defiles our souls
In our pursuit of "peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord," We are to watch diligently that no one resists the grace of God. Otherwise, there can very easily spring up in us roots of bitterness. By this means "many be defiled." (Hebrews 12:14-15)
The Consequence
-Bitterness weakens our souls
If we pursue that which is evil, God may allow us to have the evil desires of our hearts but send "leanness into our souls." (Psalm 106:15) Leanness decreases the capacity of our souls to respond to God and to follow his ways.
The Solution-
-Lost ground can be regained
The promise of Psalm 23:3 is especially significant: "He restoreth my soul." As our shepherd, the Lord leads us in the "paths of righteousness" and "prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies." (Psalm 23:3,5)
"Ground"
The definition-
A jurisdictional area of our souls-
We are warned that bitterness will "Give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4:27). The word place in the Greek means "an area of legal control." In a kingdom, the jurisdiction is determined by the ground under the authority of the king.
The Problem-
-Surrendered ground brings torment
When the devil is given ground in a person's soul, he has the legal right to build strongholds on that ground and use it as a base of operations to torment other areas of the soul.
The Solution-
-Ground is regained one step at a time
Every time we allow the sun to go down upon our wrath, we give more ground to Satan, according to Ephesians 4:26-32. There may be many individuals toward whom we are bitter. In warfare, ground that is surrendured to the enemy must be regained a foot at a time.
Strongholds
The Definition-
-A false patterb of thinking
God warns us not to be deceived by vain philosophies which are "after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Believing these philosophies will allow Satan to "spoil" (plunder) our souls. (Colossians 2:8)
The Consequence-
-Decisions contrary to God's Will
When Satan constructs a line of reasoning in our minds that is contrary to scripture, he then influences our wills to make wrong decisions. Wrong decisions produce distructive emotions such as fear, anger, depression, and worry.
The Solution-
-Strongholds can be pulled down
We have been given weapons that are "mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds" (2 Corinthians 10:4). These weapons of truth are designed to cast down every false philosophy and every deceptive imagination and bring every thought into line with the truth of Christ's teaching.
Examples of Strongholds
-My offender will never change
Jeremiah 32:27
1 Peter 3:1-2
Ephesians 5;25-33
-I must punish my offender
Romans 12:19
Tormentors
The definition-
-powers of evil that afflict our souls
When the servant who had been forgiven the huge debt refuse to forgive one who owed him a little debt, he was rebuked by his lord and delivered over "to the tormentors" (Matthew 18:23-34)
The Problem-
-God sends tormentors to bitter people
In the parable of the unjust steward, the lord rebuked the servant who refuse to forgive an offender: "I forgive thee all that debt. Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on they fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delievered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him" (Matthew 18:32-34)A bitter person becomes a prisoner of his own making.
The Solution-
-Understand the meaning of mercy.
In the parable of the unjust steward, the debtor did not plead for mercy he simply asked for an extension of time. (Matthew 18:26). The lord delivered him to the tormentors so he could come to the realization that he would never be able to pay back his debt.
Steps of Action
1. Confess the sin of bitterness
2. Ask God to regain surrendured ground
3. Tear down strongholds with truth
4. Show mercy by forgiving your offender
A Missionary Story We can All Learn from!
~This isn't a very well known name but this woman was truly incredible! She many not be the one we think of when someone says a great Christian woman from the past, but she was just as important as Mary Slessor, Amy Carmichael, or Susanna Wesley! This is a little bit from the life of Sabina Wurmbrand.
~Sabina grew up as a jew in the 1920's. As Jews they didn'tbelieve in saying the word Christ, so therefore, they didn't have a CHRISTmas. They didn't believe that Jesus was the Messiah either. In 1936 Sabina married Richard Wurmbrand. Richard was a Jew also and he grew up with the same beliefs as Sabina. Not long after they had been ,married Richard became a Christian and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour! When Sabina found out she was so mad. Soon after their marriage became dead. Finally Richard was able to lead Sabina to Christ.
By 1943 World War 2 had broken out and was raging. Sabina had already lost both her parents, her sisters, and her brother to death in the Nazi concentration camps. "May God forgive them" she prayed. "I'll pray that prayer until I really mean it". And that is exactly what she did. Each week for Sabina was packed full of ministry. One week she might be helping in the soup kitchen. The next she might be smuggling food to refugees. She might be trying to get salt into Buddapest. She was a busy woman serving the Lord.
In 1948 her hardest trial yet came. Richard had disappeared!! Even though she went through many trials through the next 21 years that Richard was gone she kept helping other people and serving the Lord!
~Think about it. Sabina went through so much persecution but she never strayed from God. She continyed to serve Him. She forgave the people that had caused her these hard trials and she suffered much more than many of us. God teaches us to to forgive our enemies and to love those that hurt us!
Dear God, make me like Sabina Wurmbrand.
~God Bless!
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