Psalm 92:12-13
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD,they will flourish in the courts of our God.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Today's Word-January 29, 2009
Mark 9:35
And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”
And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Today's Word-January 28, 2009
John 4:24
"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Today's Word-January 26, 2009
James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Are You Clean Inside and Outside?
Mark 7:6-7
He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘ This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
Matthew 23:27-28
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
Matthew 7:20
Therefore by their fruits you will know them
Well-you're probably thinking " None of these scriptures have anything to do with me". Well, that could NOT be further from the truth. Everyone-EVERYONE is guilty of sinning. If you think for a second that you are perfect, let me know what medication you are taking so I can get myself some!
Gods Word is specific. It states time and again, that we need to let JESUS shine through us. If the world cannot see Jesus, then we need to get back on the path of righteousness again.
Let me ask you this-Do the people you interact with on a daily basis know that you are a Christian?
I know that I constantly need to examine myself-usually on a daily basis, sometimes on an hourly basis to make sure that the Silversmith can see His reflection in me.
I don't want to beat a dead horse, but The Lord gave me some questions for all of you to ponder during your daily walk. Make sure that not only the world, but fellow Christians see Jesus Christ in you!
Things to think & pray about:
1) Do I honor God in my words and deeds? Is my language honoring God? Do I keep getting involved in "worldly" conversations?
2) Do I honor God in how I dress?
3) Do I honor God at school? At work?
4) Do the Facebook, Myspace, and other social networking sites reflect my relationship with Jesus Christ, or am I a Facebook/Myspace Hypocrite?
5) Do I honor God in my family relationships?
6) Do I honor God in the entertainment I choose?
and finally...
7) Do I honor God at Church?
If the world, or even people at Church doubt you are a follower of Jesus Christ, then Houston, we have a problem.
Is your heart a heart that yearns after God, or does it yearn after the things of men? Maybe it's time for a heart transplant.
Let me encourage you.
Who is the Light who shines through us?
JESUS!!!
Who is the Light and The Glory?
JESUS!!!
Whose Name is like honey on our lips?
JESUS!!!
Whose Words are like a Lamp unto our feet and a Light unto our path?
JESUS!!!
Who makes us righteous?
JESUS!!!
Let's pray: Lord, I believe that I have sinned by not separating myself from the world. My family has NOT seen Christ in me. My fruit is rotten. The people at my job do not see Jesus in me. My friends at school don't even know I am a Christian. Lord, I repent of this blatant sin. I ask that you cleanse me, purify me, and forgive me. Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Lord, I pray for a double portion right now! Father God, fix all the things in my life that need fixing. Help me to let Jesus shine through me in all I do, and in all my relationships. Lord Jesus, I want to be Your servant, Your soldier. Use me for YOUR GLORY! In Jesus' Name.
Can somebody please say AMEN?
He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘ This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
Matthew 23:27-28
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
Matthew 7:20
Therefore by their fruits you will know them
Well-you're probably thinking " None of these scriptures have anything to do with me". Well, that could NOT be further from the truth. Everyone-EVERYONE is guilty of sinning. If you think for a second that you are perfect, let me know what medication you are taking so I can get myself some!
Gods Word is specific. It states time and again, that we need to let JESUS shine through us. If the world cannot see Jesus, then we need to get back on the path of righteousness again.
Let me ask you this-Do the people you interact with on a daily basis know that you are a Christian?
I know that I constantly need to examine myself-usually on a daily basis, sometimes on an hourly basis to make sure that the Silversmith can see His reflection in me.
I don't want to beat a dead horse, but The Lord gave me some questions for all of you to ponder during your daily walk. Make sure that not only the world, but fellow Christians see Jesus Christ in you!
Things to think & pray about:
1) Do I honor God in my words and deeds? Is my language honoring God? Do I keep getting involved in "worldly" conversations?
2) Do I honor God in how I dress?
3) Do I honor God at school? At work?
4) Do the Facebook, Myspace, and other social networking sites reflect my relationship with Jesus Christ, or am I a Facebook/Myspace Hypocrite?
5) Do I honor God in my family relationships?
6) Do I honor God in the entertainment I choose?
and finally...
7) Do I honor God at Church?
If the world, or even people at Church doubt you are a follower of Jesus Christ, then Houston, we have a problem.
Is your heart a heart that yearns after God, or does it yearn after the things of men? Maybe it's time for a heart transplant.
Let me encourage you.
Who is the Light who shines through us?
JESUS!!!
Who is the Light and The Glory?
JESUS!!!
Whose Name is like honey on our lips?
JESUS!!!
Whose Words are like a Lamp unto our feet and a Light unto our path?
JESUS!!!
Who makes us righteous?
JESUS!!!
Let's pray: Lord, I believe that I have sinned by not separating myself from the world. My family has NOT seen Christ in me. My fruit is rotten. The people at my job do not see Jesus in me. My friends at school don't even know I am a Christian. Lord, I repent of this blatant sin. I ask that you cleanse me, purify me, and forgive me. Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Lord, I pray for a double portion right now! Father God, fix all the things in my life that need fixing. Help me to let Jesus shine through me in all I do, and in all my relationships. Lord Jesus, I want to be Your servant, Your soldier. Use me for YOUR GLORY! In Jesus' Name.
Can somebody please say AMEN?
Friday, January 23, 2009
Today's Word-January 23, 2009
1 Chronicles 21
Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. So David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring the number of them to me that I may know it.”And Joab answered, “May the LORD make His people a hundred times more than they are. But, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? Why then does my lord require this thing? Why should he be a cause of guilt in Israel?” Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Therefore Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came to Jerusalem. Then Joab gave the sum of the number of the people to David. All Israel had one million one hundred thousand men who drew the sword, and Judah had four hundred and seventy thousand men who drew the sword. But he did not count Levi and Benjamin among them, for the king’s word was abominable to Joab. And God was displeased with this thing; therefore He struck Israel. So David said to God, “I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing; but now, I pray, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly.” Then the LORD spoke to Gad, David’s seer, saying, “Go and tell David, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD: “I offer you three things; choose one of them for yourself, that I may do it to you.”’” So Gad came to David and said to him, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Choose for yourself, either three years of famine, or three months to be defeated by your foes with the sword of your enemies overtaking you, or else for three days the sword of the LORD—the plague in the land, with the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the territory of Israel.’ Now consider what answer I should take back to Him who sent me.” And David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Please let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are very great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man.” So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell. And God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it. As he was destroying, the LORD looked and relented of the disaster, and said to the angel who was destroying, “It is enough; now restrain your hand.” And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. Then David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between earth and heaven, having in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. So David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell on their faces. And David said to God, “Was it not I who commanded the people to be numbered? I am the one who has sinned and done evil indeed; but these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I pray, O LORD my God, be against me and my father’s house, but not against Your people that they should be plagued.” Therefore, the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David that David should go and erect an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. So David went up at the word of Gad, which he had spoken in the name of the LORD. Now Ornan turned and saw the angel; and his four sons who were with him hid themselves, but Ornan continued threshing wheat. So David came to Ornan, and Ornan looked and saw David. And he went out from the threshing floor, and bowed before David with his face to the ground. Then David said to Ornan, “Grant me the place of this threshing floor, that I may build an altar on it to the LORD. You shall grant it to me at the full price, that the plague may be withdrawn from the people.” But Ornan said to David, “Take it to yourself, and let my lord the king do what is good in his eyes. Look, I also give you the oxen for burnt offerings, the threshing implements for wood, and the wheat for the grain offering; I give it all.” Then King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will surely buy it for the full price, for I will not take what is yours for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing.” So David gave Ornan six hundred shekels of gold by weight for the place. And David built there an altar to the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on the LORD; and He answered him from heaven by fire on the altar of burnt offering. So the LORD commanded the angel, and he returned his sword to its sheath. At that time, when David saw that the LORD had answered him on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he sacrificed there. For the tabernacle of the LORD and the altar of the burnt offering, which Moses had made in the wilderness, were at that time at the high place in Gibeon. But David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD.
Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. So David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring the number of them to me that I may know it.”And Joab answered, “May the LORD make His people a hundred times more than they are. But, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? Why then does my lord require this thing? Why should he be a cause of guilt in Israel?” Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Therefore Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came to Jerusalem. Then Joab gave the sum of the number of the people to David. All Israel had one million one hundred thousand men who drew the sword, and Judah had four hundred and seventy thousand men who drew the sword. But he did not count Levi and Benjamin among them, for the king’s word was abominable to Joab. And God was displeased with this thing; therefore He struck Israel. So David said to God, “I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing; but now, I pray, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly.” Then the LORD spoke to Gad, David’s seer, saying, “Go and tell David, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD: “I offer you three things; choose one of them for yourself, that I may do it to you.”’” So Gad came to David and said to him, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Choose for yourself, either three years of famine, or three months to be defeated by your foes with the sword of your enemies overtaking you, or else for three days the sword of the LORD—the plague in the land, with the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the territory of Israel.’ Now consider what answer I should take back to Him who sent me.” And David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Please let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are very great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man.” So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell. And God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it. As he was destroying, the LORD looked and relented of the disaster, and said to the angel who was destroying, “It is enough; now restrain your hand.” And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. Then David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between earth and heaven, having in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. So David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell on their faces. And David said to God, “Was it not I who commanded the people to be numbered? I am the one who has sinned and done evil indeed; but these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I pray, O LORD my God, be against me and my father’s house, but not against Your people that they should be plagued.” Therefore, the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David that David should go and erect an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. So David went up at the word of Gad, which he had spoken in the name of the LORD. Now Ornan turned and saw the angel; and his four sons who were with him hid themselves, but Ornan continued threshing wheat. So David came to Ornan, and Ornan looked and saw David. And he went out from the threshing floor, and bowed before David with his face to the ground. Then David said to Ornan, “Grant me the place of this threshing floor, that I may build an altar on it to the LORD. You shall grant it to me at the full price, that the plague may be withdrawn from the people.” But Ornan said to David, “Take it to yourself, and let my lord the king do what is good in his eyes. Look, I also give you the oxen for burnt offerings, the threshing implements for wood, and the wheat for the grain offering; I give it all.” Then King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will surely buy it for the full price, for I will not take what is yours for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing.” So David gave Ornan six hundred shekels of gold by weight for the place. And David built there an altar to the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on the LORD; and He answered him from heaven by fire on the altar of burnt offering. So the LORD commanded the angel, and he returned his sword to its sheath. At that time, when David saw that the LORD had answered him on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he sacrificed there. For the tabernacle of the LORD and the altar of the burnt offering, which Moses had made in the wilderness, were at that time at the high place in Gibeon. But David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Today's Word-January 22, 2009
Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
Can somebody PLEEEASE shout AMEN???
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
Can somebody PLEEEASE shout AMEN???
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Today's Word-January 21, 2009
Matthew 7:12
Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Today's Word-January 20, 2009
Acts 26:16
But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
Monday, January 19, 2009
Today's Word-January 19, 2009
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Sunday, January 18, 2009
JDD-"Jesus Defecit Disorder"?
JDD-Jesus Defecit Disorder?
Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord has granted me another day on this rock that falls around the sun called Earth. I praise Him and thank Him, for He is truly Lord of my life! If you feel this way, shout AMEN!
I must confess, it is difficult to "be still" sometimes, especially in the midst of a trial. It is extremely difficult NOT to succumb to your flesh, and jump into a trial to "take care of business". God's Word clearly states to "Wait Upon The Lord (Isaiah 40:31 KJV): "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." In any case, it is still very difficult to just "wait".
Do we sit still, then begin to squirm when God doesn't IMMEDIATELY take us out of a trial? Do we take our eyes off of Jesus, like Peter did and ultimately drown in our own situation?
I like to call this "JDD"-"Jesus Defecit Disorder". It's when we just cannot sit still and wait for God.
The Lord has been speaking to me about this for some time. It all began before the Gospel Community Church 2008 Spring Men's Retreat. I had been praying for some time about a speaker, and The Lord really impressed upon me the importance of a "Prayer & Fasting" retreat. I knew that this would not be too popular with some of the men, but God clearly was beginning to speak to me. I asked several of the Brothers to pray for me, and pray about the retreat. This is when God began to speak to me.
God used a Christian radio station in Long Island to get his point across to me. Every morning (at different times, mind you...) when I would get into my car, I would end up having the song "I Am God" by Kirk Franklin and TobyMac on the radio. Keep in mind-I DO NOT like rap music. Unless I can understand the words, and the song clearly glorifies God, I will not listen to rap. It didn't matter what time I got in my car-it just happened. Sometimes, during the course of the day, it would happen more. I clearly felt God speaking to me not only about the Men's retreat, but about my life in general.
Anyway-the Men's Retreat went very well-it was well attended, and everyone who went was blessed. We prayed, fasted, and waited on The Lord. Fast forward to December 2008-God is beginning to speak to me again. I have clearly heard from God on certain things in my life, and I am doing what He asks of me. God began to speak to me AGAIN, through the song. Between Christmas and New Years, this began to happen all over again. Over the last 2 weeks, it is happening again. Whenever I get into my car-especially in the morning (I pray in my car on the way to work), that Kirk Franklin song comes on the radio.
Without getting into details, I have been praying about several "trials" in my life. They have been at work, in my family, in Church, and just in general. The Lord has delivered me through some of these trials, but I am still in others. When I pray in my car on the way to work, and I ask God for His divine guidance and direction. I do NOT want to step ahead of Him. I want to do HIS will in my life. I want to glorify Jesus in ALL that I do. God has given me such a peace about this-"being still", I can't even describe it. I feel that God is about to move mightily in my life. I feel a testimony coming! Can I get an AMEN???
So here's my message to you. I don't know who will be reading this & when. You may be waiting on God for something. You may be waiting to be taken through a trial. You may have JDD, and can't wait any more-I don't know. Your trial me be a search for a job. It may be financial. It may be a family issue. You may be going through a health issue. Are you waiting for a report from your doctor about a health issue? You may be experiencing issues with certain sins. Or a spiritual issue. It doesn't really matter-Jesus can take you through ANY of these trials. He will ultimately be glorified once you are taken through! Do you want to be glorified, or do you want JESUS to be glorified?
TAKE YOUR EYES OFF YOUR SITUATION, AND TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS-THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF YOUR FAITH!!! DO NOT STEP AHEAD OF GOD!!! SURRENDER YOUR SITUATION TO HIM! NOTHING, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!!!
I've included the words to the song I am talking about, as well as the link for an audio link of the song. BE BLESSED!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMlNn5uWINU
Kirk FranklinI Am God lyrics(Feat. tobyMac)
[Kirk Franklin:] Toby Mac! (huh! ) Turn it up!
[Toby Mac:] Kirk, gonna get his white boy on!
[Kirk Franklin:] God, I know You up to something. (uhhh! ) I can see it all right now. (woo! ) You pulling back my covers. It's getting crazy. (Come on! )
[Verse 1: Kirk Franklin]Think I'm gonna walk away
You're messing up my life today (wassup)
This time I refuse to pray
Still you keep calling me (calling me)
I don't wanna see your face
The thing I love you erased (Come on! )
Nothing but an empty space
Now I don't know how to be
I know it wasn't right for me. (Yea! )
What you liking what you need.
I feel like I'm in surgery
Still you cut deeper
My secrets within
My blanket of sin
Lord how much longer 'till ya through with me
Please take what you need (Can I get up now! )
[Chorus:]Be still and know I am God
Be still and know I am God
[Verse 2: Toby Mac]Lord your ways are not my way
Everything you don't explain
Somethings I don't want to change
So you keep breaking me (There you go! )
It's like I'm fighting for my life (woo! )
You hit me with another right
I feel like Jacob in the night
Won't stop 'till you bless me
My flesh and my will (Yes father! )
Is yours not to kill (To kill! )
Bringing myself to you (Come on! )
But living sacrifice is move (Can I get up now! )
[Chorus:]Be still and know I am God (Gotta know Gotta know Gotta know Gotta know)
Be still and know (yea) I am God(Gotta know Gotta know One more time! )
Be still and know I am God (You are God! You are God! Gotta know! Gotta know! )
Be still (Be still) and know (and know) I am God (yea! )
[Bridge:]If I could I'd fly away from here
But even when I'm far you still are near
I gotta get out (There's no way out)
But what if I run (There's no where to run)
Got to go (Don't go)Gotta go (Can't go)No! No! No! (Whoa! )
[Kirk Franklin:]You win. (uh huh! )I've been trying to do it on my own. (Yes Lord! )But right now I gotta surrender.You know what's best. (Say it like you mean it! )It's not easy waiting on you.It's not easy believing that you got this together.But without faith it is impossible to please you. (We recognize you! )So I'm gonna stand right here. (We are still before you! )You got me. (We are still before you! ) You got me. You got me.
[Chorus:]Be still and know (we know! ) I am God (I lift up my hands. I surrender to your authority God! I surrender! )
Be still (we're still! ) and know (we know! ) I am God (I give you my will)(Gotta know! Gotta! know! Gotta know! )Be still (I'm yours! ) and know (we know! ) (I'm yours! ) I am God (I'm tired of living on my own! I'm tired of living on my own! )
Be still and know (we know! ) I am God (You are God! )
Hallelujah.Your God, and I'm not. You got me...
So I have some questions for you:
Who do we trust to take us through our trials?
JESUS!
Who do we have to be still and wait for?
JESUS!
When we are deep in a trial, who do we need to keep our eyes fixed on?
JESUS!
Who is the Author and Finisher of our faith?
JESUS!
OK-I'm having Church at my computer again, so I have to go now.
Be still Brothers & Sisters! Let me know how I can pray for you.
Ira
Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord has granted me another day on this rock that falls around the sun called Earth. I praise Him and thank Him, for He is truly Lord of my life! If you feel this way, shout AMEN!
I must confess, it is difficult to "be still" sometimes, especially in the midst of a trial. It is extremely difficult NOT to succumb to your flesh, and jump into a trial to "take care of business". God's Word clearly states to "Wait Upon The Lord (Isaiah 40:31 KJV): "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." In any case, it is still very difficult to just "wait".
Do we sit still, then begin to squirm when God doesn't IMMEDIATELY take us out of a trial? Do we take our eyes off of Jesus, like Peter did and ultimately drown in our own situation?
I like to call this "JDD"-"Jesus Defecit Disorder". It's when we just cannot sit still and wait for God.
The Lord has been speaking to me about this for some time. It all began before the Gospel Community Church 2008 Spring Men's Retreat. I had been praying for some time about a speaker, and The Lord really impressed upon me the importance of a "Prayer & Fasting" retreat. I knew that this would not be too popular with some of the men, but God clearly was beginning to speak to me. I asked several of the Brothers to pray for me, and pray about the retreat. This is when God began to speak to me.
God used a Christian radio station in Long Island to get his point across to me. Every morning (at different times, mind you...) when I would get into my car, I would end up having the song "I Am God" by Kirk Franklin and TobyMac on the radio. Keep in mind-I DO NOT like rap music. Unless I can understand the words, and the song clearly glorifies God, I will not listen to rap. It didn't matter what time I got in my car-it just happened. Sometimes, during the course of the day, it would happen more. I clearly felt God speaking to me not only about the Men's retreat, but about my life in general.
Anyway-the Men's Retreat went very well-it was well attended, and everyone who went was blessed. We prayed, fasted, and waited on The Lord. Fast forward to December 2008-God is beginning to speak to me again. I have clearly heard from God on certain things in my life, and I am doing what He asks of me. God began to speak to me AGAIN, through the song. Between Christmas and New Years, this began to happen all over again. Over the last 2 weeks, it is happening again. Whenever I get into my car-especially in the morning (I pray in my car on the way to work), that Kirk Franklin song comes on the radio.
Without getting into details, I have been praying about several "trials" in my life. They have been at work, in my family, in Church, and just in general. The Lord has delivered me through some of these trials, but I am still in others. When I pray in my car on the way to work, and I ask God for His divine guidance and direction. I do NOT want to step ahead of Him. I want to do HIS will in my life. I want to glorify Jesus in ALL that I do. God has given me such a peace about this-"being still", I can't even describe it. I feel that God is about to move mightily in my life. I feel a testimony coming! Can I get an AMEN???
So here's my message to you. I don't know who will be reading this & when. You may be waiting on God for something. You may be waiting to be taken through a trial. You may have JDD, and can't wait any more-I don't know. Your trial me be a search for a job. It may be financial. It may be a family issue. You may be going through a health issue. Are you waiting for a report from your doctor about a health issue? You may be experiencing issues with certain sins. Or a spiritual issue. It doesn't really matter-Jesus can take you through ANY of these trials. He will ultimately be glorified once you are taken through! Do you want to be glorified, or do you want JESUS to be glorified?
TAKE YOUR EYES OFF YOUR SITUATION, AND TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS-THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF YOUR FAITH!!! DO NOT STEP AHEAD OF GOD!!! SURRENDER YOUR SITUATION TO HIM! NOTHING, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!!!
I've included the words to the song I am talking about, as well as the link for an audio link of the song. BE BLESSED!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMlNn5uWINU
Kirk FranklinI Am God lyrics(Feat. tobyMac)
[Kirk Franklin:] Toby Mac! (huh! ) Turn it up!
[Toby Mac:] Kirk, gonna get his white boy on!
[Kirk Franklin:] God, I know You up to something. (uhhh! ) I can see it all right now. (woo! ) You pulling back my covers. It's getting crazy. (Come on! )
[Verse 1: Kirk Franklin]Think I'm gonna walk away
You're messing up my life today (wassup)
This time I refuse to pray
Still you keep calling me (calling me)
I don't wanna see your face
The thing I love you erased (Come on! )
Nothing but an empty space
Now I don't know how to be
I know it wasn't right for me. (Yea! )
What you liking what you need.
I feel like I'm in surgery
Still you cut deeper
My secrets within
My blanket of sin
Lord how much longer 'till ya through with me
Please take what you need (Can I get up now! )
[Chorus:]Be still and know I am God
Be still and know I am God
[Verse 2: Toby Mac]Lord your ways are not my way
Everything you don't explain
Somethings I don't want to change
So you keep breaking me (There you go! )
It's like I'm fighting for my life (woo! )
You hit me with another right
I feel like Jacob in the night
Won't stop 'till you bless me
My flesh and my will (Yes father! )
Is yours not to kill (To kill! )
Bringing myself to you (Come on! )
But living sacrifice is move (Can I get up now! )
[Chorus:]Be still and know I am God (Gotta know Gotta know Gotta know Gotta know)
Be still and know (yea) I am God(Gotta know Gotta know One more time! )
Be still and know I am God (You are God! You are God! Gotta know! Gotta know! )
Be still (Be still) and know (and know) I am God (yea! )
[Bridge:]If I could I'd fly away from here
But even when I'm far you still are near
I gotta get out (There's no way out)
But what if I run (There's no where to run)
Got to go (Don't go)Gotta go (Can't go)No! No! No! (Whoa! )
[Kirk Franklin:]You win. (uh huh! )I've been trying to do it on my own. (Yes Lord! )But right now I gotta surrender.You know what's best. (Say it like you mean it! )It's not easy waiting on you.It's not easy believing that you got this together.But without faith it is impossible to please you. (We recognize you! )So I'm gonna stand right here. (We are still before you! )You got me. (We are still before you! ) You got me. You got me.
[Chorus:]Be still and know (we know! ) I am God (I lift up my hands. I surrender to your authority God! I surrender! )
Be still (we're still! ) and know (we know! ) I am God (I give you my will)(Gotta know! Gotta! know! Gotta know! )Be still (I'm yours! ) and know (we know! ) (I'm yours! ) I am God (I'm tired of living on my own! I'm tired of living on my own! )
Be still and know (we know! ) I am God (You are God! )
Hallelujah.Your God, and I'm not. You got me...
So I have some questions for you:
Who do we trust to take us through our trials?
JESUS!
Who do we have to be still and wait for?
JESUS!
When we are deep in a trial, who do we need to keep our eyes fixed on?
JESUS!
Who is the Author and Finisher of our faith?
JESUS!
OK-I'm having Church at my computer again, so I have to go now.
Be still Brothers & Sisters! Let me know how I can pray for you.
Ira
Friday, January 16, 2009
Today's Word-January 16, 2009
James 5:14-15
Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.
Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Today's Word - January 15, 2009
Psalm 75:1
We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.
Have you truly thanked Jesus today? Just remember what He did for you and I on the Cross!
Amen?
Ira
P.S: I"m excited today! If this entry actually gets posted, -it's the first time I have ever posted anything from my Blackberry!
We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.
Have you truly thanked Jesus today? Just remember what He did for you and I on the Cross!
Amen?
Ira
P.S: I"m excited today! If this entry actually gets posted, -it's the first time I have ever posted anything from my Blackberry!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Today's Word-January 14, 2009
1 John 4:20-21
If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Today's Word-January 13, 2009
Philippians 1:27-30
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Today's Word-January 12, 2009
Psalm 118:5-6
In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A Personal Testimony-Sunday January 11, 2009
I really wasn't planning to post anything additional today, but The Lord had other ideas....
As many of you know, I have been working long hours, and under a lot of stress. My back was REALLY hurting me when I woke up, so badly in fact, that I was in pain every time I moved. I had trouble walking, sitting up, and getting up & down.
At Church this morning, The Holy Spirit was moving mightily. When Brothers Al and John started a prayer line, I knew I had to go up and place my request at the feet of Jesus.
Well-up I went to the prayer line. It was my turn now. The worship was very loud, and I could only hear John pray (sorry Al..;-)) during lulls in the worship. As both Brothers placed their hands on my back, I felt God's POWER go through me. I felt the pain subside, and the discomfort begin to leave me. After Al anointed my head with oil, I felt that Jesus had completely healed me. Before I returned to my seat, Jesus had set me free from this affliction!
I also felt the need to stand up and give testimony during the appropriate time. I hope and pray that someone got touched by what happened to me. God has healed me before, and I KNOW He will do it again!
Brothers & Sisters-if you are sick, if you are hurting-Jesus CAN heal you! Pastor Ed preached that Jesus is bigger than cancer, He is bigger than diabetes, and He is bigger than ANY sickness. I am here to testify that Jesus is bigger than back pain, foot pain, migraines, diverticulitis, asthma, skin diseases, heart disease, and ANY other sickness! All you need to do is come to the feet of Jesus and ASK in prayer!
I have made many trips to the altar. Most of the time, I am healed before I leave Church. The remainder of the time, God will heal me at a later point. There have been a few times when doctors needed to be involved (like when I had an attack of diverticulitis back in May 2008). Just remember-God is sovereign. God is in control. God is who will be glorified.
I am here tonight to give all the praise, honor, and glory to JESUS! He is my healer, He is my peace, He is my joy. I praise and thank Him for healing me time, and again. I thank and praise Him for healing in my family - time and again.
If you have a health issue, or ANY issue, remember-Jesus can do anything. There is NOTHING impossible with the God who spoke the universe into existence!
In James 5:14-15, it states:
Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.
Let me just ask you some questions:
Who is bigger than cancer?
JESUS!
Who is bigger than heart disease?
JESUS!
Who can heal your physical pain?
JESUS!
Who do you need to pray to for healing?
JESUS!
Who will be glorified by your testimony?
JESUS!
Can somebody shout AMEN? PLEASE???
Glory to God in the highest. PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME! THANK YOU JESUS!!!
Ira
As many of you know, I have been working long hours, and under a lot of stress. My back was REALLY hurting me when I woke up, so badly in fact, that I was in pain every time I moved. I had trouble walking, sitting up, and getting up & down.
At Church this morning, The Holy Spirit was moving mightily. When Brothers Al and John started a prayer line, I knew I had to go up and place my request at the feet of Jesus.
Well-up I went to the prayer line. It was my turn now. The worship was very loud, and I could only hear John pray (sorry Al..;-)) during lulls in the worship. As both Brothers placed their hands on my back, I felt God's POWER go through me. I felt the pain subside, and the discomfort begin to leave me. After Al anointed my head with oil, I felt that Jesus had completely healed me. Before I returned to my seat, Jesus had set me free from this affliction!
I also felt the need to stand up and give testimony during the appropriate time. I hope and pray that someone got touched by what happened to me. God has healed me before, and I KNOW He will do it again!
Brothers & Sisters-if you are sick, if you are hurting-Jesus CAN heal you! Pastor Ed preached that Jesus is bigger than cancer, He is bigger than diabetes, and He is bigger than ANY sickness. I am here to testify that Jesus is bigger than back pain, foot pain, migraines, diverticulitis, asthma, skin diseases, heart disease, and ANY other sickness! All you need to do is come to the feet of Jesus and ASK in prayer!
I have made many trips to the altar. Most of the time, I am healed before I leave Church. The remainder of the time, God will heal me at a later point. There have been a few times when doctors needed to be involved (like when I had an attack of diverticulitis back in May 2008). Just remember-God is sovereign. God is in control. God is who will be glorified.
I am here tonight to give all the praise, honor, and glory to JESUS! He is my healer, He is my peace, He is my joy. I praise and thank Him for healing me time, and again. I thank and praise Him for healing in my family - time and again.
If you have a health issue, or ANY issue, remember-Jesus can do anything. There is NOTHING impossible with the God who spoke the universe into existence!
In James 5:14-15, it states:
Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.
Let me just ask you some questions:
Who is bigger than cancer?
JESUS!
Who is bigger than heart disease?
JESUS!
Who can heal your physical pain?
JESUS!
Who do you need to pray to for healing?
JESUS!
Who will be glorified by your testimony?
JESUS!
Can somebody shout AMEN? PLEASE???
Glory to God in the highest. PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME! THANK YOU JESUS!!!
Ira
A Question...?
Editors Note: I will NOT be posting "Today's Word" on the weekends. Instead, I will post questions to all the Brothers & Sisters in Christ and try to engage them & get them to think.
Ira
John 21:15-18
I have a question-Does Jesus need to ask you this every once and a while -"Do you love Me?" Does He need to remind you that He died for YOU on the Cross, was buried, and conquered death for all eternity by being resurrected on the 3rd day?
It's sad that we sometimes lose sight of our mission here on earth. This is really HIS mission for us here on earth! As Christians, we are called to:
1) Matthew 28:18-19, AND Mark 16:15 - "...go out and preach the Gospel to everyone..."
2) John 13:34-35. "... love one another..."
BTW- I'm paraphrasing the scriptures above...
Item number 2 is the tougher one for me. Can we truly love even the "un-lovable"? Come on-you know who I am talking about. It may be your boss. It may be someone at work gunning for your job. It may be a problem customer. It may be a family member. A neighbor or two. A teacher, or fellow student. It may be the new President of the US. It may be someone at Church. My point is-how hard do we really work at this directive from the Lord Jesus?
The reason I chose to talk about item number 2 is that if we cannot truly love the "un-lovable", then how can we possibly share The Gospel, or the Love of Jesus with them?
Just something to think about....
How do you overcome these obstacles in your walk?
I would love to hear your thoughts and share mine.
Ira
Ira
John 21:15-18
I have a question-Does Jesus need to ask you this every once and a while -"Do you love Me?" Does He need to remind you that He died for YOU on the Cross, was buried, and conquered death for all eternity by being resurrected on the 3rd day?
It's sad that we sometimes lose sight of our mission here on earth. This is really HIS mission for us here on earth! As Christians, we are called to:
1) Matthew 28:18-19, AND Mark 16:15 - "...go out and preach the Gospel to everyone..."
2) John 13:34-35. "... love one another..."
BTW- I'm paraphrasing the scriptures above...
Item number 2 is the tougher one for me. Can we truly love even the "un-lovable"? Come on-you know who I am talking about. It may be your boss. It may be someone at work gunning for your job. It may be a problem customer. It may be a family member. A neighbor or two. A teacher, or fellow student. It may be the new President of the US. It may be someone at Church. My point is-how hard do we really work at this directive from the Lord Jesus?
The reason I chose to talk about item number 2 is that if we cannot truly love the "un-lovable", then how can we possibly share The Gospel, or the Love of Jesus with them?
Just something to think about....
How do you overcome these obstacles in your walk?
I would love to hear your thoughts and share mine.
Ira
Friday, January 09, 2009
Today's Word-January 9, 2009
Galatians 1:6-10
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Do you think that since Paul repeated this twice, that he was trying to tell us something?
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Do you think that since Paul repeated this twice, that he was trying to tell us something?
Thursday, January 08, 2009
The NAME Above ALL names!
The Name of Jesus- What does it mean in our lives?
Without The Name of Jesus, there is NO POWER in anything we do. Satan knew that when they took prayer out of schools in the early 60's, he knew that when liberals wanted God taken out of the Pledge of Allegiance, off of money, and out of public buildings. He knew that when you commited a "social sin" by praying in "The Name of Jesus", or if you talked about him in an open venue. Satan knows ALL this and more. He also knows that HE LOSES in the end, and tries to stumble us as much as he can! But the Good News is-there is VICTORY IN JESUS!! Can I get an AMEN??!!
If we pray in "The Name of Jesus", demons will flee. Just the mention of His Name sends them screaming from a room, or out of a person. If we do NOT pray in Jesus's Name, there is no power in our prayer.
In Philippians 2:9-11, the Bible says: Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Some other of examples of The Name Above ALL names:
Joh 14:13 - And whatever you may ask in My name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Joh 16:23 -And in that day you shall ask Me nothing. Truly, truly, I say to you, Whatever you shall ask the Father in My name, He will give you.
Joh 20:31 But these are written so that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you might have life in His name.
In Whose Name is there eternal life?
JESUS!
In Whose Name is there deliverance?
JESUS!
In Whose Name is there healing?
JESUS!
In Whose Name is there comfort?
JESUS!
In Whose Name is there joy?
JESUS!
In Whose Name is there provision?
JESUS!
In Whose Name is the enemy defeated?
JESUS!
Remember-I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!
Sombody shout an AMEN!!!-Give HIM all the glory!
Come On-SHOUT HIS NAME-LET THE DEMONS FLEE!!!
-JESUS!
-JESUS!
-JESUS!
-JESUS!
-JESUS!
Is anybody else excited?? I think I'm having Church here right now!!! PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!! HALLELUJAH!
In Jesus' Name,
Ira
AMEN!!!
The Name of Jesus- What does it mean in our lives?
Without The Name of Jesus, there is NO POWER in anything we do. Satan knew that when they took prayer out of schools in the early 60's, he knew that when liberals wanted God taken out of the Pledge of Allegiance, off of money, and out of public buildings. He knew that when you commited a "social sin" by praying in "The Name of Jesus", or if you talked about him in an open venue. Satan knows ALL this and more. He also knows that HE LOSES in the end, and tries to stumble us as much as he can! But the Good News is-there is VICTORY IN JESUS!! Can I get an AMEN??!!
If we pray in "The Name of Jesus", demons will flee. Just the mention of His Name sends them screaming from a room, or out of a person. If we do NOT pray in Jesus's Name, there is no power in our prayer.
In Philippians 2:9-11, the Bible says: Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Some other of examples of The Name Above ALL names:
Joh 14:13 - And whatever you may ask in My name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Joh 16:23 -And in that day you shall ask Me nothing. Truly, truly, I say to you, Whatever you shall ask the Father in My name, He will give you.
Joh 20:31 But these are written so that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you might have life in His name.
In Whose Name is there eternal life?
JESUS!
In Whose Name is there deliverance?
JESUS!
In Whose Name is there healing?
JESUS!
In Whose Name is there comfort?
JESUS!
In Whose Name is there joy?
JESUS!
In Whose Name is there provision?
JESUS!
In Whose Name is the enemy defeated?
JESUS!
Remember-I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!
Sombody shout an AMEN!!!-Give HIM all the glory!
Come On-SHOUT HIS NAME-LET THE DEMONS FLEE!!!
-JESUS!
-JESUS!
-JESUS!
-JESUS!
-JESUS!
Is anybody else excited?? I think I'm having Church here right now!!! PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!! HALLELUJAH!
In Jesus' Name,
Ira
AMEN!!!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Today's Word-January 8, 2009
Ephesians 5:1-7
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Today's Word, January 6, 2009
1 Peter 1:13-16
"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy."
"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy."
Monday, January 05, 2009
Today's Word, January 5, 2009
Isaiah 1:16-17
Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. (NKJV)
Be Blessed!
Ira
Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. (NKJV)
Be Blessed!
Ira
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Trials= Opportunities
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Why does God allow us to go through trials? Come on-is there anyone that thinks that this is fair?
Well, fair, or not-God does have a master plan for your life and mine. He allows us to be tested to see how we do during a trial. Do we look to Jesus to take us by the hand and lead us through, or do we try and get through on our own? Do we pray and seek God, or do we listen to the wisdom of man? Do we take a step back and let God move, or do we move in the flesh? These are things that happen to all believers during trials.
What type of trial are you going through? Is it a sickness? Financial? Family-related? Marriage? Is it a trial of faith (or lack of)? Job-related? Are you dealing with certain sin issues? These are just some of the trials of daily life for a believer in The Lord, Jesus Christ.
God uses these trials to REFINE us. I've always likes the silversmith analogy, where the silversmith (God) turns up the heat high enough to get all the impurities to rise to the top, where they are removed. Only when the silversmith (God) can see Himself, is the silver properly refined.
Does God see Himself in us as we go through these trials-or does God see our flesh? Listen-I know from personal experience that it's rough when you are in the midst of a trial, but as always-when I turn my eyes on Jesus, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I can see the finish line. I can see Jesus reaching out His hand to take me down the path and through the trial.
If you trust in Jesus, He will give you peace in a trial. If you trust in Jesus, He can give you joy in a trial. If you trust in Jesus, and surrender the trial to Him, He will draw you closer to Him. Jesus can speak to you as you dive deeper into The Word of God. Jesus will allow you to hear His Voice. Jesus will allow you to feel His presence during your time of testing.
You may be asking-what does all this accomplish? There is opportunity in a trial to be used by God. God WILL use your experience as a testimony, and ultimately this will glorify Him! You may be used to encourage other brothers & sisters going through their own trials. You may be used by God to speak about Jesus in the life of un un-believer. The ultimate purpose, however is the God WILL be glorified!
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Why does God allow us to go through trials? Come on-is there anyone that thinks that this is fair?
Well, fair, or not-God does have a master plan for your life and mine. He allows us to be tested to see how we do during a trial. Do we look to Jesus to take us by the hand and lead us through, or do we try and get through on our own? Do we pray and seek God, or do we listen to the wisdom of man? Do we take a step back and let God move, or do we move in the flesh? These are things that happen to all believers during trials.
What type of trial are you going through? Is it a sickness? Financial? Family-related? Marriage? Is it a trial of faith (or lack of)? Job-related? Are you dealing with certain sin issues? These are just some of the trials of daily life for a believer in The Lord, Jesus Christ.
God uses these trials to REFINE us. I've always likes the silversmith analogy, where the silversmith (God) turns up the heat high enough to get all the impurities to rise to the top, where they are removed. Only when the silversmith (God) can see Himself, is the silver properly refined.
Does God see Himself in us as we go through these trials-or does God see our flesh? Listen-I know from personal experience that it's rough when you are in the midst of a trial, but as always-when I turn my eyes on Jesus, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I can see the finish line. I can see Jesus reaching out His hand to take me down the path and through the trial.
If you trust in Jesus, He will give you peace in a trial. If you trust in Jesus, He can give you joy in a trial. If you trust in Jesus, and surrender the trial to Him, He will draw you closer to Him. Jesus can speak to you as you dive deeper into The Word of God. Jesus will allow you to hear His Voice. Jesus will allow you to feel His presence during your time of testing.
You may be asking-what does all this accomplish? There is opportunity in a trial to be used by God. God WILL use your experience as a testimony, and ultimately this will glorify Him! You may be used to encourage other brothers & sisters going through their own trials. You may be used by God to speak about Jesus in the life of un un-believer. The ultimate purpose, however is the God WILL be glorified!
Let me encourage you now.
When you're going through a trial, who is there walking beside you?-JESUS !
When the heat of your trial is so unbearable, who can make it bearable?-JESUS!
Who is the other person, the Son of Man -in the fiery furnace with you?-JESUS!
Who can make it so that even the fiery furnace, once you pass through-you won't be burned, and your clothes will not even smell of smoke? JESUS!
Who WILL be glorified in these trials? JESUS!
Brothers & Sisters-please enjoy the words to this MercyMe song called "Hold Fast". I believe that this will bless you, especially if you are going through a trial.
Hold Fast - by MercyMe
To everyone who's hurting
To those who've had enough
To all the undeserving
That should cover all of us
Please do not let go
I promise there is hope
Hold fast Help is on the way
Hold fast He's come to save the day
What I've learned in my life
One thing greater than my strife
Is His grasp
So hold fast
Will this season ever pass?
Can we stop this ride?
Will we see the sun at last?
Or could this be our lot in life?
Please do not let go
I promise you there's hope
You may think you're all alone
And there's no way that anyone could know
What you're going through
But if you only hear one thing
Just understand that we are all the same
Searching for the truth
The truth of what we're soon to face
Unless someone comes to take our place
Is there anyone?
All we want is to be free
Free from our captivity, Lord
Here He comes
To Jesus be ALL the Glory,
Ira
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Who Will You Serve?
“Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD! And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:14-15 (New King James Version)
“You shall have no other gods before Me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. " Exodus 20:3-6 (New King James Version)
Here's something to think about-do you have other "gods" in your life? Are these "idols" preventing you from focusing on Jesus?
As professed Christians, sometimes we tend to lose track of Jesus in our daily lives. Things happen. Our jobs become the focus of our lives, money becomes more important than anything else-especially in these tough economic times. Sometimes, silly things consume our time. Sports (baseball, football, hockey, basketball), television (24, House, Survivor, American Idol), computers (music, internet, Facebook, MySpace). These things can easily become gods or idols.
Think about this: do you turn on your computer as soon as you get up in the morning? Do you check your email while you're still in bed? Do you worship at the church of the NFL, MLB, NBA, or NHL all day on Sunday? Where are your priorities?
I am NOT trying to condemn anyone-I have several planks in my own eye that need removing. My point, is this: Is Jesus Christ first and foremost, the most important thing in your life? If any of the things I mentioned above are consuming your time, if they are first in your life, then you need to pray about making a change.
Take a look at the scriptures that open this post. Let me remind you that the nation of Israel suffered many times for following other gods. Who do you serve?
God spoke to Moses and specifically said "you shall have no other gods before Me". No matter what bible translation you use-it says the same thing! Who do you serve?
In 2009, I made only one resolution: MORE OF JESUS AND LESS OF ME!
There is a worship song by Chris Tomlin that really hits home on this topic. If you have it, fire up your iPOD, or just read the lyrics below.
Give Us Clean Hands by Chris Tomlin
We bow our hearts
We bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes
From evil things
Oh Lord we cast down our idols
So give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let this be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
We bow our hearts
We bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes
From evil things
Oh Lord we cast down our idols
So give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands--Oh God
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God of Jacob
(Give us clean hands)
So give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands--Oh God
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God of Jacob
Oh God of Jacob
Give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands--Oh God
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God of Jacob
Now answer these questions.....
Who can wash away your sins?
JESUS!
Who is the only way to the Father?
JESUS!
Who should you be serving with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?
JESUS!
Who do you want more of in your life?
JESUS!
Who is your King?
JESUS!
SHOUT IT AGAIN!
JESUS!
JESUS!
JESUS!
JESUS!
Is anyone else excited about Jesus?
HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!
Can somebody shout AMEN?
“You shall have no other gods before Me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. " Exodus 20:3-6 (New King James Version)
Here's something to think about-do you have other "gods" in your life? Are these "idols" preventing you from focusing on Jesus?
As professed Christians, sometimes we tend to lose track of Jesus in our daily lives. Things happen. Our jobs become the focus of our lives, money becomes more important than anything else-especially in these tough economic times. Sometimes, silly things consume our time. Sports (baseball, football, hockey, basketball), television (24, House, Survivor, American Idol), computers (music, internet, Facebook, MySpace). These things can easily become gods or idols.
Think about this: do you turn on your computer as soon as you get up in the morning? Do you check your email while you're still in bed? Do you worship at the church of the NFL, MLB, NBA, or NHL all day on Sunday? Where are your priorities?
I am NOT trying to condemn anyone-I have several planks in my own eye that need removing. My point, is this: Is Jesus Christ first and foremost, the most important thing in your life? If any of the things I mentioned above are consuming your time, if they are first in your life, then you need to pray about making a change.
Take a look at the scriptures that open this post. Let me remind you that the nation of Israel suffered many times for following other gods. Who do you serve?
God spoke to Moses and specifically said "you shall have no other gods before Me". No matter what bible translation you use-it says the same thing! Who do you serve?
In 2009, I made only one resolution: MORE OF JESUS AND LESS OF ME!
There is a worship song by Chris Tomlin that really hits home on this topic. If you have it, fire up your iPOD, or just read the lyrics below.
Give Us Clean Hands by Chris Tomlin
We bow our hearts
We bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes
From evil things
Oh Lord we cast down our idols
So give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let this be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
We bow our hearts
We bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes
From evil things
Oh Lord we cast down our idols
So give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands--Oh God
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God of Jacob
(Give us clean hands)
So give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands--Oh God
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God of Jacob
Oh God of Jacob
Give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Give us clean hands--Oh God
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God of Jacob
Now answer these questions.....
Who can wash away your sins?
JESUS!
Who is the only way to the Father?
JESUS!
Who should you be serving with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?
JESUS!
Who do you want more of in your life?
JESUS!
Who is your King?
JESUS!
SHOUT IT AGAIN!
JESUS!
JESUS!
JESUS!
JESUS!
Is anyone else excited about Jesus?
HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!
Can somebody shout AMEN?
A New Beginning-2009
Well-it's been quite some time since I've posted anything to this blog.
First-let me say Happy New Year to everyone!
There have been many things going on in my life-many trials, many blessings-but Jesus has always been there for me! HALLELUJAH!
God has been working on my heart once again, and one of the things that He has me doing is starting up this blog again. The name has changed (formerly-Isaiah 6:8 Ministries), but the purpose remains the same-to glorify the Name of my Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.
As God speaks to my heart, I will post a message. I pray that if these messages bless you, then you will give the glory to God.
I do have some things for all of you to think about:
Who is the King of kings and Lord of lords?
JESUS!
When you're going through a fiery trial, who is taking you by the hand and leading you through it?
JESUS!
When all is said and done, who is this all about?
JESUS!
Can somebody shout AMEN?
Ira Cohen
Servant of the Risen Lord, Jesus
January 1, 2009
First-let me say Happy New Year to everyone!
There have been many things going on in my life-many trials, many blessings-but Jesus has always been there for me! HALLELUJAH!
God has been working on my heart once again, and one of the things that He has me doing is starting up this blog again. The name has changed (formerly-Isaiah 6:8 Ministries), but the purpose remains the same-to glorify the Name of my Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.
As God speaks to my heart, I will post a message. I pray that if these messages bless you, then you will give the glory to God.
I do have some things for all of you to think about:
Who is the King of kings and Lord of lords?
JESUS!
When you're going through a fiery trial, who is taking you by the hand and leading you through it?
JESUS!
When all is said and done, who is this all about?
JESUS!
Can somebody shout AMEN?
Ira Cohen
Servant of the Risen Lord, Jesus
January 1, 2009
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