I have something that I want to share with you. What I want to share is the best kept secret in the world. Are you ready for it? If you are come real close to your computer screen; make sure nobody else can see the screen because it's a secret, are you ready?
Here it is, God loves you and He has awesome things He wants to do in your life. God's got plans for you that you've never dreamed possible. He wants to bless you and give you immeasurable favor in every aspect of your life. Most importantly, God has a specific plan and calling on your life; all you have to do is accept it.
Okay, so you may already know the secret, but did you know that what I just said is true for every single person on this Earth? That's right! God doesn't only love people that go to church, he also loves those that don't, even those that have never stepped foot in a church. I know what you're saying, how can this be, but God, I chose you, I go to church every week, I helped in ___ ministries, and I......; how could you love somebody that's never done anything for Your kingdom as much as you love me?
Well, I have the answer, it is that we are saved by grace, not by works. Let me ask you something, do you love your children, spouse, mother, father, etc. because they do something for you or do you love them the same no matter what? If the answer is yes to loving them because they did something for you, then you need to come to the understanding that love is not conditional. If a person must do something for you to love them, then it is not love. Love is unconditional, and God loves us from before we were even born, and seeing as love is unconditional, why would His love change for anybody?
God loves everybody, and He has a plan and purpose for each person. But, He doesn't just have any plan, He has a plan designed specifically for each person. His plans for us are as unique as our fingerprints, no two are alike. Sure, there are similarities with different callings, but none of them are exactly alike. For example, according Acts 1:8 we are to go and share the good news (Jesus) with all people, that is the same; however the way (style) one person shares the good news is different from another. Why? It's simple, God made each of us different. And because of that, He speaks to us in different ways, at different times in our life.
For me personally, I always knew that God existed, but I ran as hard as I could away from Him until I became born again at the age of 19. Why did I run? I didn't want to have to obey Him; I wanted to do what I wanted, when I wanted, and how I wanted. It was bad enough that I had to obey my parents, I didn't need someone else to obey. So, I ran from God. At the time I was running, there were family members that I know were praying for me, praying that I would commit my life to God. I also know there were times that they thought it was hopeless and most likely considered me a lost cause; but God didn't. Then, my cousin and a friend began inviting me to church. At first I resisted, but then I began to go on a fairly regular basis; at least until I realized I was being sucked into the church world. That was the LAST thing that I wanted...so I ran. I ran away from God pretty hard for approximatly three months, then I was invited to a Saturday night youth church service, where for the first time, I felt God's presence in a way that made me cry. It was amazing because I had truly felt a glimpse of God's anointing for the first time in my life. I went back to the church the next night and the preacher spoke about how our body is the holy temple of God, and that we need to treat it as such. To make a long story, short (a little shorter) I went to the altar call, repented, and felt the powerful anointing of God in such a way that it literally shook my body. At the same time, I received the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the next week I was baptized. So many times we write people off as being a lost cause when it comes to God, but it is all in His timing. He didn't give up on me, and neither did my cousin and friend. Because of the persistence of my cousin and friend, and God working in my heart, I gave my heart to the Lord and have been living for Him ever since. This was almost 10 years ago. And throughout my walk, I discovered that while God wants us to obey Him, it's not the same as having to obey people. The reason, is that God always puts you first, He always thinks of your feelings and how something will effect you. And when I came to this realization, which is when I became born again, I wanted to obey Him because it was and is always in my best interest.
So, what am I saying? Why did I tell you all of that? I tell you the truth, God loves everybody, and desires that no man perish (John 3:16). So stop sending other people to Hell by declaring that they will never be a Christian. Start praying for them and raise your prayers to God. When we pray to God the Spirit and Jesus intercede for us (Rom. 8:26&34) and the people we pray for in ways that we cannot. Begin to declare the good things that God has for them; if you don't know what those good things are then read the Bible, it is full of promises.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
If My People
I am constantly hearing people talk about how revival is coming, get ready, because it's coming. Do I believe it is coming, absolutely, but why isn't it here yet? We so desperately need revival in our country, throughout North America, and all over the world. So if there is such a need, why hasn't God sent the revival to us?
The other day I thought about the Scripture in 2 Chronicles 7:14 where it says, "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." To give some understanding to the background of this reference, Solomon has finished building the temple for God to dwell in and God had just told Solomon in verse 13, "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, (14) if my people..." Clearly, we have not seen such horrible circumstances as stated in verse 13 but haven't we seen some "plagues" like people constantly trying to take away the rights of Christians by taking out prayer in school, not valuing all life regardless of how young or old, and denying that the United States was founded on Christian principles?
I know that some Christians have come to a place of repentence and humbling themselves, but maybe, just maybe, it's not enough to allow our leaders and pastors do all of the work? Maybe it's time that we become proactive instead of reactive. Maybe, just maybe we should pray for our country before more deterioration occurs, instead of waiting and being appauled at what is happening. If we Christians want to make a difference, as we all claim, then perhaps it's time to stop "wasting time". God put us on this earth to worship Him, bring in other worshippers, and train them so they may bring in additional worshippers, if we aren't accomplishing these tasks, then what are we doing? Are we doing what God wants us to do and being productive in the Kingdom of God, or are we wasting time.
It very clearly states in 2 Chronicles "if my people", this says to me that it is up to us. So stop crying out to God pleading for Him to help us come to a place of revival in this land if we aren't even humbling ourselves and getting revival in our heart. The first step to seeing revival in our land, is humbling ourselves, asking God to forgive our sins, and yes, asking Him to forgive the sins of the other people in this land. But first, we have to admit that we have sinned ourselves and stop blaming it on everybody else. We must stop pointing the finger and saying how bad society is if we're not willing to do something about it. Because, "sinners are doing there jobs, they're sinning, are we doing ours" (Pastor Joe Timberlake) Let's get real, and get God so we can share Him with others.
The other day I thought about the Scripture in 2 Chronicles 7:14 where it says, "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." To give some understanding to the background of this reference, Solomon has finished building the temple for God to dwell in and God had just told Solomon in verse 13, "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, (14) if my people..." Clearly, we have not seen such horrible circumstances as stated in verse 13 but haven't we seen some "plagues" like people constantly trying to take away the rights of Christians by taking out prayer in school, not valuing all life regardless of how young or old, and denying that the United States was founded on Christian principles?
I know that some Christians have come to a place of repentence and humbling themselves, but maybe, just maybe, it's not enough to allow our leaders and pastors do all of the work? Maybe it's time that we become proactive instead of reactive. Maybe, just maybe we should pray for our country before more deterioration occurs, instead of waiting and being appauled at what is happening. If we Christians want to make a difference, as we all claim, then perhaps it's time to stop "wasting time". God put us on this earth to worship Him, bring in other worshippers, and train them so they may bring in additional worshippers, if we aren't accomplishing these tasks, then what are we doing? Are we doing what God wants us to do and being productive in the Kingdom of God, or are we wasting time.
It very clearly states in 2 Chronicles "if my people", this says to me that it is up to us. So stop crying out to God pleading for Him to help us come to a place of revival in this land if we aren't even humbling ourselves and getting revival in our heart. The first step to seeing revival in our land, is humbling ourselves, asking God to forgive our sins, and yes, asking Him to forgive the sins of the other people in this land. But first, we have to admit that we have sinned ourselves and stop blaming it on everybody else. We must stop pointing the finger and saying how bad society is if we're not willing to do something about it. Because, "sinners are doing there jobs, they're sinning, are we doing ours" (Pastor Joe Timberlake) Let's get real, and get God so we can share Him with others.
Friday, May 29, 2009
What are we doing with our lives?
This afternoon I was taking a walk and listening to some Christian music. At one point, I decided that I really wanted to focus on God and so I decided to close my eyes so that I could block out everything around me so I wouldn't be distracted (it was a quiet street with no traffic or activity). As I was walking with my eyes closed, all of a sudden I felt myself begin to trip and immediately opened my eyes and caught myself before I fell to the ground. Then, I suddenly realized that what had just happened to me is a picture of how so many Christians live their lives.
As a Christian, there are many times that we want to only focus on God and block out the rest of the world. Naturally, there are times to do this. We need to focus purely on God. We need it in order to know God. We need to know what He is thinking and feeling. We need to tell Him how we are doing. God desires these times with us and we should desire and even desperately seek these times with Him.
We should always have intimacy with God, but not to the extent of blocking out the rest of the world. What I mean by that is that while we are not supposed to be "of the world" (John 15:19) we are still very much living in the world and we need to stop hiding behind our Christianity. So many times I have heard, oh I can't be around this person or that person because they ____ and as a Christian I need to stay away from them. When someone uses their Christianity as a guard against allowing someone "in the world" in their life they are doing the exact opposite of what Jesus wanted. After all, who did Jesus hang out with while he was on Earth? Did He restrict Himself to only being around men and women of God? NO, He was constantly around the sinners, the people that we immediately shut out of our life because they don't know Jesus. Let me ask a question, how will they get to know Jesus if they are never told, or even better, shown His love? If we don't show them who Jesus is and that they need to get right with God, who will?
It is time to stop hiding behind our church walls and go out and be little Christs (Christians). We need to start doing what Jesus did, which was be around all people. It is time to stop being afraid of the devil and start believing that our God is bigger and much more powerful than him. That we have nothing to fear because we have God on our side. So who's with me?
As a Christian, there are many times that we want to only focus on God and block out the rest of the world. Naturally, there are times to do this. We need to focus purely on God. We need it in order to know God. We need to know what He is thinking and feeling. We need to tell Him how we are doing. God desires these times with us and we should desire and even desperately seek these times with Him.
We should always have intimacy with God, but not to the extent of blocking out the rest of the world. What I mean by that is that while we are not supposed to be "of the world" (John 15:19) we are still very much living in the world and we need to stop hiding behind our Christianity. So many times I have heard, oh I can't be around this person or that person because they ____ and as a Christian I need to stay away from them. When someone uses their Christianity as a guard against allowing someone "in the world" in their life they are doing the exact opposite of what Jesus wanted. After all, who did Jesus hang out with while he was on Earth? Did He restrict Himself to only being around men and women of God? NO, He was constantly around the sinners, the people that we immediately shut out of our life because they don't know Jesus. Let me ask a question, how will they get to know Jesus if they are never told, or even better, shown His love? If we don't show them who Jesus is and that they need to get right with God, who will?
It is time to stop hiding behind our church walls and go out and be little Christs (Christians). We need to start doing what Jesus did, which was be around all people. It is time to stop being afraid of the devil and start believing that our God is bigger and much more powerful than him. That we have nothing to fear because we have God on our side. So who's with me?
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Who Is In Control?
There is a song called "I Believe" which is by the Deluge band and within the song there is a line that says, "Never gonna change my mind about You". I have seen people (including myself) "change" their mind about God; anywhere from a complete turning away from God, or rejecting Him in the moment when we don't think following Him is very convenient, or even simply not doing what He wants because it's not what we want. All three of these instances are examples of when we put ourselves on the throne and decide what we want to do and don't particularly care what God thinks.
Anytime that we ignore God and His desires for us, for our destiny, for our day-to-day living style we are essentially saying that our opinion is more important that God's and that we have changed our mind about God being our Lord. Oh my, how self-righteous we can all be, because let's face it, we have all done it at some point, and if we don't think so, then we're in denial because nobody is perfect. But, oh, to one day be the person He desires me to be, someone who does everything He wants and always put myself and my own feeling to the side and ignore them when they don't agree with His will, oh, how I do long for that, how about you?
I know that when I read my Bible and worship Him through prayer and song that I become transformed because He is welcomed into my life and I am able to continually keep Him as Lord over my life. But yet, I know that it is not enough to do these things, I need to allow Him into my life completely, to choose to listen to and follow Him every moment of every day and truly never change my mind, even in a split second, about who God is to me. The only way I can ever become all that God desires for me to be is through reading the Bible, worshipping Him through prayer and song, and most importantly, having his Holy Spirit not only living in me, but through me. The Holy Spirit must penetrate my entire life so that when people look at me, they see Him and not the selfish person that I am without Him.
I love God with all of my heart and want God to be in control of my life, and I will never change my mind!
Anytime that we ignore God and His desires for us, for our destiny, for our day-to-day living style we are essentially saying that our opinion is more important that God's and that we have changed our mind about God being our Lord. Oh my, how self-righteous we can all be, because let's face it, we have all done it at some point, and if we don't think so, then we're in denial because nobody is perfect. But, oh, to one day be the person He desires me to be, someone who does everything He wants and always put myself and my own feeling to the side and ignore them when they don't agree with His will, oh, how I do long for that, how about you?
I know that when I read my Bible and worship Him through prayer and song that I become transformed because He is welcomed into my life and I am able to continually keep Him as Lord over my life. But yet, I know that it is not enough to do these things, I need to allow Him into my life completely, to choose to listen to and follow Him every moment of every day and truly never change my mind, even in a split second, about who God is to me. The only way I can ever become all that God desires for me to be is through reading the Bible, worshipping Him through prayer and song, and most importantly, having his Holy Spirit not only living in me, but through me. The Holy Spirit must penetrate my entire life so that when people look at me, they see Him and not the selfish person that I am without Him.
I love God with all of my heart and want God to be in control of my life, and I will never change my mind!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Thought for the Day - Be Yourself
Have you ever noticed that some people you come in contact with seem phony; like they aren't who they seem to be? So many times we try to not be ourself by acting like someone else because we think that they're better than us. Perhaps we think they're more eloquent than us, or more spiritual, or more popular. We compare ourselves to people around us or on television and think, "if only I could be like them, they're so....", then we do everything we can to imitate them.
God has made each person unique and special and loves everything about us. We are supposed to be different from everyone else, not carbon copies because we all have a unique calling. He has a purpose for each of our lives, and if we become who He has made us to be, we will be able to fulfill our purpose. Our life is a journey, and we are always seeking to be the perfect creature that He desires us to be through prayer, worship, and reading the Bible.
The very first step to being able to fulfill our purpose is to accept and love who He has made us to be. How could our purposes be fulfilled if we are supposed to walk in love but yet we don't even love ourselves?
God made us the way we are on purpose, it wasn't a mistake. We are His beloved, and He is ours. God loves us no matter what!!
God has made each person unique and special and loves everything about us. We are supposed to be different from everyone else, not carbon copies because we all have a unique calling. He has a purpose for each of our lives, and if we become who He has made us to be, we will be able to fulfill our purpose. Our life is a journey, and we are always seeking to be the perfect creature that He desires us to be through prayer, worship, and reading the Bible.
The very first step to being able to fulfill our purpose is to accept and love who He has made us to be. How could our purposes be fulfilled if we are supposed to walk in love but yet we don't even love ourselves?
God made us the way we are on purpose, it wasn't a mistake. We are His beloved, and He is ours. God loves us no matter what!!
Friday, October 10, 2008
It's Not All About Me
The other day I was speaking with a group of people and we were talking about relationships. We began to share what we look for in a friend and the way that we treat our friends. In the midst of our conversation, the fact that there is more to life than satisfying our own needs was brought up; that Jesus died on the cross so that we could have a relationship with God and we could help others have a relationship with God.
In our everyday life we often get caught up in the daily activities and lose sight of what is important. We are not Christians so that we can live in secret about being a believer but rather to share the love of God with others because it is not all about us. It's time that Christians begin to stand up tall and declare the faith that we have in God. It's time that we step out in faith and pray for people that are in need instead of being too shy to approach someone that we know needs prayer. It's time to worship God in our attitudes and actions, through reading the Bible and worshipping Him with our voice. It's time that we no longer be intimidated by what we think others might say if they knew about our faith but rather encouraged to know that God is with us and all that matters is His opinion of us. It is time to allow God to be in every part of our lives, to no longer shut Him out of the areas (sin - unforgiveness, hatred, immoral sin, etc) that we have not been willing to surrender. Most of all, it is time that we come together as one body of Christians and support one another so we may become stronger in God. When all of these things happen, revival is possible among the church and the world.
So, who wants revival? Who is willing to do everything that it will take for a revival to occur? Who is willing to stand up for the Christian faith, to share the love of God with others regardless of how they may react? Who is willing to be "bananas for Jesus"? Who?
In our everyday life we often get caught up in the daily activities and lose sight of what is important. We are not Christians so that we can live in secret about being a believer but rather to share the love of God with others because it is not all about us. It's time that Christians begin to stand up tall and declare the faith that we have in God. It's time that we step out in faith and pray for people that are in need instead of being too shy to approach someone that we know needs prayer. It's time to worship God in our attitudes and actions, through reading the Bible and worshipping Him with our voice. It's time that we no longer be intimidated by what we think others might say if they knew about our faith but rather encouraged to know that God is with us and all that matters is His opinion of us. It is time to allow God to be in every part of our lives, to no longer shut Him out of the areas (sin - unforgiveness, hatred, immoral sin, etc) that we have not been willing to surrender. Most of all, it is time that we come together as one body of Christians and support one another so we may become stronger in God. When all of these things happen, revival is possible among the church and the world.
So, who wants revival? Who is willing to do everything that it will take for a revival to occur? Who is willing to stand up for the Christian faith, to share the love of God with others regardless of how they may react? Who is willing to be "bananas for Jesus"? Who?
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Time
It's been quite a while since I have posted a message and the reason is because I haven't had the time, or actually that has been my excuse. I have felt too busy with a new baby and trying to have a social life to sit down and post a blog, even though it only takes a few minutes. The other day I was thinking about this blog and realized that I actually did have the time to post an entry but I chose to do something else with my time. I related this to my walk with God.
Often, we feel too busy to spend the time with God and listen to what He wants to tell us that will help us get through each day. We think that we don't have the time because of everything else that we make a priority. The truth of the matter is that we have the ability to choose how to spend our time each day and no matter what, there is always a little time that can be spent exclusively with God. God wants us to seek and spend quality time with Him each and everyday. He is waiting for us to make the first move towards Him, and once we do, he can flood our hearts with His love which makes everything else in life easier to get through. We must make God our first priority, and only then will our lives be filled with His love and peace.
Often, we feel too busy to spend the time with God and listen to what He wants to tell us that will help us get through each day. We think that we don't have the time because of everything else that we make a priority. The truth of the matter is that we have the ability to choose how to spend our time each day and no matter what, there is always a little time that can be spent exclusively with God. God wants us to seek and spend quality time with Him each and everyday. He is waiting for us to make the first move towards Him, and once we do, he can flood our hearts with His love which makes everything else in life easier to get through. We must make God our first priority, and only then will our lives be filled with His love and peace.
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