I ordered a new couch. It took nearly two months to come in. When it finally arrived, I realized that I may have made a mistake in choosing the color. I went from a beautiful rich brown to putty! I'd been looking at brown furniture for years and to finally change the color took some getting used to. When Jesus came along and began explaining the law so people would understand it better, He met some resistance. The Pharisees had become so accustomed to doing things a certain way that they thought their way was right. They hated Him for exposing them and so they began plotting to kill Him. Don't get so caught up in religion and rituals that you neglect to follow the actual Word of God. Sometimes what is taught is like my old brown couch, you get so used to it that when the truth is placed in front of you it looks unusual and different, like my new putty colored couch.
You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: "'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'" Matthew 15:7-9
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Friday, February 3, 2017
February 3
Since I was a child, this time of year seems to give me trouble. I'm usually fine all year and seldom have need to visit the doctor, but almost like clockwork, when February hits, so does virus and cold season. It wouldn't be so bad if it was just a cold, but with me, it turns into asthma. Coughing, wheezing, and sneezing are obnoxious! I have too much going on to stop for such nonsense! You don't realize how much you appreciate breathing until it becomes obstructed. Life doesn't stop to wait for me to get better either, I must continue on. My prayer is for you to keep moving forward through sickness and disease and that the power of the Almighty would overtake your situation and help you to push through. We all need some help when sickness comes calling, so as you rest to recover, may God's mighty hand become powerful in your life and may healing come quickly.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. Psalms 103:2-4
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. Psalms 103:2-4
Thursday, February 2, 2017
February 2
You know you have a job to go to, things to do, or children to take care of but you just don't want to get out of bed. Responsibilities call for us to get up and get going. The things we've been appointed to do cannot wait; besides, we're the only one who can handle our lives. When it comes to the things that God has called to do for His Kingdom, He will sustain you and give you guidance. Though your task may not be an easy one, if we lay the burden of the assignment upon His shoulders, He will carry the weight. It takes a lot of prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit to get to the point where you become relaxed and free from anxiety while working for the Lord. My experience has been that if I feel burdened or anxious, I'm not doing it in God's power but my power. I'm not as effective as He is as completing the task at hand. Take His yoke upon you, learn from Him and He will give you rest.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
February 1
Unless you're living under a rock, it's hard to escape being judged by hypocrites. Especially when the ones doing the judging are filthy dirty. Not only that, but, they turn around and accuse those, who are trying to do good, of being the judgmental ones. We are living in a messed up world! Save your breath for those whose hearts are ready to receive your counsel. Trying to defend every little insult that is thrown at you will get you nowhere, they're not listening anyway. Jesus offered no defense when He was being accused, He never even answered to a single charge against Him, He followed the instructions of the Father in Heaven. He also said for us to turn the other cheek, I would say we're getting pretty beat up these days. Hold on to what you've got until His return. We will receive justice. Have pity on our accusers, they will face the fire unless they turn before their end.
"Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. Matthew 7:6
"Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. Matthew 7:6
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
January 31
My heart breaks for those who think they are a Christian but don't really know Jesus. These are the people that identify with Christianity as a culture, but haven't actually gone through a radical change in their life. Salvation doesn't come because you utter a few words or even go through baptism, it's well beyond the ritual. My fear is that in the end some will be standing before Jesus and He will say "I never knew you." I've seen many who have gone through the motions but have never had a heartfelt change and continue to live a worldly life. Examine your life. If it doesn't look any different than the life you led before your so-called commitment, then it may be time for you to have a little talk with Jesus. I don't want anyone to be surprised on judgment day so please examine your life as a precaution. I know this is somewhat offensive, but I would rather you be offended right now than see you end up in Hell.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.' Matthew 7:21-23
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.' Matthew 7:21-23
Sunday, January 29, 2017
January 29
Every now and then I ask myself "what have you done for the kingdom lately?" When that question comes up, it's usually the Holy Spirit prompting me to move into action. There is probably someone that needs ministering to and He's readying me in advance to take action. As Christians, we can sometimes become sedentary in our ways and forget that there are many hurting souls waiting for some comforting words. Have no fear, the Holy Spirit is there to encourage you into action when it's the right time. Be in prayer and study the Word so you are always ready at any moment. Jesus is right there with you encouraging you! If your words are rejected, shake the dust off of your feet and move on. It may feel like they've rejected you, but they've really rejected Jesus. So, be prepared in and out of season to give a reason for your faith and share it with others.
And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Matthew 10:14
And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Matthew 10:14
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