Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angles, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord
~Romans 8:35,38-39
I am greatful that I am not persuaded with the things of this world nor love the things of this world. Too many times we see people back slidden or trail behind because they have taken their eye off of Jesus. Once we do that we are in for a world of hurt. I do understand that life may not be that forgiving or have the answers to your problems- BUT GOD! He is able to do above all that we ask for! He is great, He is merciful, He is Magnificant! Without the love of Jesus, we are nothing.
What persuaded me to write this is that I have a friend who I care deeply about, but I am afraid that her love of God isn't as strong as it was when I first met her. Her love for Him has slowly deteriorated. It hurts when you see someone step out of God's will and into their own. Nothing good comes from the flesh, and if we know this, why would we even take a chance without Him? The saying, "The grass is greener on the otherside" is not applicable to those who decide to choose a life without Jesus. In the world, you will find more hurt, more sorrow, more pain, more confusion, more anxiey, more fear, more failure, more promiscuity, more let downs, more bad habits, than you would find anywhere! How do I know? Because I've been there...
No matter the circumstance, no matter the situation, no matter who I befriend I will never let anything or anyone move me or take away my love for Christ. I'm saddened when I hear of people who give up on Jesus due to unanswered prayers or just total selfishness. Jesus did not die for us to become our personal genie, but he died for our sins and to give us hope in hopeless situations; to give us strength when we are weak; to keep us pressing foward when our motivation runs low; to give us comfort when we feel lonely. He is more than just us asking for gifts and blessings. He is our strong tower, our fortress when we are weak. Next time you want to ask God for that house, that car, that husband, that wife, that job, try thanking Him instead and praising Him for all the wonderful works that He has done thus far and will continue to do.
Another mistake we make is observing and comparing ourselves to others. The Bible says, For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise 2 Corinthians 10:12. We have to learn to be content with what God has given is, whether it's a spiritual gift or treasures of this world. If we constantly chase after new fashions (clothes, shoes, cars, houses, etc...) we'll find ourselves out of breath. We will never be able to keep up with this fast-paced society. The bible also talks about having a love for these things. John 2:15 says, Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. I dont want to love the world so much that I loose my main focus. It's so easy to get thrown off track. Once you take your eye off Jesus, the enemy will move in and pull you in a new direction. Next thing you know, you are drinking, smoking, fornicating, and doing acts that are not pleasing to him. Our goal is to be pleasing to him in both body and mind and spirit. Jesus says, Be ye holy, for I am holy (1 Peter 1:16) He also states, If you love me you will keep my commandments (John 14:15). Let us walk in newness of life and repent from our sins. Lets turn aside our old ways and walk with Him. He loves us, so he died for us. There is no greater love than this.
Next time you get discouraged, remember we have a living hope! Do not let the things of this world worry you or move you to a place of discontentment. Jesus loves you and desires to hear from you. Talk to Him that you may stay strong. And always remember YOU WILL NOT BE SHAKEN! =)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Miracles Are Still Happening!
God is really going to show Himself in these last days...I believe we are living in a critical hour! A lot times we get a little discouraged because we hear of miracles and we read of miracles in the bible, but we never truly experience them. Well I'm here to tell you that miracles still exists! I believe God is going to show miracles and turn unbelievers to believers! What prompt me to do this is I just received an email from an old co-worker/friend who said she went to the Freeport Bakery to pay the last payment for her cake for her B-day party tomorrow and when she arrived, they told her it was all paid for! God is good! I want to post as many miracles I hear. People out there need to know God is here and He is more than just a trip to church on Sunday or a quick prayer or a simple bible read. He is a God of action, He moves! His spirit is sometimes quinched in chuches who fail to understand this concept. Praising God should never be quiet. The bible says, **Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs Psalm 150:4
**O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph Psalm 47:1
If you have never experienced the power of God or felt his power, I would advice you to get a hold of him today! Too often we get into a routine and stick with it. If you never cried out his name during prayer, I challenge you to do so! If you've never danced when something good has happened, or a miracle has happened, I advise you to make it happen. When we step out in faith, God MOVES! =)
**O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph Psalm 47:1
If you have never experienced the power of God or felt his power, I would advice you to get a hold of him today! Too often we get into a routine and stick with it. If you never cried out his name during prayer, I challenge you to do so! If you've never danced when something good has happened, or a miracle has happened, I advise you to make it happen. When we step out in faith, God MOVES! =)
Youth Revival Update
Wow, what can I say?? Youth revival was amazing. The youth group's effort to fast and join for prayer really paid off. Thurday night brother Barker preached and he talked about not being ashamed of representing the one true God. He mentioned a funny story about how he invited someone to his church and he was praying that a certain man would not get up during this service and sing because he yoddles! But that certain man got up anyway and sang, and Bro. Barker's guest asked, "Why does he sing like that?" and Brother Barker responded, "That's his way of praising Jesus!" Although that story was funny, it also had a point to it. I know personally when I invite someone to church, I feel it's my duty to make them feel as comfortable as they can and pray that service is perfect with no embarrassments, but what Bro. Barker taught me was that It does not matter what people think, especially when it comes to someone worshiping. I had a recent experience like that and at first I was feeling ashamed because the music was different this time and I knew my guest would not like the style, but now I see there is nothing more beautiful than brothers and sisters in Christ worshipping Jesus!! I realized there is no need for me to be ashamed-ever! I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the POWER of God unto salvation to every one that believeth! Romans 1:16 I may have friends who don't understand, but I am not ashamed! I may have family who don't understand, but I am not ashamed! Jesus has done many wonderful works in my life and for that I give him praise!
Friday night was even better! I was feeling the annointing of God all over me and I received a phrophecy that came to pass and that is still happening! When God says something is going to be done, he does it! He is not a man that he should lie Numbers 23:18-20.
Saturday was the BIOTour event and it was amazing. We had a chance to reach out through ministering to the folks in the park and feeding them free hotdogs and chips! There was a family that happened to be by us enjoying their barbecue and when Pastor Josh asked every one to pray I saw one of the ladies lift her hands towards heaven. Just by that act of faith, I know God gave her a blessing! We truly enjoyed ourselves out there. I look foward to the next BIOTour starting next Spring.
On Sunday the message from Bro. Barker was titled, The Call is Greater than the Risk. He started off by telling a story of a professor who loved to swim in the ocean (I believe this was in Southern California). She would wake up every morning and take a dive in the waters. Well one day some nearby swimmers saw blood in the water in the early morning and jumped in the water to see what the issue was. When the swimmers got there, all that was left was a body with torn limbs and it was apparant the person was bit by a shark. The lady happened to be the professor who swam daily. Co-workers and friends had lots of nice things to say about her, but what they all had in common was the fact that everyone mentioned the love she had for swimming. She would swim, no matter what. Nearby, on the shore there is a plaque that says the ladies name and then underneath it reads something like: You knew there were dangers in those shark infested waters but we also know the call to the ocean was greater than the risk...What an amazing story! Bro. Barker then talked about how during this journey we may lose friends, family or whomever that decides to push God away, but God has a greater calling, purpose in our lives which outweighs the risks! The preaching was awesome!
On Sunday night we wrapped up with revival with a title that said we are not as drunk as we ought to be. Meaning, drunk in the Holy Ghost! God's spirit is amazing! There were a number of us that was slain in the spirit and on the floor by the time service ended. It's nice to speak to God in an unknown tonguie and to know that he is listening. Sometimes we may not understand what we need to pray for, so the spirit helps us by speaking in tongues. The bible says, Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26. before His Ascension into Heaven, Jesus promises to send his comfort, and you better believe it's alive and well! =)
Friday night was even better! I was feeling the annointing of God all over me and I received a phrophecy that came to pass and that is still happening! When God says something is going to be done, he does it! He is not a man that he should lie Numbers 23:18-20.
Saturday was the BIOTour event and it was amazing. We had a chance to reach out through ministering to the folks in the park and feeding them free hotdogs and chips! There was a family that happened to be by us enjoying their barbecue and when Pastor Josh asked every one to pray I saw one of the ladies lift her hands towards heaven. Just by that act of faith, I know God gave her a blessing! We truly enjoyed ourselves out there. I look foward to the next BIOTour starting next Spring.
On Sunday the message from Bro. Barker was titled, The Call is Greater than the Risk. He started off by telling a story of a professor who loved to swim in the ocean (I believe this was in Southern California). She would wake up every morning and take a dive in the waters. Well one day some nearby swimmers saw blood in the water in the early morning and jumped in the water to see what the issue was. When the swimmers got there, all that was left was a body with torn limbs and it was apparant the person was bit by a shark. The lady happened to be the professor who swam daily. Co-workers and friends had lots of nice things to say about her, but what they all had in common was the fact that everyone mentioned the love she had for swimming. She would swim, no matter what. Nearby, on the shore there is a plaque that says the ladies name and then underneath it reads something like: You knew there were dangers in those shark infested waters but we also know the call to the ocean was greater than the risk...What an amazing story! Bro. Barker then talked about how during this journey we may lose friends, family or whomever that decides to push God away, but God has a greater calling, purpose in our lives which outweighs the risks! The preaching was awesome!
On Sunday night we wrapped up with revival with a title that said we are not as drunk as we ought to be. Meaning, drunk in the Holy Ghost! God's spirit is amazing! There were a number of us that was slain in the spirit and on the floor by the time service ended. It's nice to speak to God in an unknown tonguie and to know that he is listening. Sometimes we may not understand what we need to pray for, so the spirit helps us by speaking in tongues. The bible says, Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26. before His Ascension into Heaven, Jesus promises to send his comfort, and you better believe it's alive and well! =)
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