I can recall a movie that I saw in which there was a scene about a husband who could not maintain a job that would provide for his family’s day to day survival. The wife became fed up with hearing excuses day after day as to why her family could not have “this or that.” Finally, she left her husband and son behind, refusing to suffer because of what she considered a selfish decision made by her husband. She journeyed one way to pursue happiness as the son and father journeyed another direction, also in pursuit of happiness.
This movie reminds me of the journey that we as Christians have in life. There are certain aspects of life that everyone must face – temptation, affliction, discouragement. The Apostle Paul wrote “For thy sake we are killed all the daylong; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter,” (Romans 8:36).
This Scripture is saying that God’s faithful people will continually face trials for His sake as the enemy daily and unceasingly seeks our destruction. It is during these hard times that we must look above our troubles and to God; believing that though the enemy is allowed to test us, he has no real power over us. Power belongs to God.
What temptation are you experiencing right now? Are you being afflicted? Do you feel discouraged? Perhaps you are suffering or possibly you know someone who is going through right now.
The father and son mentioned previously, experienced much hardship. Living in a hotel, sleeping in a train’s station restroom and when they could, a shelter. This father knew that there was more to life and he was determined to suffer in whatever way necessary – even while caring for his son—in order to get to happiness. Do you have that same type of determination for the cause of Christ?
Consider finding comfort in the midst of your situation while meditating on the Word of God, and seek to be content. Call upon our heavenly Father to restrain you from seeking relief by any sinful manner. Let Him mold you into the person He has already equipped you to be. Ask the Lord to give you strength and help you face each day. Pray to God that you will not beat yourself up during your time of destitution. Remember “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you,” 1( Peter 4:14).
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Generosity out of Poverty
A few days ago, I received a phone call from a woman who was struggling to survive. She said, “It would be my delight to supply an offering. Through God's favor, I will do my very best to provide an offering.” The next day she said to me, “my heart wants to give but I really don’t have enough.” As we closed our conversation, I reminded her that her prayers are sufficient and God knows her heart, so that is a blessing.
Moments later she sent in a donation, saying it was only but a ‘small donation.’ Interestingly, I noticed so many others commenting saying they can only give a ‘small donation.’ Such phrases reminded of the Bible passage that speaks of a widow’s two mites.
Luke wrote: And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all. For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. (Luke 21:1 – 4)
This Scripture is saying that when the poor widow let go of the thin, small brass coin, worth about a 1/5 of a cent; she did not have any attachments to it. She willingly gave from her heart. From her offering, we can learn that what we give to assist the poor, in the support of God’s worship, is actually given to God. God knows our heart and delights with whatever offering we give to help the Body of the Church and to bring relief to the poor.
Luke continues to say “she of her penury cast in all the living that she had.” That is, in her deficiency she gave all that she had to live off of– and it was the very thing that she was lacking.
What state of mind would we find ourselves in, if we were impoverished? Some might be saying “I am in poverty right now.” Would we have a heart to give with no strings attached? Could we say, I might not have enough for my rent this month, but I still have a roof over my head, the Lord is worthy? Would you give property, if you were lacking? Would you give resources, if you were lacking? How would you give out of poverty?
The Lord rejoices knowing we give the small we have, simultaneously giving our soul to Christ. He knows what we have because He is the reason we have anything at all. Our giving displays our attachment to possessions, to God. It shows our reliance towards our heavenly Father.
Many are struggling; some who never knew they would are facing poverty right now. The enemy wants us to believe because we lack we can’t give. It is only a trick. Some have nothing physically to give but can still lift up prayers. Some can’t give financially but know others that can pitch in financially. Some can’t buy clothes but can still share the clothes they have. Some can’t buy food but can cook a meal to share. We all have something that is satisfactory to give. When our heart connects with the Father and we seek Him about our giving, He reveals what we can give, even out of poverty.
Consider giving from your heart, knowing that our small delights Christ. Don’t think your small is not enough, for it pleases God that we give, even out of our deficiency. As the world goes through, walk with faith that you are coming through. Call upon the Lord to help, you see that the small you have is sufficient. Pray to God to help you to not cling to the things of this world but to help bring relief to the poor. Ask God to bless you so you may be a blessing to someone else. Pray to the Father to help you understand “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Moments later she sent in a donation, saying it was only but a ‘small donation.’ Interestingly, I noticed so many others commenting saying they can only give a ‘small donation.’ Such phrases reminded of the Bible passage that speaks of a widow’s two mites.
Luke wrote: And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all. For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. (Luke 21:1 – 4)
This Scripture is saying that when the poor widow let go of the thin, small brass coin, worth about a 1/5 of a cent; she did not have any attachments to it. She willingly gave from her heart. From her offering, we can learn that what we give to assist the poor, in the support of God’s worship, is actually given to God. God knows our heart and delights with whatever offering we give to help the Body of the Church and to bring relief to the poor.
Luke continues to say “she of her penury cast in all the living that she had.” That is, in her deficiency she gave all that she had to live off of– and it was the very thing that she was lacking.
What state of mind would we find ourselves in, if we were impoverished? Some might be saying “I am in poverty right now.” Would we have a heart to give with no strings attached? Could we say, I might not have enough for my rent this month, but I still have a roof over my head, the Lord is worthy? Would you give property, if you were lacking? Would you give resources, if you were lacking? How would you give out of poverty?
The Lord rejoices knowing we give the small we have, simultaneously giving our soul to Christ. He knows what we have because He is the reason we have anything at all. Our giving displays our attachment to possessions, to God. It shows our reliance towards our heavenly Father.
Many are struggling; some who never knew they would are facing poverty right now. The enemy wants us to believe because we lack we can’t give. It is only a trick. Some have nothing physically to give but can still lift up prayers. Some can’t give financially but know others that can pitch in financially. Some can’t buy clothes but can still share the clothes they have. Some can’t buy food but can cook a meal to share. We all have something that is satisfactory to give. When our heart connects with the Father and we seek Him about our giving, He reveals what we can give, even out of poverty.
Consider giving from your heart, knowing that our small delights Christ. Don’t think your small is not enough, for it pleases God that we give, even out of our deficiency. As the world goes through, walk with faith that you are coming through. Call upon the Lord to help, you see that the small you have is sufficient. Pray to God to help you to not cling to the things of this world but to help bring relief to the poor. Ask God to bless you so you may be a blessing to someone else. Pray to the Father to help you understand “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Don’t Cast Your Confidence
Today someone lost their job, another lost their home. A family experienced a divorce while some were discriminated against. In Kenya there has been no rain for over a year, some without food, and some without clothes. An hour ago someone threat the life of another and a minute ago someone died, yet none of these things can conquer separating us from the love of Christ.
As I ponder the state of the economy my mind is captured by the writings of the Apostle Paul he said, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:35).
Paul was saying what can try to divorce us from the love of Christ? Can anything tear us apart from the affection of Christ? Do you think pressure, the stress of the downfall of the economy, the limited places of employment, being treated unfairly, being discriminated against, being without something to eat, having no clothes, going bankrupt, experiencing threat, even death it cannot separate you but bring you closer to the love of Christ.
Can losing your job or house shred the love of Chris from you, the loss of a loved one is not going to take away the affection Christ has for you. No matter how small or how big your situation may be it will not rip away the love that Christ has for you because the Lord will love you the same today and tomorrow.
Maybe you know someone wondering where their next meal is coming from. Possibly you feel low about yourself because you don’t have all the answers. Perhaps you are pondering where you will live by the end of this month or week. Are you staying close to the Lord? Can you stand and say Lord despite all I have and don’t have you’ve been good. Will you stand and say if you don’t do anything else, Lord, you’ve been good.
Can you see, the hardships of the world today, are a strategy to deplete our confidence. If you are low on food go on a fast, if you no longer have a car walk, jog or use the time to exercise to get to your destinations. If you’re staying from house to house, hotel to hotel, shelter to shelter consider you are on vacation. Do not be consumed with your situation that it takes your focus off the Lord and you neglect to reflect on the love that Christ has for you.
Consider not allowing your confidence to be cast below the depths of the sea. Pray to God to restore your joy, shake up your peace. Call upon the Lord to remind you that all He has done is good and pray that He helps you compose yourself in a manner of appreciation. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life,” John 3:16.
Written 10/16/09
As I ponder the state of the economy my mind is captured by the writings of the Apostle Paul he said, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:35).
Paul was saying what can try to divorce us from the love of Christ? Can anything tear us apart from the affection of Christ? Do you think pressure, the stress of the downfall of the economy, the limited places of employment, being treated unfairly, being discriminated against, being without something to eat, having no clothes, going bankrupt, experiencing threat, even death it cannot separate you but bring you closer to the love of Christ.
Can losing your job or house shred the love of Chris from you, the loss of a loved one is not going to take away the affection Christ has for you. No matter how small or how big your situation may be it will not rip away the love that Christ has for you because the Lord will love you the same today and tomorrow.
Maybe you know someone wondering where their next meal is coming from. Possibly you feel low about yourself because you don’t have all the answers. Perhaps you are pondering where you will live by the end of this month or week. Are you staying close to the Lord? Can you stand and say Lord despite all I have and don’t have you’ve been good. Will you stand and say if you don’t do anything else, Lord, you’ve been good.
Can you see, the hardships of the world today, are a strategy to deplete our confidence. If you are low on food go on a fast, if you no longer have a car walk, jog or use the time to exercise to get to your destinations. If you’re staying from house to house, hotel to hotel, shelter to shelter consider you are on vacation. Do not be consumed with your situation that it takes your focus off the Lord and you neglect to reflect on the love that Christ has for you.
Consider not allowing your confidence to be cast below the depths of the sea. Pray to God to restore your joy, shake up your peace. Call upon the Lord to remind you that all He has done is good and pray that He helps you compose yourself in a manner of appreciation. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life,” John 3:16.
Written 10/16/09
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
I Can Make It
Lately, my children have needed more than ever. My husband is experiencing difficult trails at his job and I have been preparing for an event. Yet, as the day draws closer one thing after another keeps happening. Every day is a test, yet preparation. Initially, I couldn’t see how the trails were all working as preparation. I called out to Him crawling before Him on my face, in need of His rejuvenation, for all I could see was ‘how it is hard’. I would call on my help for the children only to be let down. As each day got closer I felt as if I was heartbroken. I start second guessing my abilities, thinking that there is no way I can get this done, write this paper, present for class, take the kids here, tend to this or tend to that, there is no way. But joy comes in the morning. I can understand on a deeper level no matter what may come my way, my life is in His hand. Today, as I was on my face before the Lord, I was reminded there is a friend, a friend that won’t let you down.
My mind is captured by the writer Mark. He wrote “Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jarius, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, "My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him,” Mark 5:22-23.
Jesus just got off the boat and a multitude of people were awaiting His arrival, including the synagogue ruler. Jarius was a very prominent man in the community. The mentioning of his name would raise eye brows. But he did not let his status cripple him from showing reverence, once he saw Jesus. He did not let his pride take over him, he went to Jesus sincerely, pleading his situation. He asked Jesus to add His power to his daughter by laying His hand upon her so she may be restored and Jesus went with him.
I vividly see Jarius. Day after day serving the Lord. Seeking the right representatives, teaching teachers all to share the law of the Word to others. I can see Jarius so busy, how so many would flock to him for answers yet in his time of distress he knew just where to go. As his daughter laid to the point of death, he went to Jesus.
What do you have in your life and it seems like it is at the point of death? Are you feelingconsumed with responsibilities? Have you felt that everything has been piling up at once? Are you afraid? You don’t have to worry, you don’t have to cry. If you can just go before the Father and declare “ I can make it, I can make it.” Your brokenness will instantly, be moved if you focus on Him and not all that is coming your way.
The world is facing so many trails and all sorts of darts seem to be coming our way. But there is a friend that can revive you. The Bible says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13.
Consider not doing it on your own. Allow God to block your mind from trying to locate your help and pray that you continue to look to the Father. It is through Christ we are strengthened to with stand, whatever comes our way. When you feel like the bills are too heavy, the job is tearing you down, you feel like your responsibilities supersede the energy you have, rest in Him. Allow our heavenly Father to be your refreshment, believing you can make it. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away,” Revelation 21:4.
My mind is captured by the writer Mark. He wrote “Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jarius, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, "My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him,” Mark 5:22-23.
Jesus just got off the boat and a multitude of people were awaiting His arrival, including the synagogue ruler. Jarius was a very prominent man in the community. The mentioning of his name would raise eye brows. But he did not let his status cripple him from showing reverence, once he saw Jesus. He did not let his pride take over him, he went to Jesus sincerely, pleading his situation. He asked Jesus to add His power to his daughter by laying His hand upon her so she may be restored and Jesus went with him.
I vividly see Jarius. Day after day serving the Lord. Seeking the right representatives, teaching teachers all to share the law of the Word to others. I can see Jarius so busy, how so many would flock to him for answers yet in his time of distress he knew just where to go. As his daughter laid to the point of death, he went to Jesus.
What do you have in your life and it seems like it is at the point of death? Are you feelingconsumed with responsibilities? Have you felt that everything has been piling up at once? Are you afraid? You don’t have to worry, you don’t have to cry. If you can just go before the Father and declare “ I can make it, I can make it.” Your brokenness will instantly, be moved if you focus on Him and not all that is coming your way.
The world is facing so many trails and all sorts of darts seem to be coming our way. But there is a friend that can revive you. The Bible says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13.
Consider not doing it on your own. Allow God to block your mind from trying to locate your help and pray that you continue to look to the Father. It is through Christ we are strengthened to with stand, whatever comes our way. When you feel like the bills are too heavy, the job is tearing you down, you feel like your responsibilities supersede the energy you have, rest in Him. Allow our heavenly Father to be your refreshment, believing you can make it. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away,” Revelation 21:4.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Ignite Your Faith
When I was a little girl my right hand would itch and I would run and tell my grandmother, “ my hand is on fire, make it stop!” She would laugh and tell me baby you’re going to get some money.
I don’t recall if I ever got money as a child when I was young, nor did I believe my grandmother. As an adult, the itching of my hand has always reminded me to expect whatever I am praying for. When my hand itches it’s as if I can see myself getting what I am praying for so I expect it all the more.
Expecting God to move is having faith, the book of Hebrews says, "But without faith it is impossible to Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him," Hebrews 11:6.
If there is no confidence or trust in God all shots are called off, they are disabled. There is no power when we don’t rely on God, as there is no fire on a stove, if the match is not joined with the gas. Just as the lamp won’t turn on, if you never turn on the switch. Faith ignites God, it satisfies Him to do the impossible, what was once immobilized becomes mobilized. We must come to God with confidence. Our mind has to already be made up, persuaded that all is going through and will be approved. We should trust He is the one who pays wages to those that draws near attentively, searching and holding God obligated.
How is your faith today? Do you have confidence in the Lord to do the impossible? Are you trusting God for your healing? Have you been seeking yourself for a remedy for healing, for financial debt or for a broken relationship? Or do you seek God early and ask Him for peace to receive the prescription for your situation?
It was by faith that Noah prepared an ark becoming a successor of righteousness. By faith that Abraham went to dwell in a land and he knew not where he was going but inherited the land of promise. It was through faith that Sara had a baby in her old age. By faith baby Moses was hidden in bushes and expected to be seen and nurtured. It was faith that brought Moses through suffering with the people of God than relaxing enjoying pleasures, wandering away from the law of God, for only a little while.
Consider using your faith and allow God to set flames to the impossible. Pray to God to strengthen your faith. Ask God to assist you in trusting Him with confidence. For as Christ said, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer,” Matthew 21:21-22.
I don’t recall if I ever got money as a child when I was young, nor did I believe my grandmother. As an adult, the itching of my hand has always reminded me to expect whatever I am praying for. When my hand itches it’s as if I can see myself getting what I am praying for so I expect it all the more.
Expecting God to move is having faith, the book of Hebrews says, "But without faith it is impossible to Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him," Hebrews 11:6.
If there is no confidence or trust in God all shots are called off, they are disabled. There is no power when we don’t rely on God, as there is no fire on a stove, if the match is not joined with the gas. Just as the lamp won’t turn on, if you never turn on the switch. Faith ignites God, it satisfies Him to do the impossible, what was once immobilized becomes mobilized. We must come to God with confidence. Our mind has to already be made up, persuaded that all is going through and will be approved. We should trust He is the one who pays wages to those that draws near attentively, searching and holding God obligated.
How is your faith today? Do you have confidence in the Lord to do the impossible? Are you trusting God for your healing? Have you been seeking yourself for a remedy for healing, for financial debt or for a broken relationship? Or do you seek God early and ask Him for peace to receive the prescription for your situation?
It was by faith that Noah prepared an ark becoming a successor of righteousness. By faith that Abraham went to dwell in a land and he knew not where he was going but inherited the land of promise. It was through faith that Sara had a baby in her old age. By faith baby Moses was hidden in bushes and expected to be seen and nurtured. It was faith that brought Moses through suffering with the people of God than relaxing enjoying pleasures, wandering away from the law of God, for only a little while.
Consider using your faith and allow God to set flames to the impossible. Pray to God to strengthen your faith. Ask God to assist you in trusting Him with confidence. For as Christ said, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer,” Matthew 21:21-22.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Great, No Matter Your Age
My three year old son is always eager to help me fold the towels and set the table. His two older siblings on the other hand, have to be reminded to help with such chores. As I look at my children, I am reminded of growing up in a large family. The loud chants of, “ Don’t forget about me, I want some too, I want to be first, why am I always last,” was an ongoing record. Now as a parent of four children that same chant replays over and over in my head.
I find myself, disregarding their age and commending the one that follows my directions. Interestingly, it’s more often my three year old.
Such practices in my home remind of the psalmist “He will bless them that fear the Lord, small and great. The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children,” Psalm 115:13-14.
These scriptures are saying that the Lord will praise those that shows reverence to Him no matter their age. God will bless us not according to how significant or in significant we are but how honorable we are to Him. The verse together reminds us that no matter what our credentials He will add to us according to our respect to Him. But not only to the one obeying but the children and grand children. Everyone will be blessed because of reverence.
Abraham was one who showed much honor to God and He blessed him and his descendants. How do you respond to the directions of God? When others of authority gives instructions, do you follow through? Or do you hesitate, anticipating the one who is older, the one with more experience, or the other person to do what you have been asked to do?
Reverencing can be challenging but not as detrimental as coping with the consequences. Consider not your status when you are instructed. Ask God to help you be one that honors and not dishonor. Pray to God to help you follow through.
I find myself, disregarding their age and commending the one that follows my directions. Interestingly, it’s more often my three year old.
Such practices in my home remind of the psalmist “He will bless them that fear the Lord, small and great. The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children,” Psalm 115:13-14.
These scriptures are saying that the Lord will praise those that shows reverence to Him no matter their age. God will bless us not according to how significant or in significant we are but how honorable we are to Him. The verse together reminds us that no matter what our credentials He will add to us according to our respect to Him. But not only to the one obeying but the children and grand children. Everyone will be blessed because of reverence.
Abraham was one who showed much honor to God and He blessed him and his descendants. How do you respond to the directions of God? When others of authority gives instructions, do you follow through? Or do you hesitate, anticipating the one who is older, the one with more experience, or the other person to do what you have been asked to do?
Reverencing can be challenging but not as detrimental as coping with the consequences. Consider not your status when you are instructed. Ask God to help you be one that honors and not dishonor. Pray to God to help you follow through.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Stumbling With No Vision
One day my daughter was trying to draw a cartoon character, she kept getting upset because she could not remember what it looked like. She got so disturbed, I heard her make a loud grunt in her bedroom. I went to her room, as she threw the paper and pencil on the floor. I asked her why she was so upset and she explained her frustration to me. I went to the computer, pulled up a picture of the character and then drew it and gave it to her. She saw what I did and then decided to give it another try.
The proverbs of Solomon says “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law,”(Proverbs 29:18).
Isn’t it funny when we can’t visualize something quickly, we put it off and let go of our emotions. When we have no vision and neglect what we cannot see our emotions are triggered and some get paralyzed. Further, it says blessed is the one that follows direction. This reminds me of putting a shelf together that you don’t have a picture of to guide you as you go but instead you are given only instructions. If you follow the instructions from start to finish you will be blessed with the shelf ; however, if you try to skip some directions you will have a bunch of pieces just in the way, holding no purpose.
Do you have completed task or a bunch of pieces laying around the house? What has you losing control ? How many instructions have you pushed to the side because you felt you couldn’t see where you were going? God gives each of us visions and instructions yet because we hesitate to follow those instructions we cast off what He has instructed us to do, get an attitude and far from happy are we.
Not having a vision can cause you to lose control and stumble. But if you are willing to follow instructions blessed, will you be. Consider being happy. Ask God to help you yield to His guidance. Pray that you are able to have control and follow His will.
The proverbs of Solomon says “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law,”(Proverbs 29:18).
Isn’t it funny when we can’t visualize something quickly, we put it off and let go of our emotions. When we have no vision and neglect what we cannot see our emotions are triggered and some get paralyzed. Further, it says blessed is the one that follows direction. This reminds me of putting a shelf together that you don’t have a picture of to guide you as you go but instead you are given only instructions. If you follow the instructions from start to finish you will be blessed with the shelf ; however, if you try to skip some directions you will have a bunch of pieces just in the way, holding no purpose.
Do you have completed task or a bunch of pieces laying around the house? What has you losing control ? How many instructions have you pushed to the side because you felt you couldn’t see where you were going? God gives each of us visions and instructions yet because we hesitate to follow those instructions we cast off what He has instructed us to do, get an attitude and far from happy are we.
Not having a vision can cause you to lose control and stumble. But if you are willing to follow instructions blessed, will you be. Consider being happy. Ask God to help you yield to His guidance. Pray that you are able to have control and follow His will.
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