 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 “...pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” ~NRSV
We can write a sincere letter to someone for their help. We write what we may need and what will help us as a result of sending this letter. But if we put that letter in the mail without putting a ‘stamp’ on it, it’s not going anywhere. This is how our prayers work as well when it comes to our trials and sufferings. In our emotional and mental struggles through our pain, addictions and sorrow, we can pray all we want to. But if we do not believe in the prayer we are sending, meaning we don’t believe God will answer. And if we don’t ‘stamp’ our prayers with the ‘intention’ of the kingdom, meaning praying in the name of Jesus, then it is like sending a letter in the mail without a stamp. Our prayers don’t go anywhere. In order for God to show up and show out for us when we pray, we must include the celebration of His glory, in what He has done for us already. In other words, as the text says, “...give thanks in all circumstances…” and believe that God will and can do what He says He will do. Knowing that God is bigger than our biggest problem. We have to believe that and be ready to give Him the glory in our testimony when we receive His blessing in miracle. In obedience we must continue to, “...pray without ceasing…” because God loves to hear from us in good times as well as our down times. When we do what we are supposed to because we know, “...the will of God in Christ Jesus for…” us, we will find it easier to know that all things are possible with God. Because He loves all His children. May God bless and keep you under His umbrella of love, protection, wisdom and strength as we journey in Jesus’ name. Amen
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Galatians 5:16 “I say, then, walk by the spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.” ~CSB
Anger, for example, is a strong emotion. So strong that, for some of us, when we let it out, we cannot pull it back. Some of us with anger issues lose control when we allow our anger to rise, even a little bit. Those of us who practice restraint, when it comes to anger, realize the easiest way to control it, is to not let it out of its cage in the first place. As Christians, God has given us another way of controlling our anger. In His Word God has listed ‘outbursts of anger’ as a characteristic that comes from the workings of the flesh, (Galatians 5:20). In verse 21 He warns us that those who practice this will not inherit the kingdom of God. As Christians, we must remain obedient. When we know better, (that anger is not from God); then we do better, (by taking anger out of our lives). It may be something else other than anger for others. But whatever it is, if it does not line up with the Fruits of the Spirit, (Galatians 5:22-23), then we must not allow it in our livelihood. The more we meditate on God’s Word and spend time with Him, the stronger our spirit grows. With this strength we will begin to easily, “...walk by the spirit…” and because of this journey we, “...will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.” It will become easier to resist the temptation of the flesh, because our spirits will keep us in line. At the end of the day, we feel good knowing we made God proud in our obedient actions! May God bless and keep you as you journey in Jesus’ name. Amen  1 Peter 5:10-11 “Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little. The dominion belongs to Him forever. Amen” ~HCSB
Often you will hear a prayer like this one at the end of a church service. It would be prayed at the church’s ‘benediction’. The term benediction is merely an utterance of good wishes. And a good wishing from someone with God included is a blessing. For me, it is a way of wishing all of you, (in scripture), from the bottom of my heart, everything you need to make it through all you go through every day. It is a way of reminding you who God is and His capabilities. As you read His Word you find scriptures that speak of His works. He parted the Red Sea for His people (Exodus 14:15-31). He rescued three believers from a fiery furnace (Daniel 3:16-30). And saved one of his most strong and devoted believers from being eaten by lions (Daniel 6:10-23). Now all of this power was used by God to also create you. Which means He has given you everything you need to make it through any situation that may come. It is my prayer in the text above, that God restores you: from all the enemy tried to take from you. He establishes you: No matter what the enemy tries to tell you that ‘you are not’; God tells you that, ‘You Are’! Strengthens you: where you are weak. My prayer is that His power, love and peace will lift you back up! And that He continues to, “...support you after you have suffered a little…”: It doesn’t matter what this world has done to you. God’s got your back! He will take all that mess, and make it your message. But it is up to you to make that message about Him in your life. God will do this because He can, and because He said He would in His promises to us. But all this will only work in accordance with our ‘spiritual strength’, belief and strong relationship with Him. We have to know Him and know that He can. May God bless and keep you as you journey in Jesus name. Amen  Psalm 94:19 “When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” NLT
When I was a young father, I did not have the best jobs. My bills were high and the needs of my family were always larger than my paycheck. Fortunately when I needed something back in those days, my mother and grandmother were always there to help me out. No matter what was going on in their lives. It got to the point where I depended on them for my livelihood. When I needed them, they came through for me. I didn’t want to depend on them because I was supposed to be able to take care of my family. When I couldn’t find a decent job I joined the military. I did this because the military provided the home and food for my family while I served my country. Today I have another perspective when I look back on that time. God saw that I was willing to work hard. He saw in my heart that I was willing to serve and because of that He took care of me and my family. After the military God guided me in ways that, from then on, I have been able to support my family through His provisions in my life. This is why today I depend solely on God. Whatever I face today, He is there to see me through. The world attempts to distract us from these spiritual provisions. Most of the situations we go through are covered in Psalm Chapter 94. Look at what’s going on around us. Wickedness and Evildoers plotting their next moves. Psalm 94:16 says God will protect us from them both. And whenever we may feel like we are ‘slipping’ in life, it is God who is always there to support us. When we experience these hardships, we should embrace the memories of what He has already done for us in our lives. This will allow our strong spirits to take over and make us confident that God will provide, save and pull us through. This way when the clouds of doubt and fear try to enter our hearts and minds, we can have comfort in God’s peace as He gives us, “...renewed hope and cheer.” May God bless and allow you His protection, wisdom and courage as you journey in Jesus’ name. Amen |
Authors Billy & YolandaThis is the place where we share our heart through God's Word in faith that will inspire and empower you to live in peace. Archives
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