“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).
What are you afraid of? For some people it is the fear of cancer, death, foreclosure, loss of a job, or fear that something might happen to their children. When fear brings you to your knees, take heart, the Lord is with you. Before Jesus was crucified he gathered his apostles together and gave them a pep talk. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV). As a Christian you can have that peace that Christ spoke of if you pray and ask for it. You do not need to be crippled by fears that you have no control over, because you have the Holy Spirit available to bring you peace. If all you think of is what you are afraid of then you are letting Satan control your thoughts. Satan wants you to concentrate on these negative thoughts so you won’t be a good witness for the Lord. How do you feel when you are afraid? Helpless? Hopeless? It is time for you to give your fears to the Lord and let Him give you His perfect peace. My challenge to you this week is to trust in the Lord and not be afraid. Lay your fears at his feet and leave them there, trusting Him to take care of your every need.
Dear Lord,
It seems sometimes that fears threaten to overtake my life. Help me to give all of them to you, knowing that you will take them and give me peace in its place. I trust you with my life and the lives of my loved ones. I thank you for giving me the peace that only you can give.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Do Not Complain by Ann Elaine Broughton
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe…..” (Philippians 2:14 NIV).
Let’s face it all of us have complained about something during our lifetime, but the above verse tells us not to so that we can be a good example to other people. Being blameless and pure are pretty great goals to try to achieve. This verse tells us that complainers are not blameless and pure. When a person complains it usually means they are in a bad mood and consequently, that bad mood can rub off on others. If you have been around a person who complains all the time, you know exactly what I mean. A complaining person makes others feel negative.
Linda Dillow, the author of Calm My Anxious Heart, tells a story about a missionary named Ella who lived in Africa for 52 years as a missionary. Believe it or not, she never complained, even when the heat was above 120 degrees. She had a motto, which I am paraphrasing: not to complain about anything, not to picture yourself in any other circumstances, not to compare your life with anyone else, not to wish something else would have happened instead of what did, and not to worry about tomorrow. She was content because she lived by this motto and she trusted God explicitly with her life.
If we live by this motto, we too will find things to praise God for, instead of complaining. All of us have so many things we can be thankful for, blessings that God has showered down upon us. All we have to do is think on these things instead of negative things.
If you find yourself complaining, stop yourself and think about something positive you can say instead so you will be a shining light to someone who needs words of encouragement. I believe all of us would like to be pure and blameless, children of God without fault. Let us try hard this week to be shining lights for others by speaking words that are positive and encouraging.
Dear Lord,
Help us this week not to complain about anything, knowing that there are so many things we can be thankful for. Let us measure our words wisely when we are with others because our witness is very important, and we want to lift peoples’ spirits instead of making them feel discouraged.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Let’s face it all of us have complained about something during our lifetime, but the above verse tells us not to so that we can be a good example to other people. Being blameless and pure are pretty great goals to try to achieve. This verse tells us that complainers are not blameless and pure. When a person complains it usually means they are in a bad mood and consequently, that bad mood can rub off on others. If you have been around a person who complains all the time, you know exactly what I mean. A complaining person makes others feel negative.
Linda Dillow, the author of Calm My Anxious Heart, tells a story about a missionary named Ella who lived in Africa for 52 years as a missionary. Believe it or not, she never complained, even when the heat was above 120 degrees. She had a motto, which I am paraphrasing: not to complain about anything, not to picture yourself in any other circumstances, not to compare your life with anyone else, not to wish something else would have happened instead of what did, and not to worry about tomorrow. She was content because she lived by this motto and she trusted God explicitly with her life.
If we live by this motto, we too will find things to praise God for, instead of complaining. All of us have so many things we can be thankful for, blessings that God has showered down upon us. All we have to do is think on these things instead of negative things.
If you find yourself complaining, stop yourself and think about something positive you can say instead so you will be a shining light to someone who needs words of encouragement. I believe all of us would like to be pure and blameless, children of God without fault. Let us try hard this week to be shining lights for others by speaking words that are positive and encouraging.
Dear Lord,
Help us this week not to complain about anything, knowing that there are so many things we can be thankful for. Let us measure our words wisely when we are with others because our witness is very important, and we want to lift peoples’ spirits instead of making them feel discouraged.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Do Not Worry by Ann Elaine Broughton
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew: 6:34 NIV).
Jesus spoke these words to his followers as he taught them how to live their lives in accordance to God’s will. It is familiarly called the Sermon on the Mount. The sermon can be read in Matthew chapters 5-7. I believe that worry is one of the most crippling disorders in our faith with God. We can get all caught up in issues that “might” happen and get lost in worry so much that even our health is impaired. Worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet, can cripple us with fear and doubt. We can get so caught up in the “what ifs” that we don’t enjoy the wonderful things that are happening around us at the present time. Jesus knew that as human beings it is very easy for us to forget that God is in control: that we can trust Him to take care of us and help us through anything that might happen. Jesus’ solution to worry is this: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew: 6:33 NIV). Here he is speaking about not worrying about what you will eat, or drink, or what you will wear because God knows that you need these things. All you have to do his seek his kingdom, do His will, and He will take care of you.
My challenge for you this week is that if you find yourself worrying about something, stop and pray. Tell Jesus what your are worrying about and imagine that He is taking your worry away and giving you strength and peace instead. Then make it a point that as soon as you start to worry you totally surrender it to the Lord, and remember: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Dear Lord,
Help us not to worry about tomorrow. Help us to give our worries to you, knowing that you will provide for us everything we need to cope with life’s unpredicted circumstances. Help us to trust you with our lives as we seek your kingdom and your righteousness.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Jesus spoke these words to his followers as he taught them how to live their lives in accordance to God’s will. It is familiarly called the Sermon on the Mount. The sermon can be read in Matthew chapters 5-7. I believe that worry is one of the most crippling disorders in our faith with God. We can get all caught up in issues that “might” happen and get lost in worry so much that even our health is impaired. Worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet, can cripple us with fear and doubt. We can get so caught up in the “what ifs” that we don’t enjoy the wonderful things that are happening around us at the present time. Jesus knew that as human beings it is very easy for us to forget that God is in control: that we can trust Him to take care of us and help us through anything that might happen. Jesus’ solution to worry is this: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew: 6:33 NIV). Here he is speaking about not worrying about what you will eat, or drink, or what you will wear because God knows that you need these things. All you have to do his seek his kingdom, do His will, and He will take care of you.
My challenge for you this week is that if you find yourself worrying about something, stop and pray. Tell Jesus what your are worrying about and imagine that He is taking your worry away and giving you strength and peace instead. Then make it a point that as soon as you start to worry you totally surrender it to the Lord, and remember: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Dear Lord,
Help us not to worry about tomorrow. Help us to give our worries to you, knowing that you will provide for us everything we need to cope with life’s unpredicted circumstances. Help us to trust you with our lives as we seek your kingdom and your righteousness.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Using God's GIfts by Ann Elaine Broughton
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV).
I am studying about the tabernacle and how it was built in the Old Testament. God gave gifts to men through the Holy Spirit in order to build the tabernacle. Bezalel was a man gifted by God to have skills as a craftsman to make everything that was needed for the tabernacle. God spoke to Moses concerning Bezalel: “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts…..” (Exodus 31:3 NIV).
Just as God gave Bezalel special skills to do his job, the Holy Spirit equips us with skills to serve the Lord. Each one of us has a special gift that only we can perform for the Lord. Have you prayed and asked God to reveal this gift to you? It is our responsibility to use our gifts to serve others. We are the temple of God and we are the ones who must do His will on this earth. It is not enough to read the Bible, go to church, and pray. We are to do something in order to help others see God through our actions. James, the brother of Jesus expresses it this way: “ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17 NIV). James says it is not enough just to believe in the Lord because even the demons believe that….and shudder (James 2:19). We must also be doing something for the Lord and not just sitting in our comfort zone keeping all of our gifts to ourselves. Who are you benefiting by doing that? Jesus promised that He would help us bear the fruit if we trust Him. He said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NIV). My challenge to you this week is to pray to God to show you what your gift is and how you can use it to help others learn more about the Lord. Remember He has equipped you. It is up to you to use it.
Dear Lord,
Help us as we search for the gifts and abilities in us that can be used for your Kingdom. Lead us to see what we can do for you and help us to be brave through your Holy Spirit to take up the challenge you set before us. We know that you will be faithful to complete it in us because you have promised never to leave or forsake us.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
I am studying about the tabernacle and how it was built in the Old Testament. God gave gifts to men through the Holy Spirit in order to build the tabernacle. Bezalel was a man gifted by God to have skills as a craftsman to make everything that was needed for the tabernacle. God spoke to Moses concerning Bezalel: “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts…..” (Exodus 31:3 NIV).
Just as God gave Bezalel special skills to do his job, the Holy Spirit equips us with skills to serve the Lord. Each one of us has a special gift that only we can perform for the Lord. Have you prayed and asked God to reveal this gift to you? It is our responsibility to use our gifts to serve others. We are the temple of God and we are the ones who must do His will on this earth. It is not enough to read the Bible, go to church, and pray. We are to do something in order to help others see God through our actions. James, the brother of Jesus expresses it this way: “ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17 NIV). James says it is not enough just to believe in the Lord because even the demons believe that….and shudder (James 2:19). We must also be doing something for the Lord and not just sitting in our comfort zone keeping all of our gifts to ourselves. Who are you benefiting by doing that? Jesus promised that He would help us bear the fruit if we trust Him. He said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NIV). My challenge to you this week is to pray to God to show you what your gift is and how you can use it to help others learn more about the Lord. Remember He has equipped you. It is up to you to use it.
Dear Lord,
Help us as we search for the gifts and abilities in us that can be used for your Kingdom. Lead us to see what we can do for you and help us to be brave through your Holy Spirit to take up the challenge you set before us. We know that you will be faithful to complete it in us because you have promised never to leave or forsake us.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)