My thought for today comes mainly from a bible study I attended for the first time today and I loved the message. The book we were studying is called The Gospel Project for Adults - Session 5 (The Sabbath is a gift from God that reminds us who we are.
Its the session was long to write all of it down so I will just share the highlights that I loved.
1. God gives us the Sabbath so we can refocus (Deut 5:12)
2. God gives us the Sabbath so we can rest (Deut 5:13-14)
3. God gives us the Sabbath so we can remember (Deut 5:15)
Honestly I think the fourth commandment is the one we break easily and don't even feel guilty about it. Looking at it, working on Saturday or Sunday is paid higher than other days and we work this two days its harder to set aside another day to honor our Lord.
Setting aside a day to honor the Lord is beneficial to us in many ways a few of which include;
1. Our identity can become wrapped up in our work, when we take time to refocus we get reminded that we were designed by God and he has a purpose for us which is not getting ourselves consumed by our Jobs/work or gaining worldly possessions
2. When we take the time to rest our physical bodies get rejuvenated and also we spend time reading the word of God and focusing solely on him. Setting aside a day to rest without doing anything pertaining to our work gives us time not only to get to know God better but also to spend time with our family.
3. Observing the Sabbath helps us remember what the Lord has done for us.
Do you observe the Sabbath? Is it a delight to you or a burden?
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Friday, June 27, 2014
Worry
Lately I have been having issues bothering me and then the bother turned into worry when solution seemed to not be imminent. I have to say that when I have something in my mind no matter what I try to do it keeps creeping back to the fore front of my thoughts at the most unexpected times and unless I have a solution its hard to ignore it.
Have you ever experienced this?
Well today after work I asked God to renew a right spirit within me and he did. The song What a friend we have in Jesus came to mind and as I started singing it, the message started coming through as I analyzed the message. "What peace we often forfeit, when we do not carry everything to God in prayers" We will have trials and temptations but we should never be discouraged but take it to the Lord in prayers. Now when we take things to the Lord in prayer and he shows us the way we should go then it is on us to take the next step, just because we prayed doesn't mean we sit down in complacency and expect the solution to just fall in our laps. I have done all I can now I'll trust God for a solution and work according to the way he guides me.
After you've done all you can, you just stand
when there's nothing left to do
you just stand
Watch the lord see you through
Yes after you done all you can,
You just stand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuMLBhrKHsA
Whatever you are going through today ask God for help and trust him to see you through. Release it to the Lord and have peace.
Have you ever experienced this?
Well today after work I asked God to renew a right spirit within me and he did. The song What a friend we have in Jesus came to mind and as I started singing it, the message started coming through as I analyzed the message. "What peace we often forfeit, when we do not carry everything to God in prayers" We will have trials and temptations but we should never be discouraged but take it to the Lord in prayers. Now when we take things to the Lord in prayer and he shows us the way we should go then it is on us to take the next step, just because we prayed doesn't mean we sit down in complacency and expect the solution to just fall in our laps. I have done all I can now I'll trust God for a solution and work according to the way he guides me.
After you've done all you can, you just stand
when there's nothing left to do
you just stand
Watch the lord see you through
Yes after you done all you can,
You just stand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuMLBhrKHsA
Whatever you are going through today ask God for help and trust him to see you through. Release it to the Lord and have peace.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
God's grace and Mercy
God is rich in mercy to all who call on him. Imagine all we do as human beings that is contrary to God's word and yet he still loves us and forgives our sins when we ask for forgiveness. That shows how full of Mercy and Love our God is.
James 4:2 & 3 says you desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. YOU DO NOT HAVE BECAUSE YOU DO NOT ASK. You ask and do not receive BECAUSE YOU ASK WRONGLY, to spend on your own passions.
Sometimes we misinterpret the scriptures to suit our own desires, but God has made it clear in his word. When you ask God for something, have you searched your heart to check your motivation? Are you asking because you saw someone else with it? or because you would like to be seen that you have? or do you really need what you are asking for? Also having what you are asking for, will it draw you closer to God or away from God, will you be glorifying God with it? Is it a want or a need?
Because God loves us so much, I believe some of the things we ask for and do not get are actually for our benefit. I have several instances where in hindsight I see why my prayers were not answered while in actual sense God did answer just not in the way I wanted.
Life's problems remind us to call on God.
If our life was smooth sailing, would we need God in our life, would we remember to pray and thank God?
I thank God for what I have gone through in life, it has made me get closer to him, though I may not have realized this when I was going through hard times, reflecting back on those moments show me how God cares for me.
What ever you may be going through right now, trust God for your future and serve him now. Remember God loves you and care for you. Jeremiah 29:11 sums it al up
James 4:2 & 3 says you desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. YOU DO NOT HAVE BECAUSE YOU DO NOT ASK. You ask and do not receive BECAUSE YOU ASK WRONGLY, to spend on your own passions.
Sometimes we misinterpret the scriptures to suit our own desires, but God has made it clear in his word. When you ask God for something, have you searched your heart to check your motivation? Are you asking because you saw someone else with it? or because you would like to be seen that you have? or do you really need what you are asking for? Also having what you are asking for, will it draw you closer to God or away from God, will you be glorifying God with it? Is it a want or a need?
Because God loves us so much, I believe some of the things we ask for and do not get are actually for our benefit. I have several instances where in hindsight I see why my prayers were not answered while in actual sense God did answer just not in the way I wanted.
Life's problems remind us to call on God.
If our life was smooth sailing, would we need God in our life, would we remember to pray and thank God?
I thank God for what I have gone through in life, it has made me get closer to him, though I may not have realized this when I was going through hard times, reflecting back on those moments show me how God cares for me.
What ever you may be going through right now, trust God for your future and serve him now. Remember God loves you and care for you. Jeremiah 29:11 sums it al up
Uplifting songs
Today I just wanted to share some uplifting songs reminding us when we feel low where our hope and Joy is.
Center of my Joy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsRLCQg-PSc
The bible says to put our treasures in thing above and not the things of the world, Mathew 6:19-21 you see where your treasure is there is your heart is also. This way even when we are without the extra comforts of this world, we can still smile for our Joy is in the Lord
Jesus is Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E62ZfiHiCYc
When I show love to others it brings joy to my heart even when I feel down, Jesus will never stop loving you. Love those around you and those you come across and you will be blessed. It is the greatest commandment to love one another
Center of my Joy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsRLCQg-PSc
The bible says to put our treasures in thing above and not the things of the world, Mathew 6:19-21 you see where your treasure is there is your heart is also. This way even when we are without the extra comforts of this world, we can still smile for our Joy is in the Lord
Jesus is Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E62ZfiHiCYc
When I show love to others it brings joy to my heart even when I feel down, Jesus will never stop loving you. Love those around you and those you come across and you will be blessed. It is the greatest commandment to love one another
Friday, June 20, 2014
What does the bible say about our motives and intentions
Each of our actions is driven by some motive or goal and is in a way benefiting us. Every act of generosity or charity also benefit us somehow, I do not think that it's bad, only when we are not glorifying God in our actions or thoughts or when we put conditions to our acts that I feel it would be better to not even do the generous act in the first place. Thus said attached is a link of bible verses that speak on motives and intentions.
http://www.openbible.info/topics/motives
The next time you do something, evaluate your motives and ask yourself, I'm I glorifying God solely or I'm I doing this to be praised. Galatians 1:10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
God's Promises
God's does fulfill his promises.
Let's take a look at some of God's promises, Note that some come with a condition for us.
Jeremiah 29:13,14 God promises that if you seek him WITH ALL YOUR HEART you will find him, and he will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations......
I love Jeremiah 29 especially verse 11 which tells me God has plans for me, for welfare and not for evil, to give me a future and a hope.
Proverbs 1:33 But whoever LISTENS to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster
Mathew 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
Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your NEEDS according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name HUMBLE THEMSELVES and PRAY and SEEK MY FACE and TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Let's take a look at some of God's promises, Note that some come with a condition for us.
Jeremiah 29:13,14 God promises that if you seek him WITH ALL YOUR HEART you will find him, and he will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations......
I love Jeremiah 29 especially verse 11 which tells me God has plans for me, for welfare and not for evil, to give me a future and a hope.
Proverbs 1:33 But whoever LISTENS to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster
Mathew 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
Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your NEEDS according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name HUMBLE THEMSELVES and PRAY and SEEK MY FACE and TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Choices -What does God say about this.
In life, we are assured to come to times when we have to make decisions which almost always involves choices, some seem small and insignificant others are huge and impact our life immensely. Some of the choices we are faced with may seem insignificant but what we choose can and will affect our eternal life.
Mathew 7:13-14 Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Most of the time the easy choice is not always the best choice.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. I would say to apply this principal when making choices.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death
A lot of people are faced with difficult decisions especially people in power, what can they do? example - when a president feels he has to sign a bill that is not in line with God's law what can he do?
On a lighter note - I was watching parking wars and a group of people parked illegally to unload stuff as they prepared for National prayer day and as a result, received parking tickets they were not happy. They said they were volunteers for the National Day of Prayers. Was the parking attendant wrong in giving them tickets or were they wrong in parking illegally? should the parking attendant have excused them since they had parked temporarily to do a good deed? (the attendant initially didn't know why they had parked there) did it matter why they had parked there anyway?
Ponder that.
I would love to know your opinion.
Mathew 7:13-14 Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Most of the time the easy choice is not always the best choice.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. I would say to apply this principal when making choices.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death
A lot of people are faced with difficult decisions especially people in power, what can they do? example - when a president feels he has to sign a bill that is not in line with God's law what can he do?
On a lighter note - I was watching parking wars and a group of people parked illegally to unload stuff as they prepared for National prayer day and as a result, received parking tickets they were not happy. They said they were volunteers for the National Day of Prayers. Was the parking attendant wrong in giving them tickets or were they wrong in parking illegally? should the parking attendant have excused them since they had parked temporarily to do a good deed? (the attendant initially didn't know why they had parked there) did it matter why they had parked there anyway?
Ponder that.
I would love to know your opinion.
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