Tag Archives: scripture

Purposeful Life

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Psalm_100_1-2_4-5

With all the social issues going on around us we need to bring out focus back to our Creator, Yahweh. So, this message is strong.

Man was created to live and breathe in an atmosphere of praise-filled worship to The Creator.

Without Yahweh, we are nothing less than self-centered, self-pitying, and complaining (see Gen.3:9–12). But upon receiving salvation and life through Jesus Christ, our daily living calls us to prayer and the Word for fellowship and wisdom in living.

Our daily drawing near to God in that union is to be showered with praise: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving And into His courts with praise.” Such a walk of praise-filled acceptance to Him will nurture deep devotion, faithful obedience, and constant joy.

We can move into each day that we live knowing that a praise walk is not wild and offhand, nor decreased to insignificant ritual but, a walk of life-saving power is available to those of us who believe in Jesus.

The Holy Spirit is a renewing spirit. The Bible says: He saved us because of His mercy. It was not because of good deeds we did to be right with him. He saved us through the washing that made us new people through the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).

In order to be renewed by the Spirit, the author, Sherwood Wirt, in his book, Afterglow says,

“We must go to the cross, not only to kneel in reverence, not only to bow in commitment, not only to pick up our cross and carry it but, to be crucified.”

Self-crucifixion means that Christ will send His power into us as individuals by the same Spirit. But, first, as another author/evangelist, Richard Bennet says,

“The Christian has to attend his own funeral–willingly.”

I know, that sounds creepy. But, it’s the truth, isn’t it? We must attend our own carnal spiritual funeral, first, willingly.

I know that is a tough thing to do. However, it’s required to live a Christ-centered life.

I struggle too! You’re not alone.

How are you doing with this? Leave a comment. I enabled google commenting to control the spammers.

Grief

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Ecclesiastes_3_4

Sadly, grief is part of the human experience. Loss is part of life, and grief is a natural response to loss. But we have the hope of Christ, and we know that He is strong enough to carry our burdens (Matthew 11:30). We can give our hurt to Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). We can find solace in the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Paraclete (John 14:16). In grief, we cast our burdens on Him, rely on the community of the church, delve into the truth of the Word, and ultimately experience hope (Hebrews 6:19-20).

So, mourn and grieve. It’s healthy to a point.

At the moment, my husband and I grieve. We grieve the loss of our beloved furbaby. Today’s a new day. The Sun beamed very brilliant orange in its rising. No, I didn’t grab the camera to capture it. It was behind buildings and trees. It glowed around about. It was like our furbaby was radiating her love and smile in that sunrise!

Praise You, Yahweh for Your comfort and compassion, mercy and grace to get us through.

Are you grieving loss? If so, surrender it to Yahweh. He’ll comfort you and carry you through to the other side of the grief. I trust Him.

Comment and let us know so we can pray for you.

The Black Hole

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Watch this video before reading:

Proverbs 1:18-19
But these people set an ambush for themselves;
they are trying to get themselves killed.
Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money;
it robs them of life.

As you saw in the video, the guy ambushed himself and is stuck in the vault.

Proverbs 21:26
Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!

Greed is a sin like other sins. It consumes its victim. Before you know it a life is completely taken over trying to get more because it is never enough.

God wants us to be givers, not takers. Just like the scripture above says the godly love to give. We all hear the famous saying each year around this time: “It’s better to give than to receive”. We can find its roots in Acts 20:35:

And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”

We need to follow Jesus and be more Christ-like.

So, during this joyous season of Christmas let’s be givers; not just takers.

How are you at giving? Comment and let us know.

Me: I give all of me. I’m not a taker. However, my giving isn’t necessarily materially. Like here, at the ministry, I give messages from Yahweh. I give myself to you. Those of you who follow Yahweh and His teaching that come from here receive these gifts, each day. Thank You, Yahweh!

The Son

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john316The SON
(Author Unkown)

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.

When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.

He said, “Sir, you don’t know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.” The young man held out this package. “I know this isn’t much. I’m not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.”

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. “Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It’s a gift.”

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.

On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. “We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?”

There was silence.

Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, “We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.”

But the auctioneer persisted. “Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?”

Another voice angrily. “We didn’t come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh’s, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!”

But still, the auctioneer continued. “The son! The son! Who’ll take the son?”

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. “I’ll give $10 for the painting.” Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

“We have $10, who will bid $20?”

“Give it to him for $10. Let’s see the masters.”

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn’t want the picture of the son.

They wanted the more, worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel. “Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!”

A man sitting on the second row shouted, “Now let’s get on with the collection!”

The auctioneer laid down his gavel. “I’m sorry, the auction is over.”

“What about the paintings?”

“I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!”

God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: “The son, the son, who’ll take the son?”

Because you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.

Who’ll take the Son? When you take the Son, you’ll get everything Heaven has. Comment your answer! Let’s be blessed with this gift!

Believing Faith Through Prayer

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Mark 9:28-29 image

When Jesus, Peter, James, and John came back to the other followers, they saw a great crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. But as soon as the crowd saw Jesus, the people were surprised and ran to welcome him. Jesus asked, “What are you arguing about?” A man answered, “Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has an evil spirit in him that stops him from talking. When the spirit attacks him, it throws him on the ground. Then my son foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes very stiff. I asked your followers to force the evil spirit out, but they couldn’t.” Jesus answered, “You people have no faith. How long must I stay with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” So the followers brought him to Jesus. As soon as the evil spirit saw Jesus, it made the boy lose control of himself, and he fell down and rolled on the ground, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has this been happening?” The father answered, “Since he was very young. The spirit often throws him into a fire or into water to kill him. If you can do anything for him, please have pity on us and help us.” Jesus said to the father, “You said, ‘If you can!’ All things are possible for the one who believes.” Immediately the father cried out, “I do believe! Help me to believe more!” When Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he ordered the evil spirit, saying, “You spirit that makes people unable to hear or speak, I command you to come out of this boy and never enter him again!” The evil spirit screamed and caused the boy to fall on the ground again. Then the spirit came out. The boy looked as if he were dead, and many people said, “He is dead!” But Jesus took hold of the boy’s hand and helped him to stand up. When Jesus went into the house, his followers began asking him privately, “Why couldn’t we force that evil spirit out?” Jesus answered, “That kind of spirit can only be forced out by prayer.” Mark 9:14‭-‬29

The below content is borrowed from Pastor Jack Hayford’s devotional: “Celebrate”.

An Atmosphere of Faith

In this passage Jesus tells us that “believing” is the condition for answered prayer for a healing. The father of the demon-possessed boy answered in tears, “I believe,” then added, “Help my unbelief!” Since faith is a gift, we may pray for it as this father did. Note how quickly God’s grace answered!

Jesus rebuked the disciples because they could not cast out the mute spirit, calling them “faithless” (v. 19). In Matthew’s account of this incident, Jesus said that if one has faith as a mustard seed he can move a mountain (Matt. 17:20).

But there is another lesson to be learned: where an atmosphere of unbelief makes it difficult to believe, we should seek a different setting. Even Jesus’ ability to work miracles was reduced where unbelief prevailed (Matt. 13:58). As we go through the day, let us not diminish Jesus’ ability to work in us. Prayer and praise provide an atmosphere of faith in God and welcome His presence in our lives.

Job Prayed || Part 2

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Job 42:10 imageYahweh isn’t very happy with Job’s friends for not saying what is right about Him. They are instructed to go to Job and offer a burnt offering for themselves, and that Job would pray for them. Yahweh will then spare the friends from punishment for their foolishness. So, they did as they were instructed to. Job prayed and Yahweh listened. Job was rewarded with success again. In fact, Yahweh gave Job twice as much as he had owned before. Read about it below.

Job 42
7 After the Lord had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not said what is right about me, as my servant Job did. 8 Now take seven bulls and seven male sheep, and go to my servant Job, and offer a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will listen to his prayer. Then I will not punish you for being foolish. You have not said what is right about me, as my servant Job did.” 9 So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite did as the Lord said, and the Lord listened to Job’s prayer. 10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord gave him success again. The Lord gave Job twice as much as he had owned before.

That’s not how we are today, is it? We have to be dragged, kicking, and screaming the whole way.

Why is it we’re discontent and ill (spiritually, mentally, physically)?

What was it that gave Job forgiveness, and healing?

Here’s what Job did:

  1. He listened to Yahweh.
  2. He obeyed Yahweh.
  3. He prayed over his friends.

Are you seeking healing and forgiveness? Refer to the list of what Job did. Put those things into action. Watch the blessings come spilling in; like Job.

“As we seek the Lord for healing, let us also ask Him to reveal any areas in our lives that require repentance and forgiveness.” – Jack Hayford

Comment and share your thoughts. Where do you stand?

Series Index:
Part 1  ||  Part 2  ||  Part 3

Job Answered || Part 1

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Job 42:1 imageThis is part of a multipart series. After the series is finished I’ll come back here and create an index for each part.

This series is going to focus on finding healing in repentance and prayer.

For part one we’ll focus on Job answering Yahweh.

Heres Job’s answer to Yahweh in verses 2-6

2 “I know that you (Yahweh) can do all things and that no plan of yours can be ruined. 3 You (Yahweh) asked, ‘Who is this that made my purpose unclear by saying things that are not true?’ Surely I (Job) spoke of things I did not understand; I talked of things too wonderful for me to know. 4 You (Yahweh) said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak. I will ask you questions, and you must answer me.’ 5 My (Job’s) ears had heard of you before, but now my eyes have seen you. 6 So now I hate myself; I will change my heart and life. I will sit in the dust and ashes.”

Job realized his utter brokenness. He realized that he was being selfish. He turned the selfishness into hate to change his heart and life by sitting in the dust and ashes. How much lower can one get?

When Yahweh showed Himself to Job, it caused Job to reflect on his life and how he’d been living. It caused him to realize the gravity of the situation and how utterly broken he was.

We need to look in the mirror, while Yahweh stands right by us, and realize our utter brokenness and how much we need Yahweh.

How do you see yourself? Are you utterly broken? Have you been living selfishly?

Take stock of your life. Have a conversation with Yahweh. Surrender it all to Him.

Me: I’m being humbled daily at my utter selfishness about my living situation. I’ve been set straight and in no uncertain terms am I to complain about it anymore. Yahweh is in control and is handling things. Thank You Yahweh!

Comment with your thoughts and let us know how Yahweh is working in your life.

Series Index:
Part 1  ||  Part 2  ||  Part 3

Self-Worth Part 2

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Romans 12:1-3 imageIt’s not about self-love nor loving yourself more.

Let’s face it. Our human nature in and of itself is selfish. We want what we want when we want it.

There’s a lot of stuff out there in the world that says we need to love ourselves and do it more in order to be better people and be worthy.

That’s just the opposite to what Yahweh says in His word.

In Romans 12:1-3 Paul wrote to the people:

So brothers and sisters, since God has shown us great mercy, I beg you to offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him. Your offering must be only for God and pleasing to him, which is the spiritual way for you to worship. Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect. Because God has given me a special gift, I have something to say to everyone among you. Do not think you are better than you are. You must decide what you really are by the amount of faith God has given you. (Emphasis added)

Do not be shaped by this world. Do not think you are better than you are.

By focusing on self we are taking focus away from Yahweh.

In Matthew 6:33-34 he writes to the people:

Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Emphasis added)

Therefore, our only hope to succeed in putting God first is to begin by trusting fully in His promise to cover our sinfulness with His righteous life.

In 1 John 4:10 it says: This is what real love is: It is not our love for God; it is God’s love for us. He sent his Son to die in our place to take away our sins.

Jesus’ life was characterized by submission to the Father’s will, service to others, and prayer. It is interesting that Jesus never chased after worldly ambition in any way and never followed the glory of this world.

We’re to be imitators of Jesus. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.

There was only one goal that Jesus considered worthy of His talents–the glory of the Father.

The world will tell us to be someone, to achieve, to live the good life in this world. All that is a lie. It does not bring fulfillment but only pain and disappointment to those who give their lives to it.

In 1 Timothy 6:6-9 it says: Serving God does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have. We brought nothing into the world, so we can take nothing out. But, if we have food and clothes, we will be satisfied with that. Those who want to become rich bring temptation to themselves and are caught in a trap. They want many foolish and harmful things that ruin and destroy people.

I say that because most people tie up their identity and worth in things, stuff in the world.

We are children of the most high God, Yahweh. When we identify with that and live our lives to bring honor and glory to Yahweh we are valuable and worthy to Him.

That’s more important because our home is in Heaven with Yahweh, not earth. Earth is only a pit-stop along our journey.

In Hebrews 2:6-7 it says: But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor.

It can be difficult, in the day to day of driving to work, running errands, and making dinner, to remember that we are not of this world. That we did not come from it, and will not come back to it in the end. We become used to the routine, when all the while, we are wearing crowns of glory right atop our heads. How can it be that the man stuck in traffic next to you is just beneath the angels in heaven in terms of holiness? Because we are the sons and daughters of a King, who crazy loves us. Even while making dinner.

Wear your crown imagecrown, and believe you’re worthy of it. Your Father, Yahweh, says you are.

 

 

Quote:

God sees tremendous value in His children because when He looks at them, He sees Jesus. – Mike Mobley

Self-Worth Part 1

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ephesians 1:3-9 imageWe are Yahweh’s valuable treasure

Our worth is not of the “self” at all; rather, it is worth given to us by God. We are of inestimable value to Him because of the price He paid to make us worthy — the death of His Son, Jesus, on the cross, and His resurrection.

In the scripture image: Ephesians 1:3‭-‬9 Yahweh says:
He has given us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world. He chose us before the world was made so that we would be his holy people — people without blame before him. God chose to make us His own children through Jesus. We are set free through the blood of Jesus. His grace is sufficient. We are so valuable to Him that He let us know His secret purpose, the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus, His Son. It was His plan all along.

Our self-worth is too often based on what other people tell us about ourselves. The one, true authority on our self-worth is Jesus, and since He gave His own life up for us by dying on a cross, that should tell us just how valuable we really are.

When you cannot believe that anyone in the world would love you, know that Yahweh loves you. He declared it on the cross, shouts it in His word, the Bible, and whispers it to you in his acts of love.

In the following parts more truth will unfold and it will become clearer how valuable and worthy you truly are.

Little peek into the next message: It’s not about self-love, nor loving yourself more.

Who do you allow to tell you your self-worth and value?

If you’d like prayer contact us here. We have a team of prayer warriors ready to lift you up.

Forgiveness | Part 4

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Forgiveness Part 4 imageFive-Steps to Forgiveness

  1. Admit the pain
    1. Any offense creates pain. In an effort to ignore it we deny the pain. It’s our pride that stops us from dealing with it. We take an attitude of ignoring it because we don’t want to admit it hurt. This allows resentment to build and fester creating bitterness, which is a spiritual disease. This causes us to gradually isolate and alienate ourselves from God and the church body. This behavior keeps us from healing.
    2. Instead, understanding the offense is the beginning of healing.
  2. Work through the confusion
    1. When an offense happens, we, need to clearly and carefully figure out responsibilities in the situation. We need to establish solid ground within ourselves — to lay boundaries and safeguard them when limits are invaded.
  3. Look for facts
    1. Once we understand who’s responsible for what we can move to the next step to figure why the offender offended us. This keeps us from being persistent on a single purpose to get revenge. It may behoove us, if possible, to question others to gain information on the matter, or, as the saying goes, walk a mile in the offender’s shoes.
    2. No excuses. Information alone is important.
    3. When the truth appears it’s easier to move forward into restoration.
  4. Grant facts to be wisdom
    1. Often when facts become clear our self-talk overrides reality and throws us into a pity party, bitterness, and anger.
    2. It takes a brave effort to move past the pain, to understand, and say “I forgive you.” Do not relive the events over and over. It’s done.
      Think about the torture Jesus was put through. He could’ve easily gone violent ninja and took the lot of them out. What did He do though? In Luke 23:34a – Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” He forgave them.
    3. Forgiveness is a gift of God’s grace. The wonder of it is that God gives us wisdom into our own heart and involves us with Him in the freeing the offender.
  5. Choose to renounce the whole situation
    1. Here’s story to relay renouncing hurts/offenses:
The Trouble Tree – Author Unknown
The carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farmhouse had just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric saw quit, and now his ancient pickup truck refused to start. While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence.
On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.
Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.
“Oh, that’s my trouble tree,” he replied.” I know I can’t help having troubles on the job, but one thing’s for sure, troubles don’t belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them on the tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning I pick them up again.”
He paused. “Funny thing is,” he smiled, “when I come out in the morning to pick ’em up, there ain’t nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before.”

I know this is a simple story. However, when we give up reliving events over and over they diminish their impact. They don’t seem quite as offensive as we first allowed them to be. It’s all about our attitude.

When we are offended, stop, think about how Jesus handled offenses. Allow the Holy Spirit to wash over you and fill you will God’s grace.