We have become experts at presenting ourselves to the world in a way that's flattering. We either show people around us our 'good side' only or we display falseness that we believe will cause them to accept us and love us. Truthfully, this image is void of the reality of who we really are and this great deception creates a series of reactions from others that are all built on a lie.
While it is good for us to express our wonderful characteristics and finer qualities, I think it would serve better if we would just be ourselves a bit more. Personally, I've found it too laborious 'puttin on aires' for others. We need to get over the fact that no matter what we do, try as we may, we will NEVER win the approval of EVERYONE!
David declared in Psalms 139:14, " I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
The amazing thing is that we are all incomplete as we strive to be who we want to be. We all have inabilities, inconsistencies, failures, and flaws. But, we have been wonderfully made by God who loves and accepts us just as we are; broken, wounded, and ragged. Despite are real selves, ALL of His works are wonderful... including you!
So as you live your life before others, don't forget to fill in the gaps so they see the full picture of who you are. I have a feeling they will like what they see!
Be Blessed!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Blog Update!
Hello friends,
Thank you for checking out the relaunch of my blog.
As you have seen over the past few weeks, my relauch was kicked off with daily blogs to get the word out about this ministry medium and to give you a foretaste of what you can expect.
I would like to inform you that now that the relaunch has successfully met its debut, beginning on Monday, February 20th, I will be blogging messages weekly rather than daily. Please don't miss the short messages that I know God will inspire me to prepare just for you! A word in season for what you need; a word that I know will be life altering and devil defeating!
Thank you again for your support of this ministry. You can help us spread the word by telling your friends and by clicking on the fb share icon each time you log in to load the link onto your fb page.
My wife and I are praying for each of you!
Be Blessed!
Pastor Franklyn
Thank you for checking out the relaunch of my blog.
As you have seen over the past few weeks, my relauch was kicked off with daily blogs to get the word out about this ministry medium and to give you a foretaste of what you can expect.
I would like to inform you that now that the relaunch has successfully met its debut, beginning on Monday, February 20th, I will be blogging messages weekly rather than daily. Please don't miss the short messages that I know God will inspire me to prepare just for you! A word in season for what you need; a word that I know will be life altering and devil defeating!
Thank you again for your support of this ministry. You can help us spread the word by telling your friends and by clicking on the fb share icon each time you log in to load the link onto your fb page.
My wife and I are praying for each of you!
Be Blessed!
Pastor Franklyn
Friday, February 10, 2012
Friendly Friday: Make a Friend
Here we are at the end of another work week.
I'm sure most of you all have already made plans for how you want to spend the weekend. Unfortunately, not everyone has friends who they can hang out with. Some of you reading this may be such ones!
We all know that good friends are hard to find. Most of the time we end up with 'fair weather friends', those who are only there in the good times.
I believe that your best friends are out there waiting for the encounter with you. How does that happen? Through God's divine connection. However, you must put yourselves in a position of opportunity by going out of your way to become friendly. There will be a weeding out process but in time the right friend will surface.
As you go about your weekend, try saying hello to someone you don't know or starting a conversation with a stranger (using wisdom and caution of course). You never know, you may find your best friend before Monday!
"A man who has friends must himself be friendly" - Proverbs 18:24
You will only have friends if you make yourself friendly. Have a Friendly Friday!
I'm sure most of you all have already made plans for how you want to spend the weekend. Unfortunately, not everyone has friends who they can hang out with. Some of you reading this may be such ones!
We all know that good friends are hard to find. Most of the time we end up with 'fair weather friends', those who are only there in the good times.
I believe that your best friends are out there waiting for the encounter with you. How does that happen? Through God's divine connection. However, you must put yourselves in a position of opportunity by going out of your way to become friendly. There will be a weeding out process but in time the right friend will surface.
As you go about your weekend, try saying hello to someone you don't know or starting a conversation with a stranger (using wisdom and caution of course). You never know, you may find your best friend before Monday!
"A man who has friends must himself be friendly" - Proverbs 18:24
You will only have friends if you make yourself friendly. Have a Friendly Friday!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Wacky Wednesday: Do Something Crazy!
Thank you for checking out today's message themed Wacky Wednesday.
The word wacky means, crazy; unusual. I like this because I believe that today is the day you step out of the box and dare to do something you've never done before! Today is the day you dare to be different. Yes, right in the middle of the week is where you push past normal and step into supernatural.
In the book of 2 Samuel there was a man by the name of Benaiah who was put in charge of David's bodyguards. The reason... this guy was crazy! He single handedly took down two of his enemy's best men, crawled down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion, then killed an Egyptian who was about twice his size, with his own spear!
God loves people that are crazy enough to do the impossible. If you know that He is with you, why not step out in boldness and watch God go to work on your behalf?
Romans 8:31 asks this question, "...If God is for us, who can be against us?" There is no enemy that can defeat you if you go in Jesus' name. Go for it my friend!
"...they that know their God shall be strong and do great exploits." - Daniel 11:32
Have a Wacky Wednesday!
The word wacky means, crazy; unusual. I like this because I believe that today is the day you step out of the box and dare to do something you've never done before! Today is the day you dare to be different. Yes, right in the middle of the week is where you push past normal and step into supernatural.
In the book of 2 Samuel there was a man by the name of Benaiah who was put in charge of David's bodyguards. The reason... this guy was crazy! He single handedly took down two of his enemy's best men, crawled down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion, then killed an Egyptian who was about twice his size, with his own spear!
God loves people that are crazy enough to do the impossible. If you know that He is with you, why not step out in boldness and watch God go to work on your behalf?
Romans 8:31 asks this question, "...If God is for us, who can be against us?" There is no enemy that can defeat you if you go in Jesus' name. Go for it my friend!
"...they that know their God shall be strong and do great exploits." - Daniel 11:32
Have a Wacky Wednesday!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Tactical Tuesday: Outsmart Your Enemy
Today's theme is Tactical Tuesday because today we don't fight hard... we fight smart.
I don't know about you but I'm tired of becoming weary from fighting battles the hard way. There are ways we can outsmart our adversary, the devil, without exhausting ourselves.
Ephesians 6:10-11 says, 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Never leave home without your armor! Put on salvation which is your helmit to protect your mind from ungodly thoughts. Put on righteousness which is your breastplate to protect your heart from devising evil. Put on truth which is your belt because Jesus is truth and truth makes you free. Put on a readiness to witness the gospel which are you shoes to take you where you need to go. Take faith with you for this is your shield to protect you from whatever the enemy shoots at you, and finally, take the Word of God as your sword to thrust into your enemy's heart!
Satan and his band of cohorts are limited in their power. They cannot read your mind nor can they appear in more than one place at a time. Only God possess those abilities! That levels the playing field already. They can, however, hear the words you speak so speak words of power to defeat them! Proverbs 18:21 declares that your tongue holds the power of life and death so you get to chose which one you will speak into existance! You speak life by simply saying what God says - speak His word over yourself, and by doing so you not only come into agreement with Him, but you release those words into the atmosphere like bullets leaving a gun! This is how we fight smart.
So don't try to fist fight the devil today...outsmart and defeat him by getting to him before he gets to you!
Have a Tactical Tuesday!
I don't know about you but I'm tired of becoming weary from fighting battles the hard way. There are ways we can outsmart our adversary, the devil, without exhausting ourselves.
Ephesians 6:10-11 says, 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Never leave home without your armor! Put on salvation which is your helmit to protect your mind from ungodly thoughts. Put on righteousness which is your breastplate to protect your heart from devising evil. Put on truth which is your belt because Jesus is truth and truth makes you free. Put on a readiness to witness the gospel which are you shoes to take you where you need to go. Take faith with you for this is your shield to protect you from whatever the enemy shoots at you, and finally, take the Word of God as your sword to thrust into your enemy's heart!
Satan and his band of cohorts are limited in their power. They cannot read your mind nor can they appear in more than one place at a time. Only God possess those abilities! That levels the playing field already. They can, however, hear the words you speak so speak words of power to defeat them! Proverbs 18:21 declares that your tongue holds the power of life and death so you get to chose which one you will speak into existance! You speak life by simply saying what God says - speak His word over yourself, and by doing so you not only come into agreement with Him, but you release those words into the atmosphere like bullets leaving a gun! This is how we fight smart.
So don't try to fist fight the devil today...outsmart and defeat him by getting to him before he gets to you!
Have a Tactical Tuesday!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Motivational Monday: You Can Make It!
Welcome to the beginning of another blog week.
I'm calling today Motivational Monday as I believe most of you may need just a little push to help you start your engines this week.
Let me begin by declaring that if there has ever been a day that you have victory in your life, it's today! I believe in you but just know that God believe's in you even more! I admonish you not tolet the burdens of life deceive you into thinking that you won't make it or that you can't do it (whatver it is). Sometimes God allows you the displeasure of having to walk through the hard things rather than removing them from your pathway, but only because of His great desire to show Himself strong. Your problems are not signs of God's absence, they are opportunities to prove His faithfulness, grace, and love.
So go ahead and walk through whatever may be in front of you by declaring as David did in the twenty third Psalm, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me..."
There was nothing profound about today's message but in it's simplicity I know you have renewed hope.
I leave you with this scripture...
"Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD."
Psalm 25:4-7
I'm calling today Motivational Monday as I believe most of you may need just a little push to help you start your engines this week.
Let me begin by declaring that if there has ever been a day that you have victory in your life, it's today! I believe in you but just know that God believe's in you even more! I admonish you not tolet the burdens of life deceive you into thinking that you won't make it or that you can't do it (whatver it is). Sometimes God allows you the displeasure of having to walk through the hard things rather than removing them from your pathway, but only because of His great desire to show Himself strong. Your problems are not signs of God's absence, they are opportunities to prove His faithfulness, grace, and love.
So go ahead and walk through whatever may be in front of you by declaring as David did in the twenty third Psalm, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me..."
There was nothing profound about today's message but in it's simplicity I know you have renewed hope.
I leave you with this scripture...
"Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD."
Psalm 25:4-7
Friday, February 3, 2012
Fearless Friday: Strength & Courage
Today is Friday, the day most of you have waited for all week. It marks the unofficial begnning of your weekend, and whether you are a weekend worrior of all things household or you are a part of the weekend work force, Friday is usually the day you mark your week by. Certain things must happen by Friday. Specific amounts of money are usually needed by Friday. We often hear, "I can't wait 'til Friday because..." Most of the important things are earmarked for a Friday; things like rent that needs to be paid or someone we must see, or maybe just much needed rest after an exhausting week.
Regardless of the problems you face, you must neutralize your nerves and apprehend your anxieties. Take on strength and courage to face your end-of-week situation.
God spoke to Joshua when he about to replace Moses as the leader of nearly one million people. He said these words...
"Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9
I don't know what your Friday dilema may be today. It could be a rent, mortgage, or child support payment you have to come up with by end of day, or it could be a major problem you have to solve before nightfall. Whatever it is... be strong and courageous! Ask God to guide you through it, to help you find a solution, to make available every resourse you need. Then leave it alone! Remind yourself that it's not by YOUR might or power but only by HIS spirit!
So face your Friday with your head high and your shoulders square. Fear not...for this is Fearless Friday, and God is at work on your behalf!
Regardless of the problems you face, you must neutralize your nerves and apprehend your anxieties. Take on strength and courage to face your end-of-week situation.
God spoke to Joshua when he about to replace Moses as the leader of nearly one million people. He said these words...
"Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9
I don't know what your Friday dilema may be today. It could be a rent, mortgage, or child support payment you have to come up with by end of day, or it could be a major problem you have to solve before nightfall. Whatever it is... be strong and courageous! Ask God to guide you through it, to help you find a solution, to make available every resourse you need. Then leave it alone! Remind yourself that it's not by YOUR might or power but only by HIS spirit!
So face your Friday with your head high and your shoulders square. Fear not...for this is Fearless Friday, and God is at work on your behalf!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Thinking Thursday: Identity Theft
I know you've already concluded by my title that today is Thinking Thursday. Bravo!
Today I want to challenge you to consider something you may not have thought about before. I'm willing to bet (metaphorically of course) that my title 'Identity Theft' is sparking your curiosity just a bit. It does not, however hold the conventional meaning in this dissertation.
I want to grab your attention to talk about something that is prevelent throughout our world today. We see it in every genre of society; in every sect; in every corner, and in all people. Identity theft!
Let me qualify this misnomer...
Everywhere you turn throughout our world today you will find everyday, unassuming people, walking around with someone else's identity! that's right! Even you might be one of the latest culprits of this alluring and easy to hide wrongdoing. I'm not talking about stolen credit cards and drivers' licenses, this is a greater evil with further reaching effects. To put it simply, we have all been guilty of wanting to be like someone else to the point of taking on their characteristics and personality, leaving our true selves on a shelf somewhere, collecting dust.
'What is the great offense?' you ask - Well, we rob this world of who God has created us to be, doing a dis-service to those who need us for who we really are. This my friend, is a grave injustice.
YOU are a gift from God to others! I know you've heard it many times before that there is no one else like you, with your fingerprint blah, blah blah...but it's true! Your are unique! You may think being yourself doesn't accomplish much but Suzy Sunshine has it all together so why not be like her. No! Do you not know that the very ones you imitate are most likely trying to imitate you!
In short, don't try to be someone that you were never meant to be. This is not only false advertising but you are burdening yourself with the unnecessary stress of going totally against what should be natural for you.
Consider this Psalm of David - "For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made...my frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." - Ps 139:13-16 (NIV)
Now don't you think if God spent that much time, thought, and effort creating someone as wonderful as you, that something really special happened and someone really awesome was born? please don't insult Him by refusing His gift. Determine to be the greatest YOU you possibly can.
Just be yourself...the world is waiting!!
Today I want to challenge you to consider something you may not have thought about before. I'm willing to bet (metaphorically of course) that my title 'Identity Theft' is sparking your curiosity just a bit. It does not, however hold the conventional meaning in this dissertation.
I want to grab your attention to talk about something that is prevelent throughout our world today. We see it in every genre of society; in every sect; in every corner, and in all people. Identity theft!
Let me qualify this misnomer...
Everywhere you turn throughout our world today you will find everyday, unassuming people, walking around with someone else's identity! that's right! Even you might be one of the latest culprits of this alluring and easy to hide wrongdoing. I'm not talking about stolen credit cards and drivers' licenses, this is a greater evil with further reaching effects. To put it simply, we have all been guilty of wanting to be like someone else to the point of taking on their characteristics and personality, leaving our true selves on a shelf somewhere, collecting dust.
'What is the great offense?' you ask - Well, we rob this world of who God has created us to be, doing a dis-service to those who need us for who we really are. This my friend, is a grave injustice.
YOU are a gift from God to others! I know you've heard it many times before that there is no one else like you, with your fingerprint blah, blah blah...but it's true! Your are unique! You may think being yourself doesn't accomplish much but Suzy Sunshine has it all together so why not be like her. No! Do you not know that the very ones you imitate are most likely trying to imitate you!
In short, don't try to be someone that you were never meant to be. This is not only false advertising but you are burdening yourself with the unnecessary stress of going totally against what should be natural for you.
Consider this Psalm of David - "For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made...my frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." - Ps 139:13-16 (NIV)
Now don't you think if God spent that much time, thought, and effort creating someone as wonderful as you, that something really special happened and someone really awesome was born? please don't insult Him by refusing His gift. Determine to be the greatest YOU you possibly can.
Just be yourself...the world is waiting!!
Winning Wednesday: Wooden Bowls
There is a story about a frail old man who lived with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson.
The family would eat together nightly but the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made it difficult to eat without spilling food and milk onto the floor and dropping his spoon, creating a great mess.
The son and daughter-in-law soon became very irritated at the mess each night. The son said, "we have got to do something about grandfather". The daughter-in-law agreed, "I'm tired of his milk spilling and noisy eating." So the couple set a table over in the corner so grandfather could eat alone, away from them. They had given him a wooden bowl to eat from so he wouldn't break any more plates. Each night as they would glance over at him they would notice tears falling from his face into the wooden bowl as he ate alone.
One day the father observed their four year old sitting on the floor playing with wooden scraps. He asked him curiously, "what are you making son?" The boy replied, "I'm making wooden bowls for when you and mommy get old."
Jesus gives us instructions on how we should treat others. Luke 6:31 says, "Do to others as you would have them do to you." (NIV)
What wooden bowls have you given to others? How would you feel if someone gave one to you?Today is Winning Wednesday and this little reminder of a simple truth will do well to help us win today!
Remember...every action yields a reward or a repercussion. Wouldn't you like to see kindness and mercy extended to you as a result of you giving it to others? What a lonely and unfulfilled life we would live if we did nothing for others and lived to please ourselves.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." - Heb 10:24 (ESV)
Go on winning friends!
The family would eat together nightly but the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made it difficult to eat without spilling food and milk onto the floor and dropping his spoon, creating a great mess.
The son and daughter-in-law soon became very irritated at the mess each night. The son said, "we have got to do something about grandfather". The daughter-in-law agreed, "I'm tired of his milk spilling and noisy eating." So the couple set a table over in the corner so grandfather could eat alone, away from them. They had given him a wooden bowl to eat from so he wouldn't break any more plates. Each night as they would glance over at him they would notice tears falling from his face into the wooden bowl as he ate alone.
One day the father observed their four year old sitting on the floor playing with wooden scraps. He asked him curiously, "what are you making son?" The boy replied, "I'm making wooden bowls for when you and mommy get old."
Jesus gives us instructions on how we should treat others. Luke 6:31 says, "Do to others as you would have them do to you." (NIV)
What wooden bowls have you given to others? How would you feel if someone gave one to you?Today is Winning Wednesday and this little reminder of a simple truth will do well to help us win today!
Remember...every action yields a reward or a repercussion. Wouldn't you like to see kindness and mercy extended to you as a result of you giving it to others? What a lonely and unfulfilled life we would live if we did nothing for others and lived to please ourselves.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." - Heb 10:24 (ESV)
Go on winning friends!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Tenacious Tuesday: Keeping the momentum
Welcome to the second day of my new season of launching out into the blogosphere.
Today is Tenacious Tuesday! It is apply named because to be tenacious is to be persistent and today is your day of persistance. You've conquered Monumental Monday, now it's important that you keep the momentum going!
In my line of business (outside of pastoring) my success is completely dependant upon what I believe to be divine encounters with potential clients. These encounters give me the opportunity for witty conversation and tactical negotiations. But without the encounter there is no client. Recently, I drove over to my usual place of engagement where I would meet unsuspecting clients, and waited. The hours seemed like days in the unfriendly January cold. Once fatigue began to set in I took one last look at my watch and decided it was time to go home.
Just then I began yet another debate with myself whether to leave or stay for another thirty minutes - but in that moment of indicission, I found myself fighting against all natural impulses to jump into my car and drive away. I began to delay getting into the car. Within a New York minute I noticed a car pulling in next to me. I will spear you the belaboring of this story by concluding - Had I left thirty seconds earlier, I would have missed what proved to be my most successful encounter in weeks!
You see where this is going. Persistence is the key to success!
In Luke 18, Jesus tells a story of a persistent woman who repeatedly petitioned before an unjust judge, seeking justice against her adversaries. He taught that because of her persistence she got what she was fighting for, even though the unrighteous judge had no intentions of granting her request!
How many great moments have you missed in your life simply because you gave up too soon? As you go through you day today, think about the way you started this week or this year. Your new initiatives... your new perspective... the changes you've already made so far. Now just as you began, continue! This is Tenacious Tuesday and today is the day you determine to keep the momentum so that you finish strong!
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Gal. 6:9
Stay strong my friend!
Today is Tenacious Tuesday! It is apply named because to be tenacious is to be persistent and today is your day of persistance. You've conquered Monumental Monday, now it's important that you keep the momentum going!
In my line of business (outside of pastoring) my success is completely dependant upon what I believe to be divine encounters with potential clients. These encounters give me the opportunity for witty conversation and tactical negotiations. But without the encounter there is no client. Recently, I drove over to my usual place of engagement where I would meet unsuspecting clients, and waited. The hours seemed like days in the unfriendly January cold. Once fatigue began to set in I took one last look at my watch and decided it was time to go home.
Just then I began yet another debate with myself whether to leave or stay for another thirty minutes - but in that moment of indicission, I found myself fighting against all natural impulses to jump into my car and drive away. I began to delay getting into the car. Within a New York minute I noticed a car pulling in next to me. I will spear you the belaboring of this story by concluding - Had I left thirty seconds earlier, I would have missed what proved to be my most successful encounter in weeks!
You see where this is going. Persistence is the key to success!
In Luke 18, Jesus tells a story of a persistent woman who repeatedly petitioned before an unjust judge, seeking justice against her adversaries. He taught that because of her persistence she got what she was fighting for, even though the unrighteous judge had no intentions of granting her request!
How many great moments have you missed in your life simply because you gave up too soon? As you go through you day today, think about the way you started this week or this year. Your new initiatives... your new perspective... the changes you've already made so far. Now just as you began, continue! This is Tenacious Tuesday and today is the day you determine to keep the momentum so that you finish strong!
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Gal. 6:9
Stay strong my friend!
Monumental Monday: A Day Without an End
Today is what I like to call Monumental Monday. It is the dreaded first work day of the week for most people but I would like to change that! How about we see Monday as a day that we look forward to; a day to strategize so we can snatch the rest of the week by the nap of it's neck and make it surrender to us!
How exactly do we do that? Well I'll tell you in just a moment...
Let's backtrack for a moment. I chose today's title, 'A Day Without an End' becuase Mondays tend to feel like you've fallen into a deep dark hole without escape, kind of like when my wife drags me into Walmart... anyhew, we begin the day with a groggy endeavor to suffer through the physical and mental shock of leaving "weekend mode" and stepping into "work mode". As our workday quickly ensues, we garner a stealthy approach at pacing ourselves to actually make it through the day without requital, and eventually (yes finally), find ourselves deep within the the throws of our creature comforts at the end of the day grimacing but glad to have made it out alive! I'm talking about Mondays!
Now back to how we change that. How about we start with something that summons us in the morning. Something that we can actually look forward to each week. Something that would get us out of bed extra early, excited to give our Monday a surprise attack! An ambush if you will! All you need is a strategy...are you ready? Here it is...
~The Strategy~
1/ Pray about your day -
Get up early and thank God for a new day that will be filled with strength and accomplishment. Ask Him for safety and protection agaist incident or accident, for the ability to complete each task and to make your day go by quickly. An early prayer of guidance and covering is needed before you walk through the door!
"O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water." - Ps. 63:1(NKJV)
2/ Get a word for the day -
Open your Bible and ask God for your specific word for the day. You don't have to read an entire chapter before you go to work, all you need is a word! Believe me, whatever He gives you will carry you through your day with great success!
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" - Ps. 119:105 (NIV)
3/ Eat a healthy breakfast -
I know, I sound just like your mama, right? the problem is we usually neglect the things that we know to do! Feed your body and your brain with food that will promote energy and clear thinking.
"...I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food" - Gen. 1:29 (NIV)
4/ Get in 15 minutes of excercise -
This is not the time to run a marathon. With just 15 minutes of excercise, you prepare you body for a day of activity. The thing is most people don't realize how much energy they exert (even at the office) each day.
"For physical training is of some value..." - 1 Tim. 4:8 (NIV)
5/ Expect a Monumental Monday!
You did what was necessary to ensure the most productive and successful day possible. Now you have to believe that God was out of bed before you and already did His part!
"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." - Ps. 118:24 (NIV)
Have a Monumental Monday!
Go forth and conquer!!
How exactly do we do that? Well I'll tell you in just a moment...
Let's backtrack for a moment. I chose today's title, 'A Day Without an End' becuase Mondays tend to feel like you've fallen into a deep dark hole without escape, kind of like when my wife drags me into Walmart... anyhew, we begin the day with a groggy endeavor to suffer through the physical and mental shock of leaving "weekend mode" and stepping into "work mode". As our workday quickly ensues, we garner a stealthy approach at pacing ourselves to actually make it through the day without requital, and eventually (yes finally), find ourselves deep within the the throws of our creature comforts at the end of the day grimacing but glad to have made it out alive! I'm talking about Mondays!
Now back to how we change that. How about we start with something that summons us in the morning. Something that we can actually look forward to each week. Something that would get us out of bed extra early, excited to give our Monday a surprise attack! An ambush if you will! All you need is a strategy...are you ready? Here it is...
~The Strategy~
1/ Pray about your day -
Get up early and thank God for a new day that will be filled with strength and accomplishment. Ask Him for safety and protection agaist incident or accident, for the ability to complete each task and to make your day go by quickly. An early prayer of guidance and covering is needed before you walk through the door!
"O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water." - Ps. 63:1(NKJV)
2/ Get a word for the day -
Open your Bible and ask God for your specific word for the day. You don't have to read an entire chapter before you go to work, all you need is a word! Believe me, whatever He gives you will carry you through your day with great success!
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" - Ps. 119:105 (NIV)
3/ Eat a healthy breakfast -
I know, I sound just like your mama, right? the problem is we usually neglect the things that we know to do! Feed your body and your brain with food that will promote energy and clear thinking.
"...I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food" - Gen. 1:29 (NIV)
4/ Get in 15 minutes of excercise -
This is not the time to run a marathon. With just 15 minutes of excercise, you prepare you body for a day of activity. The thing is most people don't realize how much energy they exert (even at the office) each day.
"For physical training is of some value..." - 1 Tim. 4:8 (NIV)
5/ Expect a Monumental Monday!
You did what was necessary to ensure the most productive and successful day possible. Now you have to believe that God was out of bed before you and already did His part!
"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." - Ps. 118:24 (NIV)
Have a Monumental Monday!
Go forth and conquer!!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Grief
Grief is an emotion that we will all experience at some time or another.
The five stages of grief made popular by author Elizabeth Kubler Ross, in her book Death and Dying, are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. It is unclear whether these stages are experienced by everyone who grieves but one thing is certain...we all grieve.
The reason death is so hard to accept is because it is unnatural. We were never made to die! Death was introduced into the world the moment sin announced its arrival. For the Christian, there will come a day when death will be no more.
There is no remedy to grief outside of God's supernatural comfort to help us through it. The Bible says, "it's appointed unto man once to die..." which means we all have an appointment with death at some point,unless we are the ones caught away in 'the rapture'. Death is the frigid, icy bridge we must cross to enter eternity. Our assurance and greatest comfort comes from knowing that our loved ones that have passed away maintained a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and that they have gone to be with Him.
"Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should." - Psalm 90:12
The five stages of grief made popular by author Elizabeth Kubler Ross, in her book Death and Dying, are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. It is unclear whether these stages are experienced by everyone who grieves but one thing is certain...we all grieve.
The reason death is so hard to accept is because it is unnatural. We were never made to die! Death was introduced into the world the moment sin announced its arrival. For the Christian, there will come a day when death will be no more.
There is no remedy to grief outside of God's supernatural comfort to help us through it. The Bible says, "it's appointed unto man once to die..." which means we all have an appointment with death at some point,unless we are the ones caught away in 'the rapture'. Death is the frigid, icy bridge we must cross to enter eternity. Our assurance and greatest comfort comes from knowing that our loved ones that have passed away maintained a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and that they have gone to be with Him.
"Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should." - Psalm 90:12
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Fear Not!
Fear is a threat that we perceive (real or unreal) that can have a debilitating effect on us.
The Bible teaches that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 1:7). This is the only healthy fear. When we fear God, which is a reverential fear, it helps us to see that there is no need to fear man or circumstances. Also, in Luke 12 Jesus teaches us to fear God not man.
Unhealthy fear is the fear of people or circumstances. The opposite of FEAR is FAITH! They cannot co-habit your mind and heart! Faith eliminates fear, like turning on a light switch and darkness disappearing. Have faith in God (Mark 11:23), and fear will have to pack its bags!
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." - 2Tim. 1:7
Be Blessed!
The Bible teaches that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 1:7). This is the only healthy fear. When we fear God, which is a reverential fear, it helps us to see that there is no need to fear man or circumstances. Also, in Luke 12 Jesus teaches us to fear God not man.
Unhealthy fear is the fear of people or circumstances. The opposite of FEAR is FAITH! They cannot co-habit your mind and heart! Faith eliminates fear, like turning on a light switch and darkness disappearing. Have faith in God (Mark 11:23), and fear will have to pack its bags!
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." - 2Tim. 1:7
Be Blessed!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Loneliness
Loneliness - A deep longing for heart felt interaction with another person or other people. For some, the void remains despite the existence of meaningful relationships...loneliness.
Whatever our perceived or felt needs are in this area, the truth of the matter is that if we are Christians, we are never alone. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus promised us, "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
I believe the church is one of God's solutions to remedy loneliness. When believers get together something happens! We share our experiences and realize that we are not the only ones facing challenges. We find comfort in just being around others of like faith, and we get to encourage and uplift each other. There is also the fulfilment of getting involved in the work of the church that keeps us satisfied.
If you find yourself fighting feelings of loneliness, let me exhort you to consider these things. I will leave you with these words found in Isaiah...
"Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." - Isaiah 41:10
Be Blessed!
Whatever our perceived or felt needs are in this area, the truth of the matter is that if we are Christians, we are never alone. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus promised us, "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
I believe the church is one of God's solutions to remedy loneliness. When believers get together something happens! We share our experiences and realize that we are not the only ones facing challenges. We find comfort in just being around others of like faith, and we get to encourage and uplift each other. There is also the fulfilment of getting involved in the work of the church that keeps us satisfied.
If you find yourself fighting feelings of loneliness, let me exhort you to consider these things. I will leave you with these words found in Isaiah...
"Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." - Isaiah 41:10
Be Blessed!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sexual Immorality
Sexual Immorality plagues our world today! It is responsible for countless marriages ending in divorce, children separated from parents, even ministers of the gospel becoming disqualified to continue leading the people God has entrusted them.
It is the age-old problem that deals with an unquenchable thirst for more. It is a beast that is never satisfied and thus it should not be entertained! God designed sex to meet the physical, social, and spiritual needs of a man and a woman, but like anything else, becomes perverted when practiced outside of His divine order. According to the Word of God, sex is only to be enjoyed by those who have made a commitment to covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. Anything else is sin in God's eyes!
This sexually charged society we live in will make you believe sex is okay with whomever, whenever... NOT SO! The Bible has lots to say about sexual and marital purity (Rom 1:24-32, 1Cor 6:9-10, Gal 5:19-21, Lev 18:6-30, 2Cor 11:2, and Titus 2:5). In Job 31:1, Job understood this, so he made a covenant with his eyes, not to look upon a woman lustfully. It would serve us well to make one too!
My friends, be pure before God and live a life that captures His favor, blessing, and power!
"For God wants you to be holy and pure, and to keep clear of all sexual sin so that each of you will marry in holiness and honor-not in lustful passion as the heathen do, in their ignorance of God and His ways." - 1Thes 4:4
Be Blessed!
It is the age-old problem that deals with an unquenchable thirst for more. It is a beast that is never satisfied and thus it should not be entertained! God designed sex to meet the physical, social, and spiritual needs of a man and a woman, but like anything else, becomes perverted when practiced outside of His divine order. According to the Word of God, sex is only to be enjoyed by those who have made a commitment to covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. Anything else is sin in God's eyes!
This sexually charged society we live in will make you believe sex is okay with whomever, whenever... NOT SO! The Bible has lots to say about sexual and marital purity (Rom 1:24-32, 1Cor 6:9-10, Gal 5:19-21, Lev 18:6-30, 2Cor 11:2, and Titus 2:5). In Job 31:1, Job understood this, so he made a covenant with his eyes, not to look upon a woman lustfully. It would serve us well to make one too!
My friends, be pure before God and live a life that captures His favor, blessing, and power!
"For God wants you to be holy and pure, and to keep clear of all sexual sin so that each of you will marry in holiness and honor-not in lustful passion as the heathen do, in their ignorance of God and His ways." - 1Thes 4:4
Be Blessed!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
A Time For Everything
What significant thing is happening in your life today?
Do you remember the saying, "If it ain't one thing it's something else"? Doesn't it seem like the moment one problem ends another begins? Well, that should be expected. In a lifetime we will experience the good, the bad and yes, the ugly! But I think we need to remember that each situation is temporal. Unfortunately, bad things do happen to good people in this sin ridden, fallen world and though some things last longer than others, they each have an expiration date.
Whatever you may be facing today, know that it had to have its time, but that time will also have an end. Don't let these things take you by surprise, that way you will go through them easier.
"There is a right time for everything: A time to be born; a time to die; a time to plant; a time to harvest; a time to kill; a time to heal; a time to destroy; a time to rebuild; a time to cry; a time to laugh; a time to grieve; a time to dance; a time for scattering stones; a time for gathering stones; a time to hug; a time not to hug; a time to find; a time to lose; a time for keeping; a time for throwing away; a time to tear; a time for repair; a time to be quiet; a time to speak up; a time for loving; a time for hating; a time for war; a time for peace." - Eccl. 3:1-8
Be Blessed!
Do you remember the saying, "If it ain't one thing it's something else"? Doesn't it seem like the moment one problem ends another begins? Well, that should be expected. In a lifetime we will experience the good, the bad and yes, the ugly! But I think we need to remember that each situation is temporal. Unfortunately, bad things do happen to good people in this sin ridden, fallen world and though some things last longer than others, they each have an expiration date.
Whatever you may be facing today, know that it had to have its time, but that time will also have an end. Don't let these things take you by surprise, that way you will go through them easier.
"There is a right time for everything: A time to be born; a time to die; a time to plant; a time to harvest; a time to kill; a time to heal; a time to destroy; a time to rebuild; a time to cry; a time to laugh; a time to grieve; a time to dance; a time for scattering stones; a time for gathering stones; a time to hug; a time not to hug; a time to find; a time to lose; a time for keeping; a time for throwing away; a time to tear; a time for repair; a time to be quiet; a time to speak up; a time for loving; a time for hating; a time for war; a time for peace." - Eccl. 3:1-8
Be Blessed!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Listen and Learn
Advice is like hair...everyone has some!
The Bible has a lot to say about advice. It is virtually an inexhaustible subject, so that should indicate just how important it is to God.
The problem is, people don't usually seek after good, Godly advice. We don't desire to become truly wise nor do we seek the advice of others. We often marvel at how King Solomon was the richest man that ever lived but do we remember what made him so wealthy? When he became king his prayer to God wasn't for riches or power or fame or notoriety...it was for the wisdom to lead God's people. The wealth then came as a byproduct of his wisdom.
We should all pray continually for wisdom. The world tells us that we should get knowledge. Knowledge is information, but wisdom is the ability to know what to do with that information.
"I, wisdom, give good advice and common sense. Because of my strength, kings reign in power, and rulers make just laws. I love those who love me. Those who search for me shall surely find me." - Proverbs 8:14-17
Be Blessed!
The Bible has a lot to say about advice. It is virtually an inexhaustible subject, so that should indicate just how important it is to God.
The problem is, people don't usually seek after good, Godly advice. We don't desire to become truly wise nor do we seek the advice of others. We often marvel at how King Solomon was the richest man that ever lived but do we remember what made him so wealthy? When he became king his prayer to God wasn't for riches or power or fame or notoriety...it was for the wisdom to lead God's people. The wealth then came as a byproduct of his wisdom.
We should all pray continually for wisdom. The world tells us that we should get knowledge. Knowledge is information, but wisdom is the ability to know what to do with that information.
"I, wisdom, give good advice and common sense. Because of my strength, kings reign in power, and rulers make just laws. I love those who love me. Those who search for me shall surely find me." - Proverbs 8:14-17
Be Blessed!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Scripture typo!!
My apologies! The scripture for my message "Stay In Church!" is found in Heb. 10:25, not Acts 10:25.
Stay In Church!
We all get tired of routine, same old; same old, ritual stuff, right?
Unfortunately we tend to feel that way about church from time to time. I know I do. But let me encourage you with this; God's house is your place of R & R. It's like a gas station to refill you after you've spent what you received the last time you were there. But it's not just our fuelling station for the soul, its the place where God's presence is available to you. He is always there waiting for you. He wants to give you what you need but He also wants what you have for Him. It's like when you would go on a date with someone you love; there was always an exchange taking place when you got together. He would bring you something, and you would bring him something, right?
God's house is also the place where others just like you have come. When you "fellowship" together, the wonderful sharing of stories, experiences, and just being together strengthens each one. This is exactly what the very first church experienced back in the book of Acts, and the Bible records that the church grew daily!
Please let me encourage you today. If you are already attached to a church where God's presence lives, stay committed! If you don't have a church like this, find one and commit there!
Don't just run to church when some tragedy happens! You know, its even more important these days, as the bible says "the times are evil". In addition, Jesus is coming soon!
"Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of His coming back again is drawing near." - Acts 10:25 (The Living Bible).
Be Blessed!
Unfortunately we tend to feel that way about church from time to time. I know I do. But let me encourage you with this; God's house is your place of R & R. It's like a gas station to refill you after you've spent what you received the last time you were there. But it's not just our fuelling station for the soul, its the place where God's presence is available to you. He is always there waiting for you. He wants to give you what you need but He also wants what you have for Him. It's like when you would go on a date with someone you love; there was always an exchange taking place when you got together. He would bring you something, and you would bring him something, right?
God's house is also the place where others just like you have come. When you "fellowship" together, the wonderful sharing of stories, experiences, and just being together strengthens each one. This is exactly what the very first church experienced back in the book of Acts, and the Bible records that the church grew daily!
Please let me encourage you today. If you are already attached to a church where God's presence lives, stay committed! If you don't have a church like this, find one and commit there!
Don't just run to church when some tragedy happens! You know, its even more important these days, as the bible says "the times are evil". In addition, Jesus is coming soon!
"Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of His coming back again is drawing near." - Acts 10:25 (The Living Bible).
Be Blessed!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
God Is Our Avenger
Is there someone that poses a threat to you?
We are not to be afraid of anyone that's out for us. Fear should never rule your life, no matter who it is that's after you! The Word says that we should not be afraid of those who can harm the body, only He who can destroy the soul!
God wants to avenge us from our enemies. How many times throughout the Bible have we seen God come to the rescue of His people? He never directs them to run, only to stand and see His salvation.
Whomever it is that may want to harm you in any way, turn them over to the Lord in prayer as David did - "Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Make haste to help me, O Lord! Let them be ashamed and confounded who seek my life; Let them be turned back and confused who desire my hurt." - Psalm 70:1-2
Be Blessed!
We are not to be afraid of anyone that's out for us. Fear should never rule your life, no matter who it is that's after you! The Word says that we should not be afraid of those who can harm the body, only He who can destroy the soul!
God wants to avenge us from our enemies. How many times throughout the Bible have we seen God come to the rescue of His people? He never directs them to run, only to stand and see His salvation.
Whomever it is that may want to harm you in any way, turn them over to the Lord in prayer as David did - "Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Make haste to help me, O Lord! Let them be ashamed and confounded who seek my life; Let them be turned back and confused who desire my hurt." - Psalm 70:1-2
Be Blessed!
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