~Welcome to Mindful Moments 139~

2011-05-27T07:47:00.000-04:00

Its been a little while since I've posted anything. I decided early in my blogging career that I would only blog when I have something that I REALLY want to share and feel like someone else might be able to relate to and benefit from.
I heard a testimony once from a couple who explained the reason they were so willing to share the testimony of their journey was that others needed to know they weren't perfect so others could know it was okay to not be perfect. Read that slowly one more time...I had to! It does make sense. Sometimes we need to hear others struggles, temptations, and weaknesses to know we're not alone in our battle. The important lesson in this is not that we're excused, but they we are forgiven and redeemed by a loving heavenly Father who sees us through every step of the way.

So today, take the time to listen to those around you. They may not be standing at the pulpit, or on stage, but their lives are a testimony. Listen as people struggle and use it as an opportunity to share Christ. Even if they are a Christian, sometimes we are refreshed by knowing we're not alone in our struggles. We are redeemed and we are loved, but struggles can be very isolating. Reach out, listen and respond!

2011-05-06T06:19:00.000-04:00

As I was riding to work this morning, I was beating myself up for not being perfect. I've not felt well the past couple of days and haven't spent much time in fellowship with God. I say this shamefully as it should be the time I beg for His mercy in my illness and spend the much needed quiet time that my body needs in fellowship with my loving Father. As these things seem to always happen, the script below was the first of several devotions that I read each morning. God's wisdom and comfort comes in many forms, but it doesn't get any clearer than this. Thank you Jesus for how you speak!

Ephesians 5:1-10

Beloved Children, Pleasing to God

Our calling as Christians is to imitate Jesus Christ, but what big footsteps He left! The heavenly Father attested several times in the Scriptures, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased” (Matt. 3:17). How can we possibly live up to that?
Thankfully, the Lord does not expect us to be perfect like Jesus. Knowing that we are encumbered by the weaknesses of our flesh, He sees us as children who are still learning. Just like a mother who rejoices over the her baby’s first steps, so our heavenly Father delights in our early faltering steps of obedience as we seek to walk with Him.
The goal is growth. Once a toddler masters walking, his parents’ delight shifts to more mature achievements like running. As long as we keep growing in our faith, we will never cease learning new ways to please our Father. He loves us and patiently cheers us on at each new level of maturity.
What’s important to the Lord is the bent of our hearts. Amidst all our frailties, failures, and temptations, He sees the desires of our hearts and knows how much we love Him and want to be obedient. Even in our stumbling, He helps us up and encourages us with His Word.
Many of you are far more pleasing to the Lord than you think. If you’re prone to perfectionism, give yourself time to grow. The Father does; so learn to see yourself through His eyes. He’s waiting—not to berate your efforts but to help you develop into the person He designed you to be.

2011-05-03T10:33:00.000-04:00

What is God speaking to you today? Can you hear His voice? Are you still long enough to pay attention? Better yet...would you recognize His voice?

These are questions I never thought to ask myself until recently. I have often wondered what it was like to hear God's voice. Was it a booming sound? Was it a gentle whisper? Was it monotone?

My pastor recently challenged our church to be diligent in reading our bibles for 21 days. NewSpring actually provided a 21-day reading plan and asked that each person have accountability for their daily reading of the Bible. As he stated, the only way to hear God clearly is become familiar with Him and the only way to become familiar with Him is to know His heart. To know His heart is to read His word, His promises and His prophesy for your lives.

Have you ever known someone so well you could finish their sentences? Or you just knew what they were thinking, feeling and how they would react to a certain situation? Wouldn't life be much less complicated if we had that type of relationship with Jesus? Hmmm.....

2011-05-02T12:45:00.001-04:00

Luke 5:1-11

Small Steps to a Great Destiny!

God’s simple requests of us are oftentimes steppingstones to His greatest blessings. Although we may view these lesser events as unimportant, the Lord sees them as a big deal. The apostle Peter is a wonderful example of a man who took small steps to a great destiny.
When Jesus asked Peter to take Him out in his boat, the fisherman could have said no. After all, he’d put in a full night’s work and was probably exhausted. But by taking this small step, Peter received a front-row seat to hear the greatest teacher on earth, and he began a life-changing adventure.
Although Jesus’ first request was fairly ordinary, His next suggestion would challenge everything Peter knew to be logical. Heading into deep water at midday for the purpose of catching fish was ludicrous to this fishing expert. Sometimes God asks us to do what seems unreasonable to us or others. Just remember that the Lord is not obligated to work within the realm of what’s normal or logical. If Peter had refused this unusual request, he would have missed the biggest catch of his life—and I don’t mean the fish. This miracle opened Peter’s eyes to catch sight of his Messiah. When he got out of that boat, the fish meant nothing to him because Jesus became his everything.
The Lord isn’t waiting for us to do some big, impressive task for Him; He’s simply calling us to obey Him one small step at a time. Don’t miss the great adventure God has for you. Even when His ways seem unreasonable, follow Him faithfully, and your destiny will unfold before your eyes.

2011-04-28T09:16:00.000-04:00

God unsettle me
God inconvenience me
Interrupt me
Redirect me
Challenge me
Break my heart for what breaks your's!

Its easy to be settled, things to be convenient, not to be interrupted, to stay on course (especially for the A-Types) and to not be challenged. Its easy to just flow along in our daily lives without a care or worry in the world. Or if you're one of those people who loves drama, its the norm and you're happy with it. Either way, we typically choose to not be out our comfort zone.
As we've heard the old saying "anything worth having is worth working for!" This surprisingly to some also applies to daily walk with Jesus. For some, its taken for granted that when they hear the gospel and all of God's promises, that our life will suddenly become a bed of roses through salvation. On the contrary, fighting Satan is God's work and only through His strength can Satan be defeated....so our learning the gospel, saying a prayer to accept Christ as our savior and being baptized is only the beginning (a great beginning) but nevertheless just a beginning!
When we are so self dependent (even through a great deal of failure throughout our lives) its hard to open our hearts to others for prayer support, and immediately depend on God. And its especially hard to hear God when you're a new believer, in a new salvation, living a new life!
You see even for someone who passed from death to life in 1997, its only been the past six months that I've learned to rely on my resources and trust enough to share my heart with other believers.
USE your resources...daily devotionals, your church website (or mine...www.newspring.cc), other trusted believers...but mostly your BIBLE! My Bible has become my most trusted resource for building my relationship and being able to recognize God's voice and work in my life. He is faithful, He is relentless and He uses whatever means necessary in His pursuit of our hearts. Be thankful that you have a God that loves you THAT much! So....

God unsettle me
God inconvenience me
Interrupt me
Redirect me
Challenge me
Break my heart for what breaks your's!

2011-04-14T07:22:00.002-04:00

Matthew 23:28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Professing To Be One Thing While Being Another

If you've been to China in the last few years, you know they have embraced capitalism with a passion while still professing to be communist. But professing to be one thing and doing another is not unique to communism in China. It's the case for many who call themselves Christians and yet live the way they want to live.

A recent Gallup poll found 72% of Americans believe that Jesus was the Son of God, yet 80% felt each individual should arrive at his or her own beliefs independent of any church. Now those two stats show a huge disconnect between belief and practice, between professing faith and living it. It's called hypocrisy and it's the number one reason people outside the church say they have no interest in Christianity.

Whether you're a communist or a Christian, practice what you preach--or at least have the integrity to call yourself something else. Actions reveal what you really believe, no matter how much you profess what you are.

Personal Perspective: I don't think truer words can be spoken! We often concentrate on bringing those who are lost to Christ by talking salvation but not living it. As an athlete, I practice and I practice to make sure I'm at the top of my game...no matter the sport. But I can't say that I've put forth the same effort in my walk with God...it takes the same practice, the same perseverance and dedication! When I talk smack on the softball field, I've been able to back it up, but I can't say as much for my game against the devil. As I've equipped myself with practice, hard work and study of my favorite game, I must also equip myself as a Christian. By practicing what I speak, working hard toward Godly goals(relying on His strength, not my own), persevering in times of trials and temptations and constantly studying God's word! These are the tools of the trade and is what will allow me to win the game and ultimately defeat Satan. Praise be to God whom all strength, and victory come from!

2011-04-12T11:47:00.000-04:00

Sun Stand Still! Really??

Our new bible study starts tonight and though I am excited, I'm a bit nervous as well. Not for the reasons you would think....not because I'm leading it, but because the prospect of a Sun Stand Still prayer being answered is crazy scary!
We all know God has the capability and right to do whatever He sees fit and needed for His children, but to actually experience it as Joshua did...WOW!
I have never been good with money. I was never taught its importance as a child/teenager. Only as I've turned every area of my life over to God..including my finances, have I gained a healthy respect for money. The perspective He gives on what is needed in comparison to what is wanted is incredible. Along with discipline comes the desire to contribute more to promote His kingdom.
Because I've gained this perspective so late in life...I have a ton of debt! My SSS prayer is to be free from the bondage of debt so that I might be the person loaning not borrowing. I pray to use my impending mini-fortune to pay off all debt and tithe more. To also use my fortune to sponsor mission trips, scholarships for students to attend youth camp, and to be available to purchase meals for struggling families, single parents who struggle and whomever God leads to me or me to them. I want to repay those who have given up on repayment and give God the glory for the conviction of paying my debt. I want to be free to use what I've taken for granted to bless others.
I know God will answer my prayers..in His way, in His time...and I have complete faith that He will answer my first Sun Stand Still prayer! He is a God of faithfulness..besides who else can make the Sun Stand Still?

2011-04-11T06:36:00.000-04:00

“When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ … All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a “sinner.”’” Luke 19:5-7 (NIV)

Have you noticed that it was Jesus’ dinners with sinners that always got him into trouble? He was always getting into hot water with the religious people because he was always hanging out with the wrong crowd.
Can you imagine what bloggers would say today about Jesus having dinner with Zacchaeus, a corrupt politician? Guilt by association is one of the favorite tactics of critics today.

I’ve often faced accusations because of some of the people I’ve been seen hanging out with. I hang out with these people because I’m an evangelist. My goal is to build a bridge between my heart and the hearts of unbelievers, a bridge of love that Jesus can use to reach them.
Jesus came to earth for the sick, the broken, and the insecure people that the religious people wanted to ignore. He came to fill their deepest need with his love.

One of our deepest needs in life is to feel secure, to feel valuable, to feel acceptance. Because of this we are constantly doing two things – evaluating and comparing. We do this all the time, consciously and unconsciously. We judge ourselves by one of the world’s four standards that don’t matter:
1. Appearance. How do I look? This mentality says that the more beautiful you are, the more important and more valuable you are.
2. Affluence. If I own a lot, then I must be worth a lot.
3. Achievement. Do you base your value on your awards, notoriety, and promotions?
4. Approval. How many people like me? How popular am I?
The problem with this value system is that it’s not stable. Beauty fades with age; possessions wear out; someone else will surpassed your successes; and not everyone will like you.

Studies show that you tend to base your self-esteem on what you think the most important person in our life thinks about you. So I recommend you make Jesus Christ the most important person in your life because he will always tell you the truth.

The only solid foundation for self-worth is to realize how much you matter to God. When you see yourself the way God sees you, it will transform you. - Rick Warren, Senior Pastor-Saddleback Church

2011-04-08T12:50:00.000-04:00

Let's not underestimate our enemy!

Luke 10:19-20 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

In 1917, the Ottoman Empire controlled the city of Aqaba which seemed impregnable to any attack. Behind the city in every direction was a vast desert, and overlooking the city's harbor were huge naval guns protecting it against any enemy attack from the sea.

But on July 6, 1917, Lawrence of Arabia bravely led a force of irregular Arab cavalry across this vast desert wasteland and swept into Aqaba from the north. In the surprise attack, Aqaba fell because its gigantic naval guns faced the wrong way and could not protect the city from the invading forces. Suddenly the Turkish hold over Palestine was broken, to be replaced by the British mandate, which eventually led to the creation of the State of Israel.

The Ottoman Empire failed to understand, and also, underestimated their enemy. As a result, the right weapons were not in place to defend themselves against any attack.

Let's not make the same mistake the Turks made! We need to be careful not to underestimate our enemy! First, let us ask the Lord for His wisdom concerning our vulnerabilities. Then, on a daily basis, continue to equip ourselves with the weapons of our warfare. In so doing, we'll walk in victory through Him! - Worthy Brief

2011-04-07T08:42:00.000-04:00

"When we understand the depth of God's love and forgiveness, it deepens our love for him. It also means that we no longer look down on other sinners or think that we are better than anyone else."- Rick Warren

Recently it dawned on me that I am a newborn! Though I've been in church for most of my life, I've just been 'in' church. I've not worked on my relationship with God and allowed Him to be the God of my life, but just 'a' God. He was somewhere on my top ten list. Over a year ago I left a church I had attended for five years. I'm ashamed to say it was a bitter departure, but looking back, I now recognize God's grace and mercy in the situation. As I floundered to find a new church home, I didn't rely on God very much in my search for a church. I was one of those people who told God what I wanted and ask Him to bless my plan...wrong expectations, wrong answer! Thankfully He is so much more than I deserve and loves me more than I can ever fathom! In August I was led to NewSpring Church. My experience at NewSpring has been life altering and in turn life saving! God opened my eyes to HIM, not the church, not the people, not the music, but to HIM! Every week I find myself stunned at how God uses our pastors to work on our hearts and in our lives. My worship experience has been enhanced one hundred fold and I can't wait to get back there. When I think it can't get any better, it does!
I'm so thankful He doesn't give us what we deserve but shows how much He loves us through His amazing grace and patience! His patience and gentle (okay, not always gentle) coddling along the way has brought about exponential changes in my spirit, in my work life, in my relationships with my family, the desires of my heart and I've seen relationships restored that could have only been restored by a God of love. I look forward to reading His word and meditating on its meaning in my life everyday! I don't just go to church anymore, I am a part of my church and I am an active part of God's work. Yes, I am a work in progress and I hope that doesn't change until my last breath, but right now, I am a newborn, learning how to walk, how to talk, how to forgive and how to love the way God meant for me to, not the way I've allowed myself and the world to shape me. I am thankful!

2011-04-06T08:21:00.000-04:00

Over the past few days I've been observing a mother bald eagle as she sits on her eggs and keeps her already hatched babies warm. This has been made available through the blessed technology of an eaglecam posted high above in Decorah, Iowa. To watch the mother position herself just perfectly over her babies keeping them warm and providing them security is absolutely amazing. Not being a biological mother, I don't have the same maternal instinct. Almost all of my friends have kids and as I watch and listen to how they are so protective and most would give their own lives to ensure the safety and happiness of their kids, I see it through this mama eagle as well. She will leave the nest long enough to retrieve food, but otherwise, she is with them nurturing and protecting. As I've watched this over the past few days, it has reminded me of our loving God and His love for us. He is our heavenly Father who is constantly nurturing and protecting us. His love, much like the mama eagle is shown through His desire to grow us, protect us and teach us along the way.I thank Him for being ever present, even when sometimes I would rather do it my way...His way is always perfect! As I watch and the winds get stronger, storms come and go and the mom sits valiantly on top of her babies protecting..and loving! It is so indicative of God's love for us as He observes our growth in faith, obedience and the desire to draw closer to Him in the storms of life. These babies will be ready to leave the nest and fly on their own soon. It will be a sad day....thankfully God doesn't push us out of the nest, but allows us to stay with Him through eternity!

2010-09-04T21:05:00.001-04:00

“Our inability or unwillingness to forgive holds us back from so much in our lives. God forgives… so can we.”

2010-08-23T21:58:00.001-04:00

Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the help of my [sad] countenance, and my God. —Psalm 43:5

DAVID TALKED TO God about how he was feeling and so should you. His prayer life dealt with the real issues he was facing and so should yours. How you approach God with every aspect of your life will profoundly impact your mood. Even your prayer life can simply be rote rather than a reflection of a true dependence upon God. They are as different as darkness and light.

The fact that you put your faith in God does not necessarily change the things around you that are affecting your life, but it changes you. It reaches deeply into your joy and peace. It allows you to move forward with the assurance that you know Him and that He knows you. It allows you to focus on the goodness of God and not just on what is troubling your thoughts and weighing you down. Hope in God and open your heart to praise Him today!

2010-04-27T13:57:00.002-04:00

Why The Negativity?

Years ago, I sat at a table with six public speakers. All of them had been in the ministry longer than I had, but God had given me more outward success than the others. As the conversation went on, I realized I was doing most of the talking—telling one story after another. They all smiled, and no one acted as if they resented my dominating. Afterward, I thought about my behavior. I had done nothing wrong, but I realized I had controlled the conversation, and I felt the Holy Spirit convict me. Although I wasn’t aware of it at the time, in retrospect, I realized that I had been rude and selfish by dominating the conversation. Taking control—that’s what I had done. Perhaps I was insecure and didn’t want them to see me as anything but confident and able. I may have talked too much because I was nervous with my peers. Perhaps I was just so full of myself that all I wanted to do was talk about myself, and what I was doing. A truly loving person is interested in others and always draws them into the conversation. I realize now that I wasn’t operating in love back in those days. Most of the time, I stayed so busy talking about myself and my ministry that I never faced what was wrong inside me. I felt a little nudge from the Holy Spirit frequently, but I never really stopped to pay much attention. Instead of looking at our own shortcomings and failures, we often focus on other people and what we think is wrong with them. That’s easier and less painful. As long as we can keep the focus on other people, we don’t have to examine our own hearts. It’s not calculated, and I’m sure most of us are not aware of the reasons for our being negative. That’s also why negativity is so difficult to deal with. We undermine Satan’s attempt to establish a stronghold in our minds when we admit, “God, I’m a pessimistic person.” That’s the beginning. Then we cry out to the Holy Spirit to search our hearts. Jesus said of Him, “. . . He will convict and convince the world and bring demonstration to it about sin and about righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God) and about judgment” (John 16:8). Too often, we read the word world and smile. Yes, that’s for those sinners, those people who don’t know Jesus. That’s true, but it’s only partially true, because we also live in the world. We—God’s people—need that conviction, as well. We need the Holy Spirit to probe deeply inside us and help us grasp why we’re afflicted with negative thinking. We probably know many nonbelievers who are naturally optimistic, and who never speak badly about others. Satan already has control of their minds, so he doesn’t even tempt them to be negative. Think of it this way: Satan attacks us where we’re weak. Perhaps this will help explain what I mean. More than 100 years ago, William Sheldon began to study human body types and classified them as distinct types. His research indicated that all of us are prone toward certain types of physical diseases. Those with the pear-shaped figure are more prone to heart problems and high blood pressure. I have a rail-thin friend, and when she gets sick, she comes down with a lung infection or bronchitis. She’s in her seventies, has a healthy heart, and is otherwise healthy—but she has weak lungs. Let’s apply that principle to the spiritual realm. All of us have weaknesses—some of us are prone to pessimism, some to lying or gossip, others are by nature more deceptive. It’s not which person is worse, because all of us have our own weaknesses to conquer. We need the Holy Spirit to point out these shortcomings. Just because those are the natural places for Satan’s attacks doesn’t mean we can do nothing about them. Only as the Spirit convicts us can He deliver us from satanic attacks. That’s why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit—the Helper—because He helps us in our vulnerable places.

Joyce Meyer Ministries

2009-05-28T11:01:00.002-04:00

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow…Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside!

Please tell me you know that hymn. It’s one of my favorites. I was singing the third verse of Great is Thy Faithfulness the other day, and I had a relatively profound thought: that’s exactly how it works in the economy of God. Not the other way around.
God gives strength for today, and hope for tomorrow. Sometimes we get it backwards. When we worry about the uncertainties of tomorrow we’re bound to bend and break beneath the weight of anxiety. God doesn’t give strength for tomorrow’s tests. He only gives strength for today. Like manna. Each day has enough trouble of its own .
God’s only provision for your future needs is hope. The certainty of His sovereignty is your only guarantee. Make a note though: God doesn’t give you hope for the needs of today. He gives you strength for your immediate needs-and He expects you to do something about them! I’ve met people who waste time hoping things will work out…when God has already given them the strength to make a change and take a step. You can’t substitute hope for hard work, expecting God to do something for you that you can do for yourself.
Do you a have need today? Walk confidently in the strength of your God for the needs of your now. Do you have a concern about tomorrow? Tomorrow’s strength will be deposited in your account first thing tomorrow morning…not a moment before. Until then, put your hope in Christ alone.

Great is His faithfulness!

2009-05-28T10:48:00.002-04:00

Painful as this time is, you will one day see the reason for it. Not cruel testing but tender preparation for the wonderful work you are to do!

2008-05-14T10:22:00.002-04:00

God's purposes are not always as they seem!

Acts 16:26-30 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

At first glance, it would seem that God allowed this earthquake to take place in order that Paul and Silas would be set free. The earthquake came and their bands were loosed. There was nothing holding them back. They could have fled immediately – wouldn’t have you?But no -- Paul and Silas waited...and as a result, the jailer and his entire family were saved!Many times we assume God’s reasoning for doing the things He does. The Lord may have released us to walk through a door that He has clearly opened -- but He may also have other purposes in mind. Let’s not be so quick to assume. There’s no hurry. God won’t shut a door if it is His divine will for it to be open!
Let’s be patient and be sure to be led by the Spirit of God. These are amazing times we’re living in. We don’t want to miss out on God’s perfect will! There's much work to be done!!!

2008-05-06T17:22:00.002-04:00

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, 'My son, the battle is between two 'wolves' inside us all..

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.

The other is Good It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather : 'Which wolf wins?'

The old Cherokee simply replied, 'The one you feed'.

2008-05-06T17:19:00.001-04:00

Life awaits us!

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

There are two kinds of birds that roam the desert: vultures and hummingbirds. The vulture thrives on a diet of rotting meat. He flies overhead searching for traces of leftover carcasses from slow-footed critters eaten by wild animals who’ve already had their fill. Hummingbirds, on the other hand, will sweep through the desert, passing over all those repulsive, dead animals and seek colorful patches of beautiful wild desert flowers. They will suckle the delicious juices of those sweet desert blossoms and be satisfied.While vultures look to the dead for their survival, the hummingbird seeks the living! Likewise, some of us unconsciously look to our past with its regrets, failures and sins to keep us alive. We think that somehow by looking back to those dead things, we might find some motivation to keep surviving here and now. But let’s take a lesson from the hummingbird.
Let's sweep past that which is dead and focus on the sweet new life -- the exciting future that God holds for us as we continue seeking Him and moving forward in our relationship with Him!

2008-04-14T22:49:00.001-04:00

I'm hungry! Where's the fruit?!

Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

I've never had a green thumb but I recently found out that my name (George) means "farmer" or "worker of the earth".What does a farmer do? If he or she is a good farmer, he works hard at preparing the ground for the sowing of seed. Each year, he waits in expectation for a harvest. Hopefully he toiled the ground well and the seed sank deep into the rich soil. Hopefully his watering was consistent and the seed will grow and bear large delicious fruit. But really, he can't know for sure until many months later when it's time for the harvest.Perhaps you know that one of the trees for which Israel is best known is the olive tree. It doesn't take months, it takes YEARS for an olive tree to develop fruit! Hmmm.Who wants to plant a tree that doesn't bear fruit for many years? But guess what, once it starts bearing fruit it can keep producing on it's own for dozens of years! That was an encouraging word to us personally.But we are all called to be farmers -- to bring in God's great harvest! What we often lack is the patience to wait to see fruit! We want those seeds to sprout right now and we lose heart when we don't see instant results.
The Lord promises that His Word will not be sent in vain, but will accomplish what He pleases and shall prosper where He sends it! Our job is to be faithful and patient! Let's not get discouraged when we don't see our seed producing. It will bring forth fruit in His timing! Be patient! Keep planting! And expect a bountiful harvest!

2008-04-10T12:50:00.001-04:00

Step out!

Psalms 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

When Jim Burke became the head of a new products division at Johnson & Johnson, one of his first projects was the development of a children's chest rub. The product failed miserably, and Burke expected that he would be fired. When he was called in to see the chairman of the board, however, he met a surprising reception. "Are you the one who just cost us all that money?" asked Robert Wood Johnson. "Well I just want to congratulate you. If you are making mistakes, that means you are taking risks, and we won't grow unless you take risks!" Apparently, Mr. Johnson wasn’t joking! Years later, Johnson & Johnson remains one of the largest multi-national manufacturers of pharmaceutical, diagnostic, therapeutic, surgical, personal hygiene, baby and biotechnology products.
Likewise, we believers are called to take some risks so that God’s Kingdom may grow! So often, we cower at the opportunities He makes available because we are too afraid things won’t go the way hope and others might be disappointed or sneer at our failure. But God wants us to go forth boldly, sometimes taking a risk or two, so that we may accomplish great things for Him! Yes, sometimes we’ll get it wrong and there may be a hard lesson to learn. But we will learn-- and eventually great things will happen as result of our courage and persistence!
The time is short and there is so much work to do for the Kingdom! We cannot afford to stand in the sidelines any longer! Let’s ask the Lord to cause to us have courage and go in boldness! God’s Kingdom won’t grow unless we start taking some risks!

2008-03-18T11:41:00.003-04:00

Come as you are!

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

An artist went searching the streets of New York City for a model to pose for a portrait he wanted to call “The Prodigal”. One day was passing Central Park and saw an impoverished beggar lying on a bench and thought: “He’s perfect! That man would represent the prodigal son beautifully in my painting.” He asked the beggar if he would be willing to sit for his painting and he would gladly pay him for his time. Naturally, the beggar agreed.
On the day and time appointed, a man knocked on the door of the artist’s small Brooklyn studio. Excitedly, he answered his door only to find a clean-shaven young man dressed in a suit and tie standing before him. Disappointed, he said, “You must have the wrong door sir, the law office is down the hall”. “But you made an appointment with me,” the man replied, “No,” said the artist, “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you before. I made an appointment to meet with a beggar here at this hour.” “Well,” said the man, “I am the beggar.” “You?” said the artist, “You’re the beggar?” “Yes, he replied. After you left me last week, I found some money and thought I would get a new suit of clothes before you painted me.” “Oh,” replied the artist, “Well, you’re just not right for the job.”
The beggar wanted to show himself a masterpiece before the artist — but the artist wasn’t looking for that. He wanted to create the masterpiece himself! Likewise, when we come to God, we must not come in our own garments of self-righteousness. We must come before him transparent, with no inhibitions, or worries, or pride. God has already seen our weaknesses and faults. We’re not hiding anything from Him anyway.
The Master Artist has an appointment with us today. Let’s not come disguised as someone else. Let’s come as we are so that He can make a priceless masterpiece.

2008-03-17T11:43:00.001-04:00

Your victory is near!

1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Growing up, one of my favorite Saturday activities was watching ABC Sports. I can still remember the opening line -- “The thrill of victory or the agony of defeat!” One of the greatest prophets of the Bible, Elijah, experienced his share of victories -- but he also knew that sudden feeling of defeat. If you recall, Elijah was on Mount Carmel, the only prophet of the Lord standing against four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal. (2 Kings 18) When it was all said and done, Elijah was absolutely victorious! But wouldn’t you know that in the next chapter, we find Elijah under a juniper tree saying -- “Lord take my life!” (2 Kings 19:4)
We’re so quick to forget the victories that the Lord has given us, aren’t we? There are countless examples of great men of God who struggled this way. If they can go from victory to defeat so easily, how much more are we susceptible to the same attacks of the enemy? We must remember that this is precisely what they are -- attacks of the enemy upon our lives -- attempting to draw our attention away from all that God has done.
If you are finding yourself in the midst of a valley — try focusing on the victories the Lord has already displayed in your life. And more importantly, focus on the power of victory you can walk with today!

2008-03-13T11:05:00.003-04:00

Don't settle for a burger!

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

In today's society fast food is making billions. It's slogans are “have it your way” and “have it hot and and have it now”. How easy it is for us to fall into this “fast food mentality”. It has almost become who we are. But in God’s kingdom there’s no fast food. We can’t always have it our way and now. When we are caught up in this fast food mentality, we lose the true meaning of patience. True patience is the ability to wait on the Lord through trials without complaining and worrying; it is to be tested and persevere through trial.
We need to be patiently waiting on the Lord to answer us in a new way! We cannot shortcut the things of God. If we want a deeper anointing of the Spirit in our lives, we need to avoid this fast food mentality. We cannot have a deeper walk with the Lord without spending time in his Word, without spending time in intimate prayer, without walking in repentance and humility, and practicing a life of holiness. Is this a tall order? Yes, but when we are focused on God and patiently waiting on Him to answer — He will preparing a blessing beyond our imagination!
Let’s not settle for a hamburger, fries and coke — when the Lord has a delicious, heavenly feast prepared for us!

2008-02-29T09:53:00.001-05:00

Issumagijoujunnainermik!

Mark 11:26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Today's word is not Hebrew or Greek, it's Eskimo! The word is issumagijoujunnainermik. When missionaries first shared the gospel with the Eskimos, they couldn't find any word in the Eskimo language for forgiveness. So, they took a number of Eskimo words and joined them to form a new word -- Issu-magi-jou-jun-nai-ner-mik -- and it became the Eskimo word for forgiveness. The individual words are "Not-being-able-to-think-about-it-anymore."
Too often we remember the hurt, replaying it over and over again in our minds. Forgiveness is not something we do just once. It is something we must reaffirm every day. Whenever a hurtful memory comes up, remember the word Issu-magi-jou-jun-nai-ner-mik, and say, "I can't think about it anymore, it's in God's hands."
Rather than replay the hurt you may have acquired, replay God's mercy, His grace, His love for us (and them) -- when He freely gave His life. That will enable us to forget it and move forward.

2008-02-21T11:19:00.001-05:00

Keep your head up!

John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

I read a story about a new young partner in a law firm. The senior partners had set extremely high standards and had coached him carefully. He did well in some minor trials but he lost his first big case. When the partners reviewed the trial, they pointed out his errors and suggested different strategies. Even with all their critique, he lost the next big one. He felt terrible. Were they ready to give him the boot?
Then one of the partners took him aside. "Look," he said, "you're learning. Just keep going. You'll start winning. Meanwhile, your position is secure. You're one of us." Those words were exactly what he needed to hear.
Have you ever experienced this kind of compassion when you were feeling hopeless? If we’re believers, we have. The Lord has taken us aside and said, “Yeah, you’ve made some mistakes, but don’t worry -- your position is secure.
Know that God has provided your security today. Rest assured in Him -- and be sure to convey that same kind of compassion to struggling siblings in the faith. All of us need to be reassured once in a while.

2008-02-19T20:32:00.001-05:00

Change your landscape by planting some seeds!

Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

There was a mailman, John Hand, who rode his mail truck through Los Altos Hills of California on his 50 mile route each day. The route was plain, all brown and virtually no color. One day he began to throw wild flower seeds out of the window as he drove. Today, if you travel his route in the Los Altos Hills you'll find beautiful patches of flowers throughout, blossoming in many colors.We all travel different roads. Sadly, many of us miss wonderful opportunities to change and bring added beauty to our landscapes. In our families, at our jobs, in the world around us, God has given us opportunies to color those landscapes! It's far easier for us to complain and resign ourselves to settling for those landscapes, than it is to be the catalysts of change. From this point on, let's resolve to stop complaining about the lifelessness around us and do something about it! God has given us the power and anointing to change those landscapes! Let's start sowing the seeds of the Gospel, the seeds of salvation and new life. Let's sow the seeds of love, joy, righteousness and all the tasty fruits of the Spirit. As we sow them throughout our daily lives, those dull, dry landscapes will begin blossom into something beautiful and we, like that mailman, John Hand, will be remembered as the ones who sowed those seeds. Be a sower of seed producing fruit of a 100-fold! There's so much work to be done!

2008-02-15T08:39:00.001-05:00

Is there grass on your path?

Psalms 62:8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.

Early African believers were earnest and regular in private devotions. Each one reportedly had a separate spot in the thicket where he would pour out his heart to God. Over time, the paths to these places became well worn. As a result, if one of these believers began to neglect prayer, it was soon apparent to the others. They would kindly remind the negligent one, "Brother, the grass grows on your path."
Prayer is a time when we can be completely intimate with the Lord -- we can share all our burdens, heartaches, situations and life struggles... but sometimes we need to get away into the thicket, alone, and be intimate with Him! The Lord loves to be intimate with us! He doesn't want a superficial relationship of recited prayers -- but a deep relationship with Him -- the One who loves us with a love that is everlasting!
If grass has begun to grow on your path, take some time out and find your way to that spot in the thicket today. God awaits you!

2008-02-11T10:31:00.000-05:00

Where's your heart?

Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

When a Michigan man entered the hospital for tests one day, he never would have guessed what the doctors would find. A routine chest x-ray revealed that the man’s heart was on the wrong side of his chest! Because of a rare reversed-organ condition, his heart was in the wrong place. This is a strange story indeed, although I think some of us suffer from this condition in a spiritual way.

Do you ever find yourself thinking you’re in a good place with the Lord? I haven’t done this sin or that sin in a long time. I’m doing much better in this area of my life than so and so is. I am in leadership in my church or ministry and and I think I'm a better Christian than the people I lead. You know what I’m talking about? We get to thinking we’re in a good place -- a safe place -- home free.

This safe place is a dangerous place! The reality is that Satan wants us to be content in where we are. He wants us to compare ourselves to others and feel we've arrived! But we haven't! God wants us to continually strive to be more like Him! It is only when we come to a place of humility and dependence upon the Lord that we can have a heart that's truly in the right place.

We need to daily examine ourselves to see if our hearts are where they need to be. Are we depending on God in every way? Are we constantly acknowledging that all we have and are is by His hand of mercy and grace? Let's stop comparing ourselves to others and our pasts and strive for God’s perfection today!

2008-01-22T09:48:00.000-05:00

It's the time for blossoming!

Isaiah 35:1-2 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.

One thing I absolutely love about Israel is that fruit grows everywhere in abundance. Delicious citrus fruit, mango, pomegranate, grapes, cactus fruit, avocado — and much much more! It’s common to see people people pick and eat it as they walk by. And it doesn’t taste like your average western fruit either. It seems to be especially sweet. It must be because God has blessed the land it’s grown upon!

Today marks the Jewish holiday of Tu B’ Shvat and the beginning of the new year for trees. It is customary to plant trees and partake of the fruits of the Land to commemorate the occasion. God has declared that fruit shall blossom from the desert of our dry land here in Israel and boy, has it ever!
I love this passage. It reminds me that even the dry desert areas in our lives can come to life! The Lord declares that He will restore the years the locusts have eaten! No matter how desolate we’ve been, this is the time to blossom!

Our lives are meant to flourish in the Lord! Let’s ask Him to touch us in a special way this season. May we spring to life and blossom abundantly. May that which was once dead spring to life and may everyone around us may see the evidence of the glory of God!

2008-01-21T10:18:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the big picture?

1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

I came across this powerful story and wanted to share it with you.

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted them to learn to not judge things too quickly, so he sent them each on a quest to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away. He sent his first son in the winter, his second in the spring, his third in summer and his youngest in the fall. When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.
The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said no - it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The third son disagreed, he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.
After hearing all his son's responses, the wise father replied, "Sons, you are all right -- because you have each seen only one season in the tree's life. But you cannot judge a tree, or a person, or anything else by only one season. Most things can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons have come to pass".

I think each of us has judged someone or something prematurely, and we have also probably experienced the pain of being judged that way. Lord, forgive us! We need to give each other the benefit of the doubt! We need to look closely enough and long enough to see the big picture before we rule things out. God does that for us all the time. There's so much work to be done!

2008-01-20T19:48:00.000-05:00

Psalm 6:3-4 "My (inner) self (as well as my body) is exceedingly disturbed and troubled. But You, O Lord, how long (until You return and speak peace to me?) Return (to my relief), O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of Your steadfast love and mercy."

Avoid getting negative when you look at your circustances. Actively wait on God to give you strength to walk in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Wait with purpose, silently listening for Him to speak, eagerly watching for Him to act.

Tell Him, "Lord, I received strength to be your ambassador and witness. Your Word tells me to love people who mistreat me. Though it is hard to do in the natural, I receive strength from You to be loving today."

Then watch for the opportunity to act godly as He gives you strength to do so.

2008-01-18T09:26:00.000-05:00

Romans 12:17-18,21 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

One minister tells of a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband. "I do not only want to get rid of him, I want to get even! Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has hurt me!"
The minister suggested an ingenious plan "Why don't you go home and act as if you really love your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate and generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him. Make him believe you love him. Then -- after you've convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, drop the bomb. Tell him you want a divorce. That will really hurt him.
"With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, "Beautiful, beautiful! Boy, will he ever be devastated!" And she did it with enthusiasm. For two months she showed love and kindness, she listened, served and reinforced. When she didn't return to his office, the minister called. "So.are you ready now to go through with the divorce?" "Divorce?" she exclaimed. "Never! I discovered that I really do love him."
This woman's actions changed her feelings. Whether it's a tough relationship, a long-time fear, or a task that seems too big for us to accomplish, sometimes we need to act in faith in order to see it conquered for the Kingdom!
Whatever it may be, let's give it to the Lord today and ask Him to motivate us to go forth with strength and passion -- for His sake!