Be Strong and Go!
The LORD will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. ~ Deuteronomy 31:5-7 (New International Version)
Moses is preparing the Israelites for leadership change. He has led the people and now he is 120 years old. He tells them that he will not be going with them, but for them to have courage and not be afraid because God was going to go with them.
Moses is giving the people the instructions to go forward and take the land that the Lord has for them. Now this land is not empty. There are other people living there, but God promises them that if they follow him, he will give it to them. If you read this entire chapter you will see that God also knows that the people will rebel and not do all that they are told to do. Yet, God still encourages Joshua to be strong and go.
What's the lesson for us today? God has some things that he has especially for you. He is encouraging you not to be afraid of what the road to the land looks like, but to go. God wants his children to go and conquer the places he has set aside for each one of us. We cannot look at what's standing in the way of us receiving our land (just like the Israelites could not look at the people already possessing the land and let that keep them from receiving what God had for them).
What is the land God has for you? The first land is one of safety. God desires that you know him and have an intimate relationship with him. You can only do that through the acceptance of salvation as offered by his Son. The next land he has for you is one of purpose. God desires you to seek him so that you can find what he has for your life that will glorify him before others.
Today, I want to encourage someone to be strong and go. Go and find what God has for your life. Do not be afraid of the battle. It seems hard, and it might even look like you might lose. However, God promises that he will accompany us on our journey and that he will help us in our times of need.
Prayer: Lord help us your children to hear your message of courage and of sending. You are sending your children into some places that you said are ours but fear, not knowing what we will face and lack of faith keeps us from receiving what you have. Help us today so that we do not miss your blessings for our lives. This we ask in Jesus name, Amen.
Who Am I to you?
But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ. " - Mark 8:29
Jesus asked his disciples a question. He asked them, who do people say I am? They responded and said, some say you are John the Baptist and some say you are Elias and others one of the prophets from before. Jesus then asked them,
who do you say I am?
Peter answered and said, you are the
Christ. This was not a long interaction, but a vital one for you and I to understand. Jesus initial question of who do they say I am and the response from Peter are important for believers to understand if we are going to walk worthy of our calling as disciples of Christ.
In Jesus' day they thought he was someone else. They thought he was John the Baptist that had been beheaded come back. Some thought he was one of the prophets. The problem was they were wrong and no one thought he was who he was, the Son of the Living God. They did not acknowledge that he was the promised Messiah that God had sent to earth to save his people.
This is true in our day. Some believe that Jesus was a good teacher, some believe he was a prophet that came to pave the way for another messiah. Whatever they believe about Jesus if it is not that he is the Son of the Living God, they are missing the mark. Many today still do not believe they must accept Jesus as Lord in order to be with God because they do not really know who he is.
Jesus' question turned from what the world thought about him to what his own disciples thought. It's true for us today. Jesus' turns to you and I and ask who do you say I am or more personally "
Who Am I to you?" As disciples of Christ we must believe Jesus is who he says he is. We cannot believe what the world tries to tell us he is, but in fact believe what his word reveals him to be. He tells us he is the Christ, the Son of God. He is the one that died for our sins and intercedes on our behalf.
We cannot believe the world's view that he is simply a good man, and that there are many paths and many ways to reach God. We cannot believe that any behavior or actions are suitable to present to Christ because, well he loves us and he'll take whatever we give him. He revealed himself as the Son of God and that His Father is a holy and righteous God that requires a Holy and righteous people.
When Christ comes to you and ask, "Who am I to you?" How will you answer? Will you answer and say to Him that he is your Lord and savior and that he is Christ in your life? Or will you answer like the world?
Prayer: Lord today help us so that we can answer this question with an affirmative answer that you are the Christ. Not simply because we said it from our mouths, but that our lives reveal that you are Christ dwelling in our hearts. Lord today help us release ourselves in your hand so that we can learn who you are, as you teach us what our identity is in you. Amen.
What's Your Reflection?
Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." ~ John 3:20-21
We live in a time where people are saying one thing, but doing something else. In my time we called this being "two faced". Sometimes people are doing things that are not right but they try to hide it. They are not so quick to come around areas that would "shine the light" on what they are doing because they do not want to be exposed.
We hear it in our news, political people having to say they are sorry or resign positions because the evil they were doing has been exposed. Companies have gone bankrupt because of the deeds of CEO's being exposed.
God's word speaks to us today about these kinds of things. Those that do wrong hate the light. There are different applications here regarding light. Light first and foremost represents God and his truth. People that do wrong try to hide from God's light because it shows them for what they are. Another application for light is a place of transparency. In the dark it is hard to see things so a person can hide things, but when a spotlight has been placed on something you can see it clearer.
This is the requirement of God. He wants his children to put themselves in the light. First to be his child you must be a child of Light. And when you are a child of light, you must walk in the light so that others can see your actions plainly and know that God's Spirit dwells within your hearts.
The question is, what's your reflection? If you look at yourself in the light will you find somethings reflected there that need to be changed? Are you going to church on Sunday's and appearing to be one of the group, but during the week you are hanging out with friends drinking, smoking, having sex and things that God says to refrain from? We need to really take a true look at ourselves so that we will not be fooled about who we are.
Have you looked at yourself in the dark in the mirror and saw nothing wrong, but when you turned on the light you were able to see the blemishes or imperfections on your face? Well that is how it is if we try to do things in the dark. We begin to think we look alright because we are seeing our reflection in a darkened stated. But when light is reflected upon us we see all the blemishes and imperfections in our lives.
This month, that the time to truly reflect on your life. Is there anything (big or small) if exposes in your life would be displeasing to the Lord? Then get rid of it!
Praying this month for God to help our reflection to reflect more of his son so that when others see us, they will truly know that God is doing something in us.
A Pure Heart
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. - 2 Corinthians 7:1
First, let us look at the first part of Paul's message. He states, "
since we have these promises". What are the promises Paul is writing about? If we go back and read the chapters before Paul urges the fellow workers to receive God's grace and he reminds them that about salvation. The promise is that God will save us and give us the help we need to follow him.
So, the promise you and I have is that God will save us and strengthen us to do what is right. Because of these promises, Paul encourages the reader to purify themselves of anything that keeps the body and the spirit from being in harmony with God.
The first place thing that must be different before actions can change is the heart. We must do like David did and ask God to give us a pure heart and give us a right spirit. If we change our hearts, or what is important to us we can see change in our lives and the things we do.
If someone is going to stay pure sexually, it has to be a matter of the heart. Your parents can tell you why not to be sexually active for all the right reasons, but if you have not decided within your heart that you desire to be obedient to God, you will not flee from sexual sin.
If someone is going to live a holy life in actions and deeds, if the heart has no desire for godly things, then no amount of coaxing a person to do right will make it happen. If you are going to live a life pleasing to God, the love for God and the love of God must be firmly planted in your heart.
This month of July, take a close look at your actions. Do the things that are important to you reflect God? If they do not, then how can you expect to live a life that reverences God without his help? I pray for us this month that we would begin to do as David did and ask God to change our hearts.
We need God to give us a pure heart so that we can desire pure things. We need a pure heart so that what we do will not be sinful in the eyesight of God.
Let's pray: Lord, help me to receive and live in your promise of salvation and freedom from the sins that so easily captures mind, spirit and body.. Help me Lord to live a life that is pure. Help me so that my heart will be turned to you and your will. I desire Lord to live a life pleasing to you, but I also acknowledge that I am not able to do that by myself. I need your love dwelling in me. Help me is my prayer. Amen.
Is God Calling You?
1 Samuel 3:1-10
The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, "Here I am." And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." But Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down." So he went and lay down. Again the LORD called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." "My son," Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down." Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD : The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' " So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
Image if you would this young boy that is being called by God yet he doesn't understand who is calling him because he had never heard from the Lord before. So when he heard God calling he ran to Eli and asked him what he wanted. He was wrong it wasn't Eli calling him but God. He did this three times before he was directed to listen for God.
How many times have we misunderstood God speaking to us for our own voices or the voices of other people? How many times has God spoken to you but because you did not recognize his voice you thought you were having a good idea? So like Samuel we go running in the wrong direction, when what we need to do is stand still and respond to God's calling.
What should you do when you think you are having a "
good thought"? Maybe it is God calling you. Just as Eli told Samuel to go back and if God called again, to say, here I am. This is what you should do. Go back or stop moving in the wrong directions and be still. Stop trying to figure things out or trying to work things out for yourself. Instead, ask God to speak to you and then listen to hear what he has to say.
As soon as he does, then it is your responsibility to take that lesson and move forward. Another question may be, how do I know God is speaking to me? That is a good question and it has more than one answers. In this scripture God spoke out loud to Samuel. Maybe God isn't calling you in this way, but he can be calling you through the Bible, through the messages preached Sunday after Sunday. He can reach you through your time of prayer or through others that encourage you, teach you or direct you through the word of God. None of these methods will be contrary to the word of God. Anything you hear should line up with God's word.
Is God calling you? I would have to say the answer to that is yes! God is calling all to first come to him and be saved and secondly to be used by him for his purpose.
Prayer: Lord help me to hear you voice among the many sounds in my world. Help me to hear and understand that I am hearing from you. Lord help me to not only hear
Friend of God
Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to his tent. The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent. Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.'- Exodus 33:10-12
Moses was called by God to lead the people out of Egypt to a land that God had promises their forefathers. In this scripture God has told Moses that he would no go with the people because they were complainers and stiff-necked. Moses goes into the tent that he put outside of the camp so that the people could go seek the Lord.
Moses went into the tent to speak to God about the people. When he entered, the presence of God met him there. The Lord spoke to Moses as a friend. It was because of this relationship, that God told Moses he would go with the people because he knew Moses and Moses knew his name.
This is so important for us to understand this relationship and the benefits. God calls Moses his friend. That means God share important things with Moses. God took time to listen and speak to Moses. And Moses knew God by name. When someone is your friend, you know their name. You know some of the details about that friend.
We know that God already knows all about us because he created us, but how wonderful to say that we know someting about God. We know God in several ways. We know him through his word and through his spirit. His Holy Spirit helps us to understand God's word. We cannot really understand it without the help of the Lord. God's Spirit also helps us to under God's direction and his will.
As we allow ourselves to seek the presence of God as Moses did, we can find ourselves being blessed with a close relationship with God and benefit from a friendship. Don't you want to be able to talk to God and know that he wants to stand with you, help you and direct you? Don't you want God to think of you as his friend?
Prayer: Lord today we seek to have a face-to-face relationship with you. We want to know you more intimately as you know a true friend. We want to be able to tell you our secrets, those things that are special to us. We want to hear those hidden things about you that are only revealed to those that are your friend, those that walk with you, talk with you and grow to know you more intimately. Help us Lord, we pray. Amen.
Comfort for your heart
Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. - Psalm 31:9
I have heard a lot of bad news lately. Many are trying to make sense of deaths of friends that were too young to be leaving this world. Some are sleepless and have unrest in their hearts. Many don't talk about it because, well adults sometimes just don't understand.
I know sometimes we (I happen to be one of those adults) forget that we are not the only ones faced with difficulties, problems and news that just takes the wind out of us. Well today, I want someone to know that your hurt is important. Your grief over the lost of a friend, loved one or even a change in your life situation is something that God will give you comfort for.
Yes, God does often work through people to comfort, but he still can comfort you in through his spirit. The psalmist understood that. The psalmist was in distress, he speaks that his eyes were weak and his body was filled with grief. I understand having weak eyes. Have you cried so much that your eyes were puffy and you felt like you couldn't even keep them open any longer?
That is distress! Today, however I want to come and bring you encouragement. God knows your hurts and just like the psalmist you can turn that grief, confusion and hurt over to him. He is waiting and ready to comfort you in this time of need.
This month, I pray that those that have suffered lost (friends, family, loved one), that God would help you through. This situation does not have to take down. You can continue to stand regardless of what you are facing.
There are also some things you can do to help in the healing process:1.
Talk about it. - I've heard the saying, there is more room out, than in. You cannot keep all your feelings bottled up inside of you because they will eventually come out. They just may not come out in the way you want them to. They may come out in anger, frustration, etc. So find someone that will give you a listening ear and talk about it.
2.
Don't deny how you feel. - You cannot pretend that you do not care or that the situation does not matter. You have to face your feelings head on. However, in dealing with your feelings you cannot let them tell you what to do. For example, you might be feeling sad, but you cannot let the sadness tell you that you have no hope. Feelings are "facts" but they are not "truth". Facts just tell you what something is. God's truth tells you that while the fact is you feel a certain way, that is not all there is.
3.
Pray. - It is our most important tool. When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or distressed, pray. In fact pray when you feel happy. In fact, just pray all the time. Prayer helps you to be connected to God and helps you learn how to communicate with God. Try it.
4.
Give yourself time. - Healing of emotional hurts take time. Grieving takes time. Don't be hard on yourself because you have a bad day. Get back up and start again. One day you'll find out that the pain isn't so painful and the hurt doesn't hurt as much. It is simply a process and you need to seek God the entire way so that you can have the victory.
Prayer: Lord today, we seek your help as we face hurts, disappointments and losses. We do not alway understand the reasons for these things, but we are sure that you can hear us and help us so we seek your help. Amen.
Blog interview with Author, Fiadanantsoa Vonjimalala
(also known as Fia)
Fiadanantsoa is a remarkable young lady. She is a college student that has a desire to do great things for God. While I have not read her book yet, I have had the opportunity to see her and I have marvelled at her beautiful spirit. I like hearing about wonderful things our young people are doing. Read this interview from one of our young people striving to reach their dreams.
Fia: First of all let us give “Thanks” to God, for His Love and Mercy endures forever. Second, thank you Min. Jewel Williams for giving me the opportunity to share about my book while answering your questions. I am very grateful to God on how you support and mentor young people to follow the right path of Jesus Christ and to grow in the true faith, hope, and love in Christ, The Lord. To God Only Be the Glory! Amen.
Jewel: What's the title of your book and can you tell us a brief synopsis of your story.
Fia: The title is ‘
Willing For Love’. The story concerns on the importance of family, friendship and about protecting and fighting for those who are dear ones.
In the story, two teenagers named Jake and Haley, with the help of Jake’s family, are uniting together against a mysterious organization named M.G.S, which is a dark organization that seeks to destroy the lives of two brothers named Edgar and Jimmy, who are Jake and Haley’s friends. To be under the power of this organization is dangerous and is putting people in harm’s way. The brothers are crying for help, also many more people, people very close to Jake and Haley. This situation calls for a brave hero to stand up for these oppressed people. Who would this hero be?
Jewel: Why was this book important to you to write at this time in your life?
Fia: This book is important to me, because it describes the strong power of selfless love, a love without boundary, ready for any challenge, maybe even sacrifice. In the society we live right now, it is rare to find this love; it is only in God that we find this kind of love. However, God can work through us; he can show us that loving our neighbors, enemies and humbling ourselves–this is the kind of love that he looks for.
In my book, this love is stressed when the people cry out and someone steps in, due to love and not profit, to protect them. In this book also, unity is stressed: the willingness of people to work together, to achieve a big goal and to make a tremendous change.
Jewel: Who do you want to reach with your book?
Fia: This book applies to everyone: adults, teens and children. The dark organization that oppresses us in this life is our different kind of problems: spiritual, financial, educational, social, etc. In this postmodernist time, people are crying out for help, because they feel oppressed, enslaved, threatened, shaken, and it seems like there is no way out. In the society, however, everyone has his or her own problems to face too. To whom should we turn? We know that we should turn to God, but God also mostly work through people. Would there be someone out there willing to step in for us? Willing out of love? Willing for Love?
This book, through the story of the friends and what they do for one another, would help us understand and see the pure power of this love and w
STAND REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU SEE
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,[a]' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. - Matthew 24:3-14
As I was preparing to write for this month, I wondered what would be a good topic. Then I read some one's post on
Facebook. They wrote, "
Earthquake felt around the world, 2012 hear early." Many of you know about the 2012 rumor. It is mostly based on a movie that came out that says the earth will be ending in the year 2012. However, I wanted to remind us that even though we see these events, we should not be worried.
Why shouldn't we worry? Well worry is that these things are happening and no one is in control of the outcome. Yet there is someone in control, God. Jesus spoke in the scripture we are using this month to his disciples about his return.
Jesus tells them that in that time before his return, there would be famines, wars and rumors of wars. There would be earthquakes but he says even more importantly is that there will be those that will try to deceive you into believing they are the true Christ.
Can I tell you we have that today? There are cults and religious movements that have said their leader is in fact "the Christ". Yet Jesus warns his disciples do not be tricked by these lies. He also warns do not let your hearts be "cool" toward the truth of God's word.
This is the most dangerous of all the things mentioned. If you or I allow our hearts to grow cold toward God, we will miss the reward of being with God eternally. What then is Jesus' message to his disciples then as well as now? He is first telling his disciples then, of the direct prosecution that would befall them. They lost their lives for the advancement of the Gospel that you and I now enjoy. He is also speaking to us today not to be deceived by individuals or religious groups telling you when the earth will end. Jesus let's us know these things we see all point to a time when God's perfect plan will be culminated, but only he knows. It could be in 12 years, 212 or 2112 years; only God has that date no one else. More important for you and I to concern ourselves with is, when is our appointed time with God and if we are ready to meet him? Today is some one's appointed time to meet God, yet the entire world may not be aware of it. Daily people die and our concern as believers should be to make sure we
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God.".... - Psalm 53:1a
Don't be foolish! Today there are so many different beliefs regarding God and his power that I cannot place them all in this short lesson. However, there is one believe that I want to touch on. You may have heard of an atheism. Did you know there are different types of atheist? The one I want talk about is "practical atheism".
What does that mean? An atheist believes that there is no God. Some believe there is a God, but his is hidden from view (Conceptual atheism). Practical atheism is applied to a person that believes there is a God, however he really doesn't have any use for him in his life.
Can I tell you there are some indivduals that call themselves believers, but are actually practical atheist? What do they look like? The are average people that go about their lives doing things, taking care of life's stuff, but not really acknowledging God in the process.
Oh, they may go to church on Easter, Christmas, and well they may even go even more often. But stuff like reading your Bible, praying, fellowship are not things that they think much about. God has a purpose surely in their lives? Yes he does, when things get to hard for them to handle or control, then the need for God arises. But as soon as everything goes back to normal, they God really doesn't exist.
What's the danger of that? The scripture for this month of February is a short but a powerful one. If we say there is no God, we are foolish. Well you might say the person presented before didn't really say God doesn't exist, so how does he/she qualify as a fool?
It is foolish to think that God is not the God of everyday. God does not want to be our God only when we face difficulty or things we cannot handle. We are really no better (in fact we are worse) than the atheist that says God does not exist. It is time to take an inventory of your actions. Do you spend time before God in your word? Do you spend time with God in prayer? Do you take time each day to try and encourage someone, or present the truth of the Gospel to some one? Are you ashamed to tell others you go to church or are a Christian? After you examine yourself, where do you find yourself standing?
Are you in a place where God is pleased, then continue to walk with him and allow him to use you. But what if you find yourself in a place where you are functioning as a "practical atheist", what should you do? It is time today to turn around from the path you are on and begin to live for God "actively". To say there is no God either in word or deed is foolish as the Bible says. Seek God and ask him to help you in your walk with him.
Challenge: What will you do differently in February to jumpstart your growth in Christ?
My Prayer: Lord we do not want to be like the foolish people that say you are not real. Help us to not only speak the truth about you, but help us to live it out. We do not want to live contrary to your word. Equipped us to speak to others that may feel likewise. Help us not to be afraid or to back down from your truth. Help us to speak it in love and allow your Spirit to touch the hearts of others so they too can know you surely are alive. Amen.
The Teaching Notes will resume in February. The new format will be posting once a month. You won't have to try and keep up with the weekly lessons, but will be able to view the lessons monthly and enjoy it throughout the month.
I pray you have had a wonderful holiday and may God grant you with a wonderful New Year! In the meantime, continue to be thankful for all that God has done for you.
I want to take this time to say I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We will return to our regular blogs in January. However, I wanted to take this time to simply remind us of what we have been given.
God gave each one of us an opportunity for a relationship with him. We have been given the avenue to freedom in Christ. Christmas is not simply about the gifts, the gathering of family and friends or having a break from school or work. All those things are nice, but they are not the true reason for the believer to celebrate Christmas.
We celebrate Christmas because we are thankful that God sent his Son to be born of a woman not only to live but then to die for our sins so that we could be in a right relationship with him. I pray that if you have not make Christ your savior in 2009, that you will not let one more day go by without taking hold of the best gift ever given to man, the precious gift of salvation.
God bless you,
Minister Jewel D. Williams
That day David first committed to Asaph and his associates this psalm of thanks to the LORD : Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. - 1 Chronicles 16:7-9
Tell What he means to you. It is easy for me to tell you to be thankful, but is that what is in your heart? Do you remember when you did something wrong and your parent made you say you were sorry, did you really mean it or did you say it so that you would not get in trouble?
It's the same way with telling someone thank you. I can ask you like David did, to give thanks to God but is it in your heart? I admonish you to call on his name and when you do so tell others what he means to you. That is what it means to make him known among the nations. Sing his praises, tell of what wonderful things he has done for you.
I can tell you how great he has been in my life, but don't you want to have that personal relationship for yourself? Don't you want to be able to thank him for what he has done in your life? Don't you want to be able to have a thankful heart not because somebody told you, but because God has engrafted himself into your life?
You begin by making the first step of seeking him for yourself. That means if you want to know God is real, just ask him to show himself to you. Part of how he reveals himself is in his word. READ IT! As you read it ask him to help you understand what he is saying about himself.
And as you continue to seek him you will begin to know him for yourself. Then you can tell others about why they too should be thankful to God. As you prepare your hearts for Christmas, let us end November with a heart of thankfulness.
Prayer: Lord we are so thankful that you help us to understand our need for you in our lives. We are thankful that we can call on you and that you will help us. We are thankful Lord that we can tell others of your wonderful work in our lives. We will sing your praises and help others to do the same. Amen.
Can you hear from you this week, about how you tell others about your relationship with Christ.
Thankful
I thought, how can words of thanksgiving on him I bestow?
I thought about all the wonderful blessings I know.
I could show my thankfulness by listing all the good from my life
But even the unsaved can be thankful for times when there is lack of strife
As God’s child how am I different from the world in which I live?
How do I to the Mighty King, true thanksgiving give?
Then I dropped to my knees and to God I began to pray.
Thank you for my foot that won’t bear my weight when I wake to the new day.
Because it reminds me I can lean on you to carry me all the way.
I’m thankful for my times of lack and when I was unable to see its end,
Because you showed me you are faithful and on you I can depend.
I thank you for the child I loved within my heart but life I was never able to give,
I better understood how you willingly grieved your son’s life so I could live.
I’m thankful for broken promises, lost relationships and lost dreams,
You showed me that you would never leave me nor forsake me no matter how it seems.
I’m even thankful for the sickness, the pain and the aches,
You showed me you are my strength in those times when my spirit would break.
To be thankful for the good is quite easy you see,
I must be thankful for all things to become what God wants me to be.
Why am I thankful you might inquire?
To please him is my greatest desire.
Be thankful no matter what life situation you are in,
For with Jesus in all things and through all things you can win.
For both my good and my bad I can say thank you,
Simply because the love of God is so true.
This is a short week, so I decided to just share something about being thankful as you have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with your family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!
The Importance of Children to Jesus
Peopl were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hand on them and blessed them. - Mark 10:13-16
There are many vital points in this scripture to help us understand how important children (youth of all ages) are the Jesus.
1. People were bringing little children... It is important for parents to have the desire to bring their children before the Lord so that he can touch their lives and make them into what he desires for their lives.
2. Disciples rebuked them. When Jesus was this, he was indignant... Jesus was angry, annoyed and even offended by his own disciples trying to stop the children from coming to him. The message to us today is, we must make sure as the disciples of Christ we are not responsible for turning away the children. Like the disciples, we turn them away because we don't think they are vital to the work of Christ. The disciples thought the children were in the way of Jesus doing his work. We likewise turn them away because we feel they are getting in the way of the "work" we should be doing, when in fact they are part of the work.
3. Do not hinder them.... Jesus said do not hinder the children from coming to him. The message to us today is, we as the people of God must make sure we are not hindering the children from coming. Anything we do that puts us between them and God, hinders them. They do not need to come through us to get to Jesus, in fact we should be making a way for them and not standing in the way.
4. Put his hands on them and blessed them...Young people, Jesus wants to put his hands on you, on your life and he wants to bless you. As the people of God we must make the commitment to be way makers for the youth to come to the Lord and not a hinderance. Young people, it is however your choice the recieve the call from Christ to recieve his blessings. We pray for all our young people to receive the call of Christ and allow him to anoint you life. Allow Christ to place his hands on your life and bless you to live his way.
Prayer: Lord today we pray that some young person would come to accept their need for you as the savior. Touch their lives, bless them and make them whole in you. Amen.
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Good word to stand firm and unafraid in trying times and also NOT be decieved by what I call "HYPE" about some man's prediction on when the world will end -- who are you trusting, man (the created being) or God the Creator?