Thursday Thought-Discipline

What areas of your life do you need more discipline in? I’m sure we all have areas in life that we excel in. Every person has their strong points. But we all know that no one is perfect. It is possible to stay so focused on where we shine that we end up ignoring where we need improvement. A person with that kind of attitude will never reach their full potential in Christ.

God wants to be Lord of our whole lives. He deserves to be as well. Of course we will always have parts of our lives that we may handle better than others, but we still need to submit every part of our lives to the Lord. Increased discipline in your life will increase your devotion to the Lord; resulting in a closer walk with Christ.

Wednesday Word-Discipline

“Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid. “ ~Proverbs 12:1 NKJV

When we think of discipline we usually think of punishment. However discipline can also refer to order and instruction. Punishment can be a part of discipline when we get off track. With that in mind discipline, especially the Lord’s, is actually a good thing. Without any order our lives would be a catastrophe.

Are you stupid? Then you should be clinging to God’s ways. Every principle, every verse, every precept. Getting in line with God’s discipline will involve some correction and punishment, but it is far worse than the alternative. God’s correction is for your good. Don’t get upset by it. Accept it. Understand its purpose. Thank God for keeping you on the path to spiritual success.

Tuesday Truth- Discipline

Similar situations may be a sign that God is trying to work a certain issue out of you. When someone performs poorly in a grade or in a class, what happens? They must repeat that class. They may have even attended class from beginning to end, but the performance was not good enough. Anyone who has had an experience such as this knows how annoying it is. The bottom line is when we go through the experience again, something must be done differently to reach success.

If you feel stuck in the same old place, you may need to do some evaluation. God may be trying to show you something. Schools don’t let failing students advance because they know they will not be successful. A student can not do Algebra until they learn Addition and Subtraction.  Take a good look at yourself and see what you need to do differently.

Monday Motivation-Discipline

God loves every person, but hates every sin. There is nothing you can do to make The Lord stop loving you. He exists outside of time. Before time began He knew all the wrong you would do, yet Christ died for you anyway. Jesus’ death reminds us of His great love for us. His chastisement should as well.

Because God loves us, He punishes us at times. He is not simply ‘getting back’ at us. Christ is developing us into His image with every trial. A parent who says they love their child, but just lets that child do whatever they want is a liar; plain and simple. Our Father loves us too much to just watch us waste our lives. Sometimes when we get off track He gives us situations to get us back on track. If you feel the Lord is chastising you, then have joy knowing that He loves you too much to let you stay where you are.

Friday Freedom-Healing

Jesus loves me! loves me still,

When I'm very weak and ill;

From His shining throne on high,

Comes to watch me where I lie.

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! He will stay,

Close beside me all the way;

He's prepared a home for me,

And some day His face I'll see.

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

The Bible tells me so.

This is not a ‘kids song.’ This is a reminder of God’s promise to His children. He loves you and me beyond human comprehension. Even when we are unlovable He still loves us. He has promised never to leave or forsake us. His love for us is just that vast. No matter what is plaguing your spirit, remember that if you are God’s child, then His love is all that you need. God loves you and He wants to heal you. Get lost in His love!

Thursday Thought-Healing

When a person is seriously injured what is the first thought people have? “Take that person to the hospital! They need serious medical attention.” When an injury is not treated properly several disastrous results may follow. We all know this; when we get hurt we need help. If we knew someone who had been shot and they just tried to go on without any medical attention; we would deem that person to be insane. But many of us do this on a much deeper and more serious level.

When you are injured spiritually what is your initial reaction? Most of us try to ignore issues until we no longer can. Then they become so dire that the pain is unbearable. Instead get the help you need up front. Too many Christians are living this life not being fulfilled and not living anywhere near their full God given potential. You were not meant to handle problems on your own. You were made to give them over to God. Do that.

Wednesday Word-Healing

 ^“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”~Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus promises rest. Rest to anyone who sincerely desires it. Life wears us down and can make us feel like giving up sometimes. When we carry our problems around on our shoulders we are sure to get run down and weary. However the Lord offers a solution; give everything to Him.

We were made to throw our cares on the Lord. Being yoked (in close relationship) with Him will only bring peace. Why? Because Christ only wants the best for you and He knows what you need. Walking closely with Him means seeking and finding what is good for your life and letting go of the past. Whatever it is give it over to Him and stop worrying. His burdens are light.

Tuesday Truth-Healing

God knows exactly how you feel. When you are going through people do their best to try and console you. One of the biggest mistakes a person can make is telling someone, “I know how you feel” when in all actuality they have no clue. It frustrates and confuses us. We don’t want to listen to people who can not relate to our issue. We want to get help and healing from someone who understands. Jesus understands.

Jesus came to Earth and lived a life just like yours and mine. He experienced pain, abuse, rejection, disappointment, and the list goes on and on. The God you serve empathizes with you. Not only does He listen, but He understands your problems. At times it is appropriate to address the Lord as the Sovereign Master of the universe, but remember that He is also your Best Friend. Talk to Him like He is.

Monday Motivation-Healing

God has the power to restore, renew, and heal you from any situation! Sometimes we go through things in life that make us think we can never get over them. And by our own human effort we can not. However The Lord possesses power much greater than ours. Therefore if we simply let Him do what He does best (everything), then we can truly defeat the issues that weigh us down.

One of God’s purposes for your life is to develop you more and more into His image. He has an earnest desire to make you more like Him; more loving, more peaceful, more joyful, and more spiritual. But it is up to you my friend to let this process take place. The beautiful thing about life is that Jesus has already done the hard work in regards to achieving a victorious spiritual life. All you have to do is take advantage of it.

Friday Freedom-Satisfied with the Savior

“There's nothing so precious as Jesus to me;

Let earth with its treasures be gone.

I'm rich as can be when my Savior I see;

I'm happy in Jesus alone.

When sinful and doomed to a life of despair,

No light on my pathway to shine,

'Twas Jesus who found me and made me an heir

To mansions of glory divine.

I'm happy with Jesus alone,

I'm happy with Jesus alone;

Though poor and deserted, thank God, I can say,

I'm happy with Jesus alone.”

This is not just for the poor and deserted. No matter what you are in the middle of you can be happy with just Jesus. A relationship with Him encompasses all that you need. You could have EVERYTHING else imaginable (money, fame, friends). But without inner joy and peace all that would be meaningless. On the contrary, if all you have is just Jesus, then you have all that you need! Now it is up to you my friend to take advantage of that relationship. Find satisfaction in intimately knowing Christ, and every single thing your heart craves for will be given to you.

Thursday Thought-Satisfied with the Savior

What does it mean to delight in the Lord? Psalm 37:4 is quoted by many on many occasions. People stress the importance of delighting in God. People stress how to get your desires fulfilled. But there is a big piece missing to this puzzle. How does one delight in God?

Delight means to have high satisfaction. I’m sure you probably love the Lord, but where does your satisfaction come from in life? Delight just doesn’t mean that you like Jesus a little bit, it implies that you look to Him for EVERYTHING. Take a good look at where you find satisfaction now. Are any of those things greater than God? Can any of things give you your heart’s desires?

Scripture Reading: Psalm 37:4

Wednesday Word-Satisfied with the Savior

“Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”~Psalm 37:4

After we truly learn to trust God, then we can experience delight in Him. Delight means a high level of satisfaction. We search and search for ways to have our desires fulfilled. People write self improvement books. We buy elaborate things. We try and try to find someone, something, anything that will come close to satisfying us. God has already given us the key.

When you find satisfaction in Christ, then He will give you everything you long for. Why? Because your desire will be for Him. A heart for God will result in only wanting the right things; the things God has for you. Therefore when you seek His plans He will give you exactly what you want; more of Him. It is possible to have your every desire met. But you have to have a heart after God. You must seek to know Him and His Word.

Tuesday Truth-Satisfied with the Savior

A life apart from God is no life at all. Think about it. There are many things that can give us satisfaction. No matter what it is though, it will diminish at some point. That is why so many people get caught up in chasing more and more material things. The more they get the more they want. And this just leaves people with a void inside. Using something outside of its intended purpose usually ends up in failure.

A life in the Spirit is the fullest life possible. In the Holy Spirit we have leadership and direction in life. Christians have One who will teach them what the Scriptures mean. We have a Friend who has promised to never leave us. It is easy to become a Christian, but being a true disciple requires labor. The product is worth the work, though. A life dedicated to Christ will always yield peace, real love, and true satisfaction.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 37:4

Monday Motivation-Satisfied with the Savior

God can fulfill you more than anyone or anything else can. God knows us more than we know ourselves. He knows our thoughts, desires, strengths, and dreams.  He knows what will really satisfy us. Only Christ can satisfy the soul. There is a whole in each person’s soul that only God can fill. And he wants to fill it!

Keep living for the Lord. It may seem like you are the only one doing it, but that’s OK. Nothing else in this world is truly fulfilling outside of Him. Lay all of your desires and plans before Him. He will take it all and do much more with it than you could ever imagine. He knows what you need. And if you just keep following Him and stay focused, then He will give you your heart’s desires.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 37:4

Sunday Sermon-Motherly Love

Friday Freedom-Trusting God

“My heart, mind, my soul belongs to You

You paid the price for me

Way back on Calvary

And yes I praise You

I lift You up

I magnify Your Name

That’s why my heart is filled with praise

I love You, I love You,

I love You Lord today…”

Do you love Jesus? Then you should also trust Him. When we become children of God we are to give ourselves away to Him. We belong to Him. We are not our own. Along with being under His authority we also come under His divine protection. Think about why we love Christ; because of the ultimate sacrifice. We know He has our best interest at heart and that He alone has the power to sustain us. That is why you can confidently give your heart, mind, soul to the Lord. It all belongs to Him and He can do more with it than you can. Just trust God.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 37:3

Thursday Thought-Trusting God

Do you ever insult God? That may seem ridiculous at first glance, but think about it. God knows our hearts; which display the truth no matter what we say. And we know that actions speak louder than words. So even though you may claim to trust God, what do your actions say? For many of us, intentionally or just out of ignorance, we worry about everything. Therefore what we do tells God, “back up Jesus, I got this. Leave me alone.”

We know that The Lord is a person with emotions and feelings. When you claim that He is your Lord, but still try to run your own life, how do you think that makes Him feel? How does that affect your fellowship with Him? Look back over the past week, month, and year. Ask yourself, “Do I REALLY trust Jesus?” Be real with yourself and you can develop a more real relationship with Christ. But first, you have to just trust Him! Don’t insult Christ.

Wednesday Word-Trusting God

^“ Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.”~Psalm 37:3

This is a promise from God, but it is also conditional. God calls us to have confidence in Him and live righteously. The land referred to here is the promised land for the Jews. We as Christians don’t have any land today. However, what we see here is that if we simply trust God, we will walk into His promises. And we will be fed. If we just do what Christ has called us to do, then He will give us what we need. A renewed mind, inner peace, victory over the past, real friends, everlasting Love, and His strength to be successful in life.

Simply stated a lack of trust in God results in not receiving all He has for you. Not trusting God leads to a life that may be long and successful according to people’s standards, but nowhere near what it could have been. When we learn to trust God we will also do right things no matter how we feel; knowing that He will sustain us. This verse is in sync Proverbs 3:5-6. If we just trust the Lord (with all of our being), then He will take care of EVERYTHING else. Do you want to experience all that God has for you? Then trust Him.

Tuesday Truth-Trusting God

Your true level of trust in God is proven through your actions. It is possible to get over on some people, but God knows your heart. So many times we tell God we trust Him. We go down to the altar. We shout and sing. We quote our favorite scriptures. But we are still worrying. We are still losing sleep. We are still trying to handle the situation that we claimed we gave over to Almighty God. That is a big problem.

When you really trust God, your heart will line up with your mouth. Your relationship with Christ can never grow until you learn to trust Him more. The Lord has already made the relationship possible. All you have to do is trust Him. And when a true born again Christian sincerely trusts God, they let God fix the issues in their life. If you really trust God, then don’t just tell Him. Show Him. The Lord knows your heart.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 37:3

Monday Motivation-Trusting God

You can trust God with every aspect of you! Throughout life countless people prove themselves to be untrustworthy. We were generous with our money. We rearranged our schedules and gave a considerable portion of our time. We even gave intense and immense love and commitment. And people misuse and disappoint us. This may be accidental or intentional. Either way we end up scarred; sometimes feeling like no one can be trusted. Not even the Lord Jesus Christ.

But let me assure you God is more trustworthy than your mind can understand. No person in their right mind would give up their child for the wrong actions of another. Yet that is exactly why The Father sent Christ; to die just for you! Even now whenever we sincerely seek God, He is ALWAYS there to give us exactly what we need. Christians, has God ever let you down? No and He never will. You can trust God. All of His motives are absolutely pure. The Lord is totally selfless. Jesus does not need anything at all from you. My friend, I want you to know that you can trust God with your whole heart.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 37:3

Sunday Sermon-Heart's Desire Pt. 2

Friday Freedom-Lord of All

He’s got the whole world in His hands

He’s got the whole world in His hands

He’s got the whole world in His hands

He’s got the whole world in His hands!

This simple children’s song has deep implications. This world is so complex to us. Our lives can be so demanding and strenuous. But all this is easy to the Lord. He created all this effortlessly. Just thinking about His works show us how much greater His mind is compared to ours. When you really think about the fact that Christ controls this world, even the entire universe, what is there to worry about? Jesus has the whole world in His hands; including you and your situation. Look to the Lord!

Thursday Thought-Look to the Lord

What is your purpose in life? What are your greatest goals? Throughout time many people have done many great things; inventions, discoveries, literary works, and so forth. People who do what society deems as amazing things receive awards, commendations, and several accolades. The fact remains, however, that if a person’s life and plans are not committed to God, then their life’s work is simply a pile of rubbish.

There is only one way to reach your full potential in life. And that is by being in constant communication with God and following His commands. This is why so many people who seem to be doing great things end up unfulfilled and unsatisfied. Only the work that we do for Christ is substantial. This is the only work that will have eternal effects and eternal awards. How sad would it be to go through this life, receive several degrees, several awards, possessions, and fame, but then get to Heaven and receive no rewards from God? Look to the Lord for direction. Look only to the Lord.

Wednesday Word-Look to the Lord

“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.” ~Psalm 37:1-2

Living for Christ is tough. What makes it tougher is when we focus on other people. Sometimes we see those who seem to be getting by. We work and work for Christ and others seem to be getting all the blessings; better finances, more fun, and what looks like a better overall lifestyle. We may deny it, but we think to ourselves, “Lord why am I doing all this work and they are getting all the blessings!?”

Firstly, we have to remember that other people’s affairs are not our business! God is in charge and He can do whatever He pleases. Secondly, we must hold to the fact that God’s greatest rewards are spiritual and they usually come through trials. Thirdly, we must never forget that worldly gain is absolutely meaningless. So even when someone seems to be getting by we know that the money, possessions, and the like will not last. It will all be cut down like grass. God has a plan for you, friend. God has rewards for you; in this life and in the next. Look to the Lord. Be about His business. Look only to the Lord.

Tuesday Truth- Look to the Lord

You are still God’s child. For the Christian, no matter how mature you are, or how mature you think you are, God is still your Father. As with any child, this means that you must submit to your Father’s authority. You must do what He says even when you don’t feel like it. ALL your decisions must be ran by Him for approval.

Sometimes we get like teenagers and want to do our own thing. We get a little knowledge and now we can run our own lives. Then comes the inevitable disappointment. But we have to remember that giving everything over to God truly means every single thing. You give up your desires, but also your worries. You let go of your plans and your problems as well. You give God your life and all the anxieties that come along with it. Stop trying to do it alone. Run to your Father.