Heb. 10:25 - This is not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together, as some have formed the habit of doing, because we need each other! In fact, we should come together even more frequently, eager to encourage and urge each other onward as we anticipate that day coming. - Sadly, more and more Christians are pulling away from the things they once held so dear. Life, distractions, entertainment, and stuff has taken the place of going to the House of God, the fellowship of those of like precious faith, and simply put, their relationship with God. He takes a back seat to things that in the scope of eternity will not bring them closer in their walk with God. This is not meant to condemn anyone, it is simply truth from God's Word. As the days draw closer to the Lord's return we need to look out for each other, encourage each other, and speak truth to each other. Out of love for you and I the Lord warns us not to be distracted and pull away. We need each other!
Throw Off The Hindrances!
Heb. 12:1 - I throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles me. I run with perseverance the race marked out for me, fixing my eyes on Jesus. - Are there relationships, addictions, habits, procrastination, jobs, or even the wrong location hindering you from running the race God has set before you? Is there certain hidden sin that keeps you tripped up every time you try to move forward with God? Friends, it's up to you and I to seek out, receive, and appropriate the freedom, in Christ, that already belongs to us. If you struggle to do so, seek out godly counsel, have an accountability partner, seek someone you can trust. God has already made the way possible, it's up to you and I to throw off the hindrances.
Don't Be A Know-it-all
Prov. 28:26 - Self-confident know-it-alls will prove to be fools. But when you lean on the wisdom from above, you will have a way to escape the troubles of your own making. - Is. 46:10 tells us that God declares the end from the beginning. He has already been in our future, and He knows all about our past. That being said, don't you think it would be wise for us to seek God's wisdom in all the affairs of our lives? Leaning on our own logic and human reasoning will only take us so far. If that is all you are depending on you will be greatly limited and many times find that you end up in trouble. God knows the end from the beginning and everything in between. Let's seek His wisdom and avoid the heartache of doing things our own way.
Release The Blessings!
Gal. 1:3 I pray over you a release of the blessings of God's undeserved kindness and total well-being that flows from our Father-God and from the Lord Jesus. - Do you have friends, co-workers, or even family members who are difficult and challenging to you? Here, the Apostle Paul, is releasing the blessing of undeserved kindness and well-being over those who opposed him. The Hebraic word for well-being means "health, prosperity, peace and total well-being." When you and I release the power of the blessing over those who are difficult and deceived, it will create an atmosphere for God to work. Don't get mad or offended, release the blessing!
Are You Addicted?
1 Cor. 16:15 - I beseech you, brethren, ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have "addicted" themselves to the ministry of the saints. - Here the Apostle Paul is commending this family of Stephanas, who were among the first converts in Greece. What he was making recognition of was the fact that ever since they became Christians, they were "addicted" to serving others. They actually went above and beyond to minister to the needs of their brothers and sisters in Christ. Just think what it would be like if we all became "addicted" to serving each other. Let's begin to look outward to the needs of others and we will find, that in so doing, our needs will be met. Let's get "addicted!"
Your Weapon Is In Your Mouth!
Ps. 149:6 God's high and holy praises fill their mouths, for their shouted praises are their weapons of war! - Are you waiting for God to move, to do something about your situation? Do you throw up agonizing cries for help? "When God? When?" God has given us a mighty weapon and it's under our nose. Our mouths have the power of the "shout" which is a mighty weapon in disarming our enemies. We see the power of the "mouth" in the story of the children of Israel as they marched around the walls of Jericho. When their "shout of praise" rang out, the walls came down. Gideon and his army "shouted the victory" and smashed their lanterns, which enabled them to defeat the enemy. Paul and Silas sang and "shouted praises" to the Lord, and their chains fell off. It's time we stop waiting on God to do something, and start using our powerful weapon of war!
Healing For Your Broken Heart
Is. 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified Me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted. He has sent Me to bind up and heal the broken hearted...When Jesus hung upon that cross some 2000 years ago, when He suffered that excruciating death, His heart was broken. Jesus experienced the heartbreak and brokenness of humanity, every betrayal, every violation of emotions, and every grieving, lonely soul. He did it so that you could be made whole. He understands your deepest pain and paid the ultimate price to set you free. Reach out and receive what already belongs to you, healing for your broken heart. "I love you! signed Jesus.
Torment Or Peace?
Is. 26:3,4 - You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the Lord is everlasting strength. - I've heard this statement, "Where the mind goes, you will follow." What does that mean? The things that you think about, ponder, mull, rehearse, and meditate on are going to have a powerful affect on your actions, words, feelings, and choices. If your thoughts are tormenting, full of fear, worry, anger, revenge, or constant anxiety, it's time to take a look at what you are thinking about. Perfect peace comes as we make the choice to refuse the negative thoughts and meditate on God's Word, which is His thoughts. Close the door on the torment and saturate yourself in His peace.
Follow The Light
Ps.119:105 - Truth's shining light guides me in my choices and decisions; the revelation of Your Word makes my pathway clear. - We all want to make wise decisions and choices in life. Sadly, many of us have done things, with our own reasoning and logic, which haven't turned out so good. We have been given the means by which we can make right decisions and choices, every time. When we take the time to get with God, seek His wisdom, spend time in the Word, and here's the biggie, wait on Him, we can know what to do, when to do it, how to do it, and it will work out for our good. There's a light shining on your personal pathway through this life, you just have to spend time with THE LIGHT in order to find it.
You Choose
Prov. 18:21 YOUR WORDS are so POWERFUL that they will kill or give life... If you've been a Christian for any amount of time I am sure you have heard this scripture. My question to you is, do we really believe that our words have the power to direct the course of our lives, bring healing to our body, and change our circumstances? If we truly believe that our words carry so much power, then why do we continue to speak the negative things over our lives? Why not simply agree with what God says about us, our health, and our circumstance and continue speaking, the life-giving Word, until we see it come to pass? You and I have been given the power to choose.