God's word is eternal and it has the power to save us from sin. That being said, even the precious word of God needs a tender heart (good ground) so it can penetrate and take root. In the parable of the sower, the seeds represent God's word. The ground represents our various heart conditions. Allow the word of Jesus Christ to take root and flourish in your life.
We're back! God blessed us to make it through 2021. We are so happy to be back after our extended vacation. David starts off with praise and I believe we should do the same thing. Give God praise and honor, walk upright, and holiness. The Psalmist reminds us that God has rebuked and rejected ungodly nations and rulers. He will have mercy on His people and execute judgment in righteousness.
As we wrap up year 2021, life just seems to keep reminding us that our time here on earth is limited. None of us know how much time we have left so what are you going to do with the time you have. The apostle Paul is reminding the church at Ephesus to awake spiritually and to walk wisely because this world is an evil and wicked place. As God's people, it's our job to shine the light of Jesus Christ into the darkness.
We make plans, we have goals that we hope to achieve. Through it all we must always remain flexible and pliable for God's plan. As we wrap up Matthew 16, we find Peter going from being praised to being rebuked. Jesus reminds him that it's not about him, what he wants or his opinion. This applies to us until this day. Trust God an lean not to your own understanding. His plan is necessary.
There comes a moment of truth in every Christian's walk when we find out for ourselves who God is. This is a very personal sacred and holy thing. Regardless of what the world says or thinks about Jesus Christ. It's time for God's people to take a stand for righteousness.
No matter how much education we have, Jesus is showing us that true wisdom begins and ends with God. Jesus wants us to have a heart after Him; don't just seek for a sign. He wants us to be enlighten on a deeper level. You can only discern the signs of the times in the spirit.
As ambassadors for Christ, we are in the business of helping others. If you are sincere about helping others you will not have to look very far. There's a family in your neighborhood or church that needs assistance or just a pat on the back or prayer. When we pour out God's love on those in our communities it will manifest hope. People will be blessed and encouraged. They will be hopeful about their situation. Some will even repent and receive Jesus Christ into their hearts. Isn't this is what i...
Solomon was the richest and wisest person to ever live. Yahweh gave him wisdom and great wealth. He set out to find fulfillment apart from God. After he had partaken in all sorts of delectable delights Solomon said whatever he desired to do he did it. He realized it was all vanity, in other words, he felt empty and unfulfilled. We must never forget, the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Put God first and He will not let you down.
Throughout our busy lives full of hustle and bustle it's important that we remember Jesus is our help. In Psalm 20 we have what is essentially a war cry. David is praying for the men as they prepare for battle. The King of Israel cries out for protection from the King of Kings. It is true we must have good work ethics, be kind, considerate, and very courageous. Yet we must trust God with the results as it is all in His hands.
How do you define wealth? Let me tell you that wealth according to God's standards can't be quantified by Forbes magazine. God's word encourages us to lay up our treasures in heaven where moths and dust will not decay it and thieves can't steal it. So trust Jesus with all your heart, all your plans, hopes and dreams. He will not let you down.
Here we are in the final chapter in the book of Ruth. God shows up and shows out. Boaz follows through with his promise and redeems the land for Naomi and takes Ruth as his wife. There's something to be said for perseverance and endurance. When we trust God there is redemption in this life.
We make decisions everyday without thinking about how they impact generations. Here we have the benefit of knowing the entire story. Most of the time actually walking life out is hard, but reading about how Boaz and Ruth handled their courtship with so much class and grace is inspiring. God's divine destiny is being manifested.
This chapter is a confirmation that our life is in God's hand. Ruth and Naomi show us how much God can bless us. He will turn our lives around when we patiently and faithfully commit our lives to God.
We all make hundreds of choices daily. What to eat and what to wear; some big and some small. After Naomi's husband and sons died, Ruth decided to stay with Naomi and leave her home town and her people. But what cost would this decision pan out? Would she find peace in Bethlehem?
How much are you willing to inconvenience yourself for a stranger? Most of us would barely go "out of our way" for a friend or family member. Yet when asked a question regarding eternal life and who is my neighbor; Jesus responds with a story filled with danger, indifference and a compassionate hero. Do you see yourself in this parable?
We serve a jealous God. He will never tolerate us having anyone or anything hold a more prominent place in our hearts than Himself. God has given us Bishops, Pastors and other anointed church leaders to feed us His word. However, none is to ever take His place or will ever be on His level. Follow Jesus only.
Isaiah was known as the "Eagle Eye Prophet" because he could elevate high up in the spirit of God and see everything from a bird's eye view. Isaiah 53 is no exception. God used him prophetically. He saw Jesus being despised and counted low when He came to earth as a sacrifice for all mankind. We give God thanks and praise for His amazing grace for the invitation to salvation. Jesus Christ gave us this through the cross. The choice is yours; choose Jesus today.
Prayer is an action word. As we make our petition made known to God, we must believe He hears us and considers our prayer. King David is making his petition for God's help. Seek God's grace and His salvation. Effective prayer begins with commitment so call on God and He will answer.
Do you know what God is requiring of you? This is one of many questions Christians should be able to answer. The next question, what are we willing to let go of to meet those requirements? Jesus is requiring a sacrifice for you and me. There's no way around it. Come out from among them and be ye separated.
Will you be ready when Jesus come? This is the question we should ask ourselves first, then subsequently, everyone else we are led to by God as a witness. In these end times, mankind all over the globe are being bombarded with the pressures of life. As God's chosen people, it's our mandate to remind each other not to forget God. Proclaim the gospel to a dying lost world.
We all need to understand that we are a part of God's plan. It is imperative that we do our part. God chose our parents for us and we didn't have a say in the matter. If God has planted you in a church, on a job or in a particular situation; it's for a reason. Bloom where God planted you in Jesus name!
Once Jesus returned to Nazareth from fasting 40 days and nights in the wilderness, His purpose re-emerged in the public eye. Here we read about the beginning of Christ's earthly ministry. God is showing us it's never easy to set people free especially when they don't know they're being held captive.
The bible says, let a man examine himself to see whether he is in the faith. Just as we look into a mirror to check out our natural appearance. How much more should we be careful to walk in humility and now allow pride to swell up after God has blessed us and brought us through the fire.
There comes a time in all of our lives when we have to know who and whose we are. By the leading of the Holy Ghost, Peter reminds us all what Jesus did for us and what He demands of us all.
The power of the Holy Ghost is an undeniable force that God has made available for everyone on earth. It's a sad fact that everyone just will not put their trust in God and receive the Holy Ghost. We all need it more than we need our next meal. The Holy Ghost is an amazing and essential gift. Receive ye the Holy Ghost!
It is important for us to never lose sight that we serve the one and only God of the universe. He created everything for His own pleasure. It is His good pleasure to keep His children safe. Psalm 121 teaches us to stay focused on our mission. Christ is our protection and our salvation.
In this journey called life there will be highs and lows, good times and bad times. The rough times are often referred to as storms. Storms will rise even when we are inside of God's will no one is exempt. God wants us to keep the faith and not doubt Him.
This parable give us more insight to God's patience and love for His church. It shows how deeply concerned He is about losing anyone to the eternal fire of hell. Let's show patience, love and kindness towards one another. Remember, God sees everything and He has a plan for us all.
God is faithful. That one statement is so simple and true. David is again reminding us of God's commitment to His church. David identifies himself as a man with much life experiences then gives us his testimony.
God's word tell us to examine ourselves to see if we are living by faith. What does that mean? It simply means we are trusting God even when we don't understand it. Having enough faith to take Him at His word. Let's take Jesus at His word.
