Most of the time we ask ourselves why our life seems to be very miserable. The funny thing is that we only look and pray when things went wrong. If everything is fine, we live on our own.
In todays world, many coaches arises which gives self help tips for a person to achieve success. Some of them are truly helpful, though I do not recommend them unless you trust God to help you on changing your life. If you will solely depend on those persons knowledge, then you are missing the point, and probably destruction is on your way.
Who gives wisdom to a person? It's God! So why will we put most of our trust to man, not to God?
According to Jeremiah 33:3,"Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great things, and difficult, which you don't know."
Was it clear? Call unto God and He will show you great things.
What we lack nowadays is FAITH! Yes we do believe that there is a God but the truth is most of the time we doubt whether He truly exists or not. If everything is fine, we feel very blessed, always thanking God for all those blessings. On the other hand, if we are on the opposite side, we feel hopeless and godless.
That, is I guess the worst thing that people could do. (trust if in good condition, then doubt if in bad situation).
Now, how could we possibly solve this problem? How can we trust God at all times? How can we be positive even though situations get worst?
The answer? Bookmark Jesus To Your Life!
If you will live on your own, it will be too hard. But if you will have God in your everyday life, everything will be all right. When problem arises, still you will feel at ease because of the comfort and wisdom that God is giving us.
Always Remember:
Depend on the Lord. Trust Him. and He will take care of you. Psalm 37:5 (ICB)
By Edwin Joseph
Friday, September 5, 2008
He Weeps with Us
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Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Come Close To God, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, Grace for the moment, Instant Daily Devotion, Max Lucado, Spiritual Encouragement
Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Come Close To God, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, Grace for the moment, Instant Daily Devotion, Max Lucado, Spiritual Encouragement
“Jesus wept.”
John 11:35 NKJV
Jesus…weeps. He sits between Mary and Martha, puts an arm around each, and sobs…
He weeps with them.
He weeps for them.
He weeps with you.
He weeps for you.
He weeps so we will know: Mourning is not disbelieving. Flooded eyes don’t represent a faithless heart. A person can enter a cemetery Jesus-certain of life after death and still have a Twin Tower crater in the heart. Christ did. He wept, and he knew he was ten minutes from seeing a living Lazarus!
And his tears give you permission to shed your own. Grief does not mean you don’t trust; it simply means you can’t stand the thought of another day without the Lazarus of your life. If Jesus gave the love, he understands the tears. So grieve, but don’t grieve like those who don’t know the rest of this story.
From: Max Lucado
John 11:35 NKJV
Jesus…weeps. He sits between Mary and Martha, puts an arm around each, and sobs…
He weeps with them.
He weeps for them.
He weeps with you.
He weeps for you.
He weeps so we will know: Mourning is not disbelieving. Flooded eyes don’t represent a faithless heart. A person can enter a cemetery Jesus-certain of life after death and still have a Twin Tower crater in the heart. Christ did. He wept, and he knew he was ten minutes from seeing a living Lazarus!
And his tears give you permission to shed your own. Grief does not mean you don’t trust; it simply means you can’t stand the thought of another day without the Lazarus of your life. If Jesus gave the love, he understands the tears. So grieve, but don’t grieve like those who don’t know the rest of this story.
From: Max Lucado
WORK OF FAITH … LABOR OF LOVE … PATIENCE IN HOPE
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Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Come Close To God, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, Instant Daily Devotion, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Reminder
Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Come Close To God, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, Instant Daily Devotion, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Reminder
“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. 1: 2-3
The testimony of these Believers in the Thessalonian church was incredible! These were ‘new’ Christians who were experiencing severe persecution for their faith. Paul is overwhelmed with joy when Timothy returns from being with these Believers and tells Paul how their “faith groweth exceedingly … their love abounds to one another … of their patience in all the persecutions and tribulations … that they became imitators of us and the Lord … and became a model to all Believers in Macedonia and Achaia.”
Paul having experienced many persecutions was deeply concerned for these new Believers, knowing the persecution which they experienced from their own countrymen were of the most cruel and bitter kind. He could feel the ‘beat of their heart’ and the appreciate the ‘commitment of their faith.’ But “why” was all this taking place and having such tremendous results among these Believers?
They had been transformed by the supernatural power of God who had invaded the whole of their lives. They were standing true, not in their strength, but in the Source of their Strength … Jesus Christ. They had been “drawn to Christ” by the supernatural grace of God, who was now being their sufficiency against the powers of darkness. The reality of their faith was being demonstrated by the virtues of Christ that dwelt within them. Thus, the supernatural power that indwelt them responds “naturally” … HIS life flowing through them … which works out in the practical encounters of our life every day.
It was the persecution and tribulations they faced that proved the ‘reality’ of their faith. The more severe the trials, the more they were driven to Christ and to one another. They knew the meaning of “true pray” and the “power of prayer.” Their faith was real … their devotion was unwavering … their love to God and one another ever increasing. The stakes of their faith were continually being driven deeper in their commitment to God.
Their testimony was spread throughout all the churches of Asia Minor. Paul did not need to teach them faith, love, and patience … he only encouraged them to continue steadfastly in their faith … they had been taught by God. They were a model to all the other churches. The word had spread throughout all of Macadonia and Achaia. Wow! What a demonstration of the transforming power of God. They were “steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.”
What does all of his say unto us today? Should we be intimidated by those who oppose us? Should we hesitate in any way whom we should obey? Jesus said … “IF … any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” [Luke 9: 23-24]
The demands of Discipleship are simple … yet profound. Paul says … “to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God … this is your spiritual act of worship … then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is … His good, pleasing and perfect will.” [Rom. 12: 1-2] The extent of our commitment will be in direct relation to our love and devotion to Jesus Christ.
May our faith grow exceedingly … our love abound to all … and our hope be securely anchored in Jesus Christ our Lord!
From: Literature International Ministries - Ed Powell
The testimony of these Believers in the Thessalonian church was incredible! These were ‘new’ Christians who were experiencing severe persecution for their faith. Paul is overwhelmed with joy when Timothy returns from being with these Believers and tells Paul how their “faith groweth exceedingly … their love abounds to one another … of their patience in all the persecutions and tribulations … that they became imitators of us and the Lord … and became a model to all Believers in Macedonia and Achaia.”
Paul having experienced many persecutions was deeply concerned for these new Believers, knowing the persecution which they experienced from their own countrymen were of the most cruel and bitter kind. He could feel the ‘beat of their heart’ and the appreciate the ‘commitment of their faith.’ But “why” was all this taking place and having such tremendous results among these Believers?
They had been transformed by the supernatural power of God who had invaded the whole of their lives. They were standing true, not in their strength, but in the Source of their Strength … Jesus Christ. They had been “drawn to Christ” by the supernatural grace of God, who was now being their sufficiency against the powers of darkness. The reality of their faith was being demonstrated by the virtues of Christ that dwelt within them. Thus, the supernatural power that indwelt them responds “naturally” … HIS life flowing through them … which works out in the practical encounters of our life every day.
It was the persecution and tribulations they faced that proved the ‘reality’ of their faith. The more severe the trials, the more they were driven to Christ and to one another. They knew the meaning of “true pray” and the “power of prayer.” Their faith was real … their devotion was unwavering … their love to God and one another ever increasing. The stakes of their faith were continually being driven deeper in their commitment to God.
Their testimony was spread throughout all the churches of Asia Minor. Paul did not need to teach them faith, love, and patience … he only encouraged them to continue steadfastly in their faith … they had been taught by God. They were a model to all the other churches. The word had spread throughout all of Macadonia and Achaia. Wow! What a demonstration of the transforming power of God. They were “steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.”
What does all of his say unto us today? Should we be intimidated by those who oppose us? Should we hesitate in any way whom we should obey? Jesus said … “IF … any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” [Luke 9: 23-24]
The demands of Discipleship are simple … yet profound. Paul says … “to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God … this is your spiritual act of worship … then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is … His good, pleasing and perfect will.” [Rom. 12: 1-2] The extent of our commitment will be in direct relation to our love and devotion to Jesus Christ.
May our faith grow exceedingly … our love abound to all … and our hope be securely anchored in Jesus Christ our Lord!
From: Literature International Ministries - Ed Powell
Contagious Kindness
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Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, Instant Daily Devotion, Path To Follow God, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Reminder
Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, Instant Daily Devotion, Path To Follow God, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Reminder
We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.
- Romans 12:6 (NRSV)
MARCUS greeted everyone each workday with a beaming smile. Holding the door open for me, he would respond exuberantly to my "How are you today?" with this answer, every time: "Great! It's a blessed day! May God bless you today!" No matter how many times I saw Marcus during the day, he was never without that smile and some words of cheer.
Marcus worked as a janitor in our office. His broad smile, sparkling eyes, and his uncontainable joy and zest for living always buoyed my spirits. His kindness and encouraging behavior were highly infectious. Marcus reflected God's love and stirred in me the desire to do the same.
Whenever I read Romans 12:6-8, I think of Marcus and his special gift of encouragement. In the world's view, Marcus was neither wealthy nor powerful; but this one person's willingness to use God's gift changed me. Because of Marcus, I see more clearly how God has graced us all with special gifts, no one gift more important than another. I believe God smiles when we encourage and uplift others. Let us seek opportunities to spread joy to others with a smile and contagious acts of kindness.
Prayer
Loving Father, thank you for the gifts you have given us. Help us to use them so that others see and experience your unconditional love. Amen.
From: UpperRoom - John A. Ford
- Romans 12:6 (NRSV)
MARCUS greeted everyone each workday with a beaming smile. Holding the door open for me, he would respond exuberantly to my "How are you today?" with this answer, every time: "Great! It's a blessed day! May God bless you today!" No matter how many times I saw Marcus during the day, he was never without that smile and some words of cheer.
Marcus worked as a janitor in our office. His broad smile, sparkling eyes, and his uncontainable joy and zest for living always buoyed my spirits. His kindness and encouraging behavior were highly infectious. Marcus reflected God's love and stirred in me the desire to do the same.
Whenever I read Romans 12:6-8, I think of Marcus and his special gift of encouragement. In the world's view, Marcus was neither wealthy nor powerful; but this one person's willingness to use God's gift changed me. Because of Marcus, I see more clearly how God has graced us all with special gifts, no one gift more important than another. I believe God smiles when we encourage and uplift others. Let us seek opportunities to spread joy to others with a smile and contagious acts of kindness.
Prayer
Loving Father, thank you for the gifts you have given us. Help us to use them so that others see and experience your unconditional love. Amen.
From: UpperRoom - John A. Ford
Watching With Jesus
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Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, Instant Daily Devotion, Path To Follow God, Spiritual Encouragement
Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, Instant Daily Devotion, Path To Follow God, Spiritual Encouragement
Stay here and watch with Me — Matthew 26:38
Watch with Me." Jesus was saying, in effect, "Watch with no private point of view at all, but watch solely and entirely with Me." In the early stages of our Christian life, we do not watch with Jesus, we watch for Him. We do not watch with Him through the revealed truth of the Bible even in the circumstances of our own lives. Our Lord is trying to introduce us to identification with Himself through a particular "Gethsemane" experience of our own. But we refuse to go, saying, "No, Lord, I can’t see the meaning of this, and besides, it’s very painful." And how can we possibly watch with Someone who is so incomprehensible? How are we going to understand Jesus sufficiently to watch with Him in His Gethsemane, when we don’t even know why He is suffering? We don’t know how to watch with Him— we are only used to the idea of Jesus watching with us.
The disciples loved Jesus Christ to the limit of their natural capacity, but they did not fully understand His purpose. In the Garden of Gethsemane they slept as a result of their own sorrow, and at the end of three years of the closest and most intimate relationship of their lives they "all . . . forsook Him and fled" ( Matthew 26:56 ).
"They were all filled with the Holy Spirit . . ." ( Acts 2:4 ). "They" refers to the same people, but something wonderful has happened between these two events— our Lord’s death, resurrection, and ascension— and the disciples have now been invaded and "filled with the Holy Spirit." Our Lord had said, "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you . . ." ( Acts 1:8 ). This meant that they learned to watch with Him the rest of their lives.
From: RBC - Utmost For His Highest
Watch with Me." Jesus was saying, in effect, "Watch with no private point of view at all, but watch solely and entirely with Me." In the early stages of our Christian life, we do not watch with Jesus, we watch for Him. We do not watch with Him through the revealed truth of the Bible even in the circumstances of our own lives. Our Lord is trying to introduce us to identification with Himself through a particular "Gethsemane" experience of our own. But we refuse to go, saying, "No, Lord, I can’t see the meaning of this, and besides, it’s very painful." And how can we possibly watch with Someone who is so incomprehensible? How are we going to understand Jesus sufficiently to watch with Him in His Gethsemane, when we don’t even know why He is suffering? We don’t know how to watch with Him— we are only used to the idea of Jesus watching with us.
The disciples loved Jesus Christ to the limit of their natural capacity, but they did not fully understand His purpose. In the Garden of Gethsemane they slept as a result of their own sorrow, and at the end of three years of the closest and most intimate relationship of their lives they "all . . . forsook Him and fled" ( Matthew 26:56 ).
"They were all filled with the Holy Spirit . . ." ( Acts 2:4 ). "They" refers to the same people, but something wonderful has happened between these two events— our Lord’s death, resurrection, and ascension— and the disciples have now been invaded and "filled with the Holy Spirit." Our Lord had said, "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you . . ." ( Acts 1:8 ). This meant that they learned to watch with Him the rest of their lives.
From: RBC - Utmost For His Highest
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