Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Encouragement 101
Over the course of the last several months my assignment from the Lord has been to minister encouragement. In my own life, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to become discouraged, but the Holy Spirit reminds me of how faithful God has been and still is. As I hold on to His promises I’m encouraged to rejoice and to be thankful. So as an encourager, I want to talk about joy.
Joy while a little word provides some huge benefits. Look at Proverbs 15:13, & 15 MSG.
A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day. A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song.
As you can see having joy promotes our mental and emotional well being. It even affects the way we interact with others. Joyful people are usually more pleasant to be around. Proverbs 12:25 MSG states that Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up. Particularly as Christians we can and should be filled with the joy of the Lord by the Holy Spirit not only for ourselves, but to help lift up the people we encounter as well.
However,Satan will try to use opposite negative emotions such as bitterness, depression and grief to debilitate us thereby hindering an effective witness for the Kingdom of God. I believe demonstrating the love of God and displaying His joy are vital tools to win people to Him. It is amazing what a difference a smile and kind words can make in someone’s day.
Joyfulness also impacts the health of our bodies.
Proverbs 17:22 GNB Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time. God’s Word Translation says: A joyful heart is good medicine, but depression drains one's strength. People with various illnesses tend to rebound more frequently when they have a positive attitude.
The latter part of Nehemiah 8:10 says that the joy that the LORD gives you will make you strong. So we gain strength to deal with our battles when we have joy.
I know some may be thinking “too many things are coming against me to have joy. I’ve loss so much.” Circumstances don’t have to determine whether or not we will have joy,we decide. We can enter into the joy of the Lord by faith. Anyone who wants to experience and maintain joy will have to choose it while developing an attitude of gratitude.
I like the way Habakkuk 3:17-19 GNB sums it up.
Even though the fig trees have no fruit and no grapes grow on the vines, even though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no grain, even though the sheep all die and the cattle stalls are empty, I will still be joyful and glad, because the LORD God is my savior. The Sovereign LORD gives me strength. He makes me sure-footed as a deer and keeps me safe on the mountains.
This says to me that no matter what’s going on in our lives we can still take joy in the knowledge that the Lord is with us and will keep us even in the middle of trouble.
Let 2009 be the year you move forward with joy!
Friday, January 11, 2008
The Secret Is Out
Linda S. Norwood
Heaven’s Dew Publications
“I think I can I think I can I think can…” said the little engine that could. The Little Engine that Could, also known as The Pony Engine, is a book often used to teach children the value of optimism. It encourages thinking positively so that you can get what you want. (Read The Little Engine that Could, Wikapedia)
This ideal, that we can have or be whatever we think, is permeated throughout our culture. This is evident in a quick search on “self help” at Amazon.com, with the following results:
Books (90,809)
DVD (1,885)
VHS (1,767)
Music (256)
Everything Else (126)
There were over 90,000 book titles on how to “think good thoughts” and make your self better because of it. One of the recently popular titles is The Secret, written by Rhonda Byrne.
This book was released in 2006, and has been discussed on well known talk shows like Oprah and Larry King Live. “The book asserts that our feelings and thoughts attract real events in the world into our lives; from the workings of the cosmos to interactions among individuals in their physical, emotional, and professional affairs. The film suggests that there has been a strong tendency by those in positions of power to keep this central principle hidden from the public” (The Secret, Wikipedia). Plainly put, the basic premise is that if you think positively and ask for what you want you will get it. It also encourages being nice to others so that “niceness” will come back to you etc. (Sound familiar?) It seems to have the recipe for success, happiness and prosperity doesn’t it.
What is interesting to me is that the Word of God, the Bible has always contained all that is needed for a life to be filled with goodness, success, and prosperity. Within its pages the goodness of God unfolds and the principles of His Kingdom which is the way He rules, governs and operates are revealed. Proverbs 23:7 tells us know that as a person thinks in his/her heart that is what they are. Galatians 6:7 says whatever a person sows or gives out, good or bad, is what they will receive in return. Additionally, Matthew 15:18-19 reveals that the things we say and do are a reflection of what is really going on inside of us. It says for from your heart (inner most being) come the evil ideas which lead you to kill, commit adultery, and do other immoral things; to rob, lie, and slander others. These and other negative things/sins keep us from moving forward. The teaching of Jesus makes it very clear that it is the condition of our inner most being that affects us and those around us. You see it is the heart of mankind that He came over two thousand years ago to change. This is why He emphasized love. God’s kind of love which is real and true is not based on how you feel at the moment or on sex appeal. That God kind of love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. It isn't selfish or quick tempered and doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. That kind of love never fails! (I Corinthians 13: 4-8) It is willing to hang in there when times get tough.
Many truths and principles have been extracted from the Scriptures and turned into formulas and confessions. Much attention is being turned to the words we say and rightfully so. Again the Bible lets us know how powerful our words actually are. In fact Proverbs 18:21 states that life and death is in the power of the tongue. Another scripture clearly shows that the entire course/direction of our lives can be changed by taking control of our words (James 3:1-5). Isn’t that exciting! The Word of God is rich and is a wonderful solid foundation on which our lives can be built.
However, the most profound difference in the message of such books as The Secret is the exclusion of God. The Author says to ask the Universe for what you want. This idea has its link to the philosophy called Humanism. Humanism is primarily centered on the values, interests, and potential of man. It entails a commitment to the search for truth and morality through human means in support of human interests focusing on man’s capacity for “self-determination” rather than the validity of a higher way of life based upon a dependence on faith, the supernatural, or divinely revealed texts/scriptures. Humanists endorse universal morality based on the commonality of human nature, suggesting that solutions to human social and cultural problems cannot be parochial.” All of this is to say that the power to control our lives and the very world we live in is within each of us. The basic problem with this is that we as human beings can not even explain, without any doubt, how we even got here, how the planet was created, and so on and so on. So how can we presuppose that we in and of ourselves have the power to control something that we can not even explain?
People seem to be looking to themselves for something that can only be found in God. The Bible says,
“The basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn't treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:19-23 the Message
The Harris Poll conducted online by Harris Interactive® between October 4 and 10, 2006 with a nationwide sample of 2,010 U.S. adults found that 73% of US adults are at least somewhat certain that there is a God. So, let’s put this belief into action. I say why ask the universe when you can have a personal relationship with the true and living God the Creator of the universe. Let’s have faith in this God who is the creator of all things.
God has created this universe and everything in it, and He desires for us to know, love and be in relationship with Him. God made this possible through His son Jesus (Romans 3: 25-26). Yes, when anyone invites Jesus into their heart, they enter into divine relationship with Father, Son and Holy Spirit. How truly awesome that is! There are so many wonderful things available to the person who loves God and is committed to be led by the Holy Spirit.
The problem is that oftentimes people want the benefits of the principles of God without being accountable to Him. They want to do whatever seems right in their own eyes buying into the lies of the enemy, Satan, through ideas of positive thinking and humanism, that they can control their lives apart from God. The enemy Satan is a counterfeiter. He subtly twists the truth. His demonic influence on people causes them to have a form of godliness but all the while denying the power and authority of God Himself (2 Timothy 3:5). Only the sons and daughters of God can truly enjoy all of the rights and privileges of the Kingdom of God because indeed He has hidden them for us.
Therefore be alert. We are living in the end times and deception is running rampantly, as prophesized. The Lord God Jehovah is the source of true prosperity which encompasses much more than money, but does include it.
If you desire a real relationship with Almighty God which will enable you to experience a love, joy, peace and prosperity that you’ve never known before, give your life to Jesus. Ask Him to come into your heart, that deepest place inside of you, and fill up all the empty spaces. Be willing to allow Him to help you make the changes in your life that you know are necessary.
Receive the Holy Spirit Who is available and willing to lead you into all truth (John 16:13) as you study the Bible.
I am not trying to paint a rosy picture of a trouble free life once you’ve accepted Jesus. There will be difficult times. I am saying that with Jesus as our Savior we have victory over and in spite of the tough times (John 16:33). We will be able to live above the chaos and remain in God’s peace for indeed God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in times of trouble. (Psalms 46:1).
Be encouraged and refreshed.
Resources
Heaven’s Dew Publications
“I think I can I think I can I think can…” said the little engine that could. The Little Engine that Could, also known as The Pony Engine, is a book often used to teach children the value of optimism. It encourages thinking positively so that you can get what you want. (Read The Little Engine that Could, Wikapedia)
This ideal, that we can have or be whatever we think, is permeated throughout our culture. This is evident in a quick search on “self help” at Amazon.com, with the following results:
Books (90,809)
DVD (1,885)
VHS (1,767)
Music (256)
Everything Else (126)
There were over 90,000 book titles on how to “think good thoughts” and make your self better because of it. One of the recently popular titles is The Secret, written by Rhonda Byrne.
This book was released in 2006, and has been discussed on well known talk shows like Oprah and Larry King Live. “The book asserts that our feelings and thoughts attract real events in the world into our lives; from the workings of the cosmos to interactions among individuals in their physical, emotional, and professional affairs. The film suggests that there has been a strong tendency by those in positions of power to keep this central principle hidden from the public” (The Secret, Wikipedia). Plainly put, the basic premise is that if you think positively and ask for what you want you will get it. It also encourages being nice to others so that “niceness” will come back to you etc. (Sound familiar?) It seems to have the recipe for success, happiness and prosperity doesn’t it.
What is interesting to me is that the Word of God, the Bible has always contained all that is needed for a life to be filled with goodness, success, and prosperity. Within its pages the goodness of God unfolds and the principles of His Kingdom which is the way He rules, governs and operates are revealed. Proverbs 23:7 tells us know that as a person thinks in his/her heart that is what they are. Galatians 6:7 says whatever a person sows or gives out, good or bad, is what they will receive in return. Additionally, Matthew 15:18-19 reveals that the things we say and do are a reflection of what is really going on inside of us. It says for from your heart (inner most being) come the evil ideas which lead you to kill, commit adultery, and do other immoral things; to rob, lie, and slander others. These and other negative things/sins keep us from moving forward. The teaching of Jesus makes it very clear that it is the condition of our inner most being that affects us and those around us. You see it is the heart of mankind that He came over two thousand years ago to change. This is why He emphasized love. God’s kind of love which is real and true is not based on how you feel at the moment or on sex appeal. That God kind of love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. It isn't selfish or quick tempered and doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. That kind of love never fails! (I Corinthians 13: 4-8) It is willing to hang in there when times get tough.
Many truths and principles have been extracted from the Scriptures and turned into formulas and confessions. Much attention is being turned to the words we say and rightfully so. Again the Bible lets us know how powerful our words actually are. In fact Proverbs 18:21 states that life and death is in the power of the tongue. Another scripture clearly shows that the entire course/direction of our lives can be changed by taking control of our words (James 3:1-5). Isn’t that exciting! The Word of God is rich and is a wonderful solid foundation on which our lives can be built.
However, the most profound difference in the message of such books as The Secret is the exclusion of God. The Author says to ask the Universe for what you want. This idea has its link to the philosophy called Humanism. Humanism is primarily centered on the values, interests, and potential of man. It entails a commitment to the search for truth and morality through human means in support of human interests focusing on man’s capacity for “self-determination” rather than the validity of a higher way of life based upon a dependence on faith, the supernatural, or divinely revealed texts/scriptures. Humanists endorse universal morality based on the commonality of human nature, suggesting that solutions to human social and cultural problems cannot be parochial.” All of this is to say that the power to control our lives and the very world we live in is within each of us. The basic problem with this is that we as human beings can not even explain, without any doubt, how we even got here, how the planet was created, and so on and so on. So how can we presuppose that we in and of ourselves have the power to control something that we can not even explain?
People seem to be looking to themselves for something that can only be found in God. The Bible says,
“The basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn't treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:19-23 the Message
The Harris Poll conducted online by Harris Interactive® between October 4 and 10, 2006 with a nationwide sample of 2,010 U.S. adults found that 73% of US adults are at least somewhat certain that there is a God. So, let’s put this belief into action. I say why ask the universe when you can have a personal relationship with the true and living God the Creator of the universe. Let’s have faith in this God who is the creator of all things.
God has created this universe and everything in it, and He desires for us to know, love and be in relationship with Him. God made this possible through His son Jesus (Romans 3: 25-26). Yes, when anyone invites Jesus into their heart, they enter into divine relationship with Father, Son and Holy Spirit. How truly awesome that is! There are so many wonderful things available to the person who loves God and is committed to be led by the Holy Spirit.
The problem is that oftentimes people want the benefits of the principles of God without being accountable to Him. They want to do whatever seems right in their own eyes buying into the lies of the enemy, Satan, through ideas of positive thinking and humanism, that they can control their lives apart from God. The enemy Satan is a counterfeiter. He subtly twists the truth. His demonic influence on people causes them to have a form of godliness but all the while denying the power and authority of God Himself (2 Timothy 3:5). Only the sons and daughters of God can truly enjoy all of the rights and privileges of the Kingdom of God because indeed He has hidden them for us.
Therefore be alert. We are living in the end times and deception is running rampantly, as prophesized. The Lord God Jehovah is the source of true prosperity which encompasses much more than money, but does include it.
If you desire a real relationship with Almighty God which will enable you to experience a love, joy, peace and prosperity that you’ve never known before, give your life to Jesus. Ask Him to come into your heart, that deepest place inside of you, and fill up all the empty spaces. Be willing to allow Him to help you make the changes in your life that you know are necessary.
Receive the Holy Spirit Who is available and willing to lead you into all truth (John 16:13) as you study the Bible.
I am not trying to paint a rosy picture of a trouble free life once you’ve accepted Jesus. There will be difficult times. I am saying that with Jesus as our Savior we have victory over and in spite of the tough times (John 16:33). We will be able to live above the chaos and remain in God’s peace for indeed God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in times of trouble. (Psalms 46:1).
Be encouraged and refreshed.
Resources
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Simplicity
This morning was difficult. Before I even got out of bed, my trying to reason and figure things out began to give me a headache. I got up prayed and remembered how good God has been to me. I felt better and went for a walk. However the thoughts of my circumstances resurfaced and began to overwhelm me. I sat on our deck out back trying not to feel sorry for myself knowing that it is unproductive and that there are others worse off than I. Still I just felt tired. Tired of being strong and tired of the fight. Depression hovered and the tears began to fall. My son came out and said,” you’ll be alright “I responded, “I know. It will pass it always does.” After he went inside I moved to another area of the yard and noticed a little girl playing in the cul-de-sac nearby. She walked up an incline sat in a small contraption with wheels then slid down several times. She found enjoyment in this simple activity. Once she tried sliding down backwards, but stopped. It was too difficult because her balance was off and she couldn’t get the same momentum as when she was facing forward. So she went back up a little ways faced forward and continued having fun. Seeing this helped me. I was reminded from scripture that we are to be as little children in many ways.
Luke 18:17 GNB says,
Remember this! Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it."
Romans 14:17 GNB for God's Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives.
I had not been experiencing the peace and joy available to me even though I’ve been made righteous through accepting Jesus Christ. Why? Because I had been trying to figure things out and not completely cast my concerns over on the One who can handle all of my stuff. I also realized how important it is to keep moving forward. Looking backward is a hindrance. I have to purpose to really trust God in and for everything. Becoming like a little child doesn’t mean you become irresponsible it just means you do what you can do then leave the rest up to God. You see children with good parents don’t worry. They trust that their parents will take care of them. Children are not complicated. They find joy in simple things like rolling down a hill.
Thank You Lord for the lesson on simplicity!
Luke 18:17 GNB says,
Remember this! Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it."
Romans 14:17 GNB for God's Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives.
I had not been experiencing the peace and joy available to me even though I’ve been made righteous through accepting Jesus Christ. Why? Because I had been trying to figure things out and not completely cast my concerns over on the One who can handle all of my stuff. I also realized how important it is to keep moving forward. Looking backward is a hindrance. I have to purpose to really trust God in and for everything. Becoming like a little child doesn’t mean you become irresponsible it just means you do what you can do then leave the rest up to God. You see children with good parents don’t worry. They trust that their parents will take care of them. Children are not complicated. They find joy in simple things like rolling down a hill.
Thank You Lord for the lesson on simplicity!
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