Prayers work

"Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was barren.  The Lord answered his prayer and his wife Rebekah became pregnant."

Genesis 25:21

When you pray for others, when others pray for you, prayers get answered!

Lack of faith

“And He did not to many works of power there, because of their unbelief (their lack of faith in the divine mission of Jesus). 

-Matthew 13:58 AMP

Wherever there is lack of faith, there will be lack of blessings and miracles.  However, where there is an abundance of faith (undeterred by the circumstances surrounding you; in the dismal and the glorious times), there will be an abundance of blessings and miracles.

Friends, life is good when one has all faith in Jesus!!

The full armor of Light

“…Let us then drop (fling away) the works and deeds of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light.” Romans 13:12 AMP

Thoughts and actions of anger, resentment, un-forgiveness, depression, darkness, frustration, and self-pity are keys to darkness – death.  However, thoughts and actions of love, joy, peace, patience… the fruits of the Spirit are keys to God's light - LIFE.  

So, you decide, life or death?  Either choice is up to you.

Faith without works

"So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead)." James 2:17 AMPC

In other words, actions definitely speak louder than words!!

What do your actions say about you?

"For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us..." II Corinthians 5:14

So, let me ask, What do your actions say about you?  Do they show that you love and live for Christ, or do they show that you love and live for self?  I believe if we all work on changing the selfish actions into actions that show our love for Christ, then all of our selfish wants and desires (that are God-approved) will come to pass all on their own.  So, throw yourself into works and actions that glorify God, and see if your life doesn't become more blessed than anything you could ever make happen in your own self.

Why commit this great evil?

“Why do you commit this great evil against yourselves… Why do you provoke Me to anger with the works (idols) of your own hands…?” Jeremiah 44:7,8 AMP

Let’s think about this?  Why do we sin, which is, in essence, committing evil?  Really, though, why?  All it does to ourselves, and, sometimes, other innocent victims involved, is cause trouble, produce hurt, and generate resentment, anger, and the like.  It is amazing to me how we can fall so easily when the consequences can be so severe.

For me, I can honestly answer that a lot of my sin is from wanting to be in control, and to avoid confrontation and/or hurt.  However, the more I think about it, the more I realize that when I’m in control, things end up in a mess; and when I try to avoid confrontation, it always comes back to smack me in the face, making the confrontation double of what it could have been.  What about you?  What makes you fall into sin easily?  Well, whatever it is, I think it is of the utmost importance that we seriously think before we speak and/or act.  

 

So, is sinning really worth the pain, hurt, resentment, anger, malice… evil?  I have to answer, “No!”.  Therefore, join me in taking more time to think about our actions, and our words; I honestly think that it will transition the world around us into a much more gentle, peaceful, loving; hence, God-like, place.

You and your life are not, and will not, surprise God

You and your life are not, and will not, surprise God

“Go your way, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart… for God has already accepted your works.” Ecclesiastes 9:7

Whatever mistakes you’ve made, whatever mistakes you will do, God already knows.  It is of no use to sit around and feel guilty over your past, present, or future.  Repent of your sins, dig deeper into your relationship with the Lord, forgive yourself, and move on with your life.  As long as you have a heart for God, are trying to get better every day, then there is no reason to be depressed, down-trodden, guilty, or condemned.  No, mistakes are not fun, but before too long, your current and past mistakes will become your future blessings. 

So, during your times of mistakes, embarrassments, and confrontations, do what you can to step outside the moment and realize that, “This too will pass, and it will turn out for my good.”

Live your life for God; love the person you are; be quick to forgive yourself and others; and, fret not – God loves you unconditionally.