livenlife

The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. Psalm 14:2

The ‘cares of this world,’ are heighten when one not only has to worry about food, clothing, and shelter but, how to provide these essentials for their family. The failing economy and continuous threat of job loss is a reality many are forced to face. Sometimes without realizing it we allow these worries to weigh us down and become the constant focus of ones life. Feebly taking on the responsibility of trying figuring things out, solving the problem, or coming up with a solution robs us of our peace. In fact peace seems to be a thing of the past as we search for ideas of how to change our present situation.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John14:27

How is it we so easily put God in a box to be taken out as needed? Have we really forgotten who he is, and who we have on our side? As the world continues to look at the pictures placed in view. We, the children of God have a painting the world can’t see. We have an image they can’t imagine and, an outcome they’ll never understand. For many the struggles are the test the father wants us to succeed in. For many what’s going on around us seems to be the problem, but in God’s eye what’s going around us is the process, test, or position he wants us in to take us to the place he wants us to be. Are you ready to go there?

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Psalm 9:10

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believed in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life (John 3:16).

When I was a child very little scared me. I suppose in my teenage years I walked around believing bad thinks happened to other people. Not because I was so special but young minds often think foolish things. I often looked at my parents as old, old fashion and out of touch with what was happening and cool in my day.
So when I‘d go to church and hear the preacher speak on having eternal life, I kind of thought he was talking to the older people. Most of them had lived there lives. They needed to settle down. I on the other hand felt I had time. I wasn’t ready to give my life to God. I was still young and had a lot of living to do (sinning to do).
I believe it’s that ‘time’ we believe we have that often causes us to fall flat on our backs before receiving Christ. God is a gentleman who doesn’t push or force us to receive what He has to offer.
As I reflect on the past year and funerals I’ve attended for individuals under the age of twenty-five it really sheds light to the saying, ‘time waits for no man.’ If you haven’t found salvation in Him, I pray that in this year a desire for Him and his saving grace be your goal. His love is so awesome and amazing.
It’s not until He becomes your personal savior that you realize you weren’t living at all.

As we watch media coverage of the up and coming inauguration of President Elect Obama, let us not forget that though he’s the nation’s president, he is in fact just a man. As many look to him to change the world and the way politics are handled. He’s just a man. Though he seems to have jumped in the water and speaks with confidence about his plans and ideas for the future. He’s just a man. He’s one voice capable of implementing a change for many. He realizes there will be resistance and people who’d rather fail and blame him than succeed with him. It’s my belief that the only way we, the people will truly see positive change is when we truly examine ourselves and began to work towards that change.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (King James Version)
14If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

The recipe for life and positive change is constantly set before us. We can not look for man to do what only God can do. One can change many but God can change all.

In today’s society many of us work, work, work and rarely take anytime to rest or appreciate what we’ve accomplished in the week. We’re often wrapped up in activities that pertain to our job or someone else but never take a day to appreciate what we’ve accomplished. The only substantial rest we may get is when our heads hit the pillow for a few hours a night. Even the occasional extra day off we might take from our job it’s used to catch up on the things we weren’t able to accomplish during the work week.

The bible states God completed his day of creation on the six day. Though opinions on which day the Sabbath is observed differ the one thing we can say for sure is.… on the seventh day He rest, observing the work he had done, and was pleased. God took one day out of the week to rest and appreciate the fruit of His labor. I challenge you to do the same. I challenge you to observe the Sabbath, take the time to sit back and enjoy the fruit of your labor and bless the name of the Lord.

Genesis 2:1-3
Ecclesiastes 2:24

2009, thank God we made it. Though every day we’re alive and have the functioning of our limbs and clarity of mind is a blessing. There’s something about exiting one year and entering another many of us look forward to. The desire to do better, be better or just be among the living seems to bring great joy. We make resolutions and for the most part the importance is not in the resolution that may or may not be kept, but in the desire. As we think about new beginnings and the opportunity to improve ourselves. The strength of that desire in the beginning is one we can’t deny. Some succeed in their task and other fail but the common dominator of the individuals was the initial decision. It is my prayer that as Christians we surpass that common dominator and unite as holy acceptable vessels under Christ. That the initial decision to live our lives for Him will continuously be strengthened and the desire will never die.

Read: Ephesians 3:14-21

The Christmas rush is in full force. Yet if you listen to the news holiday shopping is at an all time low. I don’t understand how that could be. Every time I try to find parking, whether it’s at the mall or a major store I can’t find a spot that isn’t two miles away. Once entering the store there’s so many people it’s difficult to get to what you want. The streets seem to be congested with traffic all hours of the day and night. Everyone seems to be in that last minute shopping mode and still looking for a great sale and perfect gift.

It makes one wonder…

Imagine if we were in that same frenzy for Christ. If we didn’t allow anything to distract us from the great saving opportunities He provides in his book. Imagine bumper to bumper traffic and car loads of people trying to get to his house of worship. Once getting there parking two miles away and entering to find standing room only. I don’t know about you but I haven’t experience that as of yet, but I imagine it would really please the Father.

Isaiah 7:14

The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it. (10) I the Lord, search the heart. I test the mind. Even to give every man according to his ways. According to the fruit of his doing.
Jeremiah 17:9-10

Just as there will always be evil in the world; there will always be racism. The need and desire for one group to feel superior over another, to judge by color, and not character as foolish as it sounds for many it’s a way of life.

A few hours after the election of Barack Obama a predominately Black Church in Massachusetts was burned down causing close to a million dollars in damage. The church has been receiving donations since the incident and will rebuild.

In Maine a convenience store had a sign inviting customers to join a betting pool. What were they betting on? The date Obama would be assassinated. The winner would be the person who picked the date closest to the attack. Many were outraged as some felt it was freedom of speech.

What benefit has the hatred served? How far must we fall before eyes are opened to the destruction one causes by his own hand? And what are we teaching the children?

Who but God truly knows what’s in the heart of man? Who but God knows the true meaning behind the wrongs and injustices caused by another? And who but God can fix it.

“Behold I am the Lord the God of all flesh. Is there anything to hard for me?
Jeremiah 32:27

Have you notice a difference in the people you associate with since Thanksgiving? It seems as if this time of year brings out the best in people. I find they tend to smile more, speak more, and are extremely courteous. Christian like qualities seems to be everywhere. Wouldn’t it be nice if the pleasantries and sentiments of caring and compassion could last throughout the year? To live in a world where loving and caring for others was a priority. Imagine living in a world where helping and giving to others was as natural as tying your shoes. Let us take advantage of the time and season we’re in and continue to spread the good news and love of Christ. For us this is not holiday cheer and hopefully the love and compassing we have shown others did not begin on Thanksgiving and will not end on Christmas or New Years Day. Let us use this opportunity to be a light in the lives of all the people we come in contact with. Hopefully our efforts will bring them one step closer to the Kingdom of God.

Beloved, let us love one another for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves (his fellowmen) is begotten (born) of God and is coming (progressively) to know and understand God (to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him). 1John 4:7

How does one live a purpose driven life? If purpose is defined as an intent or end to be attain. I suppose the next question one must ask is what is it we’re trying to attain? What’s the intent? For example, my goal (intent) is to live a life pleasing to God. To be able to do this I had to find out what pleases Him.

To give you a little back story into my life, I had an agenda. I didn’t realize it in the beginning, but being a young Christian, I was wrapped up in what I could get from Him, not purposely, but I wanted the wealth, health, and life in abundance.
I’m ashamed to say that I thought if I had these things it would prove how much God loved me.

As I prayed for guidance He provided me with the answer. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…. (Matthew 6:33).

This was the first step in understanding how to forfill my purpose.

(to be continued)

Previously we looked at Luke 17:15-19. Examining the actions of the Samaritian and how his faith and worship pleased God.(Did He Touch You? pg2)

Today I’d like to look at the woman in Mark 5:25-34

The bible doesn’t tell us her name, but describes her plight. Can you imagine going to see one physician after another and being told there’s no hope? Can you also imagine after twelve years and spending your last dollar, feeling worse than you did before?

Mark 5:27-29 She had heard the reports concerning Jesus, and she came up behind Him in the throng and touched His garments. 28. For she kept saying, If I only touch His garments, I shall be restored to health.

What I love about this woman, is she didn’t give up. She was down but refused to be out. I can’t say I can relate to being physically sick, especially for twelve years, but I can relate to being down. I know how it feels to give something your best and come up empty. To feel alone and so far from hope, and God.

The bible tells us that when she touched Jesus she felt her body being healed.

Mark 5:30, And Jesus, recognizing in Himself that the power proceeding out from Him had gone forth, turned around immediately in the crowd and said. Who touched My clothes?

With a multitude gathered around Him he ask ‘who touch me.’ He acknowledged her presence among the multitude. He felt his power leave him by the strength of her faith.

Mark 5:34 And He said to her, Daughter, your faith (your trust and confidence in Me, springing from faith in God) has restored you to health. Go in peace and be continually healed and freed from your (distressing bodily) disease.

Do you recall what He said to the Samaritan who’d return thank him for his healing?

And he said to him, get up and go on your way. Your faith (your trust and confidence that spring from your belief in God) has restored you to health. Luke 17:19

Their act of faith and trust in God caused Him to move on there behalf.