Sunday, August 25, 2013

Who Do You Say I Am?

In Mark chapter 8, we read about the conversation that Christ had with the disciples where he asked them who the people said he was and the answer varied demonstrating the confusion that existed.  Some thought he was John the Baptist or Elijah, others a prophet but then Jesus asked the disciples the tough question, who do you say I am?  Peter, always quick to respond, immediately proclaimed you are the Christ the son of the living God.

How awesome that Peter knew who Jesus truly was, but would you be able to respond the same way?  Do you accept that He is your savior, the one who died for your sins so that through his blood sacrifice all your sins would be forgiven?  How would you answer the question, is your life a genuine reflection of the Godly principles Christ lived?  Perhaps it is time that we each asked ourselves who we say he is?  Do our actions say he is our Lord, do our words reflect his love and purity, do others sense a difference about us because of that unique spirit that dwells within us, and can we shout that Jesus is Lord with the confidence that God would not look away from us?

I say he is my Lord and Savior; all that I am is focused on honoring him both in my private and public behavior.  Everyday is an opportunity to be more like Jesus, to love and care for others with the same patience, understanding, and kindness he provided.  I say he is my Lord, my beginning and end, my lily of the valley, my bright and morning star, and the one who is and will forever be.  Praise God!  Just a little advice to go!

Saturday, August 17, 2013

The Power of 2

Matthew 18:19-21
New International Version (NIV)
19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

The power of 2 is a biblical principle stressing the importance of each believer joining with another as they come together seeking God's interaction with their lives.  We can have a personal relationship with Christ and are called to go into our private chambers in prayer, but we have a much greater intensity in that relationship when we join with another in agreement for that which we are asking of our Heavenly Father.  Isn't it amazing that he assures us he will be right there with us agreeing with us and making sure things fall into place.
  

When believers come together in prayer, united by agreement the Holy Spirit's power is more impactful.  We are  united in one accord with our Heavenly Father who enables us to pray with a power ensuring a response will be received.  Find the prayer partner or partners that will ensure God is involved in the conversation.  Just a little advice to go! 

Sunday, August 11, 2013

The Silent Partner

Recently I was speaking with a friend when she began to share her conversations with the Lord.  She is a faithful woman and prays for God's direction often finding herself debating the direction he provides. Fear and doubt along with financial limitations make her question God's direction only to find that God is more than willing to repeat himself.

She shared a story about last Christmas when God directed her to buy Christmas cards, inscribe the plan of salvation, enclose a small amount of cash and deliver them to total strangers.  When God moved her to buy the cards, she refused reminding the Lord that she didn't have a lot of money right now.  She left the store and went to another store only to find the same exact box of cards waiting for her and the same message from the Lord.  She eventually yielded to the Lord's message purchasing several boxes of the cards, inscribing the message of salvation, and placing six dollars in each envelope.  She then prayed and following God's directions, delivered the cards to the employees at her local McDonalds, Burger King, Walmart and Supermarket.  Yes, she delivered them to the employees, those folks working crazy hours in demanding conditions for very little money.

One by one she visited each location, spoke to the manager, and then handed out the cards.   The managers were left in awe with some even crying as they had never had anyone do this before.  Most employees received the cards with many asking how she knew they were hurting and praying for God to speak to their lives.  Several committed their lives to Christ on the spot and others were later her see her and tell her of their eventual acceptance of Christ.  One person was able to touch so many simply by listening to God's direction.

God uses anyone who listens to his voice and is willing to take a step of faith.  My friend is but one of many silent partners that God uses to touch lives.  She lives on a limited income, cares for her mother, and at times struggles to find ways to respond to God's direction.  But she responds nevertheless and God continues to bless and provide for her.  She is silent in her actions, never boasting or taking credit; she simply does as God directs.  Imagine the impact we could have on this world if we all became his silent partners.  Amazing!  Just a little advice to go!