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!

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! 

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!

Listening With Your Eyes!

Recently I have focused on learning to do better in my relationships with others.  One key component of improving relationships is communicating in a more effective and compassionate manner.  Achieving this goal involves changing the way I listen to people from passive listening to active listening which means listening with more than my ears, with my eyes.  Yes, this means I stop everything I am doing so I can look at what a person is saying to me.  Looking at people with intentionality and observing how they are behaving when speaking to me, helps me better understand their message.  I can determine if there are their signs of stress, if their hands are saying something to me, if they are worried, and so forth.  Listening is more than just hearing the words the person is speaking; their emotions and physical behavior are just as critical.  

Today we focus on communicating via e-mails and texting without consideration for the importance of a face to face conversation with the other person.  Listening with our eyes forces us to make time for face to face meetings, to give the person a sense of value by demonstrating your willingness to set everything else aside and listen with your eyes.  

I thank God that He listens with his eyes, He watches over me caring for all my needs seeing the pains and struggles and responding appropriately.  He listen’s with His eyes and makes time for me even when I don’t realize He is there.  Praise the Lord!

Whether at work, school, or home take the time to listen with your eyes!  Just a little advice to go! 

Spirit of Discernment!

As believers we often neglect to adhere to the principles taught in the word, discernment is one of those.  The fast paced world in which we live, often leads to our taking action before we discern the situation and proper course of action based on God’s will for our lives.   

We have the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us to help us discern situations we encounter on a daily basis.  We can't make those discernments if we don't yield to the Spirit or even recognize the power it provides us. 

There is a point in our spiritual relationship where we recognize God is directing us and then act upon that direction.  We learn not to lean on our own understanding, but to pray and ask for the Lord's assistance as we enter into critical decisions.  We analyze the situation seeking to understand the people involved, the circumstances, the options, and the direction God would have us take.   Once we discern the direction God wills for us we can focus on making it happen.  

Focusing on God’s direction is not always easy as we are often prone to act in accordance with our own will versus His.  However with practice, patience, a determination to listen for God’s still voice, and prayer; we can focus on staying in line with God so as to fulfill His plan for our lives.   Just a little advice to go! 

In God's Time!

Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." - Isa. 40:31

God's word is not intended for the weak of heart, for those who stress out and are inpatient.  God's promises are true and His word never returns void.  But His plan corresponds to His timing and not ours.  If we wait on the Lord we learn to become faithful, steadfast, and patient.  We move forward knowing that while the answer seems like it may never come, it will come in accordance with God's plan and not ours.

My wife and I have been married for more than 31 years and have truly come to understand the meaning of waiting upon the Lord and gaining the strength that comes with that waiting period.  We continue to redefine patience with every storm we weather understanding that it is not so much about what we want and when we want it, as much as learning to trust God to act how and when He needs to.

The storms have strengthen us to the point where we strive to help strengthen other couples who are much younger and are weathering storms we have experienced in the past.  For many of these couples our experiences offer an opportunity to learn and grow.  Helping them, helps us to grow stronger and more determined in our faith.

In the end, we are certain that those who wait on the Lord will receive an answer to their prayers.  He strengthens the faithful so that they mount up with wings like eagles, run and not tire, and walk and not become weary!  Just a little advice to go!

Breaking The Yoke!

The yoke binds the oxen leading them in every direction their master chooses depriving them of their freedom.  Like the oxen we find ourselves yoked by the sin that haunts us from the day we are born into this world.  Many believe these sins to be a curse we cannot overcome, a curse that has become generational.  The yoke has bound them for so long they fail to realize it can no longer control them, that they can simply choose a different path.

Christ has come to deliver sinners still every day they march forward repeating their sins believing they can never break free of the yoke that bounds them.  This is where you and I as believers come in; we are called to share the message of Christ as the key that unlocks the yoke and sets the captive free.  Our walk with Christ provides illumination for the lost to see that there is a way to overcome the curse and be set free.

Celebrating Christ and the fruits of the spirit will draw others who are seeking the joy that we have.  We can share the wisdom of God's word to those who are hurt, broken, and in despair.  We become the messenger for the one and only creator, ensuring that others know that their yoke has been removed, the curse has been broken, and they have been set free.  There is no generational curse Christ can't overcome, no burden he can't carry.

Together we can be the light that shines in the darkness revealing there is no yoke for those who choose  the Lord as their Savior.  We can be the voice that shouts from the mountain top that the yoke has been broken, that in Christ we are truly free!  Just a little advice to go!