MERRY HEART

Pro 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

God wants us to be happy and enjoy our lives. He knows there will be days of happiness and days of pain. When things are bad, he wants us to lean on him. When they are good, he wants us to acknowledge him.

This verse makes me think about attitude. An attitude of gratitude leads to a merry heart. Sadness and depression will suck the life out of you. We get depressed when our circumstances are bigger to us than God. But showing God how much we appreciate him and love him will lift our spirits. Lean on him, be grateful and allow him to give you a merry heart.

During the Christmas season, we sometimes get sidetracked about the reason we celebrate. The obvious reason is ofcourse Jesus our saviour. Christmas is also a time to spend with those we love. I appreciate all of those who read my blog. I want to take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful Christmas. May you have a merry heart today and all through the year. May your blessings be many and your burdens be few.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

SUBMISSIVE CLAY

Jer 18:5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Jer 18:6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

As long as we are submissive clay in the potter’s hand, he will form and shape us into a vessel of use. Sometimes, we feel like we are being put through a long, painful process of changing into what God wants us to become. Have you ever watched a potter work the clay? First, he has to beat out all the air bubbles, not because he loves to pound on the clay. If he doesn’t, it will explode in the fire.

There is much to be learned about our relationship with God by studying the process of pottery making. The thing that sticks with me most is a fine porcelain cup is fired hotter than an earthenware mug. God wants to use us to be examples to others. But sometimes, he also puts us on a shelf, so to speak. Earthenware mugs are used every day, but often, fine porcelain cups are kept for special occasions. Maybe during the waiting process, God is saving us for a special assignment. One that he has created us specifically to carry out.

We are not to waste the time that we are on the shelf…waiting. No one wants to be in a holding pattern. One of the worst things we can hear from God is wait. But there are things to be learned in the waiting. Sometimes, He is just wanting us to sit quietly with him and get to know Him. Don’t ever waste the quiet time of waiting.

I Peter 4:12-13 (12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (13)But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

This process is a long one, to take clay from the ground and form it into a vessel of use. Being submissive clay will allow God to form and shape us. We will become a beautiful (vessel) pitcher that can pour out water on a dry and weary soul. The life of a Christian who is sold out to God will have fiery trials. We need to remember that the things we endure are not only for our benefit, but also for the benefit of others.

Once we have been through a trial, we have power over it. That puts us in a place in which we can help others overcome that trial when they are faced with it. We will not overcome unless we are pliable clay in the hand of the master potter. Ask HIM to help you to be submissive clay in his hands.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

PAINTING

John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

In the hand of a master artist a paint brush can be an amazing tool. It carefully and creatively applies paint to just the right spot. But a painting is only as good as the skill of the artist. God created the heavens and the earth. He constantly changes the sky like a huge canvas. The beauty of all creation is ours to enjoy. God gave us life and he wants to make it beautiful. He wants us to have an abundant life.

But we have to be like paint, willing to go where the hand of God leads us.

John 16:13 -“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

Just like a brush would guide the paint, his Spirit is our guide into all truth and righteousness. He can turn our lives into beautiful masterpieces if we will allow Him to work on us until we are complete.

Ask God to make your life a masterpiece.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

THE ACCUSATION

John 19:19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

It was customary that the accusations or crimes of the person being crucified were placed on the cross with them for all the world to see. Pilate did everything he could to release Jesus. He tried to reason with the leaders of the Jews. He even told them to judge Jesus according to their laws. But they had let hatred for Jesus to build up in their hearts. The religious people were afraid of Jesus. They wanted him dead and that went against their customs. They thought they could stop the people from believing in him if he was dead. They were afraid of losing their position in the community. Jesus kept gaining in popularity. They knew it wouldn’t be long until his message of love would replace their long list of religious rules.

The people were given a choice of one to set free. The Jews filled the crowd with people who would ask for Barabas to be set free. When Pilate asked what to do with Jesus, they shouted crucify. Pilate said he could not find any fault with Jesus and washed his hands of the whole thing before the crowd. Then Pilate wrote the title JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS, as Jesus’ accusation. When the Jews saw his accusation, they pleaded with Pilate to change it to say, “He says he is the King of the Jews.” Pilate said, I wrote it like it needed to be and I will not change it. It makes me wonder how many Jews and Gentiles believed because of the accusation.

I can guarantee that if we try to do the right thing and walk with God, the enemy will not like it. He will do what he can to see that we fall under offense, accusation or both. We have to be strong in the Lord and walk in the anointing He has given us. Jesus could have justified himself, but he didn’t say a word. He was our example, when we fall under accusation we need to not feel like we have to justify ourselves. We know the truth and God does too. He will fight our battles and will elevate us in spite of people’s opinions. We have no reason to fret or allow people to stand in the way of us doing what we know is right.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

OUR SPIRITUAL HOUSE

Psalm 23:3 He restoreth my soul: ….

There are many people that love to take old things and refurbish them. There are many things that time can wear down and destroy. Our houses are one example. There is always something in need of paint or a new piece of wood.

Our spiritual houses need restored too, from time to time. God does a major renovation when we give him our lives and decide to live for him. But every now and then we find ourselves in need of a little bit of repair work. Things creep into our lives if we are not extremely diligent to watch everything we do and say. The enemy can come in and cause us to slack in one area or another.

Many things can be fixed with the word of God. Reading the word will help us to figure out where our spiritual houses need to be fortified. While other things take a little time and lots of prayer. But Jesus is always there to refresh and restore us to a place of strength and beauty.

Pro 24:1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

Pro 24:2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. Pro 24:3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

I am not a structural engineer, but even I know that a house has to have a good foundation to stand strong. It is easy to sit back and watch evil men prosper and question Why? But God will only allow them to go so far before it all comes crumbling down.

But his children are wise, they follow his blueprint for life. Often we may not have some of the fancy things that their life brings. But I would trade all the glitz and glamour of this life for my home in heaven.

We are established by our understanding of the word of the Lord. In Him we can be stable and whole (not needing restoration). He will establish our path. He will help us to stay strong no matter what we face. Take a moment to think about the state of your house, is it well established or does it need some restoration?

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

SECRET PLACE

Psalm 63:7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

We often think of being in the shadow of the Lord’s wings as a place of hiding. We hide from the storms. We hide from the enemy. These are things that would cause fear under normal circumstances. But God says, “Don’t worry about it; hide here under my wings and I will keep you safe. We have no reason to fear when the Lord is hiding us. No one would ever find us unless God allowed it to happen. So we can rejoice in the shadow of his wings. Because he is GOD ALMIGHTY and he is watching over us.

Psalm 91:1-2 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. ²I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Not only is being under the shadow of his wings a place of protection but it is a place of intimacy. (The word intimacy has several synonyms: closeness, familiarity, close relationship, togetherness, mutual affection.) A place where you are alone with him. God desires us to spend quality time with him. This could be the place we go when we sit quietly, thinking about God’s goodness. We think the shadow of his wings is a place that we enter when there is a storm. Then we leave and do our own thing. But if we dwell in the secret place or we live in a place of being close to God, we will have a relationship. Getting to the place of intimacy with God will create trust.

It is important to find the time to sit quietly in worship and alone time with the Lord.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

VELCRO CHRISTIANS

Velcro is an amazing invention with two sides. One side is softer and has an almost fuzzy texture. The other side has a harder, rougher texture. When it is put together, it creates a strong bond. Each side alone doesn’t have enough strength to hold a feather to the wall. It can hold a grown man up on a wall if enough of it is used together. Psalms 133:1: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Christians are a lot like Velcro. We are all different, but when we are put together, we have a strong bond. When the softness of Christian compassion and forgiveness bonds with the hardness of determination and boldness, it becomes a good blend. There is nothing we cannot accomplish as a body of believers if we have enough faith.

The true bond of Christianity can even be strong enough to lift up a man. It is our responsibility to lift up someone who is down. When we bind together as Christians, as the body of Christ, we are stronger than we are as individual Christians. I Thes 5:11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

We are called to walk in unity with Christ and with other believers. Now more than ever, we need to stand together in the bond of unity and walk in love. The best is yet to come. Pray for unity in the body of Christ.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS.

CARE

1Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

As a servant of the Lord, it is up to us to show him love. When we show him love and serve his needs, we could be seen as showing care. This verse says to cast all your care, not cares. What better way to show we care for him than to serve him.

We love him because he first loved us. We love him because he showed us how much he cares for us. He died for us. This is why we are supposed to present our bodies as living sacrifices.

This verse is often quoted to mean that we can bring our cares to him because he cares for us. This is a true sentiment and statement to say that we can bring our worries and cares to him because he cares for us.

I apologize for the lateness of this blog. I was having internet issues yesterday evening. Have a great weekend.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

PREPARING FOR A STORM

Mar 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship so that it was now full. Mar 4:38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? Mar 4:39 And he arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mar 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Mar 4:41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

I often write about peace in the middle of the storm. Because there is almost never a day that goes by without someone asking for prayer because they are in the middle of some kind of storm. All around us, people are suffering and dealing with great big problems. However, we should never think that Jesus is asleep in our boats. He is ever vigilant, always looking out for us. Just because he hasn’t answered, or calmed the storm, doesn’t mean he doesn’t care. He is waiting for the right time to calm the sea.

There are things we can do before the storm comes. Think about what people do when a Hurricane is heading to their location. They go into preparedness mode. They get batteries, bottled water, and supplies in case of power outages. They put boards over their windows to protect the glass from flying debris.

We can sense that something is brewing on the horizon. The enemy will often give himself away before he sends a massive storm. We can prepare ourselves to be ready for attack by putting on the whole armor of God. (EPH 6). We can pray for God to help us face what is ahead of us. Ask for him to make our path straight and for him to light that path. Get in the Word and allow him to prepare us to be strong. Prayer is the final step to prepare us for the storms that try to come into our lives. We can declare that the storms will not overtake us. We can declare that God is our deliverer.

Isaiah 54:17 -No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

God doesn’t want us to fear the storms that blow into our lives. Sometimes it looks really scary, like a tornado would look. But God is always there to see us through the storm. So hold on and keep believing that he will one day calm the storm. He will speak peace at just the right time.

Trust in the Lord and do not look at how things appear to be; we walk by faith. We can overcome any storm if we walk in faith; God will direct our path.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

BEING INTENTIONAL

We need to have a grateful heart. There are a few simple things we can do to develop a grateful heart.

PAY ATTENTION FOR OPPORTUNITIES

One is to pay attention and look for opportunities to show people you care about and appreciate what they did for you. Simply meaning it when you say thank you. If you were raised right, your parents taught you to say thank you when someone helped you. This is often just an automatic reaction to say. It’s not that you don’t mean it when you say it. But think about the words when you say them, show sincerity.

Example: Have you ever gone through a drive-thru at a fast-food restaurant? The cashier hands you the bag with your order inside and says, with a tone like they don’t care, they mumble, “Thank you. Have a nice day.” You don’t feel like they meant it but were being coerced to say it.

But you go through another time and the person is friendly and smiles. When they say the words, they are intentional and act like they mean it. It makes you want to go back to that restaurant.

We need to pay attention to our attitude when we say thank you to God and be intentional with our words.

TALK TO GOD OUTSIDE OF PRAYER TIME

Make a habit, before your feet hit the floor each morning to focus and thank God for waking you up. Thank him for the blank slate ahead of you. Depending on your day, this could also be a good way to get your mind set ready for your devotional time and prayer time.

Some people get all legalistic that you should read your bible and do your study at the beginning of the day. But not everyone is wired to do that and not everyone’s life is structured so that can happen. I think God understands if we don’t spend two hours in devotions every morning. As long as we start our day with gratitude and with prayer. But we need to find time in our day to be intentional about our study of the word and devotions.

You don’t have to be knelt down at an altar or on the floor to pray. It is good to not be distracted by anything else.

I used to drive an hour each way to work and back. That was my time to talk to the Lord and reflect on the things that I needed to do. I always have worship music going anytime I am in my car. I would sing and worship the Lord. Many prayers have been said behind the wheel of my car.

Sometimes I have had to pull over when going through something that made me need to dig down and pray hard. There is nothing wrong with pulling over in a safe place and focusing on prayer and worship. I had days that I considered that to be enough. It is like I checked off my prayer box for the day. But I now know better. It is not an obligation, like the cashier saying thank you. But it is because we really want to talk with him.

Our walk with God is not a checklist. It is the way we live our lives. Prayer time should be about lifting up others and asking God what he wants in our lives. This should come before any request we have of our own.

The second point under this category is at night after your day is done. After you’ve said your prayers. Take a moment to simply thank God for your day. If it was good, then thank God for a good day. If it was a hard day or what we would consider bad, Thank God for it. (In everything, give thanks) We can thank him for helping us through it. We can be grateful that it was not worse. Then say I release the stress of this day to you Lord. Because he is better able to deal with it than we are capable. I am thankful for a good night of rest ahead.

KNOW WE HAVE VICTORY

I COR 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

We have victory. There are times when we may not feel very victorious. Even in those times we have victory because of the blood of Jesus. We often don’t see things clearly because of our emotions. We can’t see the big picture of how things are going to work out. We feel like we are defeated, but that is the enemy’s way of distracting us from the goodness of God.

God is faithful to pull us through anything we face in life. When bad news hits us like a semi-truck, we don’t feel victorious. We feel pain that has flattened us and taken the wind from our lungs. God is right there making sure we have air in our lungs to just keep breathing.

He already sees the way we will rise from our ashes and hurt. He sees us victorious. Even when we cannot imagine ever being in a place of victory. The same thing goes for anyone struggling with an addiction. God sees them on the other side of that struggle. He sees them victorious. But they cannot imagine a time when they will have victory.

Job is the perfect example of this; he had the victory. God knew that he would not let his circumstances dictate his victory. Satan tried everything. To everyone things looked like Job would never have victory again. But he held onto God through the process. He came out the other side victorious. Victory was always there; they just couldn’t see it for the circumstances. (We walk by faith and not by sight)

We need to be intentional with our prayers and our Christian walk. We never know when we are being watched by someone. The way we live can be a light to the world if we are walking with integrity. Looking unto Jesus in all things.

Until next time, BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS.