Tag: #beboldbebraveandkeepyourgodfocus

REFLECTION

Often the last day of the year, we reflect on the past 12 months. We think about the good and the bad. Some have regrets and fears over things that have happened. This year’s end I want to ask a question: Do you know anyone who is true to their word? The truth is a dying courtesy. Very few people today are true to their word.

God is always true to his word; if he says it is going to rain, get your umbrella. If He says He is going to come again for His people, He will. Learning to depend upon His word is part of our walk as Christians. I think this was easier in ways for generations gone by because most men were true to their word, unlike today, when few people are honest and walk with integrity.

I try to take a few minutes to reflect on the lessons I have learned over the past year. I try to think about where I fell short of doing what God asked of me. I spend some time praying that the year ahead will bring me to a deeper walk in Christ. I don’t make resolutions like most people because I have found that they are normally broken by February. This is why I chose to reflect. This year, I included a flip through my prayer/ bible study journal to help me reflect.

As you reflect on this year’s end, remember what God has brought you through. Remember how much he loves you. Look to the new year with hope that no matter what happens in this life, God is true to his word. He will save, heal and deliver his people. 2024 is a year to expect great things from God. Remember that it doesn’t matter how scary things look, we walk by faith. There is nothing we face that God cannot see us through.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

SYMPTOM OR CAUSE?

We often see people and we judge them by how they appear to be. We see their actions and judge them to be evil. In reality, they have let Satan move in and guide their life. Often, what we see is the symptoms and not the cause. We try to change people’s symptoms, instead of introducing them to the one who can cure them.

Look at Mark Chapter 5. There is a story about a man that had a legion of evil spirits (sent by Satan). People judged this man by his actions. He was naked, he cut himself with stones. He had great strength because he had broken chains and fetters. The people were afraid of him.

Mark 5:15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

Then they were afraid because Jesus had the power to get rid of the unclean spirits. They knew he was different because he was clothed and in his right mind, sitting calmly. Often, people try to get others to change the way they dress, speak or act. But when someone truly meets Jesus, the change that comes on the inside will show on the outside.

All the people around knew that this man was different. The big question on their minds was why and how? Once people learn how and why we are different, they will want to follow Christ, too. But we have to allow Christ to work in us to make us different from the world.

When you look at someone who needs Jesus, who is not living a moral life, don’t look at them with judgment. Look at them with compassion, knowing what you see is a symptom and not a cause. Everyone grows at their own pace, none of us are perfect. We have to allow God to do a work in us. We have to allow him to do a work in others. Be encouraged, if you have lost loved ones. Jesus can still change the cause of their symptoms.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS.

COMING JAN 1, 2024 I am launching my YouTube channel. There will be short daily devotional videos and longer teachings as God leads. Follow the link to subscribe to my channel. https://www.youtube.com/@AngelaDempsey-xy9ny

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