Romans 1:16-17

“16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

As we enjoy the true meaning of Christmas and head into the new year, I believe this is also the perfect time to reflect and remember. Reflect on the success and failures of this year. Remember the great God who has blessed us with opportunity everyday to make this life a success. Reflecting and remembering places us in the perfect position so make changes, establish new plans of approach to challenges, and to determine corrected courses for our lives. But this process must also include a time to remember who we are (in Christ), and whose we are (the God of creation). 

If we are not careful, sometimes the cares of this life will cause even the most stout believer to forget who they are. In our forgetting, we will make poor planning choices, and will find ourselves in the wrong place. This season is a prime example. Many believers get caught up in the commercial side of the season and will regulate the Christ of Christmas to a small section of this seasons celebration. But we must endeveaour to remember, and keep Christ the focal point of our celebrations.

Be willing to say “Merry Christmas”and not just settle for “Happy Holidays.” We are not excluding other holidays, but we are simply willing to acknowledge the true meaning of the season. For it is truly good news that is worthy to be shared with everyone, no matter the belief. There is power in the true purpose of the season that is life changing. 

We must no be ashamed to tell the world – share with the world – the gospel of Christ. For it is truly the only hope for the world today.

So I want to take time to wish everyone a belated Merry Christmas, I pray a great Christmas celebration was had, and time was taken to serve our fellow man. I want to encourage everyone to examine their personal 2015, and make preparations for an even greater 2016. Better/greater is around the corner. But we must seek after it and prepare for it, “for the just shall live by faith.” 

*** I hope you are blessed by this post. As always, your comments are welcomed. God bless.

Expectation is defined a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future.

God wants you to always stand in expectation (Romans 4:17). We call this faith. Look beyond your present to what God says about your future, then stand in expectation and receive it. 

Allow your conversation to mirror what God says about your future. Don’t let opposition change your conversation. Stand in expectation!

Where is your Promised Land?
Joshua 1:2-3, 5

“2. Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

3. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

5. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

Food for thought…

What have you been seeking God about? What has God spoken to you about? What has he shown you?

Seriously consider your answers to these questions. For in them you may identify your promised land. Once it has been identified you must be strong and courageous enough to go after it with all you’ve got. 

As I asked myself these questions, my answers surprised me. I am encouraged to make a leap of faith and put a demand on the spirit of God. God has shown me somethings that I want (and intend to achieve), but there are things that I must do. I have to hold up my end of the bargain (so to speak), just as Joshua had to do.

Going after the things that God has promised us takes strength and courage. Just as there were already inhabitants in the promised land that the children of Israel had to defeat. So we also will need to defeat every obstacle that would seek to keep us from what God has promised. We must walk in obedience to the word, and observe to do what is written therein. if we can do that, we shall make our own way prosperous and have good success (Joshua 1:8). 

The most encouraging part to me is found in verse 5, God shall be with me – no man shall be able to prevent me from obtaining the promise. What a great blessing, victory is assured. However, even though no man can stop me, I can hinder myself. How? By failing to walk in obedience to, and meditate upon the word of God.

You might ask yourself is the sacrifice of obedience worth the promised gain? More importantly, your love for God should make the answer to this question a moot point. Obedience is a act of love because we desire to please him.

Take some time to think about (remember) those things that God took the time to speak to you about. Whether by vision, dream, revelation, prophesy, or just inspiration in your spirit, revive them. Go after them as he leads you. Be strong and courageous, because it will be a battle. But everything worth having is always won through some sort of battle. God is with you, and has assured you the victory.
*** I hope this has blessed and encouraged you in your walk with God. As always, we welcome you comments. God bless.

Philippians 4:6-7

“6. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 

7. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

This scripture has been ringing in my spirit. I am encouraged because I recognize that God wants his people not to worry – about anything, but rather that we would trust him. Trust him with our situations, trust him enough to tell him about it. If we can consistently do this, The God given benefit is peace – in your heart and mind.

This concept seems simple. However, the reality is many of us come up with various reasons not to pray (or seek) God. We seem content to just let life happen without giving God space to work on our behalf.

Taking a closer look at this scripture – “be careful for nothing.”  This literally means all those thing you would normally be cautious of, don’t. Rather pray about them – give them to God through prayer. Talk to God about everything that concerns (matters) to you, “but in everything by prayer and supplications…let your requests be made known unto God.” God understand there are things that are really important to us. He is not trying to take these from you, he just wants you to share them with him. We can share with him by telling him all about it, asking for his guidance and direction. 

Sharing our concerns with God allows him the opportunity to work on our behalf. More than that, sharing with God gives us access to peace of mind. “And the peace of God….shall keep your hearts and minds”  We get to exchange our worry, concern, apprehension, and self doubt for the peace of God. But this is not just ordinary peace. The peace of God “which passeth all understanding” is the type of peace that leaves people speechless. They will not be able to understand your peace and calm, especially when the situation looks dire or hopeless. What they don’t understand is when God gives you true peace, worry is no longer in the picture to even be an option for us. Ephesians 6:15 tells us to have our feet shod (covered or encased) with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Wherever we walk, we walk in peace.

Whatever it is you have been concerned about talk to God about it. Exchange your worry for his peace. Allow him to direct you. Then stand back and watch him move.

Don’t give up on your dreams. Don’t let the devil steal from you what God has shown you to be his will for your life. They delay you are experiencing is just God giving you time to reaffirm your trust in him and to share the burden of your concern with Him.

Take a moment now for a quick prayer to discuss your concerns with God. Re-dedicate yourself to trust him, and watch as he moves swiftly on your behalf.

*** I hope you have been blessed reading this as I have been in writing it. As always, please share your comments. I would love to hear from you. God bless.