I know its been awhile since I posted a blog, but had a quick word to share! Enjoy!
At work, our building likes to do something called, "The Word of the Day". Everyone gives a positive word for everyone else to think about. Some say something silly and others quote a deep statement from someone in the past. I tend to make mine Biblical. This morning I had planned on sharing a scripture, but it was more a message for a person in the building about how they acted. I instead changed it to another quote I had heard years before. It still fit the message I wanted to get out towards the one person, yet was a message all those Christians present could think about.
The quote was paraphrased as "The single greatest cause of unbelief in Christ are Christians, they acknowledge Him with their lips but deny Him by their lifestyle." If we are ever going to win the lost to Christ we MUST start living as Christ would have us! Why would a non-Christian want what we have if we live no different than them! Just some food for thought!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Seasons of Change
Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"
"Everything happens for a reason", we have heard that quote many many times. Its used practically everywhere. For Christians it has a deeper meaning. Not just that something happens because something else is going to happen. Its God, HIMSELF, placing His hands in the middle of our lives and molding us for something great!
This morning God did just that in Victory Missionary Baptist Church. Our pastor, Sam Higgs, announced his resignation this morning following the service. For almost 7 years he lead Victory out of some very trying times and during his leading saw around 500 people come to Christ through various programs and services. Those were wonderful seasons, seasons to rejoice! But now Victory enters into a new season, a season of sadness and almost a "gut-check". This season can last as long as WE allow it. God has plans for Victory, what those are no one can say for sure, but as long as we allow God to have total control we know it will be GREAT!
Psalm 30:5 "..... weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning"
Joy WILL come in the morning! My God doesn't lie!
p.s. Remember Bro. Sam and his family as they adjust to the position God has given him!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
The Bible, hide its word in your heart, you might not have it one day!
" Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11
Recently I was ask to teach the Wednesday night teen class, with little time to prep, I decided to ask those there some basic stuff about the Bible. I first asked them if they know all the books of the Bible, they knew some of them, but not all. Then I asked what their favorite scripture was, and I was happy to hear some had one while some didn't know have an answer. Then I asked how often they read scripture, sadly they all said they don't read at all, or just when things go bad.
That brought the future to mind. I explained to the teens that one day we may not have a Bible to turn to when we are in times of trouble. Jesus told His disciples that the world would hate those who follow Him. We are already seeing more and more persecution every day. God, Jesus, prayer, and anything holy to God is being taken away or forgotten by those who do not believe in or trust in Him. So it is reasonable to think that one day The Bible will be "outlawed".
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Who Do You Follow?
" And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2
Am I following the world? Am I following God? Am I following a lot of the world and a little of God? Am I following a little of the world and a lot of God?
These questions should be apart of our everyday thought process. When you wake up in the morning you should make a decision on who you will devote yourself to. As Christians we probably say I will follow you God, but within a few moments or hours we have got to following a little of the world and a lot of God, then by days end many are thinking little about God and a lot about this world.
Where we work, what we listen to, what we watch, who we hang around will determine the answers to those questions. Its saddening to see professed Christians daily compromising their faith and beliefs to satisfy those whom they are around. That compromise eventually leads them to saying the wrong things to those who are lost or living in a way that turn the lost from Christ. I read a lot of internet articles and when I stumble upon an article with religious implications, I begin to browse comments left by readers. There are many professed Christians who begin posting compromised statements about abortion, homosexuality, vulgarity, and mocking or taking God's name in vain. Just this past week I read an article about a proposed show on Comedy Central titled "JC" that is basically a mockery of Christ and God, and while I wasn't shocked it was still sad to see many "Christians" telling other Christians that "its just a show", "God has a sense of Humor" and other remarks that showed their indifference. Revelation 3:16 came to mind where Jesus said "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." The world is tearing Christians a part, the more we conform to the world the more lukewarm we become.
Recently in a sermon, my pastor, Bro. Sam Higgs made a wonderful, yet sad analogy of Christians and the world. Using the pulpit as God, his right first as Christians and left fist as the world, he explained how God never changes, and Christians are staying just far enough away from the world to keep out of it. YET the world is constantly moving away from God and the Christians are still staying the same distance from the world. As he took several steps to his left the analogy showed that we Christians are getting further and further from our God, because we want to keep dabbling our finger in the world.
Who are you following today? The opening passage gives us the key to living a life God has for us. Why do we keep getting more and more into the world? Why not seperate from it. While it can be hard to just be in the world, it isn't impossible. If we put all we are and have into God's call on our lives, we can accomplish it. Others are watching and waiting for Christians to mess up, and boy have we done it. Its time to change the perception and really start living for HIM. The return of Christ is closer than anyone can imagine, don't let our lives be a stumbling block to those who don't know Christ. To those who are wondering if Christ is lord of you life, just as yourself who am I following? What consumes my time? You will get your answer quickly.
Again I ask......Who Do You Follow?
Am I following the world? Am I following God? Am I following a lot of the world and a little of God? Am I following a little of the world and a lot of God?
These questions should be apart of our everyday thought process. When you wake up in the morning you should make a decision on who you will devote yourself to. As Christians we probably say I will follow you God, but within a few moments or hours we have got to following a little of the world and a lot of God, then by days end many are thinking little about God and a lot about this world.
Where we work, what we listen to, what we watch, who we hang around will determine the answers to those questions. Its saddening to see professed Christians daily compromising their faith and beliefs to satisfy those whom they are around. That compromise eventually leads them to saying the wrong things to those who are lost or living in a way that turn the lost from Christ. I read a lot of internet articles and when I stumble upon an article with religious implications, I begin to browse comments left by readers. There are many professed Christians who begin posting compromised statements about abortion, homosexuality, vulgarity, and mocking or taking God's name in vain. Just this past week I read an article about a proposed show on Comedy Central titled "JC" that is basically a mockery of Christ and God, and while I wasn't shocked it was still sad to see many "Christians" telling other Christians that "its just a show", "God has a sense of Humor" and other remarks that showed their indifference. Revelation 3:16 came to mind where Jesus said "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." The world is tearing Christians a part, the more we conform to the world the more lukewarm we become.
Recently in a sermon, my pastor, Bro. Sam Higgs made a wonderful, yet sad analogy of Christians and the world. Using the pulpit as God, his right first as Christians and left fist as the world, he explained how God never changes, and Christians are staying just far enough away from the world to keep out of it. YET the world is constantly moving away from God and the Christians are still staying the same distance from the world. As he took several steps to his left the analogy showed that we Christians are getting further and further from our God, because we want to keep dabbling our finger in the world.
Who are you following today? The opening passage gives us the key to living a life God has for us. Why do we keep getting more and more into the world? Why not seperate from it. While it can be hard to just be in the world, it isn't impossible. If we put all we are and have into God's call on our lives, we can accomplish it. Others are watching and waiting for Christians to mess up, and boy have we done it. Its time to change the perception and really start living for HIM. The return of Christ is closer than anyone can imagine, don't let our lives be a stumbling block to those who don't know Christ. To those who are wondering if Christ is lord of you life, just as yourself who am I following? What consumes my time? You will get your answer quickly.
Again I ask......Who Do You Follow?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Have you found a House for the Lord?
"LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions: How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob; Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob." Psalm 132:1-5
I was in the midst of my reading through the scriptures, wondering when I would get a new blog topic. I hadn't felt the Lord impressing anything upon my heart( my fault for not being as in tuned as I needed to be ) But finally He spoke! It seems like the Lord gives me these topics when I start to stray, of have strayed from His path for me. We, as Christians, all have those moments..some longer than others...where we start doing things our way and before long we find ourselves say "WHOA how did I get way over here?!" That's when we then have to get on our knees and humble ourselves before our Father and let Him bring us back to where He wants us. Well enough of the rabbit chasing!
The above passage, from what I can gather, was probably written by Solomon, David's son. While David was not allowed to build the temple, the Lord did allow him to set the stage for Solomon to. The scripture accounts for how David searched day and night, seeking God's permanent site for the Tabernacle, which God instituted after Israel was released from Egypt and wandered in the wilderness. David searched and worked tirelessly, not sleeping or even entering his own bed until He did as he vowed unto the Lord. Because of that, the Lord blessed Him by allowing Solomon to complete the task.
There is a great message in that for us today! God seeks for a dwelling place. Its not in a building, behind a curtain. Its in our hearts. If you have accepted Christ you have already opened the door, if you have not Christ is waiting!
We must ask ourselves though, if we have accepted Christ, did God become Housed in our hearts? Many Christians have fallen into the trap of thinking they are ok because we have accepted Christ, yet we still have not let God have His home. We have the closets in the house filled with junk that we have collected because of our sin nature as humans. God can not and will not share His home with anything thats not pleasing to Him.
David had that problem to, he sinned mightily against the Lord, yet he was still called "the man after God's own heart"
How can we apply what happened in Davids life with ours? Well we must be tireless! We have to work hard to empty those nasty closets and throw out the trash. The Lord wants his tabernacle clean. He will do it but we must be willing to let Him work in us. We have to spend hour after hour, minute after minute, second after second striving to follow Him. Through scripture, prayer, and meditation. When complete, God will have built a house you found for Him. Like I am sure happened with David, the place was right in front of him, God just have to inspire him to find it. God does that when He calls us to be His child. We find a home that's in need of the GREATEST tenant of all time and when we open up the door things will never be the same!
God Bless!
I was in the midst of my reading through the scriptures, wondering when I would get a new blog topic. I hadn't felt the Lord impressing anything upon my heart( my fault for not being as in tuned as I needed to be ) But finally He spoke! It seems like the Lord gives me these topics when I start to stray, of have strayed from His path for me. We, as Christians, all have those moments..some longer than others...where we start doing things our way and before long we find ourselves say "WHOA how did I get way over here?!" That's when we then have to get on our knees and humble ourselves before our Father and let Him bring us back to where He wants us. Well enough of the rabbit chasing!
The above passage, from what I can gather, was probably written by Solomon, David's son. While David was not allowed to build the temple, the Lord did allow him to set the stage for Solomon to. The scripture accounts for how David searched day and night, seeking God's permanent site for the Tabernacle, which God instituted after Israel was released from Egypt and wandered in the wilderness. David searched and worked tirelessly, not sleeping or even entering his own bed until He did as he vowed unto the Lord. Because of that, the Lord blessed Him by allowing Solomon to complete the task.
There is a great message in that for us today! God seeks for a dwelling place. Its not in a building, behind a curtain. Its in our hearts. If you have accepted Christ you have already opened the door, if you have not Christ is waiting!
We must ask ourselves though, if we have accepted Christ, did God become Housed in our hearts? Many Christians have fallen into the trap of thinking they are ok because we have accepted Christ, yet we still have not let God have His home. We have the closets in the house filled with junk that we have collected because of our sin nature as humans. God can not and will not share His home with anything thats not pleasing to Him.
David had that problem to, he sinned mightily against the Lord, yet he was still called "the man after God's own heart"
How can we apply what happened in Davids life with ours? Well we must be tireless! We have to work hard to empty those nasty closets and throw out the trash. The Lord wants his tabernacle clean. He will do it but we must be willing to let Him work in us. We have to spend hour after hour, minute after minute, second after second striving to follow Him. Through scripture, prayer, and meditation. When complete, God will have built a house you found for Him. Like I am sure happened with David, the place was right in front of him, God just have to inspire him to find it. God does that when He calls us to be His child. We find a home that's in need of the GREATEST tenant of all time and when we open up the door things will never be the same!
God Bless!
Friday, April 30, 2010
You are so GOOD to me!
"Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Psalm 106:1
As a believer and follower of Christ, this verse is one we have to ALWAYS remember. God is not just good though, He is GREAT! He deserves all our thanks and praise, in the good and the bad. Personally I have learned through the good and bad I CAN praise Him. With all that I have struggled with over the last 2 years, I could have easily given up like so many do and just turn my life over to do whatever I could to survive. But that's not God's plan for His children. He has something so much more for them. We have to keep pressing on, as the Apostle Paul says, there is a higher mark we have! All the while we are attacked by satan! I have felt that attack. The closer I have striving to get to my Lord, the more darts and evil satan throws at me.
Now back on God being good, He is not going to sit back forever letting satan do that attacking without showing hope to His. Just this week I felt first hand God's greatness. He allowed me to begin a new job closer to home and with the benefits would be making about the same I was at my previous job. THAT DAY, after knowing what I would be getting paid the Lord showed up and the company restructured pay and in just 4 hours "working" I got a "pay raise"! Praise God! Then yesterday started off bad, I checked my bank account and NO PAYCHECK deposited. I panic, but I quickly said a prayer to God to take it and use it to His Glory. Guess what? He did! I was able to workout the issue with my bank and given another day to make my payment to them. The day didn't stop there. I have been struggling mightily financially and KNEW that my check was going to be small. So Yesterday I go to pick up my final check, start walking away and looked down at it and was FLOORED! I had to go back and ask if this was right, and sure enough there is was printed on the check, it was more than DOUBLE what I expected. First thing I could say was GOD, YOU ARE SO GOOD TO ME!
That is testimony to show that through whatever comes, have faith and God will bless it. But YOU must continue in the path of serving Him, even when things are going great. So if you are struggling just know God has a time and place for everything. He will bless you when He deems it is time. I hope through my experience someone will find peace about their problems. I am not out of the woods, but boy it feels nice to know there is some clearing up ahead! God, thank you for being so good to me!
As a believer and follower of Christ, this verse is one we have to ALWAYS remember. God is not just good though, He is GREAT! He deserves all our thanks and praise, in the good and the bad. Personally I have learned through the good and bad I CAN praise Him. With all that I have struggled with over the last 2 years, I could have easily given up like so many do and just turn my life over to do whatever I could to survive. But that's not God's plan for His children. He has something so much more for them. We have to keep pressing on, as the Apostle Paul says, there is a higher mark we have! All the while we are attacked by satan! I have felt that attack. The closer I have striving to get to my Lord, the more darts and evil satan throws at me.
Now back on God being good, He is not going to sit back forever letting satan do that attacking without showing hope to His. Just this week I felt first hand God's greatness. He allowed me to begin a new job closer to home and with the benefits would be making about the same I was at my previous job. THAT DAY, after knowing what I would be getting paid the Lord showed up and the company restructured pay and in just 4 hours "working" I got a "pay raise"! Praise God! Then yesterday started off bad, I checked my bank account and NO PAYCHECK deposited. I panic, but I quickly said a prayer to God to take it and use it to His Glory. Guess what? He did! I was able to workout the issue with my bank and given another day to make my payment to them. The day didn't stop there. I have been struggling mightily financially and KNEW that my check was going to be small. So Yesterday I go to pick up my final check, start walking away and looked down at it and was FLOORED! I had to go back and ask if this was right, and sure enough there is was printed on the check, it was more than DOUBLE what I expected. First thing I could say was GOD, YOU ARE SO GOOD TO ME!
That is testimony to show that through whatever comes, have faith and God will bless it. But YOU must continue in the path of serving Him, even when things are going great. So if you are struggling just know God has a time and place for everything. He will bless you when He deems it is time. I hope through my experience someone will find peace about their problems. I am not out of the woods, but boy it feels nice to know there is some clearing up ahead! God, thank you for being so good to me!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Keep My Heart
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." Proverbs 4:23-27
This morning I sat here a moment trying to get my mind together from sleep and thinking about the past couple days at work. They have been days that SHOULD have been much easier with a new directive with more people added to my "crew". Well, that did not occur. I have 3 different bosses in my ear with seemingly 100 different directions they want me and those I am trying to guide to go. Admittedly, the last 2 days I lost my cool and snapped back at my 2 direct supervisors. Just like anything else bad decisions turn more bad decisions. They made a unwise call in a objective for me to complete and with me in my already "bad" mood made the unwise decision to share my displeasure with the way they were changing plans on me. I say all that to say this morning I realized I must STOP and not lose it.
This morning I did what I have learned to do more and more, I turned to God and His Word, especially in times of trouble(We should also be the same way in times of joy as well!) . I love the book of Proverbs and the passage above quickly jumped out at me. As a child of God I MUST present myself better before EVERYONE. I can't let the troubles of work and life get to me. I have to remember to look ahead at the goal and not all the bad going on around me. God placed me here to honor and serve Him. I can't do that very well when I am angry or disappointed with the people I am around. Scripture above say to "remove thy foot from evil". How do I do that? I will have to go back to the thing I used to do and become the person I used to be somewhat in just taking a breath and biting my tongue. So today being off, I am going to sit back, take a deep breath, pray, and let God take care of these issues. Thats got to be the way we do ANYTHING in life. Mine just happens to involve work. You can apply it to money issues, relationships, or anything thats got you down.
We MUST, as Proverbs 4:23 says "Keep thy heart with all diligence.." Satan is alive an well. I fully believe all the struggles I have been going through with money and NOW work, is Satan. I made an even deeper decision a few month ago to be souled out to God and work harder to know Him more and serve Him better. I have been reading scripture more, have gotten behind but will keep going, been more active with sharing God's word with others. Satan will do anything to slow down those who are drawing closer to God. I have seen it with me and others.
If you are reading this and do not know the love of God in your life, today can be the day you can know it. Send me a message to josephlawson81_00@yahoo.com and I will be more than happy to share how to become a follower of Christ and be a Child of God!
This morning I sat here a moment trying to get my mind together from sleep and thinking about the past couple days at work. They have been days that SHOULD have been much easier with a new directive with more people added to my "crew". Well, that did not occur. I have 3 different bosses in my ear with seemingly 100 different directions they want me and those I am trying to guide to go. Admittedly, the last 2 days I lost my cool and snapped back at my 2 direct supervisors. Just like anything else bad decisions turn more bad decisions. They made a unwise call in a objective for me to complete and with me in my already "bad" mood made the unwise decision to share my displeasure with the way they were changing plans on me. I say all that to say this morning I realized I must STOP and not lose it.
This morning I did what I have learned to do more and more, I turned to God and His Word, especially in times of trouble(We should also be the same way in times of joy as well!) . I love the book of Proverbs and the passage above quickly jumped out at me. As a child of God I MUST present myself better before EVERYONE. I can't let the troubles of work and life get to me. I have to remember to look ahead at the goal and not all the bad going on around me. God placed me here to honor and serve Him. I can't do that very well when I am angry or disappointed with the people I am around. Scripture above say to "remove thy foot from evil". How do I do that? I will have to go back to the thing I used to do and become the person I used to be somewhat in just taking a breath and biting my tongue. So today being off, I am going to sit back, take a deep breath, pray, and let God take care of these issues. Thats got to be the way we do ANYTHING in life. Mine just happens to involve work. You can apply it to money issues, relationships, or anything thats got you down.
We MUST, as Proverbs 4:23 says "Keep thy heart with all diligence.." Satan is alive an well. I fully believe all the struggles I have been going through with money and NOW work, is Satan. I made an even deeper decision a few month ago to be souled out to God and work harder to know Him more and serve Him better. I have been reading scripture more, have gotten behind but will keep going, been more active with sharing God's word with others. Satan will do anything to slow down those who are drawing closer to God. I have seen it with me and others.
If you are reading this and do not know the love of God in your life, today can be the day you can know it. Send me a message to josephlawson81_00@yahoo.com and I will be more than happy to share how to become a follower of Christ and be a Child of God!
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