It doesn't matter what we are going through in life because there is someone who cares. He knows our pain, our sorrow and concerns. He know what causes depression and the weight that seems almost impossible to bare. But, he has not forgotten us, although it may seems that way at times. How could he forget us when we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We were made by him in His image. He has not forgotten us for we have the very stamp of his image on us. God want you to see that he has not forgotten about you. This video says it all.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
HIS STORY AND HISTORY
Perhaps, You have wondered is the story of Jesus truth or just a fairytale. We must read the Holy Bible and examine world history for ourselves. If the pieces to the puzzle fit then we have a picture. A picture is worth a thousand words. My dear friends what does the picture tell you? What are you going to do about the picture? Will you tear up the picture? Will you burn the picture from the walls of your mind or will you tell others that it is time to stand? Which side will you stand on? Will you be on His side in HIS STORY with HIS people for eternity? What would be your answer if you had to answer at this moment? It's time to decide, now! Why? because HIS STORY will live forever and you can be a part of it. But, HISTORY as we know it will one day soon come to an abrupt end. Watch the first 6 videos then prayerfully decide.
Friday, March 13, 2009
No Need To Fear, God Got This!
In life we have our up and downs. At times it seems like we have more downs than ups. But, I say my friends no need to fear. Do you remember the very real story of David and Goliath? This story can be found in 1 Samuel Chapter 17. Goliath held the a whole nation of Israel hostage for 40 days due to his challenge. You see Goliath was a soldier from the Philistine army. He was no ordinary soldier. He was a champion. He was the best. Goliath was also a giant. Some say that he was 9 feet and others say that he was taller. It was evident that Goliath was a large in statue because when the Israelites look upon him they became afraid and ran. What is so strange about this story is that this giant of a man also wore a special armor. In those days all the soldier wore armor. But, his armor was unique.It appeared that his armor could not be penetrated. It protected him from defeat. I'm sure all of Israel look at him and his armor and wondered how could we defeat this man? They were fill with doom and gloom. They could see that it was possible and they lost hope.
So, the men of Israel who were suppose to be representing the God of the Universe were afraid. All most all of the men of war seem to had forgotten what God had done for them in the past. But, not a little shepard boy named David. David was not afraid. He said to King Saul,"Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine".
David has several things going for him. He didn't forget how God had led him in the past. He was also used to fighting giants in the power of God. He also had a relationship with God. David would talk to God like we talk to friends each day. David had learned ti trust God and depend on His wisdom. David had faith God would help Israel to be victorious. The King of Israel and the army of God seem to had lost faith. This was evident with King Saul who said to David go ahead and fight Goliath. He even told him to use his armor. Have you ever really thought about what the King did? He told a little shepard boy to go and fight a giant. The agreement was that the loser would have to be a slave to the winner.That meant that one nation would have to be the slave to the other. The King entrusted a little boy with the freedom of the nation.
So, as the story goes David goes out to meet the giant against his brother's wishes. David has no armor. He's a boy and not a man. He is just equipped with a sling and a few small stone. The giant Goliath sees him coming. He can't believe his eyes. Perhaps he thought that Israel was trying to get him to surrender. How would it look if he beat up on a little boy. Goliath was furious. In 1 Samuel 17:43 Goliath says," am I a dog, that thou comest against to me with staves. A staves is a rod or stick. Note, David has no sword, no javelin, no shield, and no armor. Is he calling David a stick? We may never know, but it kind of sounds like it. It's just David, God, a sling and a few smooth stones. Goliath curses David out. David tells Goliath that he has come to him in the name of the Lord. Then he shockingly says,"I will smite thee and take thy head off" (1Samuel 17:46). My friends David did just that. David put one smooth stone in his sling and as the confident cocky giant who had his helmet lifted came toward David and was struck by the stone in the forehead and it killed him. David later beheaded him.The giant defied God and the armies of God. He didn't realize who he was messing with. He also didn't realize that his armor was his only protection.
1.My friends if you're on God side the giants in your life (the bills, the debts, the court case, the bully, the sluggish economy, etc) can and will come tumbling down. We serve a God who slays giants.
2.It doesn't matter what your size,shape,age or who you are God can give your the knowledge and the power.
3. My friends David by God power David prevented a nation from becoming slaves. He can give you the same power to do the same in any nation as well.
4. God has a miraculous work for you to do. Don't be afraid of the giants. He will give you the victory over them. "Walk by faith not by sight".
5. If you don't have a relationship with God start one today. It is better late than never. It is simply done just talk to God like you are talking to a friend and trust in him.Trust in His Holy Word the Bible. The enemy of our soul Satan is a giant that come at us daily through individuals, but He doesn't really know who he is messing with. He is messing with God's child. God will to turn your despair into hope and your darkness into sunshine. No need to fear my friend, God's got this!
So, the men of Israel who were suppose to be representing the God of the Universe were afraid. All most all of the men of war seem to had forgotten what God had done for them in the past. But, not a little shepard boy named David. David was not afraid. He said to King Saul,"Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine".
David has several things going for him. He didn't forget how God had led him in the past. He was also used to fighting giants in the power of God. He also had a relationship with God. David would talk to God like we talk to friends each day. David had learned ti trust God and depend on His wisdom. David had faith God would help Israel to be victorious. The King of Israel and the army of God seem to had lost faith. This was evident with King Saul who said to David go ahead and fight Goliath. He even told him to use his armor. Have you ever really thought about what the King did? He told a little shepard boy to go and fight a giant. The agreement was that the loser would have to be a slave to the winner.That meant that one nation would have to be the slave to the other. The King entrusted a little boy with the freedom of the nation.
So, as the story goes David goes out to meet the giant against his brother's wishes. David has no armor. He's a boy and not a man. He is just equipped with a sling and a few small stone. The giant Goliath sees him coming. He can't believe his eyes. Perhaps he thought that Israel was trying to get him to surrender. How would it look if he beat up on a little boy. Goliath was furious. In 1 Samuel 17:43 Goliath says," am I a dog, that thou comest against to me with staves. A staves is a rod or stick. Note, David has no sword, no javelin, no shield, and no armor. Is he calling David a stick? We may never know, but it kind of sounds like it. It's just David, God, a sling and a few smooth stones. Goliath curses David out. David tells Goliath that he has come to him in the name of the Lord. Then he shockingly says,"I will smite thee and take thy head off" (1Samuel 17:46). My friends David did just that. David put one smooth stone in his sling and as the confident cocky giant who had his helmet lifted came toward David and was struck by the stone in the forehead and it killed him. David later beheaded him.The giant defied God and the armies of God. He didn't realize who he was messing with. He also didn't realize that his armor was his only protection.
1.My friends if you're on God side the giants in your life (the bills, the debts, the court case, the bully, the sluggish economy, etc) can and will come tumbling down. We serve a God who slays giants.
2.It doesn't matter what your size,shape,age or who you are God can give your the knowledge and the power.
3. My friends David by God power David prevented a nation from becoming slaves. He can give you the same power to do the same in any nation as well.
4. God has a miraculous work for you to do. Don't be afraid of the giants. He will give you the victory over them. "Walk by faith not by sight".
5. If you don't have a relationship with God start one today. It is better late than never. It is simply done just talk to God like you are talking to a friend and trust in him.Trust in His Holy Word the Bible. The enemy of our soul Satan is a giant that come at us daily through individuals, but He doesn't really know who he is messing with. He is messing with God's child. God will to turn your despair into hope and your darkness into sunshine. No need to fear my friend, God's got this!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Tht Benefits of Christianity - The Second Commandment-Part 2
In the 2nd Commandment the obvious blessing is mercy. God promises," mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments". In other words God is saying I will not give you what you deserve. It will be like when we go before the courts when guilty of a crime. We will get imprisonment instead of the death penalty. Perhaps, probation instead of a prison term. That is indeed a blessing.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Benefits of Christianity-The 2nd Commandment
The question is often asked why should I keep the Ten Commandments? What benefit will I get out of it? Can't I just live my life and experience true happiness without keeping the Ten Commandments? Well, that is a good question. Let's take a look at one of the commandment, the 2nd commandment. It says that,"thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth".
"Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me";And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments".
First, we are told not to make any graven image. A graven image is an image that had been made through engraving, etching or something that had been sculpted (cut). The 2nd Commandments not only says don't make any graven image, but it also says don't make any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth". What is in the heaven above? In literal heaven there are angels. In heaven(sky)flying creatures and light sources? What is in the earth beneath? There is so much in the earth beneath, but I will try to make it short. In the book of Genesis in the Bible it gives us an idea of what was put on the earth during creation week. There was grass, flowers, trees, creeping things, animals, man, woman, etc. In the water there were swimming creatures such as whales, dolphins, and all other types of sea creatures. The 2nd Commandment emphasis is on worship. It say don't bow down to them. What it is really saying is that an image should not be made of them and worshipped.
The question then is what is wrong with worshipping an image? This is what God has to say,"Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me";And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments". In other words God is offended by this. These things are not worthy of worship. These things once made in an image do not represent him (God). These are things that he created. They should never be put before him. That was not His purpose for creating them. The Bible calls this idol worship. These images represent God's enemy, Satan. This is why God is offended. So, then how do we worship a God who we can not see? "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24)Jesus the Son of God said this.
Today these images are called by other names like statues, monuments, or historical pieces. Some of these images resemble saints, men, women, angels, animals,etc. But, God said regardless who they may resembles or what they may resemble don't bow down to them. In Bible times many worshipped images and it displeased God. The Philistines worshipped Dagon the fish god (1 Sam 5:1-7). Diana also called Artemis, she was the goddess of the moon.
Jesus says," But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Mt6:33). Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you (Mt 7:7). The benefit of keeping this Commandment and the other nine is having the God of the Universe smiling on us. Another benefit is having the power of getting what we need when we need it, just by simply asking for it. God wants us to have a relationship with him. He came to seek and save the lost. It is sad to say that those that worship images, pictures, people,etc can't be blessed by that which they worship. True happiness comes from God and God alone. God says it is better to obey than to sacrifice.Let's give God a chance to help us experience the benefits today.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
It's Time To Pray For President Obama
It was just a few months ago when Senator Obama was elected as President of the United States. Just a few days ago he was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States of America. Now that he is President of the United States what should the Christians who didn't vote for him do? Many have said that they feared for his life. This was just one of the reason why some decided not to vote for him. Some may feel that they shouldn't support him because of their own personal reason. As a Christian there is really no option here. President Obama is now Commander and chief in America, but there is the Commander and Chief in Heaven demanding something from his children.
He says in His word," Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers."For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God". Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation"."For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
"For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil". "Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake"."For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing". "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour". "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." Romans 13:1-8.
It is a mandate that all Christians support, show love and respect for the President of any country. This support, love and support should be showed toward the 44th President of the United States of America Barack Obama. He needs our prays. Besides, the God of the Universe demands this, he is in control. We must do our part. If we decide as Christians to do otherwise God says this,"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same". "For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil".(Romans 13:3,4). God says,"but if thou do that which is evil be afraid". God is not slack concerning his promises. He will do as he says. Christians put your differences aside and obey your God.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Benefits of Christianity-The 1st Commandment
The first commandment emphasizes that we should have no other gods before God (Exodus 20:3). It goes on to say that we shall not bow down thyself down to any graven images. Why is God saying this? What is wrong with bowing down to other gods? What are the benefits of just serving God over other gods?
Jesus said," if you love me keep my commandments". The 1st commandment is one of those commandments. We are showing God love if we do not put other gods before him. What benefit do I receive from doing this?
* In serving God and God alone we will have peace of mind. The Bible says," a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways" (James 1:8). A double-minded man is often confused. Some try to serve God and other gods. "No man can serve two Master's for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other..."(Mt 6:24). My friends mental stability is a blessing and not a curse. Many around the world today are experiencing trouble in their life because they have simply too many gods in their life. They put these gods before God.
*In serving God and not the other gods we will be more educated in spiritual things like no other. Do remember the prophet Daniel and many of the faithful Bible character. They were blessed with gifts others didn't have. Perhaps, God wants to do the same for us.
*If you don't have the Holy Spirit, God will send the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. This is a promise. This elevated and high thinking is above and beyond the way that common man normally thinks. One writer wrote says this,"higher than the highest human thought is God's ideal for His people". The Word puts it another way,"let this mind be in your which was also in Christ Jesus"(Php 2:5). Jesus was intelligent and wise. King Solomon was the wises King, but Jesus wisdom surpassed Soloman's.
*(More benefits). When you serve the true God he continues to bless you. He makes you happy. He provides for you. He protects you.He guides you each and every step of your life.This is not to say that he doesn't provided for those who don't obey. He rains blessings on the just and the unjust. But, for the faithful follower the blessings that are turned away by the one who tries to serve the others gods are felt, realized and appreciated by the faithful. This is why the followers of God are more blessed. He or she recognizes the blessings and what God has done.
*One thing that is really important in the lives of other is trust. The benefit of trust will grow daily. Each day when you awake you will know that there is someone that you can trust to help you make good decisions, keep your personal business intact and also your inner most thoughts.
*A key in the Christian experience is faith. In following God your faith will grow. In your relationship with Him you will see what he is capable of doing in incredible situations for you and others. Remember, Daniel in the Lion's den, The three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace, John the Revelation in the hot boiling oil. They didn't just survive. They were delivered by God without any harm coming to them. If you try to serve God and others gods you will become confuse. Ask the Doctors who deal with some mentally ill patients. One moment they are praising God and the next moment they are cursing Him or praising Satan. It is really sad to say this, but it is true. If we live a life deliberately doing wrong and trying to justify it,then try to serve God at the same time we to may end up in a mental institution. We simply have to choose one. I hope and pray that we will all choose the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The one who came to set the captives free from sin and Satan.
*Finally, when we put no other gods before the God of the Universe we are saved from destruction. Who is behind these other gods? The enemy of our souls is really the god behind these other gods of brass,fiberglass,gold,stone,steel,wood,etc. In praising these other gods there is no destiny.There is no happy end or an end to look forward to. The God of Heaven doesn't mine us having nice things as long as our love for these things do not supersede our love for him. The praise and devotion to these gods will lead to death and death eternal. Why not choose life and life eternal?
There are really so many benefits perhaps you can share a few based on the first commandment.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Directions To His House
"Directions To His House"
Make a right into "Believeth Blvd".
Keep straight and go through the green light, which is Jesus Christ
From there, you must turn onto the "Bridge of the Faith",
which is over troubled water.
When you get off the bridge make a right turn and keep straight.
You are on the "King's Highway"-Heaven Bound.
Keep going three miles, one for the Father, one for the Son,
And one for the Holy Ghost.
Then exit off onto "Grace Blvd".
From there make a right turn onto "Gospel Lane".
Keep straight and then make another right on "Prayer Blvd".
As you go on your way yield not to traffic on "Temptation Ave".
Also avoid "Son Street" because it is a "Dead End".
Pass up "Envy Drive", and "Have Avenue".
Also pass "Hypocrisy Street",Gossiping Lane"
and "Backbiting Blvd".
But you have to go down "Long-suffering Lane",
Persecution, Trials and Tribulation Avenue".
But that is alright because "Victory Blvd" is straight ahead!
May God Bless you and have victory
by
author-unknown
Friday, January 2, 2009
How Far Will You Go To Show Your Loyalty To God?
Today, I was driving down the road listening to the Michael Baisden Show. At the time I was facing a big test in my own life and I was trying to figure what should I do. Then I heard Michael say this out of the blue,"this sister called in and said her girlfriend just had her lights cut off because she decided to pay her tithe what (zodiac) sign is this girl"? "She payed her tithe and her lights got cut off and it's 30 degrees outside what sign is she"?. Most of you probably heard the show. This perhaps wasn't his exact words, but it's close. I set back and said to myself, hmmm. What would I had have done if I was in her situation. It wasn't no more than 45 minutes later when I found myself faced with a situation where I to had to make a critical choice. Most people today would say is that girl out of her mind. But, the question that wrapped around my brain was," how far will you go or any of us go to show our loyalty to God?
Christianity is defined as belief in Jesus as the Christ and upon his teachings. When one truly believes they act upon there beliefs. Jesus said if you love me keep my commandments. In other words show me and the world as a witness. Did Jesus teach loyalty? He was so loyal to His Father that He was willing to be nailed to a cross. Wow! In today's world such an act would be absolutely,100% and without a doubt insane. But, is it really? God is going to test us or allow us to be tested to see if we really believe what we profess to believe. He's going to test us so that we may see ourselves faithful and strong or unfaithful and weak. If we don't believe and are weak, he's going to help us to get stronger. The testing draws us closer to him. When the Christian is unfaithful this separates him from God. Friends,remember Job? In the book of Job chapter 1 verse 7 it says," And the Lord said to Satan, whence cometh thou". Satan says," From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it". Then God says to Satan, "Hast thou considered my servant Job, there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and a upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil". Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought (nothing)".
Now, who gave Satan the invitation to consider Job? Was it not God? God is not cruel. God loves us like he loved Job. God knew Job very well. He said to Satan that Job he was perfect, upright, one that feared him and eschewed evil. So, Satan sought to prove God wrong. Friends, to make a long story short Job lost his children, sheep, camels, houses and servants. Job friends were miserable comforters. They blame Job for his sufferings. Job's body was covered with boils that caused him much pain. Mrs. Job told him to curse God and die (Job2:9). Job remained loyal to God through it all. Satan was allowed to do almost everything to Job. But, he was not allowed to kill him. Job's loyalty to God was tested. But, why did God allow this? We may never know. But, it is evident that God was trying to show Satan that this man was going to be loyal to him until the end. Regardless, of what Satan would do to him, his belongings and his people, he would remain loyal. My friends God put this story in the Bible for you and I.
In these tough economic times Satan will try to steal our joy. He will try to kill us. He wants to and will try to destroy us because he know that hell and death is meant for him and angels. He wants to get every human to follow him to try to justify his rebellion in heaven. Satan says that God is unfair with his laws and actions. This was perhaps written so that we might understand that a Christian will go through trials, temptations and tribulation. We have to come to the conclusion that we will not get off this planet unscaved (unscratched or not marked). This perhaps was also written so that we may see that God is fair and the real cruel one is Satan. Our loyalty will be tested. Tithing maybe a test for some. But, the test for others maybe something else.
We may have to be cold for a little while. We might have to go through the (literal) fire like shadrack, meshack and that bad negro (adendego) for not bowing down when the music is played in front of the golden statue of King Nebuchadnezzar. Perhaps, we may be put in prison or in a Lion's Den like the prophet Daniel because he wouldn't stop praying to his God openly. What about Abraham who was ask to sacrifice his son and at the last moment the angel stopped Abraham and provided a ram? Finally, Job he lost it all. But, refuse to curse his God.
How far will we go to show our loyalty to God? That is the question for 2009. When people will say that you and I have lost our minds. When they say it is a no brainer, just do whatever to survive. The notables, Daniel and the other felt like it was a no brainer to be faithful and loyal. What about you? When this nation is tested on religious matter. When the government says you do this or else. Will we say I have to survive and do what they say eventhough it goes against what you believe.I hope that we will all stand as loyal follower of God.
My friends I want you to see this. When God's people are tested and eventhough the test may appear like you will die because of the situation we should be loyal and faithful anyway. When it seems like what God is asking is not from God we need to ask God is this from you. When he says yes then we ought to trust him. Why? It's is the trials that draw us closer to God. It is the test and trials that help us to see His power. What we also see is that his thoughts are not our thought or His ways our ways.God can see if we are faithful that he can be trusted. What was suppose to happen to Daniel in the Lion's Den? He was suppose to be eaten. Was he devour by the Lion's? No! What about the 3 Hebrew boys did they burn in the fire? No!, not a hair was burned on their heads. But, those that threw them in were burned. Those who were thrown in the Lion's Den after Daniel were they eaten? Yes!. Did Job die when he we experience all this pain, No!
What I'm getting at is in spite of our circumstances God can deliver you. Perhaps, Daniel thought that God would deliver him before he got in the Lion's Den. Perhaps, the 3 Hebrew boys thought the same. Perhaps, Abraham thought God would change his mind before he got up to the mountain to sacrifice his son. Perhaps, that young woman thought when she gave her tithe money someone would come knocking on her door to pay her light bill and she would not have to be in the 30 degree temperature home with no lights. In all these instances they went through the fire, the Lion's Den, the pain,agony, the darkness and the cold. But, they all lived and their faith in God was multiplied. My friends God was also exalted among men. These individuals were exalted among men. God lifted them up and rewarded them for their loyalty. Daniel and the 3 Hebrew boys received higher position in government. Abraham became the Father of many nations. Job had more children, cattle, and more of everything that he had lost. They all went through what they thought would cost them their lives or someone else's life. But, all were delivered in extreme situations. Praise God!
What about the sister that had her lights cut off because she decided to give God her tithe (10% of her earnings) money? My question is did God eventually deliver her from the cold? We may never ever know. But, what we do know is that he can and has delivered others. I'm sure he did deliver her. I hope to here from her one of these days. If he has done for others he can do it for you and I. We also know that God rewards the faithful. How will God exalt this woman? We may never know, but he has exalted many in the past for being loyal. The things that we may do when God speaks to us may seem out of the ordinary. But, if it's truly God speaking remember this. He wants you to be faithful for an important reason. In Daniel day the King saw the faithfulness of Daniel and exalted Daniel's God before the people. Perhaps, many began to serve Daniel's God who was and is the true and living God. Isn't that the main purpose anyway to show the world that you believe in Jesus and His teachings? Isn't that what Christianity is all about? Why should anything dictate otherwise? How far will you go?
Christianity is defined as belief in Jesus as the Christ and upon his teachings. When one truly believes they act upon there beliefs. Jesus said if you love me keep my commandments. In other words show me and the world as a witness. Did Jesus teach loyalty? He was so loyal to His Father that He was willing to be nailed to a cross. Wow! In today's world such an act would be absolutely,100% and without a doubt insane. But, is it really? God is going to test us or allow us to be tested to see if we really believe what we profess to believe. He's going to test us so that we may see ourselves faithful and strong or unfaithful and weak. If we don't believe and are weak, he's going to help us to get stronger. The testing draws us closer to him. When the Christian is unfaithful this separates him from God. Friends,remember Job? In the book of Job chapter 1 verse 7 it says," And the Lord said to Satan, whence cometh thou". Satan says," From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it". Then God says to Satan, "Hast thou considered my servant Job, there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and a upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil". Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought (nothing)".
Now, who gave Satan the invitation to consider Job? Was it not God? God is not cruel. God loves us like he loved Job. God knew Job very well. He said to Satan that Job he was perfect, upright, one that feared him and eschewed evil. So, Satan sought to prove God wrong. Friends, to make a long story short Job lost his children, sheep, camels, houses and servants. Job friends were miserable comforters. They blame Job for his sufferings. Job's body was covered with boils that caused him much pain. Mrs. Job told him to curse God and die (Job2:9). Job remained loyal to God through it all. Satan was allowed to do almost everything to Job. But, he was not allowed to kill him. Job's loyalty to God was tested. But, why did God allow this? We may never know. But, it is evident that God was trying to show Satan that this man was going to be loyal to him until the end. Regardless, of what Satan would do to him, his belongings and his people, he would remain loyal. My friends God put this story in the Bible for you and I.
In these tough economic times Satan will try to steal our joy. He will try to kill us. He wants to and will try to destroy us because he know that hell and death is meant for him and angels. He wants to get every human to follow him to try to justify his rebellion in heaven. Satan says that God is unfair with his laws and actions. This was perhaps written so that we might understand that a Christian will go through trials, temptations and tribulation. We have to come to the conclusion that we will not get off this planet unscaved (unscratched or not marked). This perhaps was also written so that we may see that God is fair and the real cruel one is Satan. Our loyalty will be tested. Tithing maybe a test for some. But, the test for others maybe something else.
We may have to be cold for a little while. We might have to go through the (literal) fire like shadrack, meshack and that bad negro (adendego) for not bowing down when the music is played in front of the golden statue of King Nebuchadnezzar. Perhaps, we may be put in prison or in a Lion's Den like the prophet Daniel because he wouldn't stop praying to his God openly. What about Abraham who was ask to sacrifice his son and at the last moment the angel stopped Abraham and provided a ram? Finally, Job he lost it all. But, refuse to curse his God.
How far will we go to show our loyalty to God? That is the question for 2009. When people will say that you and I have lost our minds. When they say it is a no brainer, just do whatever to survive. The notables, Daniel and the other felt like it was a no brainer to be faithful and loyal. What about you? When this nation is tested on religious matter. When the government says you do this or else. Will we say I have to survive and do what they say eventhough it goes against what you believe.I hope that we will all stand as loyal follower of God.
My friends I want you to see this. When God's people are tested and eventhough the test may appear like you will die because of the situation we should be loyal and faithful anyway. When it seems like what God is asking is not from God we need to ask God is this from you. When he says yes then we ought to trust him. Why? It's is the trials that draw us closer to God. It is the test and trials that help us to see His power. What we also see is that his thoughts are not our thought or His ways our ways.God can see if we are faithful that he can be trusted. What was suppose to happen to Daniel in the Lion's Den? He was suppose to be eaten. Was he devour by the Lion's? No! What about the 3 Hebrew boys did they burn in the fire? No!, not a hair was burned on their heads. But, those that threw them in were burned. Those who were thrown in the Lion's Den after Daniel were they eaten? Yes!. Did Job die when he we experience all this pain, No!
What I'm getting at is in spite of our circumstances God can deliver you. Perhaps, Daniel thought that God would deliver him before he got in the Lion's Den. Perhaps, the 3 Hebrew boys thought the same. Perhaps, Abraham thought God would change his mind before he got up to the mountain to sacrifice his son. Perhaps, that young woman thought when she gave her tithe money someone would come knocking on her door to pay her light bill and she would not have to be in the 30 degree temperature home with no lights. In all these instances they went through the fire, the Lion's Den, the pain,agony, the darkness and the cold. But, they all lived and their faith in God was multiplied. My friends God was also exalted among men. These individuals were exalted among men. God lifted them up and rewarded them for their loyalty. Daniel and the 3 Hebrew boys received higher position in government. Abraham became the Father of many nations. Job had more children, cattle, and more of everything that he had lost. They all went through what they thought would cost them their lives or someone else's life. But, all were delivered in extreme situations. Praise God!
What about the sister that had her lights cut off because she decided to give God her tithe (10% of her earnings) money? My question is did God eventually deliver her from the cold? We may never ever know. But, what we do know is that he can and has delivered others. I'm sure he did deliver her. I hope to here from her one of these days. If he has done for others he can do it for you and I. We also know that God rewards the faithful. How will God exalt this woman? We may never know, but he has exalted many in the past for being loyal. The things that we may do when God speaks to us may seem out of the ordinary. But, if it's truly God speaking remember this. He wants you to be faithful for an important reason. In Daniel day the King saw the faithfulness of Daniel and exalted Daniel's God before the people. Perhaps, many began to serve Daniel's God who was and is the true and living God. Isn't that the main purpose anyway to show the world that you believe in Jesus and His teachings? Isn't that what Christianity is all about? Why should anything dictate otherwise? How far will you go?
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