When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin."
I'm whispering "I was lost,"
Now I'm found and forgiven.
When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need CHRIST to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and need HIS strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
who received God's good grace, somehow.
And his mercy.
Maya Angelou
Read God's Word
Monday, August 30, 2004
Sunday, August 29, 2004
A SPECIAL LETTER
DEAR CHILD,
I just wanted to remind you today of how beautiful you are because there
is a father of lies who will try to deceive you. He will try to tell you
that you are not good enough, not attractive enough, not thin enough,
not strong enough, not smart enough, not righteous enough, and that you
are simply unimportant to Me.
He will try to tell you that you have broken one too many promises, that
you have fallen one too many times, that you have lived one too many
lies, and that you've been going in the wrong direction so long that it
is pointless to turn back now.
But guess what?
YOU DO NOT BELONG TO HIM. HE IS NOT YOUR FATHER.
I AM.
You see, you are My creation. My workmanship. You have been borne of My
thought, every part of you placed together by My hands. You have My
thumbprint upon you. You are a prince/princess, did you know that? You
are My child, the child of THE King!
I look at you and see a precious, priceless pearl. There is no ocean I
would not swim, no mountain I would not climb, no price I would not pay
to have you and to be with you and call you My own.
I already have.
I have done all that I could, given all that there is. I desire to be
with you every moment of every day. How I long for you to talk to Me
every day. My love for you never grows cold. My promises are never
broken (contrary to what he might lead you to believe). My character
never changes. And you, my child have been made in My image.
I love you dearly, unconditionally and completely. I understand every
emotion that you have. I've been there. I count every tear that you cry.
I know every hair on your head.
And do you know what?
I even know your weaknesses and your failures and your fears. I know
those hidden parts of you that you wish would go away. Those dark
corners of your world that you stuff deep down, praying that no one will
ever see. I have already seen them and they will not change my love for you.
Nothing will.
I love your heart and I desire all of it.
I just wanted to remind you today of how beautiful you are and how
precious you are to Me.
With Unmeasurable Love,
Your Heavenly Father
I just wanted to remind you today of how beautiful you are because there
is a father of lies who will try to deceive you. He will try to tell you
that you are not good enough, not attractive enough, not thin enough,
not strong enough, not smart enough, not righteous enough, and that you
are simply unimportant to Me.
He will try to tell you that you have broken one too many promises, that
you have fallen one too many times, that you have lived one too many
lies, and that you've been going in the wrong direction so long that it
is pointless to turn back now.
But guess what?
YOU DO NOT BELONG TO HIM. HE IS NOT YOUR FATHER.
I AM.
You see, you are My creation. My workmanship. You have been borne of My
thought, every part of you placed together by My hands. You have My
thumbprint upon you. You are a prince/princess, did you know that? You
are My child, the child of THE King!
I look at you and see a precious, priceless pearl. There is no ocean I
would not swim, no mountain I would not climb, no price I would not pay
to have you and to be with you and call you My own.
I already have.
I have done all that I could, given all that there is. I desire to be
with you every moment of every day. How I long for you to talk to Me
every day. My love for you never grows cold. My promises are never
broken (contrary to what he might lead you to believe). My character
never changes. And you, my child have been made in My image.
I love you dearly, unconditionally and completely. I understand every
emotion that you have. I've been there. I count every tear that you cry.
I know every hair on your head.
And do you know what?
I even know your weaknesses and your failures and your fears. I know
those hidden parts of you that you wish would go away. Those dark
corners of your world that you stuff deep down, praying that no one will
ever see. I have already seen them and they will not change my love for you.
Nothing will.
I love your heart and I desire all of it.
I just wanted to remind you today of how beautiful you are and how
precious you are to Me.
With Unmeasurable Love,
Your Heavenly Father
Friday, August 20, 2004
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH
Brothers and Sister, Did you know that Buddha never claimed to be God and Moses never claimed to be Jehovah. It's a fact that Mohammed never claimed to be Allah,
Yet Jesus Christ claimed to be the true and living God.
It’s also a fact that Buddha simply said, "I am a teacher in search of the truth."
Jesus said, "I am the Truth."
Confucius said, "I never claimed to be holy."
Jesus said, "Who convicts me of sin?"
Mohammed said, "Unless God throws his cloak of mercy over me, I have no hope."
Jesus said, "Unless you believe in me, you will die in your sins."
No blind leap of faith is needed to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. His tomb is the only empty one. Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius and all other founders of religions are still in their tombs. You can visit them. Jesus is not in His and there is a good reason.
He rose from the dead.
1 Timothy 3:15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you may know how one ought conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
Immediately after saying “but in case I am delayed”, Paul pauses in to make a few very interesting declarations.
First, he discusses the Truth ABOUT the church…
a) The church is the church of the living God.
That means that those who worship the teachings of Buddha, Confucius, Muhammad and others are NOT part of “the church” because their “god” is DEAD!
Then he reminds us, in other words, what Christians say should be the truth, and reliable and trustworthy, and nothing but the truth.
b) The church is to be the Pillar and Support of the truth.
Brothers and Sisters… We should preach and teach nothing but the TRUTH.
JESUS IS LORD
Yet Jesus Christ claimed to be the true and living God.
It’s also a fact that Buddha simply said, "I am a teacher in search of the truth."
Jesus said, "I am the Truth."
Confucius said, "I never claimed to be holy."
Jesus said, "Who convicts me of sin?"
Mohammed said, "Unless God throws his cloak of mercy over me, I have no hope."
Jesus said, "Unless you believe in me, you will die in your sins."
No blind leap of faith is needed to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. His tomb is the only empty one. Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius and all other founders of religions are still in their tombs. You can visit them. Jesus is not in His and there is a good reason.
He rose from the dead.
1 Timothy 3:15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you may know how one ought conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
Immediately after saying “but in case I am delayed”, Paul pauses in to make a few very interesting declarations.
First, he discusses the Truth ABOUT the church…
a) The church is the church of the living God.
That means that those who worship the teachings of Buddha, Confucius, Muhammad and others are NOT part of “the church” because their “god” is DEAD!
Then he reminds us, in other words, what Christians say should be the truth, and reliable and trustworthy, and nothing but the truth.
b) The church is to be the Pillar and Support of the truth.
Brothers and Sisters… We should preach and teach nothing but the TRUTH.
JESUS IS LORD
Father's Love Letter
My Child…
You may not know me, but I know everything about you …Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up …Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways …Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered …Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image …Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being …Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring …Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived …Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation …Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book …Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live …Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made …Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb …Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born …Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me …John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love …1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you …1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father …1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could …Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father …Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand …James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs …Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope …Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love …Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ...Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing …Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you …Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession …Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul …Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things …Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me …Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart …Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires …Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine …Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager …2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles …2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you …Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart …Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes …Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth …Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus …John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed …John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being …Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you …Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins …2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled …2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you …1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love …Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me …1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again …Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen …Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father …Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child? …John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you …Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad.
Almighty God
You may not know me, but I know everything about you …Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up …Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways …Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered …Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image …Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being …Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring …Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived …Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation …Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book …Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live …Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made …Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb …Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born …Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me …John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love …1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you …1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father …1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could …Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father …Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand …James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs …Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope …Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love …Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ...Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing …Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you …Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession …Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul …Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things …Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me …Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart …Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires …Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine …Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager …2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles …2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you …Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart …Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes …Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth …Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus …John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed …John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being …Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you …Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins …2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled …2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you …1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love …Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me …1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again …Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen …Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father …Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child? …John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you …Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad.
Almighty God
GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD
Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Once we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we become new creations and our old self is left behind. We started with a small but significant list, but over time readers have added their own favorites. Here is a taste of your new identity in Christ Jesus.
I AM:
I am Christ's brother (sister) Hebrews 2:10-12
I am able - Philippians 4:13
I am His witness - Acts 1:8
I am His workmanship - Ephesians 2:10
I am not of this world - John 17:14-16
I am His worshipper - Psalm 95:6
I am worthy - Revelation 3:4
I am yielded to God - Romans 6:13
I am yoked with Jesus - Matthew 11:29
I am heaven bound, guaranteed. - I Peter 1: 4
I am abounding in grace - 2 Corinthians 9:8
I am abounding in hope - Romans 15:4, 13
I am Abraham's offspring - Galatians 3:29
I am abundant - John 10:10
I have abundant life- 1 John 4:9
I have access - Ephesians 2:18
I am adequate - 2 Corinthians 3:5
I am adopted - Ephesians 1:5
I am alive - Ephesians 2:4-5
I am an ambassador for Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:20
I am anointed - 1 John 2:20
I am anxious for nothing - Philippians 4:6
I am the apple of His eye - Zechariah 2:8
I am appointed by God - John 15:16
I am the aroma of Christ - 2 Corinthians 2:15
I am not ashamed - 2 Timothy 1:12
I am assured of reward - 1 Corinthians 15:58
I am assured of success - Proverbs 16:3
I have authority over the devil - Luke 9:1
I am baptized into Christ - 1 Corinthians 12:15
I am delightful to God - Psalm 149:4
I am becoming a mature person - Ephesians 4:13
I am becoming conformed to Christ - Romans 8:29
I am a believer - Romans 10:9
I belong to God - John 17:9
I am betrothed - Hosea 2:19-20
I am blameless - 1 Corinthians 1:8
I am blessed - Ephesians 1:3
I am blood bought - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
I am bold - Proverbs 28:1
I am a bondservant - Psalm 116:16
I am born of God - 1 John 5:18
I am born again - 1 Peter 1:23
I am bought with a price - 1 Corinthians 6:20
I am a branch of the True Vine - John 15:5
I am His bride - Isaiah 54:5
I am His brother - Hebrews 2:11
I am brought near - Ephesians 2:13
I am built up - 1 Peter 2:5
I am buried with Christ - Romans 6:4
I am called - 1 Peter 5:10
I am calm - Philippians 4:6
I am cared for - 1 Peter 5:7
I am carried - Exodus 19:4
I am changed - 1 Samuel 10:6
I am a child of God - John 1:12
I am cherished - Ephesians 5:29
I am chosen - 1 Peter 2:9
I am circumcised spiritually - Colossians 2:1
I am a citizen of heaven - Philippians 3:20
I am clay in the potter's hand - Jeremiah 18:6
I am clean - Ezekiel 36:25; John 15:3
I am cleansed - 1 John 1:7,9
I am clothed with Christ - Galatians 3:27
I am a co-heir with Christ - Romans 8:17
I am comforted - Jeremiah 31:13
I am complete in Christ - Colossians 2:10
I am confident - 1 John 4:17
I am confident of answers to prayer - 1 John 5:14-15
I am confident He will finish me - Philippians 1:6
I am confident He will never leave me - Hebrews 13:5- 6
I am a conqueror - Romans 8:37
I am content - Philippians 4:11
I am content with weakness - 2 Corinthians 12:10
I am continually with God - Psalm 73:23
I am controlled by the love of Christ - 2 Corinthians 12:10
I am courageous - 1 Chronicles 28:20
I am created in Christ for good works - Ephesians 2:10
I am created in His image - Genesis 1:27
I am crucified with Him - Galatians 2:20
I am dead in Christ - Romans 6:4
I am dead to sin - Romans 6:11
I am a delight - Psalm 147:11
I am delighted in - Isaiah 42:1
I am delivered - Psalm 107:6
I am desired - Psalm 45:11
I am determined - Philippians 4:13
I am a disciple - John 8:31-32
I am disciplined - Hebrews 12:5-11
I am drawing near with confidence - Hebrews 4:16
I am empowered to obey - Philippians 2:13
I am encouraged - 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am enlightened - Ephesians 1:18
I am enriched in everything - 1 Corinthians 1:5
I am equipped - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
I am established Deuteronomy 28:9
I have eternal life - John 3:36
I am an evangelist matthew 28:18-20
I have every good thing - Philemon 6
I am exalted at His right hand - Acts 2:34-35
I am faithful - Revelation 17:14
I am family - Psalm 68:5
I am far from oppression - Isaiah 54:14
I am favoured - Job 10:12
I am a fellow citizen with the saints - Ephesians 2:19
I am a fellow worker - Colossians 4:11
I am filled - Acts 2:4
I am filled to the fullness of God - Colossians 2:9- 10
I am filled with the fruit of righteousness - Philippians 1:11
I am filled with the fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22-23
I am filled with the knowledge of His will - Colossians 1:9
I am filled with joy - John 17:13
I am a finished product -in progress - Philippians 1:6
I am a first fruit - Romans 8:23
I am forgiven - Ephesians 1:7
I am formed in the womb by God - Jeremiah 1:5
I was lost, but now am found - Luke 19:10
I am a fragrance - 1 Corinthians 1:15-16
I am free - John 8:36
I am freely given all things - Romans 8:32
I am gifted - Romans 12:6
I am given His magnificent promises - 2 Peter 1:3-4
I am given His Holy Spirit - 2 Corinthians 1:22
I am glorified with Him - 2 Thessalonians 2:14
I am God's child - John 1:12
I am God's gift to Christ - John 17:24
I know God is for me - Romans 8:3
I am gracious - Proverbs 22:11
I am granted grace in Christ Jesus - Romans 5:17,20
I am guarded by God - 2 Timothy 1:12
I am guarded by God's peace - Philippians 4:7
I am guaranteed - Ephesians 1:13-14
I am guided - Psalm 48:14
I am guiltless - Romans 8:1
I am the head - Deuteronomy 28:13
I am healed - 1 Peter 2:24
I am healthy - Deuteronomy 7:15
I am an heir to eternal life - Titus 3:4-7
I am helped by Him - Isaiah 44:2
I am hidden with Christ in God - Colossians 3:1-4
I am His - Isaiah 43:1
I am God's handiwork - Ephesians 2:10
I am holy - Ephesians 1:4
I am honoured - 2 Timothy 2:21
I am humble -Philippians 2:24
I am the image of God - Genesis 1:27
I am an imitator of God - Ephesians 5:1
I am in Christ Jesus - 1 Corinthians 1:30
I am included - Ephesians 1:13
I am indestructible - John 6:51
I am indwelt by Christ Jesus - John 14:20
I am indwelt by His Spirit - Romans 8:11
I am inscribed on His palms - Isaiah 49:16
I am inseparable from His love - Romans 8:35
I am an instrument of righteousness - Romans 6:13
I am joyful - Philippians 4:4
I am a joy to the Lord Zephiniah 3:17
I am justified - Acts 13:39
I am kept - Isaiah 38:17
I am in a Kingdom of priests - Revelation 1:6
I am a king's kid - Psalm 44:4
I know all things work together for good - Romans 8:28
I know in Whom I believe - 2 Timothy 1:12
I am known - 2 Timothy 2:19
I lack no wisdom - James 1:5
I am lavished with riches of His grace - Ephesians 1:7-8
I am led in Christ's triumph - 2 Corinthians 2:14
I am liberated - Romans 6:23
I have life and peace in the Spirit - Romans 8:6
I have light - John 8:12
I am a light in a dark place - Acts 13:47
I have life flowing through me - John 7:38
I am like a watered garden - Isaiah 58:11
I am a living stone in a spiritual house - 1 Peter 2:4-5
I am the Lord's - Isaiah 44:5
I am loved - John 3:16
I am loved constantly, unconditionally - Isaiah 58:11
I am loyal - Psalm 86:2
I am made by Him - Psalm 100:3
I am a magnifier of God - Psalm 69:30
I am marked - Ephesians 1:13
I am a member of His body - Ephesians 5:30
I am mighty in God - Luke 10:19
I have the mind of Christ - 1 Corinthians 2:16
I am a minister - 2 Corinthians 3:6
I am a minister of reconciliation - 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
I am a mountain mover - Mark 11:22-23
I am named - Isaiah 43:1
I am near to God - Ephesians 2:13
I am never forsaken - Hebrews 13:5
I am new - Ephesians 4:24
I am a new creation - 2 Corinthians 5:17
I have new life - Romans 6:4
I am part of a new race - 1 Peter 2:9
I am not condemned - Romans 8:1
I am no longer a slave to sin - Romans 6:6
I have not been given a spirit of fear - 1 Timothy 1:7
I am obedient - Isaiah 1:19
I have received mercy - Romans 9:23
I am obtained an inheritance - Ephesians 1:1
I am of God's household - Ephesians 2:19
I am on the winning side - Colossians 2:15
I am one with Him - John 17:23-24
I am an overcomer - 1 John 5:4-5
I am pardoned - Jeremiah 33:8
I am a partaker of Christ - Hebrews 3:14
I am a partaker of the Holy Spirit - Hebrews 6:4
I am a partaker of grace - Philippians 1:7
I am a partaker of the promise in Christ - Ephesians 3:6
I have passed from death to life - John 5:24
I am patient - James 5:8
I have peace - Philippians 4:7
I am one of the people of God - 1 Peter 2:9
I am being perfected - 1 Peter 5:10
I am pleasing to God - Psalm 149:4
I am God's own possession - Titus 2:14
I am possessor of all things - 1 Corinthians 3:21-23
I have the power of God behind me - Philippians 3:21
I have power - Acts 1:8
I have power over the devil - Luke 9:1
I am predestined - Ephesians 1:11
I am prepared beforehand for glory - Romans 9:23
I am prosperous - Psalm 1:3
I am protected - Psalm 91:14
I am provided for - Matthew 6:33
I am purchased - Revelation 5:9
I am purposeful - Psalm 138:8
I am qualified - Colossians 1:12
I am raised up with Christ - Ephesians 2:6
I am ransomed with Him - Isaiah 35:10
I am rare - Proverbs 20:15
I have received mercy - 1 Peter 2:10
I have received an unshakable Kingdom - Hebrews 12:28-29
I am reconciled to God - Romans 5:10
I am redeemed - Galatians 3:13
I am refined - Isaiah 48:10
I am reigning with Him - Romans 5:17
I am rejoicing - Romans 5:2-3
I am renewed - 2 Corinthians 4:16
I am His representative - Matthew 5:16
I am rescued - Colossians 1:13
I have rest provided - Matthew 11:28-30
I am rewarded by God - Isaiah 49:4
I am rich - 2 Corinthians 8:9
I am righteous - Ephesians 4:22
I am rooted and built up in Him - Colossians 2:7
I am royalty - Romans 5:17; 8:16-17
I am a royal priesthood - 1 Peter 2:9
I am safe - Psalm 4:8
I am a saint of God - Psalm 34:9
I am the salt of the earth - Matthew 5:13
I am sanctified - 1 Corinthians 6:11
I am satisfied - Jeremiah 31:14
I am saved - Ephesians 2:8
I am sealed by God with His Holy Spirit - Ephesians 1:13
I am seated with Him - Ephesians 2:6
I am secure - Deuteronomy 33:12
I am sent - John 20:21
I am set free - John 8:31-32,36
I am sharing Christ's inheritance - Romans 8:17
I am sharing His glory - John 17:22,24
I am His sheep - Psalm 23:1
I am sheltered - Psalm 91:1
I am shielded - Psalm 91:4
I am a slave to righteousness - Romans 6:18
I am His soldier - 2 Timothy 2:3-4
I am a son of God - Romans 8:14
I am stable - Isaiah 33:6
I am standing in His grace - Romans 5:2
I am standing firm in Christ - 2 Corinthians 1:21
I have my steps established by the Lord - Psalm 37:23
I am strengthened in Him - Ephesians 3:16
I am strong in the Lord - 1 Corinthians 1:8
I am amply supplied - Philippians 4:18
I am sustained from birth - Psalm 71:6
I am a temple - 1 Corinthians 3:16
I am thought about - Psalm 139:17-18
I am transferred into His Kingdom - Colossians 1:13
I am transformed - 2 Corinthians 3:18
I am treasured - Psalm 83:3
I am triumphant - 2 Corinthians 2:14
I am unafraid - Isaiah 44:2; 51:12
I am understood - Ephesians 1:8
I am united with Christ - Romans 6:5
I am upheld - Psalm 37:17
I am upright - Psalm 7:10
I am unblemished - Colossians 1:22
I have understanding - 2 Timothy 2:72
I am useful for His glory - Isaiah 43:7
I am valuable - Luke 12:24
I live in victory - 1 Corinthians 15:57
I am walking in His light - 1 John 1:7
I am a warrior - 2 Corinthians 10:4
I am washed - Titus 3:5
I am watching for His return - Luke 12:37
I am weak, then I am strong - 2 Corinthians 12:10
I am in a wealthy place - Psalm 66:12
I am welcome - Luke 11:9
I am being made whole - Mark 5:34
I put on the whole armour of God - Ephesians 6:11
I am wise - Proverbs 2:6
Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. You have value in the eyes of God so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world.
Once we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we become new creations and our old self is left behind. We started with a small but significant list, but over time readers have added their own favorites. Here is a taste of your new identity in Christ Jesus.
I AM:
I am Christ's brother (sister) Hebrews 2:10-12
I am able - Philippians 4:13
I am His witness - Acts 1:8
I am His workmanship - Ephesians 2:10
I am not of this world - John 17:14-16
I am His worshipper - Psalm 95:6
I am worthy - Revelation 3:4
I am yielded to God - Romans 6:13
I am yoked with Jesus - Matthew 11:29
I am heaven bound, guaranteed. - I Peter 1: 4
I am abounding in grace - 2 Corinthians 9:8
I am abounding in hope - Romans 15:4, 13
I am Abraham's offspring - Galatians 3:29
I am abundant - John 10:10
I have abundant life- 1 John 4:9
I have access - Ephesians 2:18
I am adequate - 2 Corinthians 3:5
I am adopted - Ephesians 1:5
I am alive - Ephesians 2:4-5
I am an ambassador for Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:20
I am anointed - 1 John 2:20
I am anxious for nothing - Philippians 4:6
I am the apple of His eye - Zechariah 2:8
I am appointed by God - John 15:16
I am the aroma of Christ - 2 Corinthians 2:15
I am not ashamed - 2 Timothy 1:12
I am assured of reward - 1 Corinthians 15:58
I am assured of success - Proverbs 16:3
I have authority over the devil - Luke 9:1
I am baptized into Christ - 1 Corinthians 12:15
I am delightful to God - Psalm 149:4
I am becoming a mature person - Ephesians 4:13
I am becoming conformed to Christ - Romans 8:29
I am a believer - Romans 10:9
I belong to God - John 17:9
I am betrothed - Hosea 2:19-20
I am blameless - 1 Corinthians 1:8
I am blessed - Ephesians 1:3
I am blood bought - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
I am bold - Proverbs 28:1
I am a bondservant - Psalm 116:16
I am born of God - 1 John 5:18
I am born again - 1 Peter 1:23
I am bought with a price - 1 Corinthians 6:20
I am a branch of the True Vine - John 15:5
I am His bride - Isaiah 54:5
I am His brother - Hebrews 2:11
I am brought near - Ephesians 2:13
I am built up - 1 Peter 2:5
I am buried with Christ - Romans 6:4
I am called - 1 Peter 5:10
I am calm - Philippians 4:6
I am cared for - 1 Peter 5:7
I am carried - Exodus 19:4
I am changed - 1 Samuel 10:6
I am a child of God - John 1:12
I am cherished - Ephesians 5:29
I am chosen - 1 Peter 2:9
I am circumcised spiritually - Colossians 2:1
I am a citizen of heaven - Philippians 3:20
I am clay in the potter's hand - Jeremiah 18:6
I am clean - Ezekiel 36:25; John 15:3
I am cleansed - 1 John 1:7,9
I am clothed with Christ - Galatians 3:27
I am a co-heir with Christ - Romans 8:17
I am comforted - Jeremiah 31:13
I am complete in Christ - Colossians 2:10
I am confident - 1 John 4:17
I am confident of answers to prayer - 1 John 5:14-15
I am confident He will finish me - Philippians 1:6
I am confident He will never leave me - Hebrews 13:5- 6
I am a conqueror - Romans 8:37
I am content - Philippians 4:11
I am content with weakness - 2 Corinthians 12:10
I am continually with God - Psalm 73:23
I am controlled by the love of Christ - 2 Corinthians 12:10
I am courageous - 1 Chronicles 28:20
I am created in Christ for good works - Ephesians 2:10
I am created in His image - Genesis 1:27
I am crucified with Him - Galatians 2:20
I am dead in Christ - Romans 6:4
I am dead to sin - Romans 6:11
I am a delight - Psalm 147:11
I am delighted in - Isaiah 42:1
I am delivered - Psalm 107:6
I am desired - Psalm 45:11
I am determined - Philippians 4:13
I am a disciple - John 8:31-32
I am disciplined - Hebrews 12:5-11
I am drawing near with confidence - Hebrews 4:16
I am empowered to obey - Philippians 2:13
I am encouraged - 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am enlightened - Ephesians 1:18
I am enriched in everything - 1 Corinthians 1:5
I am equipped - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
I am established Deuteronomy 28:9
I have eternal life - John 3:36
I am an evangelist matthew 28:18-20
I have every good thing - Philemon 6
I am exalted at His right hand - Acts 2:34-35
I am faithful - Revelation 17:14
I am family - Psalm 68:5
I am far from oppression - Isaiah 54:14
I am favoured - Job 10:12
I am a fellow citizen with the saints - Ephesians 2:19
I am a fellow worker - Colossians 4:11
I am filled - Acts 2:4
I am filled to the fullness of God - Colossians 2:9- 10
I am filled with the fruit of righteousness - Philippians 1:11
I am filled with the fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22-23
I am filled with the knowledge of His will - Colossians 1:9
I am filled with joy - John 17:13
I am a finished product -in progress - Philippians 1:6
I am a first fruit - Romans 8:23
I am forgiven - Ephesians 1:7
I am formed in the womb by God - Jeremiah 1:5
I was lost, but now am found - Luke 19:10
I am a fragrance - 1 Corinthians 1:15-16
I am free - John 8:36
I am freely given all things - Romans 8:32
I am gifted - Romans 12:6
I am given His magnificent promises - 2 Peter 1:3-4
I am given His Holy Spirit - 2 Corinthians 1:22
I am glorified with Him - 2 Thessalonians 2:14
I am God's child - John 1:12
I am God's gift to Christ - John 17:24
I know God is for me - Romans 8:3
I am gracious - Proverbs 22:11
I am granted grace in Christ Jesus - Romans 5:17,20
I am guarded by God - 2 Timothy 1:12
I am guarded by God's peace - Philippians 4:7
I am guaranteed - Ephesians 1:13-14
I am guided - Psalm 48:14
I am guiltless - Romans 8:1
I am the head - Deuteronomy 28:13
I am healed - 1 Peter 2:24
I am healthy - Deuteronomy 7:15
I am an heir to eternal life - Titus 3:4-7
I am helped by Him - Isaiah 44:2
I am hidden with Christ in God - Colossians 3:1-4
I am His - Isaiah 43:1
I am God's handiwork - Ephesians 2:10
I am holy - Ephesians 1:4
I am honoured - 2 Timothy 2:21
I am humble -Philippians 2:24
I am the image of God - Genesis 1:27
I am an imitator of God - Ephesians 5:1
I am in Christ Jesus - 1 Corinthians 1:30
I am included - Ephesians 1:13
I am indestructible - John 6:51
I am indwelt by Christ Jesus - John 14:20
I am indwelt by His Spirit - Romans 8:11
I am inscribed on His palms - Isaiah 49:16
I am inseparable from His love - Romans 8:35
I am an instrument of righteousness - Romans 6:13
I am joyful - Philippians 4:4
I am a joy to the Lord Zephiniah 3:17
I am justified - Acts 13:39
I am kept - Isaiah 38:17
I am in a Kingdom of priests - Revelation 1:6
I am a king's kid - Psalm 44:4
I know all things work together for good - Romans 8:28
I know in Whom I believe - 2 Timothy 1:12
I am known - 2 Timothy 2:19
I lack no wisdom - James 1:5
I am lavished with riches of His grace - Ephesians 1:7-8
I am led in Christ's triumph - 2 Corinthians 2:14
I am liberated - Romans 6:23
I have life and peace in the Spirit - Romans 8:6
I have light - John 8:12
I am a light in a dark place - Acts 13:47
I have life flowing through me - John 7:38
I am like a watered garden - Isaiah 58:11
I am a living stone in a spiritual house - 1 Peter 2:4-5
I am the Lord's - Isaiah 44:5
I am loved - John 3:16
I am loved constantly, unconditionally - Isaiah 58:11
I am loyal - Psalm 86:2
I am made by Him - Psalm 100:3
I am a magnifier of God - Psalm 69:30
I am marked - Ephesians 1:13
I am a member of His body - Ephesians 5:30
I am mighty in God - Luke 10:19
I have the mind of Christ - 1 Corinthians 2:16
I am a minister - 2 Corinthians 3:6
I am a minister of reconciliation - 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
I am a mountain mover - Mark 11:22-23
I am named - Isaiah 43:1
I am near to God - Ephesians 2:13
I am never forsaken - Hebrews 13:5
I am new - Ephesians 4:24
I am a new creation - 2 Corinthians 5:17
I have new life - Romans 6:4
I am part of a new race - 1 Peter 2:9
I am not condemned - Romans 8:1
I am no longer a slave to sin - Romans 6:6
I have not been given a spirit of fear - 1 Timothy 1:7
I am obedient - Isaiah 1:19
I have received mercy - Romans 9:23
I am obtained an inheritance - Ephesians 1:1
I am of God's household - Ephesians 2:19
I am on the winning side - Colossians 2:15
I am one with Him - John 17:23-24
I am an overcomer - 1 John 5:4-5
I am pardoned - Jeremiah 33:8
I am a partaker of Christ - Hebrews 3:14
I am a partaker of the Holy Spirit - Hebrews 6:4
I am a partaker of grace - Philippians 1:7
I am a partaker of the promise in Christ - Ephesians 3:6
I have passed from death to life - John 5:24
I am patient - James 5:8
I have peace - Philippians 4:7
I am one of the people of God - 1 Peter 2:9
I am being perfected - 1 Peter 5:10
I am pleasing to God - Psalm 149:4
I am God's own possession - Titus 2:14
I am possessor of all things - 1 Corinthians 3:21-23
I have the power of God behind me - Philippians 3:21
I have power - Acts 1:8
I have power over the devil - Luke 9:1
I am predestined - Ephesians 1:11
I am prepared beforehand for glory - Romans 9:23
I am prosperous - Psalm 1:3
I am protected - Psalm 91:14
I am provided for - Matthew 6:33
I am purchased - Revelation 5:9
I am purposeful - Psalm 138:8
I am qualified - Colossians 1:12
I am raised up with Christ - Ephesians 2:6
I am ransomed with Him - Isaiah 35:10
I am rare - Proverbs 20:15
I have received mercy - 1 Peter 2:10
I have received an unshakable Kingdom - Hebrews 12:28-29
I am reconciled to God - Romans 5:10
I am redeemed - Galatians 3:13
I am refined - Isaiah 48:10
I am reigning with Him - Romans 5:17
I am rejoicing - Romans 5:2-3
I am renewed - 2 Corinthians 4:16
I am His representative - Matthew 5:16
I am rescued - Colossians 1:13
I have rest provided - Matthew 11:28-30
I am rewarded by God - Isaiah 49:4
I am rich - 2 Corinthians 8:9
I am righteous - Ephesians 4:22
I am rooted and built up in Him - Colossians 2:7
I am royalty - Romans 5:17; 8:16-17
I am a royal priesthood - 1 Peter 2:9
I am safe - Psalm 4:8
I am a saint of God - Psalm 34:9
I am the salt of the earth - Matthew 5:13
I am sanctified - 1 Corinthians 6:11
I am satisfied - Jeremiah 31:14
I am saved - Ephesians 2:8
I am sealed by God with His Holy Spirit - Ephesians 1:13
I am seated with Him - Ephesians 2:6
I am secure - Deuteronomy 33:12
I am sent - John 20:21
I am set free - John 8:31-32,36
I am sharing Christ's inheritance - Romans 8:17
I am sharing His glory - John 17:22,24
I am His sheep - Psalm 23:1
I am sheltered - Psalm 91:1
I am shielded - Psalm 91:4
I am a slave to righteousness - Romans 6:18
I am His soldier - 2 Timothy 2:3-4
I am a son of God - Romans 8:14
I am stable - Isaiah 33:6
I am standing in His grace - Romans 5:2
I am standing firm in Christ - 2 Corinthians 1:21
I have my steps established by the Lord - Psalm 37:23
I am strengthened in Him - Ephesians 3:16
I am strong in the Lord - 1 Corinthians 1:8
I am amply supplied - Philippians 4:18
I am sustained from birth - Psalm 71:6
I am a temple - 1 Corinthians 3:16
I am thought about - Psalm 139:17-18
I am transferred into His Kingdom - Colossians 1:13
I am transformed - 2 Corinthians 3:18
I am treasured - Psalm 83:3
I am triumphant - 2 Corinthians 2:14
I am unafraid - Isaiah 44:2; 51:12
I am understood - Ephesians 1:8
I am united with Christ - Romans 6:5
I am upheld - Psalm 37:17
I am upright - Psalm 7:10
I am unblemished - Colossians 1:22
I have understanding - 2 Timothy 2:72
I am useful for His glory - Isaiah 43:7
I am valuable - Luke 12:24
I live in victory - 1 Corinthians 15:57
I am walking in His light - 1 John 1:7
I am a warrior - 2 Corinthians 10:4
I am washed - Titus 3:5
I am watching for His return - Luke 12:37
I am weak, then I am strong - 2 Corinthians 12:10
I am in a wealthy place - Psalm 66:12
I am welcome - Luke 11:9
I am being made whole - Mark 5:34
I put on the whole armour of God - Ephesians 6:11
I am wise - Proverbs 2:6
Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. You have value in the eyes of God so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world.
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
THE INTERVIEW WITH GOD
I dreamed I had an interview with God.
“So you would like to interview me?” God asked.
“If you have the time” I said.
God smiled. “My time is eternity.”
“What questions do you have in mind for me?”
“What surprises you most about humankind?”
God answered...
“That they get bored with childhood,
they rush to grow up, and then
long to be children again.”
“That they lose their health to make money...
and then lose their money to restore their health.”
“That by thinking anxiously about the future,
they forget the present,
such that they live in neither
the present nor the future.”
"That they live as if they will never die,
and die as though they had never lived.”
God’s hand took mine
and we were silent for a while.
And then I asked...
“As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons
you want your children to learn?”
“To learn they cannot make anyone
love them. All they can do
is let themselves be loved.”
“To learn that it is not good
to compare themselves to others.”
“To learn to forgive
by practicing forgiveness.”
“To learn that it only takes a few seconds
to open profound wounds in those they love,
and it can take many years to heal them.”
“To learn that a rich person
is not one who has the most,
but is one who needs the least.”
“To learn that there are people
who love them dearly,
but simply have not yet learned
how to express or show their feelings.”
“To learn that two people can
look at the same thing
and see it differently.”
“To learn that it is not enough that they
forgive one another, but they must also forgive themselves.”
"Thank you for your time," I said humbly.
"Is there anything else
you would like your children to know?"
God smiled and said,
“Just know that I am here... always.”
“So you would like to interview me?” God asked.
“If you have the time” I said.
God smiled. “My time is eternity.”
“What questions do you have in mind for me?”
“What surprises you most about humankind?”
God answered...
“That they get bored with childhood,
they rush to grow up, and then
long to be children again.”
“That they lose their health to make money...
and then lose their money to restore their health.”
“That by thinking anxiously about the future,
they forget the present,
such that they live in neither
the present nor the future.”
"That they live as if they will never die,
and die as though they had never lived.”
God’s hand took mine
and we were silent for a while.
And then I asked...
“As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons
you want your children to learn?”
“To learn they cannot make anyone
love them. All they can do
is let themselves be loved.”
“To learn that it is not good
to compare themselves to others.”
“To learn to forgive
by practicing forgiveness.”
“To learn that it only takes a few seconds
to open profound wounds in those they love,
and it can take many years to heal them.”
“To learn that a rich person
is not one who has the most,
but is one who needs the least.”
“To learn that there are people
who love them dearly,
but simply have not yet learned
how to express or show their feelings.”
“To learn that two people can
look at the same thing
and see it differently.”
“To learn that it is not enough that they
forgive one another, but they must also forgive themselves.”
"Thank you for your time," I said humbly.
"Is there anything else
you would like your children to know?"
God smiled and said,
“Just know that I am here... always.”
Friday, August 06, 2004
I HAVE LEARNED II
I've learned that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you see them.
I've learned that you can keep going long after you can't.
I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades
and there had better be something else to take its place.
I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.
I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you see them.
I've learned that you can keep going long after you can't.
I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades
and there had better be something else to take its place.
I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.
I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
Forgiveness
I asked God “Is there truly a little boy in us as men?” and to my surprise the answer came with an unanticipated message on forgiveness. It comes from First Corinthians chapter fourteen and verse twenty, which reads, "Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.”
Brothers, we are God's children, so we should always be humble before God as His dear children. We should be forgiving as children forgive, as well. Children can brawl one minute, and in the next five minutes be in concert again. They are quick to forgive and forget. In that, we should be just like them. We should not be children in the decisions we formulate, however. We should be mature Christians in understanding. We should grow in the Lord each day, so that we will be wise in the decisions that we make. Our understanding of the things of God must be influenced by the instruction of the Holy Spirit.
Forgiveness is the most Christ-like act a Christian can do. Never are you more like Christ than when you forgive because that is what Christ does. Forgiveness is a magnificent virtue.
Yours because of Calvary,
In service of the King,
Elder J. Andres Vazquez
Brothers, we are God's children, so we should always be humble before God as His dear children. We should be forgiving as children forgive, as well. Children can brawl one minute, and in the next five minutes be in concert again. They are quick to forgive and forget. In that, we should be just like them. We should not be children in the decisions we formulate, however. We should be mature Christians in understanding. We should grow in the Lord each day, so that we will be wise in the decisions that we make. Our understanding of the things of God must be influenced by the instruction of the Holy Spirit.
Forgiveness is the most Christ-like act a Christian can do. Never are you more like Christ than when you forgive because that is what Christ does. Forgiveness is a magnificent virtue.
Yours because of Calvary,
In service of the King,
Elder J. Andres Vazquez
I HAVE LEARNED....
The following quote contains "principles for Christian living" that are taken mostly from the 'wisdom' literature of the bible- Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. It is impossible for one to live right, or to have wholesome relationships, without following Scriptural principles.
I'VE LEARNED that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved... The rest is up to them.
I'VE LEARNED that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.
I'VE LEARNED that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I'VE LEARNED that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I'VE LEARNED that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it.
I'VE LEARNED that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
I'VE LEARNED that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had, and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I'VE LEARNED that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I'VE LEARNED that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I'VE LEARNED that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
I'VE LEARNED that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I'VE LEARNED that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves get farther in life.
I'VE LEARNED that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I'VE LEARNED that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I'VE LEARNED that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings, and standing up for what you believe.
I'VE LEARNED that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.
I'VE LEARNED that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I'VE LEARNED that either you control your attitude, or it controls you.
I'VE LEARNED that it's not WHAT you have in your life but WHO you have in your life that counts.
I'VE LEARNED that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you had better know something.
I'VE LEARNED that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I'VE LEARNED that you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I'VE LEARNED that learning to forgive takes practice.
I'VE LEARNED that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved... The rest is up to them.
I'VE LEARNED that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.
I'VE LEARNED that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I'VE LEARNED that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I'VE LEARNED that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it.
I'VE LEARNED that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
I'VE LEARNED that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had, and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I'VE LEARNED that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I'VE LEARNED that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I'VE LEARNED that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
I'VE LEARNED that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I'VE LEARNED that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves get farther in life.
I'VE LEARNED that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I'VE LEARNED that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I'VE LEARNED that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings, and standing up for what you believe.
I'VE LEARNED that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.
I'VE LEARNED that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I'VE LEARNED that either you control your attitude, or it controls you.
I'VE LEARNED that it's not WHAT you have in your life but WHO you have in your life that counts.
I'VE LEARNED that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you had better know something.
I'VE LEARNED that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I'VE LEARNED that you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I'VE LEARNED that learning to forgive takes practice.
Monday, August 02, 2004
What is Prayer X (Effectiveness)
Prayer has power over everything. God can intelligently act in any part of the universe or human history. Although some people think prayer is a waste of time, the Bible declares that "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16). Prayer meets inner needs.
One who prays will receive:
Freedom from fear (Psalm 118:5-6),
Strength of soul (Psalm 138:3),
Guidance and satisfaction (Isaiah 58:9-11),
Wisdom and understanding (Daniel 9:20-27),
Deliverance from harm (Joel 2:32),
Reward (Matthew 6:6),
Good gifts (Luke 11:13),
Fullness of joy (John 16:23-24),
Peace (Philippians 4:6-8), and
Freedom from anxiety (1 Peter 5:7).
One may ask “Is prayer effective only in the inner lives of those who pray?” and the answer is...
“No”, prayer can make a difference in the lives of others.
Biblical writers believed prayer for others could result in greater wisdom and power (Ephesians 1:18-19);
Inward strength, knowledge of Christ's love, filling with God's fullness (Ephesians 3:16-19);
Discernment, approval of what is excellent, filling with fruits of righteousness (Philippians 1:9-11);
Knowledge of God's will, spiritual understanding, a life pleasing to God, fruitfulness, endurance, patience, joy (Colossians 1:9-12);
A quiet, peaceable life (1 Timothy 2:1-2);
Love for one another and all people, holiness before God (1 Thessalonians 3:10-13);
Comfort and establishment in every good word and work (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17);
Love for God, steadfastness in Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:5);
The sharing of one's faith, promotion of the knowledge of all that is good (Philemon 6); and
Equipment for every good work that is pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:20-21).
Some people who think prayer can affect others question the ability of God to change His usual patterns in the physical world. But some prayers in the Bible changed nature and physical bodies.
Jabez prayed for enlarged borders and protection from harm (1 Chronicles 4:10).
Other people in the Bible prayed for deliverance from trouble Psalm 34:15-22),
Deliverance from both poverty and riches (Proverbs 30:7-9),
Deliverance from the belly of a great fish (Jonah 2:7-10),
Daily bread (Matthew 6:11),
Preservation and sanctification of spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23),
The healing of the sick (James 5:14-15), and
The ending of the rain and it's beginning again (James 5:17-18).
When the disciples prayed, the building around them shook (Acts 4:31) and an earthquake opened the doors of their prison (Acts 16:25-26).
Brothers and Sisters, our prayers do make a difference in how God acts in the world.
One who prays will receive:
Freedom from fear (Psalm 118:5-6),
Strength of soul (Psalm 138:3),
Guidance and satisfaction (Isaiah 58:9-11),
Wisdom and understanding (Daniel 9:20-27),
Deliverance from harm (Joel 2:32),
Reward (Matthew 6:6),
Good gifts (Luke 11:13),
Fullness of joy (John 16:23-24),
Peace (Philippians 4:6-8), and
Freedom from anxiety (1 Peter 5:7).
One may ask “Is prayer effective only in the inner lives of those who pray?” and the answer is...
“No”, prayer can make a difference in the lives of others.
Biblical writers believed prayer for others could result in greater wisdom and power (Ephesians 1:18-19);
Inward strength, knowledge of Christ's love, filling with God's fullness (Ephesians 3:16-19);
Discernment, approval of what is excellent, filling with fruits of righteousness (Philippians 1:9-11);
Knowledge of God's will, spiritual understanding, a life pleasing to God, fruitfulness, endurance, patience, joy (Colossians 1:9-12);
A quiet, peaceable life (1 Timothy 2:1-2);
Love for one another and all people, holiness before God (1 Thessalonians 3:10-13);
Comfort and establishment in every good word and work (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17);
Love for God, steadfastness in Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:5);
The sharing of one's faith, promotion of the knowledge of all that is good (Philemon 6); and
Equipment for every good work that is pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:20-21).
Some people who think prayer can affect others question the ability of God to change His usual patterns in the physical world. But some prayers in the Bible changed nature and physical bodies.
Jabez prayed for enlarged borders and protection from harm (1 Chronicles 4:10).
Other people in the Bible prayed for deliverance from trouble Psalm 34:15-22),
Deliverance from both poverty and riches (Proverbs 30:7-9),
Deliverance from the belly of a great fish (Jonah 2:7-10),
Daily bread (Matthew 6:11),
Preservation and sanctification of spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23),
The healing of the sick (James 5:14-15), and
The ending of the rain and it's beginning again (James 5:17-18).
When the disciples prayed, the building around them shook (Acts 4:31) and an earthquake opened the doors of their prison (Acts 16:25-26).
Brothers and Sisters, our prayers do make a difference in how God acts in the world.
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About Me
- J.A. Vazquez
- I'm just, a nobody, trying to tell everybody, about Somebody who can save anybody. First I want to give love to the Father for giving me the opportunity to be an instrument for him to live in and live through for the glory that belongs to only him and Him alone. I served in the United States Navy for twenty one years and retired September 2003. During the last 3 years of my naval career, I served as co-pastor of Greater New Refuge COGIC in Fallon, Nevada under the tutelage of Pastor Gregory L. Brown. While there, I diligently served my pastor and church with the construction of a new sanctuary, and caring for the needs of all ministries, while simultaneously striving to stay focused on the mandate that the Lord had placed upon my life to preach the Word of God without compromise. I was licensed to preach November 2002 and Ordained June 2003. While stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, I proudly served and as constituent of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for seventeen years under the leadership of Bishop Elect W. D. Scott, Sr. and presently serve under the leadership of Bishop B. Courtney McBath at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, Virginia.