Three things in life that, once gone, never come back
1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity
Three things in life that can destroy a person
1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness
Three things in life that you should never lose
1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Honesty
Three things in life that are most valuable
1. Love
2. Family & Friends
3. Kindness
Three things in life that are never certain
1. Fortune
2. Success
3. Dreams
Three things that make a person
1. Commitment
2. Sincerity
3. Hard work
Three things that are truly constant -
The Father, The Son, & The Holy Spirit
I ask the Lord to bless you,as I pray for you today, to guide you and protect you, as you go along your way. God's love is always with you. God's promises are true. And when you give God all your cares, you know God will see you through.
Read God's Word
Thursday, January 27, 2011
What If you take Christ away?
Jesus = take that name out of the Bible,
and you remove the power from the word of God.
Jesus = take that name from the human heart,
and love has no meaning.
Jesus = take that name out of this world,
and this whole world will be without hope
Jesus = take that name out of our ministry,
and the minister is without a message to preach.
Jesus = take that name out of the church,
and the church will have no mission.
Jesus = take that name out of the kingdom,
and the kingdom has no king.
Jesus = take that name out of our songs,
and our singing is nothing more than chattering set to music.
Jesus = take that name out of the universe,
and the universe is a meaningless mass of debris on it's way to oblivion.
The question I'd like to ask you is...
Got Jesus?
and you remove the power from the word of God.
Jesus = take that name from the human heart,
and love has no meaning.
Jesus = take that name out of this world,
and this whole world will be without hope
Jesus = take that name out of our ministry,
and the minister is without a message to preach.
Jesus = take that name out of the church,
and the church will have no mission.
Jesus = take that name out of the kingdom,
and the kingdom has no king.
Jesus = take that name out of our songs,
and our singing is nothing more than chattering set to music.
Jesus = take that name out of the universe,
and the universe is a meaningless mass of debris on it's way to oblivion.
The question I'd like to ask you is...
Got Jesus?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Oh That You Would Bless Me in 2011
Lord God, Abba, Father,
I humbly come into Your presence in this New Year, 2011 asking You in I prayer to bless me with spiritual discernment and use me to help others. Give me the confidence to speak Your Word boldly today. Use me to do Your work and allow me to praise Your Name once more. Restore my soul, extend my bondaries and bless my ministry. Magnify the work of my hands to bring glory to Your Name. Make the desires of my heart the absolute same as Yours, Father. Help me to stand when I want to quit. Turn my mistakes into learning experiences. Make a way where I can't see one now. Give me strength and means to continue serving. May depression not find an open door in my house. Sharpen the tools of ministry in my possession. Don't let me give up running the race out of futility. Use me today to do what You desire. Use me to do something extraordinary today. Open the door where previous failures have seemingly closed them. Give me passion for Your Word. Use me anyway You will. Give my blessing to those I serve. This day for extending Your love to someone who doesn't know it. Remind me often today why I serve You. Feed my thirst with streams of Living Water. Use me to do great things of which I know not. Help me be more effective helping others. Use me to accomplish what You desire. Honor to serve Your cause.
I humbly come into Your presence in this New Year, 2011 asking You in I prayer to bless me with spiritual discernment and use me to help others. Give me the confidence to speak Your Word boldly today. Use me to do Your work and allow me to praise Your Name once more. Restore my soul, extend my bondaries and bless my ministry. Magnify the work of my hands to bring glory to Your Name. Make the desires of my heart the absolute same as Yours, Father. Help me to stand when I want to quit. Turn my mistakes into learning experiences. Make a way where I can't see one now. Give me strength and means to continue serving. May depression not find an open door in my house. Sharpen the tools of ministry in my possession. Don't let me give up running the race out of futility. Use me today to do what You desire. Use me to do something extraordinary today. Open the door where previous failures have seemingly closed them. Give me passion for Your Word. Use me anyway You will. Give my blessing to those I serve. This day for extending Your love to someone who doesn't know it. Remind me often today why I serve You. Feed my thirst with streams of Living Water. Use me to do great things of which I know not. Help me be more effective helping others. Use me to accomplish what You desire. Honor to serve Your cause.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
PRAYING IN GOD'S NAME
He is Jehovah - He never changes. Ex 3:14
He is El-Shaddai - He is Almighty God, the only true God. Gen 17:1; Ps 91:1
He is Adonai - He is Lord of all. Ps 110:1
He is Jehovah Jireh - He provides - completely! Gen 22:13,14
He is Jehovah Rophe - He is the one who heals. Ex 15:26
He is Jehovah Nissi - He is our banner, our victory. Ex 17:15
He is Jehovah M'Kaddeshem - He makes us holy. Ex 31:13
He is Jehovah Shalom - He is peace. Jud 6:24
He is Jehovah Tsidkenu - He makes us righteous. Jer 23:6
He is Jehovah Rohi - He makes a way for us. Ps 23
He is Jehovah Shammah - He's there - He will not hide. Eze 48:35
He is Immanuel - God with us. Isa 7:14
At the Name of Jesus, every knee will bow. Phil 2:5-11
The Name of the Lord is a strong Tower. Ps 18:10
He is Lord. He does not share his glory. Is 42:8
His Name is the Word of God. Rev 19:13
There is no other name that can save us. Acts 4:12
Anything asked in his Name, he will do. John 14:13
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. Psalm 8:9
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, O lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7
He is El-Shaddai - He is Almighty God, the only true God. Gen 17:1; Ps 91:1
He is Adonai - He is Lord of all. Ps 110:1
He is Jehovah Jireh - He provides - completely! Gen 22:13,14
He is Jehovah Rophe - He is the one who heals. Ex 15:26
He is Jehovah Nissi - He is our banner, our victory. Ex 17:15
He is Jehovah M'Kaddeshem - He makes us holy. Ex 31:13
He is Jehovah Shalom - He is peace. Jud 6:24
He is Jehovah Tsidkenu - He makes us righteous. Jer 23:6
He is Jehovah Rohi - He makes a way for us. Ps 23
He is Jehovah Shammah - He's there - He will not hide. Eze 48:35
He is Immanuel - God with us. Isa 7:14
At the Name of Jesus, every knee will bow. Phil 2:5-11
The Name of the Lord is a strong Tower. Ps 18:10
He is Lord. He does not share his glory. Is 42:8
His Name is the Word of God. Rev 19:13
There is no other name that can save us. Acts 4:12
Anything asked in his Name, he will do. John 14:13
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. Psalm 8:9
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, O lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7
THANK YOU LORD
Thank you, Lord for everything …
The big things and the small,
For “every good gift comes from You,”
The Giver of them all.
And all too often we accept
Without any thanks or praise,
The gifts You send as blessings
Each day in many ways.
And so at this very moment,
I offer up a prayer,
To thank You, Lord, for giving me
A lot more than my share.
First, thank You for the little things
That often come my way,
The things I take for granted,
But don’t mention when I pray.
The unexpected courtesy,
The thoughtful, kindly deed,
A hand reached out to help me
In the time of sudden need.
Oh, make me more aware, dear Lord,
Of little daily graces
That come to me with “sweet surprise”
From never-dreamed-of places.
Then, thank You for the “miracles”
I am much too blind to see,
And give me new awareness
Of my many gifts from Thee.
And help me to remember
That the key to life and living,
Is to make each prayer a prayer of thanks
And every day Thanksgiving.
Amen.
The big things and the small,
For “every good gift comes from You,”
The Giver of them all.
And all too often we accept
Without any thanks or praise,
The gifts You send as blessings
Each day in many ways.
And so at this very moment,
I offer up a prayer,
To thank You, Lord, for giving me
A lot more than my share.
First, thank You for the little things
That often come my way,
The things I take for granted,
But don’t mention when I pray.
The unexpected courtesy,
The thoughtful, kindly deed,
A hand reached out to help me
In the time of sudden need.
Oh, make me more aware, dear Lord,
Of little daily graces
That come to me with “sweet surprise”
From never-dreamed-of places.
Then, thank You for the “miracles”
I am much too blind to see,
And give me new awareness
Of my many gifts from Thee.
And help me to remember
That the key to life and living,
Is to make each prayer a prayer of thanks
And every day Thanksgiving.
Amen.
The Daniel Fast
Its Origin
The Daniel Fast is based on verses from the Bible found in Daniel 10:2-3. “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” These three weeks refer to the observance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which take place during the first month of the year (Exodus 12:1-20).
Some also may cite the example in Daniel 1:8. However, in this verse Daniel did not want to eat the king’s delicacies because it would have included food that was forbidden by the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11); to eat it would be defiling his body. Another reason would have been because the king’s meats had probably been dedicated to the false Babylonian idols as was their practice. Daniel believed to do so would have been to acknowledge their idols as deities, against God’s commandments.
Its Purpose
While the Daniel Fast is cleansing your body by omitting certain foods for a limited time, the deeper and true basis of intent is for spiritual connection. The purpose of Christian fasting is to seek a more intimate relationship with God while ridding your physical body of unnatural, self-gratifying food and drink. Your focus is to be on God, not on the fleshly things of the world. Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God.
During the Daniel Fast you will want to concentrate on prayer, Bible study, and reflection. The Daniel Fast is a great way to enter into preparation for growing in the Lord.
If you have a medical condition or are undergoing any medical treatments it is advisable to first consult your physician. You may also want to pray, consult a mature Christian or your pastor before fasting. Remember, fasting should be periodically and for limited days.
The Guidelines
The basic guidelines for the Daniel Fast include eating:
*fruits, nuts
*vegetables
*water only to drink (to flush out toxins) Some say natural fruit juices may be included if they contain no preservatives, sugars, etc., but even those juices should be very limited. Coffee and tea are not permitted.
The Daniel Fast should eliminate all meats, pastries, chips, breads, and fried food. Breads contain yeast, baking powder and so on; those are leavening agents and should be avoided. Leaven is symbolic of sin in certain scriptures (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).
With these things listed, it is concluded that any food having artificial additives, chemicals, or that is processed should be totally avoided during the fast. Fruits and vegetables are the mainstay of the Daniel Fast and can be acceptably prepared in a variety of ways. Many fasting recipes and several cookbooks are designed for the Daniel Fast.
The Daniel Fast is a powerful spiritual discipline. With the coupling of fasting and prayer, one can open themselves to God’s Holy Spirit. Having a sincere desire to seek God, you can come to Him with a contrite and repentant heart and He will minister to you in a powerful way. God’s awesome power is transforming and you will know that with God, all things are possible.
It is important to note that the Bible nowhere commands believers to observe a Daniel fast. As a result, it is a matter of Christian freedom whether to observe a Daniel fast. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33).
“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning” (Joel 2:12)
The Daniel Fast is based on verses from the Bible found in Daniel 10:2-3. “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” These three weeks refer to the observance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which take place during the first month of the year (Exodus 12:1-20).
Some also may cite the example in Daniel 1:8. However, in this verse Daniel did not want to eat the king’s delicacies because it would have included food that was forbidden by the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11); to eat it would be defiling his body. Another reason would have been because the king’s meats had probably been dedicated to the false Babylonian idols as was their practice. Daniel believed to do so would have been to acknowledge their idols as deities, against God’s commandments.
Its Purpose
While the Daniel Fast is cleansing your body by omitting certain foods for a limited time, the deeper and true basis of intent is for spiritual connection. The purpose of Christian fasting is to seek a more intimate relationship with God while ridding your physical body of unnatural, self-gratifying food and drink. Your focus is to be on God, not on the fleshly things of the world. Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God.
During the Daniel Fast you will want to concentrate on prayer, Bible study, and reflection. The Daniel Fast is a great way to enter into preparation for growing in the Lord.
If you have a medical condition or are undergoing any medical treatments it is advisable to first consult your physician. You may also want to pray, consult a mature Christian or your pastor before fasting. Remember, fasting should be periodically and for limited days.
The Guidelines
The basic guidelines for the Daniel Fast include eating:
*fruits, nuts
*vegetables
*water only to drink (to flush out toxins) Some say natural fruit juices may be included if they contain no preservatives, sugars, etc., but even those juices should be very limited. Coffee and tea are not permitted.
The Daniel Fast should eliminate all meats, pastries, chips, breads, and fried food. Breads contain yeast, baking powder and so on; those are leavening agents and should be avoided. Leaven is symbolic of sin in certain scriptures (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).
With these things listed, it is concluded that any food having artificial additives, chemicals, or that is processed should be totally avoided during the fast. Fruits and vegetables are the mainstay of the Daniel Fast and can be acceptably prepared in a variety of ways. Many fasting recipes and several cookbooks are designed for the Daniel Fast.
The Daniel Fast is a powerful spiritual discipline. With the coupling of fasting and prayer, one can open themselves to God’s Holy Spirit. Having a sincere desire to seek God, you can come to Him with a contrite and repentant heart and He will minister to you in a powerful way. God’s awesome power is transforming and you will know that with God, all things are possible.
It is important to note that the Bible nowhere commands believers to observe a Daniel fast. As a result, it is a matter of Christian freedom whether to observe a Daniel fast. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33).
“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning” (Joel 2:12)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Knowledge Is More Than Just Power
It is a GROUNDED knowledge
"If you continue in the faith grounded" (Col. 1:23). It is not simply believing "as my church believes." Saving knowledge rests upon a double basis: the Word and Spirit. The one is a guide, the other a witness. Saving knowledge is not changeable or doubtful—but has a certainty in it. "We believe and are sure that you are that Christ" (John 6:69); "being always confident" (2 Cor. 5:6). A godly man holds no more than he will die for. The martyrs were so confirmed in the knowledge of the truth, that they would seal it with their blood.
It is an APPRECIATIVE knowledge
The jeweler who has the skill to value a jewel is said to know it. He who esteems God above the comforts of the earth knows him (Psalm 73:25). To compare other things with God is to debase deity; as if you should compare a glow-worm with the sun.
It is an ENLIVENING knowledge
"I will never forget your precepts, for with them you have quickened me" (Psalm 119:93). Bible knowledge in a natural man's head is like a torch in a dead man's hand. True knowledge animates. A godly man is like John the Baptist, "a burning and a shining lamp". He not only shines by illumination—but he burns by affection. The spouse's knowledge made her "love-sick" (Song 2:5). "I am wounded with love." I am like a deer that is struck with an arrow; my soul lies bleeding, and nothing can cure me—but a sight of him whom my soul loves!
It is an APPLIED knowledge
"I know that my redeemer lives" (Job 19:25). A medicine is best when it is applied. This applicative knowledge is joyful. Christ is called a "surety" (Heb. 7:22). Oh what joy, when I am drowned in debt, to know that Christ is my surety! Christ is called an "advocate" (1 John 2:1). The Greek word for advocate, parakletos, signifies a comforter. Oh, what comfort it is when I have a bad cause, to know Christ is my advocate, who never lost any cause he pleaded!
It is a TRANSFORMING knowledge
"We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image" (2 Cor. 3:18). As a painter looking at a face draws a face like it in the picture; so looking at Christ in the mirror of the gospel, we are changed into his likeness. We may look at other objects that are beautiful—yet not be made beautiful by them. A deformed face may look at beauty, and yet not be made beautiful. A wounded man may look at a surgeon, and yet not be healed. But this is the excellence of divine knowledge, that it gives us such a sight of Christ as makes us partake of his nature! Like Moses when he had seen God's back parts, his face shone; some of the rays and beams of God's glory fell on him.
It is a SELF-EMPTYING knowledge
Carnal knowledge makes the head giddy with pride (1 Cor. 8:1,2). True knowledge brings a man out of love with himself. The more he knows—the more he blushes at his own ignorance. David, a bright star in God's church, still thought himself rather a cloud than a star (Psalm 73:22).
It is a GROWING knowledge
"Increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col. 1:10). True knowledge is like the light of the morning, which increases on the horizon until it comes to the full meridian. So sweet is spiritual knowledge that the more a saint knows—the more thirsty he is for knowledge. It is called "the riches of knowledge" (1 Cor. 1:5). The more riches a man has, the more still he desires. Though Paul knew Christ—yet he wanted to know him more: "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection" (Phil. 3:10).
It is a PRACTICAL knowledge
"His sheep follow him because they know his voice." (John 10:4). God requires a knowledge accompanied by obedience. True knowledge not only improves a Christian's sight—but improves his pace. It is a reproach to a Christian to live in a contradiction to his knowledge, to know he should be strict and holy—yet to live loosely. Not to obey—is the same as not to know: "the sons of Eli knew not the Lord" (1 Sam. 2:12). They could not but know, for they taught others the knowledge of the Lord; yet they are said not to know—because they did not obey. When knowledge and practice appear together, then they herald much happiness.
"If you continue in the faith grounded" (Col. 1:23). It is not simply believing "as my church believes." Saving knowledge rests upon a double basis: the Word and Spirit. The one is a guide, the other a witness. Saving knowledge is not changeable or doubtful—but has a certainty in it. "We believe and are sure that you are that Christ" (John 6:69); "being always confident" (2 Cor. 5:6). A godly man holds no more than he will die for. The martyrs were so confirmed in the knowledge of the truth, that they would seal it with their blood.
It is an APPRECIATIVE knowledge
The jeweler who has the skill to value a jewel is said to know it. He who esteems God above the comforts of the earth knows him (Psalm 73:25). To compare other things with God is to debase deity; as if you should compare a glow-worm with the sun.
It is an ENLIVENING knowledge
"I will never forget your precepts, for with them you have quickened me" (Psalm 119:93). Bible knowledge in a natural man's head is like a torch in a dead man's hand. True knowledge animates. A godly man is like John the Baptist, "a burning and a shining lamp". He not only shines by illumination—but he burns by affection. The spouse's knowledge made her "love-sick" (Song 2:5). "I am wounded with love." I am like a deer that is struck with an arrow; my soul lies bleeding, and nothing can cure me—but a sight of him whom my soul loves!
It is an APPLIED knowledge
"I know that my redeemer lives" (Job 19:25). A medicine is best when it is applied. This applicative knowledge is joyful. Christ is called a "surety" (Heb. 7:22). Oh what joy, when I am drowned in debt, to know that Christ is my surety! Christ is called an "advocate" (1 John 2:1). The Greek word for advocate, parakletos, signifies a comforter. Oh, what comfort it is when I have a bad cause, to know Christ is my advocate, who never lost any cause he pleaded!
It is a TRANSFORMING knowledge
"We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image" (2 Cor. 3:18). As a painter looking at a face draws a face like it in the picture; so looking at Christ in the mirror of the gospel, we are changed into his likeness. We may look at other objects that are beautiful—yet not be made beautiful by them. A deformed face may look at beauty, and yet not be made beautiful. A wounded man may look at a surgeon, and yet not be healed. But this is the excellence of divine knowledge, that it gives us such a sight of Christ as makes us partake of his nature! Like Moses when he had seen God's back parts, his face shone; some of the rays and beams of God's glory fell on him.
It is a SELF-EMPTYING knowledge
Carnal knowledge makes the head giddy with pride (1 Cor. 8:1,2). True knowledge brings a man out of love with himself. The more he knows—the more he blushes at his own ignorance. David, a bright star in God's church, still thought himself rather a cloud than a star (Psalm 73:22).
It is a GROWING knowledge
"Increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col. 1:10). True knowledge is like the light of the morning, which increases on the horizon until it comes to the full meridian. So sweet is spiritual knowledge that the more a saint knows—the more thirsty he is for knowledge. It is called "the riches of knowledge" (1 Cor. 1:5). The more riches a man has, the more still he desires. Though Paul knew Christ—yet he wanted to know him more: "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection" (Phil. 3:10).
It is a PRACTICAL knowledge
"His sheep follow him because they know his voice." (John 10:4). God requires a knowledge accompanied by obedience. True knowledge not only improves a Christian's sight—but improves his pace. It is a reproach to a Christian to live in a contradiction to his knowledge, to know he should be strict and holy—yet to live loosely. Not to obey—is the same as not to know: "the sons of Eli knew not the Lord" (1 Sam. 2:12). They could not but know, for they taught others the knowledge of the Lord; yet they are said not to know—because they did not obey. When knowledge and practice appear together, then they herald much happiness.
Woman Of Purpose
My Dear Sisters in Christ,
You are a Woman of Purpose
You need not roar as the world
You are anointed
Your voice is soft and non-threatening
Your words are kind yet firm
You are anointed
Your heart is full of love and wisdom
Your destiny is sure
You are anointed
Your hands extend across continents
Your actions and decisions influence multitudes
You are anointed
Yet your soul only belongs to …One
God Almighty
He anoints you
God alone holds the strings to which you dance
live…move…and have your very being
He empowers you
Therefore go! Change the world
Fulfill the purpose for which you were created
You are Anointed with Power!
God has a purpose for your life. Even if you are far away from being what He has called you to be, you are still important to Him. Please know and remember you matter, you count, you are valuable and loved.
Thank you, Sister Nikki Jourdan, for blessing me.
You are a Woman of Purpose
You need not roar as the world
You are anointed
Your voice is soft and non-threatening
Your words are kind yet firm
You are anointed
Your heart is full of love and wisdom
Your destiny is sure
You are anointed
Your hands extend across continents
Your actions and decisions influence multitudes
You are anointed
Yet your soul only belongs to …One
God Almighty
He anoints you
God alone holds the strings to which you dance
live…move…and have your very being
He empowers you
Therefore go! Change the world
Fulfill the purpose for which you were created
You are Anointed with Power!
God has a purpose for your life. Even if you are far away from being what He has called you to be, you are still important to Him. Please know and remember you matter, you count, you are valuable and loved.
Thank you, Sister Nikki Jourdan, for blessing me.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Developing a relationship with God
Developing a relationship with God is a process. It takes time and commitment to work on your close, personal and intimate relationship with God. Getting close to God is easy, staying close to God is more difficult. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, staying close to God requires commitment and dedication. Starting your morning off with a conscious desire to draw close to God will ensure a day full of God's presence. God is always close to you, but it is up to you to remain close to Him.
One - Sing to God a new song. Psalm 40:3 says, "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God." The hardest time of the day for getting closer to God is first thing in the morning. For some reason, upon awakening is when every negative thought invades the mind. As soon as you open your eyes, begin by singing a song to God. Singing a new song to God will wipe out every negative, depressing thought.
Two - Start each day by saying good morning to God. Psalm 5:3 says, "I lay my requests before you Lord in the morning, and I wait in hopeful expectation." Acknowledging God in the morning is a great way to draw closer to Him and it establishes a relationship that remains throughout the day. As you pray to God your urgent requests, you will wait expectantly for His answers. Realizing that God wants to bless you with the desire of your heart will keep you focused on Him as you wait.
Three - Quote scripture, God's word, to put God in the center of your heart and mind. Psalm 119:11 states, "Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might sin against God." Memorizing scripture for daily devotions is a great way to get closer to God. Choose one scripture to meditate on. Psalm 51:10 says, "Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me." This is the perfect prayer request to start off any day. Ask God to mold you into the person He wants you to be. As you choose to live right, you will get closer to God.
Four - Worship God throughout the day to keep you close to Him. Psalm 22:3 says, "God inhabits the praises of His people." When we sing worship songs to God, He is there. Get closer to God by worshiping Him. Psalm 95:6 says, "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care."
Five - Celebrate communion with others as a way to get closer to God. Take the elements, the bread and the cup, in remembrance of what God did for you when he sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for your sins. Communion is done in fellowship with other believers as a reminder of God's love.
Six - Enter church, or God's house, gets you closer to Him. Hebrews 10:25 says, "Do not forsake the gathering of yourselves together as some are in the habit of doing." Coming together in unity with other believers invites God's presence. Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." If you want to get closer to God, get closer to others. Unity among believers is powerful and effective.
Seven - Observe nature as a powerful way to get closer to God. Sit by a running stream or climb the highest mountain. Watch the ocean tide or sit in the midst of a forest. Psalm 95:4,5 says, "In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for he made it, and His hands formed the dry land." God created everything and nature is a representation of His glory, His splendor and His beauty. If you want to get closer to God, get closer to His creation.
One - Sing to God a new song. Psalm 40:3 says, "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God." The hardest time of the day for getting closer to God is first thing in the morning. For some reason, upon awakening is when every negative thought invades the mind. As soon as you open your eyes, begin by singing a song to God. Singing a new song to God will wipe out every negative, depressing thought.
Two - Start each day by saying good morning to God. Psalm 5:3 says, "I lay my requests before you Lord in the morning, and I wait in hopeful expectation." Acknowledging God in the morning is a great way to draw closer to Him and it establishes a relationship that remains throughout the day. As you pray to God your urgent requests, you will wait expectantly for His answers. Realizing that God wants to bless you with the desire of your heart will keep you focused on Him as you wait.
Three - Quote scripture, God's word, to put God in the center of your heart and mind. Psalm 119:11 states, "Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might sin against God." Memorizing scripture for daily devotions is a great way to get closer to God. Choose one scripture to meditate on. Psalm 51:10 says, "Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me." This is the perfect prayer request to start off any day. Ask God to mold you into the person He wants you to be. As you choose to live right, you will get closer to God.
Four - Worship God throughout the day to keep you close to Him. Psalm 22:3 says, "God inhabits the praises of His people." When we sing worship songs to God, He is there. Get closer to God by worshiping Him. Psalm 95:6 says, "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care."
Five - Celebrate communion with others as a way to get closer to God. Take the elements, the bread and the cup, in remembrance of what God did for you when he sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for your sins. Communion is done in fellowship with other believers as a reminder of God's love.
Six - Enter church, or God's house, gets you closer to Him. Hebrews 10:25 says, "Do not forsake the gathering of yourselves together as some are in the habit of doing." Coming together in unity with other believers invites God's presence. Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." If you want to get closer to God, get closer to others. Unity among believers is powerful and effective.
Seven - Observe nature as a powerful way to get closer to God. Sit by a running stream or climb the highest mountain. Watch the ocean tide or sit in the midst of a forest. Psalm 95:4,5 says, "In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for he made it, and His hands formed the dry land." God created everything and nature is a representation of His glory, His splendor and His beauty. If you want to get closer to God, get closer to His creation.
Friday, January 07, 2011
TAKING TIME
Take time to think...It is the source of power.
Take time to play...It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read...It is the fountain of wisdom.
Take time to pray...It is the greatest power on Earth.
Take time to love and be loved...It is a God- given privilege.
Take time to be friendly...It is the road to happiness.
Take time to laugh...It is the music of the soul.
Take time to give...It is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to work...It is the price of success.
Take time to do charity...It is the key to Heaven.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, please take your time and enjoy this day that was not promised, to the fullest. Live, Laugh and Love. God's Word clearly tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:1...
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and
A time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.
What are you doing with your time?
Take time to play...It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read...It is the fountain of wisdom.
Take time to pray...It is the greatest power on Earth.
Take time to love and be loved...It is a God- given privilege.
Take time to be friendly...It is the road to happiness.
Take time to laugh...It is the music of the soul.
Take time to give...It is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to work...It is the price of success.
Take time to do charity...It is the key to Heaven.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, please take your time and enjoy this day that was not promised, to the fullest. Live, Laugh and Love. God's Word clearly tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:1...
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and
A time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.
What are you doing with your time?
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
THE FOUR KINDS OF LOVE
The four kinds of love are Storge (Stor-gay), Eros, Agape, and Philia. And here's what they mean?
STORGE refers to familial love. It is evident, for example, in the warm affection that parents have toward their children. If you're a parent, you know what I'm talking about when you rock your little child to sleep at night. I remember one particular incident when my daughter Jennifer was just a baby, and I was a brand new daddy. (Jennifer was our first). She was having a tough time sleeping, and I was tired. I wanted her to sleep, so I was rocking her -- trying to get her to sleep. She wouldn't. She wasn't tired. Well, after awhile, I was dozing, but she wasn't. I finally woke up enough to focus - and there she was, her big eyes just inches from mine, staring into me. I could almost hear her say: "Don't sleep, Daddy. Look at me instead." I laughed hysterically and held her tightly. I oozed love and affection. This of course is just one memory of many, but it is a perfect example of storge love. A deep and abiding affection.
EROS is the desire to draw out all that is good, beautiful and true. It is motivated by need. It's often understood to refer primarily to sex, but that's really only one part of it - albeit a significant part. Eros involves the emotional need to elicit physical love and affection ("beautiful expression" in general) from the one you love. In most contexts, this involves a romantic kind of love. Sadly, our society has cheapened this type of love - and it seems to be the only kind of love that's celebrated in our entertainment culture. (And frankly it's only "celebrated" in a one-dimensional and often exploitative manner). For a biblical picture of erotic love, you need go no further than the Song of Solomon.
PHILIA is Friendship Love. It is not sexual in nature, though (in the right circumstance) it can lead to or complement Eros. Philia is the kind of bond seen in Scripture between David and Jonathan. It's the kind of love talked about by Jesus, who said: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Philia is the embodiment of everything a true, meaningful friendship represents. I have often counseled teenagers that they should pursue Philia love with a prospective girlfriend or boyfriend well before they contemplate any other kind of love. The exception to that is....
AGAPE love is the selfless love for others. In Exodus 32, Moses confronts God and asks forgiveness for the people of Israel. God refuses, at first, to forgive them, but allows that no penalty or sin is on Moses' head. Moses isn't satisfied, and casts his fate with those of the people. If God won't forgive the people of Israel, then Moses wants to be punished along with them. THAT is Agape love. It is, in fact, a picture of what Jesus did on the cross for our sins. Selfless, sacrificial love - in which nothing is asked in return. This is the kind of love that everyone should pursue.
STORGE refers to familial love. It is evident, for example, in the warm affection that parents have toward their children. If you're a parent, you know what I'm talking about when you rock your little child to sleep at night. I remember one particular incident when my daughter Jennifer was just a baby, and I was a brand new daddy. (Jennifer was our first). She was having a tough time sleeping, and I was tired. I wanted her to sleep, so I was rocking her -- trying to get her to sleep. She wouldn't. She wasn't tired. Well, after awhile, I was dozing, but she wasn't. I finally woke up enough to focus - and there she was, her big eyes just inches from mine, staring into me. I could almost hear her say: "Don't sleep, Daddy. Look at me instead." I laughed hysterically and held her tightly. I oozed love and affection. This of course is just one memory of many, but it is a perfect example of storge love. A deep and abiding affection.
EROS is the desire to draw out all that is good, beautiful and true. It is motivated by need. It's often understood to refer primarily to sex, but that's really only one part of it - albeit a significant part. Eros involves the emotional need to elicit physical love and affection ("beautiful expression" in general) from the one you love. In most contexts, this involves a romantic kind of love. Sadly, our society has cheapened this type of love - and it seems to be the only kind of love that's celebrated in our entertainment culture. (And frankly it's only "celebrated" in a one-dimensional and often exploitative manner). For a biblical picture of erotic love, you need go no further than the Song of Solomon.
PHILIA is Friendship Love. It is not sexual in nature, though (in the right circumstance) it can lead to or complement Eros. Philia is the kind of bond seen in Scripture between David and Jonathan. It's the kind of love talked about by Jesus, who said: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Philia is the embodiment of everything a true, meaningful friendship represents. I have often counseled teenagers that they should pursue Philia love with a prospective girlfriend or boyfriend well before they contemplate any other kind of love. The exception to that is....
AGAPE love is the selfless love for others. In Exodus 32, Moses confronts God and asks forgiveness for the people of Israel. God refuses, at first, to forgive them, but allows that no penalty or sin is on Moses' head. Moses isn't satisfied, and casts his fate with those of the people. If God won't forgive the people of Israel, then Moses wants to be punished along with them. THAT is Agape love. It is, in fact, a picture of what Jesus did on the cross for our sins. Selfless, sacrificial love - in which nothing is asked in return. This is the kind of love that everyone should pursue.
Monday, January 03, 2011
A New Year Prayer
Holy Father,
God of our yesterdays, our today, and our tomorrows.
We praise You for Your unequaled greatness.
Thank You for the year behind us and for the year ahead.
Help us in Your new year, Father, to fret less and laugh more.
To teach our children to laugh by laughing with them.
To teach others to love by loving them.
Knowing, when Love came to the stable in Bethlehem, He came for us.
So that Love could be with us, and we could know You.
That we could share Love with others.
Help us, Father, to hear Your love song in every sunrise,
in the chirping of sparrows in our backyards,
in the stories of our old folks, and the fantasies of our children.
Help us to stop and listen to Your love songs,
so that we may know You better and better.
We rejoice in the world You loved into being.
Thank You for another new year and for new chances every day.
We pray for peace, for light, and for hope, that we might spread them to others.
Forgive us for falling short this past year.
We leave the irreparable past in your hands, and step out into the unknown new year knowing You will go with us.
We accept Your gift of a new year and we rejoice in what's ahead, depending on You to help us do exactly what You want..
I say it again, we rejoice!
In Jesus name,
Amen.
God of our yesterdays, our today, and our tomorrows.
We praise You for Your unequaled greatness.
Thank You for the year behind us and for the year ahead.
Help us in Your new year, Father, to fret less and laugh more.
To teach our children to laugh by laughing with them.
To teach others to love by loving them.
Knowing, when Love came to the stable in Bethlehem, He came for us.
So that Love could be with us, and we could know You.
That we could share Love with others.
Help us, Father, to hear Your love song in every sunrise,
in the chirping of sparrows in our backyards,
in the stories of our old folks, and the fantasies of our children.
Help us to stop and listen to Your love songs,
so that we may know You better and better.
We rejoice in the world You loved into being.
Thank You for another new year and for new chances every day.
We pray for peace, for light, and for hope, that we might spread them to others.
Forgive us for falling short this past year.
We leave the irreparable past in your hands, and step out into the unknown new year knowing You will go with us.
We accept Your gift of a new year and we rejoice in what's ahead, depending on You to help us do exactly what You want..
I say it again, we rejoice!
In Jesus name,
Amen.
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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.